A Jarful of Moondreams: What Secrets Are Ready to Spill Out? Read online

  A Jarful of

  MOONDREAMS

  Copyright © Chrissie Bradshaw 2016

  ISBN

  The moral right of Chrissie Bradshaw to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner.

  All the characters in this book are fictitious, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

  The opinions offered in this book are those solely of the author.

  For Rob

  Thank you for believing x

  Acknowledgements

  Thank you to everyone who has supported me in publishing ‘A Jarful of Moondreams’. This is my own moondream come true.

  Debi Alper and Emma Darwin, thank you for taking me through your self-editing course and sharing your skills.

  Thank you to the RNA for supporting me through the new writers’ scheme by providing an experienced reader to critique my work and a network of writing friends who have been frank, fun and fantastic.

  The Border Reivers, the Northumbrian RNA chapter, have always been encouraging and I thank you and wish you all success in your writing.

  My beta readers Rhona, Lisa, Pam and Rob were so enthusiastic, thank you for your time and comments; I’ll ask you to do this again.

  Thank you Oscar, my tenacious terrier, for helping me to sort out my plot on our beach walks.

  Writers need a back up team and mine have been the best, thank you friends and family.

  PINK MOON

  1

  Cleo Moon had almost made the fifty miles to Dunleith, the Northumbrian village that she still thought of as home, when her mobile rang. The display showed Neil’s name so she turned into Church square and parked to take the call.

  Before she could accept, the phone stopped ringing, damn it. Pressing ring back, she calmed herself and tried to make her voice sound upbeat.

  ‘Hi Neil, it’s me.’

  ‘You never catch my calls!’

  ‘I’ve been driving, as you should know, and I’ve parked up to phone you. I’m not at Mum’s yet.’

  ‘Hmm. Because of your sudden change of plan, I’m at a loose end all weekend with nothing to do.’

  ‘Lucky you, I’ll still have work to do for Monday when I get back tomorrow evening.’

  ‘Sounds like we’ll have a great Sunday night too.’

  Cleo heard the sarcasm and felt annoyed. She wanted to tell him, don’t come around at all then. No, that wouldn’t help their blossoming relationship, she’d have to try a bit of placating here.

  ‘Neil, I am sorry. I’d love to see more of you this weekend, but Mum wanted me here on my own and we’ll soon have a whole week away together at half term. Maybe you could ring some friends and find something to do?’ she tried to keep her tone light.

  ‘You’re sounding all ‘school marmish’ again. Look, if you’re going to be like this, I’ll just leave it this weekend.’

  Well done, Cleo. That’s what happens when you show people your weak spots. She’d once told him she hated it if anyone mentioned she was in teacher mode, so much for trying to be understanding.

  ‘Maybe that would be best.’

  ‘Goodbye then.’ Neil sounded curt.

  ‘Wait–’

  What a pain he could be. She reached into the glove compartment and grabbed a bagful of jelly rings. Neil seemed to be oh so charming, until things didn’t go his way. Chewing on the jellies, she fumed. Why did she bother with relationships? They started off well but were never carefree for long. She would have to try to forget about Neil and their bumpy relationship for the rest of the day.

  Cleo reversed out of the square, headed towards the brae just outside the village and took the familiar road to High Rigg trying to recall when she had last visited her mum. They spoke a couple of times a week but an actual visit; it must have been before her ski trip. She’d told her all about Neil over the phone when she got back from skiing but, since then, she’d been so busy. It must have been some time in March. Mother’s Day? Yes, she’d gone for lunch and taken her flowers and that silver pendant. She had plenty of reasons, well excuses, but she knew that it had been too long.

  Her spirits always lifted when she caught sight of the trees lining the driveway and the gateway welcoming her home. She slowed down when she saw the feline shape of Pharos strolling along the driveway to check her out. He rolled over right by the car door so that Cleo had to stride over him when she climbed out.

  ‘Hello old boy, am I actually getting a welcome?’ His eyes rewarded Cleo with a gooseberry glare, as if to say you should be so lucky, before he led the way around the back of the house to the kitchen.

  The door was half open with steam cascading out making the air pungent with spices and there, stirring furiously at a large pot, was Teri. She wore a top of sage and muted greens that Cleo had bought her last birthday over jeans. Her blonde hair was a halo of loose curls and she was barefoot as usual.

  Cleo felt a surge of love. She’d missed Mum. She would definitely, absolutely visit more often.

  ‘Darling, I’m at a crucial stage of this Moroccan chicken tagine. Come and give me a hug.’

  ‘Hi Mum, it looks like it’s all going on in here. I’m starving.’ Cleo was already at the stove, her arms around Mum. It felt unfamiliar - she felt frail, birdlike. ‘Have you lost some weight, Mum?’

  ‘Have I? Perhaps a pound or two.’

  ‘It doesn’t suit you. You’re thin enough.’

  ‘I know, I know, sweetheart but I’ve had a lot on my mind and I can’t eat when I’m... Look, grab a glass of that Merlot and we’ll go into the garden room. This needs another forty minutes to simmer and you and I need to talk.’

  Overflowing with flowering plants, a couple of olive trees in tubs by the door and filled with a mish-mash of comfy seating covered by throws and quilts - this family space was an eclectic mix of vibrant and faded colours, yet restful. It was so grandly named after Cleo had brought back a wooden ‘le salon de jardin’ sign from France after a school trip. Over the years it had become the place for ‘talks’ or ‘news.’

  Teri was looking out at the garden and the fields as Cleo settled down onto the sofa.

  ‘What is it Mum? You’ve brought me here for something, and I can’t think what can be so important that Alex the Great isn’t in on it.’

  Teri turned to face Cleo, ‘Don’t be like that; you know I think you’re both wonderful.’

  ‘Do you ever tell Alex to stop making insulting remarks about me?’

  ‘All the time. Now, for goodness sake, she is your sister; stop scoring points.’ Teri’s frown showed concern rather than annoyance and Cleo felt a bit ashamed.

  ‘Sorry Mum, it’s just a habit when I get back here, and it’s a luxury to have you to myself for an evening. So tell me, what’s up? Have you met a handsome visitor to these parts? Are you going to start life anew?’

  ‘Nothing quite as drastic but I do want you to help me with a rather exciting plan.’

  ‘Why am I not getting a great feeling about this? Cleo searched her mother’s face for clues.

  ‘Just hear me out, darling. There’s something I’d like you to do...well to consider doing.’

  ‘I’m listening.’ Cleo could sense that this was going to be a big ask. Mum was fiddling with her rings and sitting on
the edge of her chair; she seemed loath to begin. ‘Come on, Mum. It can’t be so hard.’

  ‘You know that I love Egyptology and I’ve always wanted to go to Egypt?’

  Cleo nodded and waited for more.

  ‘Of course you do.’ Teri smiled and gripped the arms of her chair before going on, ‘I’ve decided it’s high time that I put that plan into action and I’m going to book an extended trip.’

  ‘Can’t it wait awhile Mum? Egypt isn’t all that safe at the moment and I’d worry about you and I can see you’re worried about it too. Look at you, you’re all on edge.’

  ‘I’ve waited long enough and I’m willing to take the risk. The trip is not what I’m feeling on edge about.’

  ‘Then what is it?’

  ‘I’m worried about asking you to look after Alex while I’m away. I’m hoping you’ll say yes because I do so want you to take her under your wing. She can live with you and spend a few weeks at your school. There I’ve said it. That’s what I’d like you to do.’

  Once it all spilled out, Teri felt less anxious but Cleo was speechless. She cast around frantically for a good reason, any reason except the real one; that she couldn’t stand to be with her sister. Her sister’s arrival seventeen years ago had just about ruined her life and the less she saw of her the better.

  ‘Mum, that’s impossible. She can’t just follow her A level courses at a different school and, anyway, she wouldn’t want to stay with me. What about the Collingwoods? She’s always with the twins, can’t they have her there?’ Cleo saw the sorrow in her mother’s eyes and felt so mean that she immediately shut up.

  ‘I’m not happy about leaving her with friends when she has family of her own to stay with. I’ve checked with school and she can take her coursework with her to another school for the month of July. It’s four school weeks and I’m sure that you will be able to clear it with your own school if you try.’

  Mum had done her research and Cleo knew she was right. Her school took in pupils who were staying with relatives quite regularly. She had no excuse really.

  ‘I’m not sure I can do this, Mum. I don’t know what to say.’

  ‘Cleo my love, I’m sure that you can do this or I wouldn’t have asked you. You don’t have to say anything at all for now. Just sleep on it and think it over and you can let me know when you’re ready.’

  Cleo hardly tasted the delicious dinner and drank too much wine. She could accept that her mum wanted to travel. She deserved to fulfil her own dream of exploring Egypt. It was Alex at her apartment that seemed crazy. Alex with me for weeks on end? Attending my school for the last few weeks of term! Mum you’ve lost your senses. We could kill each other. She couldn’t say this of course. Mum was so hopeful and she’d been through a lot. If she was honest, she felt relieved that it wasn’t news that she was ill again. How hard would it be to do as Mum asked? Bloody hard. She wished Mum would just ask the Collingwoods if they were able to help out. She could have coped more confidently with doing teen care for the odd weekend.

  They’d gone back into the garden room after dinner and now Teri was making a hot drink; she had left Cleo to finish the last of the wine. Cleo could hear clattering in the kitchen which meant that Mum was stacking the dishwasher and clearing up. Mum seemed to have her plan all sewn up. She’d always thought that she would do absolutely anything for her mother, but this... it would test her big time.

  Teri came back with a mug of tea and, as they finished their drinks, she talked about all the places she longed to see. As she mentioned Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, the Sinai desert and the Nile, Cleo had never seen her so animated. Could she help Mum to do this? She wanted to give it her best shot.

  ‘I’m off to bed now Mum, but I’ll put you out of your misery first. Of course I’ll look after Alex, if you’re sure that’s what you want. I’m willing to have her as long as you let her know that I’m going to be in charge.’ After giving Mum a kiss and a long hug, Cleo went upstairs.

  What had she let herself in for? She walked into Alex’s room. A complete mess of clothes, books, makeup and a desk piled high with junk. She didn’t really know Alex, hadn’t let herself know her, but she couldn’t be any different from the hundreds of teens that she had taught.

  Cleo closed the door and stepped into her own room; clean, uncluttered and organised. She loved being back in here and under the same roof as her mum. She knew exactly which drawer her nightclothes were in and found an old pair of pyjamas to slip on. Although she had a lot to think about, the merlot had run very freely and this bed was always comfy so, as her head touched the pillow, she went straight to sleep.

  Teri turned the garden room lights low and sat for a while looking out at the darkening sky; there was just the tiniest sliver of this spring’s pink moon left. Her gaze was drawn towards the sheen of the tall jar in the far corner of the room. She remembered how delighted Cleo had been, on her seventh birthday, when she was as tall as their moondream jar. It was decorated with Egyptian figures walking around the jar telling their story and hieroglyphics giving more details of those ancient tales.

  Teri loved turning the jar to see the stories unfold, to feel the contours of the curved side. If she removed the lid, she could peer into its inner darkness and see the secret wishes that lay hidden there. This was where they had always posted birthday and Christmas lists, wishes made on a new moon and treasured mementos of happy times; first there had been hers and then her two girls had added their own.

  If only Cleo and Alex shared her biggest dream. Her biggest wish, that her girls would grow close to one another, had been popped into the jar over many moons and she’d tried all ways to bring them together but it hadn’t happened. Getting her daughters to bond called for drastic measures but, maybe this time, she’d found a way.

  She felt stiff as she stood up. She was forty-nine but, at times, her joints made her feel as ancient as those Egyptians on the jar. She made her way upstairs feeling lighter in spirit, Cleo had always been the harder daughter to reach, but it was done. Cleo seemed strong but she was not so resilient underneath that armour.

  Speaking to Alex, almost seventeen, was as easy as breathing to Teri. Alex might already have suspicions that something was afoot, but Teri had been evasive until Cleo had been dealt with. Dealt with, what an awful way of thinking. With Cleo, her first born, there burned such a strong love, but she was always so hard to fathom. As Alex had once remarked, ‘Cleo is wired differently to you and me, Mum. Just accept it.’

  She reached into her bedside drawer and, although she found the box of pain relief capsules, she paused. She’d had a couple of glasses of wine, should she take one of these? If she did, she’d be out for the count until morning but if she didn’t… she didn’t want to be pacing the floor with her back and hip pain when Cleo was here because it would worry her. That settled it, she took one.

  2

  In Edinburgh, Alex was feeling glad that she had missed Cleo’s arrival but what she couldn’t fathom out was why her mum had suddenly decided to ask Cleo to stay over this particular weekend while she was away. Usually Mum bent over backwards to get the two girls together and to arrange ‘quality sister time.’ She absolutely dreaded those weekends and she was sure that Cleo did too. Bloody bossy boots. She was so up herself, she hadn’t visited for ages and only lived in Newcastle. Fifty miles was hardly the other end of the country! Not seeing Cleo suited her just fine; it was Mum she felt sorry for. Her sister took Mum totally for granted. Cleo had never ever been a proper big sister; she just didn’t feature in Cleo’s world. Well, she wasn’t bothered. Alex was shocked to feel tears welling in her eyes. What were they about?

  ‘What’s wrong Alex?’ Eleanor looked up from her iPhone and saw the tears ready to roll.

  ‘Nothing, something in my eye I think.’

  Isabella stopped painting Eleanor’s nails and glanced up. Had she noticed too? She could see the EllaBellas dart one another one of their looks.

  ‘You can’t kid us, what’
s wrong? said Isabella.

  ‘I’m OK. I was thinking about Cleo. I was thinking of…of the way she treats Mum.’

  ‘And you.’ added Eleanor.

  ‘You can’t help how your sister is,’ Isabella’s words consoled her slightly.

  ‘And you’re lucky you’ve missed seeing her, to go partying with us. I can’t wait to get my Alex creation on. You are so talented!’ Eleanor smiled over at her and Alex was grateful the subject had changed.

  ‘Don’t move yet, Ella.’ Isabella’s brow furrowed with the effort needed to apply varnish without smudging, ‘I just need to concentrate on this last coat.’

  ‘Hey Alex, thinking about Cleo, which I’d always rather not; didn’t our Dan have a lucky escape?’ said Eleanor.

  ‘I can’t believe they ever hit it off. He must have seen the light in the end.’ Alex shuddered making Eleanor laugh. The thought of Cleo ever being with Dan Collingwood was laughable. He was always so friendly towards her and actually liked his younger sisters. He wasn’t bad looking either, for an older person. Dan was supposed to be keeping an eye on the twins while Dr and Mrs Collingwood were away for a few days, but his eye wasn’t going to stretch as far as Edinburgh tonight. Just as well.

  The girls were staying with the twins’ great aunt Maggie who was very hard of hearing and kept her radio turned up so high that she was oblivious to the racket the girls were making as they got ready for their night out. They had all been looking forward to getting out of sleepy old Dunleith and spending a Saturday night in Edinburgh for weeks. An excited shiver of anticipation ran through Alex as she glanced at the three black dresses hanging on the outside of the wardrobe.