Winds of Change by Anna Jacobs Page A

she’d said, wished she could have a chat with Nikki, offer her support.
    Why not? She did a quick calculation. They were seven hours ahead of England, so it was morning there and she might catch Nikki in. Going inside she picked up the phone and dialled her sister’s number.
    It was answered almost immediately. ‘Hello?’
    â€˜Nikki? It’s Miranda, your aunt.’
    â€˜Hi, Auntie Min. Is Mum with you?’
    â€˜No. I wanted to speak to you on my own. I’m interfering, I know, but she told me about the baby.’
    â€˜Oh. Well, if you’ve rung to persuade me to get rid of it, I’ve not decided yet and it’s up to me, don’t you think?’
    â€˜I certainly do.’
    â€˜You do?’
    â€˜Yes. Did you know that I had a child when I was only a couple of years older than you?’
    â€˜
You
did?’
    She sounded so incredulous, Miranda felt hurt. Did they think her too unattractive to attract a man? ‘Yes, I did. They made me have it adopted and then acted as if she’d never existed.’ She couldn’t stop her voice wobbling.
    â€˜Oh, Auntie Min, I’m so sorry.’
    â€˜I am too. It was the wrong thing to do, for me anyway, but I always consoled myself with the thought that the baby would have a better life, because I knew my father would never accept her. He’d have made the child feel unwanted and unloved and no one should feel that. Anyway, what I rang for was to say, don’t let them push you into anything you’re not sure about. It’s your decision, no one else’s. And if you’re short of money, I’ve got some tucked away and I’d be happy to help you.’
    There was the sound of someone weeping. She waited a minute then said gently, ‘Oh, Nikki. Have I upset you?’
    â€˜Only in a n–nice way. Auntie Min, I felt to be alone in the world and suddenly you’re there, on my side. You’ve no idea how much better that makes me feel.’
    â€˜I’m glad. I’m not very good at standing up to them, I’m afraid, so I think we’d better keep quiet about talking to one another. But if I can help, if you need something, well, I’m here.’
    There was the sound of Nikki blowing her nose. ‘I’ll remember that.’
    â€˜What about the father?’
    â€˜He wants to keep it. But he’s the same age as I am and we have no money, and we were both going to university. Is it fair to burden him with a child?’
    â€˜A child isn’t a burden, it’s a blessing.’
    â€˜To hear my mother talk, I’ve been nothing but a burden all my life.’
    Miranda sighed. ‘It’s just her way. Regina does love you, I’m quite certain of that.’
    â€˜In her own way and on her own terms.’
    â€˜We can’t help being ourselves.’ Miranda waited a moment or two to see if there were any more confidences, then said gently, ‘I’d better go now, Nikki dear. Your mother might come back at any minute. Shocking to be nervous of her at my age, isn’t it? But she can be very intimidating when she gets angry!’ Not in Sebastian’s league, but then, Miranda had never seen anyone get into such rages as he did.
    â€˜Tell me about it.’
    â€˜I’ll try to ring again, Nikki. Or you could email me.’
    â€˜Thanks. And look . . . I really do appreciate your support.’
    She put the phone down, feeling it had been the right thing to do, at least it felt right to her. She remembered so clearly how alone she’d felt in the same situation.
    The phone rang. Sebastian. Her heart jittered in her chest.
    â€˜Minnie! We’re taking you to see the flat tonight. Be ready at seven.’
    He rang off without waiting for a response.
    She picked up the phone and rang Lou. ‘Can I come round again tonight? I’ve had orders from my brother to go and see the flat with him. He put the phone down before I