The Girl in the Scrapbook by Carolyn Ruffles (reading women TXT) 📕

leave us for good. It is sad to see her trapped in limbo like this, especially now we know more of her personal tragedy and it would be nice to think that she could eventually find peace,’ Jennifer had replied solemnly. Then she had grinned at Emily. ‘I cannot believe those words just came out of my mouth! I would never have thought that one day I would fret over the fate of a ghost or use such terrible clichés!’

David had arrived then and Emily had left them alone while she went to update Adam with all her news. She had returned some time later to find them in each other’s arms, kissing like teenagers. About time, she thought to herself. She spun around, detoured to the kitchen and began filling the kettle as noisily as she could.

‘Anyone for coffee?’ she had called.

There had been a slight pause and Jennifer had appeared in the doorway, looking dishevelled and bemused in equal measures. ‘Emily, you’re a guest. I should be making the coffee!’

Emily raised her eyebrows and could not help smirking a little. ‘That’s ok. I … er … thought you might be busy.’

Jennifer flushed and turned away. ‘I’ll get the mugs. David has two sugars and I have mine black. Just milk for you?’

They had returned to the living room and told David of their plans for the following morning.

‘That reminds me,’ he had said. ‘Caroline has fired Alex’s pots and also wanted me to ask you if you’d like to take him to a session she’s running tomorrow for mums and tots. She said, if you had other plans, Emily, and wanted to drop Alex off, that would be fine too. She said he would be no trouble. My niece, Anna, her daughter helps her run these sessions and so she could keep an eye on him.’

‘That’s so kind of Caroline,’ Emily exclaimed. ‘Alex had been asking about his pots and I know he’d love it, if she’s sure she can manage. With all that’s been happening, this hasn’t been the most exciting week for him.’

‘Good. I’ll let her know to expect you at nine. Right, I’ll be off then.’ He had stood and kissed Emily lightly on the cheek.

‘I’ll see you out,’ said Jennifer, heading towards the front door.

‘Well I’ll say goodnight now then.’ Emily leapt forward to intercept Jennifer and envelope her in a quick hug. ‘I’ll see you in the morning. Night David.’

She strode down the hallway to her bedroom and shut the door behind her, smiling to herself. It was some considerable time later, as she was lying in bed trying to get to sleep, when she heard the front door slam shut and the jangling of keys as Jennifer locked up for the night.

This morning, they had dropped an excited Alex off at Caroline’s and driven once more to Corriton. Both women had been quiet during the journey and Emily had turned on her music, humming along to her favourite tracks.

‘You’ve got a great voice,’ Jennifer remarked as Emily belted out the chorus of a Beyoncé song. ‘Have you ever thought of singing professionally?’

‘Don’t be daft!’

‘No, I mean it. There’s a fantastic tone to your voice, sort of Adele meets Leona Lewis, and you definitely have the right looks.’

‘Thank you. I’m flattered but I think you’re biased and anyway I can’t see myself ever wanting to take to the stage. I used to have ambitions but I never wanted to be famous.’

‘What was it you wanted to do?’ Jennifer asked.

‘Oh, when I was at uni I really wanted to be a journalist but then my parents died and I had a bit of a breakdown – never finished the course. Later on, I met Adam and the rest is history. I have been wondering though, just recently, about finishing my degree and getting a proper job, something so I don’t feel a complete waste of space.’

‘Now you’re being daft! There’s nothing wrong with staying at home to look after your son.’ Jennifer gave her a reassuring smile. ‘But soon Alex will be going off to nursery and then school so that would be a great time for you to consider your options.’

‘I know.’ Emily was silent for a few moments and then added, ‘Ever since I found out I was adopted and was given the album with photos of Molly, I’ve felt that this was something I needed to resolve before I could move on. Does that make sense?’

‘Perfectly.’ Jennifer patted her arm affectionately. ‘Let’s hope today is the day we find the final pieces of the puzzle.’

It was quarter past ten when they pulled up outside Susan’s house.

‘Here we go.’ Jennifer gave Emily’s hand a squeeze. ‘Are you ready?’

‘Yep. Let’s do it!’

They slid out of the car and headed towards Susan’s front door. It opened before they reached it and Susan stood there, smiling shyly at them. Today, she had obviously spent time on her appearance and was wearing a plain, navy shift dress with a floral scarf. Her hair had  been styled and she was wearing makeup. She  was an attractive woman, Emily thought.

‘Hello again.’ Susan reached forward to give both Jennifer and Emily a slightly awkward hug. ‘Come in. It’s a bit calmer here today without the children. I’m sorry about yesterday. I … well … you took me completely by surprise and the letter knocked me for six.’

‘Please, don’t apologise,’ Jennifer said quickly. ‘We felt really bad for upsetting you like that. There was just no easy way to tell you.’

‘No, but I’m glad you did. Shall we sit in the kitchen and I’ll get us some coffee, or tea if you prefer.’

They followed her into a spacious, homely room with a tiled floor and pine cabinets. A cafetiere of coffee, a milk jug, a sugar bowl, three mugs and a plate of biscuits sat on a large wooden table in the centre of the kitchen. Susan poured the coffee into the mugs and they sat around the table, watching