The Dark Shadow of Thursday

by H P Steven

  “But we’ll be in Putney in case you need to know where I am mum,” Devin went to laugh but Hannah didn’t find this funny, so stopped immediately trying not to choke on duck.

  “This is really great. I miss hanging out with a group of fun people and having a meal. Thanks for inviting me Hannah,” Kalliope commented.

  “That’s okay, your always welcome,” Hannah insisted.

  “The duck really is good here,” Kalliope commented.

  Just then Mike comes out. “Hey guys, don’t worry bout the bill I’ve taken care of it. And there’s a few drinks coming out soon.”

  “Thanks Mike,” Me, Devin and Hannah replied together.

  “How’s Louise?” I asked Mike.

  “Don’t ask bro.” As Mike turned around and walked back towards the kitchen.

  “What’s happening there?” I asked Devin.

  Devin shrugged back. “No idea bro.” We all continue eating away at the duck and pancakes. Laughing and having a good time, then the drinks turned up.

  “Oh well played Mike,” Hannah laughed.

  “Do you think he could have gotten a more pasteli drink and added more umbrellas to this glass,” Hannah added.

  Kalliope choked back a laugh, as we all did. Such a good night, great people and fun atmosphere. We sat around for a while talking about where to go to show Kalliope around.

  “You should do the tower of London and the Palace. That’s a good morning walking around and everything in between bro,” Devin suggested.

  “Yeah, was thinking that. Always worth a look,” I replied.

  Just a little while later. Hannah started yawning and feels like it’s time for her and Devin to leave.

  “All right, we should head back to Putney as well,” I announced.

  Kalliope agreed and we said our goodbyes to the other two and Mike before leaving.

  Devin came up to me and shook my hand. “Hey bro, do you want to know her name? I just asked Hannah,” Devin asked.

  “Nah bro, I’ll be okay,” I replied. “I’ll catch up for a beer with you again soon,” I added.

  “Yeah bro for sure, I’ll see if Cam’s free,” Devin suggested.

  “Sounds good bro, catch you later,” I added. “Looks like Hannah’s knackered hope you don’t have to carry her up to bed again yeah,” I added.

  “Nah, it’ll be sweet as. She’ll be okay,” Devin laughed.

  “All right bro, next time.”

  Just as Kalliope walked up and grabbed my hand. “So I think we should go to my place,” Kalliope suggested.

  “Um, yeah sure. You don’t want to get a drink on the main street somewhere?” I asked smiling.

  “No, I’m pretty tired as well. We can go back to mine and have a glass of wine and get to know each other,” Kalliope replied.

  Smiling in agreement, “Yeah, okay that sounds like a great idea.” I leaned in and sneak a quick kiss. “So where in Putney do you live?” I asked Kalliope.

  “Not too far from the main street, there’s a great coffee café on the corner,” Kalliope replied.

  “Oh wow that’s really not too far from mine and Hannah’s. I’m surprised we’ve never ran into each other,” I remarked.

  “Yeah, I’ve only been there a couple of months,” Kalliope replied blushing.

  “Oh right, that’s probably why. We were in Croatia for a couple of weeks I guess. It was insane,” I said. “So let’s grab a cab,” I added.

  As Kalliope took my hand and led us out to the first free black cab.

  “Putney please,” I said to the driver.

  “Sure thing,” he replied, and we were off.

  “So how long do you think you’ll be around London?” I asked

  “Um, I’m really not that sure,” Kalliope replied, starting to yawn.

  “Well, let’s get you home and comfy,” I whispered.

  It didn’t take us that long to get to Kalliope’s. Opening the front door and walking up the stairs I never thought of the weird smell. We just kind of went to her room, without worrying about the glass of wine. I thought by this stage we were both a bit tired. I laid down on her bed and rolled over to the other side.

  Kalliope told me, “I’m just gonna change.”

  “Okay do you want me to leave your room so you can?” I asked.

  Kalliope laughed it off and just told me to roll over so I can’t see her getting sorted.

  Which I did.

  Kalliope then told me I could roll back over.

  I do this smiling, thinking what is going on here. Shaking my head.

  “So what do you think?” Kalliope asked.

  “Of what?” I replied.

  “My cookie monster T shirt?” Kalliope asked.

  “Oh it looks really cool, Phil loves cookies,” I announced immediately regretting it.

  Kalliope just laughed and told me, “Thanks.”

  As Kalliope pulled back the covers I slid under the duvet on my side. I took my jeans off and tossed them to the end of the bed. Crash! I had left my phone in the pocket. Not worrying about it we got into a spooning position.

  I asked Kalliope, “If she’s happy to be the little spoon or did she want to be the big spoon?” I could feel her laughing then, Kalliope turned her head around and we kissed.

  “Night,” Kalliope whispered.

  “Night,” I yawned.

  It was one of the most awkward night’s sleep ever. Not because I wasn’t happy being there. Just cause both of us together the body heat was quite hot so I would turn over and try and cool down a bit. Also, my pants buddy had woken up and was sticking into Kalliope’s back most of the night. After finally getting to sleep waking up the next morning would be the experience that would always make me smile.

  Yawning awake as the sun was starting shine through the window. I rolled over and spooned Kalliope and kissed her on the shoulder. She was just starting to wake as well. At first I thought I had left my phone on vibrate, but it wasn’t. I opened my eyes to discover what looked and sounded like a thousand birds swarming and knocking into the window.

  “What the hell is that?” I asked waking Kalliope.

  “Oh that’s the crazy lady down stairs, can you hear her yelling?” Kalliope asked.

  “Um no, just a tonne of birds, is this normal?”

  “Yeah Brett my flatmate told me she’s been feeding pigeons since her husband had an accident digging too many holes in the backyard,” Kalliope joked.

  “So your use to this?”

  “Yeah took me a while, but she’s a really nice lady. Slightly crazy I guess feeding all those pigeons, but whatever makes you happy.” Kalliope shrugged, rolling back into her pillow and yawning awake.

  “Yeah sure I guess, um. Where abouts is your bathroom?” I asked.

  “Um, just down the hallway to the left and straight ahead,” Kalliope said.

  “Okay I’ll back soon.”

  As I crawled over her side and stood up. I could see Kalliope checking out my package.

  So I bent down and told her, “Hey my eyes are up here.” With a goofy grin on my face. “Back soon.” Kissing her on the forehead and leaving the room. “Um which toothpaste is yours just in case I’ve got terrible morning breathe. I’ll quickly finger brush,” I whispered, leaning back into the room.

  “Anyone,” Kalliope replied. “Now, hurry up and jump back into bed,” Kalliope added.

  So, I walked down the hall. Thinking the flatmates can’t be home. Quickly stepped into the bathroom and use the toilet. Washed my hands then quickly took some toothpaste and squeezed some into my mouth. Spread it over my tongue and gargle some water and splash it around my mouth. Spat it out, cleaned the basin with water from the tap and walked back to the room. I stopped at the door looking at Kalliope then the noise coming from outside.

  “Those pigeons are still kind of freaking me out.” I laughed.

  “Jump into bed and I’ll protect you,” Kalliope insisted.

  “Um okay, so what’s on the planner today
?” I asked.

  “Well, I’ve got to be at the gym in a couple of hours and catching up with a friend for coffee early in the afternoon. But, if you want to maybe you’d like to come over tonight and we can have that bottle of wine and get to know one another.”

  Just then my pants actually started to vibrate. “Just a second, but tonight sounds great,” I said.

  Making Kalliope smile back at me.

  “Hello, Oh hey. Um no, I’m not at home, but can be home soon. Why don’t we meet at the Railway bar? Why? So, I can laugh at you and you can pay for my breakfast. Ha, I am so funny. I’m not the one who left my keys in my other halves truck. Okay see you in about thirty mins,” I joked, as I looked at Kalliope and she’s laughing and holds up her hand three times, to suggest fifteen minutes. “Or I might be able to do fifteen minutes,” I insisted. Taking a big breath.

  “Are you at Kalliope’s?” Hannah asked.

  “What gave it away?” I replied.

  “You’re a dick! I work with her, what the hell are you doing? I’ll see you at the Railway soon,” Hannah snapped, and hung up.

  I go to put my pants on and put my phone in my pocket.

  “I think tonight will be a lot of fun Kalliope.”

  Kalliope just smiled at me and said. “I was wondering if you had any idea what my name was.”

  “Well, I don’t just jump into bed with someone without knowing their name,” I insisted smiling I leaned in and get surprised by Kalliope. As she grabs me and our lips meet. We break apart and I give her the. “Wow.”

  “So, I’ll see you tonight?” Kalliope added.

  “Yeah absolutely,” I replied leaning in again as she reciprocates,

  “I had fun last night. but I’ve really got to get up and take a shower,” Kalliope sighed.

  “Okay do you want me to go?” I asked.

  “Not yet,” Kalliope giggled, leaning in. As we start kissing again.

  “Okay, I should go I had a great night last night. I’ll catch you later on, I put my phone number into phone by the way,” I declared staring outside again shaking my head at the shadowy show that is the crazy lady feeding the pigeons into a frenzy. “I’m gonna head off,” I told Kalliope.

  “Okay but I’ll see you tonight.”

  “Oh yeah for sure, okay bird lady I’ll see you later,” I added.

  Kalliope jumped out of bed. Threw her arms around me and gave me one last kiss. Before walking me out to the front door.

  7

  Back into the Day

  Leaving Kalliope’s smiling I was surprised not to see a single pigeon; they must have been there and I couldn’t hear the old lady. I walked along the path and headed to the Main Street. The street was packed for a Saturday morning, but all I could think of was the big breakfast waiting for me at the Railway bar.

  Turning on to the Main Street, I started to feel awful.

  What the hell had I done? I started thinking. Maybe Hannah was right and I am a dick.

  So, I took my phone out and quickly text Hannah,

  I’ll be at the railway in a few minutes

  I texted Anna, while I still had my phone out.

  Hope your brothers doing better

  Putting my phone back into my pocket feeling slightly better. I quickly looked up and ran into Mike and his flatmate Louise.

  “Hey guys what’s going on?” I asked.

  “Hi Phil,” Louise replied.

  “Bro, weren’t you wearing those clothes last night?” Mike asked.

  “Yeah I’m just off to have breakfast with Hannah. She left her keys in Devin’s truck.”

  “Ha classic.” Mike laughed.

  “Right, what are you guys up to this weekend?” I quickly asked trying to get away from the fact, I was doing a walk of shame to breakfast.

  “Just heading to do some grocery shopping then might head to the Duke for lunch if your free?” asked Louise.

  “Yeah come along bro. Been a while between beers,” Mike added.

  “Ah sorry guys can’t do it. Heading to friends of mine it’s their daughter’s birthday next week so I’m heading there for lunch and might have other plans tonight,” I declared.

  “Oh okay,” Mike just smiled at me suspiciously and it wasn’t lost on Louise.

  “All right you two have fun shopping. I’ll try and make sure I’m free soon for a catch up.”

  “Sounds good bro,” Mike agreed.

  Louise replied, “Okay rain check it is.”

  “Oh and thanks for last night Mike, the drinks though bud, really,” I laughed.

  “Yeah your right, too many umbrellas?” Mike asked.

  “Yeah just a few. I’ll see you guys next time,” I insisted.

  “Tell Hannah I said hello,” Mike added.

  I wandered off across the road. Starting to feel a little hungry now. As I walked to the Railway Bar, to meet up with Hannah. I couldn’t help but notice the look of disappointment on her face.

  “Morning Hannah, have you ordered?” I asked smiling.

  “Yes, I have ordered, did you want a coffee as well because I ordered you a flat white.”

  “Oh thanks Hannah you read my mind.”

  “So what’s on today?” Hannah asked.

  “Well, I’m heading to Greg and Linda’s later. After I let you in and take a shower. Iva’s birthday is next week, so I’m heading over for lunch. Do you and Devin want to come to the party next weekend?” I added.

  Hannah eyed me suspiciously as if she didn’t believe what I was saying, but it was all true. “Um, I’m not sure what we’re doing just yet, but I’ll let Devin know. And then what else are you up to?”

  Just then my phone started vibrating. I reached for it out of my pocket and it’s a text from Kalliope.

  Hi Phil, had a great night last night. Do you want to meet on the corner by the coffee cafe around seven tonight and we can go and get some wine then come back to mine? Kalliope

  Quickly putting my phone back into my pocket before Hannah asked.

  “Who was that?”

  “Oh it was just Greg, making sure I was still coming over for lunch. So what have you got planned today?”

  “Hang on,” Hannah grumbled.

  “You still haven’t answered what you’re doing later tonight,” Hannah added.

  “Ah, if you must know I’m meeting up with Kalliope. Planning on getting some wine, then head back to her place,” I replied waiting for the enviable backlash.

  “Wow, what are you doing? What’s happening with Anna?”

  “What do you know about me and Anna?”

  “We were on the same trip. I saw what looked like you falling for this girl. I had to ask Cam what she was like?” Hannah declared.

  “Yeah, well they did know each other. They worked together, the worlds to small,” I joked just as our breakfast arrived. I politely said, “thank you.”

  To the waitress as did Hannah. “I’m not sure Hannah, like I’m really not sure. She seemed incredible but we haven’t really talked. I was telling Devin last night that we might get together when she’s back? I don’t know?” I insisted.

  “Well, what would you like to happen?” Asked Hannah.

  “It’s a bit too early in the morning for that conversation Hannah and I still haven’t touched this coffee.”

  Hannah wasn’t happy but agreed to leave it there for now. So, we ate what was a difficult breakfast. Wasn’t very greasy so didn’t help much with my light hangover. The coffee was bland, but we finished it. Before we both hurried home. By which time I really needed a shower.

  “My feet are starting to hurt,” Hannah sighed.

  “Sucks to be you Hannah,” I laughed jumping in front of her and bent over a little bit. “Piggy back ride!” I yelled.

  Hannah just laughed. “Sure thing.” She jumped on my back and yelled, “Giddy up donkey!”

  I just laughed as we turned into the drive way and walked over to the gate.

  “What’s the code again?” I asked Hannah.<
br />
  Getting off my back she called me useless and typed it in the code and opened the gate. I run up behind her a grab her by the shoulders and yelled,

  “Woohoo, my turn. Piggy-back ride!” I yelled laughing and jumping up into the air, not meaning it at all. Hannah braced herself expecting me to jump on her back. I landed laughing.

  “It’s okay,” I insisted. “You couldn’t possibly carry me. Your far too small,” I joked.

  “Shut up,” Hannah replied bending over again and turned to me. “Get on numpty, I’m sure I can carry you to the door.”

  “Okay Hannah, let’s see it,” I joked.

  What took place next was a fit of laughing, my sides hurting. Hannah got to the door though.

  “Oh well done Hannah, how’s your back?” I asked.

  “Good thanks, I am from the South Island. Not like you soft lot from the North Island,” Hannah remarked. As I just laughed at Hannah, remembering she was from Invercargill or the deep south. Stepping forward to unlock the door and moving inside quickly before Hannah.

  “Hey, do we need anything, I might go shopping later and get some food?” Hannah asked.

  “Um, possibly just some basic stuff,” I replied.

  “Okay I’ll look later,” Hannah replied.

  “Cool, I’m gonna take a shower,” I added. I walked into my room and got some stuff sorted. Looking at my computer and some of the words I’d need to work through at some stage. Checking my phone as I put it on my desk and noticed a message from Anna.

  Oh, wow, thanks for your text, I was talking about you last night to some friends here. Don’t worry I didn’t tell them about that line, but I still smile when I think of you and it.

  I quickly texted back.

  It still makes me cringe but I’m happy it does that to you.

  I saw Kalliope’s message and just place my phone on my draws. I needed a shower, and chill out for a few hours. I’ll message back later. I thought to myself.

  Grabbed my towel, took my pants and boxers off. Wrapped the towel around my waist, took my shirt off and headed off to my bathroom.

  “Hey Hannah, are you still heading out to do some shopping?” I yelled, from the bathroom before turning on the shower.