Chapter 4-1
729 Words
four
“You’re going to organise a party?” Fran’s cerulean blue eyes were sceptical as they looked at her daughter.
“I think it’s a great idea.” Rose pulled another tray of cakes out of the oven.
“A surprise party sounds fab to me.” Faith was sitting at the kitchen table, smearing the cool cakes with pink icing and jelly tots.
“But love, Shelly’s coming home next week. How are you going to organise everything for then? You need a room, for a start.” Fran shook flour off her skirt.
“That was a problem,” Rose conceded. “I thought I might be able to hire the hall, but Mrs French told me they’re fully booked for the next two months.”
“There you go then,” Fran shook her head, “it’s too short notice.”
“Then I thought of asking at one of the local pubs.”
“The new wine bar?” Faith’s eyes lit up at the thought of the recently opened trendy establishment.
“No, Gran.” Rose shook her head with amusement. “All super busy, too.”
The smile slid from Faith’s face. “What will you do then, our Rose?”
“I have a suggestion.” Fran placed her hands on her hips. “Why don’t you and her just go for a meal, love? Have a real catch-up.”
“Boring,” came Faith’s verdict.
“For once, I agree with Gran.” Rose carried the dirty kitchen utensils to the sink. “You know how bubbly and outgoing Shelly is. She does not do quiet.”
The two other women nodded with agreement.
“So… I thought we could have a soiree here.”
Fran’s eyes widened. “You mean a house party?”
“A jovial get-together. Please, Mum?”
“Well, what does your father say?” Fran blustered.
“He said it’s fine with him and that I needed to clear it with you.”
Rose and Faith stared at Fran, waiting for her answer.
“That’s typical of Rod, that is, putting the pressure on me. What about her own family?”
Rose sighed. “What family, Mum? Her dad has passed away. Her mum is in a care home sick with Alzheimer’s, and her only sibling lives miles away in London. I need to do this for her. No, correction – I want to do this for her. It’s been ten years since I saw her and she was my best friend. My only true friend. She deserves to be made a fuss of.”
Fran sat down next to Faith. “I always liked Shelly. She was like a bottle of fizz, all bubbly and full of life.”
“Aye,” agreed Faith, “she was a canny lass.”
“But people change, Rose.” Fran frowned. “Shelly might not be the same person. You might have grown apart, for a start.”
“Well, if we have, that’s okay.” Rose smiled. “I still want to do this for her, though, if it’s okay with you.”
“My daughter the angel.” Fran chucked her underneath the chin. “Of course it’s okay, love. Let’s just hope that Shelly doesn’t turn it into a rave.”
The three of them chuckled and carried on organising the cakes for tomorrow’s spring fete.
Later on, Rose decided to contact Shelly’s older sister and tell her about the party plans. Marian was a city high-flyer who worked in advertising. Rose vaguely remembered her before she left to live in London. A tall, domineering woman who hated village life. She had purchased a one-way ticket to the capital and left on a stormy New Year’s Day. Shelly had disclosed it had been her sister’s resolution to never come back to Twineham. Therefore Rose didn’t hold out much hope of her returning, not even for her own sister.
Rose searched through her contacts, hoping that the number she had been given a decade ago was still current. There it was, a work number but a contact nonetheless. Rose cleared her throat and tapped the screen. After a few moments, the line connected and it began to ring.
“Yes?” The person that answered was a cross-sounding woman.
“H-hello,” Rose began, “may I speak to Marian, please?”
“You mean Ms Regan?”
“Erm, yes. Is she available?”
“Meeting,” came the curt response, “call back at lunchtime.”
“Can I leave a message?” Rose persisted.
She heard a distinct tut. “Name and number?”
Rose relayed her details.
“Reason for call?”
“It’s a personal matter. I’m a family friend and need to speak to her about her sister Shelly.”
“Okay. Goodbye.” The line went dead.
How rude, thought Rose as she stuffed her phone back in her handbag. Then her mum was calling to her that tea was ready. Rose clattered downstairs to eat shepherd’s pie with the rest of her family, thoughts of Shelly swirling through her mind.
- Writer
