Excerpt From My New WIP Titled 'Sugar & Spice.' (With draft cover tease).

PROLOGUE

It’s getting a little cramped in here. No room to stretch. Am I stuck in here forever? Ah, there are those voices again, so familiar, so soothing. I wish I could see what they look like. 

‘Not long now, little one, until you meet your mum, your dad, and your big brother.’

Who said that?

‘Me. I’m the universe and I’m here to answer any questions you have before you are born.’

What’s a girl?

‘Why do you ask?’

I hear those voices saying they think I’m a girl. What does life look like if you’re a girl?

‘It certainly has its challenges, that’s for sure. Would you like me to show you what your life could look like?’

What do you mean?

‘There are a few more days until your due date, so I have time to show you.’

Due date?

‘The day you get out of here.’

Oh great. So, I do get out of here. How do I get out?

‘That’s probably best left for another day.’

Okay, so what happens now?

‘Sit back and enjoy the show. I’ll show you your whole life in fast forward. Are you ready?’

I guess so.

  HELLO PRINCESS

                                                                 March 1976

Oh god here comes another one. All these people in my face, making silly noises at me. I wish I could say something back. I’d tell them to go away. Somebody help me, please.

I’ve only been on this earth for five days, and people passed me around to all and sundry like a hot potato. All our friends and relatives came to gawk at me, coo over me, cuddle and kiss me, and bring gifts. Mainly pink in colour. 

I saw Uncle Stan bouncing my big brother, Sebastian, on his knee like he was a bucking bronco. Everyone calls my brother Seb. ‘Aren’t you becoming a big strong boy? Robyn, how old is he now?’

Robyn is my mum’s name. I also hear her being called Mrs. Hughes sometimes. All I know is that if I cry, she is usually the one who picks me up. She’s warm and cuddly, and I get upset if I can’t see her. ‘He will be three in September. We only wanted one, but little Charlotte here was a lovely surprise.’ 

Apparently, that’s my name. Everybody already shortens it to Charlie. My dad’s name is Keith. He’s around only sometimes when he is not at something called work. I quite like him too. Mum seems to think he’s great. 

Anyway, back to Seb and the bucking Bronco. Once Seb had jumped off his lap and someone handed me to him, Uncle Stan looked terrified he might break me and handled me like you would a delicate China tea set. 

People passed me around some more, and quite frankly, I got a little dizzy. The next one I found myself with is our next-door neighbour, Edith. She smells of mothballs and lavender. ‘Oh, she is just the prettiest little thing, isn’t she? Congratulations. I hope you like the dress I bought her. It’s fit for a little princess.’

This is a dress that I’m wearing now? My legs are cold, and this lace stuff is making me itchy. Where’s mum? Maybe she can change me? I cried my lungs out, and Edith bashed me so hard in the back I got whiplash. Stop that, will you?

Oh good, here comes Mum now. Nope, she just walked right past with a bowl of food. I’m hungry too, so maybe I’ll ramp up this crying caper, just a little. Okay, here we go. Big breath. 

Edith made a face at me. A bit like she sucked on a lemon. ‘Oh, deary me. Someone’s not very happy, are they?’ Well, no, that’s why I’m crying. ‘Ah, it seems you have a wet nappy.’

Edith looked around for my Mum. Ah, great, we’re heading in her direction now. The wet nappy trick works every time. ‘Sorry Robyn, it seems this little lady is a bit wet.’

Edith held me out in front of her like a bomb that might detonate any minute. Mum put her arms out. ‘Here, Edith, give her to me,’ she replied. Ah, finally. Now, once I’m changed, can I stay with you for a while? 

Mum took me to the bedroom to change my nappy. There was still a lot of chatter going on in the lounge room. Martin from down the street shook Dad’s hand while puffing cigar smoke in his face. ‘Nice work, Keith. I’m sure Robyn will be grateful for a little helper around the house when Charlie gets older.’

I wanted to turn my head towards the familiar voice, but I can’t hold it up on my own just yet. That sounds like Grandpa ‘Now you listen to me, Seb. You look after your little sister. Protect her. That’s your job now.’ Protect me from what? 

‘Isn’t this little apron adorable? She will grow into it in no time. It’s never too early for little girls to get to know their way around the kitchen.’

Once back in the lounge room, Mum passed me to Grandma, then to Aunty Cindy. Aunty Cindy hugged Mum tight. ‘Oh, Robyn. I’m so happy you had a girl. I love Seb too, of course...’ She jumped up and down and clapped her hands. ‘But a girl is just so lovely. ‘Why am I so special? What’s the difference? 

I had my bottle while Aunty Cindy stroked my cheek. Ah, that feels nice. ‘You look tired, sweet girl.’ My eyes got heavy, and I fell asleep. This coming into the world caper is exhausting. 

Hayley Walsh (c) 2025