NEVER too late

Catriona had regrets about the past - but perhaps it was time to embrace her future

- Jane Ayres

The precious photograph had slipped between two others in the dog-eared album -a forgotten memory waiting to be rediscovered.

Catriona gazed wistfully, recalling a vivid youth that felt like another world now, before tucking the nostalgic reminder of her past back in the wardrobe. There was work to do before her visitor arrived.

She was in the garden when the taxi pulled up and her younger sister Shona, with teenage daughter Scarlett in tow, got out.

‘Now, Scarlett, make sure you behave for Aunty Cat,’ instructed Shona.

‘Mum, stop fussing, I’m 15, not 10!’ Scarlett groaned.

She was wearing her trademark black leggings, cobweb-patterned hoodie and Doc Martens, her poker-straight hair dyed bright magenta – the same shade as Catriona’s.

‘Go and enjoy that salsa and spa break with your girly mates.’

Shona looked anxiously at Catriona. ‘I feel guilty, leaving Scarlett with you. You’ve hardly had time to settle into your new home.’

Catriona smiled. ‘It’s no bother, honestly.’

The last time Scarlett visited, Catriona was still in the cramped, second-floor flat over a tattoo shop on the noisy high street, and Scarlett had declared she couldn’t wait until she was old enough to have tattoos and multiple piercings.

‘She’s been in trouble at school,’ Shona had confided on the phone the night before. ‘It’s so out of character but she won’t talk to me. I was hoping maybe you could find out what’s going on.’

‘I’ll do my best,’ Catriona had promised. She enjoyed Scarlett’s company. A sensitive girl, imaginative and creative, she was growing into a socially-aware, considerate young woman.

In some ways, she reminded Catriona of herself at that age – always writing stories and poetry, or engrossed in a book. They waved at the departing taxi, before turning back to the house.

*****

‘So, what do you think of my new place?’ beamed Catriona.