Pure Fiction

“You think she’ll stay with him?” Jess asked with a mouthful of pins. “Hey, don’t move! You’ll end up with your hem all higgledy piggeldy!”   Her mother straightened up again on the stool that she was standing on but her face remained pinched.  ...

Joan didn’t move. She continued to stand holding the sink and holding the letter. She didn’t look up, she didn’t even acknowledge Jess’ presence.   “Mum, whatever is it?” Jess asked. “Are you ok?”   Behind Joan she saw photograph...

Jess leapt to her feet as she saw her father coming down the corridor. She rushed towards him and registered the anxiety in his normally placid face.   “Any news?” he asked. “How’s she doing?”   “She’s ok Dad, she’s gonna be ok. Doctor is ...

“Don’t worry hon. We’ll think of something.” Arnie reached across the car to Jess as she climbed out of  the Range Rover. She held onto the door frame and then, hestitating,  popped her head back inside. She reached across and kissed her father firmly on the chee...

“Hey, you’re back.” Libby came out into the hall to greet Jess, drying her slender hands on a tee towel. “How was the fitting? What does the scarlet dress look like?” she asked cheerily.   “Oh, the dress was fine,” replied Jess heading towards t...

“Is there anything else you need before I head out love?” Arnie asked her, leaning down to her on the sofa.   Joan smiled back at his worried face. She’d been marrried to Arnold Bowen for 38 years and she’d walked out with him for two before that, until her father had...

    “Nearly finished,” she said, patting the hem flat. The scarlet silk shone back at her and Jess admired her stitching.   “Happy?” asked Libby from the other end of the living room. She was on her hands and knees amidst an array of silk flowers.   &ld...

Chapter 8 – The Wedding   There was an atmosphere of excitement outside the church in the sleepy village. Bright silk flowers adorned the iron church gate and the great oak door pillars leading in to the church. Chicly dressed guests had already arrived and entered the church, chatting...