Five Ladies Go Skiing

by Karen Aldous

  ‘Possibly.’ Ginny slapped her hands against my thighs. ‘I’ve been pathetic. What was the point of wasting twelve months of my life worrying about it? He’s gone. I’m moving forward, shedding Mike out of my skin, my bones, my head, everything.’

  I was worried this was all going so fast. It had been a crazy twenty-four hours, but Ginny seemed resolute. I placed my fork back on my plate. The salmon was lovely, but there were more courses to come and I needed to pace myself. I pushed my plate to one side.

  ‘Now then, lovely, you have to stop fretting about me. I’m going to be fine. This accident today has at least knocked some sense into me and shifted my psyche. It’s time I left Mike behind and started living.’

  Ginny

  Taking the flute of bubbling Champagne, I placed it in front of me. With all the exhilaration bubbling around me, I felt drunk already. But with all the attention now off me and the last year erased from my mind, I wanted to share a wonderful evening with my friends.

  I stood up and raised my glass along with my voice. ‘Let’s have a toast.’ I paused as they gathered their glasses and got to their feet. I then held my glass in the centre of the table. ‘Here’s to my gorgeous friends. My beautiful Flowers. I want to thank you for arranging this trip. I love you all. Santé!’

  ‘Santé,’ they chorused.

  ‘And—’ I glanced at Kim ‘—one more for the friend I misunderstood. I’m sorry I accused her because I should have known her heart was in the right place all along, so now I fully appreciate how much she was trying to protect me. I’d like more than anything to raise a toast to Kim. Santé, Kim.’

  We sat back in our seats pouring the bubbles down our throats when Cathy commented.

  ‘Such a relief you two are friends again.’

  Angie placed her glass down. ‘Yes, it was getting tense.’

  I rested my elbows on the table, just as my mother forbade me to do, and proffered a smile. ‘I think it’s time I began to appreciate what you’ve all tried to do for me these last few years. I know I’ve shut you all out, so this is the perfect opportunity to let you know, in future, I will open up and let you all in.’

  ‘That’s music to our ears,’ Lou crooned. ‘I’m sure they’ll all agree,’ she said, her moist eyes searching our smiling faces – my besties and me sitting like petals around a pistil. Our reproductive years may have been over but to me, that pistil represented a belly overflowing with seeds of future potential.

  Lou lifted her flute and chinked glasses again. ‘To our friendship,’ she said.

  As we munched through our course of crispy fried courgettes, Cathy pushed half to the side of her plate. ‘This week you have all shown me precisely what Fun Loving, Older Women Embracing Life with a Renaissance of Spirit is all about. I’m going home with renewed vigour having learned my situation isn’t so bad; like you, Gin, I’m not going to shut myself away so much. I’ll limit my time in my study and organise time with Anthony and plan some fitness events with you girls.’

  ‘Oh, I’ve learned so much from you all for sure. I’ll tell you now, dangling on that ledge, I felt so helpless. Then seeing just one boot and leg, as I turned to look down the crevice, I was really scared. I imagined a corpse hanging near me. It was so eerie. Luckily, when my phone stopped, I heard a whimper and a surge of relief swept through me. Though weirdly, “The Rose” tune that played between those silences really soothed me. It was like a signal from my Flowers.’ I gurgled. ‘It was actually Kim’s tune on my ringtone, but I found it so comforting. Like some mystic messages, and I …’

  The aroma and sight of beef bourguignon under my nose momentarily distracted me. I began chopping the succulent pieces of meat.

  ‘Anyway,’ I continued, as I let my dish cool, ‘I felt that you were all urging me on. Encouraging me. I lay there reflecting on everything that had happened this week; all your stories ran through my mind, the struggles you’re still dealing with – I was dealing with. The risks. Like the risk you took when you asked that guy to help you by fathering your child, Kim. The desperation you must have gone through, the tension with Will then, and now.’

  ‘And jeopardising our friendship,’ Kim added. ‘But, I’ve taken everything on board and not only have I learned to face conflict head-on in the future, but I’ve realised it’s the compromises in a relationship that count. I’m determined to find a workable solution for Will and I.’

  ‘Aww, I hope so, in fact I’m sure you’ll find that fighting spirit that I still can’t believe came to me earlier.’

  ‘God only knows where that strength came from.’ Kim blew out a large sigh, then laughed. ‘I was literally bowled over.’

  The girls laughed. ‘Well, I will have to take some credit, for that,’ Angie said. ‘You don’t get to grab, carry and throw your own weight without physical preparation.’

  ‘I know. And thank God you motivated us to put the work in. I would never have had the confidence if I wasn’t physically strong,’ I said. ‘But, your strength has come in a different guise, Ang. You and Lou. Both of you battled with temptation.’

  Angie sat up straight. ‘Yes, in fact it’s done me a big favour. I’ve discovered a fighting spirit side to me I didn’t know I had. I’m determined to focus on my dream instead.’

  ‘Me, too,’ Lou said. ‘It’s time I began getting to know Terry again. I’ve vowed to myself to communicate with him more and enjoy the great relationship we have. He’s a real romantic at heart and I’ve spent too long comparing him with Jimmy, the tough charmer who really is an absolute knob.’

  We sniggered. ‘All those years you idolised him,’ Angie spluttered.

  Lou waved her hand. ‘I know. What a waste of time, eh? I’m so glad I chose not to meet him the first time he contacted me. No, I love and appreciate Terry so much, we have a great lifestyle, and of course, great friends. I’m so looking forward to planning our retirement together.’

  ‘That’s what I’m looking forward to, too,’ Cathy said with shining eyes.

  ‘Yes, well, we’ll know to balance our time, won’t we, Cath?’ Lou jibed, poking her in the ribs.

  ‘Darling, I’m going to take that in the spirit I intend to maintain.’ Cath sniggered. ‘I know you all think I need a humour transplant.’

  ‘I’ll come and get one with you too, Cath,’ I said. ‘Mine’s disappeared.’

  ‘No, you’ve been great this week,’ Angie said. ‘You’ve changed considerably.’

  Lou cupped her hands. ‘What we need is a little pot of each of our strengths so that we can dip into them when we need them.’

  ‘Great idea, Lou,’ I agreed. ‘I’ll have some of your brave spirit. It helped me this afternoon. Your gumption. Look how you told Jimmy straight. Got on with it. You know, I really thought you were going to melt into Jimmy’s arms when you saw him. Honestly the heat, the chemistry.’

  ‘Yes, I think we were all warming our hands in that fire,’ Kim said.

  ‘It’s out, I can assure you,’ Lou stated categorically.

  ‘Well,’ I said, ‘my aim is to get braver from now on. Assert myself. Try new things. I don’t know anyone who trusts in their own judgement as you do, Lou. You have such an instinct, a quiet confidence. You just threw yourself into the skiing. All these skills I need to learn or reacquaint myself with if I’m to cope better on my own.’

  Kim reached for my hand. ‘But you’re not alone. You have friends. Why don’t we set up a WhatsApp group where we can all let off steam or share any news?’

  ‘Yes, why didn’t we think of that before?’ Cath said shifting another half-empty plate to one side.

  ‘I can keep up to date with your writing, Cathy,’ Kim said.

  ‘Sounds perfect,’ I said. ‘But I intend to get out more, make time to call in to you all from time to time. And like you, Cathy, I want to create a new sense of purpose in my life. I think it’s great that you’re now following your passion. Maybe I was on that ledge for a reason. To make me question things and test my cou
rage. Maybe a fusion of everything I’ve learned from you, Flowers.’

  I felt all eyes on me. ‘It was a massive test.’ Kim chuckled.

  ‘Well, there’ll be more of those to come,’ Angie declared. ‘We’re not Flowers without a reason.’

  I looked at my plate, still half full of bourguignon. ‘I’m rattling on, aren’t I? So, shall we open another bottle and start celebrations?’

  Soon, five Champagne flutes were raised in the air, with an explosion of different cheers. I gulped a large mouthful to quench my thirst. I raised my glass. ‘To us Flowers – let’s celebrate!’

  ‘And—’ Angie winked ‘—here’s a toast to your long bright future. Did I mention there’s a fabulous opening with my company if you …’

  ‘Really? I hadn’t heard.’ I laughed. ‘But I’d be delighted to be part of that amazing company.’

  ‘I’ve got plans to expand to Nordic walking too.’ Angie clapped. ‘Yes, I’ve been making lots of notes from all your input. We’ll be the fittest and healthiest Flowers and certainly won’t be growing old gracefully! Not in Nepal!’

  ‘Or Machu Picchu,’ I said. We laughed, chinking glasses again, and Kim squeezed my hand. ‘To a wonderful future, sweetheart.’

  ‘Thank you. I’ve got the best friends in the world,’ I said nibbling at my delicious bourguignon and sipping more bubbles.

  * * *

  ‘Let me top these glasses up,’ Neil said, popping the cork on a cool bottle of Champagne.

  ‘Oh, hi Neil,’ Kim said, rising from her seat and shuffling along the bench. ‘Yes please, I’ll shuffle round, and you can sit with Ginny.’

  ‘Oh, apologies, you haven’t finished your food.’

  ‘Oh, we’ve had plenty, so sit down,’ Lou said, shuffling along to allow Christoff to sit the other side of the circle beside her. ‘Gorgeous food, but waaay too much.’

  Neil topped up our bubbles. ‘Thank you, Kim. Yes, as ever, Stefano, in true Italian style, loves to fatten us up. I don’t think Weight Watchers would survive up here.’

  ‘Not a chance.’ Cath giggled.

  ‘Whoa, I was going to cancel my personal trainer but, even with the skiing, I’ve blown up,’ Kim said.

  ‘It’s not just the flab. We’ll be fighting for this lady’s attention, won’t we, Kim, as you’ll be heading back to Oz,’ Neil said, sitting snugly beside me, my skin tingling as I smelt his familiar scent. He immediately wrapped an arm around me and kissed my cheek, swiftly reminding me of what it was like to be loved.

  ‘You are an enigma, beautiful lady,’ he said. ‘In less than a week you’ve got me hooked trying to work you out. From your first stumble to your heroic but self-effacing charm. All I can say is I need more. I want to know what you’ll surprise me with tomorrow.’

  ‘It’s our last day,’ I said puckering my lips and making a sad face, but in a way, I was looking forward to starting my new life. This trip had more than served its purpose even though I would miss having my friends together, and Neil.

  ‘Don’t remind me, I’m missing you already,’ Neil said lowering his eyes. ‘Do you think you’ll ski tomorrow?’

  My hand flew to my throat. ‘No. I won’t be getting back on skis, even if my back felt better.’

  ‘What if I took you on to the nursery slope in the morning, if you’re feeling up to it? Maybe we could go for an hour, just to get your confidence back; then we could drive down to the lake. Spend the afternoon there.’

  I felt a wave of excitement flush through me, but I was wary. ‘Neil, I’m not sure I should do either. I’ve …’

  ‘You said you were asleep when you passed Lake Geneva. Wouldn’t you like to visit Montreux? It’s beautiful. You’d love the flowers along the path, particularly lovely in spring but even this time of year, there’s the colourful alpines and decorative cabbages. There’s a good restaurant by the pier, overlooking the lake.’

  Our eyes locked. In those amazing eyes was a yearning, just as my body longed for him. In just a few days we both knew this was something special, but were we kidding ourselves? The distance between us, and the fact that I could never trust a man again, would make it impossible.

  ‘Neil, I …’

  Kim screamed beside me and jumped out of her seat. ‘Will! Oh my God, Avril, Mai! And, Tandy! What are you all doing here?’

  Kim

  I scrambled out from the bench and threw my arms out catching Avril first. ‘Wow, this a surprise.’

  Avril had her arms around my neck. ‘We had planned to get here earlier, but Dad’s flight was delayed, and we wanted him to be here for the big surprise.’

  ‘Well, you’ve certainly done that.’ I was speechless. ‘How lovely, and New Year’s Eve too!’ Tears welled in my eyes as I grabbed Mai, then Will. Will had come all the way from Australia, Avril from London, and Mai, not so far, from Milan where she was working. And Tandy from Ouchy, near Lausanne.

  ‘Hey, Kimmy, sweet.’ Will pulled me into his chest and enveloped me in his arms. ‘I didn’t think I was going to make it. So pleased we got here. I’ve missed you.’

  I looked at my watch. ‘With an hour and a half to spare before the New Year strikes. I’ve missed you too.’

  I heard my daughter Avril calling me. ‘Mum, you should meet David.’

  I let go of Will and shook a young man’s hand. ‘Avril has told me she met someone. You’ve been together a few months, I understand.’

  ‘Very pleased to meet you,’ David said politely in broken English. ‘Yes, we met in June. I was, am, as you say in English, head over heels in love with her.’

  ‘That’s good to hear,’ I said, wondering if his accent was Italian. ‘Avril’s certainly smitten.’

  He smiled, then crooked his mouth. I detected the word smitten may have escaped him.

  Will was rubbing my shoulder. I turned and pecked him on the lips.

  ‘So how long have you been planning this?’

  ‘Err. Since three days ago.’

  ‘What? You’re kidding, right?’

  ‘Nope,’ Will said shaking his head from side to side. It was so good to see him. He looked a little tired, his clothes creased, but that was understandable. And he must have got last-minute cover at the hospital. This was so out of character for Will, and so unexpected. What a day this had been. I couldn’t have been happier. I looked around, straight into wife and mother mode, wondering how I could fit them in and feed them. Stefano was already on the case, however. He was shuffling people along the bench and chairs of the nearest long table and working out what accommodation he could spare at the hotel. I hadn’t taken too much notice, but many people were now finished with their meals, and were either up dancing or going out to the square.

  ‘We have plenty of food,’ he said to me, shrugging his shoulders. ‘I charge them half the price.’

  ‘Thank you so much,’ I said hugging Stefano. ‘We had better order more Champagne,’ I added, then continued to introduce Neil and Christoff to my family. It was then that Tandy’s husband, Jean-Pierre walked in.

  ‘He’s been to park the cars,’ Tandy said hugging me. ‘We couldn’t get them all in one so we left one just down the road and he’s been sorting it all.’

  ‘You don’t know how much I appreciate all this, my dear Tandy. They could have hired cars.’

  ‘Yes, but I wouldn’t want to miss this. I’ve never been up here over New Year. We managed to get an apartment for two nights.’

  We sat down once the introductions finished and the table was set for the gathering, including one extra.

  Mai sat beside me on the bench with Will squeezing on the end and Avril and David opposite, holding hands and gazing adoringly at one another. Tandy and Jean-Pierre wriggled in. Food and drink arrived swiftly and, feeling overwhelmed, I pinched myself. Not only did I have my best friend back today, but my whole family and Tandy. Life really didn’t get much better than this.

  ‘So how was skiing, Mum?’ Mai asked.

  ‘I’m addicted,’ I sa
id honestly. ‘I’m not sure if it’s the skiing or après-ski I’ve got addicted to but I think I’ll be back for more. In fact, I think we all will. Well, Aunt Ginny and I had a nasty scare earlier. Had to be rescued from the mountain. I’m not sure how we feel about returning yet.’

  ‘Oh, my God, Mum.’ Mai leaned back to inspect me. ‘Were you hurt?’

  ‘We’re fine, sweetie, honest, Ginny was more bruised than me,’ I told her. Mai leant forward on her elbows. ‘No, really? She looks amazing.’

  ‘Yes. Although, she is also the local hero.’

  ‘Heroine, Mum,’ Avril corrected, but was all ears. ‘What? Why?’

  I glanced over at Ginny, hoping she wouldn’t mind but her hand came up covering her face as she listened. I scanned my audience, Will now attentive. ‘She saved me. I was caught on a tree branch and she did this amazing stunt to grab me and throw us to a safe spot of snow. Apparently, it’s on social media.’

  ‘Oh wow, Auntie Ginny, go you,’ Mai said.

  ‘Thank God you’re OK, Auntie Ginny. But well done and thank you,’ Avril said, already scrolling down her phone. ‘Oh, is this it? Is this you on Twitter? Ooh, you’re trending on Twitter. Go to hashtag gransrescuealps.’ Avril watched as the video played, turning it so we could watch. ‘Wow! Wow, how on earth? Oh, ace, Aunt Ginny. I don’t know how you managed that. I thought I was fit, but that’s amazing! Have you seen it?’

  It was a truly amazing scene. I was astounded at Ginny’s strength, as were the others.

  Ginny wiped her brow. ‘No. And I don’t need to. It was horrid.’

  ‘Well, it’s probably been edited but, that didn’t look horrid at all. You should be proud.’

  ‘Let me see,’ Angie called across and took the phone from Avril.

  Lucien arrived with Champagne distracting Avril and David as they whispered. I saw Avril tap Will’s arm and whisper in his ear.

  As the girls and Neil and Christoff watched the video, Tandy wriggled back out of her seat and watched with Angie, Lou and Cathy.

  Will was pouring out Champagne as their first course arrived. He then took what was left in the second bottle and offered it to the other table.