Novels by J O Y C E E

During the evening meal, she was merely picking at her food. This surprised everyone because Geneva normally had a very healthy appetite."Are you ill, Geneva? Joanne asked anxiously.""No, mummy, I was just thinking about my daddy. Why can't he just come and see us,mummy?" Geneva wanted to know.Joanne could not answer. Her lip quivered and she stared helplessly at her daughter.Mrs Kingston reproached Geneva and said, "now Geneva, don't upset your mum. I must not hear you asking her about your daddy anymore.""I wasn't talking to you grand mum. I know if it wasn't for you, my daddy would not have left my mum," retorted Geneva rudely."Geneva! Don't talk to your Grannie like that. Now apologize to her," Joanne said sternly. They all knew Geneva had overheard conversations she was not meant to hear."Anyway, if that father of yours loved you, he wouldn't have kept so silent all these years," Mrs Kings added before Geneva could apologize."How can you say that mummy? Joanne cried." Yo

Your daughter's been sulking all day. She won't talk to anybody. You'd better go and see her before she bursts.Joanne sighed. She really did not know what to do with Geneva and her sulks. Mummy, didn't you ask Mark what happened to her at school?"I did but he said she was unlike herself today. She wouldn't talk to him at all until they got home. She greeted me, took her lunch and went straight upstairs. I've been trying to get through but she just ignored me," her mother explained."I wonder what's wrong with her now. Geneva is terribly spoilt, you know, mummy." A little girl like her, only nine years old shouldn't be behaving like a temperamental teenager. Said Joanne anxiously. She took her bag and climbed up the stairs.As soon as she heard her mother's voice, Geneva leapt off her bed and flung herself into her mother's arms."Mummy! Welcome! I'm so glad you have come, mummy!" She cried, as if she had not seen Joanne for days."Neva!" What's wrong now? Granny says you have bee

The twins were named Geneva and Georgia. Both names were given by the Kings but Ross did not mind. He got on quite well with his father-in-law, but the cold war continued with Mrs Kings. She always seemed to know just what to do to annoy him and still make him look at fault.He promised himself things would be different after he has finished his service year, but in fact, they continued just the same. He now had a well paid job, a fine office and a company car. Mrs Kings advised him on his clothes and appearance while he ignored her comments. As a house wife, Joanne was not organized. She was constantly out with her mother and the babies so her husband came back to a lonley evening meal well prepared by the house maid. He had to sit and wait until noise and bustle announced that the grandmother had brought the family back or else Mrs Kings was forever sending them food or inviting them to come and eat at her place, because she felt Joanne had so much to do.They seemed to be always a

Mummy and daddy thinks our cars are too small and we need more room for a baby, Joanne tried to explain."Shut up!" Ross shouted. "Mummy thinks! Daddy this, mummy that! That's all I ever heard in this house. Does it ever occur to you that i might have idea of my own, Joanne? It's a strange kind of marriage when the husband is never consulted about anything."Joanne closed her eyes and tried to keep back the tears, stinging her eyelids, from falling, but they spilled all over and ran down her face as she cried out. "Damn it, Ross Chester, I don't understand you at all.""That may turn out to be the understatement of the year!" Ross exclaimed angrily. "So little rich girl, you thought you understood me? Yet you were so sure I'd jump out of my skin for joy anytime your father in his great generosity gives me a present? I don't need a Mercedes Benz. I'm fact, I don't need any such tokens from either of your parents. I know you cannot tell them, you're too chicken, do I'll do it for you.

"Do you want to have an illegitimate child?" Do you want your child to grow up not knowing his father? I meant not really knowing you? His aunt asked quietly, knowing she was touching a raw spot."But auntie, I'll just end up not having mind of my own. It will be as if they bought me," Richard protested."You love Joanne. You want this baby. These are the things you should bear in mind. You should be happy living anywhere with her and your baby," his aunt said."You are Ross Chester. Nobody can buy you. Knowing you, I'm sure you won't let anybody rule you," his uncle added after Ross told them about what happened. They advised him to accept the Kings conditions.After much persuasion, Ross went to the Kings and told them he had no choice but to accept their conditions, and so they could go on with plans for the wedding. Then he went back to Australia conscious that the Kings were taking over the arrangements for the wedding and, if he was not careful, for the rest of his married life.

Next day it seemed almost incredible that the previous evening had been so momentous. How momentous she realized later when she missed her period. The day passed. It wasn't merely late. She knew she is pregnant. She was not really worried because she felt sure everything will be alright, when she told Ross. She sent a message across to him "urgent message. Please contact Joanne immediately" she settled down to wait as patiently as she could.When she had begun to think she couldn't endure the silence any longer, there came, not a letter, but a phone call. At the sound of Ross's voice, Joanne thought she might faint. She hastily sat down and closed her eyes."Yes, yes, I'm here. Where, where are you?""I'm in Australia, Joanne, are you alright?""Yes, fine! Look, Ross. I must see you. Did you get my messages?""No, nothing. What's wrong?""I can't talk now." Joanne looked widely round the office. "What about this evening?""Fine." He sounded puzzled at something in her voice. "Shall I