Sisters - Michelle Frances Page 0,90

and fear. She’d risen early, showered and dressed, all the while thinking about her mother’s proposal. It was an ugly one, that much she recognized, but people had done worse for money and there was the ever-present question of survival. Susanna was aware she wasn’t getting any younger.

She continued the morning with routine tasks in the hope it might distract her. Don’t think about the money, just get yourself some breakfast. But as she chopped a melon, she imagined the large kitchen at her mother’s house. She washed the plate knowing she had the opportunity to never wash a dish again. Instead she’d be able to employ someone, a cleaner who would make chores a thing of the past. But it’s all wrong, she constantly reminded herself. She’d have to confess to those heinous acts. A mother who harmed her own children – who could ever forgive such a thing?

When Kathleen knocked on the door, Susanna had been in a state of pent-up expectation for several hours. She stood aside to allow her mother to enter the house.

‘We’re going out,’ said Kathleen.

Susanna saw the taxi behind her in the drive, engine still idling.

‘What?’

‘A picnic. Come on, it’s all arranged.’ Kathleen turned and went back to the car.

Susanna hovered for a moment, then with a sense of unease got her bag.

‘I can’t be outside, remember,’ she said, pointing at her face as she got into the back. Her mother was sitting next to her, dressed impeccably in linen culottes and a short-sleeved blouse.

Kathleen waved a hand dismissively. ‘Don’t worry about that. I’ve got it all sorted.’ She removed her sunglasses and fixed Susanna with a warm smile. It was so unusual, Susanna found herself looking away.

‘We’re going to have fun,’ said Kathleen. ‘A bit of mother and daughter time.’

Susanna was unsure how to react. This new, maternal Kathleen was alien to her. She’d go with it for a while, as it was sure to wear off before too long.

They drove inland, then west, up into the hills along winding roads that revealed mind-blowing views of the island.

‘Where are we going?’ asked Susanna.

‘It’s a surprise,’ said Kathleen, and she looked so pleased with herself, Susanna left it at that. She stared out of the window, drinking in the beauty of the island, wondering if her mother was going to bring up the previous night’s conversation. But Kathleen stayed silent, seemingly entranced by the views herself.

Maybe she’s waiting until we’re alone, thought Susanna, glancing up at the driver. This wasn’t an ordinary cab; Kathleen had managed to secure a luxury sedan, perhaps through her hotel.

After a while they turned off the mountain road along a private lane marked with a sign so discreet that Susanna didn’t catch it, except for a glimpse of some understated white and grey lettering. It had seemed elite, expensive, and then up ahead a low, elegant, modern retreat emerged from the pine trees.

‘This is our first stop,’ said Kathleen, getting out of the car. ‘I thought you could do with a bit of special care.’

As Susanna walked into the reception of the spa, it took her breath away. A sense of peace and calm hummed through the air. The decor was refined and professional; clean lines softened by luxurious fabrics. The woman on the desk stood to welcome them, an unpretentious glow of proficiency about her.

‘They’ll give your skin the proper attention it needs,’ said Kathleen, and Susanna was so overwhelmed by this act of kindness she felt tears spring up.

She didn’t see her mother for the next two hours. Instead, the girls with their healing hands applied the gentlest of creams and care, and when she was shown the results in the mirror, for the first time in days she looked like her old self.

As they left, her mother nodded with approval at Susanna’s appearance. ‘That looks better,’ she said.

A woman in white trousers and a neat white tunic led them through a door to the outside. Susanna involuntarily flinched, expecting sunshine, but the walkway was covered with a long pagoda, laced with pink bougainvillea. They stopped in a secluded area set with tables, under a white canvas canopy. Each table was set apart from the others by small palms and potted olive trees, giving the impression of being alone in a personal dining space. Kathleen and Susanna were directed to a table at the front with views down the mountain towards the sea.

‘And now for our picnic,’ declared Kathleen.

Susanna wasn’t sure what she’d been expecting –