Livia’s Life – Season 2

Livia’s Life – Season 2 by Jasmine Sheherazade Ebrahim, from the Livia Series

 

Chapter One

 

Livia was sitting restlessly on the picnic-blanket, complaining every five seconds.

“Mum, please,” she moans. “I’m so bored.”

“Livia, stop it.” Her mother snaps. Livia sinks further into the blanket.

“Let’s just enjoy some fresh air, eh?” Her father pitches in cheerfully, his take on Livia completely different from last summer. “Come on, Livia, get that blood pumping!”

Livia groans. Dad shakes his head playfully. Mum starts fiddling with the picnic-basket.

“Ooh yum!” Livia grins, leaping towards the food.

“No, Livia!” Mum shouts, closing it again. Livia slithers back. She sits there, silent for a while before asking, “Mum? Dad? Can me and Lavender go off and play?” Dad looked at his wife. Mum shakes her head.

“Oh, go on mum!” Livia begs.

“Go on, Maya.” Dad smiles at the girls. “Look, how about Alexa and Catherine take them into the fields for a play?” Mum still looked uncertain. Livia eyes darken. Why would she want to go with Catherine?!

Catherine was Livia’s older sister, 17 years old. She was fourth oldest in the family including Luka and Zain, Mum’s only sons. Catherine was very bossy and she had a habit of shouting if things went wrong. Livia found her tremendously annoying and prim so she had no intention of exploring with her in charge.

The thing was, she didn’t mind quiet, thoughtful, hardworking Alexa, the third oldest in the family. Alexa was always in charge, along with Catherine, because Luka and Zain weren’t living with them anymore. Luka was the oldest, 25 years old, and married to the beautiful Yasmin Amira. Zain was 22 years old but the family hadn’t heard from him since last summer at Luka’s wedding.

“Okay fine.” Mum gives in. “But please behave! I’m looking at you Livia.” She crosses her arms, staring right at Livia. Livia rolls her eyes. “I’m warning you! Any naughty behaviour and you’ll spend the evening in your room.”

“But Luka’s coming—” Livia starts, her eyes wide.

“Yes. Which is why you need to behave.” Mum gives a small smile. “Go, enjoy. Give me and your father some time alone.”

Livia made a face. “What?” Mum snapped. Lavender grinned at Livia.

“Let’s go.” Lavender smiled, tugging Livia’s arm. They ran off with Alexa and Catherine walking briskly behind.

Rosalind, Brittany and Roxanne were still laying on the blanket. They were happily ‘sun bathing’ until Brittany gave a high-pitched squeal. Mum turned to her. She raised her eyebrows. Brittany smiled before turning back to her sisters.

“What is it?” Roxanne said angrily. Brittany rolled her eyes.

“Listen, as mummy and daddy are—” she started before Roxanne rudely interrupted.

“Mummy and daddy?! Mummy and daddy!!” Roxanne snorted. Brittany shoved Roxanne, scowling as she did it. “No, but seriously, mummy and daddy?”

“Shut up!” Brittany said fiercely.

“Geez you two. Just quit it.” Rosalind sighed, laying on her back like a beetle. “So, what were you saying, Brittany?”
“I was saying that because mum and dad are having some ‘alone time’,” The girls stuck their tongues out, “they will be totally wrapped up in their own business, that we could do whatever we wanted.” Brittany finished; her cheeks rosy with excitement. Roxanne scoffed.

“Yeah, but mum heard you squealing. They are still listening.”

“Be quiet, Roxanne. I think it’s a great idea. And anyway, I’m the oldest.” Rosalind crossed her arms proudly. Roxanne lay back down.

“You two are bonkers.” She mumbled.

“Just ignore her.” Rosalind continued. “Britt, we could go shopping.”

“Oh yes! And I could get that super short skirt that mum didn’t want me buying—oh and the red lipstick—and the bikini top!” Brittany gave another squeal. Roxanne groaned loudly, throwing the blanket onto her. Brittany threw it back and stood up.

“Come on Rose!” Brittany grinned, taking out her blue purse. “Let’s spend some cash!” Rosalind smiled and brought out her pink bag full of pounds.

“I only have about 10 pounds.” Rosalind said.

“I have like, 20.”

“Seriously?” Roxanne sat back up. “You two don’t know how to live.”

“Really? How interesting. How much do you have?” Rosalind countered.

“5 pounds. Mum trusts me the least with money. She thinks I’ll spend it all on cigarettes and alcohol.” Roxanne shrugged. “But she’s not wrong.” Rosalind raised her eyebrows.

“So how do we live then?” Brittany said sarcastically.

Roxanne smirked, strolling up to mum and dad. She carefully pulled out their wallets and stole 20 pounds.

“You are crazy.” Rosalind said, admiringly. Roxanne grinned.

“Mum and dad will kill you.” Brittany muttered.

“If they find out.” Roxanne waited for a response, but nobody replied. She rolled her eyes. “Come on! If we’re shopping, we’re doing it the fun way.”

Rosalind smirked back, nodding. Brittany nodded too. So, all three girls set off with their bags full of money, into the town.

“How do we get there? We’re in the countryside!” Brittany said, pausing. Rosalind laughed.

“God, you’re as thick as the others. Mum and dad only say it’s the countryside so we don’t do things like this,” Rosalind shakes her head. “So, we don’t steal their money or go buy stuff.” She shrugs. “You guys coming or not?”

Brittany skips after Rosalind whilst Roxanne crafts a plan.

Meanwhile, Livia and Lavender are chasing each other further into the meadow. Alexa and Catherine are walking slowly behind them, chatting until their mouths were sore.

“Lavender! Lavender look!” Livia shouts, charging up the mound. Lavender hitches up her skirt and races after her sister.

“Liv! Livia! Slow down!” She cries.

“No! Wait, Lavender!” Alexa shouts. Catherine grabs Alexa’s hand and they both rush after them.

By the time all four girls are up the hill, Livia was half way up a tree.

“Livia!” Lavender gasps, standing beneath the imposing oak tree.

“Livia, get down here right now!” Catherine yells, hands on hips.

“Livia, are you okay up there? Livia? Livia!” Alexa’s eyes widen. She turns to Catherine. “Cath, what are we going to do!” Catherine was speechless. All three of them were helplessly watching Livia launch herself up the tree. She seemed to be attaching some kind of rope to it.

“Look! Watch me!” Livia cried, holding up one arm. Lavender ran forward, her face pale in fright.

“No Liv! Get down!” She shouts. Livia ignored her, reaching higher. She hauled herself up into a sitting position.

Everyone held their breath whilst Livia tied a knot onto the rope, attaching it to the tree.

“Cath, I’m going get mum.” Alexa muttered.

“No. No, Alexa, don’t.” Catherine was shaking. “Livia!” She yelled. “Livia please, come down!”

Alexa bit her lip as Livia crawled back along the branch. She had made a rope swing.

Eventually, Livia was on the ground, grinning proudly at the swing.

“I did it!” She cried happily. “Anyone want to try?” She asked. Catherine was opened mouth.

“Have you lost your mind?!” She screeched. “You could have been killed!”

Livia looked shocked. “Killed? By climbing a tree?”

Lavender nodded, her face pale. Alexa just shook her head at Livia.

“Livia, we are going.” She said softly. “Now.”

Livia shook her head determinedly.

“Livia!” Catherine shouted.

Livia sprinted past her sisters and started climbing back up the tree.

“Do you want to get killed?!” Catherine yelled. Livia took no notice as she nimbly climbed up to the swing. When she finally got there, she jumped onto it and started swinging higher and higher. Her legs kicked back and forth until she was so high, her hair was waving in the wind.

Livia was grinning, her cheeks rosy red. Her hair was scraped into a messy ponytail so it was already loose. Her brown locks were bouncing around, covering her face.

But down on the ground, her sisters were not as happy as she was. They were watching Livia with wide eyes.

“Livia,” Lavender whispered. “Please, please come down.”

Livia shook her head, her hair flying wildly. “I’m on top of the world!” She shouted.

Alexa suddenly saw the branch crack. The rope was fraying.

“Catherine,” Alexa bit her lip. “The rope—” Alexa looked up. Livia was sitting precariously on the swing—Alexa had to warn her!

“Livia! Livia! Hold still! Don’t move!” Alexa yelled. Catherine suddenly grabbed Alexa’s hand tightly. Livia looked down. She gasped.

“Livia! Livia!” Alexa yelled again. “Cath, she’s, she’s going to fall!” Catherine shook her head, stubbornly.

“No. No, no!” Catherine shouted, stepping under the branches. Livia swung back and forth, slowing down rapidly. The rope was loosening and the branch was hanging uncertainly.

Suddenly, the swing shook and frayed, until—

The swing broke off, falling to the ground with an ominous thud. Lavender screamed, rushing to it with Catherine and Alexa following. But…Livia wasn’t there…the girls looked up and…there she was. Livia was hanging onto the branch!

“Livia!” Lavender shouted; her face lit up with happiness. But it didn’t last for long as the branch that Livia was clutching—was about to crack…

“Livia!” Lavender yelled again, rushing forward—but she was too late. Livia was already lying sprawled on the floor. “Livia!” Lavender screamed, tears falling on her cheeks.

Catherine gasped, lifting Livia’s head. She turned to Alexa, “Livia’s hurt.” Alexa cried out, running to Livia’s side.

“Liv, Liv, wake up! Liv, please be okay!” Lavender whispered from the corner.

“She will be.” Alexa promised. “Livia. Livia.” Alexa gently shook her sister. But Livia wasn’t awake.

“Wake her up! Alexa, wake her up!” Lavender wailed. Catherine looked just as anxious.

“I’m so sorry.” Catherine mumbled. “I told you not to get mum.”

“Cath, this is not your fault.” Alexa took Catherine’s hand. Lavender looked wild.

“Catherine?! You said that?!” Lavender yelled. “You, you, you did this. You killed Livia.” Catherine gasped, blinking back tears.

“Lavender!” Alexa called after her. Lavender was shaking her head, her breathing all raspy.

“I, I’m not coming back—I’ll never forgive you!” Lavender screamed, rushing down the hill. Catherine started to cry, her tears rolling down her red cheeks.

“I’m so sorry,” she said between sobs. Alexa held both Catherine and Livia’s hands, squeezing them tightly.

“Lavender! Lavender, don’t go! Please.” Alexa shook her head, her own eyes welling up.

“Livia, please, be okay!” Catherine cried, closing her eyes. Alexa watched Lavender sprint down the hill, her eyes red and puffy.

“Catherine don’t beat yourself up about it. It wasn’t your fault. But now we need to be brave. I’ll get mum, you’ll stay here with Livia.” Alexa mustered up a smile. Catherine mirrored it, wiping her tear-stained cheeks.

“Good luck, Alexa.” Catherine said softly, waving Alexa off.

Alexa nodded briefly before following Lavender down the hill. Lavender was already miles ahead but Alexa thought she could catch up.

“Lavender!” She called, breathing heavily. “Lavender, I’m getting mum. She’ll be able to help. Come with me, Lav. Livia will be fine, I promise.” Alexa stopped and smiled at Lavender. Lavender stopped to.

“Okay,” she whispered.

So, they both ran off, back through the forest to get their mother.

*

In the meantime, Rosalind, Roxanne and Brittany were having a brilliant time exploring the shops. Roxanne brought the girls into a newsagent and bought herself a bottle of wine and a packet of cigarettes. Rosalind didn’t take a second glance at her sister’s unusual choices so the three moved onto the clothes section.

Brittany was dying to buy herself a short skirt and a bikini top, maybe even high heels or bright red lipstick. Rosalind also wanted to buy herself something short, cool and attention-seeking so she led Brittany into the perfect shop for short skirts and crop-tops: The Diamond Road.

Roxanne was reluctant to join them, but then she saw a super cool denim jacket and bought it for a tenner.

“Rose! Rose! Come look at this!” Brittany squealed. She held up the shortest skirt she could find against her and struck a pose. Rosalind clapped her hands.

“That’s brill!” She exclaimed.

“I know right!” Brittany grinned. Roxanne rolled her eyes.

“It’s a skirt.” She sighed, tossing Brittany’s pile of clothes to the side.

“Hey!” Brittany yelled, picking the clothes up. Rosalind gave a snicker before also helping Brittany to pick them up. Roxanne groaned louder.

“This is getting boring I mean come on! Clothes? Why would anyone shop for a whole hour and all they buy is clothes?!” Roxanne kicked more clothes and walked over to the door.

“My God, Roxy, you are a spoiled brat. And what’s the difference between what you buy and what we buy?” Rosalind walked over to her sister. “You buy drugs for goodness’ sake! And what’s your problem anyway? Do you like ruining everything?” Rosalind ranted. Roxanne snarled, ran back over to Brittany’s clothes pile, grabbed the short skirt and ripped it. Brittany gasped.

The saleslady marched over. “Excuse me, young lady, are you going to pay for that?” Roxanne scoffed.

“It’s a skirt! A skirt. It looks better like that anyway.” It was obvious that Roxanne had gone too far. The saleslady raised her eyebrows.

“Is that so?”

Roxanne smirked.

“Well, maybe I should let your parents know. Or the police. How about that?”

Roxanne sighed, bringing out her bag.

“£50, please.”

Roxanne snorted. “What?”

“I said, £50 please.” The saleslady repeated, impatiently. Roxanne glanced at Rosalind who was busy with the dresses.

“Rosalind!” Roxanne hissed. “Rose!”

“What?” Rosalind said loudly.

“Ssh!” Roxanne shushed. The saleslady looked their way. “I, um, broke the bag…which I um, realized was, um, £50…”

Rosalind shrugged. “Not my problem.”

Roxanne looked frantic. “But what should I do!”

“Pay the lady.” Rosalind continued searching through the dresses. Roxanne turned back to the lady, taking out her money. She counted it loudly.

“One, um, ten, um, uh, twenty, uh, ah, fifty. Here you go,” Roxanne pretended to hand over the money. Then she quickly dropped some on the floor. She bent down to pick it up then stopped. “The money, it’s—my God! There’s only £15! I’m so sorry! Someone must have stolen it!”

The saleswoman rolled her eyes.

“Of course.” She sighed. “Do you have £50?”

“No.” Roxanne said. “Because it just got stolen!”

Rosalind snickered then froze. “Roxy…Britt…um…” Brittany stared at Rosalind.

“What?” Brittany asked. Rosalind pointed to two figures. Brittany gasped. Roxanne turned to them too and was equally shocked.

“Mum? Dad?” Brittany stared at them anxiously. She wasn’t so sure about this anymore.

“Ah. These are your parents.” The saleslady smirked. “Excuse me, sir, madam, are these your children?” She marched up to the couple crossly.

Brittany bit her lip. Roxanne sighed. “Your kidding, right?”

Rosalind flicked her hair. “Mum, Dad, we need £50.” Roxanne nodded a thanks to her sister.

But their mum and dad were not in the mood to treat their daughters. “Rosalind, Roxanne.” Mum frowned. “Brittany.” She paused, glancing at the saleswoman. “Yes. These are our children.” Mum, grabbed Brittany’s wrist, pulling the others along too. The second they were out of earshot, mum started yelling.

“How dare you run away and STEAL OUR MONEY! Me and your father are deeply disappointed in all of you. Rosalind you should know better—Roxanne, STOP smirking! This is not funny!” Mum screeched; dad’s glare lethal.

Roxanne wrinkled her nose. “You do understand that Rose is fifteen and I’m fourteen, right?! We’re practically ADULTS!!!” Mum went ballistic.

“UNTIL YOU LEAVE THIS HOUSE YOU LIVE UNDER OUR RULES! SO, I DON’T CARE HOW OLD YOU MIGHT BE, BUT YOU’RE STILL OUR CHILDREN! AND YOU ARE COMING WITH US, NOW!!!”

Rosalind stared at her parents, not making a peep, whilst Brittany wrapped her arms around herself, quickly grabbing her purse and shopping bag. Even Roxanne felt threatened and didn’t speak.

So, mum paid the saleswoman before marching her daughters out of the mall.

*

Meanwhile, Lavender was hysterically crying.

“Livia could be dead!” She screamed, her face red. “And—and…she can’t be…” Lavender whispered. “She so young, she’s got her whole life ahead of her…”

Alexa nodded, frantically scanning the horizon. “Lavender.” She said seriously. “There’s a problem.” Lavender stopped shouting and listened. “Mum and dad aren’t here.”

Lavender gave a gasp. “You’re absolutely KIDDING! Alexa TELL ME that you’re kidding…”

Alexa shook her head. Lavender flung herself onto the wet grass. Alexa took out her phone and started dialling her mum’s number.

RING, RING. BRRRING, BRRRING!

“Oh! She’s picking up!” Lavender exclaimed, staring at Alexa’s screen. Alexa grinned, as mum’s voice came through loud and clear.

“Mum? Mum? Can you hear me?!” Alexa said, clutching the phone tightly.

“Alexa? Alexa, yes, what’s wrong—is there a problem—is anyone hurt?!” Mum shouted into the line. Lavender grimaced as mum’s voice rang out. “Alexa! Alexa—are you still there???”

“Yes! Yes, mum, mum, it’s Livia—she’s—” Alexa stopped as mum cut in.

“We’re on our way, hold on dear—SAM!” Mum shouted at dad. Dad grabbed the phone. “What has Livia done?” Dad asked. Mum pulled the phone from his hands. “We’ll be as fast as we can—make sure Livia’s okay—I’m going to hang up now—NO ROXANNE!” Mum turned to Roxanne before hanging up. Alexa turned to Lavender.

“Lavender? Mum will be here soon,” Alexa promised. Lavender nodded weakly. They linked arms and started to run back up the hill.

“Livia, we’re coming!” Alexa smiled up at the sky. Lavender held her hand tighter. “She’ll be okay, Lavender.”

*

“NO ROXANNE!” Mum screamed as Roxanne asked to pop into TAK and RAK. “Have you heard anything of which I just said?!” Roxanne shrugged. “Livia’s is injured!” Rosalind stopped.

“Livia? I thought she was playing on the hill.”

“With Alexa and Catherine and Lavender?” Brittany frowned. Mum sighed.

“Alexa called me, she said Livia fell from a tree.”

Brittany burst out laughing. “A tree?!”

“A bloomin’ tree?!” Roxanne cackled.

“The little mite.” Rosalind smirked.

“You three—all grounded.” Dad said firmly. Rosalind stopped smiling.

“WHAT?!” They all shrieked. Dad glared at them.

Mum took her phone out and rung Alexa. “Alexa? Yes, we’re coming? Is she okay? Really?! No, no! I’ll call an ambulance. No, no. Yes. Yes, stay calm! Alexa, make sure—you’re back with the others? Good. Look after them. We’re on our way.” Mum ended the call before immediately calling 999. Dad looked concerned.

“Is she okay?” Dad asked slowly. Brittany’s eyes grew big.

“Is she going to die?!”

Mum bit her lip. Dad shook his head furiously. “Ssh!” He hissed. Then mum hung up.

“There on their way. We left the van with the picnic—we’ll have to call a taxi.”

There was a murmur of excitement between the three girls. But mum burst their bubble.

“A taxi for me and your father. You three will have to walk.” Mum said firmly. Rosalind’s jaw dropped.

“Are you kidding?! OMG, I hate you!!” Rosalind screeched. Roxanne wrinkled her nose.

“We’d be happy to walk,” She practically spitted it out. Mum was too worried to care. She started dialling another number. Once she had finished, she pulled dad with her leaving the girls to follow.

*

Meanwhile back by the tree…