Fifteen Going on Grown Up by Stephanie M. Turner

released the breath she hadn’t realised she was holding. Mum went to see her grandparents every day; but she didn’t rush off first thing in the morning. So for today to be different Hally had immediately thought something must be wrong. Her grandmother’s cancer was rapidly getting worse and the family were sure it would not be long before she had to be cared for professionally. However at the moment, mum and her granddad were doing it between them, but it was getting much harder.
    As she made herself tea and cereal, Hally pondered over why her mother had gone out so early. As she ate her breakfast she kept telling herself the note had said all was ok, but she was becoming more and more unconvinced as she ate. Eventually she put down her spoon, took out her mobile and rang mum’s number.
    At first, there was no answer; just ringing then the messaging service. Hally shakily rang again and this time mum answered.
    “Hello darling.”
    “Mum is everything alright. I know your note said so, but I’m worried.”
    Hally gabbled quickly to her mother.
    “Everything is alright angel. Your gran had a rough night so I came early so granddad could get a bit of rest.”
    “What sort of rough night?”
    Hally asked suspiciously. Mum sounded a little too bright.
    “Oh, she got out of bed a few times but couldn’t get back in again. So, granddad had very little sleep.”
    “Shall I come over and help?”
    Hally asked, not even considering how it would affect her plans; but mum told her it wasn’t necessary and that she should enjoy her day.
    “You don’t have much of your summer holiday left, so have as much fun as you can. We’ll be alright, I’ll see you later. Ok darling?”
    Her mum told her. Reluctantly Hally agreed and said goodbye.
    She still worried as she got her things ready for the day and when Clia and Corrinne arrived they sensed something was awry.
    “Is it Wes?”
    Asked Clia after seeing her friend’s distress.
    “Oh no, it’s just gran. She’s getting worse really quickly. Mum’s over there already.”
    She went on to explain to them what her mother had told her. When she finished Clia spread her arms, palms up and said.
    “Well your mum is always really open with you Hals, so when she says everything is fine, then that is exactly what she means. I mean, if it was serious, she would have definitely told you. She’s never kept your Gran’s illness from you in any way.”
    Hally realised her friend was quite right and smiling said.
    “Well I think I have everything, bikini, towel, shower gel and moisturiser. Have I forgotten anything Corrinne?”
    “Um, extra undies, spare top…”
    Hally and Clia burst into giggles.
    “What?”
    Corrinne asked innocently.
    “You just have to be prepared for any event.”
    She told them matter-of-factly.
    Wes arrived around eleven and the four set off for the swimming pool. They planned to spend a couple of hours in the water then the rest of the day in the park.
    “I will have to call in at the Hotspot because I stored the picnic there.”
    Wes told them as they strolled to the leisure centre.
    “What delights have you prepared for us?”
    Clia asked.
    “Now that’s a surprise.”
    He told them grinning.
    After a very enjoyable and amusing (Clia’s bikini top came undone in the pool) session swimming, the four set off for the hotspot to collect the picnic. As they were not eating at the café and since it was lunchtime and busy; the girls waited outside. Wes soon appeared carrying a real wicker hamper. All three girls were surprised, they had simply expected a plastic bag with wrapped sandwiches.
    Before any of them spoke however Wes held out an envelope for Hally.
    “What’s this?”
    She asked. The envelope simply had her name on it.
    “No idea. Apparently someone left it behind the counter yesterday.”
    Wes told her.
    Hally was very curious and wanted to open it immediately, but decided to wait until they were at the park. Besides, there was