Pam's SECRET

Could she really keep the truth from someone who knew her so well?

- Sarah Swatridge

Is everything all right? I was expecting you tomorrow,' Pam asked.

'I've been sent,' 18-year-old Jodie whispered. 'They've been worried about you.'

'They?'

'Mum and Dad. Mum's really anxious. She thought you might open up to me.'

'Why?' Pam asked genuinely surprised. 'What's given them cause for concern? I'm only 70, and these days, that's not ancient!'

'Dad thinks you're behaving strangely, and Mum suspects you've been up to something.'

'Nothing new there,' chuckled Pam. 'I like to keep them on their toes.'

Jodie gave her grandmother a big hug. 'That's just one of the things I love about you. You're so full of life. Everything about you is mysterious and exotic.'

Pam looked around. She had a dying orchid on a windowsill but, as far as she was concerned, that was as 'exotic' as she got.

Nevertheless, she was happy to play the part of a glamorous, fun-loving gran, if it kept Jodie and the rest of the family interested in her. She hated the thought she'd become a duty to visit.

'She suspects youre up to something'

'I told them it must be because you've got a hot date in London,' Jodie continued.

'How did you know I'm going to London?'

'It's true then?' Jodie laughed, and Pam joined in because she'd been caught out by her quick-witted granddaughter. They were so alike.

'I haven't got a date, if that's what you mean,' Pam told her. 'But I am going to London... on business.'

'Business?' Jodie's face lit up. 'That sounds intriguing.'

'It's “mind your own business”, young lady, and the same goes for your parents too.'

Pam tapped the side of her nose, just as her father had done when he had a secret.

It was all well and good having her family live close by, but it did mean they could keep tabs on her - not that she had anything to hide. Usually. She liked to feel independent.