by Nikki Ashton
“How can you say that they were perfect for her, surely Charlotte would know better?” Stuart asked, while playing with his napkin.
“I don’t mean that they were her soul mates, or anything like that, but she never gave them a chance. Ever since we were kids, Charlotte has always wanted a family, and a happy relationship, because that’s what she’s grown up with. Do you know her family?”
Stuart shook his head. “I think I met her brother once.”
“Oh, they are great. Really together, always there for each other. I do think that she is changing though. She's begun to realise that one stupid idiot, who drives a Capri, shouldn’t be allowed to ruin your life forever.”
“So, do you think that she’s ready to try to meet her “soul mate' mate” then?” Stuart sat back in his seat, listening intently to what Bets had to say.
“Maybe, but I do think that she’s realised that she’s spent too much time worrying about having a broken heart again.” Bets stared at Stuart’s smiling face, suddenly realising what lovely eyes he had.
“Ah, I'm afraid that you’ve gone against your own argument on that one." He leaned forward again, and started to laugh as Bets fidgeted uncomfortably in her chair.
“Hang on a minute; I didn’t say that was what I felt. Charlotte does, but I don't. I have never really thought about family and relationships in the same way. I was an only child, and now an orphan so,” Bets screwed up her face, and shook her head, “it doesn’t have the same meaning for me."
“But surely you want to settle down one day?”
“Of course I do, and maybe I’m getting near the point where I may start to think of the possibility, but it isn’t important to me,” she replied.
“If you say so, but I think that you are just as scared as Charlotte. You, young lady, are in deep denial.”
“No I’m not, not scared, just wise to what can happen.” Bets ran a hand distractedly through her hair.
“Perhaps I may be able to persuade you otherwise,” whispered Stuart, moving closer.
“Maybe, perhaps you’ve come along at precisely the right time to save me.” Bets smiled seductively, thinking that he may almost succeed.
Charlotte was curled up on the sofa, with Petula her cat, when there was a knock on the front door. Sighing heavily, she got up to answer it, glad that it hadn’t been an hour earlier. Anyone who knew Charlotte knew that 7:30 on a Thursday evening was Eastender's time, and the door or telephone would not be answered. Through the glass in the door Charlotte could just make out a short, dumpy figure.
“Hello Gran’, come in.” Charlotte stood aside to let her grandmother into the warm hall. “How have you got here?”
“Taxi sweetheart, I just needed to talk to you.”
Charlotte followed her into the lounge, where Granny Joan took off her coat and flung it onto the sofa, on top of Petula.
“Do you want a cup of tea Gran?”
“No thanks, but I’ll have a whisky,” she said grinning a large toothless smile. “I can’t drink tea; I’ve forgotten to put my teeth in.” Her granddaughter disappeared, shaking her head.
A few minutes later Charlotte handed the drink to Granny Joan. She took a sip and immediately screwed up her face.
“Is it too strong for you?” Charlotte asked.
“No, it's too bloody weak. What did you do, just show the glass the bottle?” She slammed the glass down onto the coffee table. “Oh, well I won’t stay long then. I’ve come because I need your advice.” Joan shuffled back into the armchair, her feet leaving the ground.
“My advice, regarding what; insurance or something?”
Joan, tutted loudly. “Is that all you think about, work? No, I need advice of a romantic nature.”
“Oh,” said Charlotte, swallowing a smile.
“You know I’ve been stepping out with Arthur for a while now, well I think he’s gone off me.” Joan put a hand to her head. “I can’t understand it; everything had been going so well. We had even spoken about possibly having infinite relations.”
Charlotte tried to shake the visions from her head. “Well if you’ve spoken about intimate relations, then he must be serious. What makes you think he’s changed his mind?” Charlotte asked a frowning Joan.
“It’s just a feeling I have. He’s been a bit distant recently. Last night he only bought his own bingo ticket, and so I rang him today, but there was no reply.” Joan stretched forward to pick up her glass, although it was too weak!
“Maybe he wasn’t in Gran that would be why he didn’t answer. It doesn’t mean that he’s avoiding you,” Charlotte replied, leaning forward to touch her grandmother’s arm.
“I suppose so, now you come to mention it. He could have been out with the dog, because I couldn’t hear it barking.” She took another large sip.
“But you wouldn’t on the telephone…oh never mind.” Exasperated, Charlotte wasn’t sure what advice she could offer, to an 80-year-old woman, about romance.
“Well I can see that you’re not going to be much use, I knew that I should have gone to see Elizabeth, at least she has been around a bit.” Joan screwed up her nose in disgust.
“Maybe you’re right,” sighed Charlotte. “I haven’t exactly been successful in love, have I? I met an acquaintance of Grant’s this week.”
Joan now edged forward. “Blimey, there’s a name from the past. You’re not telling me that you are starting to pine for him again, are you?”
“No, I am not!” proclaimed Charlotte, vehemently.
“Good he was a right prat!” pronounced Joan, always one to be forthright in her opinion of Grant. “So what’s with the sour face then?”
“I don’t know to be honest. I think that I'm a little fed up that I’m still unattached after all this time. I wanted to be settled when I saw or heard from him again.”
“Why? Who cares what he thinks?”
“Well I don’t, not really. I don’t want him to think that he was the love of my life, that’s all,” sighed Charlotte. “I do want a relationship Gran, people seem to think that he broke my heart, so I’m concentrating on my career.”
“So if he didn’t break your heart, why are you still on your own?” The older woman asked, as she placed a hand on her granddaughter’s arm. "I know that you've had a few dalliances. There was the posh lad, the one that had the permanent ejaculation,” she said, smiling at Charlotte.
Charlotte grimaced at the thought of Ted, Paul’s friend. “God Gran, who told you about that, Amanda, I'll bet? I wish it had been a permanent ejaculation, and then maybe I would have given him another chance.”
“Whatever it was that was wrong with the lad, you still haven’t answered my question. If your job isn’t everything why are you on your own?” Joan’s tone was softer now, more coaxing.
“I suppose I haven’t met the right person.” Charlotte smiled, and her voice was brighter now. “Let’s face it, who would put up with you lot; my wonderful family? Well come on then, get on that ‘phone and ring Arthur.” Charlotte stood up and pointed at the cordless telephone resting on the coffee table.
“Do you think that I should?” Joan asked, her hand already on the receiver.
“Yes,” said Charlotte, leaving the room. She stood behind the door for a few seconds, and then when she could hear her gran’s animated tones, she moved away into the kitchen to make herself a cup of tea.
“That was absolutely lovely, thank you Stuart,” said Bets, reaching up to kiss his cheek.
They were making their way across the gravelled car park after an exquisite evening.
“My pleasure, I’m glad that you enjoyed it. So, where now, it’s not too late?” he asked, putting a warming arm around Bet’s shoulder.
“Let’s just get into the car and decide then,” she replied, smiling up at him.
The conversation in the car was led by where to go next, but once they decided that a quick drink would be good, it suddenly became stilted. Bets flicked nervously through Stuart’s CD sel
ection. Why did she feel like she was fifteen again, on a first date?
“Oh, Nirvana, I was never really a fan myself,” she said, looking across at Stuart in the darkness.
“I'm not either, I only bought it for ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’. You're a big House Music fan though aren’t you?” he asked and then burst into laughter. “This is ridiculous. We've been circling around each other all summer, practically had sofa sex on your birthday. We've had a wonderful evening tonight, and now we’re making small talk about bloody music.” He stopped the car and turned to Bets.
“So, what do you suggest then?” she asked, licking her lips longingly, the groin throbbing feeling from her birthday, suddenly returning.
Stuart reached across and gently took her hand in his. “Well I know that I’d like to do, and that’s take you home, and at the chance of sounding like a shite 70’s pop group, kiss you all over.”
Bets looked coyly, from under her fringe. “I think that you’d better put your foot down then, before I actually explode right her.”
Stuart smiled gently, and then thrust the car into gear.
They arrived at Bet’s flat in record time, both quickly scrambling out of the car and rushing to Bets’ front door. Once inside they wasted no time in ripping each other’s clothes off, Bets kicking the kitchen door shut while she shrugged off her dress. There were some things that even a little dog shouldn’t see. Once down to their underwear things slowed, as though they both realised that this was going to be something good and should be savoured.
“Wow!” Stuart exclaimed, as Bets shook back her hair, wearing only a black bra and G-string.
“Wow to you too.”
“I don’t think that I’ve ever wanted anyone as much as I want you now.” Stuart tenderly stroked her hair, as Bets ran a fingernail down his chest.
He looked into her eyes and then scanned her whole body, with such intensity Bets didn’t know whether she could hold on any longer. She wanted him now, but she also wanted to relish every moment. He started to give her kisses down her neck, moving toward the back of her and cupping her breasts in his hands. Bets felt behind her and continued where she had left off, both groaning with pleasure. Bets took Stuart by the hand and led him into the bedroom; thanking God that she’d tided up and changed the bedding. She lowered herself down, gently, onto the crisp, white cotton sheets and then Stuart moved alongside her. Leaning on one elbow, his eyes swallowed up every part of her, while he ran his finger down the length of her body, just stopping at the top of her leg, then tantalising her Stuart stopped and drew Bets to him, kissing her passionately as he caressed her body making Bets writhe at his touch.
“You know that this won’t be a one-night stand for me Bets?” he whispered as he gently nibbled her ear.
“You know; I think that I’m quite glad about that.” Bets turned her head and kissed Stuart on the tip of his nose.
Stuart kissed her back, tenderly at first and then with more passion, until finally they could stand it no longer. They worked together to get Stuart’s condom in place, eventually Bets could feel his weight shifting on top of her. She lifted her pelvis to meet his, and at long last a great depth of pleasure was released.
Chapter 9
It had been almost a week since Bets had first spent the night with Stuart, and they had barely spent a night apart since. Mostly spent at Bet’s flat, because of Alfred, they learned a little more about each other. Every evening, chatting and making love until they fell asleep in each other’s arms. Bets was on cloud nine, and didn’t really care who knew about it.
“So, do you think that he is the one then?” Charlotte asked, one evening in the pub.
Bets shrugged her shoulders, “Maybe; I'm just taking each day as it comes. I really like him, but it has only been a week. Has he said anything to Kelvin, Kerry, you know about how he feels?”
Kerry didn’t answer, but carried on staring into the empty glass in front of her.
“Kerry, has he said anything?” Bets urged Kerry, once more.
“What, oh sorry, I was miles away. Erm, not that I know of, although, he did have a soppy smile on his face, when he called around yesterday.” Kerry proffered a small smile, the corners of her mouth turning up slightly.
“Not that I’m bothered of course,” Bets commented, rather too quickly.
Charlotte grunted in disagreement, “Yeah, right. Anyone want another drink?” she asked.
Both Kerry and Bets nodded as Charlotte rose from the table, picking up the glasses.
“I’ll help you,” offered Bets, following Charlotte to the bar.
As Charlotte and Bets stood at the bar, Kerry watched their playful banter, listening to their laughter tinkling above the usual pub noises. She sighed deeply, God how she envied them, how they could laugh and joke, wondering whether she would ever laugh again. She was jealous of their freedom, and the ease at which they could both flirt outrageously with the young bar man. She envied their lack of responsibility, the fact that no one else needed them every day. Kerry loved them both dearly, but sometimes they were too much, the mocking of each other, the banal gossip and the raucous laughter was too loud for her head, and she needed to be alone. Then Kerry thought about Kelvin and the argument that they had tonight, all over a pair of pillowcases. She laughed emptily as she thought about it; Kelvin had put clean sheets on the bed and had put the pillowcases with the open ends facing in, towards each other. World War three had nearly started, because Kerry had screamed at him that both open ends should face out. Of course, Kelvin was right, what did it matter? He could just turn the pillows, if that was what she wanted, but it did matter to Kerry, and there was a twisted pile of clean sheets, screwed in a ball, on the bedroom floor to prove it. As Kerry rubbed her eyes to soothe away the pictures of earlier Charlotte and Bets returned.
“You okay Kerry, only you look really pale, and you’ve been ever so quiet tonight?” Bets asked, as she placed a glass in front of Kerry.
“I’m fine, stop fussing. Anyway, I can’t get a word in edgeways with you two. I’m just going to the loo.” With that she stomped off to the ladies before they could see the tears welling in her eyes.
Once inside the cubicle Kerry flopped down onto the closed toilet seat, holding her head in both hands. Why did she feel like this, why was she being so horrible to everyone? Suddenly, a loud gasp smashed through her teeth and out of her mouth, and as she inhaled the stale air, a sob shuddered through her whole body. Kerry sat, her body shuddering, gasping for air, her heart hammering inside her rib cage, desperately fighting to get out. Her hands grasped at each other, pulling the fingers of each hand, then rubbing her temples and her arms. Her legs twitched, and the feeling of anxiousness swept through her whole body; she had to get out into the fresh air, but she couldn’t move. Kerry's body was like lead, the only movements that she made were her trembling hands and legs. For what seemed liked hours, but was only a matter of a couple of minutes, Kerry clung to herself, desperate for the feeling to pass, then slowly her breathing became more rhythmic. She placed a hand on her chest, and could feel her heartbeat reverting to normal. Beads of sweat trickled down her cleavage, and she felt clammy all over, but she was calm again. Very slowly Kerry stood up and opened up the cubicle door, gently making her way to the sink to throw some water onto her face. She lowered her head and scooped the water up, glancing at her reflection in the mirror. Her pale skin was etched with tiredness, her eyes sunken and dark, her normally sun filled hair, drab and lifeless, just how she felt. Kerry knew that something was wrong, but didn’t know whether she had the energy to do anything about it. Perhaps it would pass soon, and everything would be back to normal. Kerry left the toilets and made her way back to Bets and Charlotte, turning on a smile as Charlotte looked up at her.
As the evening had worn on Bets had become increasingly concerned about Kerry. When she had sat back down Bets could see that she was sweating, not merely glowing as most women did. She threw a glance at Charlotte, who nodded i
n affirmation, but Kerry started to talk, rather too gaily, about some program that she’d seen earlier about Whales, and so they all started to relax a little more. When Charlotte had taken her turn to go to the ladies, Bets edged up to Kerry and took her hand in hers.
“Kerry, are you sure that you’re okay? You can tell us you know; we're your best friends.”
“Bets, stop worrying I’m fine. I’ve told you before, I’m just getting a little stir crazy, it’s almost twelve months since I finished work, and I think I’m ready to go back.”
“Have you been to see a doctor, I think you should?”
“What is he going to do, whatever can he prescribe for boredom?”
“Well, maybe it’s a little more than boredom.”
Kerry sighed heavily, snatching her hand away from Bets'. “Look, I do not have post-natal depression, and my hormones are not up the spout. I'm bored and fed up with you lot all thinking you know what’s wrong with me and what’s best for me. So if you don’t mind, just leave me alone.”
“Okay, we’re all worried about you that’s all.” It was now Bets turn to sigh.
“Well don’t be, and anyway, it looks like you have a visitor.” Kerry looked up and nodded to the man walking towards them; it was Stuart.
“Hiya, you’re early!” Bets cried, jumping to her feet and throwing an arm around him.
“I thought I’d join you for the last drink, if that’s okay. What would you all like?”
“No, sit down it’s my round; you talk to Bets.” Kerry stood up, and not taking no for an answer pushed her way to the bar.
Having dropped Charlotte and Kerry off at their own homes, Bets and Stuart were now alone in the car, making their way back to Bets flat.