“What do you want?”
“Is there something you’re not telling me Sandy? I think I deserve an explanation. After all we’ve been through together, it’s the least you can do. ”
The door was forced open wide. It was Nat, looking embarrassed and apologetic. Standing behind Sandy, he mouthed: “I’m so sorry.”
“What’s going on Sandy?”
“Well if you didn’t want him, why let him go to waste?”
Joanna walked away crying. She wasn’t jealous, more angry at Sandy’s deceit. Nat wasn’t faultless either, ruining a friendship that stretched back years.
I thought Sandy was better than that. Bitch. Well, at least she was right about Nat’s immaturity.
They never spoke again. Nat immediately got himself transferred to another building.
For months Joanna kept busy with the weekly soup runs. One night she spotted an incredibly skinny woman she hadn’t seen before puffing heavily on a cigarette, dry, cracked lips trembling. Her once thick, auburn hair was prematurely grey and wispy. Finger tips stained from chain-smoking, she shivered even though it was not particularly cold, probably from drug withdrawal symptoms.
Under her grubby denim jacket her sweatshirt evidently hadn’t been washed for a while either. She was a complete mess. Cheekbones protruding under pallid skin, Joanna felt really sorry for her.
“Would you like a sandwich and some tea?”
“Yes, please.”
“Cigarettes?”
“Thanks.”
“Haven’t seen you before.”
“I’ve come from King’s Cross. It’s getting too rough there. Too many psychos.”
“Don’t worry, you’ll be okay here. I’m Jo.”
Joanna had learned not to ask their names. They often didn’t want to tell. Curiously, this one did.
“I’m Katie. I used to be a banker at World Finance until drugs got the better of me but nobody believes me.”
“Don’t worry, I believe you.”
Then Joanna reached into her Red Cross food bag.
“Apple pie Katie? They are Mr. Kipling’s.”
Hungry For Revenge Page 2