The Woman in the Pyjamas

by Sarah Pond

  Once they were signed in, and with their name badges securely in place, Eve and Daisy entered the main room where the seminar was taking place. They were welcomed at the door by a very friendly man with an American accent, who wished them a great day.

  'I didn't realise how big this would be.' Daisy was looking at the rows upon rows of chairs, all facing a large stage at the front of the room. The carpet was a rich burgundy and navy, and the plush covered chairs were a sea of navy.

  'Oh yes, there'll be about three thousand people here this weekend.'

  Daisy was surprised, 'Really? I had no idea. Well, I suppose I didn't know what to expect.'

  'Expect to have a good time!' Daisy smiled at her friend. Sometimes, she wished she could summon up as much enthusiasm as Eve always seemed to have.

  The music emanating from the speakers was very upbeat, the type of music perfect for getting people to dance. Eve started to sway her hips to the music, smiling at Daisy. Daisy couldn't help but laugh at her friend, she was always so ready to just get stuck in with things. Still, this evening, Daisy could look forward to having dinner with her friend, and chilling out.

  It was almost time to start, and as the music volume raised, the chattering crowd began to quiet down. Onto the stage walked a medium height man who introduced himself as Howard. He had a bright, white smile and perfectly groomed dark hair, short and parted on the side. His dark grey suit was well cut, and with his open neck white shirt, he managed to look very smart, while at the same time having a laid back air about him. Eve nudged Daisy, and winked at her. After a brief introduction, Howard explained that this weekend was about finding your dreams, connecting with what you really wanted, and taking the first steps. Daisy couldn't help groaning inwardly, this sounded a bit like hard work. What I'd like, she thought, was to not be so tired at the end of the day, that I fall asleep in front of the television. I would like to be less stressed. I would like to feel that it's not only me doing everything. Other than working less hours and getting paid more money, which I don't see happening any time soon, I'm not sure what to do about that.

  Daisy brought her attention back into the room, in time to hear Howard say, 'Now, I want you to all stand up. Fantastic. Now, go and hug and high-five ten people you've never met before.'

  What? Daisy looked at Eve with concern, feeling a bubble of panic rising up from her guts and swirling around her brain. She felt rooted to the spot, as though she was clamped in a vice like grip. Around her, the room was suddenly filled with noise and movement as everyone started to head off in different directions, like tadpoles in a pond. Before Daisy had time to think, a massive bear of a man, with a big beard and friendly face, approached her. He said hi, gave her a bear hug in as literal a way as she had ever experienced, and high-fived her. Stunned, she smiled back, and the guy disappeared, and in front of Daisy was a petite blond woman. They smiled at one another, hugged and high-fived, and before she knew it, Daisy had 'met' ten new people. Sitting back in her chair as the initial shock had faded, she felt exhilarated, and smiled to herself.

  At coffee break time, Eve asked, 'So, what do you think?' She knew that Daisy had had her doubts about the weekend, but she thought it would be fun and something different, so why not.

  Daisy looked a bit sheepish, 'It's actually better than I expected. Thank you for inviting me.'

  'And what about Howard, he's rather gorgeous.' Eve was practically swooning.

  'I could see the look on your face when he came on stage. You love men in suits, don't you!'

  'What can I say? The heart wants what the heart wants!' They both giggled.

  Daisy experienced the rest of the day in a whirlwind of information, excitement and a lot of smiling and meeting new people. As they were leaving the seminar at the end of the day, Daisy was feeling very positive, having really enjoyed the day. Eve asked, 'So, we'll be coming back tomorrow, then?'

  Daisy tried to look serious and thoughtful, 'I think so, it would be a shame to waste the tickets.'

  Eve laughed. 'I think you had rather a good time!'

  'You know, I did. I admit I was sceptical to start with,' at this, Eve pulled a "you think?" kind of face, 'but Howard said a lot of things that really made sense. One thing that really struck me was when he said that people tend to go for what they think they can get in life, rather than what they really want.' Daisy was quiet while she reflected on this.

  'It is certainly food for thought. Talking of food, I think it's time to go and get some dinner, I'm famished.'

  On the walk from their hotel to the seminar venue, Eve had noticed a brasserie, which she suggested to Daisy that they check out. The black, grey and white colour scheme, although stark in some ways, also gave the restaurant quite a classy feel. Eve said, 'Dinner is my treat. Work gave me an allowance for the weekend, so we can have whatever we want.'

  'Are you sure?' Daisy looked a bit worried.

  'Remember, work were keen to get some staff to attend the event, and report back, so it's all good.'

  They both chose a fish dish, which was bursting with flavour and served with a gorgeous salad, and the best chips that they had ever tasted. Eve raised her wine glass, 'Here's to a fun day and a good evening ahead!'

  'I'll drink to that!' Daisy clinked her glass gently against Eve's, the pale liquid climbing up the inside of the glass, but not quite managing to escape.

  After dinner, they headed to the hotel bar for drinks before going to bed. 'So, I guess you're happy to go to the seminar tomorrow?'

  Daisy smiled. 'Yes, I'm actually quite looking forward to it.'

  'Great. I'm really glad. Some of my colleagues have been to one of Howard's seminars before, and they all seemed to love it. I wouldn't have suggested it to you, otherwise. I know how you value your weekends to yourself.'

  Daisy blushed, remembering her ungrateful thought when Eve had first suggested the weekend. 'It's probably just what I need, to be honest. I've been in a rut for too long. Since I locked myself out of the house a few weeks ago, and spent most of the day on the beach, I've known it was time to make some changes. But there's only so much I can do. I need to work, and Jess comes first.'

  Eve felt for her friend. 'You don't have to change everything. Baby steps is all you need. You've made a start, your wardrobe makeover is great. I love the colours you wear now, they really suit you.'

  Daisy smiled, 'Thank you. I've had quite a few compliments, actually.'

  'Has your guy at work said anything?'

  Daisy blushed immediately, 'He's not my guy.' Be nice if he were, though. The thought was so quick, it actually caught her by surprise.

  Daisy's reaction hadn't escaped Eve. Although she hadn't said that much, she could tell by Daisy's face how much she liked him from the expression on her face and her tone of voice whenever she mentioned him.

  A flicker of disappointment passed over Daisy's face, 'No. Well, if he has, he hasn't said anything. Anyway, he's far too young, and he wouldn't be interested in me.'

  'Why ever not? You're a great catch, he'd be lucky to have a shot with you.'

  Daisy brushed away the compliment, 'That's sweet of you to say. So, how much have you had to drink?!'

  Eve nudged her friend's arm, 'You know I mean it.'

  'Look, I do appreciate the moral support. Anyway, how about you?'

  'I have my fair share of dates. I'm not worried about settling down at the moment, and stop trying to steer the conversation away from you!'

  The rest of the weekend was a great success, and Eve and Daisy really enjoyed themselves. On the last afternoon, everyone had to pair up with someone that they hadn't yet worked with. Daisy spotted the bear hug man a couple of seats away, and he smiled at Daisy, and gestured that they team up. She went over to sit at the empty chair beside him. 'Hello again. I'm surprised we haven't bumped into each other before now. I'm Daisy.'

  'Bryan. Pleased to meet you properly!' His smile was as warm and comforting as his hug. 'I'm usually easy to find in a crowd, but th
ere are a lot of people here.'

  Daisy enjoyed teaming up with Bryan, he was so easy to talk to. They shared ideas and dreams, and at the end, gave one another a hug. Once the exercise was over, everyone went back to their seats.

  As the day was drawing to a close, Howard asked people to put their hands up if they wanted to share what they had got out of the weekend. Many people wanted to speak, and the comments were often along the same lines. 'I'm not going to take things so personally, particularly when it's someone who doesn't even know me.'

  'I want to be more positive, and spend less time worrying about things I can't change.'

  'I'm going to love more.'

  There were nods and murmurs of agreement at each of the statements.

  As Howard wrapped up the seminar, he thanked everyone for attending and giving their time and enthusiasm. 'When we approach life from a perspective of love and compassion, we can achieve so much more. Thank you all, so much, for allowing me to be a part of your journey.'

  There was rapturous applause, as Howard waved and smiled from the stage. Then people began to pack up their things, hugging and saying goodbye to their new friends. As Daisy turned around, Bryan was there. 'Thank you for today, it's been so great to meet you. Do you think we could exchange numbers? I live in Guildford, so maybe we could get together for a coffee sometime?'

  Daisy was surprised, but also touched. She smiled up at Bryan, 'Of course.'

  Smiling, Bryan gave Daisy another bear hug. 'You do give the best hugs!'

  Bryan beamed at her, and they said their goodbyes, promising to keep in touch.

  Eve had overheard the conversation, and once they were outside, she said, 'Well, sounds like you might be in with a chance there!'

  Daisy laughed, 'I don't think so. We're just going to keep in touch as friends.'

  Eve looked doubtful, 'I think he might be a bit more interested than just friendship!'

  'Oh, Eve, listen to you. I think you read too many romantic novels!'

  'Well, let's just wait and see, then.' She paused for a moment, but couldn't resist asking, 'So, um, would you be interested if he asked you out?'

  'Eve! He's really sweet. As a friend. I've only spent half an hour with him this afternoon and shared a couple of hugs!'

  'Sounds like one of my dates!'

  They both laughed, and headed off towards the station to catch the train home.

  They were both quite hyped up after their energising weekend, and Eve said, 'People on the train seem so serious. I keep wanting to hug and high-five everyone! Wouldn't it be cool if more people were like they were at the seminar.'

  Daisy agreed, it had been a great atmosphere over the whole weekend, and she wished it wasn't over.

  Jess was staying with Stephen that evening, and as he was taking her to school on Monday morning, Daisy had all evening free. 'When we get back to Hove, I'm going to treat you to dinner.'

  Eve didn't want her to have the expense, she was sure it wasn't easy being a single parent. 'No, don't be silly.'

  'I want to. You've arranged everything this weekend, it's my way of saying thank you.'

  Daisy had a determined look on her face, and Eve knew she wasn't going to get anywhere. 'Thank you, that will be lovely, hun.'

  Over the course of the evening, they chatted about the weekend. Howard had talked about doing things that were outside of your comfort zone. 'People are often worried about what other people think, and they don't like making a fool of themselves. Have you ever been walking down the street, when you realise you've forgotten something? I think we've probably all done it from time to time. But how many of you just abruptly change direction? Some of you, yes. The majority of people will stop and pretend to do something, like check their phone or watch, or look in a shop window. Then they'll make it appear quite natural that they've changed their mind.' At this point, many of the audience had laughed or nodded in recognition. 'Even if we do silly things, it doesn't matter, because most people either won't notice, or won't care. It can be fun to do something outside your comfort zone, make yourself look a bit silly, just to know that you can, and your world won't come to an end!'

  Daisy said, 'It did get me thinking when he said that. I do care a lot what people think of me. I'm not sure whether I can change that as easily as Howard made it sound.'

  Eve was thoughtful for a moment. 'Think about how after seeing your stylist, you revamped your wardrobe, just like that.' She clicked her finger and thumb for added emphasis.

  Daisy remembered how thorough she had been. 'I suppose I did.'

  'You didn't have to think about it, or ask what anyone thought.'

  'True.'

  Eve got a glint in her eye, 'You know, I think we should set ourselves a couple of challenges. A woman I worked with today told me about a challenge she did when she was working with her life coach. It might be a fun thing to start with...

  CHAPTER THREE

  It was a couple of weekends later, and Eve, Daisy and Jess were shopping at Churchill Square in Brighton. It was busy, with couples and families out for the day. The parents looked pleased to be away from work, but the children were not enthralled to have their precious weekend off school being taken up with having to find new clothes and shoes. Being an indoor shopping centre also made it seem louder and busier than the shops outside. Leading the way, Eve was excited, 'Okay, it's showtime.'

  Eve had explained to Jess what they were going to do, and Jess couldn’t quite believe her mum was going to go ahead with it.

  Daisy looked a bit green, and was dragging her feet like some of the reluctant children with their parents, 'I don't think I can. It was a fun idea over a glass of wine, but I can't do it.'

  Eve grabbed her arm, 'Come on, you know you'll never hear the end of it if you don't do it. Also, you get to give me a challenge, and I'll have to do it!'

  Daisy took some deep breaths, psyching herself up. Her stomach felt as though it had been replaced by a tumble dryer, and her heart was thumping so hard she was sure that everyone could hear it. Right, just do it.

  She forced herself to walk into Thorntons. There was a woman browsing the chocolate boxes on the shelves, and at the counter, one lady was waiting to serve, while a well dressed middle aged man was watching the other member of staff gift wrapping his purchase. Daisy was thinking she would much rather wait until the other customers have gone. Then again, it was a Saturday, and it was probably going to be busy all day. She looked round to see Eve grinning at her inanely from outside the shop, giving her the thumbs up. Jess was smiling at her, but looked more concerned than encouraging.

  'Can I help you?' Daisy was jolted into the present by the lady's question.

  Okay, showtime. 'Hello. Can I have a pizza please?'

  The lady looked a bit confused, 'Sorry?'

  'I'd like a pizza please.' The blood was pumping in Daisy's ears, her heart racing. The lady still looked nonplussed, and Daisy was aware of the man beside her staring at her. She daren't look at him. 'My friend said I could get a margarita here.'

  'I'm sorry, but this is a confectionary shop. We don't sell pizza.'

  'Okay, thank you.' And with that, Daisy turned and walked out, her cheeks flushing crimson.

  As she walked towards Eve and Jess, Daisy was feeling elated, her body flooded with adrenaline. Eve said, 'You did it! How do you feel?'

  Daisy beamed, her heart still pumping fast, 'I feel amazing! I think the lady thought I was bonkers!'

  Eve hugged her friend. 'Good for you! I think this may be the start of things to come!'

  Jess was still a bit bemused by the whole thing, but she could see how happy Daisy was. 'Well done, Mum.'

  Still elated, Daisy said, 'Thanks, darling. I didn't realise how good it would make me feel, I feel like I can do anything now!'

  Eve thought that she hadn't seen such a literal ear to ear smile from Daisy before. 'Oh my, we really might have started something here!'

  Daisy looked sincerely at her friend, 'Thank you for m
aking me do it.'

  'Hey, ultimately, you had to want to do it. For all my cajoling, I could see how much you wanted to do it, whilst freaking out at the same time!'

  For the rest of the day, Daisy couldn't stop smiling to herself. It was such a silly thing, really, and at the same time, the most amazing feeling.

  It was Eve's turn next. It took Daisy quite a long time to tell Eve what her challenge was, because she couldn't stop laughing. Eventually, she managed to spit it out. Eve looked at Daisy, 'I can't help thinking you've pushed the stakes up rather with this one. As long as you know, this means I can do the same with you! Okay, you're on.' The twinkle in her eye told Daisy that Eve was going to relish this.

  So the next time they went out together, they arranged to meet in town. As Daisy went to hug Eve hello, she noticed that she was wearing a long coat. 'Okay then, let's see it.'

  Eve smiled, and undid her coat. The pirate costume looked great, and Daisy laughed with delight. 'Right, hold my coat, then. I'm going in.' Eve's face was full of determination.

  Daisy stood outside the pharmacy, whilst Eve joined the queue at the counter. Then it was her turn. 'How can I help?'

  Eve cleared her throat, deciding at the last minute to add a pirate drawl. 'Aargh, I've not been feeling too good. I've just got back to shore, and I be having a touch of scurvy. Can ye help me?'

  The young assistant didn't quite know what to make of Eve, and at the same time, he didn't want to be too offhand. He hadn't been working there very long, and wanted to make a good impression. It was always possible that the 'pirate' was someone who wasn't as in touch with reality as some people, the pharmacy did attract all sorts. 'Um, er, I'm not sure what to suggest.' He wracked his brains urgently, whilst simultaneously feeling the heat rush up his cheeks to redden his otherwise pale face.

  For a moment, Eve felt bad, and almost came clean. Just as she was about to say something, she heard, 'Vitamin C is very good.' The young man looked very pleased with himself, and seemed to have relaxed a bit, so Eve played on.