Read Online Homework by Margot Livesey - Free Book Online

it had not had since I was a child. Lewis had been telephoning with surprising frequency and had even offered to meet my train. It was understood between Lynne and me that I might prove to be an erratic guest.
    I caught the train down on the afternoon of the twenty-third. I passed the journey daydreaming and leafing through the various women’s magazines which I had impulsively purchased at the station. As soon as the train pulled out of Peterborough I went to the toilet. In the mirror I scrutinised my face; compared to the women in the magazines I looked wan and indistinct. When I had had my hair cut the week before, the hairdresser had told me that I must always wear eye make-up. It was not easy in the swaying compartment to apply eye liner and mascara, but I did my best, and as I walked back to my seat, several men glanced up at me. I was wearing clothes that Lewis had never seen before, a bright blue pullover with a black skirt and black boots.
    For once the train was on time, and as I approached the ticket barrier, I glimpsed Lewis’s unmistakable red hair. He was leaning against the wall, studying the crowd. When he
caught sight of me, he hurried over, took my bags, put them down, and kissed me. “You look great,” he said.
    Outside the station he stopped beside a white car. I exclaimed in surprise.
    â€œI finally had to give in,” he said, almost apologetically. “It had reached the stage with the other one that I was taking it to the garage every week.” He put my luggage in the boot and opened the door for me. The interior smelled sharply of new plastic.
    The traffic was bad, and in spite of the punctuality of the train, we arrived to find Lynne and Greg in the last stages of making dinner; Eve was already in bed. While Lewis carried my bags up to the spare room, they both kissed me and exclaimed how well I looked. “You’re thinner,” said Lynne. “It suits you.”
    We ate in the living room. Greg had lit the fire, and in one corner the Christmas tree, hung with ornaments made by Eve, glittered brightly. The meal passed in a wave of laughter and conversation. The others deferred to me, and I found myself holding forth; my life in Edinburgh became a series of entertaining anecdotes. When Lynne went out to the kitchen to make coffee I followed with a stack of dirty plates. “Did your mother really say that wearing jeans would turn Eve into a lesbian?”
    â€œNot exactly; that would be much too explicit for her. But she did give Eve two dresses for Christmas and attach a note saying that she thought it would be healthier for her to wear these.”
    â€œAmazing.”
    Lynne bent over the fridge and got out a pint of milk. “If Lewis wants to stay, it’s fine,” she said.
    I was at the sink, filling the kettle. The action served to cover my confusion. “Thanks,” I said awkwardly.
    As soon as we had finished our coffee, Lynne announced
that she was off to bed. “Are you sure you won’t join us for Christmas?” she asked Lewis.
    â€œI’d love to, but duty calls. My parents would expire if I told them that I’d rather spend Christmas with you.”
    I saw Lynne tug Greg’s arm. They stood up and exchanged kisses and seasonal greetings with Lewis. When they were gone, he came to sit beside me on the sofa. The fire was burning low, and through the uncurtained windows I glimpsed the dark streets of the city. “So how’s your love life?” Lewis said, putting his arm round me.
    â€œNot brilliant. How’s yours?”
    â€œBetter now you’re here.” He nuzzled my neck.
    â€œDid you miss me?”
    â€œOf course I missed you.” He kissed me, and I slid my hand inside the collar of his shirt.
    â€œWhen are you coming back from your parents’?” I asked. “Boxing Day?”
    â€œI’m not coming back,” he said. “Given the logistics, it makes more sense to go