Our Child

Chapter one

Ice-cream parlours, in theory, only receive good business during the summer months. To Jennie and Rosie, this was just a sign of bad marketing. No matter the weather, there was never a quiet day in their chilly compartment. Everything from vanilla to pistachio was absolutely adored, Rosie's secret recipe never failing to impress even the stingiest of customers.

They had been friends for years, by each others sides through thick and thin. They knew everything about the other, and had seen everything as well. Both smiles and tears, calm and anger. Jennie only truly trusted her co-owner with her daughter, Annie.

Speaking of which, the little girl would probably be at school: acing spelling tests and annoying her teachers, as all good children do. But, the mother was wrapping up at work, meaning that her day was coming to a close.

Opening hours at the shop went long into the evening, with only a small lunch break, which allowed for high school students to work part time in the afternoons. Jennie would never work late, she had to be home to make dinner.

"Jennie, are you heading off?" An Australian accent called from the freezer.

There was a hum of quiet in the pastel parlour, a rare moment of emptiness. In times like this, the pink tables almost seemed to become greyer, the walls gloomy. The shop needed people, and Jennie hated leaving Rosie alone when there was none in sight.

The two were cleaning the tables, window screens and scoops. Rosie was taking note of what flavours would need new batches by tomorrow, there were always a few. She would want Jennie out and her part time workers in by the time she was done. Nobody was more diligent with timekeeping than Rosanne Park.

"Yeah I'm leaving," Jennie assured after a moment, dumping her used cloth in a hidden laundry basket, "Call me if you need anything."

"Always do," Rosie responded, "Tell Annie I say hi!"

"Always do," Jennie repeated, "Have a lovely evening."

"You too, mum."

"Very funny."

Briskly, Jennie threw on her cardigan and made her way out. The air was warm and surprisingly fresh, the first hints of summer finally reaching the cold city. It was both a time of joy and sorrow for her. It marked the anniversary of her heartbreak, now eight years old. Some days, especially on the day, it hurt more than if she had actually died. Though, she could not bare to hold that thought for long either.

But, Annie's birthday was now in sight.

It drew nearer and nearer. Preparations had to be made - cake, decorations, presents - but it always felt like something, someone, was missing. As much as she loved putting it all together, there was no one to run it by, or help her when she was stuck. Much to her own displeasure, there was always one face that would come to mind when she felt like this.

She chose to leave, Jennie thought bitterly. Even after all this time, it still tore at her just as much.

There was laughter at the school, breaking Jennie from her dark thoughts. Children would play amongst the few trees, or on the climbing frame, as they waited for their parents to come collect them. By now, it was always the working parents, with no stay at home mums to rush over at the schools beckoning. She peered through the gate, almost instantly spotting her little ball of happiness.

Annie was playing hopscotch with some of the other girls, making faces and she galloped up and down the squares. She was, of course, the source of the children's laughter. Even Jennie smiled.

"Annie!" She called.

As if on queue, she little girl snatched her bag and ran over, yelling a goodbye over her shoulder as she went. She bulldozed into her mother, who only just managed to keep upright with her daughter's crushing hug. Kissing her on the head, Jennie took her bag and the two began to walk together, hand in hand.

"Rosie says hi."

"Hi Rosie!"

The mother could not help but relax, "How was your day?"

"I got full marks on the spelling test," Annie triumphed, "I even spelled 'because', B, E, C, A, U, S, E."

"That's very impressive."

"I had to," Annie said smugly, "Eight year olds can spell because."

"You know," Jennie smiled, "Eight year olds carry their own bags."

"Nooooooo," Annie cried, "Mum carries my bag!"

"I don't know," Jennie teased, "You can spell 'because' and everything."

Annie spent the the rest of the walk complaining whilst Jennie laughed. There was never time for bad thoughts when Annie was there. Her very existence defied it. Her gummy smile was Jennie's little cure.

Even as they entered the park, Jennie remained positive. Annie began to run ahead, arms outstretched, making airplane noises. Fondly, Jennie watched her as she took her seat on a nearby bench. But, as the seconds tick by, her reality hit her.

She was coming.

Unaware, Annie continued to play, hitting a branch off a tree, pretending it was a dragon. Jennie watched her, mostly because she was too afraid to look anywhere else. Luckily she did not have to. The sun was setting and a golden glow set over the green grass, making it shine like emeralds. Trees rustled almost assuringly, like a quiet lullaby, as the click of heels drew ever closer. It was both a moment of briskness and eternity. And it came to an unwanted end.

"Hello, Jennie," An all too familiar voice broke through.