Passions

PASSIONS

Mandy’s desk phone bleeped gently making a sheet of paper tremble in anticipation.

“Hello?” Mandy’s lipsticked mouth formed the word.

“Mandy. The catalogue cards have accumulated again. Would you file them please?”

“Of course, Dan. I’ll do it as soon as I get in tomorrow.”

“I’d rather they were done today.”

“Well, I’m leaving in thirty minutes and I have to tidy the reference shelves before I go. Which would you prefer I do?”

“Leaving? So soon?” Did she also hear an ‘at last’ in the tone of Dan’s voice?

“You know I finish at three.”

“I do?” Mandy wouldn’t play the game today. “Oh, yes. I do. Of course. The cards will wait until tomorrow. Thank you, Mandy, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Senile old bastard. Mandy spent her last half hour at work tidying the reference books; placing them in numerical order first, then alphabetically by author within the numeric order, aligning their spines with the front of the shelf, pulling out books that the lazy readers couldn’t be bothered to replace. She also had to find space for the new books.

Mandy left work late, as usual. Sophie would be waiting for her, again. Jim was away for another two weeks. She had to get the plumber in to look at the central heating, talk to Sophie about her school options, a service for the car, arrange a bank loan for a new car.

*

“Hi, mum! How was your day?” Sophie plonked herself in the front passenger seat of the small red car, fastened her belt and proceeded to tell her mother how her own day had been. Mandy gripped the steering wheel tighter and tighter. Her driving was erratic and twice she had to brake hard.

“What’s the matter with you, mum? Will you slow down? You’ll get another ticket. And that won’t please Jim.”

“Sophie, I’m driving and I’ll do it any way I like. When you can drive, then you can do it any way you want.”

“But I don’t want you to have an accident. And definitely not while I’m in the car.” Mandy looked hard at her daughter. “Watch where you’re going, will you, Mum?”

Mandy abruptly pulled into the kerb. Drivers around her leant on their horns, many stared at her as they passed. She turned in her seat and looked again at Sophie.

“Sophie. I am your mother. You will not tell me what I can and cannot do. How many times have I told you this? Probably four or five times a week at least recently. What part don’t you understand? And if I get a ticket, it’s none of your business and it’s certainly none of Jim’s. Do you understand?”

Sophie looked at her hands in her lap, then out of the window.

“Do you understand? Sophie! Look at me! Do you understand?” Sophie turned to her mother. She didn’t know what she was supposed to understand, but wanted to calm her down.

“Yes. I understand.”

“Good. Let’s go home.”

A bus pulled up behind the car, the driver leaning on the horn. Mandy realised she had stopped in a bus lane. She wound her window down, made a rude gesture to the bus driver, indicated that she was pulling back into the traffic and forced her way into the queue.

*

Mandy’s desk phone bleeped gently making a sheet of paper tremble.

“Hello?” Mandy’s lipsticked mouth formed the word.

“Mandy. Can I see you in my office please?”

“Of course, Dan. I’ll be right there.” Now what’s this all about. There was nothing she’d done wrong or hadn’t done as far as she could remember. She made her way through the hushed shelves, her shoes squeaking slightly on the parquet flooring. She pushed through the heavy doors marked ‘Staff only’, making her way to Dan’s office.

She tapped gently on the door frame and entered the carpeted room, stacked from floor to ceiling with books

“Dan. You wanted to see me.”

“Ah, Mandy. Yes. Won’t you take a seat? I shan’t take much of your time. I know how busy you are.” Did she detect a hint of sarcasm? Nevertheless she sat in the only other chair in the room. Made of vinyl, it farted every time the person seated in it moved.

“Sylvia has finally decided to retire. We shall all miss her so very much. She has so much knowledge about this place and the books kept here. I really don’t know what we will do without her.” He looked wistfully at Mandy.

“You won’t miss her though, will you?”

“Eh?” A frown pinched his brows together.

“Well, you’ll be seeing her for breakfast and dinner, won’t you? She’s not leaving you as well.”

“Ah. Yes. I see what you mean. No. As far as I know she will remain my dear wife a while longer.”

“I’m glad to hear it.” Silly fool.

“If you have ideas for a present, please let me know. I know she has most things that she’s ever wanted. And those she hasn’t got, no one can give her. Not now.” Mandy knew Dan was referring to the fact that they had never been able to have children which had been a great sadness for them both.

“I’ll think about it.”

“Thank you.”

“Is that all, Dan. I need to get back.” Mandy made to rise from her seat, the vinyl creaking dangerously.

“Er. No. Actually I wanted to talk to you about work schedules. We can’t afford to pay for a temp and we won’t be interviewing until after Sylvia’s last day. Whoever we take on may have to give notice, which could be some weeks. So I’ve decided that to make the best of those we have here, we’re all going to have to muck in and do the best we can.”

Mandy looked at him waiting for the bombshell.

“What we have decided ...”

“What do you mean by ‘we’?”

“Well. Er. The Financial Controller and me, actually. We decided that the best course of action would be to move Carl to your job, you to take Sylvia’s, Darren can continue where he is and Karen will float and do anything that needs doing, and ...”

“Wait a minute. I do Sylvia’s job?” Mandy leaned towards Dan’s desk, the chair farting spectacularly.

“Yes, and ...”

“No.”

“What?”

“I said, ‘No’.”

“But ...”

“Dan. Sylvia was doing that job because she was finding anything else too physically demanding. She liked the contact with the readers, helping them to find what they wanted, especially the children and students, catching up on gossip when her ‘cronies’ came in.”

“Yes, that I can’t deny.”

“Do you really think it’s a suitable job for me? Do you?”

“You’ll enjoy it when you’ve got used to it.”

“No, Dan. I can’t and won’t do it. That was the first job I had when I came to work here nine years ago. I won’t go back to it.”

“I’m sorry, Mandy, but you will. It will only be for about six to eight weeks. Then we’ll all be back to normal.”

“Dan, please ...”

“The decision has been made, Mandy. We’ll have a meeting once Sylvia’s finished and discuss everyone’s tasks. Thank you, Mandy. Let me know if you think of anything for a present.”

Mandy remained seated, staring at Dan. He looked back at her, but finally looked back at his desk.

“Thank you, Mandy. I’m sure you have work to do.”

“OK. Yes.” She pushed herself out of the chair, cursing under her breath. The chair gave it’s final huge fart as Mandy stalked out of the office. She resisted the temptation to slam the door on the way out.

*

“Hi, mum! How was your day?” Sophie plonked herself in the front passenger seat of the small red car and fastened her belt.

“I’ve been demoted,” she said, flatly.

“What? They can’t do that.”

“It seems that they can and will when Sylvia leaves.” Mandy pulled into the traffic.

“Sylvia? Leaving? She can’t do that! The library won’t be the same without her. Where will I get all the gossip from?”

“How do you know Sylvia? I never see you at the library.”

“I go sometimes. Usually in the lunch hour at school. Me and Penny usually do our homework together. We go to the library quite a lot.” Sophie didn’t want to upset her mother by telling her that she was too embarrassed by her mother’s behaviour to see her at work. “I’m sorry, but I’m usually in too much of a rush. And Sylvia always knows exactly where all the books are. She’s amazing.”

“It’s the only place she’s ever worked. No ambition that woman and no children to hold her back – just that husband of hers.”

“Penny has asked if I can stay at her house tonight. Is that OK?”

“I’ll drop you off after shopping.”

“Can we have waffles and ice cream for tea tomorrow? Isn’t Jim due back then? It would be nice to have something special, wouldn’t it?”

“It’s just a normal day, I don’t think we need do anything special.”

“But it’s Jim.”

“So?”

“But ... it’s Jim. Aren’t you suppose to love him?”

“Yes. I do.”

“So why not do something special for him.”

“What would you suggest?”

“Waffles and ice cream.” Sophie smiled at her mother, happy to be sharing a conspiracy with her.

“It has to be something a bit more – um – sophisticated than that if we’re to do it properly.”

“What do you suggest then?”

“I think I’ll be going for something a little more – er – adult than waffles and ice cream.” Mandy turned to Sophie smiling.

“Right, Mum. He is kinda sexy, isn’t he?”

“Sophie!”

“Well, he is. And you wouldn’t be thinking of something adult to do with him if you didn't think he was sexy too.”

“Oh? What do you know about it?”

“Just that waffles and ice cream can be sexy too.”

“Explain.” Frowning, Mandy pulled the car into a space in the supermarket car park. She took the key from the ignition, unclipped her seat belt and stood out of the car. Walking to the passenger side, she opened the door.

“Out, Sophie. I don’t have all day.” Sophie realised she had crossed the line, but didn’t know where. Now she would have to tread very carefully.

“Mum, I didn’t ... ”

“Explain.”

Sophie pulled a trolley from the neat line and made her way towards the entrance. Mandy grabbed her arm, pulling Sophie round to face her.

“Sophie. You are a fourteen year old girl. You shouldn’t know about things like that.”

“Mum. I’m a woman. I go to the pictures, watch TV, read books. I know when I see a sexy man.”

“But Jim?”

“He’s too old.” They both entered the supermarket.

“Too old? What do you mean?”

“For me, Mum. He’s too old for me. And anyway, he’s your bloke.”

“What?”

Sophie put a bunch of bananas into the trolley and looked at her mother. This conversation had gone decidedly pear-shaped.

“I don’t understand?”

“Don’t understand? Don’t understand? Oh, I think you understand very well. Is that why you wanted to do something special when Jim gets home?” Mandy put a bag of carrots into the trolley.

“Mum ...?”

“Is it?”

“Is it what? I don’t understand what you’re saying?”

“Let me see your phone.”

“What?”

“Your phone, Sophie. Now.”

“Why?”

“Just give it to me!”

Sophie pulled her phone from her jacket pocket and handed it her mother.

“Now, let’s see how many times you’ve called each other recently.” Mandy started pressing buttons.

“Mum. Mum!”

“How many times, Sophie?”

“What are you accusing me of, Mum? I don’t know ...?”

“Do you think I’m stupid? Do you?”

“I know you’re not stupid.”

“So tell me how many times you’ve called Jim.”

“I don’t know! Once a week maybe. Why do you want to know?”

“And how many times has he called you?”

“Once or twice. I don’t know. I don’t keep count.”

“And what do you talk to him about?”

“Nothing much and I’m not continuing with this conversation. I’m going to Penny’s.” Sophie turned her back to her mother and left the supermarket.

“Sophie! Sophie! Don’t you dare turn your back on me! Sophie, come back here.” Mandy realised that various members of the shopping public were staring at her, some where staring after Sophie’s retreating back. “What are you staring at?” she yelled.

*

Mandy’s desk phone bleeped gently.

“Hello?” Mandy’s mouth formed the word.

“Mandy?”

“Jim?”

“Where’s Sophie?”

“She’s been staying at Penny’s for a few days.”

“Why?”

“Something they’re studying together.”

“When will she be home?”

“I don’t know.”

“She’s not answering her mobile.”

“No. I have it.”

“Oh.”

“Yes. Oh. I’ll see you when I get home.” Mandy hung up the phone.

*

Mandy stopped the car in the driveway. Jim had considerately parked his Rover on the street. She let herself into the house, dropped her bag on the hall table and hung her jacket under the stairs.

“Hello, my love. How was your day?” Jim came from the kitchen, full wine glass in his hand, apron about his waist.

“Hi. My day was a real bitch as usual.” Mandy presented her mouth for a kiss. “Is that glass for me? What are you cooking?”

“Just pasta and mince. Nothing special.”

“Oh, but I have something special for later. Upstairs, if get my drift.”

“Later? Upstairs?”

“Uh huh, but it could be sooner, if you want.”

“Unfortunately, the pasta will spoil. But the anticipation will be exquisite.”

“Exquisite?”

“Another glass of wine?”

“No. Thank you. The exquisite anticipation will be ruined if I have too much alcohol.”

“OK. Later.”

“I’ll take a shower and be back in a bit.”

*

Mandy pushed her plate away, laying her napkin on the table.

“That was good. Thank you. It’s a real treat to have someone else do the cooking for a change.”

“It’s a pleasure. You do so much for me and Sophie. It’s the least I can do.”

“Why don’t you stack this lot in the dish washer and meet me upstairs in, what - shall we say fifteen minutes?”

“OK, sarge. Fifteen minutes it is.”

*

Jim mounted the stairs, a glass of wine in each hand, a small box of chocolate truffles under his arm. As he entered their bedroom his breath was snatched away. The room had been transformed into a Bedouin tent. Rich red and gold material was draped around the walls; an incense burner fragranced the room and candles gave an intimate atmosphere.

“Wow. Will you look at all this? This must have taken you ages.”

Mandy was lying on the bed, propped by a plethora of gaudy pillows and cushions, wearing the sexiest underwear Jim had ever seen. He had to admit that she still had a good body and certainly knew how show it off.

“It was Sophie’s idea to do something special for you when you got home.”

“Well. What a great idea!”

“She has something planned for you with waffles and ice cream.”

“Hey, great! That’s my favourite!”

“I really can’t imagine.” Mandy’s voice dripped with sarcasm. “Give me one of those glasses then.”

Jim went to the bed, sat on the edge and handed a glass to Mandy. She pulled him down to kiss him hard on the mouth.

“Mmm. You taste nice.” She took a large mouthful of wine and placed the glass on the floor.

“And you look very nice. I haven’t seen that lot before.”

“Special occasion warrants a special outfit, don’t you think?”

“Oh, yes. Very special.” Jim took off his shirt, stroked the length of Mandy’s leg, leant towards her and kissed her mouth gently.

*

The incense burner had gone out, the candles burned low and the room had a mingled smell of pine and sex. Jim lay on his back amongst the pillows. Mandy pulled an 'Ann Summers' bag from beneath the bed, rummaged inside and drew out two pairs of fluffy handcuffs. Gently, she fixed one to each of Jim’s wrists and fastened Jim to the bed. She then sat across his stomach and woke him with a stinging slap to his left cheek.

“Mandy!” He pulled his hands to cover his face and found himself attached to the bed. “Mandy! What are you doing?”

“What is your relationship with Sophie, Jim? She’s been telephoning and texting you. She knows what your favourite food is. She doesn’t stop talking about you.”

“Mandy!” She slapped him again, catching his lip on a ring.

“She’s only fourteen, Jim. She’s my daughter!”

“She’s a friend, only a friend. Afterall, I’ve known her now for four years.” Jim licked the blood from this lip. “Let me go, Mandy. Please.”

“Who else have you been seeing?”

“There’s no one else.”

She grabbed his hair and pulled his head backwards. Pushing her face close to his, she spat at him.

“You’re lying to me. I know you’re lying.”

“No. Mandy. I’m not lying.” He was having trouble breathing.

“You are. I know you are. You’re never here.You must be seeing someone else.”

“No ... ” Mandy bunched her fist in anger and let all her rage fly with her fist into Jim’s face. Blood spurted from Jim’s nose which sprayed onto Mandy as he spluttered in shock.

“Look at the mess you’re making, Jim. You’ve spoiled the whole evening. It was going to be so good.”

“It was good, Mandy. The evening was very good.”

“You spoiled it.” Her fist flew again, closing Jim’s eye.

“Mandy.”

“Shut up, Jim. Shut up.” Her hands would not let up. He suddenly saw movement as the bedroom door opened.

“Sophie?” Mandy roared in fury and forced a pillow over Jim’s face, holding it down with all her weight.

“Mum! Mum! Leave him alone” Mandy turned to her.

“I’ll deal with you in a minute, Sophie.”

“Mum! You’re killing him. Leave him alone!”

“Go away. This is private.”

“Leave him alone!” Sophie swung her arm with all her strength and heaved the fire extinguisher at her mother’s head. Mandy collapsed on top of Jim.

*

“Hi, Jim! How was your day?” Sophie plonked herself in the front passenger seat of the Rover and fastened her belt.

“My day was really good.” Sophie turned to him and smiled. His black eye was fading and his cut lip was healing. “Let’s go to see your mother, shall we?”