by Charley Dee
‘Oh babe you know what it’s like boys and their toys, we got involved playing computer games.’ He replies casually.
‘No actually I don’t know what it’s like, why don’t you tell me.’ I found myself studying his facial expressions and his movements. I noticed that he had little crows feet lines at the corner of his eyes. Not once did he give me direct eye contact, he was fidgety and continuously drummed his fingers on the seat beside him. His face was flushed and as he started to speak I sensed he was anxious. ‘Computer games are fun Lucy and it’s easy to get carried away.’ He offered.
‘I’ve had the notion that you may be an on line gambler, I mean your fortieth birthday will soon be here. You’ve always told me your dream was to become a millionaire by then.’ He looked even more uncomfortable now.
After a short silence he replied. ‘We all have our dreams darling, I mean you’re living yours, in fact I have made a little headway towards my dream.’ He attempted a grin.
‘Oh do tell me how?’ I probed.
‘That darling would spoil the surprise for you.’
‘Really and when am I going to get this surprise then Tim?’ I ask bluntly.
‘On my fortieth birthday babe, be patient.’
‘Mm, so getting back to the weekend, where did you spend yours?’ I think maybe he thought I’d forgotten about his hasty exit from the bar on Friday night. Plus I hadn’t seen or heard from him until today. The change in his face showed his apparent anxiety.
‘I was at the pub darling, playing computer games’ He lied.
I knew he was lying as I’d been in his room on Friday night, so he must have gone somewhere that night at least.
‘Tim are you seeing someone else?’ I asked bluntly. I watched his reaction to my question, he seemed startled, flustered even.
‘Lucy whatever makes you think that.’ He mumbled.
‘Lots of things actually Tim, I rarely see you, you never socialise in the bar and you seem to come in and out of the pub at odd times.’
‘I realise that I’m crap at keeping in touch, I’ve spent so much time living alone I guess I’ve become selfish. Because you have to work long hours I tend to carry on in my normal way I suppose. I’m so sorry babe I don’t mean to be so difficult.’
I noticed his eyes glistened with unshed tears, and once again my heart went out to him. Maybe he does have harrowing memories from his past that disturb him; I perceive that each time I have a confrontation with Tim and I end up feeling sorry for him. If Jena was here with me now she would say ‘get a grip Lucy Ross.’ Although I can be a tough cookie I also know I’m a sucker for tears….I wanted to say to him that Andy copes with Jena working long hours, although he’s the supreme social butterfly. He spends many evenings in the bar happily chatting to the locals and helping out wherever he can. I decided not to mention this as Andy and Tim are like chalk and cheese. The silence between us was distinct, and Tim looked uneasy so I felt the need to clear the air. ‘Why don’t we take a walk and perhaps go for a coffee.’ I said cautiously. As soon as my proposal reached Tim’s ears, he showed immediate response with a deep sigh (of relief probably). So we sauntered along slowly in the spring breeze, and after a couple of minutes I felt Tim clasp my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
Tim hadn’t mentioned the fact I’d been in his room on Friday night, although he must have known. Even if he’d missed the clothes I picked up or the case lid being closed, there was no way he’d have missed the duvet being folded neatly across the bottom of the bed. For reasons best known to him he had evaded the issue. However he’d made me feel during our afternoon discord, I knew that I would still continue to contrive my plan of action. When I’m in Tim’s company I feel totally different to how I feel when he’s not around, and that is what bothers me most. In my opinion if you are in a loving relationship with someone, trust and respect are paramount. Therefore if those two aspects are in place, the rest should all come naturally and there is nothing natural about our romance….
Much later as I lay in bed, once again reflecting on the events of the day I heard movement and to my surprise Tim slipped into the bed beside me. He seduced me sensually, though silently and kept me wrapped in his arms until I fell asleep. However I’d feigned sleep as I was desperate to know how long he stayed with me, within minutes he’d crept out of the bed and almost soundlessly left the room. I find it unusual, in fact quite bizarre that he refrains from staying all night. Is it his same alleged problem that he’s spent so much time alone? I’m afraid I find that incredibly hard to swallow, as from previous encounters with the male species, given half a chance they would stay all night. Why? Sex in the morning is steamy and salacious and that’s just my lustful opinion….
Chapter 27
When I opened the kitchen door on Monday morning I was somewhat surprised to see so many people, Kate, Jodie, Mary, Lucas, Grace and Jena. I did notice that Archie was missing; obviously Jena had arranged that for a reason. As it’s normally Kate’s day off I realised she’d brought Jodie in as Jena was going to the doctors with her. ‘Good morning have I overslept?’ I ask tentatively.
‘Not really Lucy, we’re all just getting organised for the day.’ Jena explained.
Mary handed me a mug of steaming tea, what an angel this women is. In fact Lucas had spent time the other morning describing her life. Mary insists on working every day because the Frog and Toad has become her second home. Her husband left her a couple of years ago and having no children, all the gang at the pub had become her family. This had made me realise how important her job is, and how significant our friendship is to her. Mary has worked hard throughout her life and to find herself alone in her sixties with no immediate family must be difficult and lonely. Also I feel that Mary has probably been a great support to Lucas, as it’s always comforting to have someone to chat to.
After Jena and Jodie had left for the doctors I asked Kate what her plans were for the rest of the day. ‘So will you wait at home for Jodie then Kate?’
‘I was thinking about staying here Lucy and serving lunches, that’s if it’s ok with you. I’d rather be occupied if you see what I mean.’
‘Of course you can stay, I’m sure Grace will appreciate you being here. What time is the appointment?’
‘Oh it’s not until eleven o’clock, and they may have to wait. I think we were all a tad too eager this morning.’ Kate explained.
As I was about to reply there was a knock on the back door, which Kate answered straight away. ‘Hi Tom I guess you want my signature again.’ Kate Laughed.
‘I certainly do Kate, in fact twice this morning.’ Tom teased.
‘Have you time for a cuppa?’ Kate asked.
‘Unfortunately not Kate, I seem to be bogged down with parcels today, maybe tomorrow.’
‘OK have a good day.’ Kate added as he left.
Am I imagining things or did I spot a little spark between these two, well there’s a thought Kate and the postman. I kept my thoughts to myself as I didn’t feel it was apt to tease Kate today, under the circumstances. It’ll keep though.
Jena and Jodie arrived back around one o’clock, clearly they’d been held up, so I hastily made drinks and found a table at the back of the restaurant for us to chat. Kate was anxious to hear the outcome. ‘So what’s the result Jodie?’ Kate asked fervently.
‘Mum I’d rather Jena explained everything to you, she’s much better at it.’ Jodie said.
‘Why can’t you tell me love?’ Kate probed anxiously.’
‘Please mum let Jena tell you.’
For a moment I though Kate was going to insist, however I could see she realised she was only holding up the conversation. So she nodded towards Jena.
‘The doctor asked Jodie all the relevant questions, asking about her menstrual cycle and any other possible body changes through that time. She explained that she’d missed two monthly periods and a third one was due now, and she’d had no normal signs. A nurse was called in and Jodie was examined,
they also took a urine sample and blood tests. Jodie is not pregnant. However after an extensive chat of all the relevant details prior to the night of intimacy, the doctor deduced that her periods had stopped due to stress, caused through bullying.’
Kate immediately raised her voice. ‘What bullying?’
‘Throughout the whole situation Jodie had been constantly bullied by school friends.’ Jena attempted to explain.
‘So why didn’t you tell me Jodie I would have gone to the school.’
‘That’s why I haven’t told you mum, because you’d have made it worse.’
This was all becoming too much for Kate and the tears were streaming silently down her cheeks.
‘Kate please don’t distress yourself, Jodie made a terrible mistake which she’s paid a high price for. Think back to school days and how mates egg you on to do things. Hence the text messages and photographs that Jodie sent to Archie, her so called friends were having fun at her expense. Fortunately a pregnancy has been avoided and a hard lesson has been learnt.’ Jena struggled to find the right words without being too explicit.
‘Mum I won’t do it again, and like Jena suggested I’ll change my mobile number and delete these girls from my face book page.’
‘I still don’t understand why you couldn’t tell me.’ Kate sobbed.
‘Because I love you too much mum and look how upset you are now. It was much easier talking to Jena and the nurse because we’re not close.’
‘Kate honey Jodie has had a lucky escape like she says she’s learnt her lesson. Maybe now it’s time to try and move on.’ I offered.
‘There’s one more thing I need to do mum, and that’s apologise to Archie.’
‘No way Jodie after what he did to you.’ Kate exclaimed.
‘Yes there is mum, because I was a total pain in his side and I threw myself at him, if I don’t apologise and make friends with him, I’ll never get past this.’
‘Kate, Jodie is right she needs to do this to get closure on the whole affair.’ Jena added.
Kate continued to sniffle, I guess this has all been rather overwhelming for her; she doesn’t know all the details, which is for the best. With Jodie offering Archie an olive branch so to speak, maybe we can all get back to normal. Even though I don’t have kids of my own I do empathise with Kate as Jodie is still her baby. I urged Kate to come back into the kitchen and sort lunch out for us all, while Jena went to locate Archie, so she could persuade him to meet Jodie in the restaurant. A problem solved without disastrous misfortune we hope…what comes next?
Later in the evening I grabbed Jena for a chat, I needed to describe yesterday’s adventures with my elusive guy. We decided to go up to Jena’s lounge just in case there was anyone lurking in the hallway upstairs. As Andy was playing pool with his workmates we should have a couple of hours to gossip. So with a bottle of chilled wine ready to pour, plus an assortment of nibbles it was time to talk. We sat either end of the comfy sofa. ‘How did the meeting between Archie and Jodie go?’ I asked Jena cautiously.
‘I briefed Archie first; to be honest he wasn’t impressed, he can’t believe that she could possibly have changed that much in a couple of days. As he said it was just a few days ago she was alleging she was up the duff. He also divulged that when she turned up at his place on Christmas day she was wasted and high on dope. It took some persuasion to get him to meet her at all; I could see where he was coming from. Anyway I asked him to just accept the apology for me.’ Jena explained.
‘Well I guess you can’t blame him having reservations, as he wasn’t aware she’d been bullied. Nevertheless bullied or not she was way out of order.’
‘I make you right, anyway he just nodded when she apologised and said he was really busy and had to get back to the bar. I then glossed over the status quo and Jodie left the pub in what seemed a fairly contented state. To be honest Hun I truly hope it’s now sorted, plus I trust she’s been honest with me as I’ve stuck my neck on the line for her.’ Jena sighed. ‘Anyway spill, I want to know how Sunday was with you and the mystery man.’
I relayed the events of Sunday afternoon on the Embankment, how I’d confronted Tim and how the sorrow was so apparent in his face.
‘OMG Lucy Ross you’re telling me you actually fell for that line once again. The guy deserves an Oscar for his acting, have you seen his Equity card?’
‘I knew you’d think that, but honestly Jena his eyes were filled with unshed tears. He also told me that I had a surprise coming on his fortieth birthday. You know how he’s always cracking on about becoming a millionaire and all that, well he said he’s found a way of making something towards it.’
‘What way would that be?’ Jena probed.
‘Oh he didn’t say, I mean he was hardly going to tell me, maybe a little gamble on the internet.’
‘Oh my lovely trusting friend, when will you ever see him for what he is?’ Jena implored.
‘Oh I do intend to check him out more; I’m devising a plan in my head I promise.’
‘I suggest Hun that next time you catch him doing a moonlight, ring me straight away and I’ll follow him, then while he’s out you can sift through the room again. In fact we can both do it. Also Lucy would you give me his parent’s address?’
‘I agree with you following him and us both searching the room, two heads are better than one and all that. However why would you want his parent’s address; you wouldn’t go knocking on the door would you?’
‘No of course not, just to suss out the building and the road, sometime’s you can judge a lot externally. Me and Andy could take a drive over there, just for a look that’s all.’
‘Ok I’ll send you a message later, any chance of another glass of wine, for some reason I have the urge for refreshment of the alcoholic type?’
‘So do you think that’s the end of the Jodie syndrome?’ Jena asks.
‘Hopefully, I feel Kate’s had more than enough of it all.’
‘I thought she was a tad angry with me at one stage.’
‘No I don’t think so Jena, she was upset that her daughter hadn’t been able to talk freely to her. By the way did I mention I’m pretty sure there’s a little sparkle between Kate and Tom the postman? Next time you’re in the kitchen when he calls, check it out and tell me what you think.’
‘That would be great if anyone deserves a break it’s Kate.’ Jena adds.
When I slipped into bed later I reflected on my chat with Jena, I know she only has my best interests at heart. I don’t know what I’d do without her support. She can obviously see things that I can’t where Tim’s concerned, probably because she’s not emotionally involved. So next time I see him go walkabouts in the evening we must put our plan in action, just to clarify there is nothing unforeseen going on. I closed my eyes and within minutes I’d drifted off into a world of dreams.
I’m following Tim along the road, a road that I don’t recognise. He’s walking fast, so I have to hurry to keep up with him. The darkness and mist are compelling; it would be so easy to lose sight of him. Swiftly he turns to his right and I can see him mounting a flight of concrete steps towards what appears to be a large house. As I approach the building I can see a tall archway with a name etched above, the words were unclear, hazy even. In fact the entrance was quite obscure; I followed him up the stone steps, at the top the door had been wedged open, so I hastily entered. I could see him hurrying along a passageway, stopping at the end and opening a door to his right. I glided in behind him unnoticed; he was embracing another person who once again was concealed from me. They were speaking, though I couldn’t hear their voices they seemed to be in deep conversation. The other face stayed hidden from me.
Tim placed his laptop onto a table and they were both gripped by whatever was showing on the screen, again I couldn’t see. After what seemed an endless amount of time, the other person left the room. Tim closed the laptop, removed his jacket and kicked off his shoes then stretched back casually on the sofa. The other person retur
ned to the room carrying two drinks, after the drinks were placed on the coffee table the person sat next to Tim. However hard I tried to focus the other person remained a total blur, I can only liken to a ghostly image. Without warning they both stood up and Tim followed the other person towards a door on the far side of the room, they both went into the room closing the door behind them. I made my way towards the closed door, although I never reached it, something was stopping me.
I jumped in my sleep, waking with a jolt and fleetingly wondering where I was. I struggled to recall the dream, fatigue overwhelmed me and once again I was engrossed in my reverie…in his bedroom once again.
As always the room was in a state of disorder. In fact everything looked the same, apart from a sheet of paper that he’d attempted to screw up which was lying across the top of the waste bin. It could be a bank statement as all I could see were numerous amounts of figures. I couldn’t pick it up, so once again I tried to focus on the writing, although it became a blur. Out of the blue I heard a key turning in the lock, I froze on the spot, and he walked past me and went over to the far corner of the room. He crouched down with his back towards me, there was a box he was looking in, and I tried to move closer so that I could see what was inside. I needed to see what was in that box. Turning round slowly I was stunned to see the other person was lying in the bed.
Again I jumped and woke to find I was dripping with perspiration. What was happening to me what did all these dreams mean. Was Tim affecting me that much? Glancing at the clock I could see it was four thirty, another restless night. Jena’s right I do have to sort this out sooner rather than later. I slipped out of bed and took a cool shower; the thought of sleeping was making me agitated. I need to sleep, so wrapping myself in a robe I took myself into the lounge and curled up on the sofa, gradually I dropped off into a dreamless sleep….