For today, my lovelys

For today
by
Jan Harrison-Brown

"He has a wonderful body. Firm and muscular."
"Mum! Do I really want to hear this?"
"Why are you jealous?"
"No, but what about Dad? He loves you - He'd take you back tomorrow -
If you gave him the chance that is."
"Sure he would - back to folding his socks and putting creases in his
trousers." She filled the glass. No! I'll stay where I am thank
you."
"But he's using you. Can you not see that, he doesn't love you."
"Oh we never discuss things like love, the future, commitment. Just
pure un-ashamable lust.
"I can't believe your talking to me like this."
"I don't know you anymore - you've changed."
What you mean is, for the first time in my life I'm living. Julia
glared at her daughter.
"For the first time ever I'm putting me first and not your God damn
father. Not you and your brother - but me."
"There's no talking to you when you're like this."
Nicola got up and collected her things together . . . her mother threw
back her head and laughed . . .
"Nicola," she shouted after her, "Live for today, don't be like I was,"
She ran to the door to see her getting into her car and drive away, She
lolled in the door way. "Honey live for today," She whispered
again.
She goes back to the kitchen and pours another healthy glass of gin.
She cackles a loud vicious laugh. . . takes a swig from the glass. . .
"Cheers my lovely, live for today, my lovely. . ."