Full house, Duty Free: St Petersburg


Dear Diary,

Martin said he will come to Russia with me if I still want to go. He's interested in their history he said and wants to visit. I told him that sounds brilliant but could we wait until I've got my special eye things so I don't have to wear glasses. He said there is a place called St Petersburg where we can stay, it's the capital of Russia, like London is the capital of England. He didn't have ham sandwiches for lunch today, he went into town and bought sausage rolls instead and we shared those. He helped me sneak out of school, it was really fun. He told me he's already bought my special captain's hat, with extra gold braid. I can't wait for my birthday now, it's tomorrow! Mum said Martin and his parents can come over for tea if I want. Martin said he would ask. Dad came home again. Him and Mum made me sit at the table and explained why there were boxes with 'Gordon' and 'Carolyn' written on them. There's even some boxes with 'Arthur' written on them now. Mum said that they are getting divorced. This means that they are not going to be married anymore. But it's okay, because Mum will still be Mum and Dad will still be Dad. Except me and Mum are going to live somewhere else, and so is Dad. But not together. I don't mind really. After Dad left Mum told me that Dad has found a different 'significant other' and that he doesn't love her anymore. But he still loves me. It makes me sad that he doesn't love Mum anymore, because I think Mum still loves him.

Lots of love, Arthur.


Dear Diary,

It's my birthday today, I am very excited. Mum told me that for my birthday, she is going to see if she can keep G-Erti when her and Dad get divorced. Apparently they have to decide who gets to keep what in court. I am very glad because Mum says she is going to get to keep me. I don't want to live with Dad by myself. Martin and his parents came over for tea today and Mum had invited Douglas! He told us another story about smuggling and he played musical chairs with me and Martin while Mum controlled the music. Martin's Dad is called Martin Davenport too and his Mum wore a bright purple dress and brought a cherry pie for pudding. Later, when all the adults got drunk, Douglas said that he wasn't working for Air England anymore and that it is 'the winter-time' of his career. I don't know what that means but Mum said 'Code-Red' to me when I asked so me and Martin went outside and played in G-Erti. Martin's little sister had come as well and we took turns being the captain and doing a cabin address while the others pretended to be the only two passengers on the flight. I wore my hat, even when I was a passenger. It nearly flew off in the wind but Martin's sister caught it. Martin's sister is very pretty and she's called Libby. When we went back inside all the adults were laughing and Mum was sitting next to Douglas. She looked very happy. I gave her a hug before I went to bed and told her I love her. I do love Mum, very much.

Lots of love, Arthur.