Bron-53

Continued from Chapter 52: Bron-52 | ABCtales

Grace flipped on the kettle and plonked two chipped mugs onto the kitchen table. “So, what did you tell them at the interview?”

“I told them that I was Bronwyn Jones, aged 20 years and eight months, that I was born in Llanfairyngmochnant, North Wales that I’ve five months and three weeks experience as a trainee shunter at New Birch Moor…”

“Yes, yes, yes! I mean, what did you tell them about what happened in Slough, you ninny!”

“I told them that I fucked up, that I should never have booked myself on in the emotional state that I was in, that I was still signalling the driver on when I should have been telling him to put the brakes on, that it was only sheer luck that he spotted the tail light, he had to put it into full emergency…”

“How did they take it?”

“They weren’t happy. Gave me a load of grief, about the importance of teamwork, how if just one little cog in the machine isn’t working, the whole job can fall apart, that health and safety isn’t just a …a buzzword, I think they said, that not everyone’s cut out for railway work. People who don’t follow the rules aren’t wanted…”

“Oh, well, Bron. At least you tried…”

“I know. I did try.”

“Well, to cheer you up, there’s an open mike night at the Club on Wednesday. Like me to get tickets?”

“Can’t do Wednesday night?”

“Why ever not? It’s not as if…I mean, you’re not busy…”

“I am busy Wednesday night.”

“Doing what?”

“Got to book on at Willesden depot for the night shift.”

“What! Oh BRON! You told me…”

“Didn’t tell you anything, did I?”

Grace lay on her back on the kitchen floor and pedalled her legs up and down. “I think that calls for a celebration. Actually…” she sat up, spreading her hands on the floorboards – “it’s a double celebration.”

“Oh yes?”
”Tomorrow, I’m going to the hairdresser. To get my afro straightened out. Filming starts on Saturday.”

“You know what trains Willesden services?”

“Let me see. Class eight-six, class 87?”

“You remembered! No, I mean, where the trains go to?”

“The Euston trains?”

“Yes. And you know where they go from Euston? Among other places.”

“Holyhead!”

“Yes. Means that I’ll be able to head home to Tan-y-Bryn whenever I want.”

“Wow! Really?”

“Yes! You know, I could even apply for a transfer, get even closer. Go and live in Crewe.”

“That’d be grounds for divorce.”

To be continued in Chapter 54: Bron-54 | ABCtales