I took a deep breath and climbed down the steps. I couldn’t think straight. I couldn’t think of an excuse. I didn’t want to lie. I had lied enough already. Time was running out for Roma, so I decided there and then to tell the truth.
“Florence, what are you doing up there again and who on earth are you talking to?” asked Aunty M.
“I was sort of talking to myself Aunty M. I’m sorry about going up to the attic again. I just went up to collect a few things I left up there,” I said going red.
“What things, Florence?” she said exasperated.
“Just magazines, Aunty M.”
“I think we had better talk Florence. I am rather disappointed you didn’t tell you were still going up there. Why on earth didn’t you tell me? You know there are things up there that are private and my business. We had better go and sit down together.”
I followed her downstairs and we sat in the kitchen.
“I went to see my dad’s parents today, Aunty M.”
“You went to see Simon’s parents today? You did what?” said Aunty M and she put her head in her hands. “What happened, Florence?”
“They were lovely and told me they had tried to get in touch with me but it had not been possible. They only live a short way from here,” I said.
“I know they do Florence. Oh dear, what a mess all this is. What have I done to you? What have we all done to you?” muttered Aunty M.
“I was worried about telling you Aunty M, and I’m petrified of mum finding out,” I said.
“I now know that you should have been told about Simon and Roma but the family was trying to protect you. It was just easier to let you think that you had been the only baby and that Philip was your dad. It was a decision that the family made. I just went along with everything. Everyone blamed Simon’s parents for Simon and Roma’s death. It wasn’t their fault directly, of course, but they were against the marriage all along. I supposed everyone thought it would never come out, that you would never find out. I guessed it would. You can’t keep secrets forever. You will need to discuss all this with mum when she comes on Saturday,” finished Aunty M. Then without saying anything else, she got up and walked out fumbling in her pocket for her hankie.
Seconds later, I heard her talking on the phone to someone. I guessed it was granny. I went up to my room. I realised I had upset Aunty M again by sneaking behind her back. I would never forgive myself for what I had done. I couldn’t tell them that I was on a rescue mission for Roma, that we needed to get together to say sorry and then she could rest in peace. That was a secret I would never tell and I would have to face the consequences. I would have to be brave for my sister.