Leonora - Chapter Fifteen

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

To escape the cold air, the two ladies sat at a table near the back of the cafe. Posters advertising old theatre shows decorated the walls and the gurgling sound of a cappuccino machine accompanied the rattling crockery, clouds of steamy air rose to the ceiling. The friendly proprietor bought over two hot coffees as Emily was rummaging through her handbag, she was looking for her cigarettes. Mary continued complaining about Henri and as she did, she constantly sang Vladimir's praises. On finding an unopened carton of twenty, Emily unwrapped the packet and lit a cigarette. Puffing it to life, she said, “Vlad's no angel, he can have his moments too.” She thanked the gentleman for the two coffees and he gave a warm smile. He was quite used to her custom. The art shop was only across the road and she often popped in for a break.

Mary sipped her coffee and gave a desperate sighed. She asked Emily for a cigarette and her friend remarked, “But you don't smoke darling.”

Mary replied, “He's driving me to it. He's so bloody inconsiderate. And now he's alone with some brazen hussy who's probably baring her breasts to him.”

Emily passed a cigarette over and replied, “Speaking of brazen hussies, has he finished my painting yet? I'm getting rather impatient.”

Mary fumbled with the cigarette, it didn't look natural. As she inhaled, smoke drifted into her eyes and they began to stream. Through her tears, she replied, “He's adding the finishing touches. Or so he says.”

Not wishing to spend the day speaking about the silly Frenchman, Emily started telling Mary about the séance, her friend listened in awe.

Josie listened intently to Polly's account of the night before, she openly admitted that she was jealous and wanted to be part of the action. With keen, eager eyes, she asked, “So, is your boss dishy? Does he make smouldering eyes at you?”

Polly blushed and replied, “I don't know, stop being so personal. Anyway, his wife was there, and she is really nice.”

Josie's mother came into the living room with the carpet sweeper and began tidying up. She greeted Polly and asked, “How's your new job going?”

Polly politely replied, “It's going very well thank you Mrs Brown. I'm getting used to it.”

The mother told the two friends to lift their feet up as she swept the carpet beneath them. Two pairs of black ankle boots suspended in mid air. Meanwhile, she brushed the thick pile beneath them. She looked to Josie and said, “You should be doing this. And it's about time you got a job like Polly.”

Quite full of herself, Josie replied, “I don't need a job. I'm going to find a rich man to marry me and he's going to keep me in the lap of luxury.” Her mother swiftly remarked, “In your dreams girl. Next week, you need to be looking for work.”

When Mrs Brown had finished sweeping the carpet, Polly said to Josie, “Do you fancy going shopping this afternoon?

Her friend sucked a Mint Imperial and said, “I would love to, but I've got no money.”

Her mother quickly interjected, “You see girl. That's why you need a job.”

Polly quickly remarked, “Don't worry about that, I got a good wage this week. It'll be my treat.”

Mrs Brown quickly looked to her daughter and asked, “What do you say dear?”

Josie thanked her friend and kissed her cheek.

They had been friends since their schooldays, ponytails and white knee length socks followed them through the developing years. Boyfriends came and went, but their friendship remained steadfast. No one could separate them.

Mrs Brown approved of Polly's presence, she was a positive influence for Josie, she often needed encouragement with her homework, and Polly was always happy to help. When Josie was fifteen, she went through a period of being bullied, and although Polly wasn't a fighter, she stuck up for her friend and made sure that her walks home from school were made safely.

Before their afternoon shopping trip, Mrs Brown made sure that the two girls were well fed, the cheese and tomato sandwiches went down a real treat. Both ladies swung their legs under the kitchen table, just as they did when they were twelve years old. There were some things in life that time could not erase.