by Karen Aldous
‘Well, we’re done, so our bathroom’s free,’ Lou said. ‘Just don’t leave a mess.’
Cathy almost choked on her bubbles.
My skin was lobster pink and the bathroom hot and steamy. I could barely breathe as Kim expertly saw me safely out of the bath, her eyes stationed on the floor.
‘Leave the water,’ she said as I leaned towards the bath plug. ‘I’ll jump in yours,’ she said handing me the large white fluffy towel she had hung on the radiator to keep warm. I rubbed it over my arms and torso drying myself off as I left, closing the door after me.
‘Thank you. I would have gone in after you,’ I told her.
‘No, heroes get priority treatment in my book.’
I rolled my eyes and finished drying off my glowing limbs. As my muscles had soaked and relaxed in the water, my mind had been whirling. Wondering. Would I ever know if my dearest friend had been protecting me? Her own blood, Paula, must really hate us. Why, when we had put up with her silly, sometimes nasty antics when she was young, seeking attention and certainly drawing attention to herself? Quite the bully, so like her father, Kim had often reminded us. We had all tolerated her childish ways, her flirting, scheming, even her lying.
I tossed the towel over my head to my back, but my movement was limited. I rubbed it as best I could, then wiped my buttocks and the tops of my legs. A notion was forming. Had Paula sensed that mocking, along with Kim’s neglect, and channelled it into revenge? In her eyes, I had won Mike and I had taken her sister away. The big sister who had always been there to care for and protect her; who continued to protect her younger brothers, more so than her mother who was forced to work and find her own way of healing.
Angie was finishing her make-up, still in her bra when I entered the bedroom.
‘You OK?’ she asked, zipping up her make-up bag and laying it on the side.
‘Thanks yes, better. I think the bath has eased it.’
‘I’m glad you and Kim had a chance to talk,’ she said, pulling down a lovely purple tunic from its hanger in the wardrobe and spinning around. ‘You seem much happier. Neil thought so too. He’s such a sweetie. Let me bang on about all my plans for the centre.’
‘He is. I wish I had time to get to know him better but …’
‘Make it happen,’ Angie said, removing her dressing gown and sliding into her top.
‘I love that top,’ I said. ‘It’s about time I found something a bit brighter.’
‘Thanks. Well, we could have a day out together at Bluewater. Ask Lou and Cathy and make a day of it.’
‘Yes, I’d like that,’ I replied, finding myself looking forward to joining the human race and, in particular, my friends again. I took my body oil from the shelf and sprayed my arms.
‘Do you need any help?’ she asked, slipping on black leggings.
‘I think I can manage actually. I’ve loosened up a bit.’ I then went to spray my legs but thought better of it. I wasn’t going to push my luck. I added deodorant under my arms.
‘OK,’ she said, smoothing her top in the mirror, which looked more beautiful on. Then spraying herself with perfume, she said, ‘Just shout if you need us, sweetie. I’ll go down and get you another glass of wine.’
‘No more wine for me, yet. Thanks. But I’d appreciate a nice cool glass of water when I come down. I won’t be long.’
I dressed as fast as my movement allowed, choosing a silky sequin-embellished black top I’d kept in my wardrobe for years. I brought it with New Year’s Eve in mind. As I wriggled slowly into it, my head was still awash with intrusive thoughts. I picked up the hairdryer and with my fingers, scrunched the wet edges of my hair. I had forgotten to wash it. ‘Attractive,’ I muttered to myself, thinking of Neil. I gave it a quick blow-dry on top and ran my fingers through it in the mirror.
Seeing the pallid skin and sunken eyes, I quickly smoothed in some moisturiser followed by some liquid foundation and brushed it in, blending it around my hairline and neck. After applying some eye make-up and lipstick, I squeezed some perfume onto my wrists, grabbing socks from the drawer, found my coat, shoes and filled my evening bag. I headed downstairs. It was hard to imagine just a few hours ago, I’d been hanging off the side of a mountain. Tonight, however, I was going to forget the disasters and dance into my new destiny.
The girls were ready and waiting as I marched with noticeable agility down the stairs. I drunk the cool water thirstily, and after helping me with my shoes and socks, Kim and Angie accompanied me back up the steep slippery path to La Poste. Music blared along with flood lighting as we passed the small square beside it. A few small groups gathered, drinking from steaming cups. The spicy aroma of mulled wine brandished the air. The evening sky had turned from a velvety navy to charcoal black. Dark clouds masked the stars, threatening over our heads.
‘I wouldn’t be surprised if we have snow,’ Angie said as she and Kim slowed at the restaurant steps.
‘Not such a bad thing for New Year’s Eve,’ I said, turning to Kim. She seemed quiet. Perhaps like me, she had found the whole Mike and Paula debacle draining. She had carried it for a long time.
‘Are you OK?’ I asked.
She forced a smile. ‘Yes, just chilled after that bath – it made me sleepy. I barely slept last night.’
I felt a stab of guilt. Kim, more than anyone, had travelled the furthest to make this happen for me and I’d given her nothing but grief in the last twenty-four hours.
‘And,’ she continued, ‘I was disappointed I couldn’t get hold of Will to wish him Happy New Year. So, feeling a bit blah!’ Her tired eyes widened. ‘I’ll perk up in a bit.’
‘Oh, of course, the time zone. He would be asleep.’
‘Yeah, I forgot to ring him. My phone was here with Cathy and I missed his call. He was probably out celebrating with the guys, no doubt a bit seedy.’
‘The Rose’, Kim’s signature tune on my phone, played in my head reminding me of the strength it gave me whilst on that ledge. My instincts kicked in. Kim’s energy had always been kind and soothing. She had never had a nasty streak in her bones and it was highly likely that, in my stunned state, I had misjudged her motives. I cradled her waist as we climbed the steps. ‘I’m so sorry, Kim. Don’t let it get you down. Blame me. I’m the one who is responsible for keeping you awake. Besides, he will understand when you explain you were two thousand metres up, hanging off a tree.’
Kim’s snort took me by surprise. ‘Yeah, course he will.’
We both laughed. I let out a sigh. ‘Would it help if I told you my soreness with you is evaporating? Kim, I do believe you had my interests at heart, and I don’t want to ruin your New Year celebrations.’
‘Gin, of course you aren’t responsible. Gosh, you were in shock. You needed a scapegoat anyway! Don’t we all? No, I’ll get back and sort things with Will. It’s just that I wanted to start the New Year on the right foot. In my head, I’d planned to make more of an effort with him, especially hearing everyone’s stories this week. But—’ Kim squeezed me ‘—thanks for that. Knowing you understand why I didn’t tell you is absolutely brilliant. It means a lot, and I can finally sleep. She smirked and snuggled in to me. ‘Ginny, I’m so pleased. That’s the second time you’ve thrown me a lifeline today.’
‘Oh, you’re going to start me off,’ I whimpered as we hugged by the front entrance.
‘No, we’re going to all make hay while the snow falls. Well, with all this inspiration I thought I might try a different tack with Will, try understanding him better and confront things in a different way. I thought, maybe we can work out a compromise. Let’s go and enjoy. I’ll try him in a few hours.’
I thought about all the effort the Flowers had made this week, these last few months, all year, in fact, and beyond, throughout Mike’s treatment and suffering. A constant stream of love and support. I really had to stop harbouring my insecurity issues and try to forget about the last twenty-four hours. Make it a memorable evening. It was the beginning of a New Year, after al
l.
Kim opened the first door to the restaurant and Angie led me into the porch opening. Straight away I saw Neil, even though the room was squeezed with tables and bodies. He was dressed in mid-grey jeans, a navy sweater and a beaming white smile. My heart flickered like a candle and emanated as much warmth. He appeared about ten years younger, his skin rosy and relaxed. He was talking animatedly to a rather glamorous-looking young lady. Then seeing me, he slid behind her, excusing himself. He came towards me, his glistening eyes not leaving mine. It was then I heard shouting.
‘Three cheers for Ginny – the woman who saved her friend today. Hip-Hip,’ the room roared. I covered my face listening to the noise. Kim’s hand was under my elbow, keeping me straight.
‘Hooray.’
‘Hip-Hip.’
‘Hooray.’
Neil kissed my cheeks and I brought my hands down.
‘Hip-Hip,’ the man continued, and then I saw it was Stefano, the owner. He held both his thumbs up to me.
‘Hooray.’
Then, as I went to step forward, a loud chorus erupted.
‘For she’s a jolly good woman … and so say all of us.’
Waving my palm at my hot face, I grabbed Kim, showed her off to my audience and hugged her.
‘Really, anyone would have done the same.’ I sniffled as tissues were offered, then like a bursting raincloud, I couldn’t stop and blubbered all over Kim’s shoulder.
‘Let’s sit you down, honey,’ I heard Kim say, sniffing herself. ‘It’s all been such an emotional turmoil.’
Stefano led us like royalty across the room and halted by our favourite round table. ‘We are very proud. Tonight, you are special guest, Ginny.’
Blushing with all the unwarranted attention, I dabbed my cheeks with a tissue and air-kissed Stefano with gratitude.
‘You are the sweetest,’ I said. ‘Thank you.’ I glanced at Neil who was smiling at me with pride and rubbing his clean-shaven chin.
‘Well, we leave you to enjoy your evening,’ Stefano said. ‘I’m sure you want some peace before you’re bombarded.’
‘Yes, there’s something else you should know,’ Neil said lifting his chest. ‘Some footage of your rescue has been released and in the last half hour it’s got a lot of media attention. On Twitter apparently.’ Neil glanced at Christoff for confirmation.
Christoff shrugged. ‘It’s true. I don’t know how, everyone has phones, skiers, helicopter crew? I just saw it on Twitter an hour ago.’
‘You may find you are in demand for interviews,’ Neil added.
I gasped. ‘Oh, my God.’
Chapter 22
Kim
Witnessing this magnanimous scene, I was totally shocked, in awe and wonderfully proud of Ginny. She deserved the attention, of course. She had been extremely brave, but I had no idea how I could ever thank her for the risk she took. Being her friend again, however, was the best feeling in the world.
Lou came up from behind us and gave Ginny a quick hug as we huddled at the table. ‘Incredible, let you out of our sight for a few minutes and you’re up to all sorts. Our hero. I’m so proud of you, my gorgeous girl,’ she chanted before kissing her on the cheek.
‘Our star pupil,’ Cathy chimed. ‘And, darling, karma will repay you; be sure.’
Angie, unable to reach us through the bustle, blew Ginny a kiss. ‘It was all that fitness training. You see, it paid off.’
‘It must have,’ Ginny said. ‘I could never imagine having that kind of confidence six months ago.’
‘So true,’ I said.
Christoff, who was stood by the table now beside Neil, shook his head in dismay. ‘I can see headline, “Wonder Woman comes to the rescue in Swiss Alps”.’
Ginny chuckled and then crossed her brows at Neil. ‘I can only assume you had a hand in all this?’
His mouth crooked to one side, like a naughty child. ‘Credit goes where credit’s due.’
Ginny smiled. ‘I’m not upset, I promise. I’m surprised, that’s all. I hadn’t given it much thought, to be honest.’ Then she mumbled. ‘I feel quite guilty that I’ve been so consumed with such trivia.’
I admired her modesty. A real hero. ‘Discovering your husband was cheating on you is hardly trivial, sweetie,’ I whispered in her ear.
‘No, but I think I’ve got my head around it a bit more.’
‘With all that was going on in your head, it’s amazing you could think on your feet and make such a difficult judgement call. I’m in awe.’ The girls nodded in agreement.
‘Me too,’ Neil said. ‘It was a huge sacrifice. You should be proud. When Kim told us, I wanted to grab you and hug you. I don’t know how I managed to control my jubilation. Honestly, you are one amazing woman.’
‘Well, I’m so glad you didn’t,’ Ginny guffawed.
Neil rubbed Ginny’s arm. ‘I didn’t think you’d appreciate it.’
Ginny crossed her arms. ‘You would all help someone in need,’ she insisted.
I jabbed her rib. ‘I’d like to think I had your gumption,’ I said, seeing the waiters head our way. My mouth salivated watching our first course arrive. ‘We’d better sit down.’
Angie peered up at the men. ‘Time for food. We could squeeze you two in,’ Angie said. ‘Where are Tom and Florian?’
‘No, really,’ Neil said. ‘Tom and Florian are with their families. We have our seats over there, but we’ll come along after our food.’
I peered at Ginny, her mouth dropping as Neil strode off down the aisle with Christoff.
‘Don’t be sad, you’ll see him again later,’ I said as we shuffled around the circular bench to our table.
‘No, I’m fine,’ Ginny said, shuffling in beside me. ‘More than fine, actually. After our chat earlier, I was thinking.’ She chuckled to herself, in much better spirits. ‘I know, it happens occasionally. Anyway, it occurred to me, and correct me if I am way off the scent here, but my theory is that Paula may have built up resentment.’
I crossed my eyebrows. ‘I’m not sure I follow …’
Ginny had barely touched her salad, but our plates were collected and replaced with the next course. A delicious foie gras. I grabbed my fork and looked across to Angie and Cathy’s plates of delicious-looking garlic mushrooms.
Focusing again, I said. ‘That’s interesting?’
Ginny straightened her back and tucked into the duck pâté. I tasted mine; the smooth creamy texture satiated my tongue. ‘Mm.’
Ginny leaned towards me. ‘Lovely, isn’t it. So, the basis to this theory is: when we, you and me, first became friends and began to spend more time together, we became very close, and gradually, not intentionally, we left her out.’
‘Well, we were the same age and in the same class,’ I said, but I was getting the gist.
‘Yes,’ Ginny continued. ‘And you as her sister, guardian almost, with all that was happening between your parents, were paying her less attention. In her eyes, as we became closer, and with Cathy and Lou as we were all friends around the same age, I think she may have felt neglected, become bitter. I think this could be her retribution. For both of us.’
I stared at Ginny.
Ginny tilted her head as she explained further. ‘It all makes sense really, sweetheart. I know she hated being excluded whenever we did things together, and even – I believe – to the extent that she created ways to stop us. Do you remember the cinema that time, she said she was sick, and you had to stay home and look after her? Ice-skating in London, that day she followed us to the station, telling you that she wouldn’t be able to find her way back. Oh, and that day she said she was attacked in an alley and we couldn’t go to the youth club. Do you see the pattern? I believe she resented me because, unwittingly, I took you away from her. You were her rock.’
‘Oh, we’re not responsible. She just takes after my dad,’ I protested, but I realised Ginny may have spotted something I hadn’t.
‘No, not directly, but she was always a loner, flighty with her
friends. And later when I started going out with Mike, who she became obsessed with, I think she had even more reason to feel bitter towards me. Not only had I taken her sister away from her, but the boy she had fallen in love with as well.’
I stared, raising my eyebrows at her. ‘Jeez, Gin, you could be right. I don’t know. Sounds plausible. So, by splitting you and Mike, then you and me, she’s got her revenge? But how would she have known I hadn’t told you?’
‘Oh, I don’t know. I’m not that clever. It’s only a theory. I don’t pretend to know how her mind works.’ Ginny put her fork down onto her clean plate. ‘Perhaps she knows how your mind works. Like I said, it’s a theory.’
‘And so like you to analyse everything. It could explain why. But she’s a grown woman and should have known better. You can’t make excuses for her.’
‘No, but I can reason to myself. Pity her in my own way. And after what happened to me today, well, it’s put things into perspective. Mike’s behaviour shouldn’t affect our relationship. It was Paula and Mike who were in the wrong. Not you. The thing is, she knows you were more concerned for me and that got to her. Maybe hearing that we were all on holiday together, it made her see red. You have friends when she has so few; she could no longer have Mike. Don’t you see? I had everything she ever wanted, and in her eyes, you abandoned her. She’s making us both pay.’
‘Why did I never see that?’
‘She’s your sister, maybe you don’t want to.’
I shook my head. ‘To entice Mike … I’m so sorry.’
‘Don’t be sorry, Kim. I feel a bit sorry for Mike now. He was the real victim in this. He would be embarrassed.’
‘Why feel sorry for him?’
Ginny laughed, sticking her fork into the crusted salmon now in front of her. ‘Him being lured so easily. I really don’t know. I find it a bit pathetic now.’
I smiled, relieved and impressed that she could deal with it so quickly. ‘Perhaps you had already moved on. This year I mean. It’s possible that the time you spent worrying over Mike’s words, you had mentally got it out of your system.’
