Taking Off
Chapter 6
Chapter 6
On Friday night, as Katie was confirming details for the following evening with Fiona, Mel burst into the living room with a suitcase and her toddler. She dropped her luggage at her feet, tucked her screaming child in the armchair and propped herself on the sofa next to Katie.
“You could have rang the bell! You gave me a fright,” Katie said.
“What’s the point of ringing the bell? You gave me your key.”
“Yeah, for emergencies.”
Mel rearranged her legs underneath her and shifted her weight to her side, her elbow leaning on the wall behind. “Anyway, I’ve had the worst day ever, so don’t give me a hard time.”
Over a cup of tea, Mel explained that she had left her husband Frank for the third time that year. To make matters worse, his new mistress was in the same school year as Katie and Mel, though they were never friends with her.
Katie got towels and bed sheets out for Mel and cooked. She had bought ingredients to make a curry dish but due to Mel’s allergy to spices, she improvised a ratatouille with chicken pieces.
After dinner, they watched TV, though they couldn’t agree on any program. Mel kept switching to music videos while Katie zapped back to The Simpsons and The Peep Show. At ten o’clock, Katie surrendered the remote control to Mel and got ready for bed. Mel followed her to the bathroom.
“What’s wrong with you? You’re well crossed with me. I’ve done nothing wrong you know,” Mel said.
“Music videos are crap.”
“It’s not my fault if you only like old music. That dance stuff was well good.”
“I don’t like old music.”
“Music from the 90s is old music.”
“No it’s not.”
“Yes it is. Anyway, what’s wrong with you? You’re never so irritable.”
Mel’s frame blocked the door and Katie stepped back, her eyes on the floor. “I’ve got my own problems.”
“At work?”
“At work. With my bank. Everywhere.”
“What, like, money problems?”
“Yes.”
“Welcome to real life. What is it?”
“It’s a long story.”
Mel crossed her arms.
“I’m tired now. I’ll tell you tomorrow, OK?”
“Sure.”
***
The next day, Fiona and Katie arrived at the Oak Bar a few minutes after nine. They walked past three women playing pool in the first room and a DJ lugging crates of records through the side door. Ruth and a small group of friends had colonised two tables, one for handbags and one for drinks. Fiona went to say hello as Katie headed for the bar. Without thinking, she ordered a vodka and coke for herself but when the waitress brought it back, she winced. Instead of two gin and tonic for Fiona and Ruth, she ordered one only, and a Coke.
She gestured Fiona to come and help her.
“Cheeky you! It’s only three drinks to carry.”
“I need to talk to you.”
“What about?”
“Did you notice how I didn’t suggest wine with our meal?”
“Yes, I know, you’re skint. I should have brought a bottle.”
“No. I didn’t mention it because I am teetotal at the moment.”
“Teetotal? Why?”
“I got really drunk on the flight back last week. I was sick on my way home.”
“That’s bad but not a reason to go teetotal, you might as well not go out.” Fiona tapped her fingers on the counter in rhythm to the music.
“That’s rude.”
“Honestly? Do you know anyone who doesn’t drink?”
“No.”
Fiona pointed at the glasses. “Which one is mine?”
“That’s why I called you over here. When I ordered, I asked for a vodka and Coke for me, you know, out of habit. Then she asked me about the other drinks and I realised I had made a mistake. So basically, you’re having my vodka and Coke, if you don’t mind.”
“That’s cool, I‘ll have it. Are you drinking plain Coke then?” Fiona smirked.
“Yes. But don’t tell anyone please, I don’t want questions about it.”
Fiona sighed, picked her glass and walked back towards the group. A few steps before reaching them, she turned back and smiled. “Deal. I won‘t tell anyone.”
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