Pregzilla

My sister Caroline is one of the most amazing women I know. She had Ashleigh eleven years ago when she was 14, and has been best of parents to her all on her own. Ashleigh’s father is a Mancunian, and he’s got other children that he doesn’t take responsibility for across the city. Earlier this summer, the mother of two of these children got in touch with Caroline through Facebook because her kids were asking about Ashleigh. Ashleigh has also been asking about her dad. Caroline explained the situation to Ashleigh, who has subsequently been writing back and forth to her half-sister in Manchester. They came up today so that Ashleigh could meet them tomorrow. Caroline is 38 weeks pregnant.



We went to Croma in Chorlton for a swanky but laid-back pizza meal. Ashleigh is a wonderful young lady, and it was a real pleasure to hear her talking about the things that she was interested in – scout camp, for example – as well as to hear her surprisingly mature and balanced views about meeting her half-sister and half brother for the first time. We had dough balls and garlic bread to start, pizza for the main course, and cheesecake to finish. The easy service was a real pleasure, and I was overjoyed to be able to share it with Caroline and Ashleigh.



After the meal, we went to Chorlton Water Park and took a dusky walk around the lake. Canada Geese landed in hordes as the light drained out of the sky. As we got to the car, it started to rain lightly. Perfect.

After I got home, I went to Sol’s and met Kate, Lisa and Dunk. Kate’s new housemate Megan seems very nice, and it was a real thrill to hang out with Lisa again. She seems very happy in London, living with musicians and playing softball. Lisa was very much where the party was at, which hasn’t changed at all. I was surprised that at 3a.m. she went home. I crashed on the sofa.