A Cover Up

Jen worried what Gran would say when she saw what Jen had done . . .

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JEN had got carried away by events. It was understandable. Years of being focused at school, followed by months of solid studying and several weeks of exams, had suddenly come to an end.

Until three days ago she was still memorising and reciting facts and figures, and then it was all over. No wonder she and her friends were euphoric with relief and the thought of the study-free weeks ahead.

What they hadn’t anticipated was the feeling of anti-climax. They had waited so long for this moment, this freedom. But what to do with it, apart from seeking holiday jobs?

Jen had an idea, and told the others as they sat over skinny lattes in their favourite coffee bar.

“We’ve talked about it often. Let’s do it tomorrow. Better still, today!”

An hour later they were giggling with nervousness as they stood in the studio’s tiny reception area, admiring the dark red walls covered with numerous photos of artists’ work.

At such short notice there was only one appointment free for that day, so Jen, as the instigator, was chosen to take it, while her three friends were to be fitted in during the rest of the week.

Still on her post-exam high, Jen was thrilled with it. It was only as she got home later that real life hit her and it occurred to her that she was going to have to tell her mother.

That you, love?” her mother called from the lounge. “I’m just having a cuppa, but I took the sausages and bacon out of the freezer before I went to work, so they should be ready to cook.”

It was Jen’s turn to cook, she remembered, coming down to earth with a bump. Not a good time to confess. Leave it till tomorrow, perhaps.

That plan didn’t work out, though, because while they were in the kitchen clearing up after their meal, her mum brushed against Jen’s arm, which was tender.