The Birthday Girls

by Pauline Lawless

  Brenda saw that he was crying, something he’d never done, not even when his father had died. Bob was not the crying type.

  “Please give us another chance, Brenda. Let’s try again. I love you.”

  He looked up at her then and she felt deeply sorry for him. She wanted to put her arms around him and tell him everything would be all right but she couldn’t do that because she didn’t know whether it ever would be. She didn’t think she could ever trust him again and that was no recipe for a marriage.

  “I don’t know, Bob. You’ve hurt me terribly.”

  “I’ve been such a fool. It was all a stupid mistake,” he said, sniffing and attempting to dry his eyes. “I’ve left Crystal.”

  She looked at him sadly.

  “Where are you staying?”

  “In my mother’s. She’s furious with me.”

  “I’m not surprised. Everybody is,” she couldn’t resist saying.

  She was calm and dignified and Bob watched her in admiration. What a fool he’d been. He’d lost her, this wonderful woman who had loved him once and borne his children.

  Tears rolling down his cheeks, he looked at her longingly.

  “Please, Brenda, please give us another chance.”

  “I’ll think about it, Bob. That’s all I can promise. I’ll think about it.”

  * * *

  When he’d left, Brenda reached for the brandy and with a shaking hand took a big gulp of it. She was trembling and upset, wondering what she should do. It had broken her heart to see him so upset.

  Dylan heard the door close and came down to find his mother crying softly.

  “What is it, Mum? How did it go? Why are you crying?”

  She smiled through her tears. “It’s okay, son. I’m just upset. I’ll be fine.”

  “You’re not getting back with Dad then?”

  “I don’t know, I just don’t know.”

  “I think he’s really sorry, Mum. He knows he’s been a fool. Can’t you give him another chance?”

  “I wish it were that easy, son.”

  Ryan blew up when he heard she was even thinking of taking his father back.

  “Are you mad, Mum, after what he’s done?” he fumed, his fists clenched.

  “I said I’d think about it, Ryan. I am capable of making up my own mind, you know.”

  “I still think you’d be mad,” he said sullenly. “Big mistake!”

  To her surprise, Carly was sympathetic about it. “Mum, you do whatever makes you happy. If you think you and Dad can be happy again, go for it. If not, we’ll respect your decision.”

  Brenda hugged her youngest child warmly. She would miss them all when they returned to college.

  * * *

  Lexi was happier than she’d ever been. Marvin had moved in permanently with her and she was enjoying it much more than she’d expected to. He was very easy to live with and it was lovely having him around all the time. She still spent her mornings painting and then they lunched together and sometimes even made love afterwards. Their lovemaking had taken on a new intensity and they wanted each other more than ever.

  “It’s great having it on tap,” she’d said laughingly to him after one post-lunch session.

  “Just turn the faucet anytime,” he’d replied, stroking her hair.

  Another bonus to being so happy was that her joy transmitted itself on to the canvas and her paintings had become vibrant and alive again. She put away the melancholy dark work she’d done after she’d returned from LA, vowing to give up painting if she ever painted like that again.

  But Marvin was worried about her as she was still suffering from fatigue and lately her appetite had disappeared. He had been trying to convince her to go and have a check-up but she persistently refused yet again.

  * * *

  Nothing much had changed with Angel. Lexi had left countless messages on her answering machine but it was obvious Angel didn’t want to talk to her. However, she kept in touch with Consuela who reported that Angel was drinking a lot but not taking the prescription drugs she’d been taking before. That at least was something to be grateful for. Thank God for Consuela who was extremely loyal to her mistress.

  * * *

  Mel made an appointment to see the gynaecologist who confirmed what she already knew and gave the due date of her baby as the twentieth of August. She gave her a thorough examination and guidelines for her pregnancy. She also made an appointment for Mel’s first scan. Suddenly, the reality hit her and Mel realised the enormity of what was happening to her.

  She Skyped Lexi that night to tell her.

  “That’s great, Mel. When is your scan?”

  “It’s on Friday the twentieth.”

  “That’s fantastic. I have to come to New York to see my agent about my Guatemala exhibition. I could arrange it for that day and go with you. What time is it?”

  “It’s 9 a.m. I’d really appreciate it if you could come with me. I wouldn’t feel so nervous then.”

  “I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I feel partially responsible for this baby, you know. After all, it was conceived in Florida.” She laughed.

  “Oh, Lexi, you’re the best friend anyone could have,” Mel said gratefully.

  “You’d do the same for me.”

  Lexi was aware of how difficult it would be for Mel having this baby alone and was determined to be as supportive as she could be.

  “Can’t wait to see you.” Mel blew her a kiss.

  “Me too, Momma!” Lexi laughed.

  Chapter 30

  The phone calls started two days after Bob had been to visit Brenda and the day after the kids left for college. At all hours, and especially during the night, Brenda’s phone would ring and although she knew there was someone on the other end of the line, they uttered not a word. It was very unnerving and after the third night of multiple calls which woke her up, Brenda confided in Jean.

  “Well, we know who’s doing this don’t we? It’s that silly cow, Crystal.”

  “I have no proof of that, Jean.” Brenda was a little concerned that perhaps it was Bob. She suspected he was a little unhinged at the moment.

  She left her phone on voicemail all the time now and got rid of the phone from the bedroom. At least her sleep was not disturbed any more. Then the calls started coming in to her mobile phone. That was more difficult as she needed to keep that on always in case the kids needed her but she did leave it in the kitchen overnight. This went on for over two weeks and then late one night it changed.

  Her mobile rang and as usual, showed number unknown. But this time there was someone on the other end of the line. It was the slapper, and she was drunk.

  “You silly bitch,” she screamed. “You and your daughters think you’re so fuckin’ posh an’ classy, dontcha? Swannin’ around in Louboutins, looking down your noses at me. Well, I took youse all down a peg or two, didint I? Yeah! You’re not so great, now, are youse?”

  Brenda was shaking at the vehemence on the other end of the line. It was scary.

  “I’ll put the smile on the other side of yer faces. Youse won’t look so pretty when I get thru with youse.” Then she laughed, a horrible, evil laugh.

  Brenda cut her off and turned off her phone. The home phone rang then but Brenda shut her ears to the crazy ranting that was being poured onto the answering machine. She yanked the cord out of the wall and sat shaking, thinking that the woman must be mad.

  The following day she told Jean all about it and let her listen to the call on her mobile.

  “I knew it was her. She’s gone too far this time. Leave it with me. Give me your phone.” Jean took it and, putting on her coat, left the salon.

  “Be careful, Jean,” Brenda called after her sister, afraid that she was going to confront Crystal. Instead Jean headed straight to the Garda Station and asked for Roy.

  Roy listened to the ranting on Brenda’s phone and looked shocked. “This is pretty nasty stuff,” he said. “We can certainly find out the caller ID, although
I don’t think it will come as any surprise to us,” he said grimly. “Will Brenda mind if I hang on to this for an hour or two.”

  “Not at all. Thanks, love.”

  An hour later Roy arrived at the salon with a colleague. “Can you take us to hear the message on your home phone?” he asked Brenda.

  “Is that okay?” she asked Jean.

  “Of course, love. We’re not that busy. Go ahead!”

  Brenda let Roy and the other Garda hear the message.

  “Make sure you don’t wipe that off,” Roy instructed. “She hasn’t committed any crime so we can’t charge her but these may come in handy as evidence in the future, if she should try anything else.”

  Brenda thanked them and returned to work, wondering what else they expected she might try.

  Suddenly, she felt sorry for Bob. God knows what tricks the slapper used to seduce him. Brenda suspected she was capable of anything. It scared her.

  * * *

  The following day, Brenda had a call from Bob.

  “I’m just calling to say I’m so sorry about the phone calls and threats from Crystal.”

  “How did you hear about it?”

  “My friend at the station told me. Is it true she threatened you and the girls?”

  “Yes.”

  “Oh my God, I’m so sorry. I never suspected she’d do anything like that. Anyway, I don’t think you’ll be hearing from her again. I warned her she’d be in serious trouble if she didn’t stop. I’m sorry you had to go through that.”

  “Okay. Thanks for letting me know.”

  “Have you thought about what we talked about?” he asked and she could tell he was nervous.

  “Yes.”

  “And . . .?”

  “I’m still thinking about it.”

  * * *

  Angel finally screwed up the courage to call Lexi. She rang her one morning before she’d had a drink.

  “Lexi, it’s me. I’m sorry.” Her voice was quiet and hesitant.

  Thank God she’s sober, was Lexi’s first thought.

  “Why haven’t you answered my calls, honey? I’ve been worried sick about you.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t have the courage to tell you I’d left the clinic. I know I’ve let you down.”

  “Angel, it’s not for me you were doing it, it was for yourself,” Lexi said sadly.

  “I’m just not strong enough. I’m a mess.” Angel was near to tears.

  “You’re still drinking?”

  “Yes, but I have it under control.”

  Lexi doubted it but didn’t say so.

  “I’m not taking any prescription drugs. I’ve kicked that habit,” Angel said proudly.

  “I’m happy to hear that.”

  “Now give me all the news!” Angel demanded, wanting to change the subject. “How was your Christmas?”

  “Wonderful! Marvin proposed on Christmas Day and I accepted. He’s moved in permanently with me now.”

  “Oooohh, how exciting! Congratulations!”

  “Thank you. I’m very happy right now.”

  “Any news from Brenda and Mel?”

  She was shocked to hear of Brenda’s separation. “Mind you, I always did say it wouldn’t last, although I never dreamt it would last as long as it did. How is she?”

  “She’s fine, coping well and getting on with life.”

  “And Mel? How is she?”

  “She’s great. She has some pretty special news too but I won’t spoil it. I’ll let her tell you herself.”

  “Oooohh, has she someone new in her life?” Angel asked, dying to know all about it.

  “You could say that,” Lexi replied cagily, smiling to herself. “By the way, Kenny sends his love. He’s quite smitten with you, you know.”

  “Kenny? Who’s Kenny?” Angel frowned, trying to recall the name.

  “He’s my friend and also my neighbour who was at my Thanksgiving dinner. Don’t you remember him?”

  “Not really. God, I was so high that night, I don’t remember a lot. I wasn’t very nice to him, I suppose.”

  “No you weren’t and the poor man is constantly asking after you. You were meant to go out on his boat with him the next day and he was quite upset to find you’d flown the coop.”

  “Oh, God, I’m sorry. Please apologise to him for me.” Angel put her head in her hands hating to hear how she’d misbehaved.

  “You can do that yourself. He travels to LA regularly on business and would love to meet you,” Mel said gently.

  Angel had been concentrating, trying to put a face to the name. “The name rings a bell. Is he the older guy who was very sweet to me at our birthday party?”

  “That’s Kenny. Can I tell him that you’ll meet him then?”

  “Why not? It’s not as though I’m being rushed off my feet by suitors. Yes, that would be nice.”

  * * *

  Mel and Donna had become good friends after that Christmas Day at Donna’s house and went for lunch together very often. She was pleased to accept when Donna invited her to lunch with the family one Sunday. Lexi was arriving that week and her scan was scheduled for the following Friday. Mel was anxious about seeing her baby for the first time on the scan and so welcomed the distraction of a visit with Donna’s family. She received the same warm welcome from them all as she had on Christmas Day. There were almost as many people there as had been there that day.

  “Today I cook for you,” Papa announced, as he hugged her.

  When Mel refused a drink, Donna looked at her strangely.

  The meal was delicious and Mel ate her fill.

  “C’mon, have some more,” Papa said as he proffered the bowl of meat balls.

  “No, honestly, it was all wonderful, but I couldn’t eat any more.”

  “You didn’t eat very much,” Donna remarked.

  “Leave her alone. It is because of the bambino,” Mama said, beaming at Mel.

  “Bambino? What bambino?” Donna asked puzzled.

  “I am right, am I not?” Mama addressed Mel, patting her tummy.

  “Yes,” Mel blushed. “How did you know?”

  “Always, I can tell from woman’s eyes when she carry bambino.”

  “You’re pregnant?” Donna exclaimed, as the penny dropped.

  “Yes, I am,” Mel replied, looking downcast.

  “Congratulations! I’m thrilled for you. This is wonderful news.” Donna jumped up and hugged her and then she was being hugged and congratulated by all the family as the word spread around the table.

  “And here was I admiring your willpower when I saw you’d given up cigarettes,” Donna said, when they’d all resumed their seats. “I thought it was just a New Year’s resolution.”

  “No, it’s just one of the adjustments I’ve had to make to my life, along with giving up alcohol.”

  “I guess there will be a lot more to come.” Donna beamed.

  “No doubt,” Mel replied despondently.

  Everyone seemed to be thrilled that she was pregnant, except herself.

  “And the father . . . or do you mind my asking?” said Donna.

  “Not at all. We met in Florida but he’s long gone.” Afraid Donna might think that it was just a casual one-night-stand that had resulted in this pregnancy, she added. “We did love each other very much.” It was only half a lie, Mel thought dryly.

  Donna now understood that the change in Mel since Thanksgiving was due to love. It was so romantic. She much preferred this new softer Mel to the old hard-edged one.

  * * *

  Lexi arrived at JFK airport feeling exhausted. Flying was becoming more and more difficult with all the security measures now in place. She wished she didn’t have to ever fly again but it was the only way to see her friends, if they couldn’t come to her. However, besides the fact that she had to see her agent, it would be worth it to be there to see the first photos of Mel’s baby.

  A glowing Mel embraced her in the arrivals hall at JFK.

  “My, but you are posi
tively blooming,” Lexi said as she surveyed the new mom-to-be.

  “Blooming is right,” Mel laughed, as she put her hands on her breasts.

  “Pregnancy suits you! You should have done it years ago.”

  “You think? Better late than never, I suppose.”

  Lexi saw how Mel had changed. She had gained weight, not in an ugly way, but in a rounded soft way which suited her. Her hair had grown and was less severe. Everything about her had become less angular. Her skin was glowing and she looked more attractive than she ever had.

  They went out for dinner and Lexi was relieved to see that Mel had given up smoking. “I’ll be forever grateful to this baby for that, if nothing else, unless you go back on them after it’s born.”

  “Good heavens, no. I wouldn’t dream of smoking around my baby,” Mel said, horrified at the notion.

  The following morning they arrived bright and early at the clinic. Lexi held Mel’s hand as the ultrasound was placed on her already rounded tummy. They watched the screen spellbound as the nurse showed them the heart beating and the tiny person that was growing inside her. Mel felt her heart contract and burst with love for this little being that she and Jack had made. It looked so helpless and tiny and was so dependent on her that all her instincts reached out to it and she knew, without a doubt, that she would love it and care for it as best she could.

  “It’s a miracle!” she cried, tears rolling down her cheeks.

  Lexi was equally moved and felt the tears stinging her eyes as she saw this tiny creature moving around. It reminded her of her Alessandro. Pray God this baby would have a better chance at life.

  Quiet but happy they left the clinic, photos of Mel’s baby clutched tightly in their hands.

  “Isn’t it unbelievable, Lexi? I’m still pinching myself.”

  “You’re happier now, having seen it?”

  “Oh, yes, I already love this little mite,” Mel smiled, patting her tummy, and Lexi knew she was going to be okay.

  “What a pity Jack isn’t around to share this with you,” she said wistfully.