Chapter 39
The scent of perfume had replaced the usual stale smell of the hallway when Dwaine arrived back. Reaching the top of the first flight of stairs he saw a familiar figure stood outside Kelly's room.
"Charlene.
The blonde girl turned, her pretty face held a look of disbelief and shock.
"Dwaine, she mumbled, "I heard the news and had to come over.
Dwaine nodded.
The mascara smudges round her eyes told him she'd been crying already but his presence seemed to set the emotion off again.
For a moment he stood there unsure what to do before approaching and embracing her.
Sobbing into his chest she asked,
"Why Dwaine, why?
Feeling a lump rising in his own throat he could only mutter back,
"I dunno, I dunno.
Pulling back she looked at him,
"It was him wasn't it?
Dwaine didn't know who him was but shook his head anyway,
"No, it was an overdose, I saw her.
Charlene shook her head and muttered something.
"What did you say? Dwaine asked.
"Nothing, nothing.
"Do you want to come up for a minute?
"I¦I dunno. I've got to go.
"What do you mean? Come up Charlene, at least sort your make-up out.
She let out a small laugh,
"I must look a sight aye?
He smiled,
"Course not, you never could.
"Still the talker.
He gave her a wink before asking,
"You coming up then?
"I suppose.
"So what you been up to? he asked opening the door.
"Spending money, what else?
The accompanying laugh reminded him of better times.
Charlene stood looking round the flat lost in thought.
Dwaine watched,
"So has it changed much?
Charlene turned startled,
"What?
"The flat?
"Oh sorry, I was in a world of my own.
"So has it changed?
In response she shook her head before adding,
"I heard about your Mum, I'm sorry.
Dwaine shrugged,
"Happens don't it, can't blame anyone can you?
Charlene looked uncomfortable in the ensuing silence,
"Dwaine¦.
He looked at her expectantly waiting for her to finish the sentence.
"Oh it doesn't matter.
"What?
"I said it doesn't matter, you're right, you can't blame anyone.
He didn't push,
"Wanna cup of tea or something?
"Yeah go on then, I'm gonna go and tidy myself up quickly.
"You know where the bathroom is.
Charlene nodded heading out of the door.
Walking to the kitchen Dwaine filled the kettle, wondering if Charlene knew about Jarvey's imminent departure.
Putting the teabags into the cups he heard a voice from behind.
"I'll have a coffee cheers.
"Didn't hear you come out. Sorry, out of coffee it'll have to be tea I'm afraid.
"That's okay.
Charlene hadn't bothered to re-apply her make up, just wiped off what was left of her smudged eye-liner.
Dwaine stood wondering what to say.
"So¦ they both began.
Pausing they laughed.
"You first, Dwaine gestured in an exaggerated motion.
"Have you seen anything of Jarvey lately?
"No not really, a brief chat here and there, but that's about it, funnily that was the same as I was gonna ask you.
"Dwaine, you must know I see him all the time, we're still together despite my marriage.
"Yeah, I figured that. Do you think you'll have a future?
She eyes him suspiciously,
"What do you mean a future? That's a bit of a heavy discussion aint it Dwaine?
He looked uncomfortable,
"Sorry, sorry, you're right, I just wondered that was all.
The suspicious look turned to relief,
"No I'm sorry Dwaine. Who knows what our future holds, not me that's for sure.
As she spoke the last words her voice trailed off.
Dwaine seized the chance to change the conversation,
"So when did you last see Kelly?
"A couple of days ago, seeing the look of surprise on his face she added, "I saw her all the time, she was my best friend.
"I know that I just didn't think you saw her anymore, you know since¦
"Since what, since I got married? I never came down here but I met up with her all the time.
"What did Bailey think of that?
"He didn't know.
"What about Jarvey?
Charlene shrugged,
"Listen sorry Dwaine, I'd better go.
"Finish your tea at least.
"No I can't I've got to go, I shouldn't have come up anyway I have to¦.pick my son up, he's with my mum.
"How is your mum?
"Same as she always is, listen sorry I've got to go.
Turning Charlene hurried into hall, grabbing her discarded bag.
Dwaine watched from the doorway of the kitchen,
"Okay, but pop round again soon yeah, we can catch up properly, you know under better circumstances.
Charlene attempted a weak smile,
"Yeah of course, I'll come round¦soon¦.listen, it was good to see you Dwaine. Cheers yeah.
"And you. Don't leave it so long next time.
"I won't.
After she'd gone Dwaine couldn't help feeling sorry for her, she obviously didn't know of Jarvey's plans and now her best, or more likely, only friend was dead.
Picking up the paper the front page was filled with the news of Kelly's death, a picture of his house alongside the headline, 'Top Cops Daughter In Drugs Death', and a picture of the deceased.
Wondering if there was any respect for the dead he threw the paper back down.
