The Woman in the Pyjamas

by Sarah Pond

  Daisy and Ryan had been dating for nearly three months. Ryan and Jess got along well together, much to Daisy's relief. Sometimes Jess would rather have Daisy to herself on weekends, but most weekends, that was the case anyway. Daisy was aware of not rushing things with Ryan. She thought that Jess had enough change going on with Stephen and his wife to be (argh!), so didn't want too much change at home. If Daisy needed a babysitter, Jess always asked for Kate. The two of them had struck up quite a bond, and Daisy was thrilled that Kate was happy to do it.

  'Don't be silly, I love to.'

  'As long as you're sure. I don't want to take advantage.'

  Kate was reassuring, 'Really, I mean it. I love spending time with Jess.'

  Jess was often to be found in the garden with Kate, she loved learning about the plants and flowers. Kate was a good teacher, kind and patient. Spending time with Jess also sometimes gave Kate a wrenching feeling in her stomach, bringing that longing to have a child of her own to the surface.

  Daisy was feeling that things were going well for her. She and Ryan were having a great time. Jess was happy, and didn't seem too fazed by her dad getting married. To give Stephen his due, he had talked to Jess about it, so she could get used to the idea. Jess just seemed to take things in her stride. Daisy wished she could do that more. Was it something that was easier for children, maybe? She didn't remember worrying about things so much when she was a child as she did now. Of course, when she was Jess' age, she didn't have to think about much, other than whether to make a camp under the dining room table, or put up a tent in the garden, for her and her best friend to play with. Was life simpler then, or was it that she looked back on her childhood with rose-tinted glasses, she wondered.

  Daisy decided it was time she set herself a new challenge. It was something she had been thinking about for a while, and had now eventually psyched herself up for. Among the classes at the sports centre that she had been trying out, she found she really enjoyed the yoga class. It felt good to really stretch and strengthen her body. At the end of the class was the reward of a very relaxing few minutes to let her body sink into the floor. For this part, the instructor would say that if anyone wanted to put on an extra layers or socks, now was the time.

  On this particular day, Daisy's heart started beating faster, as she went over to the wall where she had left what looked like a big fleece jumper. She quickly slipped into her onesie, pulling up the hood and zipping it up, before lying down on the floor again. As the instructor led a gentle meditation, she couldn't help smiling to herself as she looked at the full size koala bear stretched out on the floor, appearing to be peacefully asleep.

  Eve was doing really well at work. So well, in fact, that she had been asked by her office to take her scheme to their Paris office. She was going to be there for two or three weeks, and although Daisy was thrilled for her, she was also going to miss her. The weekend before she was due to fly, they got together for a meal and a film. Eve was in a cheeky mood, 'I was going to say behave yourself while I'm away, but I want all the gossip when I get back!'

  'Honestly, Eve. What are you like!' Daisy laughed at her friend's expression.

  'Seriously, I'm glad you found Ryan.'

  'Thanks, he is a sweetie. It's lovely, you know. Work is great, I'm feeling fitter now I'm doing my classes. Also, Kate has become a good friend, thanks to you. She and Jess really hit it off together, and I feel much less guilty now if I do need to get a babysitter.'

  'I'm really pleased for you. You do look better, and more relaxed these days.'

  Daisy looked worried, 'What on earth was I like before!'

  'You know what I mean. I'm glad things are working out for you, you deserve it.'

  'Thank you.' Daisy hugged her friend.

  Daisy was drinking a cup of tea as she took a break from the housework. She was still in her bathrobe at this point, having not long had a shower. As she pondered her life at this moment, she realised that she didn't have to change her whole life for things to be different, for her to feel differently. In a way, it was the acceptance of that, a letting go of trying to control things, that had led to things changing imperceptibly, naturally, for the better. Well, okay, trying to let go a bit more. Baby steps, maybe.

  Deciding that the house was a bit too quiet at the moment, and trying to motivate herself to get on with the housework, she fetched her iPod. Once she had turned on the portable speaker, she put her favourite music on shuffle, and turned up the volume. Yes, that was more like it.

  That's when she had the idea, and started smiling to herself. Undoing her robe, she let it fall to the floor. Naked housework. It was so freeing, how come she'd never thought of it before! Daisy didn't get very far before the music took hold of her, and she started to dance. As one of her favourite songs came on, she was really going for it, singing along with Pink at the top of her voice, 'I don't want control, I just want to let goooo...'

  She raised her arms high, wiggling her hips to the music. As she spun around, she froze as she saw the postman standing outside the window, package underarm, looking completely gobsmacked. There were net curtains at the window, but with an open lounge and dining room, the sun shining through the back window served to illuminate Daisy in all her glory.

  After an interminable amount of time, which in reality was about three seconds, Bob rushed to the front doorstep, leaving the package there, and dashed back to his trolley. He had only gone to the window because he knew Daisy was usually there on a Friday, and could hear the music. He finished delivering to the rest of the road in record time. Simultaneously, Daisy squealed and ran upstairs, grabbing her robe along the way. She flung herself onto the bed, her heart hammering wildly in her chest. I don't believe that just happened. Oh my god, how can I ever face Bob again. In future, he'll leave my parcels piled on the pavement outside. Once she was dressed and calmed down, she began to see the funny side.

  At the club, Kate was surprised to see a familiar figure. She wondered why Daisy hadn't called her, they could have gone clubbing together. She was only there herself because a friend had dragged her out. As Kate walked nearer, she could see that Daisy wasn't in too good a state. She seemed to be talking in the general direction of a group of three friends dancing together. 'Hey, it's good here, isn't it. Have you been here before?'

  The group of friends pulled faces at one another, and ignored Daisy. 'Rude.'

  Kate tapped Daisy on the shoulder, 'Hey, hi!'

  Daisy turned unsteadily, 'Oh hi. Fancy seeing you here!' She lunged for a hug, and Kate coughed away the smell of alcohol wafting over her.

  'Yes, I haven't been for a while.' Kate had never seen her like this before, and was trying to assess the situation.

  'You should, you need to get out. Let your hair down.' Daisy grabbed a handful of Kate's hair for emphasis.

  Kate smiled and nodded, gently extricating her hair from Daisy's grip. Oh boy, she is very drunk. Daisy stumbled, and Kate tried to steady her, 'Okay, here we go. I think we need to get you sitting down.'

  'No, I want to dance. Dance with me, Kate.' She made some erratic movements with her arms. Then she grabbed Kate's shoulders, trying to sway her with the music. Kate had to half dance to get Daisy to move, worried that if she didn't sit down, she might fall down. Making their way across the dance floor was interesting, to say the least. Daisy kept trying to pull Kate in to dance, but in doing so nearly pulled her to the floor a couple of times. When Kate eventually managed to steer Daisy to the sofa, she breathed a sigh of relief. Daisy plonked herself down heavily, causing the air to expel from the cushions noisily, and making her giggle.

  Kate couldn't help laughing at Daisy, before asking, 'What are you doing here?'

  Daisy screwed up her face, trying to focus her eyes properly on Kate, 'Um, I don't know any other clubs.'

  Not quite what she meant. 'How about we call it a night? I'll call a cab.'

  'But I've only just got here, and the night is young. I don't want to go home.' She crossed her ar
ms across her chest.

  Kate sighed, ruffling her fingers through her tousled hair. 'Okay, but can we sit for a bit, I needed a rest anyway. I think I'm getting a bit old for this.'

  Daisy seemed to suddenly find this fascinating. She leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand, her elbow on her knee, 'How old are you?'

  'Thirty four.'

  'That's so young. Kate, I'm the one who's getting too old.' Daisy looked glum.

  A couple of soft drinks later, Kate managed to talk Daisy into leaving. She still hadn't found out why she was at the club, or why she was already inebriated.

  Back at Daisy's, Kate paid the cab driver, and he sped off into the night. Kate had a spare key now, as she often looked after Jess, so at least she didn't have to search for Daisy's. She practically manhandled Daisy through the front door, and towards the lounge, heading for the sofa. She was relieved to have Daisy back home, and let out a sigh of relief.

  'Oh, you're so lovely, Kate. Such a good friend.'

  'Thanks, Daisy.' Kate was kneeling on the floor, taking off Daisy's shoes.

  'No, I mean it. Come here.' She took Kate's hands in hers, and kissed the back of them.

  'Okay, thanks. Now, I'm going to get you a glass of water.'

  Returning to the sofa, Kate managed to get Daisy to sip some water, then set the glass down on the coffee table. She turned towards Daisy, 'So what's been going on then?'

  'Nothing.' Daisy slumped her shoulders back into the sofa, suddenly looking like a sulky teenager.

  Kate was thinking, oh boy, this could be a long night. A part of her also found her quite amusing, she had never seen Daisy in this state before. She usually seemed very self-controlled, even when she was letting her hair down a bit.

  Kate offered her the glass of water, 'Okay, have a bit more water then, it will help clear your head.'

  'My head is perfectly clear, thank you.' She spoke in a posh school ma'am voice.

  Daisy grabbed the glass anyway, and slurped the water noisily, beaming a ridiculous smile at Kate, who couldn't help but laugh. Daisy looked at Kate for a long while, with puppy dog eyes. 'You have the most beautiful smile, Kate.'

  'Thanks. You know, you really are very drunk!'

  Daisy leaned towards Kate, 'No, I mean it.' Before she knew what was happening, Daisy launched herself towards Kate, kissing her full on the mouth. Kate was taken completely off guard, and tried to gently prise herself away, although Daisy was being most insistent, pulling Kate closer, and deepening the kiss. Kate pulled back more firmly, releasing Daisy's hold on her. Letting her arms drop to her sides, she looked up at Kate with big eyes. Kate barely knew where to look, never mind what to say.

  'Kate?' Daisy spoke quietly.

  Kate swallowed, her heart beating furiously. 'Yes?'

  'Oh, Kate.' Then Daisy flopped back on the cushions, and promptly fell asleep.

  Kate just sat there, her head still spinning. What was that about? Well, Daisy was very drunk, that much was obvious. She got up, and walked circles around the lounge. Deciding it was best to stay until Daisy had sobered up, she settled herself in the armchair. Daisy was out for the count, she didn't think it was worth trying to wake her up to move her upstairs. She took the blanket from the back of the sofa, and gently laid it across Daisy.

  'Oh, my head!' Daisy pushed herself upright on the sofa. Her hair was all over the place, and the phrase “dragged through a hedge backwards” had never been more appropriate.

  Kate opened her eyes, trying to work out where she was for a moment. Then she began to recall last night.

  'Oh, hey.' She slid herself up, realising how tight her back felt, having slept at an awkward angle all night. She had used her jacket as a blanket, and now it slid to the floor.

  'What time is it?' Daisy's voice was groggy.

  Kate scrabbled around for her watch. 'Gone half ten.'

  Daisy suddenly panicked, 'Bloody hell. Is Jess up?'

  'No, she's with her dad this weekend, remember.'

  Breathing a sigh of relief, Daisy remembered, 'Oh yes, thank goodness.' Sitting fully upright now, she began to assimilate her surroundings.

  'How are you feeling this morning?' Kate spoke softly.

  Daisy gave a crooked smile, 'I've been better.'

  Kate looked at her kindly, 'Want to talk about it?'

  'It's over.' Daisy looked dejected.

  'Sorry?'

  'With Ryan. It's over. Last night.' Daisy started to cry, and Kate moved towards her, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.

  'What happened?'

  'He was talking about having kids. I said that I don't want more now I'm forty. He said it didn't matter, that he wants to be with me. But I could see the disappointment in his face. So I said that it was better this way.'

  Kate sat and listened, whilst Daisy poured her heart out.

  The evening had started so well. Daisy and Ryan had a romantic meal together, then a walk along the seafront, hand in hand. They had stopped to sit on the beach, and now she couldn't recall how they had even got onto the subject of children. They had only been together a few months, and she hadn't really been thinking long term. She was trying to live more in the moment. But the look on his face when she said she didn't want more children. The subject had come up before, of course. He had said then that it didn't matter, to not think about the future. Despite what Ryan was saying, she just couldn't shake that momentary look from her memory. For that flicker of a second, he had looked so broken. The difference in their age was something that had bothered her at the start, but it had all happened so naturally in the end. So maybe she had been right from the start.

  Having had a shower and a fresh change of clothes, Daisy was feeling a bit more refreshed. When she returned to the kitchen, Kate was preparing breakfast. 'Scrambled eggs on toast, coffee and orange juice. Does that sound okay?'

  'Great, thanks.'

  They didn't talk much over breakfast, and Kate thought it was best not to say anything about last night. Lost in her thoughts, suddenly Daisy's voice cut through, 'What on earth happened last night?'

  Damn, was she a mind-reader! Kate involuntarily blushed. 'Not much.'

  'But something?' Daisy was looking at Kate intently.

  Trying to avoid eye contact, Kate said, 'You turned up at the club, alone and already drunk.'

  'What time was that?' As she looked at Kate, she could see the dark shadows under Daisy's eyes.

  'I'm not sure now. Pretty late, I think.'

  'What did I do?' Daisy was nervous about hearing the reply. She couldn't remember the last time she had been that drunk. In the cold light of day, she also realised how reckless she had been, going out on her own in that state.

  Kate looked at her reassuringly, 'You wanted to dance. I brought you home, then you fell asleep on the sofa. I thought it was best to let you sleep there rather than try and move you.'

  'Thank you for bringing me home.'

  The sincere look in Daisy's eyes melted Kate's heart, 'Hey, any time.'

  After a long pause, Daisy said, 'You're always looking out for me. That time at the coffee shop, the chats. The time when Ryan brought me home early. You really are so sweet, thank you.' She squeezed Kate's hand.

  Kate felt embarrassed, 'That's okay.' She didn't know where to look, so just looked down at the table.

  For a long while, Kate sensed Daisy watching her, but kept her eyes on her breakfast, savouring her food.

  'Did something happen last night?' The shock of the question felt like a bucket of cold water.

  'What d'you mean?' Kate felt her cheeks flush again. Damn it.

  Daisy looked worried, 'I didn't do anything silly, did I?'

  'No, of course not.' Kate looked up briefly.

  'I could have sworn you blushed just now. Look, I'd rather hear it from you, now, than find out from someone else later.'

  As it had only been the two of them last night, Kate was thinking that no one else would know, and she could save Daisy any embarrassment. Sh
e sighed, 'You were just very drunk, and really wanted to dance. I got you to have some soft drinks and managed to talk you into coming home.'

  At the look of relief on Daisy's face, Kate was glad that she hadn't filled her in with the rest.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  The first time that Daisy saw Ryan back at work was awkward. Daisy knew that she couldn't avoid him, and she really wanted to be friends with him. If she could be friends with Stephen after a long marriage, surely she could be friends with Ryan. Maybe friends was too strong a term for her relationship with Stephen now, but at least it was amicable.

  Ryan had wanted to give things another go, but in his heart of hearts, he knew that he did want to have children of his own one day. As great as Daisy was, it was too big a difference for him to see a way forward ultimately. He reluctantly realised that she was doing the right thing.

  Daisy's mum had been disappointed to hear about the end of her relationship with Ryan. 'You seemed to like him so much.'

  'I did. But we want different things. He wants to have kids sometime.'

  Daisy heard a quiet, but unmistakeable, intake of breath from Daphne. She was sure that her mum would love to have more grandchildren.

  'I don't want to start having babies again now.'

  'I suppose dear.' Daphne sounded sympathetic, before adding, 'Of course, you're not getting any younger.'

  'Mum!'

  Daphne's voice was soft, and full of love for her daughter, 'Well, what do you want me to say?'

  Daisy sighed, 'Oh, I don't know.'

  Eve was back from Paris, and Daisy was thrilled to see her again. Rather than coming home to some juicy gossip, Eve couldn't believe that Daisy had broken up with Ryan. She could see why, though, and Daisy seemed to be okay about it now. Well, she was beginning to get there.

  That evening, they were watching a film together. There was a scene where the woman had drunkenly kissed the guy, and the next time she saw him, brushed it off as an alcohol induced mistake. In typical romantic comedy style, it turned out she did really like the guy, and the inhibitions from having a few drinks had brought out her true feelings.