usually become involved in social worker practice.’ Which I knew. ‘But let me see what I can do. Clearly it’s in Melody’s best interests to see her mother.’
‘Thank you.’
Later that afternoon, shortly before I was about to leave for school, the phone rang again and it was Nina. ‘I’ve spoken to Neave and she’s suggested you take Melody to see her mother at the care home either Friday after school or Saturday afternoon. Visiting is any time between one-thirty and seven-thirty. If it goes all right then once a week, but she’ll speak to you next week.’
‘Thank you so much,’ I said.
‘Do you have the address of the care home?’
‘No.’ I reached for the paper and pen I kept by the phone and wrote the address. It was an hour’s drive away. ‘So the care home isn’t local?’
‘No. It was the nearest that had a free bed and could offer the type of care that Amanda needs. That’s why Neave has suggested Friday or Saturday – when Melody doesn’t have to be up for school in the morning if you’re late back.’
‘OK, thank you. I’ll tell her.’
As I drove to collect Melody from school that afternoon I considered which day would be best to take her to see her mother – Friday, at the end of the week when she might be tired, or Saturday afternoon, which would limit us going out on any day trips. I decided to try Friday and see how it went. If Melody was too tired, I would switch it to Saturday the following week. Neave had said Friday or Saturday and left it for me to decide. I was pleased that I could now give Melody a definite day, although of course she was coming out of school expecting to see her mother that afternoon.
I waited in my usual place in the playground and when Melody’s class came out she was near the front, smiling broadly and with Miss May at her side. Miss May also thought we would be going straight to the hospital to see Amanda so didn’t come over to talk, but just gave a little wave. Melody ran to my side full of joy and anticipation. I steeled myself for what I had to say.
‘Look, love,’ I said, taking her hand. ‘There has been a slight change of plan.’
‘I’m not seeing my mother, am I?’ she cried, snatching her hand away.
‘Yes, you are, but not this afternoon.’
‘That’s not fair!’ she shouted, and stamped her foot. Others turned to look.
‘Come on, I’ll explain as we walk to the car.’ I didn’t want a scene in the playground. With her face set like thunder, Melody reluctantly fell into step beside me.
‘What?’ she demanded. I saw her old anger return and who could blame her?
‘You remember Neave said that they were looking for a nice care home for your mummy?’ I began steadily. ‘Well, they’ve found it and she’s moving there this afternoon. That’s why we can’t see her today, but we are going to see her on Friday after school.’
‘But Friday is ages!’ she moaned.
‘It’s not ages,’ I said. ‘It’s four sleeps, which isn’t long at all.’
She thought about this for a moment. ‘But I wanted to see her today.’
‘I know, love, but it can’t be helped, and Friday isn’t so long.’
‘What about all the food I got ready to take and your mum’s cakes?’
‘The biscuits will be fine and you can choose some more fruit. But I think we should eat those cakes and then you and me can make some more.’
Most children like to make cakes and Melody was no exception. ‘All right,’ she said begrudgingly, but her anger was receding.
‘Excellent,’ I said and opened her car door. ‘I’ve just had another good idea.’
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