It was a dull and wet January morning. The worst time of year in Anna's opinion. She had always hated winter, and the dull dark days following the Christmas and new year period were the worst.
Since moving house last year, she hated it even more. Her friends kept in touch with phone calls and e mails, but unless she made the effort to catch the bus, followed by the train, to her home town she rarely saw anyone.
She didn't really blame them. It wasn't their fault she had moved somewhere so remote. 'The back of beyond' her friend Jane called it!
Anna had never learned to drive. She was nervous of the very idea of driving lessons, and the roads in general.
Besides Philip had always said she had no need to drive, he would take her anywhere she wanted to go. He had - until he upped and left her for someone new. Lauren, 25 years his junior and his secretary, such a cliché!
Anna's reaction to the break up of her marriage was to move out of the family home and buy a tiny cottage on the edge of a small village many miles away. Just herself, her little dog Max and cats Willow and Jasmine. Her friends didn't feel this was too wise, and told her so. Anna was adamant however. She wanted to be far away from Philip, from the unbearably glamorous Lauren, from their workplace just down the road, and from the home which she had for many years thought of as happy. The fact that she was also leaving behind her friends and support network didn't seem to factor into Anna's decision.
Now, winter was well and truly here, online and telephone connections only filled part of her days and weeks, and Anna was beginning to question her decision to move on quite so dramatically.
At first she had filled her days easily, getting the garden and little cottage just as she liked them. She planted and painted, and the summer and autumn passed by. Now as winter closed off the garden option to her and the whole house was as she wanted, the days were harder to fill. She took Max for walks. She cooked, and froze individual portions for her solitary evening meal. She read lots of books, she watched TV and her DVD collection and she spent a lot of time online. The internet connection here wasn't the best, but at least she had one. She would feel very lonely indeed without that.
Once a week she caught the bus into the nearest small town, to shop, visit the library and have lunch. Once a month she went to the hairdresser.
She missed her weekly aqua aerobics class with Jane, Caroline, and a couple of other friends. There was nothing like that anywhere near to where she now lived.
Anna was lonely and she was bored.
On this particular January morning she was in the small village shop buying bread and a newspaper, when she noticed a poster advertising a new yoga class in the village hall. Not quite the same as the lively pool classes with lunch afterwards with her friends in the leisure centre café, but it was something.
Anna needed something.
'Wednesday afternoons at 2pm, in Brookbury village hall. All welcome. Come along, get fit and make new friends!' the poster urged.
***************
Two days later Anna sat at her kitchen table eating her lunch. Leek and potato soup and crusty bread. She felt a little nervous, and didn't finish the soup. She told herself there really was no reason to be nervous, it was a village yoga class, not a job interview! The fact that it was a new class gave her confidence. Perhaps not everyone would know each other already, and perhaps they wouldn't all be yoga experts!
Anna had been to a few yoga classes in the past so wasn't a complete novice, but just about.
Far from coming out of the class feeling revived and somewhat cheered up, Anna felt wretched! Hardly the effect she had hoped for. Despite it being a new class, the other women obviously knew each other. From the school playground, or merely from being neighbours for years. She couldn't say they were unfriendly as such, and certainly Fiona, the instructor did her best to make her feel welcome. However Anna felt like an outsider in the small class, and as soon as it finished she gathered up her stuff and briskly walked down the lane to her little cottage. She switched on the lamps , drew the curtains to shut out the darkening afternoon and made herself a mug of coffee. She sat at her desk with the coffee and some comforting chocolate digestives and e mailed Jane to tell her about the disastrous afternoon.
As she sent her email and was wondering whether to potter online a little longer, read or watch TV Anna heard a knock on the door. In her previous home this was far from unusual. A friend or neighbour calling in, someone selling something she didn't want to buy, charity callers, Amazon deliveries for herself or Philip. But here no one knew her, she hadn't ordered anything for a long time, and doorstep sellers never ventured out here.
Maybe it was someone hoping to find the previous owner, thought Anna. Dilys Webster, having reached the age of 85 had finally agreed to swap her beloved little cottage for a one bedroomed bungalow down the road from her daughter. A couple of Christmas cards had arrived for her, so it was possible someone who didn't know of the move was calling to see her. Anna opened she door and in the glow of the porch light she saw a woman with stunning red hair, who appeared to be in her early 50s, a little younger than herself.
'Are you looking for Mrs Webster?' asked Anna, a little curtly. 'Not unless you happen to have the same name as the previous owner of this house!' smiled the woman. 'No! I'm Mrs Matthews.. err, Anna!' she laughed, realising how formal she sounded. Anna looked a little confused.' If you're not looking for Mrs Webster, can I help you? I'm not expecting anyone'
She looked behind the woman, the light drizzle of earlier had turned to heavy rain. The lane was dark and dismal. 'Would you like to come in?' she asked. Not that she particularly wanted this stranger in her house, but she hadn't left her manners behind when she moved away.
The woman smiled and gratefully stepped inside , shaking the rain from her curls.
'Sorry, I can see I have puzzled you!' she laughed. It's no great mystery! I was at the yoga class in the vilage hall this afternoon. I recognised you, as I have spotted you out with your dog a couple of times. I was going to say hello at the end of the class, and welcome you, but you were gone in a flash!'
'Well, that was a kind thought' replied Anna ' I thought this rain was due though, so I wanted to get home before it started. Forgot my umbrella' she finished lamely.
'Ah' said the woman ' I was worried that you felt unwelcome'
'Would you like a cup of something since you have come out in this weather?' Asked Anna, embarrassed to have been rumbled! 'Yes please! And since I know your name you should know mine. Charlotte Mairs' she smiled ' Do you have any fruit tea, or redbush?'
Anna went into the kitchen to make a pot of rhubarb and vanilla tea, puzzling as she went how she could have failed to notice someone with such stunning hair, in the small village hall earlier that afternoon.
Anna returned to the living room and laid the tray with the teapot ,china mugs and plate of shortbread on the coffee table. Charlotte had her back to her, looking at the book shelves beside the fireplace .Turning around she said ' Ooops, sorry, I know it's rude, but I love to see what people have on their shelves!' Anna smiled ' Me too, don't worry'
Now that she could see her clearly Anna guessed that this woman was younger than she had thought on seeing her in the dim light outside. Early forties maybe. Very pretty, almost no facial lines, and that amazing hair. She could never understand why some people made adverse comments about red hair. She had always loved it and considered it to be a beautiful attribute. Particularly dark red thick curly hair as Charlotte had. She was lucky!
Charlotte was funny, and easy to chat to. Happy to have some company for a change, Anna relaxed and was able to push to the back of her mind the two things that were puzzling her. These being how on earth she didnt notice that gorgeous hair earlier, and why Charlotte had gone to the trouble of following a stranger down a country lane in the rain, just because they didn't seem too keen on a yoga class!
****************
January turned into February, and with March came warmer brighter weather. Spring was around the corner. Much to Annas joy.
The lighter days and the appearance of buds on the tree were not the only reason for Annas happier mood these days. She and Charlotte had become friends. Having a friend to spend real, as opposed to online or phone, time with regularly made a great difference to her.
Charlotte came over a couple of times a week. Anna invited her over for dinner one evening, and this became a weekly habit. They took turns to cook, Charlotte bringing the ingredients when it was her turn. Anna liked not knowing what she was going to eat in her own house! Charlotte worked late most evenings, , so had a day free day each week. Lately she had spent those days with Anna.They talked about anything and everything, they laughed, they watched films, went for long walks with Max, and just generally enjoyed each others company. Both women were far from their close friends, and seemed to have found comfort in spending time with each other.
Anna had never been to Charlottes home. She lived in a village 3 miles away and lodged with a couple in their 60s. According to Charlotte they were nice enough, but she didn't really feel at home there and certainly wouldn't feel comfortable taking a friend home.
Why Charlotte chose lodging in a village rather than a flat or house share closer to her place of work puzzled Anna at first. Charlotte explained that she was in a very junior position in her new research job and that she had seen the lodging advertised on the noticeboard at work and decided to give it a go, for a few months at least. The room was clean and comfortable, the rent very reasonable. Mr and Mrs Bailey left her to her own devices, and Mrs B did her laundry! It was so much cheaper than any other option she had seen.
Anna found she loved having company in her cottage so it didn't matter at all that her friend couldn't reciprocate. She often thought how lucky it was that Charlotte had also seen the advert for the yoga class in Brookbury, or the two would never have met.
.
The only cloud on Annas horizon was that it was unlikely that Charlotte would stay in the area permanently. She would move into town nearer to work in time, then as with the rest of Annas friends, meetings would become rare.
Anna didn't think she could face another lonely winter out here. Perhaps the time was approaching to consider moving closer to her friends again . Not yet however. The summer was coming, and her new friend was still here.
Anna's old friends were glad to hear about her new local friend. They had all worried about how she was coping with her sudden solitary lifestyle. Caroline in particular had been concerned for her friend.
However Jane , affectionately known as Miss Marple to her close friends due to her suspicious nature, had some misgivings.
One Saturday night, Anna was lounging comfortably on the sofa, music playing in the background, both cats vying for her lap, glass of Merlot in hand. She hated to drink alone, so ensured that Jane had a similar glass in hand at her end of the phone!
'Having you been having fun with your new little friend?' asked Jane, somewhat sarcastically. 'If you mean Charlotte Mairs, then yes.' answered Anna. 'Do I detect jealousy Jane?! You spend lots of time with your friends, and besides you know you are my bestest of best buddies!' 'Ha, smiled Jane, not jealous darling, just curious, and looking out for my best friend'
'Well, she's a pretty, funny intelligent, woman who is good company. Doesn't strike me as axe murderer material at all.'
'That's as may be, but what do you know about her? You don't even know where she lives as far as I can tell!'
'I do know, answered Anna, I just haven't been there, I have explained why.'
'Hmmm' said Charlotte 'Does this paragon have any other friends, a partner, is she single?'
'Of course she has friends! Friends at work and like me friends who aren't nearby as she has moved, in her case for her job. She has a partner called R. She is with him at weekends, which is why the only times I see her are on her day off during the week, and the evening we eat together.'
'A partner called Are?' exclaimed Jane. 'What sort of name is that? Short for Arthur?'
Anna laughed, 'Not a name, an initial. R - for Richard or Robert, or Ryan maybe.'
'You don't know ?'
'No it never came up, she just always says R.'
Jane laughed down the phone. ' Presumably Rasputin or Rumplestiltskin something appalling like that. So it has to be just R'
An hour and a second glass of wine later, after the two friends had talked themselves almost to sleep, the long conversation ended, they said a sleepy goodnight, and Anna made her way to bed.
*******
One morning in late March the sun shone and the air was unusually warm for the time of year. Charlotte texted Anna after breakfast, suggesting they went for a drive and picnic rather than spend the day at the cottage and a local walk, as planned. Anna happily agreed.
She busied herself making sandwiches and grabbed some fruit and bottled water. Charlotte stopped at the village shop on her way to pick up a few goodies. An hour later they were ready. Two camping chairs, a picnic blanket, Max the dog, his water bowl and ball, and rather a lot of food for two people were packed into Charlottes car, and off they went!
A few miles down the road they found the perfect picnic spot by a stream. They carried the chairs and bags between them and were soon set up. After a satisfying lunch, Anna settled herself comfortably in the camping chair, helping herself to another cold bottle of water from the cool bag. Max dozed in the warm sunshine.
'Phew, its warmer than I thought' exclaimed Charlotte gathering her hair up into a ponytail with a black scrunchie.
'Your thick hair must make you very hot in the summer!' said Anna.
'Indeed it does' agreed Charlotte.
It is such beautiful hair though. 'admired Anna.
'I'm glad you like it. I didn't, not for years, but I appreciate it now. I have grown into it!'
'Why didn't you like it?' puzzled Anna.
'Oh you know, Carrot Top, Ginger Nut. All that charming name calling that kids do. When you are child these things hurt. You just want to be like everyone else.'
'I'm over it now' grinned Charlotte seeing the look of concern on her friends face.
'I hate it when kids pick on others for being different' Anna replied 'and why anyone would pick on a person for having something so lovely is beyond me, really it is!'
Not everyone agrees with that viewpoint!' remarked Charlotte.
'I have always thought it beautiful. I wished and hoped for a daughter with red hair'. Anna confessed. 'I got my daughter, but no red hair.'
A silence, followed by 'A daughter? You have a daughter? '
'Is it hard to believe I could have a daughter?' asked Anna
'Is not hard to believe you could have one. It is hard be believe you do have one, as in all these weeks you haven't once mentioned this. Never mentioned seeing her, hearing from her, I have noticed no photos at all around the cottage.
What do you mean Anna, is this a joke! Or, errm, did your daughter die?' She asked quietly.
'No, no, she is alive. We're not in touch, it's complicated.'
'Good heavens, complicated and very sad!' exclaimed Charlotte. I cannot imagine how it would be for my mum if she didn't see me, or my brother Tom. Her world would collapse I know it would. I can't bear to think of not seeing her either. A girl needs her mother. When my previous relationship broke up, before I met R, I was very unhappy, in a bad place. I don't know how I would have coped without mum.'
'Well, replied Anna. As I said, it's complicated. Not every mother and daughter have the perfect relationship.'
She got up from her chair. Bundling things back into the cool bag and her rucksack, her back to Charlotte she said 'It looks like rain to me, take Max for another walk would you while I pack up?'
Walking the little dog by the stream, Charlotte looked up at the cloudless sky.
************
Anna cancelled their regular Tuesday evening the following week, blaming a tummy bug.
Thursday was Charlotte's free day that week. That morning she sent a text to Anna : 'Hi, sorry to miss you on Tuesday. I hope you are on the mend now. Are you up for a trip out again, or shall I come to you? Let me know if I can bring anything. C xx'
The reply was quick, asking Charlotte to go to the cottage and saying that there was nothing Anna needed.
It was just after 11 am when Charlotte parked in the lane beside the cottage. She had stopped at a farm shop a few miles down the road. There she bought two slices of delicious looking carrot cake, and as she noticed them in a bucket by the till, a bunch of daffodils.
She knew she hadn't done anything wrong, and they hadn't argued, but Charlotte felt things were cool between the friends when they parted last time. She also had her doubts about the 'tummy bug'. Going slightly out of her way to bring cake seemed a wise move.
Anna smiled when she saw her friend bearing cake and flowers. 'How lovely! Daffodils are my favourite flower. The last house was filled with them all thorough spring. The local florist made a healthy profit from me every year!'
They went into the kitchen. Charlotte poured coffee into the two spotted mugs which were in place next to the bubbling coffee maker, while Anna arranged the bright yellow flowers in a blue jug, and placed them on the kitchen windowsill.
They took their drinks into the living room, deciding to save the cake for after lunch.
The two women chatted for some time. About the beauty of daffodils, Charlottes job, the traffic on her journeys to and from work, the book Anna was reading, and a film both had watched on TV the night before.
Setting down the refilled mugs on the coffee table Anna sunk back into the armchair. She curled her legs under her and looked at her friend.
'I think we need to talk about my daughter'
Charlotte said nothing, but smiled slightly and looked enquiringly at Anna.
She moved from her position on the sofa to sit in the armchair which was closer to her friend. 'I'm listening'
'I have a daughter as you know. Her name is Rachel. She will be 30 later this year. I married young, and I was delighted when this beautiful baby girl was born 2 years later. We would have loved more children, but it didn't happen. If anything that made Rachel and I closer, I poured all my love and mothering into her.
You are wondering how it all changed.' said Anna. Charlotte nodded.
Rachel was so good, clever you know, good at everything, and well liked. Just a lovely girl. I know all parents think that, but she was, truly. She grew into a wonderful young woman. There were almost no teenage tantrums, rebellions or moodiness. We felt we had got off very lightly, compared to many of our friends with teenaged children.
She had a boyfriend, Jack. Childhood sweethearts really, they had known each other since they were 11, and it developed into a romantic relationship later. We loved Jack, he was always at our house, and came on holiday with us twice.
Then suddenly it was all over between them, which was upsetting for us all. Neither seemed to be able to tell any of us why. They just said it was over.
Rachel didn't seem to want another relationship after the break up. She was happy with her friends. She and her friend Eleanor were inseparable in those days.
After a couple of years I gradually noticed something different about her. I know her well, I could tell there was something, and I was pretty sure it was that she was in love. Philip thought I was imagining it, or wishing it, but I knew I was right. I hoped so, because although she had plenty of friends, it's not the same, is it? I wanted to see her happy, part of a couple again.'
Charlotte nodded, encouraging her friend to continue.
'One Saturday she and I were out to lunch together. We had a glass of Pinot each and hallway through I asked her.
'Rachel are you seeing someone, are you with someone now?' She blushed slightly smiled at me and said. 'Yes mum, how did you guess?'
'Just a feeling. You look so happy these days and kind of lit up somehow'
Well, I am happy, very happy,so I'm glad it shows!'
'Well - tell me more! Does this person making my daughter so happy have a name?' I smiled
'It's Charlie'
'I hope we get to meet Charlie soon. You how well we got on with Jack, and any boyfriend of yours is welcome at home, you know that.'
She just looked at me said nothing, just looked into my eyes. Then she said ' Charlies not my boyfriend, she's my girlfriend'
'Ah' responded Charlotte.
Willow was meowing and pawing Annas leg, so she went to the cupboard and sprinkled a few cat treats into one of the bowls it. She came back to the table and offered Charlotte more coffee, or lunch.
'No thank you. Not now. I want to hear more. What happened? How did it get to the stage of you and Rachel being estranged?'
Anna looked slightly awkward, but realised that as she has started she owed her friend the full story.
'It was a shock'
'Yes, I imagine it was' responded Charlotte.
'Our little girl had a girlfriend, and worse, when I asked more, it turned out that her 'girlfriend' was 11 years older than her! I just knew she must have influenced her in some way. Rachel had a boyfriend for years, she was happy with him. Then this older woman came along and turned her head. She had shown no signs of being interested in girls before!'
'Are you sure of that?' asked Charlotte gently? 'You mentioned that she and her friend Eleanor were inseparable after the relationship with the boyfriend broke up.''
'That's different!' snapped Anna.
'So, you were naturally shocked, and you were uneasy about your daughter and this older partner, but how did the rift come about?'
'I couldn't seem to come to terms with it. Her father could, and tried to help me see that if Rachel was happy that was all that mattered.
I was still brooding over the whole thing, when Philip dropped his bombshell. He was in love with his secretary had been for some time and was leaving me for her.'
I was devastated, humiliated, my self esteem was at rock bottom.
I told Rachel that I needed her support and she said of course, that she was always there for me. '
Anna looked a little embarrassed. 'I'm not proud of what happened next. I told Rachel I needed her, but that I didn't want her anywhere near me if she was with that woman.
She cried, and pleaded, but in the end said it wasn't fair to make her choose between her mother and her partner.'
To cut a long story short, we argued, bitterly, and stopped speaking to each other. I imagine she thinks she is right. I know I shouldn't have made her choose, but I can't help feeling however that she chose that woman over me!' Anna finished, in a voice choked with emotion.
'I would like a chamomile tea, said Charlotte, getting up. 'Shall I make you something?'
'Lady Grey please' replied Anna quietly, following Charlotte into the kitchen.
Charlotte busied herself filling the kettle, and putting tea bags into mugs.
'You know it really wasn't fair to ask Rachel to make that choice don't you? When you love someone you don't choose between them and your parents! Its a very different kind of love'
Anna was silent, taking the cup that her friend held out to her. They both sat at the kitchen table.
She continued 'I decided to move away, far away. Everything seemed against me, my world had been turned upside down. Although I knew I would miss my friends terribly, my gut instinct was to get away. Hence this cottage.
Rachel knew through her dad where I was but she didn't contact me. I imagine her girlfriend stopped her'
'Her girlfriend stopped her?! exclaimed Charlotte 'You have no reason to think that. She didn't stop her seeing her father did she?
'No' admitted Anna ' She, well they, see Philip and Lauren all the time.'
'Do you miss your daughter?'
'Of course I do! I miss her more than anything. I so wish things could be different. I don't know how to change it now though.' she said sadly
Charlotte took her friends hand and held it between hers.
'Would you like to know what I think?Anna nodded.
'I think that your daughter has moved on in life, to where she should be and wants to be. I think she is happy with her partner. They have been together quite some time now haven't they?
I think she is happy that she has the acceptance of her father and his partner.
I think the one thing which makes her unhappy, is losing her mother from her life'
''Do you really think so?' asked Anna.
'I really do. In fact I know it for certain.' smiled Charlie.
*************
Anna stared at Charlotte. Saying nothing. Her mind was whirling. 'Get out' she suddenly screamed, almost pushing Charlotte out of the front door.
Anna tried to piece everything together, what was happening to her?
The realisation that Charlotte was in fact Charlie, her daughters lover was shock enough.
The fact that someone she considered her friend, the only friend she had made since she put herself in self imposed exile, wasn't her friend was equally shocking.
Charlotte tried to phone, and left several text messages. She was worried about Anna. Anna eventually replied by text 'I'm OK. Just leave me alone. I will talk to you when I feel ready'
Another text arrived, presumably from Charlotte. When Anna checked it was from Caroline.
'Anna, how are you? Charlie told me what happened. She's worried about you. So am I. Can I phone you?? xx'
Caroline? How did she know anything about all this?
Anna put a strong pot of coffee to brew. She wished she was smoker, smokers seemed to puff away at times like these!
She grabbed Max's lead and took him for a walk down the lane. She hoped the fresh air and walk would clear her head a bit. There was no sign of Charlotte's car.
On her return she poured some coffee, sat down, then phoned Caroline.
*******
6 weeks later
Anna looked through the window at the Sold sign in front of her cottage. The estate agent told her she should make a quick sale, but she was pleasantly surprised at how quick.
She realised that what she saw as moving on, had in fact been running away. It hadn't been all bad, but in the end it wasn't the right move for her.
She had bought a small Edwardian terraced house with garden, close to her friends.
She no longer minded if she ran into Philip or Lauren. She wouldn't seek either of them out, but neither would it concern her if their paths crossed.
Jane and Caroline in particular were happy to have their friend living close to them again.
She had also applied to work in charity shop nearby. She wanted to get back into the world of work, and this was a start. Philip hadn't wanted her to work, but now she felt that she needed to. She had always been Mrs Matthews - wife of Philip, mother of Rachel. She needed to find Anna again.
......
Caroline and Anna had a very long phone conversation that afternoon 6 weeks ago.
Once she put the phone down Anna phoned Jane. Having got Caroline's assurance that Jane knew nothing about any of it, she wanted her best friend.
Jane drove down straight after work, calling quickly at home to throw a few things into a bag and leave a note for her husband Rob.
Jane came into the cottage, overnight bag, flowers and plastic carrier bags in her arms. She thrust the flowers at her friend, enveloping her in a huge hug at the same time!
She put the a carrier on the table and proceeded to empty it.
'Red wine, white wine, Bombay Sapphire, tonics, organic lemons, mixed dry roasted nuts, large bar of Belgian chocolate. I think I've covered all the essential food groups there. Apart from ice cream, that would have melted. I bought us two Gourmet ready meals too' she added, placing the second carrier bag in the fridge.' I presume there are no takeaway deliveries out here ,and I doubt you have thought about a meal'
She poured two very large gins, topped them with tonic and added ice and lemon. She put these onto a tray with a bowl containing the nuts and carried them though to the living room.
'I shall be pulling a sickie tomorrow darling, needs must, so we can talk as late as you like'
Anna talked and cried and talked some more. Jane listened, interjecting when she felt the need, but was mostly quiet, letting her friend have her say and get everything out.
'When I talked to Caroline, and realised that she had engineered the meeting and my subsequent friendship with Charlotte, I felt sick. I felt betrayed and angry, angry with both of them. All those feelings I had when Philip left resurfaced.
I couldn't bear to be near Caroline, but needed a friend, and here you are, bless you' she said taking Jane's hand.
'I am' smiled Jane 'As you would be for me. Now, tell me exactly what happened. I understand some of it, but it's all a bit jumbled to be honest.'
Anna took a large swig of her drink, a deep breath and told Jane everything.
Caroline had been worried and saddened by the rift between Anna and Rachel. The rest of Anna's friends were concerned of course, but Caroline felt terrible about it. She couldn't imagine anything any of her children could do which would make her want to stop seeing them. Even less could she imagine her life without regular contact with Daniel, Patrick or Isabelle. She knew Anna. She knew she felt the same way, she had to. Their daughters had been best friends since toddler group days. Caroline knew what sort of mother Anna was, and that wasn't a mother who gives up on her child, for any reason.
Caroline talked to Rachel and Charlie, who were both sad about the rift. The three of them hit on the idea of somehow getting Anna to know Charlie, as a person rather than her daughters girlfriend. They hadn't fully worked out how to make her aware of just who Charlie was in the end, but getting her to realise she wasn't a wicked woman, just an ordinary one, would be the start.
It was decided that Charlie would borrow her friends dog, and 'happen' to bump into Anna a couple of times, chat and hopefully make friends. She would have to pretend to be local of course, hence the story about the Baileys B&B.
As it happened the dog was never needed. One Monday Caroline told Charlie that Anna had mentioned in an email that she had seen a poster advertising a yoga class that Wednesday and intended to go. Charlie managed to get a half days holiday on Wednesday, and set off with her yoga mat to Brookbury.
However, fate was against her. The traffic was bad, she got lost and arrived late. The class was leaving. She recognised Anna coming out, face like thunder, almost running down the lane towards home. Charlie sat in her car for a while, cross with herself for the missed opportunity, and wondered what to do. On a whim she locked the car and set off for Anna's cottage, not quite knowing what she would say when she got there.
No wonder Anna missed the red hair in the yoga class. Charlotte was never there!.
Things went better than the three women could have imagined. Anna and Charlie became friends The regular evening meal arrangement was unexpected, but Charlie went with it. It meant a longish drive home at night but worth it as she and Anna got to know each other better.
'Gosh' said Jane' for once I am speechless. It was quite an elaborate plan to get you to like your daughters partner!'
'A cruel one' replied Anna 'I really did like Charlotte very much. She was my friend. I trusted her and she made being here bearable. But she wasn't my friend, was she?'
'Well, I know nothing about this woman apart from what you tell me, but it doesn't sound as though she was pretending to be your friend. I think it would take a very accomplished actress to pull that off, especially considering the amount of time you two have spent together recently. I think she must feel the same way about you as you do her. Maybe she was wrong to deceive you in this way, but I'm pretty sure she is your friend. As is Caroline, you know? She had the best of intentions, you know that if you really think about it.'
........
A car door slammed. Max barked and jumped up and down energetically. 'Shush boy, you'll see them in a minute' laughed Anna.
The door opened, and in came the two young women, one with short blond hair, one with shoulder length red curls. 'Hi Maxie! Hi mum' said Rachel hugging her mother. Max moved on to Charlie giving her the same treatment as he had Rachel.
Ruffling his ears, and smiling at Anna, Charlie said 'Are you ready for our day out?'
I am indeed' Anna smiled back.
************************************************** ************************************************** *******************
THE END
Since moving house last year, she hated it even more. Her friends kept in touch with phone calls and e mails, but unless she made the effort to catch the bus, followed by the train, to her home town she rarely saw anyone.
She didn't really blame them. It wasn't their fault she had moved somewhere so remote. 'The back of beyond' her friend Jane called it!
Anna had never learned to drive. She was nervous of the very idea of driving lessons, and the roads in general.
Besides Philip had always said she had no need to drive, he would take her anywhere she wanted to go. He had - until he upped and left her for someone new. Lauren, 25 years his junior and his secretary, such a cliché!
Anna's reaction to the break up of her marriage was to move out of the family home and buy a tiny cottage on the edge of a small village many miles away. Just herself, her little dog Max and cats Willow and Jasmine. Her friends didn't feel this was too wise, and told her so. Anna was adamant however. She wanted to be far away from Philip, from the unbearably glamorous Lauren, from their workplace just down the road, and from the home which she had for many years thought of as happy. The fact that she was also leaving behind her friends and support network didn't seem to factor into Anna's decision.
Now, winter was well and truly here, online and telephone connections only filled part of her days and weeks, and Anna was beginning to question her decision to move on quite so dramatically.
At first she had filled her days easily, getting the garden and little cottage just as she liked them. She planted and painted, and the summer and autumn passed by. Now as winter closed off the garden option to her and the whole house was as she wanted, the days were harder to fill. She took Max for walks. She cooked, and froze individual portions for her solitary evening meal. She read lots of books, she watched TV and her DVD collection and she spent a lot of time online. The internet connection here wasn't the best, but at least she had one. She would feel very lonely indeed without that.
Once a week she caught the bus into the nearest small town, to shop, visit the library and have lunch. Once a month she went to the hairdresser.
She missed her weekly aqua aerobics class with Jane, Caroline, and a couple of other friends. There was nothing like that anywhere near to where she now lived.
Anna was lonely and she was bored.
On this particular January morning she was in the small village shop buying bread and a newspaper, when she noticed a poster advertising a new yoga class in the village hall. Not quite the same as the lively pool classes with lunch afterwards with her friends in the leisure centre café, but it was something.
Anna needed something.
'Wednesday afternoons at 2pm, in Brookbury village hall. All welcome. Come along, get fit and make new friends!' the poster urged.
***************
Two days later Anna sat at her kitchen table eating her lunch. Leek and potato soup and crusty bread. She felt a little nervous, and didn't finish the soup. She told herself there really was no reason to be nervous, it was a village yoga class, not a job interview! The fact that it was a new class gave her confidence. Perhaps not everyone would know each other already, and perhaps they wouldn't all be yoga experts!
Anna had been to a few yoga classes in the past so wasn't a complete novice, but just about.
Far from coming out of the class feeling revived and somewhat cheered up, Anna felt wretched! Hardly the effect she had hoped for. Despite it being a new class, the other women obviously knew each other. From the school playground, or merely from being neighbours for years. She couldn't say they were unfriendly as such, and certainly Fiona, the instructor did her best to make her feel welcome. However Anna felt like an outsider in the small class, and as soon as it finished she gathered up her stuff and briskly walked down the lane to her little cottage. She switched on the lamps , drew the curtains to shut out the darkening afternoon and made herself a mug of coffee. She sat at her desk with the coffee and some comforting chocolate digestives and e mailed Jane to tell her about the disastrous afternoon.
As she sent her email and was wondering whether to potter online a little longer, read or watch TV Anna heard a knock on the door. In her previous home this was far from unusual. A friend or neighbour calling in, someone selling something she didn't want to buy, charity callers, Amazon deliveries for herself or Philip. But here no one knew her, she hadn't ordered anything for a long time, and doorstep sellers never ventured out here.
Maybe it was someone hoping to find the previous owner, thought Anna. Dilys Webster, having reached the age of 85 had finally agreed to swap her beloved little cottage for a one bedroomed bungalow down the road from her daughter. A couple of Christmas cards had arrived for her, so it was possible someone who didn't know of the move was calling to see her. Anna opened she door and in the glow of the porch light she saw a woman with stunning red hair, who appeared to be in her early 50s, a little younger than herself.
'Are you looking for Mrs Webster?' asked Anna, a little curtly. 'Not unless you happen to have the same name as the previous owner of this house!' smiled the woman. 'No! I'm Mrs Matthews.. err, Anna!' she laughed, realising how formal she sounded. Anna looked a little confused.' If you're not looking for Mrs Webster, can I help you? I'm not expecting anyone'
She looked behind the woman, the light drizzle of earlier had turned to heavy rain. The lane was dark and dismal. 'Would you like to come in?' she asked. Not that she particularly wanted this stranger in her house, but she hadn't left her manners behind when she moved away.
The woman smiled and gratefully stepped inside , shaking the rain from her curls.
'Sorry, I can see I have puzzled you!' she laughed. It's no great mystery! I was at the yoga class in the vilage hall this afternoon. I recognised you, as I have spotted you out with your dog a couple of times. I was going to say hello at the end of the class, and welcome you, but you were gone in a flash!'
'Well, that was a kind thought' replied Anna ' I thought this rain was due though, so I wanted to get home before it started. Forgot my umbrella' she finished lamely.
'Ah' said the woman ' I was worried that you felt unwelcome'
'Would you like a cup of something since you have come out in this weather?' Asked Anna, embarrassed to have been rumbled! 'Yes please! And since I know your name you should know mine. Charlotte Mairs' she smiled ' Do you have any fruit tea, or redbush?'
Anna went into the kitchen to make a pot of rhubarb and vanilla tea, puzzling as she went how she could have failed to notice someone with such stunning hair, in the small village hall earlier that afternoon.
Anna returned to the living room and laid the tray with the teapot ,china mugs and plate of shortbread on the coffee table. Charlotte had her back to her, looking at the book shelves beside the fireplace .Turning around she said ' Ooops, sorry, I know it's rude, but I love to see what people have on their shelves!' Anna smiled ' Me too, don't worry'
Now that she could see her clearly Anna guessed that this woman was younger than she had thought on seeing her in the dim light outside. Early forties maybe. Very pretty, almost no facial lines, and that amazing hair. She could never understand why some people made adverse comments about red hair. She had always loved it and considered it to be a beautiful attribute. Particularly dark red thick curly hair as Charlotte had. She was lucky!
Charlotte was funny, and easy to chat to. Happy to have some company for a change, Anna relaxed and was able to push to the back of her mind the two things that were puzzling her. These being how on earth she didnt notice that gorgeous hair earlier, and why Charlotte had gone to the trouble of following a stranger down a country lane in the rain, just because they didn't seem too keen on a yoga class!
****************
January turned into February, and with March came warmer brighter weather. Spring was around the corner. Much to Annas joy.
The lighter days and the appearance of buds on the tree were not the only reason for Annas happier mood these days. She and Charlotte had become friends. Having a friend to spend real, as opposed to online or phone, time with regularly made a great difference to her.
Charlotte came over a couple of times a week. Anna invited her over for dinner one evening, and this became a weekly habit. They took turns to cook, Charlotte bringing the ingredients when it was her turn. Anna liked not knowing what she was going to eat in her own house! Charlotte worked late most evenings, , so had a day free day each week. Lately she had spent those days with Anna.They talked about anything and everything, they laughed, they watched films, went for long walks with Max, and just generally enjoyed each others company. Both women were far from their close friends, and seemed to have found comfort in spending time with each other.
Anna had never been to Charlottes home. She lived in a village 3 miles away and lodged with a couple in their 60s. According to Charlotte they were nice enough, but she didn't really feel at home there and certainly wouldn't feel comfortable taking a friend home.
Why Charlotte chose lodging in a village rather than a flat or house share closer to her place of work puzzled Anna at first. Charlotte explained that she was in a very junior position in her new research job and that she had seen the lodging advertised on the noticeboard at work and decided to give it a go, for a few months at least. The room was clean and comfortable, the rent very reasonable. Mr and Mrs Bailey left her to her own devices, and Mrs B did her laundry! It was so much cheaper than any other option she had seen.
Anna found she loved having company in her cottage so it didn't matter at all that her friend couldn't reciprocate. She often thought how lucky it was that Charlotte had also seen the advert for the yoga class in Brookbury, or the two would never have met.
.
The only cloud on Annas horizon was that it was unlikely that Charlotte would stay in the area permanently. She would move into town nearer to work in time, then as with the rest of Annas friends, meetings would become rare.
Anna didn't think she could face another lonely winter out here. Perhaps the time was approaching to consider moving closer to her friends again . Not yet however. The summer was coming, and her new friend was still here.
Anna's old friends were glad to hear about her new local friend. They had all worried about how she was coping with her sudden solitary lifestyle. Caroline in particular had been concerned for her friend.
However Jane , affectionately known as Miss Marple to her close friends due to her suspicious nature, had some misgivings.
One Saturday night, Anna was lounging comfortably on the sofa, music playing in the background, both cats vying for her lap, glass of Merlot in hand. She hated to drink alone, so ensured that Jane had a similar glass in hand at her end of the phone!
'Having you been having fun with your new little friend?' asked Jane, somewhat sarcastically. 'If you mean Charlotte Mairs, then yes.' answered Anna. 'Do I detect jealousy Jane?! You spend lots of time with your friends, and besides you know you are my bestest of best buddies!' 'Ha, smiled Jane, not jealous darling, just curious, and looking out for my best friend'
'Well, she's a pretty, funny intelligent, woman who is good company. Doesn't strike me as axe murderer material at all.'
'That's as may be, but what do you know about her? You don't even know where she lives as far as I can tell!'
'I do know, answered Anna, I just haven't been there, I have explained why.'
'Hmmm' said Charlotte 'Does this paragon have any other friends, a partner, is she single?'
'Of course she has friends! Friends at work and like me friends who aren't nearby as she has moved, in her case for her job. She has a partner called R. She is with him at weekends, which is why the only times I see her are on her day off during the week, and the evening we eat together.'
'A partner called Are?' exclaimed Jane. 'What sort of name is that? Short for Arthur?'
Anna laughed, 'Not a name, an initial. R - for Richard or Robert, or Ryan maybe.'
'You don't know ?'
'No it never came up, she just always says R.'
Jane laughed down the phone. ' Presumably Rasputin or Rumplestiltskin something appalling like that. So it has to be just R'
An hour and a second glass of wine later, after the two friends had talked themselves almost to sleep, the long conversation ended, they said a sleepy goodnight, and Anna made her way to bed.
*******
One morning in late March the sun shone and the air was unusually warm for the time of year. Charlotte texted Anna after breakfast, suggesting they went for a drive and picnic rather than spend the day at the cottage and a local walk, as planned. Anna happily agreed.
She busied herself making sandwiches and grabbed some fruit and bottled water. Charlotte stopped at the village shop on her way to pick up a few goodies. An hour later they were ready. Two camping chairs, a picnic blanket, Max the dog, his water bowl and ball, and rather a lot of food for two people were packed into Charlottes car, and off they went!
A few miles down the road they found the perfect picnic spot by a stream. They carried the chairs and bags between them and were soon set up. After a satisfying lunch, Anna settled herself comfortably in the camping chair, helping herself to another cold bottle of water from the cool bag. Max dozed in the warm sunshine.
'Phew, its warmer than I thought' exclaimed Charlotte gathering her hair up into a ponytail with a black scrunchie.
'Your thick hair must make you very hot in the summer!' said Anna.
'Indeed it does' agreed Charlotte.
It is such beautiful hair though. 'admired Anna.
'I'm glad you like it. I didn't, not for years, but I appreciate it now. I have grown into it!'
'Why didn't you like it?' puzzled Anna.
'Oh you know, Carrot Top, Ginger Nut. All that charming name calling that kids do. When you are child these things hurt. You just want to be like everyone else.'
'I'm over it now' grinned Charlotte seeing the look of concern on her friends face.
'I hate it when kids pick on others for being different' Anna replied 'and why anyone would pick on a person for having something so lovely is beyond me, really it is!'
Not everyone agrees with that viewpoint!' remarked Charlotte.
'I have always thought it beautiful. I wished and hoped for a daughter with red hair'. Anna confessed. 'I got my daughter, but no red hair.'
A silence, followed by 'A daughter? You have a daughter? '
'Is it hard to believe I could have a daughter?' asked Anna
'Is not hard to believe you could have one. It is hard be believe you do have one, as in all these weeks you haven't once mentioned this. Never mentioned seeing her, hearing from her, I have noticed no photos at all around the cottage.
What do you mean Anna, is this a joke! Or, errm, did your daughter die?' She asked quietly.
'No, no, she is alive. We're not in touch, it's complicated.'
'Good heavens, complicated and very sad!' exclaimed Charlotte. I cannot imagine how it would be for my mum if she didn't see me, or my brother Tom. Her world would collapse I know it would. I can't bear to think of not seeing her either. A girl needs her mother. When my previous relationship broke up, before I met R, I was very unhappy, in a bad place. I don't know how I would have coped without mum.'
'Well, replied Anna. As I said, it's complicated. Not every mother and daughter have the perfect relationship.'
She got up from her chair. Bundling things back into the cool bag and her rucksack, her back to Charlotte she said 'It looks like rain to me, take Max for another walk would you while I pack up?'
Walking the little dog by the stream, Charlotte looked up at the cloudless sky.
************
Anna cancelled their regular Tuesday evening the following week, blaming a tummy bug.
Thursday was Charlotte's free day that week. That morning she sent a text to Anna : 'Hi, sorry to miss you on Tuesday. I hope you are on the mend now. Are you up for a trip out again, or shall I come to you? Let me know if I can bring anything. C xx'
The reply was quick, asking Charlotte to go to the cottage and saying that there was nothing Anna needed.
It was just after 11 am when Charlotte parked in the lane beside the cottage. She had stopped at a farm shop a few miles down the road. There she bought two slices of delicious looking carrot cake, and as she noticed them in a bucket by the till, a bunch of daffodils.
She knew she hadn't done anything wrong, and they hadn't argued, but Charlotte felt things were cool between the friends when they parted last time. She also had her doubts about the 'tummy bug'. Going slightly out of her way to bring cake seemed a wise move.
Anna smiled when she saw her friend bearing cake and flowers. 'How lovely! Daffodils are my favourite flower. The last house was filled with them all thorough spring. The local florist made a healthy profit from me every year!'
They went into the kitchen. Charlotte poured coffee into the two spotted mugs which were in place next to the bubbling coffee maker, while Anna arranged the bright yellow flowers in a blue jug, and placed them on the kitchen windowsill.
They took their drinks into the living room, deciding to save the cake for after lunch.
The two women chatted for some time. About the beauty of daffodils, Charlottes job, the traffic on her journeys to and from work, the book Anna was reading, and a film both had watched on TV the night before.
Setting down the refilled mugs on the coffee table Anna sunk back into the armchair. She curled her legs under her and looked at her friend.
'I think we need to talk about my daughter'
Charlotte said nothing, but smiled slightly and looked enquiringly at Anna.
She moved from her position on the sofa to sit in the armchair which was closer to her friend. 'I'm listening'
'I have a daughter as you know. Her name is Rachel. She will be 30 later this year. I married young, and I was delighted when this beautiful baby girl was born 2 years later. We would have loved more children, but it didn't happen. If anything that made Rachel and I closer, I poured all my love and mothering into her.
You are wondering how it all changed.' said Anna. Charlotte nodded.
Rachel was so good, clever you know, good at everything, and well liked. Just a lovely girl. I know all parents think that, but she was, truly. She grew into a wonderful young woman. There were almost no teenage tantrums, rebellions or moodiness. We felt we had got off very lightly, compared to many of our friends with teenaged children.
She had a boyfriend, Jack. Childhood sweethearts really, they had known each other since they were 11, and it developed into a romantic relationship later. We loved Jack, he was always at our house, and came on holiday with us twice.
Then suddenly it was all over between them, which was upsetting for us all. Neither seemed to be able to tell any of us why. They just said it was over.
Rachel didn't seem to want another relationship after the break up. She was happy with her friends. She and her friend Eleanor were inseparable in those days.
After a couple of years I gradually noticed something different about her. I know her well, I could tell there was something, and I was pretty sure it was that she was in love. Philip thought I was imagining it, or wishing it, but I knew I was right. I hoped so, because although she had plenty of friends, it's not the same, is it? I wanted to see her happy, part of a couple again.'
Charlotte nodded, encouraging her friend to continue.
'One Saturday she and I were out to lunch together. We had a glass of Pinot each and hallway through I asked her.
'Rachel are you seeing someone, are you with someone now?' She blushed slightly smiled at me and said. 'Yes mum, how did you guess?'
'Just a feeling. You look so happy these days and kind of lit up somehow'
Well, I am happy, very happy,so I'm glad it shows!'
'Well - tell me more! Does this person making my daughter so happy have a name?' I smiled
'It's Charlie'
'I hope we get to meet Charlie soon. You how well we got on with Jack, and any boyfriend of yours is welcome at home, you know that.'
She just looked at me said nothing, just looked into my eyes. Then she said ' Charlies not my boyfriend, she's my girlfriend'
'Ah' responded Charlotte.
Willow was meowing and pawing Annas leg, so she went to the cupboard and sprinkled a few cat treats into one of the bowls it. She came back to the table and offered Charlotte more coffee, or lunch.
'No thank you. Not now. I want to hear more. What happened? How did it get to the stage of you and Rachel being estranged?'
Anna looked slightly awkward, but realised that as she has started she owed her friend the full story.
'It was a shock'
'Yes, I imagine it was' responded Charlotte.
'Our little girl had a girlfriend, and worse, when I asked more, it turned out that her 'girlfriend' was 11 years older than her! I just knew she must have influenced her in some way. Rachel had a boyfriend for years, she was happy with him. Then this older woman came along and turned her head. She had shown no signs of being interested in girls before!'
'Are you sure of that?' asked Charlotte gently? 'You mentioned that she and her friend Eleanor were inseparable after the relationship with the boyfriend broke up.''
'That's different!' snapped Anna.
'So, you were naturally shocked, and you were uneasy about your daughter and this older partner, but how did the rift come about?'
'I couldn't seem to come to terms with it. Her father could, and tried to help me see that if Rachel was happy that was all that mattered.
I was still brooding over the whole thing, when Philip dropped his bombshell. He was in love with his secretary had been for some time and was leaving me for her.'
I was devastated, humiliated, my self esteem was at rock bottom.
I told Rachel that I needed her support and she said of course, that she was always there for me. '
Anna looked a little embarrassed. 'I'm not proud of what happened next. I told Rachel I needed her, but that I didn't want her anywhere near me if she was with that woman.
She cried, and pleaded, but in the end said it wasn't fair to make her choose between her mother and her partner.'
To cut a long story short, we argued, bitterly, and stopped speaking to each other. I imagine she thinks she is right. I know I shouldn't have made her choose, but I can't help feeling however that she chose that woman over me!' Anna finished, in a voice choked with emotion.
'I would like a chamomile tea, said Charlotte, getting up. 'Shall I make you something?'
'Lady Grey please' replied Anna quietly, following Charlotte into the kitchen.
Charlotte busied herself filling the kettle, and putting tea bags into mugs.
'You know it really wasn't fair to ask Rachel to make that choice don't you? When you love someone you don't choose between them and your parents! Its a very different kind of love'
Anna was silent, taking the cup that her friend held out to her. They both sat at the kitchen table.
She continued 'I decided to move away, far away. Everything seemed against me, my world had been turned upside down. Although I knew I would miss my friends terribly, my gut instinct was to get away. Hence this cottage.
Rachel knew through her dad where I was but she didn't contact me. I imagine her girlfriend stopped her'
'Her girlfriend stopped her?! exclaimed Charlotte 'You have no reason to think that. She didn't stop her seeing her father did she?
'No' admitted Anna ' She, well they, see Philip and Lauren all the time.'
'Do you miss your daughter?'
'Of course I do! I miss her more than anything. I so wish things could be different. I don't know how to change it now though.' she said sadly
Charlotte took her friends hand and held it between hers.
'Would you like to know what I think?Anna nodded.
'I think that your daughter has moved on in life, to where she should be and wants to be. I think she is happy with her partner. They have been together quite some time now haven't they?
I think she is happy that she has the acceptance of her father and his partner.
I think the one thing which makes her unhappy, is losing her mother from her life'
''Do you really think so?' asked Anna.
'I really do. In fact I know it for certain.' smiled Charlie.
*************
Anna stared at Charlotte. Saying nothing. Her mind was whirling. 'Get out' she suddenly screamed, almost pushing Charlotte out of the front door.
Anna tried to piece everything together, what was happening to her?
The realisation that Charlotte was in fact Charlie, her daughters lover was shock enough.
The fact that someone she considered her friend, the only friend she had made since she put herself in self imposed exile, wasn't her friend was equally shocking.
Charlotte tried to phone, and left several text messages. She was worried about Anna. Anna eventually replied by text 'I'm OK. Just leave me alone. I will talk to you when I feel ready'
Another text arrived, presumably from Charlotte. When Anna checked it was from Caroline.
'Anna, how are you? Charlie told me what happened. She's worried about you. So am I. Can I phone you?? xx'
Caroline? How did she know anything about all this?
Anna put a strong pot of coffee to brew. She wished she was smoker, smokers seemed to puff away at times like these!
She grabbed Max's lead and took him for a walk down the lane. She hoped the fresh air and walk would clear her head a bit. There was no sign of Charlotte's car.
On her return she poured some coffee, sat down, then phoned Caroline.
*******
6 weeks later
Anna looked through the window at the Sold sign in front of her cottage. The estate agent told her she should make a quick sale, but she was pleasantly surprised at how quick.
She realised that what she saw as moving on, had in fact been running away. It hadn't been all bad, but in the end it wasn't the right move for her.
She had bought a small Edwardian terraced house with garden, close to her friends.
She no longer minded if she ran into Philip or Lauren. She wouldn't seek either of them out, but neither would it concern her if their paths crossed.
Jane and Caroline in particular were happy to have their friend living close to them again.
She had also applied to work in charity shop nearby. She wanted to get back into the world of work, and this was a start. Philip hadn't wanted her to work, but now she felt that she needed to. She had always been Mrs Matthews - wife of Philip, mother of Rachel. She needed to find Anna again.
......
Caroline and Anna had a very long phone conversation that afternoon 6 weeks ago.
Once she put the phone down Anna phoned Jane. Having got Caroline's assurance that Jane knew nothing about any of it, she wanted her best friend.
Jane drove down straight after work, calling quickly at home to throw a few things into a bag and leave a note for her husband Rob.
Jane came into the cottage, overnight bag, flowers and plastic carrier bags in her arms. She thrust the flowers at her friend, enveloping her in a huge hug at the same time!
She put the a carrier on the table and proceeded to empty it.
'Red wine, white wine, Bombay Sapphire, tonics, organic lemons, mixed dry roasted nuts, large bar of Belgian chocolate. I think I've covered all the essential food groups there. Apart from ice cream, that would have melted. I bought us two Gourmet ready meals too' she added, placing the second carrier bag in the fridge.' I presume there are no takeaway deliveries out here ,and I doubt you have thought about a meal'
She poured two very large gins, topped them with tonic and added ice and lemon. She put these onto a tray with a bowl containing the nuts and carried them though to the living room.
'I shall be pulling a sickie tomorrow darling, needs must, so we can talk as late as you like'
Anna talked and cried and talked some more. Jane listened, interjecting when she felt the need, but was mostly quiet, letting her friend have her say and get everything out.
'When I talked to Caroline, and realised that she had engineered the meeting and my subsequent friendship with Charlotte, I felt sick. I felt betrayed and angry, angry with both of them. All those feelings I had when Philip left resurfaced.
I couldn't bear to be near Caroline, but needed a friend, and here you are, bless you' she said taking Jane's hand.
'I am' smiled Jane 'As you would be for me. Now, tell me exactly what happened. I understand some of it, but it's all a bit jumbled to be honest.'
Anna took a large swig of her drink, a deep breath and told Jane everything.
Caroline had been worried and saddened by the rift between Anna and Rachel. The rest of Anna's friends were concerned of course, but Caroline felt terrible about it. She couldn't imagine anything any of her children could do which would make her want to stop seeing them. Even less could she imagine her life without regular contact with Daniel, Patrick or Isabelle. She knew Anna. She knew she felt the same way, she had to. Their daughters had been best friends since toddler group days. Caroline knew what sort of mother Anna was, and that wasn't a mother who gives up on her child, for any reason.
Caroline talked to Rachel and Charlie, who were both sad about the rift. The three of them hit on the idea of somehow getting Anna to know Charlie, as a person rather than her daughters girlfriend. They hadn't fully worked out how to make her aware of just who Charlie was in the end, but getting her to realise she wasn't a wicked woman, just an ordinary one, would be the start.
It was decided that Charlie would borrow her friends dog, and 'happen' to bump into Anna a couple of times, chat and hopefully make friends. She would have to pretend to be local of course, hence the story about the Baileys B&B.
As it happened the dog was never needed. One Monday Caroline told Charlie that Anna had mentioned in an email that she had seen a poster advertising a yoga class that Wednesday and intended to go. Charlie managed to get a half days holiday on Wednesday, and set off with her yoga mat to Brookbury.
However, fate was against her. The traffic was bad, she got lost and arrived late. The class was leaving. She recognised Anna coming out, face like thunder, almost running down the lane towards home. Charlie sat in her car for a while, cross with herself for the missed opportunity, and wondered what to do. On a whim she locked the car and set off for Anna's cottage, not quite knowing what she would say when she got there.
No wonder Anna missed the red hair in the yoga class. Charlotte was never there!.
Things went better than the three women could have imagined. Anna and Charlie became friends The regular evening meal arrangement was unexpected, but Charlie went with it. It meant a longish drive home at night but worth it as she and Anna got to know each other better.
'Gosh' said Jane' for once I am speechless. It was quite an elaborate plan to get you to like your daughters partner!'
'A cruel one' replied Anna 'I really did like Charlotte very much. She was my friend. I trusted her and she made being here bearable. But she wasn't my friend, was she?'
'Well, I know nothing about this woman apart from what you tell me, but it doesn't sound as though she was pretending to be your friend. I think it would take a very accomplished actress to pull that off, especially considering the amount of time you two have spent together recently. I think she must feel the same way about you as you do her. Maybe she was wrong to deceive you in this way, but I'm pretty sure she is your friend. As is Caroline, you know? She had the best of intentions, you know that if you really think about it.'
........
A car door slammed. Max barked and jumped up and down energetically. 'Shush boy, you'll see them in a minute' laughed Anna.
The door opened, and in came the two young women, one with short blond hair, one with shoulder length red curls. 'Hi Maxie! Hi mum' said Rachel hugging her mother. Max moved on to Charlie giving her the same treatment as he had Rachel.
Ruffling his ears, and smiling at Anna, Charlie said 'Are you ready for our day out?'
I am indeed' Anna smiled back.
************************************************** ************************************************** *******************
THE END
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