"I'll fix us a sandwich" Fran said as she opened the door.
Chetan followed her into the kitchen area. "I would rather have you for lunch" he said as he went to kiss her on the neck.
"No Chetan, don't do that. I'm not interested in you except as a friend; don't spoil our friendship" she said as she turned away from his kiss.
"Sorry Fran. I thought you might fancy me just a bit."
"You're a nice guy but I'm only renting the apartment for a month until next week, and then I plan to travel across the States to California. I don't really want to get in a relationship" Fran explained.
"Oh, I see. No room for me in your plans then. What will you do when you get to California?"
"I shall be looking up an old friend I haven't seen for over ten years."
"How did you meet her?"
"Actually, it's a he" Fran emphasised the word he.
"Oh, and does this friend have a name, is he married and what does he do for a job?" Chetan asked with an edge to his voice.
"Don't be like that. He's called Joe and he's not married. I don't even know if he has a girlfriend. He lives on a rice ranch in Chico with his parents." Fran wished she hadn't been so curt but he had annoyed her.
They ate the sandwiches in silence and then Chetan got up from the table "I think I had better go. Thanks for lunch Fran. See you" he said as he headed for the door.
"Chetan, please don't be mad. I want us to stay friends. You are a great guy" she pleaded.
"Obviously not great enough” he said as he got into his car, and before he closed the door he said “Fran, remember the Indian saying ‘certain things catch your eye, but pursue only those that capture your heart."
**********
"Can you be ready in half an hour?" Nina called.
A quick mug of coffee and Fran was in Nina's car driving towards Teddy's house in another part of Tampa.
"Have you changed your mind?" Nina asked Fran. "Will you stay longer?"
"No Nina. I have to leave the day after tomorrow. I've bought my ticket already. I can't afford another month's rent, I have to make my money last" she replied. Fran knew her redundancy money wouldn't last much longer if she continued spending the way she had been. She was only allowed to stay in the States up to six months and she wanted to spend some time with Joe, so she was anxious to get to California.
Fran had been to the bus depot the day before and purchased a Greyhound bus ticket to the West Coast. She was told that she could travel on the one ticket as long as it was within fifteen days. It had to be a straight route and, as they had northern and southern routes, before she started out she would have to tell them where she wanted to stop, to ensure that she could take that route on the one ticket. Because the luggage is taken off at the destination marked on the tag, before boarding she should check that her luggage has her next stopping off point on the ticket otherwise it would be sent on. When she boards the bus she has to tell the driver where she would be getting off next, so that he punches or tears off the ticket accordingly. The man also advised her that it was best to ask for a route, which he pronounced rowt, so at first she didn't know what he was talking about. He said then she would know what time the bus stops at what place, and so would know when the next rest stop or dinner stop would be. The routes also give you information, such as when to change your watches, because from East to west there are four time zones.
After returning from the bus depot Fran spent the rest of the day studying her map of the States, trying to decide where she would stop off.
"I've worked it all out. I want to spend a few days going through the southern states before getting to California. There are a few places I'd like to visit, like the Grand Canyon" Fran told Nina.
"But I feel that you are like my younger sister; I want to tell you how I feel and go everywhere with you" Nina said almost choking on the words. "I'm going to miss you so much" Nina said with emotion as she pulled up outside Teddy's house. Fran felt an ache in her heart and she almost regretted her decision to leave.
Teddy had visitors and Fran realised they were there to view the property. He showed the visitors all around the house and they talked for a while until the prospective tenants left. As Teddy had to practise his accordion they arranged to meet him at the Lithuanian Club. Then Nina drove Fran to St Petersburg, stopping at McDonalds on the way.
"Why hasn't Chetan been around? I think he's so cute" Nina asked Fran after they took their order to a table.
"He tried to come on to me. We went for a drive on Monday and when we got back to the apartment he tried kissing me. I think he's a real cool guy but I don't have any sexual feelings for him. I feel bad now because I've upset him and so he hasn't been around" Fran explained to Nina.
"Oh I'm sorry to hear that. He's such a nice guy and he is good to you. Maybe you could have got attracted to him if you had more time."
"Well, I'm leaving soon, so that's not going to happen. How about you and Teddy, what is happening with your relationship?"
"I love Teddy but I'm not sure he loves me. It's because of our different culture and social background" Nina said thoughtfully.
"I know what you mean, but as I've said before you will just have to accept it. But Nina" and Fran paused "I have seen him in the park with one of the students" she paused again "but I'm sure there's nothing in it, they are just being friendly."
Nina looked at Fran with a shocked expression. "What student? When was this?" she asked.
Fran then told Nina how she had been with Chetan to Lowry Park twice, and on each occasion had seen Teddy being familiar with a female student.
"Oh my God; my Teddy. What am I going to do?" she exclaimed.
"Chetan said he thought there was nothing in it and he is probably right" Fran said as she was feeling bad about having given Nina the news. She hoped Chetan was right that there was nothing happening between Teddy and the student, but she wasn't so sure.
**********
Nina was in an angry mood when they left McDonalds, and she put her foot down as she drove in the direction of St Petersburg harbour. 'Condominiums for Sale or Rent' the sign read.
"Do you want to take a look?" Nina asked unexpectedly as she put her foot hard on the brake.
"Why not" Fran replied. Nina pulled up in front of the sign and they walked into the office. A friendly woman showed them one of the apartments, which although well designed looked out into a square very much like a prison yard. Fran couldn't see tennis courts or a swimming pool; the features that made most condominiums so popular were out of sight.
"Actually, Fran is from England and we thought it would be fun to have a look at a condominium," Nina told the woman with honesty when they went back into the office. She didn't seem to mind and gave Fran a map of the area.
They then left and headed for the harbour. As Fran was looking at the sailing boats, Nina walked up to a good looking, grey haired man.
"Which one is for sale?" she asked.
"Well, mine is always for sale," he replied as he carried on taking items off an immaculate sailing boat. "Do you want to have a look?" he added.
"Yes please" Nina and Fran said in unison, and as they walked on to the boat they slipped of their shoes so they were walking barefoot on the sparkling white deck. He showed them around the cabins and told them he would soon be off to the Caribbean. They chatted for a while and thanked the man for his time before collecting their shoes and heading back to the car.
**********
Fran walked into the Lithuanian Club with Nina. It was a newly built hall with crystal chandeliers that added a touch of glamour to the somewhat plain room. Teddy played the accordion dressed in a white bloused shirt, black trousers edged with embroidery and a bright blue sash around his waist. The men and women who danced in Russian style wore similar dress in either blue or red national costumes, and it was a most colourful occasion. After the entertainment a splendid buffet was served; a variety of salads and cold meats. Unfortunately Nina and Fran fel
t a little left out because they could not understand or speak the language. Teddy was enjoying the company of his countrymen.
"Come on we're off to Mykolas's for a party" Teddy said after introducing them to Mykolas, one of the dancers, who lived near St Petersburg Beach with two of the other male Lithuanian dancers. Nina and Fran followed Teddy and Mykolas who were in Teddy's car, stopping on the way to purchase rum and fruit juice. This was immediately made into a rather tasty punch on arrival at the house. Fran talked to everyone she could at the party, and listened to the music whilst bouncing up and down on a water bed! Teddy was playing his accordion in another room enjoying the company of friends he had known since they were children. Fran felt sorry for Nina because she could tell that she felt out of place with the young men and women.
"Let's get another drink from the kitchen" Fran said to Nina.
She poured them a glass of punch and Nina said to Fran, "I can't talk to these young people and I've been trying to make Teddy understand that I want to go home, but he's enjoying himself so much he is ignoring me." Although Fran was enjoying herself she could understand how Nina felt. Then one of the female dancers walked over and Fran instantly recognised her as the student she saw in Lowry Park.
"Hi, I'm Daina, who did you guys come with?" she asked, her eyes rolling and slurring her speech.
Fran realised Daina was so drunk she didn't recognise her. "We came with Teddy" Fran answered. "Nina is Teddy's girlfriend" she added with emphasis.
"Oh! So my Teddy has a girlfriend, um" she said looking Nina up and down. "I shall have to speak to him about that. He is a naughty boy not telling me" and she staggered off calling out "Teddy you naughty boy, where are you?"
Nina looked at Fran "Is she the one? What does she mean; my Teddy?"
"I don't know. Yes, she's the one I've seen at Lowry Park with Teddy a few times" replied Fran.
"Oh; and she's so young and so beautiful!" Nina said looking very annoyed and upset.
She stormed into the living room and Fran quickly followed, then they both suddenly stopped when they saw Daina put her arms around Teddy, and Teddy looked as if he was enjoying the attention.
"We're all going to watch a film and then some of us are staying up to watch the space shuttle take off," Daina said looking up at Teddy. "It is a space shuttle party!" she shouted gleefully as she let go of him and walked out of the room.
Teddy laughed, "Ignore her Nina, she's had too much to drink" he said.
Nina said angrily "I've had enough Teddy, I'm leaving. Are you coming Fran?"
"I think I will stay because I would like to see the space shuttle take off. Will you be okay to drive home Nina?" Fran replied.
"Yes, I'll be fine. Make sure Teddy takes you home" she said as she walked out of the house.
"She really is like a big sister to me" Fran thought as she watched her walk out. Fran was enjoying the party but she also thought she would stay to keep an eye on Teddy.
Fran sat down with Teddy and the students to watch the film Apocalypse Now but she fell asleep in the chair before the end of the film. She awoke just in time to watch the Columbia space shuttle taking off, which was a fantastic achievement. Fran was relieved to see all go well. Teddy was no longer sat next to her but was sat on the couch next to Daina, who seemed to have sobered up. Afterwards they all decided to have a swim, and Teddy walked out with Daina and the other student dancers. Fran felt annoyed as Teddy had his arms wrapped around Daina as they walked to the beach.
They all stripped off to their underwear and ran into the sea laughing. The waves were moderate and the sea was warm even at that time of the morning. Everyone swam in different directions, and after a short time Teddy caught sight of Fran and shouted "I've had enough. I'm finding it a struggle having had no sleep; will you come back to the house with me?"
"Okay, I'm ready to head back" Fran replied and they swam back to the beach together, and then walked back to the house.
Daina, Mykolas and the other students somehow got separated in the water. Daina was beginning to feel a hangover coming on and the lack of sleep was making her drowsy. She was struggling to keep her head above the waves and her arms and legs felt heavy. She felt disoriented, and as she looked for the beach she felt someone or something pull her down by her legs. Daina struggled and tried to stay up by using her arms but the pulling on her legs continued, and then she felt someone push down on her shoulders from behind. She immediately went under gulping in sea water; she couldn't breathe, her life was leaving her body, and then there was nothing.
**********
Teddy and Fran returned to the house to find a note from Nina under the windscreen wiper of his car headed to Teddy, telling him that she had left because she was mad at him because he was all over Daina, and asked him to bring Fran home later. Teddy was upset; he had obviously hurt her feelings. Teddy drove Fran home, on the way stopping at the bowling alley for coffee. When they got to Fran's apartment, before she stepped out of the car, Teddy told her about his part in the Korean War.
“Fifty to sixty people died a night” he was saying. “If a friend is badly injured you had to shoot him for his own sake. Otherwise they would capture and torture him. You had to do it.” He was trying to explain the motives of the film they had just watched. He knew that Nina didn’t understand why people acted as they did in a war situation. He tried to obtain Fran's understanding. He showed her the marks on his legs from shrapnel and from a bullet that had gone through his leg muscle. Her heart felt for him. He was making conversation but she could see in his eyes that he was upset and confused.
**********
All the events of the evening and morning were going around in Fran's head. She couldn't relax. She couldn't get Nina, Teddy and Daina out of her mind. Then she thought about Chetan. "Maybe he will make me feel better" she thought. She rang his number and he agreed to come over.
Fran heard his familiar steps and opened the door "Chetan, I'm pleased you came. I had to see you before I left tomorrow" she said.
"Hi Fran. Good to see you. I've been thinking of you" Chetan said with a look of embarrassment.
"Come in Chetan. I thought maybe we could have a farewell drink" she said holding up a bottle of vodka.
"Well, it's a bit early in the day."
"Come on just a little" Fran said as she poured out two drinks and added some tonic.
He sat on the couch next to her and they talked about the days out they had together. Fran kept on topping up their drinks until they became relaxed and uninhibited. Then she started undressing and undressed Chetan at the same time.
They were down to their underwear when Chetan said slurring his words "I thought you weren't interested."
"Well, maybe I've changed my mind. Besides I thought it could be a leaving present" Fran responded, as she licked his ear and then started working her way down. Then she put her hand into his briefs.
"Stop Fran. I can't do this. It doesn't feel right" Chetan said in a raised voice as he pulled away.
"Why not? You wanted it the other day. Am I not good enough now?" Fran said annoyed.
"Yes. You're great, but I don't feel comfortable. I think I will have to leave. I don't want to remember you like this" he said as he started to put on his clothes.
Fran screamed "Well if you have to. But you don't know what you're missing Indian boy!"
Chetan glared at Fran "I'm off" he said as he walked out and slammed the door behind him.
**********
Fran packed her bag and cleaned the apartment in automatic mode. Then she lay on the bed exhausted and slept for a few hours. It was early in the evening when she awoke to a knock on the door.
“I have come to see if you got home ok.” It was Nina; she was concerned how Teddy had reacted. “I was angry. I couldn’t take him kissing all those girls, particularly Daina. I just wanted to go home,” she said as she sat down on the couch. “It's your last day Fran, and it's been spoilt. It's taken me all day to get composed enough to co
me and see you."
Fran could see Nina was upset and so she said "I'll get us some coffees" and walked into the kitchen.
"I can't understand Teddy’s attachment to the people from the Lithuanian Club. When he's with them he ignores me" she said.
"It's Teddy’s heritage" she said as she looked at Nina, who didn't look like the strong woman she admired so much. "Nina, if you want to stay with him you are going to have to accept it. It is obviously a very important part of his life, and is his one link with the people and the culture he has been brought up with" Fran said firmly.
"I guess I understand, and I'm grateful for you to explain it to me, but I'm still not happy about Teddy being attracted to Daina" she said as tears welled up in her eyes.
It was apparent to Fran that this was their first lover’s tiff and that Nina was still upset and confused. As Nina didn’t want to stay in the house, Fran suggested that they should go out and spend the last evening together, so they went to Crawdaddys, where they stayed until it closed.
**********
Fran's neck was throbbing as she tried hard to keep back her emotion. “Goodbye, I hope everything works out well for you and Teddy” Fran blurted out as the tears rolled down her cheeks. She could see the emotion that Nina was feeling in her face. They were standing outside the bus depot hugging each other.
"Goodbye Fran, please keep in touch, I will miss you so much" Nina said.
Teddy interrupted "Can I get a look in now" he said as he stepped between the two women and put his arms around Fran. "Goodbye Fran, it was great knowing you. I will miss you and I know Nina will because you have been like a sister to her."
"Goodbye Teddy. It was great knowing you." Fran had always hated goodbyes and had to turn her face and walk away before her tears became sobs. Saying goodbye to family and friends in England had been hard, but this was worse because there was a chance that they would not meet again.
Fran got on the bus and sat down and looked out of the window as the bus pulled away; her head pounding from the emotions inside. She saw Mykolas run up to Teddy and Nina but as the bus rounded the corner she could not hear what he was saying.
The English Woman Page 5