Paul had just taken her first sip of tea when a whirlwind arrived at the patio. 4 small girls swept in and began to clean up a portion of the buns and biscuits. Naomi took a knife off “Madeline” who had set about slicing one of the buns Paul had bought.
‘I’ll do that for you sweetie’ the woman said. She did not know that “Madeline” was roughly her own age.
Meanwhile Kimberly had poured out drinks of the cordial. Paul looked at “Madeline”, the girl gave her a wink and a thumbs up. It appeared she was having fun.
The girls remained at the table for a couple of minutes. It was impossible to have adult conversation while the girls were talking over each other. Then as quickly as the arrived they departed. This time into the back yard. Paul observed that they had made for the trampoline.
A minute later all four were jumping up and down together. Naomi observed and reluctantly got up. ‘Time to be the ogre’. She marched down towards the trampoline. Paul stood up and followed. She observed crumbs falling off her skirt as she stood.
Naomi called out ‘Girls! You know the rules. Only one on the trampoline at a time’
Paul made eye contact with “Madeline” who was looking guilty. This was Paul’s chance for just a little revenge. She tried to sound just like the real Mandy had whenever she caught Paul doing something naughty. ‘Madeline! I’m very disappointed in you! You should know better!’ she scolded.
“Madeline” was one of 4 girls who climbed off the trampoline looking ashamed. One of the neighbour girls finally broke the silence. ‘Let’s play a board game!’ All four girls ran back inside, apparently forgetting their remorse. They stopped to load up with treats from the table.
Their rousing finished, the two adult women returned to their beverages.
For the next two hours they chatted inanely. Paul was surprised that she had no difficulty keeping up her side of the conversation. It wasn’t hard. Naomi was a bit of a chatterbox and Paul knew enough about her mother’s life to respond appropriately. At no time was she stumped for a reply. She had to make up a story about Madeline’s background but that was easy enough and she just extended the lie “Paul” had started at basketball about Madeline being the daughter of his father’s sister. Paul did have an aunt but she had not seen her in years, she wasn’t aware that she had a cousin.
The young girls flew in and out periodically, Madeline being just one of the four. She was screaming and carrying on just as loudly as the other three, she was pretty much indistinguishable. When the sun had moved around the ladies retired to the lounge. The girls had obviously been playing a board game in there they had not packed up. Paul took the opportunity to visit the toilet. Her cramping was getting worse but it wasn’t as if she needed to “Go” all she could do was void her bladder.
Dave must have finished his hedge trimming and other gardening jobs and gone to his room. Paul could hear the key board clicking behind the slightly ajar door, but could think of no reason for “Mandy” to knock on his door.
When she returned to the lounge Naomi insisted they stay for lunch. ‘I have some pastries that just needed heating up’. Paul nodded acceptance. She had actually enjoyed her morning. Why not? was her thinking.
Feeling that she should offer to help Paul found herself dishing out meals for the girls. Dave reappeared once he heard the ladies in the kitchen. Annoyingly Dave pinched one of the meals Paul had dished out, added 100% extra and took the plate back to his room. At least he did say ‘Thanks Mrs Jenkinson’
After lunch was eaten, Paul’s cramps only got worse. She was trying to think of what she might have eaten that would be causing such distress. Could the cereal she ate for breakfast (Paul’s usual breakfast) somehow be disagreeing with her mother’s body?
When she felt the time was right she said ‘It’s time we went. I’ve enjoyed my morning but I have a class at 3. I also fear I’ll have an over excited 8 year old to deal with' Both she and Naomi chuckled.
They found the girls playing dress-ups in Kimberly’s room. One of the neighbour girls was in Madeline’s pink dress and Madeline was in a tutu. The had to wait for Madeline to change back into her own dress before leaving.