Page 99 - My Home on the Earth

them. She refused to say and he lost his temper.
‘Why do you want to know where certain roads are? You can collect timetables yourself from the tourist shop, which is next door to the Job Centre,’ he’d said. ‘They advertise training courses for people who want to return to full-time work. I want to go to school, and the only reason I ride on the buses is because I’m bored, not to patrol
avenues and streets. Anyway, the buses are warm and I get away from my shed. I don’t think you have any intention of finding a flat or want me to go to school.’
‘How dare you? I do want a flat and for you to go to school, but people ask questions and want our names and address. That’s why I want to stay here for a while longer. I’m sure my sister would confirm I have been here for at least one year,’ she’d said, trying to pacify him. ‘After all, it’s no skin off her nose, is it?’
John had stared at his mum in disbelief. ‘Oh, great, Mum. You have no previous address, no CV, no references, and you threw our birth certificates out. I feel non-existent, Mum. If Aunt Louisa lies for you, she’ll get herself into trouble. You can’t carry on like this; it isn’t fair. You owe money and people are looking for you. And you’re scared if someone finds out about me. That’s why I have to hide, isn’t it? You’re ashamed of me! Why can’t you write to Dad? Tell him you’re sorry for messing up his life and tell him what’s happened and where we are?’
‘No!’ screamed Marissa, her eyes blazing. ‘Don’t you dare tell me what I should do. We can survive without him, so don’t you ever mention him again.’
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