Ruby by Heather Burnside (carter reed txt) 📗

‘No, she hasn’t. It was my own idea but I asked her about it. She earns loads of money and gets presents bought for her.’

‘But it’s not fuckin’ worth it!’ said Nicole. ‘Imagine the name you’ll get for yourself. You should hear what the rest of my family say about our Shelley.’

‘Do you think I give a fuck about that?’ asked Trina. ‘They won’t know anyway. You don’t think I’m telling my mam, do you? She’d have a fit.’

For a few moments neither of them spoke. Trina’s mind drifted to thoughts of all the men in her life and her negative view of them – her absent father and lecherous landlord, and her patronising cousins who always seemed to have plenty of money. Well, she’d show them! Why should she care about any of them? She’d soon be able to afford nice things too. Trina had found the perfect way to use men for her own gain and no matter what anybody said she was determined to go ahead.

Eventually Nicole spoke. ‘Where will you do it?’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Well, where will you take the men? Where will you live?’

‘Your Shelley needs a flatmate to help her pay the rent. I’m gonna ask her if I can move in next time we see her.’

Nicole scowled. ‘I might have fuckin’ known! My mam and dad are right about her, she’s nothing but trouble; and you don’t know what you’re letting yourself in for.’

‘For fuck’s sake, Nicole, chill! It’ll be fine. In fact, I’ll let you know what you’re missing. When you see all my cash, maybe you’ll want a piece of the action too.’

‘No fuckin’ chance! You can stick your money where the sun don’t shine.’

Nicole’s hostile words put an end to the conversation and they continued to walk along the school corridors in silence until they reached the science labs for their next lesson. But while they remained silent, Trina’s mind was running wild with thoughts of the glamorous lifestyle she was about to embark upon.

Living away from home would be great. She’d be treated like an adult at last instead of having to take orders from her mother. Trina dreamt about the wads of cash she could earn and the nice things she could buy for herself; clothes, perfume and makeup. She could wave goodbye to her pain-in-the-arse brothers, come and go as she pleased and eat and drink whatever she liked.

But the thing about her new life that appealed to her most of all was the opportunity to share it with the desirable Shelley. And despite all Nicole’s dire warnings, Trina couldn’t wait.

*

‘What do you mean, you’re moving out?’ asked Daisy, in shock.

‘What I said. I’m moving out. Tomorrow,’ said Trina.

‘By the heavens above you’ll do no such thing!’

‘Too late, I’m already doing it.’

Daisy glared at her daughter. ‘Now you listen to me, child! You’re barely sixteen. How do you think you’ll survive out there? It’s a harsh world. Look at me, having to hold down two jobs just to make ends meet. And who’s going to keep an eye on the boys while I’m working at the pub?’

‘Not my problem,’ muttered Trina.

‘I beg your pardon?’

Trina rounded on her mother. ‘What I said. Why should I have to watch out for them all the time?’

‘Because the money from the cleaning job isn’t enough. Do you really think I’d be working in a pub if I could help it?’

‘That’s up to you. It’s got nowt to do with me. I won’t be here so they’ll have to look after themselves. I’m sick of getting roped in to help with everything. How come I’m the only one who does any housework, anyway?’

‘Don’t you dare speak to me like that! You’re not the only one who does any housework.’ Daisy snapped. It might have escaped your attention, Trina, but I work damn hard to keep a nice home for you and your brothers.’

‘Yeah, and so do I. And what do they do? Nothing!’

‘Now you listen to me. I won’t have you leaving this house, not over my dead body! You’re underage anyway. And what will you do? Where will you live? I don’t suppose you’ve thought of any of that, have you?’

Trina smiled smugly. ‘Yes, I have. I’m moving in my friend’s flat with her.’

Daisy tutted, her expression one of indignation. ‘And who is this friend? What’s her name?’

‘She’s just a friend, no one you know.’

Daisy eyed her daughter warily. ‘I hope you’re not moving in with some boy!’

‘No, course I’m not. It’s a girl.’

‘And who’s paying the bills on this flat?’

‘Both of us.’

‘With what? You can’t live on thin air, Trina.’

‘I know that!’ Trina snapped. ‘She’s got me a job at her place.’ She noticed the inquisitive expression on her mother’s face and swiftly added, ‘It’s a restaurant in town. I’m gonna be a waitress.’

This seemed to silence Daisy for a while and she strode across the room then plonked herself down in her armchair. After a few seconds deep in thought, she continued.

‘Why can’t you stay at home and do this waitressing job?’

‘Because I don’t want to. I’m sick of it here. All I ever seem to do is look out for them lot,’ she said nodding towards her brothers’ bedroom, ‘and help out in the house. I want more, Mam.’

‘Heaven’s above, Trina!’ said Daisy, becoming distraught now. ‘Do you not think I’ve got enough to deal with, without having to worry about you too?’

‘You don’t need to worry. I’ll be fine.’ Trina crossed the room to where her mother was sitting then placed a conciliatory hand on her shoulder. ‘I’ll still come to see you.’

‘Well, perhaps I should be coming to see you too. Where is this flat?’

‘I’ll ring you with the address once I’m settled in,’ said Trina. Then she shut down the conversation by leaving the room.

The following morning Daisy had calmed down a bit. She tried again to dissuade Trina from leaving but this time her tone was