Student Affairs

Chapter Three-2

“Hello Evelyn,” Sophie stood in the doorway, swathed in pink, lace pyjamas and furry slipper boots. The breath caught in Evelyn's throat, her normally immaculate friend looked so different. Her long, honey golden tresses hung lank and knotted around a face that was smeared with make-up. Dark shadows clung underneath her eyes and her cheeks were pale and dull. Sophie staggered towards the gate, her hands shook as she grappled with the iron locks.

“Sorry Evelyn,” she mumbled, “I forgot you were coming.”

“Oh, it's okay dear, you have a lot on your mind at the moment. I er, met your neighbour Mrs Pobble.”

Sophie rolled her eyes, “poor you. The woman is nothing more than a judgemental, interfering hypocrite. A proper sticky-beak. Take no notice of her.”

Evelyn grinned, “she wants you to attend church so they can cleanse you with holy water.”

Sophie snorted, “as if! I've already been baptised once, thank you very much.”

The gate creaked open and Sophie ushered her friend inside.

“Where are the children?” Evelyn asked, as she followed her friend back up the drive.

“They had a sleepover,” Sophie sighed, “I had too much wine last night. My mouth feels like something has died inside it.” She licked at her dry lips and led the way inside the lounge.

“Make yourself at home,” Sophie said as she flopped down on the sofa.

Evelyn looked around at the discarded takeaway trays and stained cutlery. There was a strange odour lingering in the air; mustiness combined with spicy food, her nose wrinkled in distaste.

“Sorry about the mess,” Sophie sprang up to remove a pile of glossy magazines from the opposite seat, “my housekeeper Heidi is in Germany visiting family.”

“Ah,” Evelyn replied, “can I help you clean up?”

“No!” Sophie squinted across at her, “I'll blitz it later, when I'm not so hungover. Will you sit down Evelyn?”

Evelyn perched gingerly, “so, how are you coping dear?”

“Truthfully Evelyn? I'm a mess,” she paused to exhale a shuddering breath, “I hate being alone. I hate being a single parent. I don't know how Juliette has coped for so long.”

“You're not considering taking him back are you?” Evelyn fidgeted nervously.

Sophie threw an arm across her face, “of course not, I do have some self-respect left.” She bolted upright, “I keep thinking about him with other women. It's driving me insane. How could he do it Evelyn?” She sniffed and rubbed at her tired eyes.

“You must keep busy,” Evelyn urged, “try not to dwell on negative thoughts. University will be starting soon, that will help keep your mind occupied.”

Sophie nodded. She looked thoroughly defeated and Evelyn was overcome by a swell of sympathy.

“Shall I make us tea?” Evelyn rose to her feet, determined to lighten the atmosphere.

“I suppose so, but ignore the herbal bags Evelyn., my body is in desperate need of a caffeine boost.” Sophie sank back into the squashy cushions, “there's only a bit of sugar left, I haven't had chance to do a grocery shop.”

Evelyn nodded, looking down at Sophie with concern. She looked so tiny and fragile, what she needed, decided Evelyn, was a little bit of tender, loving care and that started with a good brew.

The kitchen was in a worse state than the lounge. There were towers of dirty crockery piled haphazardly next to a dripping tap. The breakfast bar was covered with pictures of Sophie and Ryan cut into two and her marriage certificate had been torn into neat little squares. Evelyn sighed as she noticed a vandalised family portrait of the O'Neill's. Ryan's face was covered with ugly red spots and a pair of horns sprouted from his head. The word 'arse' had been scrawled over his grinning mouth. Evelyn opened a window to let in some fresh air then clicked on the kettle. On the vast fridge hung a collection of photographs; holiday snaps from their time in Lanzarote. Evelyn peered at the images of the bright blue skies, the golden sandy beaches which led to the rolling beauty of the wild ocean. There was a group photograph of them all together on Timinfaya mountain, with the rugged, volcanic landscape in the background. Looking at them transported her back to the balmy nights, sitting outside at relaxed restaurants, enjoying the Mediterranean food and fine wine. They had lain on the beach, with people from all over the world, while the children frolicked in the surf, watching a glorious sunset shimmer in the distance. It had been paradise. Now it was back to reality; life and all its tribulations.

“There's a packet of custard creams somewhere,” Sophie broke into her reverie as she trudged into the kitchen and perched on a stool.

“I'm going to make you and the boys some homemade shortbread,” Evelyn announced, “you'll never eat another shop produced biscuit again.”

“That sounds nice,” Sophie smiled, “maybe I should take up baking.”

Evelyn busied herself making the drinks, “shall we sit in the garden dear? It's such a lovely day and the fresh air will do us both good.”

“Yeah, okay,” Sophie opened the back door and dragged the garden furniture out of the shade. They sat in silence for a while, enjoying the warmth and the quiet.

“This garden is beautiful,” Evelyn commented, as she watched a squirrel hopping along the fence, bushy tail twitching.

“It's big, too big,” Sophie looked around, “but yes, it is lovely. I've never really appreciated it before.”

“That Buddleia is gorgeous,” Evelyn shaded her eyes to peer across the lawn, “look at all the butterflies around it and I love the Master wort, it's my favourite summer flower.”

“I'm ashamed to admit that I've never worked in the garden,” Sophie sipped her drink, “I can't take any credit for it. We always paid other people to look after it.”

Evelyn glanced across at Sophie, wondering what she could say or do to make her friend feel happier. She was certainly in a dark place; an unfaithful husband, a crumbling marriage, the responsibility of young children to care for and a vast house to keep running.

“I don't think I can cope Evelyn,” Sophie's eyes filled with tears, “I feel utterly abandoned and I'm so constantly tired.”

Evelyn set her tea cup down and reached out her hand, “you're not alone. You have me and I'll help in any way I can.”

“Thanks,” Sophie blew her nose into a tissue.

“Are you hungry Sophie?” Evelyn asked, “maybe we could go for a pub lunch or to a café.”

“I suppose we could go to The Golden Goose,” Sophie replied dully, “It's not too far.”

“Excellent!” Evelyn beamed, “you go and titivate yourself, while I do a spot of sunbathing.”

“Okay,” Sophie's lips curved into a small smile.

When Evelyn was alone, she rummaged in her bag for her notebook and biro and began scribbling. The idea for a new novel had taken seed in her mind over the summer. It was completely different to what she had written previously. It was a bildungsroman and she had a book full of basic plot ideas and character lists, which she carried with her everywhere. Last week she had written the first draft of chapter one, on her brand new speedy computer. It had been a gift to herself, with some of Mam's inheritance money.

“I'll make you proud Mam,” she whispered to the wind, as excitement coursed through her and she let her pen transport her away to magical worlds.

* * *

“What a beautiful view!” They stood at the crest of the hill, staring downwards at the prettily laid out village, bordered by the patchwork fields of the rambling English countryside. “How long have you lived here dear? It's charming.”

“Since Ryan and I were married…” Sophie bit her lip.

“I love how it's all so natural and overgrown,” Evelyn gushed, “just listen to the birdsong.”

Sophie remained silent as they slowly began their descent, her mind was on other things.

As if sensing this, Evelyn chattered away, pointing out the numerous species of wild flowers which bordered the pebbly path.

“He hasn't even taken the boys out you know,” the words suddenly burst from Sophie, angry and bitter, “they keep asking after him. I don't know what to tell them.”

“Maybe you should discuss it with him, make arrangements.”

“I could strangle him,” Sophie kicked at the ground, creating a swirl of dust, “I feel constant anger towards him.”

“It's understandable given the way he's behaved,” Evelyn cleared her throat, “But Sophie alcohol isn't the answer.”

Sophie sighed, “You're right, if anything it's making me feel worse. It just helps me forget for a while…I feel so desperately alone. I don't think I can do this single parent malarkey. I'm not strong enough. I'm beginning to think I'm just like my mother.”

“You are not your mother,” Evelyn replied gently, taking her arm, “and of course you can cope. It takes a while to adjust, that's all. Why don't you speak to Juliette, if anyone could empathise it would be her.”

“I don't want to worry her,” Sophie replied, “she has enough to deal with as it is.”

“I'm sure she won't mind,” Evelyn said, “think of your children, they need you now more than ever.”

Sophie nodded, “I'll try,” she mumbled.

“Good.” Evelyn replied briskly, “now, which way is the pub? I'm famished.”

* * *

When they entered The Golden Goose, a silence greeted them and all eyes turned to stare their way. A line of elderly men were propped against the bar, supping tankards of ale and rustling the days newspapers. A large group of women were gathered around three tables, gossiping and eating. Above them a wide screen T.V blared the latest pop hits.

“Come on,” Evelyn took Sophie's hand, before she could turn and flee.

The bar-tender was bent over, restocking a fridge with cheap wine. Sophie winced as the thought of last night's excesses assailed her.

“What can I get you love?” He grinned cheekily at the pair of them, before turning to bellow at his wife, “turn that shite off Audrey, a man can't hear himself think over that racket.”

“Just an orange juice for me please,” Evelyn rattled the change in her purse.

“I'll have a lemonade, with extra ice,” Sophie removed her glasses and peered around the dimly lit pub.

Audrey was balancing on a stool, swiping at a dusty window. She gave her husband a cool look as she pointed the remote control towards the screen. There were nods of approval from the men as Sky Sports appeared, but Sophie winced as she recognised the colours of Chattlesbury Football Club.

“Nasty business between you and your hubby eh?” the bartender leant on a pump and surveyed Sophie with a mixture of sympathy and distaste, “he was in here two nights ago, with that gardener of his. Blind drunk the pair of them. Flashing the cash he was, bought two bottles of my most expensive champagne and drank them both in an hour. I nearly threw them out for singing while the quiz was on. Couldn't shut them up.”

“He's nothing to do with me anymore,” Sophie snapped, quickly replacing her sunglasses.

“You're better off without him love,” a woman holding a forkful of battered fish shouted at them, “once a cheat, always a cheat.” Her friends harrumphed in agreement.

“I…” Sophie opened her mouth to reply but was quickly led away by Evelyn.

“Best not to respond,” she mumbled, “it's none of their business. Let's sit over here.”

They hid in a shadowy corner, at a wobbly, beer sodden table.

“I can't stand this,” Sophie wrung her hands, “complete strangers knowing my business.”

“They'll be gossiping about someone else tomorrow,” Evelyn said sympathetically, “keep your head down, it will all blow over.” She passed Sophie a menu and they perused it in silence.

“I think I'll have the steak,” Evelyn decided, motioning to the hovering waitress.

“Me too,” Sophie let Evelyn order for them and flicked through the diary section on her phone.

“Is registration next week then?”

“Wednesday,” Evelyn confirmed, “I've spent the summer speed reading classics. I'm really looking forward to getting started and seeing everyone again and I think it will be good for you too Sophie. It will help keep your mind occupied and focused. Are you okay for childcare?”

“Heidi has offered to help more,” Sophie replied, “I'd be lost without her.”

There was a pause, “what about your mother dear?”

A look of irritation crossed Sophie's face, “too busy canoodling with my ex-gardener. We're not really speaking. Things are…awkward.”

“She seems a nice person,” Evelyn said gently.

“She acts like a teenager!” Sophie sighed wearily, “and she's completely selfish, no thought for other people's feelings. And messing with a married man, what's that all about? Are there not enough single men left in the world for her?”

Evelyn cleared her throat, “well they do say you can't help who you fall in love with, but anyway, Juliette messaged me. Her summer went well, but there's no sign of a reconciliation between her and Dr Rivers.”

“That's a real shame, those two were so romantic together,” Sophie sighed, “they reaffirmed my childhood belief in true love. What happened between them anyway? Jules was so shifty when I asked her about it.”

“I'm not completely sure,” Evelyn replied, “but I think a lot of it was down to other people's interference.”

“Well I hope they work it out, oh here comes the food, that was quick,” they chatted as they ate their meal. Sophie felt her spirits rising and was glad that she had Evelyn's company to distract her from thoughts of Ryan.

“You look better dear,” Evelyn smiled her way, “shall we have a toast?”

“Why not.”

“Here's to the future,” Evelyn said as they clinked glasses, “whatever it may hold.”