by RJ Hunter
They passed through a small, pretty village, and Sally noticed the time displayed on the clock-tower. He would be there now, she thought, as Lizzie had to brake sharply for a red light, causing her to curse. Sally suddenly felt her heart begin to race, for some reason, she felt that the young student at the library, could still be there, waiting for her.
"Lizzie, when we get back, I just want to pop into the library for a few minutes. How much further have we to go?"
Lizzie looked sidelong at Sally with a puzzled look on her face.
"We should be back in about forty five minutes, but why on earth do you want to go to the library on a Friday afternoon? Everyone else will be getting ready to go the dance or will be going home for Christmas. You do surprise me sometimes, Sally!"
"I wont be long. You can go back to Lloyd-Evans, I'll see you there. It's just that I've got a seminar early next week, it's the last one, I'm pleased to say." Replied Sally, trying her hardest to sound convincing.
"I'm glad I never took Classics, that's all I can say!" Said Lizzie, dryly. "Well, I suppose I can have a bath, while you're there. You wont be long will you? I'm sorry to be such a bore, but I feel so low at the moment, what with all that stuff at home, and now all this driving."
"Lizzie, I think you've stood up to it remarkably well. I certainly could never challenge my father like that."
"Thanks Sally, I really appreciate that. Perhaps we could cook something nice in the kitchen, get a bottle of wine, and just stay in my room tonight?"
Sally smiled at her friend, it was so unlike Lizzie to be this low. "What about Ken, don't you want to see him later?"
"Sod Ken!"
"Oh Lizzie!"
"I really can't be bothered. Besides, he'll want to go to the dance, and I don't feel up to it tonight."
They finally reached the campus, and Lizzie pulled up outside the library. As Sally got out of the car, her friend called her back.
"About this morning, Janice and I were right weren't we? It's just that I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. I feel so awful about Pamela, she's really quite a nice person."
"I think you should wait a day or so, then phone your father. I don't think everything is all quite over yet."
Sally waved Lizzie off, and walked the few yards towards the library. She would never describe herself as a nervous sort of person, but now she felt a strong, tingling sensation in the pit of her stomach. She climbed the few steps, then realised she hadn't even looked in a mirror since early that morning. She seemed to be alone, so she opened her bag, produced her compact and did a quick touch-up job on her make-up. Feeling more confident, she pushed the heavy, swing door, but it appeared to be locked, how odd, she thought? Glancing down at her watch, she noticed it was four pm, the library doesn't usually close so early, not even on a Friday.
"Been shut since twelve young lady," called out the campus postman, as he walked past. "Often shuts early this time of year, if no-one's using it."
Sally thanked him and turned to go, but the postman called after her, "Is your name Sally, by any chance?"
"Yes, it is, but why?"
"There was another student here earlier, a lad called, William, he said he was meant to meet someone inside. Closed, I told him, the poor boy looked quite upset. Anyway, he told me your name, and I said I'd look out for you in passing, and see you got the message he left for you on the board outside."
Sally drew in a sudden deep breath, she had not thought to look there. Excitedly, she thanked the postman again, and knew that everything was not lost after all. She hurried back into the porch, and glanced at the notice-board expectantly. She saw a large poster confirming what the postman had said about the library's closure, then, just a little below it, among the notes and leaflets telling of forthcoming church services, was a piece of folded paper with her name written on it. She removed the drawing pin, but her fingers were cold, and she fumbled a little, as she tried to open it out.
Dear Sally,
I brought your seminar notes. Sorry about the library being closed - I didn't know! I've left them in the post room for you. Perhaps, you might be at the Christmas dance tonight. I do hope so, I'd love it if you saved me a dance! If not, then I'll wish you a happy Xmas, and will look out for you next term.
William Peddlescoombe.
P.S. I have your scarf!
Sally re-read the note, and uttered, so that's his name, William, William Peddlescoombe. After picking up the notes from the post room, she walked briskly back to her room, desperately thinking of a way to persuade Lizzie to come to the dance that night. They both had tickets, and it would be such a pity to waste them. Putting herself in Lizzie's position, she wondered what her friend would do. It didn't take much working out, in fact, it was obvious - Lizzie would be totally straight and honest with her.
"Sally, I just can't believe it! I can't leave you alone for five minutes! When did you meet this William, with the funny-sounding surname?" Inquired Lizzie eagerly, "My word, you're a fast mover, and I thought I knew you!"
"It was only very recently," replied Sally, blushing. "Anyway, it may come to nothing, oh, Lizzie, I wish you could see him!" Sally got visibly more excited as she described her encounter with William, and it was infectious, Lizzie was soon out of the doldrums, and now, persuading her to come to the dance would be that much easier.
"Look, Sally - I'll be just fine here, honestly. I want you to go. I've already ruined your birthday, and I certainly don't want to spoil your chances with this bloke in the fisherman's sweater!" Said Lizzie as she sat at her dressing table and proceeded to apply her false eye lashes. "I can be so selfish, and miserable at times. I'm very lucky to have you as a friend."
"Yes, I know!" Joked Sally, "But why can't you come to the dance and be miserable there? And why are you putting on your eye lashes, if you're not coming?"
Lizzie started laughing, "Ok, I'll come for one drink, and one dance, maybe!"
"Fantastic! Shall I go to my room and get the Babychams?"
"Yes, please do, but aren't you forgetting something Sally - what about Frank?"
"Sod Frank!"
"Oh, Sally!"
"Frank said he wasn't going to the dance. He doesn't want to toady up to all those lecturers, and listen to a lot of boring speeches. So, while the cats away..."
Frank and Ken had been the first to arrive at the main assembly hall, where the university's annual Christmas dinner and dance was due to take place. They knew this particular hall very well, for it was here that most of the examinations were usually held. However, for Frank, the hall filled him with dread - it just reminded him of those annoying re-sits he was always having to take, and all the valuable drinking time that had been wasted because of them.
A temporary bar had been set up at one end of the hall, while at the other, stood the stage, where so many degrees had been proudly handed out over the years. Situated in the centre, and around the edges, were several large trestle tables. These were covered with white, linen tablecloths, and several volunteers were busy helping to set the places. In the past, each faculty would have their own separate tables, but this year, the students would be able to sit where they wanted. The eating arrangements for lecturers and university officials would remain the same. Several tables would be made available for them up on the stage, where they would be less susceptible to the ritual barrage of bread rolls, thrown straight after the president's speech.
Following a rousing rendition of the university song, it was customary for lecturers to go amongst the students and help serve the main course. The eating of Christmas dinner in the evening had now been a tradition at Falcondale for well over a hundred years. Once the feasting was over, all able-bodied men, and women, were required to assist in moving tables and chairs to create a space for the dancing. Faculty and officials however, were only expected to remain for the first dance. Very few though, adhered to this unwritten rule, or were brave enough to stay longer, for fear of being made a laughing stock by students
already high on Christmas cheer.
As the guests arrived, they were given a glass of extremely mild, mulled wine, which often had the habit of getting much stronger as the evening progressed. The guests would then mingle around the foyer looking for friends, or to see who was going to sit where. The atmosphere was always congenial, and for many students and staff, this annual event was probably the most enjoyable on the social calendar.
As the hall began to fill up, a low chanting could be heard in the distance. The chanting grew louder by the second, and for those of a nervous disposition, or for first-year students, who had never heard it before - it could be quite a scary and awesome experience.
Soon, the deafening cry of Die! Die! Die! totally made any conversation in the hall quite impossible. Guests either quickly made their way to the tables, or just stood dumbfounded, and watched as the main doors suddenly burst open.
The noise was coming from the university rugby team, and its army of followers. It was an episode that occurred every Saturday of term, but on a much smaller scale. The team, whether in victory or defeat would tour the town's pubs, before eventually making their way back to the social club, or in this case - the assembly hall. They would sing or shout as loudly as they could and hold aloft the player who had scored the most tries. Although deemed an honour, this was quite a dangerous practice, as invariably the supporting crowd were very inebriated and would often stumble, letting the said scorer crash heavily to the ground. The chant of 'Die', was in fact 'Dai'. This was the name of a legendary player, Dai 'The Dragon', who had scored the winning try in the final of the Welsh College's Shield, despite having the end of his nose bitten off. He later refused to take part in any celebrations until the players of both teams searched the pitch for his missing body part. The nose now takes pride of place, sitting in a bottle of alcohol behind the bar at the social club. Tradition has it, that the next scorer of a winning try in the final of the WCS will have to drink the contents of the bottle as a mark of respect. Needless to say, the university has never won the shield since.
Usually, Frank and Ken would have been up near the front of the procession, but tonight, Frank preferred to remain at the bar. He wanted to get his priorities right and be in a prime position to act accordingly at the merest hint of a desirable female, without having a vast herd of drunks swarming around him.
It certainly suited Frank, not having Sally there, judging by some of the gorgeously turned out beauties on display. He downed his pint and cheered excitedly as the beer-sodden crowd surged in. Then, together with Ken, they started to bang their empty glasses on the bar, in tune with the deafening rhythm.
Those in the immediate vicinity quickly divided like an ugly parody of the parting of the red sea, to allow the new arrivals access to more alcohol. Once everyone had been served, some sense of order began to return to the event, and the students were asked to take their seats. It took several minutes for over a thousand people to finally settle. Frank and Ken scanned each table with a trained eye, and it was then, that Frank noticed, Pauline. She was sitting up at the far end, near the stage. He was rather surprised that she had been able to attend something like a dinner and dance, bearing in mind the condition she had been in, when he had left her earlier that morning. He wasn't quite sure if she had seen him yet, but he noticed she was with her two friends, Jenny and Maureen. They probably had an evening of toadying up to the faculty planned, he thought, as he gazed further along to where Meredith was sitting. Frank's mouth drawled as he saw the Dean was busily chatting away to his beautiful secretary, Jane. She looked more stunning than ever, even at a hundred feet away. She was dressed in a striking, dark green ball gown, that highlighted her green eyes perfectly. She wore her auburn hair shoulder-length, and had her make-up immaculately applied. Jane was probably one of the most attractive women at the event, and Frank wondered where their respective partners could be. He grinned as he finished yet another pint, and imagined himself seducing a married woman right under the Dean's nose. There's just something about an older, attractive, and unobtainable woman. Forbidden fruit perhaps.
"Frank, stop leering at that bloody Jane will you, and look at this!"
Frank turned and followed Ken's gaze, over towards the main doors.
"Holy shit! Blonde bombshells or what! I never thought Sally could look like that!"
In fact, several others took notice and watched in total admiration as Sally and Lizzie made their entrance. Sally was dressed in a figure-hugging, black taffeta dress, that accentuated her shapely figure beautifully. With her blonde hair, slightly cascading, and her blue eyes sparkling, she looked simply dazzling. Even the gorgeous Jane looked over in awe, and had to concede she had come second best that night. Lizzie also looked stunning, but in her own rebellious way. She, in direct contrast, looked just like Cinderella, dressed in striking blue and yellow velvet, that produced a startling combination of colour, as it complimented her latest Monroe-like hair do.
Ken couldn't contain himself any longer, and stood up to summon the two stunning students over to the table. He and Lizzie were delighted to see each other, which pleased Sally, as she could see straight away, that her friend was getting back to her usual self.
"Ken - you look so handsome in a suit. You should wear one more often!" Remarked Lizzie in a teasing manner. But Ken couldn't find an answer straight away, he just glared at her amazed. "Is that really you, Lizzie?"
"Of course it is, you fool! Have I been away that long?"
Sally wasn't quite so enthusiastic to see Frank, she had been rather hoping it would be somebody else. However, she had to admit, he did look rather fetching in his black dinner suit and bow tie.
"Hello, Frank. What a lovely surprise to see you here. I didn't think you wanted to come?"
"What the hell do you think you're playing at?" He growled, with a crazed look in his bloodshot eyes, before grabbing her arm and leading her to the bar. Sally, realising he was drunk prepared herself for public humiliation. Frank ordered himself a large whisky, then, becoming aware that he was making a spectacle of himself, toned down his act a little. He then smiled at Sally and lifted her arm in a sweeping motion, so that he could run his eyes admiringly up and down her expensive dress.
"What's the matter, Frank. Didn't you want to see me?"
Frank moved in closer towards her, "Look, I'm sorry, that was stupid of me. You look incredible, Sally, absolutely gorgeous. It's just that I had last night all planned out for you. It was meant to be the evening of your life. So what was so important that you had to stand me up?"
Before she could answer, he pulled her violently towards him, knocking over several glasses on the counter in the process. He then kissed her passionately in full view of the other guests. Frank's anger at Sally and his earlier plans for Jane soon melted away, as he felt the familiar stirring down below.
Sally, feeling distressed, quickly managed to disentangle herself from Frank's grasp, and began to explain about Lizzie's problems at home. She hoped it would be enough to placate him and keep his simmering rage under some sort of control.
"I'm so sorry, Frank. I had no idea. I didn't know it meant so much to you. Surely, yourself and Ken managed to occupy yourselves while we were gone?"
Frank paused for a moment before answering, "No, in fact I had rather a boring night. I had a few drinks at the club, then went to bed. I wanted to get up early, so to speak." The irony however, was lost on Sally. He took a step back, wanting to continue his visual inspection. Then, after telling her to do a turn, he pulled her towards him once more.
"Listen Sally, there's a wonderful hotel not far from here, how about I take you there for a nightcap?"
"You look as if you've had enough nightcaps already. Let's stay here for a while, the dancing will start soon."
Frank was now determined to get his way.
"It's a fantastic place, you'll absolutely love it," he continued, putting his arm around her.
To Sally's relief, Frank didn't get the chance to
push the hotel idea any further. The moment was interrupted as Ken appeared excitedly, "Come on you two, the soup's getting cold. They'll be plenty of time for all that afterwards!"
They walked the few yards to the table, with Sally linking Frank's arm. He gallantly pulled out a chair for her, as he grinned, thinking about when he should try the necklace trick. He decided to bide his time a little, and wait for an opportunity to crumble some cannabis resin into her Christmas dinner. That would loosen Sally up a little he smirked to himself.
The atmosphere in the assembly hall was very jovial, and even the rugby crowd were acting with remarkable restraint. As usual, the lecturers serving the students were coming in for their customary barrage of jovial abuse and harassment. Even before dessert was over, some of the teaching staff, eager to get the first dance over with, were busy pushing tables and chairs aside. The free wine, included with the meal soon ran out, and once more, the bar area began to get crowded. Frank and Ken were involved in a drunken discussion with two other students sharing the table about which was the hardier sport, soccer or rugby. The conversation was getting quite ugly, so Sally and Lizzie took the opportunity to join the lengthy queue outside the ladies powder room.
7. THE STORM
For a moment she was sure she could hear ringing. Ignoring it, the girl carried on lathering her hair. Lloyd-Evans Hall was practically deserted that night, with many of the residents either having gone home, or attending the dance. The second-year student leant over the sink and began rinsing off the shampoo, then, as her ears became unblocked, she heard it again - it was definitely the telephone ringing. She was in no particular hurry as someone else would probably answer it eventually. The girl gathered up her wash things and headed back to her room. She was returning home for Christmas early the following morning and wanted to get as much packed tonight as possible.