Sam... Distracted — Heather Mar-Gerrison

I stared at True. “A letter from my mother?” My insides felt all wobbly and I was starting to lose feeling in my legs. I pulled out a chair and flopped down. Nausea threatened to have me running for the sink but I tried my best to stay calm.
She nodded, biting her lip. “I didn't know whether to tell you or not…”
I swallowed. “It's fine,” I lied, “I can handle it �" give it here.”
She passed me the envelope and I took it with slightly shaky fingers. This was surreal. She'd never been able to write in all the time I'd known her �" she lived only for the skunk and the sex… I shivered. She'd sold me to anyone for her next fix �" and had enjoyed the whole sordid show too �" I guess she could argue that she wasn't fully aware but I'm not sure I would agree. In my opinion she just wasn't quite right in the head…
“What does it say?” True asked quietly.
I shook my head, “Nothing much �" just that she reckons she's clean now and wants me to meet her and that she has a wonderful new boyfriend �" how has she got a new boyfriend when she's spent the last two years inside?”
True sighed and shook her head, “I have no idea �" he must be one of those weird people that writes to the inmates.”
“Freak,” I muttered.
“Freak's right.” She agreed, “Are you okay?”
I looked up into her beautiful face, all concerned for me and not in any way other than that of a sister who cared about me. This was my family �" the Fletchers. They were the ones who had given me their surname to give me a new start in life and to make me less easy to find. Mum's letter had come to me via the prison service. She didn't know where to find me. I could just ignore this letter and never see her again…