The Recruit - CHERUB

Chapter 2 - Brother

Jessica finally arrived at her flat and stepped into the hallway.

She glanced at a mobile phone laying down on the table under the coat rack:

10 MISSED CALLS
UNIDENTIFIED NUMBER

Jessica soon realized that her school has tried to call her mother, but she hadn't answered any of them. Jessica thanked God, but wondered why her mum didn't answer her phone.

She looked up at the coat rack and noticed Uncle Ron's leather jacket hanging up.

Jessica walked into the living room. Her mum, Gwen Clarke, was spread out on a sofa. Her right leg was dangling off on the side, with her left leg all bandaged up resting on the sofa. Ron was in an armchair opposite Gwen, a couple metres away. His feet were propped up on the coffee table, and he wore woolen socks that had holes where his toes poked out.

Jessica knew that they were both drunk.

"Mum, you're not supposed to drink while you're taking your pills," Jessica said with an annoyed tone in her voice.

"Hey Jesse, my little baby girl. Daddy's home!" Ron said with an ear to ear grin.

Jessica and Ron stared at each other, before Jessica made a face that looked as though she could throw up.

"You're not my father, you pighead." Jessica sneered.

"Well, no," Ron replied. "But that's 'cause your dad left you the moment he saw your ugly face."

Jessica rolled her eyes. She didn't want to talk about what happened at school while Ron was here, but the truth was eating at her. Jessica turned her attention to her mother.

"Mum, something happened at school today. It was an accident."

"Aww, did little Jesse slip over and ruin her face full of Barbie-pink makeup?" Ron giggled.

Jessica glared at him, before turning back to Gwen when she heard her clear her throat.

"Listen Jess, me darlin'," Gwen said, with slurred words. "Whatever trouble you got in this time, we'll talk about it later. Go get your bro from school. I've had a few too many drinks so I better not drive."

"But... Mum-"

Jessica was cut off by her mum's stern voice. "Just get your brother, Jess. My head is pounding and I don't want you to start an argument with me."

Jessica held her ground. "Please, Mum, I can get Lucas later. Just let me-"

"Why don't you shut that mouth of yours?" This time, it was Ron interrupting. "Do as your told before I come over and knock some sense into you."

"And who said I was talking to you, big mouth?" Jessica snapped.

Ron was going to say something back, but Gwen groaned and waved her hand in front of her face. It was clear to say that she was fed up with both of them.

"Can't you two both be quiet and stay in the same room for two minutes without fighting? Ron, stop winding my daughter up. Jess, go to my purse and buy something for dinner on the way home. I'm not cooking tonight."