'Wow.' The girls walked into Mary's room, and Robin gasped as she took in the silk curtains, the tapestries on the wall, the large four poster bed, the massive oak closet, the faux fur carpet, the wood panels on the wall and the lace bedsheets. A teak door joined Robin's room to Mary's - and it was just as impressive. In between their rooms was a little area with beanbags and a desk. Mary explained that this was her work area when she needed some peace. No one could access it apart from the inhabitants of the two bedrooms. When the girls were in their pyjamas, Mary lead Robin to the bathroom. Robin had to restrain herself from gawping. The sink was gold, the floor was marble, and perfumes lined the shelves. 'These were Colin's mother's.' Mary said, gesturing to the rows of perfumes. 'She died eight years ago. But they left everything as it was. They didn't dare move it.' Robin stayed quiet. She knew what it was like to not have a mother. But July Weatherstaff had died at the end of last summer, when Robin was thirteen. Lilias Craven had died when her son was only five.
'If you don't mind me asking, what business does your dad do? Has he got a new job?' Mary asked, knowing she might not get a answer. The girls were sat on the beanbags, chatting and gossiping. 'No.' Robin sighed, 'He hasn't. And right now I'll bet you he's at the pub, drowning his sorrows in beer. It used to be Friday night is drink night - now it's every night.' Mary didn't know how to respond. But Robin carried on.
'He would come home at midnight, when Tommy and I were in bed. Most nights, he just went straight to the couch and collapsed. But one night, he was so drunk, he came upstairs. He didn't recognise us sleeping and shouted at us to get out. He gave us five minutes, enough for us to grab our coats and a few blankets. That night, we slept on the street.' Robin paused, unsure whether or not to carry on. 'The next morning, we didn't dare go back home. We were terrified Mary. Nothing like this had ever happened. We walked to school, and he was there waiting for us. His hair was tousled, his eyes wide and he looked so lost. I wanted to turn around, but Tommy said we'd have to face him sooner or later. He was right. We were cold and hungry, and we didn't have any money to feed or clothe ourselves. We walked through the gates, and he caught sight of us. He just gave us a big hug and told us he was sorry, it would never happen again. We believed him. After all, your taught to trust your parents. But it did happen again. But this time we were prepared. We packed a bag full of blankets, food and warm clothes. I took some money from the side counter and we left. We found a ditch in the skate park, sheltered from the wind and rain. We went to school like normal, and came back. We didn't see dad for two weeks. I had taken £50 and we were living off salads and fruit. But he came. Again at school. He told us he loved us and he was sorry. He told us it would never happen again, he was giving up drinking, and really trying. We gave him a chance. It's never happened since, but I always keep a bag under the bed in case.'
'I'm sorry, I had no idea.' Mary said, shaken by Robin's story. Robin smiled sadly.
'You didn't know. It's fine. He's gotten better. And it's made me a lot more independent, and Tommy too, so I guess there's a silver lining.' For a while, the children sat in silence, not an awkward, but a comfortable one, where they almost understood each other - without saying anything.
After a short while in silence, Robin asked, 'Colin's pretty loaded isn't he?' Mary laughed.
'Archibald Craven is one of the richest men in England, so yes, Colin's pretty loaded.'
'How does he afford all of this?' Robin asked, indicating their luxurious surroundings. 'I mean this must cost a fortune!' Mary sighed and shook her head.
'I don't know. But I've got another topic. Dickon seemed to be pretty into you today.' Robin blushed and looked away.
'I don't even like him!'
'Oh come on, I see you around him.'
'No seriously. But what about you? I think you like him.'
'What? No! He's my best friend! No!'
'Yeah, ok, but I think you might want to be more...'
'What? No, we're just friends! I'm serious, I don't like him at all!
'That's what they all say!' Robin cried, throwing a pillow at Mary. Mary just grabbed another one and threw it straight back at Robin. Robin squealed and hurled one back. This went on and on until the girls finally decided it was time to head to sleep. As Robin jumped onto the mattress, and pulled the silk sheets over her, she decided that this holiday was the best thing that had ever happened to her.
