Happy families

I’m living with Sharon’s younger brother Robin, in the house their Mum bought for them from her share of the divorce settlement. Other residents include Robin and Sharon’s father, Jim, who isn’t officially allowed on the premises and spends the night in his car; an extremely camp young man who says he is in love with Robin; and a gorgeous hippy chick with no formal education whatsoever, also in love with Robin. Plus two dogs. A tall black-and-tan mongrel, very polite, the ownership of which is denied by all, and a grossly overweight Jack Russell belonging to Sharon’s father.

Sharon herself is no longer here during the week. Her social-work diploma course was failing her, so she transferred to one in London. She comes back at weekends, but doesn’t sleep here. Generally she stays with Darren, aka Odd Job, who is the first (official) boyfriend after me.

My going to live in Sharon’s house, when I’ve only just come off the tablets as a result of Sharon giving me the sack, has, in many quarters, been condemned as a retrograde step.