And now what?

8. Plan A

Annabelle looked at the clock on her bedroom wall, it was almost 2 pm, she was hungry, Aunt Bella and her Mum were still in the kitchen.  Her mother's sobs had finally died down and they had been talking for ages now.  Annabelle hadn't been able to make out any of the conversation, she had decided to simply ignore everything and go on her iPhone.  Now she could smell the aroma of grilled bacon and fried eggs wafting up the stairs.

She left her room and went downstairs, pausing by the front room to collect Luke who was still watching the Disney channel.  'Come on Luke, smells like lunch is ready!'

They both headed for the kitchen, they were met with a fully set table, Aunt Bella was just placing plates of steaming bacon, eggs, sausages and beans on the table, 'oh good, you're both here, saves me calling you down, come on sit down and eat, don't think you had much breakfast so this should fill you all up!' and with that we all sat down and attacked our plates.

After lunch Aunt Bella announced, ' OK children, as you know your mother has had a tough time of things.  You also know that unfortunately your dad was in the middle of expanding his business which has meant that financially things are going to be a little tight for a little while. What you both have to do now is to support your mother as much as possible because you are all going to have to make some major changes in your life.  Now I'm going to let your Mum explain our plan.'

We turned to look at our mother, she looked a little apprehensive, but i could see clarity and strength within her eyes which hadn't been there for some time, maybe this could work.

'Well,' Grace started, 'Firstly, your Aunt Bella and Uncle Jacob have kindly offered to continue paying for your school for the next year, until I get myself sorted, so you won't have to change schools'

'Oh yes! great! thank you Aunt Bella' shouted Luke.

'Yes thank you Aunt Bella' Annabelle got up and gave her aunt a big hug.  She had been so scared about having to leave her school and all her friends behind, this was the best news she had received in a long time.

'OK' continued Grace, ' that is the first step. Now we will have to sell the house as soon as possible, which basically means accepting the first offer we can get, we will then, after paying off the mortgage, hopefully have sufficient to buy a smaller house or apartment, we will obviously try and find something close to the school.'  She paused to let it sink in. Neither Annabelle nor Luke said anything so she continued,'With the school fees paid for by your Aunt Bella and hopefully the house will pay for a smaller house we still need to generate a monthly income to cover our normal costs of living, food, electricity, gas, rates, telephones etc, so I'll have to go and find a job. Now again your Aunt Bella hopes she can help.  As you know I used to work at the local museum as a curator before you were born, Bella has a friend who owns a small art gallery and she thinks she could secure me a job there.' Grace looked across at Bella for confirmation.

'Yes I'm sure Clive would be more than happy to employ you. I know he was looking for an assistant and to get someone with your knowledge would be a boost for his gallery.'

'How much would he pay you' asked Luke, 'Will it be enough to pay for everything?'

'Well we aren't sure yet how much, but it should be a decent wage, of course it isn't gong to be the same as your daddy brought in, but it should be enough to live fairly comfortably.' answered Grace

'What about Fiona?' asked Annabelle, 'you can't let her go, and if you're working you'll need her even more'

'Yes I would need her and be very appreciative of her help, but unfortunately we won't be able to afford any help.  With a smaller place to live I'm sure I'll be able to manage everything on my own.  I just have to get used to it, that's all'

Annabelle looked a little dubiously at her mother, Grace hadn't done any housework in over 12 years!

Well as far as plans went, this didn't seem too bad. At least her mother finally looked as though she had some energy and direction again, even if it did mean having to sell up and move house.  At least they could stay at the same school and still have the same friends. Maybe this would work.

Luke look up happily, 'Can I get a new game for my xbox? he asked, 'Dad promised me one just before it happened'

Mum's eyes clouded over, 'We'll see' she answered sadly.

(to be continued)