A long day

My day had been long and hot and sweat poured off me as I pulled into my driveway.  All I wanted to do now, was to sit with a beer and watch the football.  If I had known how the evening was going to end with an interception I would have felt more worried.

I knew that Gloria and the kids would have other ideas. Not seeming to understand that I’ve been at work all day, whilst they’ve been at home.  It’s school holidays and my boss, Jeff, would not allow me annual leave, so any chance of a holiday away was out.

Now sitting in the car, I thought I knew what’s ahead of me. My head is throbbing but I’m ready for my daughter, Janie to launch herself at me. For Freddie to show me his latest Lego building and an exhausted Gloria, to tell me that my dinner is in the oven.

Late evenings

Night after night I have reheated food, though to be fair the time is now 9 pm. Gloria has often looked suspiciously at me on these late evenings. I’ve told her that I’m too tired to entertain playing away as I’m working for many hours.  Now loosening my tie, I lock the car and walk into the house. Immediately I hear,

“Daddy.” As Janie in her pyjamas, intercepts me in the hall. I hug her tight, it’s nice to be home but the sick, stressed feeling remains. Gloria is sat watching television, catching up on her favourite soaps.  Janie should have been asleep by now, but she will always wait up for me. Giving her a kiss and telling her to go to bed, Freddie appears forming another interception, I can feel my tummy rumbling, I need my dinner.

Now pushing potatoes around my plate, I reflect on our life. Gloria is a school teacher, a hard-working mother to our two children and I’m an accountant. Balancing our working lives and home is hard. The ongoing stress we both feel is often coming between us.

Terry

My extreme tiredness prevents me from relaxing watching the soaps. Often I will watch television alone in the kitchen. As the football now starts I hear a sad voice,
“Michael.” Looking up I can see she is crying. Now I’m concerned.
“What’s happened, why are you crying?”
“Jen has just phoned, it’s Terry.”

“What?”
“Today he went to work and has not come home. She’s phoned the police, but no news yet. He’s usually home by 6.00 but it’s now 10.00.”
“Maybe he’s in the pub. Doesn’t he have other friends?”
“The only friend Terry has is you. He always comes straight home.” She then added, “We need to do something about us.”

Life and stress

“How do you mean?”
“This animosity between us, I always feel that I’m not good enough.” She was now sobbing hard. I reached for some tissues, so she could wipe her face and blow her nose.
“You are good enough, plenty good enough. I’m always tired from work, Jeff is a real slave driver”. Pulling her close, I was now lost for words. Terry was my best mate, he had been since school and we would talk most nights on messenger. I hoped that he was alright but I couldn’t help thinking there was something more.

The last time we spoke he had said that a man had been following him. I had dismissed it, saying why would anyone follow you? Terry worked in a jewellers and he had felt he was being watched.
“Gloria I need to phone the police, this could be serious. Terry said something, this is not good.” Head pounding and feeling sick, I now phoned the police. I told them what Terry had told me and gave them the address of the jewellers. I wondered now if they had been planning a heist. Maybe Terry was safely tied up inside. I hoped the police could intercept the thieves if this is what had happened.

        ☆ ☆ ☆

The ‘Princess Diamonds’

Sat now in a tiny little room, Terry looked at the barrel of a gun.
“Safe code?”
“I don’t know it, I only work here” he lied.
“Come on, we know the ‘Princess Diamond’s’ are in there. Give us the code and we can all go home.”

Terry knew he was lying. He suspected that as soon as he gave them access to the diamonds they would shoot him, he needed to play for time. Feeling a sharp kick to his ribs he squealed in pain but told himself that he could not give in.  It felt like he had been there many hours when he heard glass smashing upstairs. Then shouts and searching. The men stiffened, what now? they had nowhere to hide. Terry tried to scream but was given a sharp kick as he went to open his mouth.

Interception

The sound of police radios could now be heard. Terry willed them to find him and wondered how they had known to search the jewellery store.  He now heard boots on the stairs and a gun being fired. Trying to intercept the policemen, the thieves had tried to run. The police woman at the top of the stairs, Sarah, now shot both in the legs preventing them from moving any further.

Terry now felt the warmth of two police officers untying him.
“How did you know I was here.”
“Your friend, Michael phoned us. He told us about you being followed and that you might be here.”
“They wanted the valuable ‘Princess Diamonds’.
“Well you and them are safe now”.

☆ ☆ ☆

Safely home

Early the next morning we were woken by Jenny. Terry was safely home, I was glad that he had told me about being watched and followed.  The scare had made Gloria and I realise we needed to make more time for each other. The stress of work needed to change. We had been unhappy for so long, we needed the spark back. Being exhausted just meant we were taking it out on each other.

Terry had survived his ordeal but he could just as easily have been killed last night. Now was a time to be thankful for our blessings, move on with our lives and try and be happy.

Written for Blog battle – Intercept

For more see, Money does not bring happiness

As she looked out the window, she wondered if her friend really wanted her to play the piano. Had she imagined it? Remembering lying on the floor with her Labrador, Rex sniffing at her she felt ashamed. Where was her life really headed?

Freda loved music and always had. Watching Ruby singing night after night, day after day, the one person Ruby show, had made her proud but also insanely jealous.

Now sat in her hospital bed with an appointment card for her mental health to be assessed, she knew that she was not mad.  All she wanted to do was cry.  She needed something to make her feel whole again.

All alone, her only friends were her dog, Rex, and Ruby. Watching her receive thunderous applause show after show, she questioned whether she was doing right by accepting to be part of it. Could she really live up to her friend’s expectations? Knowing that she is a good pianist, she loved the piano, she told herself that she can do this.

                              * * * * * *

Finishing my set at the ‘Red Lion’, watching everyone clap as I finished  ‘Girls just wanna have fun’.  I thought of Freda. This will be easier when she is playing the piano leaving me to concentrate on singing. I hoped I had made the right decision by asking her. Her face had lit up as if she had been waiting for me to ask her. I knew that this was right but, scared it would affect my set. What if she had forgotten how to play? Or just played badly? Maybe we needed a new name? Or we could just be Ruby and Freda.

Collecting all my belongings together I finished my Shandy and went to leave the pub. Nodding to the landlord, he waved a friendly goodbye. I loaded up my car which is a small Fiat Punto. I’m grateful that the pub has a microphone that I can borrow and their own piano. I would struggle to carry a keyboard. I make very little money from singing, I do it because it’s my passion. As I sing, I have a happy feeling inside. It makes me feel positive about myself as people enjoy listening to me. I am hoping that Freda will feel the same satisfaction.

Now turning the key in the ignition, I went to leave the pub car park. Checking behind me I put the car into reverse. Hearing voices I braked, now what was happening? An argument had started between a couple sat in an old Vauxhall Corsa. They appeared young, too young for the argument they were having. I could hear the swear words clearly and wondered how this was going to end.

I re-parked my car and went back to the pub. The landlord saw me come back.
“Hi, Ruby, what’s wrong?”
“There’s a couple out there in a Corsa. They have just started screaming at each other.” James now followed me back out of the pub.
“That’s Millie’s girl.” Millie is working behind the bar today.”

“And who is he?”
“That’s Freddie, he’s a nasty piece of work and popular with the ladies.”
“Is she in any danger?”
“I’m not sure, I will tell Millie.” The shouting now got louder.
“I’m going do something,” I said.
“Right, Ruby, you phone 999, I will talk to Millie. Freddie can be dangerous, and we don’t want something to happen.”

It wasn’t long till Millie appeared at the door, shaking now, scared of Freddie. The police arrived soon after. As they drove into the pub car park, I felt relief wash over me. I hoped this would end their argument. I saw the police officers get out of their Mondeo and approach the car.

There was now angry shouting and the sounds of a girl crying. I couldn’t hear what was said but Freddie was now being put into the back of a police car. Rosie was weeping into the arms of a female officer. They were now walking towards us.

Watching Freddie being driven away. Rosie was now with the police and Millie in one of the pubs back rooms. It seemed that it wasn’t only Freda that was struggling. The complications of boys and life. Right now I’m happy to concentrate on my music.

Saying goodbye again, I hoped Rosie and Millie were alright. I was sure that whatever the problem was, her mum would stand by her.

Leaving the car park now, I set off for the hospital. Seeing Sainsbury’s on my left-hand side, I turned in to buy chocolate. Knowing that Freda would like some, I certainly needed it.
Walking into Sainsbury’s and listening to the shoppers, I could sense their stress. The general need to get their shopping done and get home. I soon found the chocolate aisle and was wondering whether to buy a box of Milk Tray or two large bars of Fruit and Nut. Thinking things over in my head, my heart went for the delicious Fruit and Nut.

Now armed with chocolate I continued on my journey to the hospital. Driving through the traffic I thought of the day’s events. Thinking about Rosie and what had caused Freddie to start shouting at her. Then feeling frustrated at the car behind me that seemed to want to get in the boot. My dad has always said to slam your brakes on when cars do this. I’m not brave enough. I drive an old car and I’m sure if that car goes into the back of me then this will be an insurance write off. I don’t need the hassle.

Turning into the hospital now, I parked the car. Collecting my bag with the chocolate and my purse, I now locked it and used my mobile app to pay for parking. I do love a mobile app. Anything that makes my life easier.

Walking into the building I found directions for ‘Beckett ward’ and started walking towards my friend.  Arriving at the ward, the nurses took me to her room. Her face lit up, I was pleased to see her smiling.
“Hello Ruby, thanks for coming.”
“You can’t keep me away,” I said, “and I bought chocolate.” Seeing the fruit and nut, she said.
“Wow, my favourite.”
“Well, I’m pleased about that. So how are things going?”

“How do you think?” She showed me her appointment card.
“Don’t worry, I’ll come with you, it will all be okay.” The little voice in my head said you really hope so, how do you know? Ignoring my inner voice, I squeezed her hand.
“Freda, I’m here, we can do this together.”

“I do hope so, so when can I join you? When can I come and play the piano?
“Okay so today’s Tuesday, I have a gig on Friday back at the ‘Red Robin’. If you are out you can join me.”
“That would be great, I’m looking forward to it.”

We sat now, quietly eating our chocolate. Freda has a long way to go and needs a lot of support. After spending a couple of hours with her, I left for the evening. Leaving her with some peace and time to rest.

* * * * * *

Feeling content and happy after her evening meal. She sat reading her book and thinking about Ruby. The horrors of a ‘Clive Barker’ novel shielded her from her own life. Focusing on life inside the weave of a carpet, she could forget for a moment that she was in an NHS hospital for another night.

The next day, she was discharged home.  Happy to see her Labrador, Rex, and her neighbour had done her shopping.  Able to ease herself back into the stresses of life with Ruby also visiting.

Friday soon arrived. She woke up with butterflies in her tummy, knowing she could do this.   Playing the piano came to her naturally and she knew the songs that Ruby sang. That day, Ruby arrived early, they hugged and then leaving Rex with a bowl of water they drove to the pub.

Ruby explained that she would start her set with Abba’s I have a dream.  Freda sat happily listening. Pulling into the car park, Freda could see that Ruby was now distracted.

* * * * * *

Feeling nervous about today we arrived at the ‘Red Lion’. It has been a while since Freda has played the piano as I sing. I really hoped this would work.  After unloading my car, we walked into the pub. I saw Millie behind the bar. I walked over, ordered two coca colas and asked about Rose. She replied quietly,

“Rose is pregnant with Freddie’s baby. He wants her to get an abortion and she is refusing. It’s her child, she will raise it alone if necessary. She knows she’s got me. Freddie is bad news.”
“Oh dear.” I was shocked, “Is she alright in herself?”

“She will be fine. Two Coke’s was it?”
“Yes please.” Taking the drink I said, “If she needs a shoulder I’m here.”
“I think you have enough.” She nodded towards Freda.
“Yes, you could be right. Just hoping today goes okay. Will speak to you later”.

I took the drinks and walked over to the piano and assembled the Mic and equipment.

“Come on then Freda,  I have a dream’” As she started playing, I knew I had done the right thing, she was amazing. As I started singing all our troubles floated away. I felt my familiar happy feeling and looking at Freda I could see that she felt it too.

For more see, Summer breeze and a need for music (Part one)

Written for   Grammys Grid  first sentence prompt – As she looked out the window, she wondered if…