Robyn Sisman

Special Relationship

1995. Penguin, 1999.

"Your friend won't be able to see you for at least an hour," the receptionist said finally. "Why don't you enjoy this lovely sunshine? Regent's Park is just across the road." Annie practically ran into the park, clearing her lungs of exhaust fumes from Marylebone Road. She walked up the broad path between gaudy municipal flowerbeds...The scene was like a Victorian painting, full of incident. There were office workers eating sandwiches on the grass, old men on benches with their newspapers, solitary women feeding buns to the birds, children everywhere. She even saw a proper old-fashioned nursemaid, bowling along a pram like a miniature carriage

Annie has accompanied Rose to an abortion clinic in Harley Street and is awaiting the outcome.

She walked as far as the zoo, where a couple of deer-like creatures stood dejectedly in their dirt allotment. Further on she could see Lord Snowden's famous new aviary poking into the sky, but it was time to go back. Rose might need her. As she turned, a shiny red ball rolled into her path. Annie stopped, looking round to see whose it was. From a couple of feet away a small boy stared solemnly into her face. Annie picked up the ball and held it out to him, smiling... She could see the fresh perfection of his skin, the lustrous lashes fringing clear, shining eyes...Annie walked back slowly, her thoughts returning to Rose, hoping she was all right. Though she knew that Rose would never ask, Annie couldn't help wondering if Rose's baby had been a boy or a girl