Scandal (4 page)

   The damp wallpaper hanging from the bedroom wall managed to roll itself onto the floor as another train roared past, rattling the windows and shelves.  Cobwebs hanging from the corners of the ceiling wafted from the draft created by the crack in the bedroom window.  As Ashleigh’s cold fingers counted the stray coins in her purse, a few tears rolled from her eyes.  She thought of God for the second time that week, wondering why she’d been given the life she had.  As she questioned Him, it occurred to her that perhaps it was down to
her
to change her life.  With only her mum to fight her corner, which would never happen, it became clear in an instant what she needed to do.  She would leave the dump she called her home and find somewhere to live on her own.  Wiping her eyes, Ashleigh searched frantically for a piece of paper, scribbling down her income. If she didn’t have bills to pay for this flat, she could use the money to pay rent on a flat of her own.  She could manage with her wage and ask for any extra shifts that became available.    

   As her tears dried, a ray of sunshine flooded into her room, warming her face, illuminating the dust spiralling round her.  The warmth in her heart and clarity of her thoughts scared her for a short time.  God had been there for her.  He’d helped her to realise what she must do.  All she needed was the strength to see it through.  Leaving her mum would be hard but it wasn’t as though she’d ever been there to support her daughter.  Since leaving school, it had been daughter who’d been supporting mother.  Always having to learn the hard way had in some ways made her strong, made her a fighter.  There was nobody out there for her.  She was all alone.       

Chapter Three

The lack of birthday cards and presents came as no surprise to Ashleigh as she awoke the following Saturday.  It was her eighteenth birthday.  Having work at two o’clock, she’d decided to call in to see Simone.  A month had gone by since she’d bought her makeup. Having used it sparingly, it meant there was still ample left.  She’d thought about Simone a lot, felt it was the right time to go and see her.  As soon as Ashleigh had woken that morning, she’d felt compelled to see Simone.  Why? she couldn’t explain.  It was something she needed to do.

   There were only a few slices of bread left to eat in the rust clad breadbin.  The fridge and cupboards would remain bare until Ashleigh went shopping.  Linda didn’t eat much.  She used alcohol to fill her hunger pangs. 

   Men had started visiting more often now meaning Linda’s bedroom door was shut permanently.  The distance between mother and daughter had grown to an unhealthy level.  Ashleigh barely saw her mum, knowing she wouldn’t be missed when she did eventually move out.  Her punters called at the off license on their way over, quite happy to help Linda guzzle alcohol to unhealthy and dangerous levels.  

   The sooner Ashleigh could get a place of her own, the better.  Unfortunately, there’d been no suitable accommodation for rent in the papers so far.  They were either too expensive or too far out of the city centre.  Her job was crucial to her, so she didn’t want to be spending too much on bus fares.  At times, Ashleigh had thought about trying to find another job.  She’d achieved good grades at school.  There was nothing to stop her, other than confidence, from applying for something which paid more.  An office job would mean she’d need smarter clothes, something her wage at the cafe would never squeeze to.  Things weren’t so bad at the cafe she supposed.  She was supplied with a uniform of sorts.  Sam and Reece were lovely to her; she just felt sometimes that they pitied her.

   An unkempt looking man passed Ashleigh on the stairs as she made her way out.  Their shoulders knocked but he failed to say sorry.  Probably another one of her mother’s punters, she thought, once she realised where he was heading.

   The lives of others amused her as she stood by the road waiting to cross; so many cars, so many bodies ambling around.  Where were they all going?  Were so many people out of work?  Everyone always seemed in such a hurry.  Wasn’t it said that people in Britain lived life in the fast lane?  As Ashleigh cleared the curb onto the other side, tall buildings surrounding her, she made a promise to herself that one day, she’d leave this big city and head for the quietness of the countryside or perhaps be more daring than that and spread her wings even further.  Italy or France had always appealed to her.  She sighed inwardly, knowing it was a dream she’d never fulfil.  Putting all thoughts to one side, Ashleigh headed towards the large department store to see Simone.

   She was there, standing behind the counter as before.  The store was fairly quiet for a Saturday which suited Ashleigh.  She hated being pushed and knocked by everyone.  That’s how her life always felt; except in the café.  They treated her well, securing the feeling that she really fitted in there.

   Simone looked up, catching Ashleigh’s eye as she approached.  The genuine smile she displayed warmed Ashleigh. 

   “Ashleigh, hi.  How are you?”

   “Not bad thank you.  You?”  Ashleigh smiled warmly, pleased Simone had remembered her name.

   “Okay I suppose.”  Her voice didn’t sound as chirpy as before, Ashleigh noticed.  Was she angry perhaps that she’d just turned up?  Simone went on.  “Well, to be honest, I’m not alright really.”

   “Why’s that?” Ashleigh asked, concern creeping into her voice.

   “I had a big bust up with my boyfriend last night.  Think it might be over.”

   “I’m sorry to hear that,” she admitted.  By now there were a few potential customers gathering around Simone, waiting to be pampered.

    Knowing their conversation couldn’t carry on for much longer, Simone leant over and said, “Will you meet me at lunch time and we’ll go for a coffee?”

   Ashleigh was surprised at the invitation but agreed instantly.  After arranging a time and a place, she left the store, butterflies teasing her stomach with excitement.

   Simone arrived at the cafe a little after twelve o’clock.  They found a table by the window before ordering their coffee.  It was nice being the customer for a change.

   “I’ve never done this before,” she admitted, wishing she hadn’t as soon as the words left her lips.

   “What?  Never had a coffee in a café?”  Simone’s shock embarrassed Ashleigh.

   “Not with a friend, no.”

   Simone smiled before asking, “Don’t you see your friends much?”

   “I don’t have any actually.”

   “How come?”

   Thinking carefully for a moment, cursing herself for getting into a position where she may have to divulge personal information, she took a deep breath. 

   “Let’s just say, where my family and I live, together with our everyday dysfunctional lives, things aren’t exactly what you’d call normal or inviting.”

   This made Simone laugh, despite the sadness she’d carried around with her all morning because of the bust up with her boyfriend.

   “Why?” she enquired lightly.

   Lowering her voice she added, “My dad is in prison and my mum’s an alcoholic who …” 

   The sentence went unfinished.  Simone narrowed her eyes waiting for the sentence to finish.

   “Who what Ashleigh?” she probed, a note of amusement in her tone, unaware of the severity of what Ashleigh had nearly revealed.

   “Nothing.  I’ve said too much already.” 

   Although they were virtually strangers, it wasn’t hard for Simone to work out how difficult life had been for this young girl who sat before her.  She wasn’t a typical teenager who piled on the makeup, spending their parents hard earned cash on the latest fashion.  Her clothes were clean but basic, but she liked this new friend, liked her innocence and calm manner. 

   “What are you doing for the rest of the day Ashleigh?”  The change of direction in conversation was much welcomed.

   “I’m working two until six o’clock and then,” she sighed, “I thought I’d buy a newspaper on the way home.  I’m in the process of looking at flats for rent.” 

   Simone’s expression turned to one of concern.

   “You’re thinking of leaving home at your age?”  She was genuinely shocked.  Without being unkind, Simone didn’t think that Ashleigh looked as though she was in much of a position to be able to look after herself.

   “Well yes actually, I am.  I’ve been thinking about it a lot recently. Why are you so shocked?”  

   “Don’t you think you’re a bit young?”  Simone didn’t know how old Ashleigh was.  Maybe she just looked younger than her years.  “If you don’t mind me asking, how old are you?”

   “I’m eighteen today as a matter of fact.”

   “Really?”

   “Really,” she replied.

   “Happy Birthday.”

   “Thank you.”

   “So, what did you get?” 

   Ashleigh wondered whether she should lie but that wasn’t her style.  Besides, those days of lying to friends, especially ones like Simone, were over.

   “Nothing.  I didn’t even get any cards, not one.”  Not one for self pity, the realisation of what she’d just confessed to suddenly hit her, making her more aware of just how alone she was.

   “Listen,” added Simone, not wanting to make a big deal out of things.  “What do you say to you and I going out for a few drinks tonight?” 

   Ashleigh had never tried any alcohol before, despite there always being ample available at home.  She’d seen how it had destroyed her parents and wouldn’t let it destroy her.

   “I don’t drink.  Plus, I’ve nothing to wear.”  Ashleigh felt like a charity case once again.  Simone took hold of the young girl’s hands.

   “How about then, you come over to my house.  We can have a couple of beers, my treat,” she added quickly.  “And I’ll even order us a pizza.”  Ashleigh pondered with the idea.  Never before had she been round to a friend’s house for pizza.  It
would
be fun, probably proving to be the best day of her life.  After a few moments of hesitation Simone said, “Well?  What do you think?”

   “I’d love to, thank you.”

   “Great.  Listen, I’ve got to get back to work.  Do you want to come straight over, once you’ve got changed after you’ve finished work?  There’s a bus you can catch which drops you virtually at my door.  I’ll write down my address.”

   “I can’t wait,” Ashleigh admitted with a huge grin.   

   “I’ll pay for the coffee,” Simone announced as she got up to leave.

   “I couldn’t possibly let you.”

   “Course you can.  You get them next time.”

   “Thank you so much Simone.  I’ll see you tonight then.”

   “Bye.” 

   And with that, Simone headed over the road back to work.  Ashleigh headed in the opposite direction towards the café, aware the conversation had pointed more towards herself than Simone.  The whole point of them meeting up was so Simone could talk about her bust up with her boyfriend. Ashleigh had only met Simone twice, yet she felt as though she’d met her savour.  Maybe God had answered her prayers after all.

   It was only early days in their friendship but Simone had shown a kindness to Ashleigh she’d never experienced from anyone, ever.  With the prospect of seeing her again that evening, she entered work with much excitement. 

   Her day got even better.  Reece, the manager of the café and his wife Sam were near the door when Ashleigh walked in.  Behind them on a table stood a birthday cake and a present.  The cake was only a simple Victoria sponge but my, it looked very appetising to the hungry.

   “Happy Birthday Ashleigh,” Sam rambled excitedly. 

   Touched by their kindness, Ashleigh whispered, “You remembered!”

   “Why wouldn’t we?” Reece enquired. 

   All eyes were on her now as the candles were lit.  She made her way nervously over to the table.  Even though the café was quiet, a few customers in there joined in with the singing of Happy Birthday.  A few of the regulars who’d grown to like Ashleigh gave her money to spend on herself.  Once again she was deeply touched by their kindness.

   “You can open your present now if you want Ashleigh.  We won’t dock your wages,” Sam said, offering her the gift. 

   Ashleigh took the long slim box wrapped in silver paper, with trembling hands.  The silver bow stuck in the left hand corner winked at her as it caught the light.  The present was neatly wrapped, obviously Sam’s hand which had chosen and wrapped the gift no doubt.  Reece didn’t look the type to know about girly things.  The silver heart shaped locket glistened as soon as the lid of the box had been removed.  Her eyes went to Sam, then Reece.  A few tears hung delicately, threatening to fall.

   “It’s beautiful.”  Her voice came out in a whisper, filled with emotion.  “Thank you both so much.”

   “You’re welcome,” Sam beamed.  “Here.  Let me put it on for you.”  Holding her hair up away from her neck, Sam fought with the clasp.  “There.  All done,” she said.  “Let’s have a look.”  Sam sounded genuinely excited for Ashleigh as she turned her around gently.  “Perfect.  It’s very dainty, just like you Ashleigh.”

   “I love it Sam.”  Taking hold of the locket, Ashleigh eyed it carefully.  A silver locket, she said inwardly, and it was all hers.  “Thank you so much,” she repeated once again.  If she’d have been a girl used to affection, she’d have given Sam and Reece a hug to show her gratitude.  Instead, she wiped her hands nervously across her jeans.

   “Our pleasure.”  Sam paused for a moment before asking, “What did you get from your mum, or will it be a surprise for later?” 

   Hoping they didn’t notice the colour drain from her face, Ashleigh said she’d planned to wait until she got home before opening her other presents.  She’d never divulged any information to Sam or Reece about her home life or parents, certain it would definitely jeopardise her chances at work.  Quickly picking up her bag from underneath the table, she made her excuses before heading into the back room to get changed.

   “We’ll have a piece of cake with a cup of tea later on then shall we?” Reece called out to her, just as she went through the swing doors.