The Hidden Diary of Ophelia Ridley

6

5 June 1988

Dear Diary,

Can we pretend that never happened? Let's pretend that never happened.

Oh, I don't know how to pretend that never happened.

It's not like it's so far fetched to believe he would have an affair, really. He's an alcoholic arse who barely supports his family, why not add unfaithfulness to the list?

It's just that mum is so...not cheating.

I mean, she can drive us up the wall, certainly. She's bossy and closed-minded, and strict and old fashioned...but a cheater she is not.

She married dad when she was 18. She gave her whole life to him, dedicated her entire existence to being a wife and mother. So for him to run around with a woman much younger and prettier than him, was rather rotten.

The other half of the day wasn't bad, however.

After I ran out I went to the ice cream shop across the street.

Edith Liverton was working. She's 16 and her father is the local minister and back when we were still normal and would go to church, our family would sit right behind theirs.

I'd never really talked to her before other than once when I noticed her knee sock was falling down, and I told her so her mum wouldn't scold her in front of us. Mrs. Liverton was always shouting, which come to think of it, is probably why I never made an effort to be friendly.

When we stopped going, Dad said we didn't have time for  church anymore but I know Mrs. Liverton's yelling just made his hangovers worse.

Anyway, I went in and there she was. I guess she could tell I was upset because she gave me a free scoop of chocolate ice cream and talked to me past closing.

It was strange talking to a female, do we have to be friends now? I suppose I wouldn't mind, as long as I'm not around her mother. Or her father. Religion is weird.

Edith gave me a ride home and didn't pry me about why I was upset, which was jolly nice of her.

Then she mentioned that the ice cream shop was looking for more help during summer and would I be interested?

So, to summarize:

1)My father is an unfaithful wanker.
2)I don't know what to tell my mother.
3) I forgot to go grocery shopping for my mother
4) My mother will probably be upset with me.
5) I don't know why I am obsessed with my mother-she has severely messed me up.
6) I got free ice cream
7) I think I made a friend
8) I may have a job, hopefully.

So, make of that what you will.

~ Ophelia ♡