One Mum Too Many: Part 6

By ANNE BRYANT

Finally he asked to speak to Clemmie or Mark. As I handed the phone to Mark, I told him, without covering the mouthpiece, that he was in for a brilliant weekend with four girls.

Then I went off to ask Mum why this new arrangement had been made behind my back.

'Please don't give me hassle, Sarah,' said Mum.

'It's not been easy for me either, you know. I've got to get used to the idea of your having a sort of ... well, a sort of stepmother, I suppose.

'They haven't gone and got married without telling us, have they?' I said, knowing that I was sounding shrill and childish but not being able to help it.

'No, no. Nothing like that. I just don't know what else to call her,' Mum said, frowning at the kitchen table as though the answer might be chiselled into it somewhere.

'I do,' I told her flatly. 'The home-wrecker.'

Publisher: Mammoth

Price: $12.95

Age group: 9-11 years