**********
The men did come to spray the termites again, they woke Fran up; it was five hours later at 8 am. They injected a chemical into the ground to poison the termites and as they didn't make any mess Fran didn't have to leave the apartment. After the men had finished their work, Fran went for an 'As much as you can eat' meal that she had seen advertised for $2.99. The restaurant was farther than she realised and the road had no side walk, so it was not long before she wished she hadn't decided to walk. By the time she got to the restaurant she had worked up an appetite but she still found that she could only eat a normal sized portion.
**********
The next evening Teddy and Nina took Fran out again. They were entertained by an excellent show band at the Ramada Inn's Hawaiian Bar. After leaving the Ramada Inn they drove to the harbour, got out of the car and walked towards a wooden Colonial style building on the edge of the water. There was an old milk delivery van outside and a washing line on which old clothes hung. As they entered Crawdaddys Fran was delighted to see rooms full of Colonial antiques. There was no admission charge but she found that the drinks were expensive. In the main room they danced to a Disco that played nostalgic music from the sixties. The place was throbbing with people so Fran walked out on to the veranda where wood fires burnt giving a romantic aroma to the warm evening air. There were Grebes fishing at the water's edge. How good she felt.
"Can you please drink up, we're closed," the barman was saying for about the third time to Nina, Teddy and Fran as they sat at the bar. It was such a beautiful evening they didn't want to leave.
On her way out Fran was approached by a dark haired man who said, slurring his words, "You are English? What part of England do you come from?" That was it; Fran was once again involved in a conversation about England. The inebriated man had been in the Forces, stationed in England and talked as if he were home sick.
His female companion tried very hard to be included in the conversation and finally to get their attention she announced, “I have a place on the beach at Indian Shores. You can stay there if you like." Of course it did the trick, the conversation switched to her. She gave Fran her telephone number and Fran said that she would 'phone her, but she never intended to.
As Nina, Teddy and Fran were still in high spirits and it was only 1.30 am they stopped at Sambo's restaurant. The waitress looked tired as they ordered breakfast. Whilst Teddy was telling the second chef how he wanted his omelette cooked, Nina said playfully, "I want an egg with the shell." Although the waitress was obviously not in the mood for jokes she brought the breakfasts and on Nina's plate were one fried egg and one broken shell! They all laughed!
**********
Fran was sound asleep when there was a knock on the door. She rubbed her eyes and looked at the time on the clock by her bed. The sun was entering the room through the gaps in the blind and she could see the time on her bedside clock said 12 o'clock. She got out of bed, quickly put on a wrap and opened the door.
"Hi Fran; late night?" Chetan said with a grin.
"Oh hi Chetan. Yes, you know what it's like when you go out with Teddy and Nina" she said sleepily.
"I still haven't got any work, so I wondered if you wanted to go to the park. I did think of Busch Gardens, but I don't think either of us can afford that."
"Yeah, okay. How about Lowry Park? I've been there a couple of times and there's usually a guy selling great Corn Dogs" she said realising how hungry she was.
"Sure, Lowry Park it is then."
"Come in and make us some coffee while I take a shower" Fran instructed.
"Okay" said Chetan as he went into the kitchen area.
Shortly after they walked into the park and headed towards the food van. As Chetan had a good appetite, like so many Americans, he bought three corn dogs and three cokes. While Chetan was at the counter Fran noticed a fenced off area across the park she hadn't seen before. Chetan handed her one corn dog and one coke.
"I might have known you would have two" Fran said laughing. They sat on a nearby seat to eat them.
"When we've finished let's see what's going on over there" Fran said.
As soon as they finished their snack they walked over to the fenced off area. There were lots of people milling around, but suddenly Fran noticed Teddy.
"Hey Teddy" she called, "what's going on, and what are you doing here?" Fran asked.
He walked over to them and stood the other side of the fence. "Hi Fran; I've come to see how my men are getting on. We're working on a project with the students from the University. I know some of the students because they come to the Lithuanian Club."
"Oh I see. Oh, Teddy this is Chetan" she said and the two men shook hands over the fence. "I don't suppose you need any more men, Chetan is out of work" she added, still feeling guilty because he quit his job mainly because of the way she was treated.
"Well because the students are helping us I'm okay for labour at the moment, but I will keep you in mind Chetan" he said with a genuine smile on his face. "Must get back, nice to see you both" and he walked off.
When Teddy was back amongst the workers Fran noticed a young attractive woman with long chestnut hair give Teddy an affectionate hug as she looked towards Fran. It seemed to Fran that she was asking Teddy who they were.
**********
That evening Nina had her friend Marcia over for a meal and drinks. Marcia, a tall bleached blonde, had been discharged from the USA Air force on medical grounds, and was now living off a disability pension. Fran joined them and became quite intoxicated.
The next day Fran took her first trip to Clearwater Beach on the Gulf of Mexico. Marcia had stayed the night and Nina drove her and Fran to Clearwater Beach. They sat around the pool of the Sheridan Hotel and for the first time during her stay in the States Fran could hear English voices.
"It sounds as if there are actually English people staying here" Fran observed.
"Yes, the English like to stay at the expensive beach resorts" Nina commented.
"Oh Nina, I forgot to tell you, on Saturday I walked to the 'As much as you can eat' restaurant, and although the food was good it was a long walk there and back and no pavements to walk on. Oops, I mean sidewalks - don't you Americans walk anywhere?" Fran asked.
"You shouldn't have walked. If you had asked I would have given you a lift. No we don't generally walk, although I could do with the exercise" Nina said whilst looking at her stomach.
"It's too dangerous to walk, especially a woman on her own. I always carry a gun in my purse" Marcia said.
"Wow, is that really necessary!" exclaimed Fran.
"Yes, that's one reason why we don't walk; you never know when you will be mugged. Maybe I could get you a gun Fran" Nina added.
"Well, maybe I should carry one seeing that I will be here for a while, and especially if I end up living here" Fran said as she considered the possibility.
"I could probably get hold of one for you. Oh, and Fran, I can help you get into the States. I know a lot of people who may be able to help” Marcia said in all sincerity.
Fran thought that Marcia would be able to get hold of a gun for her, but she wondered how she could help get her into the States; even if she did want to live there it seemed impossible. There was only one remote chance and that was if an employer offered her a job and could convince the American authorities that there was no American citizen suitable for the job. Then it would take a year before the application was even looked at, and if approved, a further year before the application went through. Therefore, the prospective employer would have to keep a job open for two years. Marcia, like everyone Fran had spoken to on the subject, was amazed to hear that she could not immigrate into the States, when every day they saw so many immigrants who appeared to be in a less fortunate position financially than Fran.
As Fran's toes felt the warm sand and her whole body was immerged in clear, warm sea water, her thoughts went back to the summers in Spain, but this was only April and it was already as hot
as any Spanish summer.
“In the summer months the sea is too hot to swim in, and in the mornings there are lots of dead fish lining the beach at the water's edge because they have literally ‘boiled to death’.” Nina told Fran.
“If that’s so then surely the sand would be too hot to walk on” Fran thought. Then her mind went back to when she was young and her weekends at the beach, riding the surf in Devon or Cornwall. Fran was a strong swimmer and was hoping she would be good enough to go surfing when she got to California.
As Fran looked at the Kapok Tree Inn, she thought it was a beautiful building with the pretty garden, statues and little water falls under a glass roof. The more affluent would dine there surrounded by trees, but the three of them just sat in the bar drinking punch in tall glasses, inscribed Kapok Tree Inns, which they were allowed to take home as a souvenir.
**********
After their day at Clearwater Beach Nina was feeling guilty about not exercising and was not happy about Fran walking the streets on her own, so she accompanied Fran on long walking excursions the following two days. They walked the length of Bayshore Boulevard the first day, and on the second day they followed the Hillsborough River, admiring the houses whose gardens went to the water's edge, many with small jetties for their boats. All the time Fran and Nina were becoming even closer friends.
**********
On Good Friday as Fran was having her morning coffee there was a knock on the door. Fran answered it. "Chetan, hi, how are you?" she asked with sincerity because she really did like Chetan.
"I'm fine, I've got your money" he said smiling as he held up a plastic money bag.
"That's great, you're the best" Fran said as she took the money, "oh come in. You want a coffee?"
"Thanks. I thought maybe we could go to the park again, and I can tell you all about my new job."
"Okay, after we've had coffee and I'll buy the Corn Dogs!" Fran said laughing as she held up the bag of money.
They walked through Lowry Park and purchased some Corn Dogs, and sat down on the same seat as before. Chetan told Fran almost every detail of his new job in the sales office of a food distributing company. Fran realised it was because he was so excited.
"Getting this job, it really means a lot to you doesn't it?"
"Yes, you know the American Indian is classed as a second rate citizen. I think I only fair better than most because I am half Indian."
"Well I've seen how well you work so I know you deserve the job" Fran said reassuringly. "Let's see how Teddy's project is going" she suggested.
There was nobody about when they walked over to the fencing around the project, and then they heard voices and giggling coming from the wooden hut that held all the project's tools and equipment. Teddy walked out of the hut followed by the student that Fran recognised as the same woman with the long chestnut hair who was with Teddy before.
"Hi Teddy" Fran called "this is coming along great" she said indicating the project.
"Yes, my men are doing a great job with the help of the students" he said as he looked at the student.
The young woman giggled. "I'm pleased you think we are helping Teddy" she said as she wrapped herself around his muscular arm, and Teddy looked embarrassed.
"Oh, Fran this is Daina, one of the Lithuanian students."
"Hi Daina. We must go Teddy. Oh, by the way Chetan starts a new job after Easter" Fran said as they walked away.
"Oh, great, congratulations Chetan" he shouted after them.
Fran was feeling angry "I'm not sure what is going on with Teddy and Daina, but I've a bad feeling about it. I don't like the way she acts around Teddy. Nina would be very unhappy if she saw them together."
"I know what you mean, but it's probably nothing to worry about. Besides he's old enough to be her father!" Chetan responded.
"Well, it makes me sick" Fran said angrily.
Chetan knew Fran thought a lot of Nina and wouldn't like Teddy to hurt her. He could see the anger building up in her.
"Let go of your anger Fran, it will only makes things worse. There's an old Indian saying my mother told me 'day and night cannot dwell together'."
**********
The next day was Easter Saturday and Fran went to Clearwater Beach with Nina and Teddy. As Fran walked towards the Sheridan Hotel she wondered if she should tell Nina about Teddy and Daina. But soon the thoughts went from her mind as she heard the sensual sound of a West Indian steel band that was playing by the side of the pool. The romantic drum music sounded like a full orchestra which made her feel good. After sunbathing, a swim and two glasses of rum and coke on an empty stomach, she felt really relaxed and happy. Teddy went over to watch the steel band.
“I’m going for a walk along the beach” Nina said.
“I will come with you.”
“Will you watch our things until we get back?” Nina asked the blond curly haired man in his early thirties.
“Okay, are you English?” he asked Fran.
“Yes, I am on holiday. I am staying in Tampa with Nina” Fran said, her eyes averting towards Nina.
“How long you here for?” the older man asked.
“I have been here a month now, but will be travelling across the States soon. What a lovely bracelet.” Fran had noticed the colourful bracelet on the younger man. He introduced himself as Paul and the older couple as his mother and father, Wayne and Nancy, from Georgia, who had retired to Clearwater. He had bought the bracelet in New Mexico where he had lived. As Fran talked with Paul and Wayne, Nina was engaged in conversation with Nancy.
“Let’s go for that walk now,” Nina said walking past Fran.
As they walked through the warm white sand Fran turned to Nina and said, “I am glad you and Teddy are together. I do like him. I admire him and find him interesting, because he has done so much with his life."
Nina looked pleased. “Will you tell Virginia what you have told me? That Teddy is so easy to talk to. Will you please do that for me?”
“Of course I will Nina” Fran assured her.
Virginia, Nina’s younger sister, was thirty two and lived in Chicago. She had a successful career and because of her highly paid job Virginia had decided to stay in Chicago when Nina moved to Florida with Ruth. Fran had spoken with Virginia on the ‘phone and she had sounded really nice and friendly. She suggested that Fran stayed with her in Chicago for a while whilst she was in the States. Fran was looking forward to meeting Virginia because she felt that if she was like Nina then she would find warmth and enjoyment in their friendship.
They continued to talk about how Nina had always looked after Virginia because her parents spent all their time looking after Ruth. As Fran waded through the water’s edge and let the frothy foam dissolve in her fingers, she found the conversation to be stimulating as they talked more deeply about people’s relationships. When they got back Teddy was talking to their three newly made friends from Clearwater.
“They have invited us for a drink, would you like to go?” asked Teddy excitedly.
“That will be fun” Fran replied. They followed them in Teddy’s car to their condominium, where they sat around a table in the garden and talked until dark. As they were all so happy and didn’t want the evening to end they decided to meet at a restaurant in Clearwater. Teddy, Nina and Fran were ordering their meal when the other three arrived. They all sat on a large table and were soon joined by Paul’s brother, who left after about an hour.
After the meal and on Paul’s suggestion they drove to a nearby hotel to see a reputed comedian. Fran walked into the crowded room where a man was sitting on the stage holding a guitar. She could not hear his jokes, only the laughter, because she was busy looking for somewhere to sit. She sat to the right of the stage looking out at the audience and could see Teddy and Paul at the back of the room trying to find their way through the crowd. Nina had followed Fran and was now passing the front of the stage.
“Stop picking on the Polacks” Nina shouted, “I am a Polack.”
"What are you doing Nina, you are not Polish?" whispered Fran.
“This is what I think about you and your Polack jokes” Nina shouted as she pulled down her trousers and thrust her bottom towards the comedian. Fortunately she had her swimming suit on!
“Get out. I am serious, I want you to leave” the comedian told her angrily, obviously embarrassed. She walked off and Fran followed quite bewildered.
“I don’t like people who pick on minority groups. I think of Ruth and how people use to pick on her” Nina said, explaining her conduct. She was serious; the drink had brought out her true feelings. They joined Teddy, Paul, Wayne and Nancy who were gathered in the car park, and whilst their backs were turned Nina went running towards the hotel. Paul and Fran ran after her.
“Don’t pick on the Polacks” Nina shouted as they pulled her away from the laughing faces.
**********
Nina and Fran stayed at Teddy’s that evening and in the morning had breakfast at the Country Kitchen restaurant. They laughed as Fran told Teddy how Nina had pulled down her trousers in front of the comedian, as he did not see what happened from the back of the room.
“Did I really do that?” asked Nina, amused at her cheek. After breakfast they went ten pin bowling, then on to the Tampa airport to have a look around, as it had only been built a few years. They had cocktails in the famous CK's revolving restaurant at the top of the airport hotel, from where they had a fine view of Tampa.
**********
Chetan had arranged to hang out with Fran on the Monday, because when he started his new job on the following day, he would not be able to meet up in the day anymore. He picked her up in his old Ford Mustang and they drove out of Tampa and into the country. He turned on the radio and Willie Nelson was singing “My heroes have always been cowboys” and Chetan sang out loudly and Fran laughed at the irony of it and joined in. Then Chetan laughed, and they drove around for a while before heading back to Fran's apartment.
The English Woman Page 4