The crossroads

Layla looked at the dark sky as she pulled into Bristol Temple Meads station and couldn’t help but feel a bit queasy. Was it the drawn-out journey from Oxford that had tipped her over the edge after a long week at work? The clocks were about to ‘fall back’ next week and maybe it was the thought of the shorter days. What was it Shakespeare said about entering the night? ‘The night is long that never finds the day’. She was a grown woman for goodness’ sake! She wasn’t walking into a Lion’s Den! Far from it, she was re-uniting with friends, her best male friends from College in fact. She just hadn’t seen them in a long while. How fast their lives seemed to move. They seemed to keep up with the waves of achievement. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen them all. Was it last New-Years? ‘That hideous night’ as she referred to it to her close girlfriends.

Liam, her ex-boyfriend had suggested ‘hosting a New-Years house party’ at their flat in Bath. She had lived with Liam and Sean after getting fired from her first PR job in Exeter and looking back it seemed like her only option at the time. Her girlfriends had said ‘have you guys moved in together? But Sean is there too? Is that awkward?’. It didn’t take long for Layla to feel like a skivvy to ‘the boys’; constantly cleaning, cooking and sorting any nonsense that came up with their landlady.

She tried not to dwell on that night as it had been a total disaster and a source of huge upset. Note to self: Never invite friends over for a party and leave the boys to organize the food. What food? They hadn’t bothered to organise and presumed Layla would sort it out. By the time she’d realized their was nothing in the cupboard, all the supermarkets were closed. What ensued was hideous: ridiculous volumes of drinking followed by ransacking of Layla’s wardrobe by some random ‘oiks’ who they now, all think just walked in off the road. When Layla discovered one of them going through her underwear draw and sniffing the crotch, she exploded and told everyone to kindly ‘Fuck- off’. Shortly after, she broke up with Liam. She was sick of being treated like a ‘mate’ but with no benefits. I think the incident may have scarred her off all future New Year’s house parties.

As she grabbed her bags (she really needed to stop being such a bag lady and buy a weekend bag fitting for a young professional such as herself), she headed to the train station toilets to check her make up before meeting Patrick. To ensure she looked as gorgeous as possible, she applied another layer of foundation and lip balm and flicked her thick curly locks from side to side settling on a sort of mid- parting which she felt gave her an almost Charlie’s Angels type appearance. 

Why are there always so many gorgeous loved- up couples at train stations? She felt as if she was having to do a waltz dodging couples who looked ready to shower their beloveds with M&S flowers and chocolates. As the cold evening air hit her, she was taken back at just how bleak the city looked. I guess it doesn’t help that the nights are drawing in, she thought. She heard a whistle and turned round to see Patrick pulling up in his gorgeous little ‘sporty’.

Her beloved Patrick had treated himself to a lovely red 2-seater Mazda MX5 on securing his job at Bristol Children’s hospital and he loved to tell everyone it was a ‘babe magnet’. As he jumped out of the car, he wrapped her in such a huge hug that she sank into him and almost sobbed.

‘It’s so good to see you Paddy. How are you doing?’

‘All the better for seeing you gorgeous.’

‘It’s so kind of you to pick me up. I could have got a taxi with the others. When are they due in?’

‘Paul and Chris are just leaving London…they’ll be a while.’

‘you really are such a gent.’

‘Well, I’m sure you won’t say that after this weekend.’

‘Do I need to worry?’

‘no need, it’ll be very PG I’m sure.’

As they drove the short journey back to Patrick’s new flat in Clifton, Layla couldn’t help but reflect on how together so many of her friends were. Some people have really got their shit together. I need to think about getting my shit together.

But as soon as she heard about Patrick’s harrowing day in the hospital, she took it all back.

‘I’m so sorry Pat, that poor child and his poor parents. They will forever feel that guilt’

‘I know, the team were amazing but it was really too late by the time the child arrived in the unit.’

‘Anyway enough of that, a stiff drink will help take the edge off.’

As they pulled up outside the immaculate white Georgian terrace, lined by a row of pleached hornbeams, Layla was taken a back at just how beautiful his street was and within a skip and a jump of trendy bars and restaurants clearly frequented by beautiful people.

‘This is gorgeous Pat. Do you love it?’

‘I do. I think I made a wise decision buying the place on my own. I couldn’t see myself here with Nina.’ 

Nina was Pat’s ex- girlfriend. They had met in one of his hospital placements and Layla had really liked her but as Pat was ridiculously fickle when it came to women, always hopping from one to another, he couldn’t see a future and so ended things abruptly a few weeks before. 

‘I’m sorry about you and Nina. Have you heard from her recently?’

‘No, thought it better to cut the cord as it were and I’m seeing a lovely junior doctor, Penny who is not as high maintenance as Nina. After a long day, I just want someone I can chill out with with a bottle of red and a film.’

‘Pat, you do make me laugh. Why do these ladies always have to fit around what you want? Have you thought it may be cheaper to rent an escort?

‘Yes I know, I’ve actually tried that but that’s a story for later.’

‘Welcome to Paddy’s pad’, Pat announced proudly as he guided her in.

Layla was so impressed with the beautiful space. The kitchen looked like it was fresh from a showroom.

‘Wow, your kitchen it huge Pat and immaculate. What a view of Bristol. Amazing’

As Layla sank into the ridiculously expensive looking sofa, Pat walked in with two extremely large glasses of white wine’

‘Pat, are you trying to get me pissed?’

‘Aren’t I always? You’re looking hot Layls. Are you working out a lot as always?

Pat’s phone beeped and he was soon distracted.

 ‘It’s Paul and Chris. They’ll be here in about thirty…they’re almost at Temple Meads and will jump in a cab. So Layls, tell me more about your love life. I hear you’re back in touch with Liam?’

‘Well, where to begin. About a month ago, he came back to see his family in Bath for a bit and then I got this email saying he’d like to come and see me in Oxford and could we meet and go for dinner and so….’

‘do you think it’s a good idea to go there again?’

‘Well I don’t know. We split up 9 months ago and since then I don’t think either of us have really moved on.’

‘He’s certainly tried a lot but you know he’s rubbish with women.’

‘Well I don’t know about that but he’s invited me to go to see him in Barcelona in 2 weeks and I’ve said yes so I guess we’ll see them.’

‘yes but Layls, everything seems fine when you’re on holiday’

Sensing he’d hit a nerve, Pat said ‘I’ll get us a top up’

‘ok not too much, or I’ll be anyone’s!’

‘yes that’s the idea’

‘Pattttt…….’

Layls appreciated Pat looking out for her but she was complete convinced that she and Liam were meant to be together. Even he has used the term ‘soul mates’ when she had seen him in Oxford. After all, she’d not met anyone like him in 9 months of being single and well, it had to work out as she wanted to think about finding the one. 

As he came back with two very large glasses, she heard the bell go and with that Pat jumped to attention to welcome Paul and Chris.

‘oh shame I thought it would be another hot lady trying to seduce me?’

‘I doubt you pick up hot women with that chat.’ Paul retorted.

Their friend Paul liked to consider himself the dry wit of the group: ‘wow this place is huge Pat, well done on your meager medics salary. Why does it look like an antiques shop on the king’s road?’

Pat loved collecting items from his extensive travels around the world and his taste was certainly an eclectic one at that. 

‘what an earth is that? A spear? How did you get that through customs?’

‘well, it’s amazing what the word doctor will do in certain countries.’

Layla gave them both a huge hug and kiss and looking at the large glasses of wine Paul declared

‘Is Pat trying to get into your knickers again?’

‘Always’ Pat proudly declared. ‘right drink up everyone and then we’re heading out for a curry.’

Layla couldn’t help but look intently at Chris who looked a lot more grey since the last time she saw him.

‘how are you Chris? It’s so good to see you.’

‘Ya ya, great to see you layls. It’s been a while’

‘I know, how’s all in that London? Have you contracted the rage yet?’

The group of friends loved to joke at how angry everyone became when they moved to work in the city.

‘ no it’s fine, it’s good actually. Living with three gorgeous girls isn’t bad either.’

Chris had landed on his feet. A city job on Threadneedle Street and a house share with stunning ladies from Italy, Paraguay and Canada.  ‘tell me all about you…how’s Oxford?  How’s your family? Are you in demand from all the boys?’

‘Ha! Not quite. You know I have seen Liam recently don’t you? Well, I’m heading to Barcelona in a couple of weeks.’

‘Aah yes he did mention. How exciting. Do you think you guys will give it another go?’

‘I don’t know, not sure but will be fun to be in Barcelona.’

‘yea I bet.’ He walked into the kitchen and came back with the largest glass of wine.

As they walked into the curry house, Paddy was greeted by the excitable owner ‘Pat, how are you sir? Lovely to see you’

‘Pat how often do you eat here?’ Paul asked

‘Oh maybe just three or four times a week’ he said with a rather embarrassed grin.

As Layla sat down, Chris seemed to make a deliberate effort to sit opposite her and for the following two hours was consumed with knowing everything about her life; her house share, dreams, plans for the year. It wasn’t particularly out of character as she always enjoyed chris’s company as he always seemed genuinely interested to know all her business.

They stayed till closing and then Pat who was completely sloshed suggested they head back to his pad for more drinks and an early-ish night as tomorrow would be ‘The big one’. layls felt her long week creep up on her and as they all found their sleeping bags and a space to crash in the large living room, Pat slurred ‘Layls, you’re welcome to bunk up with me. I promise to not molest you.’

‘no that’s fine, there is space near Chris.’

As they hunkered down,

lots of farting ensued and then silence before Paul started snoring ‘Paul, stop snoring’ Chris shouted but then silence fell.

Layla, in her tiddly state, felt so pleased to be surrounded by her close male friends and so nice to fall asleep next to someone she felt so at ease with.

Not long after, she felt two fingers slowly make their way down her back. Surprised at what was happening, she turned around. 

Chris leant in very slowly to kiss her and what ensued was the most amazing kiss she had ever experienced. 

‘ I can hear you two snogging’ Paul commented. Just don’t hump while we’re all in the room.’

And with that they carried on kissing for what felt like hours.

The next morning, Layla realized she had slept in her T-shirt and pants so she wrapped her bottom up in a sleeping bag and headed to the kitchen to make coffee.

She was completely startled when Pat walked through the door looking very red and sweaty.

‘oh morning, where have you been?’

‘oh just out for a five mile run…feels good to have sweated off the beer/wine and curry.’ Right I’ll make us all a coffee and a bacon bap after I’ve showered.

As they slowly rose like zombies from the grave, had restorative showers and sipped their coffee slowly, Pat announced ‘right first plan for the day: paintballing’

Layla wasn’t sure about the thought of running round a wood being shot at in the crotch with pellets but was game for it. She was conscious that she hadn’t spoken to Chris since the night before but shrugged it off. Boys! She also wondered if word would get back to Liam but thought it was pointless worrying as they hadn’t yet talked about what they were to each other. I’m sure that would come up in Barcelona.

Paintballing was just the right activity to run off the hangovers. The boys were put in one team and for some reason Layla was put in a group with five 14 - year old boys. One lad turned to her and said ‘Don’t worry miss, keep behind me and I’ll protect you’ which she thought was adorable but completely naive . ‘you haven’t done this before have you?’ ‘no’ he looked in a rather concerned way. ‘well watch your goolies’ she advised.

Later that day, feeling battered and bruised, the boys were all very gentlemanly and let Layla use the shower first. As she appeared with her auburn locks falling off her shoulders like The Little Mermaid, Pat said ‘Corr, you scrub up well. Doesn’t she Chris?’

‘absolutely’ but chris wouldn’t look her in the eye.

When the boys were finally ready and all of them smelt like a 16 -year- olds bedroom, they headed out for a pre- curry drink.

Pat got tiddly quickly and for some reason started acting like a bit of an arse:

‘but seriously Layla, how many pixies are you related to?

‘what are you talking about’

‘well with your Cornish heritage, your mum, sister and aunt are probably the same person?’

‘what are you talking about, you northern twat.

And with that Pat lunged at Layla and went straight in for a kiss.

Chris, who was close by, pushed Pat off her and grabbed Layla for a snog.

‘what on earth are you doing?’

‘trying to kiss you, you idiot.’ and with that he cupped her delicate face and kissed her.

When they finally came up for air, it looked as if everyone had left.

‘Where are they?’ Layla half- heartedly enquired.

‘Maybe they’ve gone on to the club already?

‘maybe’

Chris leaned in to kiss Layla softly and with a calm voice said ‘we could always head back to pats? I know he left a key under the mat?’

In the cab on the way back to Pat’s pad, Layla felt as if they were pinballs in a game, being thrown against corners of the taxi, frantically kissing and touching. Layla couldn’t get enough of Chris and his mouth’

Chris led Layla into the spare bedroom where they both slowly undressed in between frantic kisses. As he lay her down, he brushed a curly lock off her face and said ‘I like you.’

‘I know, I like you too.’

And with that they had the most amazing time, kissing and moving together. It was as if their bodies were completely in sync. Layla didn’t want their night to end.

The next morning, Layla, realising she really needed the toilet and wasn’t wearing much, grabbed a spare blanket and snuck to the bathroom.

‘anyone for coffee? ’ she very quietly said to the stinky room of bodies that lay in the living room . No one stirred so she made a drink for them both and went back to bed where Chris had stirred and wanted to hold her tightly. At one point, he started singing ‘little darling, here comes the sun’.

‘ I didn’t take you for a George Harrison fan?’

‘well I’m not really but I love this song. It makes me feel hopeful.’

A couple of hours later, they all headed to the local greasy spoon for a fry -up before going their separate ways and it didn’t start long for the teasing to start.

‘is Layla your girlfriend now Chris?’

Chris and Layla looked up and smiled but didn’t glance over at each other.

Paul, Chris and Layla all took the train to Reading together but Layla felt Chris barely looked up at her . Maybe he wanted to forget last night happened?

She kissed them both on the cheek and said ‘ I better run for my connection.’

A few days later in Oxford, Layla received a text:

‘Layla, how are you? Would you mind if I crash at yours while you’re in Barcelona?’ Chris x

‘mmm. Oh ok. Be like that then she thought and replied:

‘fine, I’ll leave a key.’

A week later, Layla arrived in Barcelona to be greeted by a very excited looking Liam.

He extended a huge hug to her and took her by the hand saying ‘I’m so pleased you came. We have so much to talk about…’