The dental hospital made cut backs, Laura was looking for a job.
A local dentist advertised: dental nurse required. Laura was interviewed. The dentist rang before Laura returned home. I took the message: the job was hers. She was pleased. So were we.
There was a shift pattern at the dental practice: no two weeks was the same. Scrutiny of the pay-slip showed Laura had taken a part-time job. She understood there to be extra hours on offer if, and when needed. I understood reduced contractual hours meant reduced benefits. Still she was happy and the months ticked by.
Laura’s twenty-first birthday. Celebration for friends: A table was booked at an Italian restaurant. Before this gathering, Husband popped in to the restaurant and ordered wine to flow at his expense, I know! Celebration for family: I threw a house party. A few of Laura’s friends were invited. I played the record we bought for her birth: Isn’t she lovely – written by Stevie Wonder. I gave a little speech: ‘How lucky you are to have both sets of grandparents at your twenty-first.’ She was mortified.
I filmed the family gathering, each time the camera pointed her way, Laura frowned, shared her annoyance with friends. I had become an embarrassment to her.
There was no abuse of alcohol at this party. Laura behaved in the company of relatives, for now.
addictchild 