THE CHALLENGE
He drew open the curtains and surveyed his new surroundings.
This was not only the dawning of a new day but the awakening into the unknown.
The rented flat was dull, shabby and musty and the noise from the street market
sellers below echoed the unfamiliar loud uncut tones of the East End .
As he opened the wardrobe door his Saville Row suits and Designer clothing were
a stark contrast to the newly purchased cheap clothing. His descent in society was of his own choice
and reasoning and would ultimately answer the question which so haunted him
His mobile rang causing a flush of adrenalin. He knew it
would be Cassandra and let it go to voicemail. “Hi Jeremy, I have spoken with
Rob. He says you are back from South Africa but had to go straight to Wales for
family reasons. Hope everything is OK. Oh by the way the Midsummer ball is
coming up and I’ve seen this really super dress. It’s a tad expensive and will
sell quickly. Its unaffordable with my rent and outgoings so baby could you
help me out. I love to look good on your
arm. Ring me back when you have a moment. Chow”. He loved her dearly but would
spend a few days to himself adjusting to his new surroundings and then the challenge
would begin.
He walked across to the café. “Yes luv, what can I get you?”
“A full English breakfast and a coffee please” he replied nervously. “Take a
seat, I’ll bring it over”. The atmosphere was friendly; must all be locals he
guessed. “You aren’t from around here are you?” came the voice of an old man
sitting nearby. “No” Jeremy replied, “I moved in across the road yesterday so
you could say I’m a newcomer”. “Folk are friendly here, everyone knows
everyone, Harry’s the name”. The old man reached out a hand. “Pleased to meet
you Harry, I’m Jeremy or Jerry for short”. “Ah here’s your breakfast lad, enjoy. I’ll
leave you with the newspaper, hope to see you again.” Jeremy ate heartedly. The
food was as welcoming as the company and he was impressed by the old man’s
genuine friendliness.
The summer air felt heavy and dusty. The market stalls were
busy with its bustle of Saturday shoppers zig zaging their way around with
buggies and shopping trolleys. Life here is rough yet free from greed and
social expectations. His mobile rang again. Panic engulfed him once again for it
would be Cassandra. He knew deep in his heart he might one day have to let her
go for she was the reason for his current situation. Again he listened to her
voicemail. “Hi Jeremy, I tried to call you earlier but haven’t heard from you.
Perhaps you’re out of range. Love and miss you honey”. Avoiding her was
stressing him intensely for he knew he would have to call her. Time to ‘touch
base’ with Rob and Mark with whom he had flat shared in South Kensington
before his trip abroad. “Hi Rob, its Jeremy. Just to let you know Cassandra has
phoned me twice. Thanks for sticking to
the plan. She thinks I’m in Wales
with my parents. I’ll contact her in a couple of days. Speak later in the
week”. He would now relax and savor the day to himself.
The noise of the street was saturated by a sea of accents
from local cockney to the far off shores of distant Asia .
He passed an Eel, Pie and Mash eatery. He would try that one
-2-
day. As he approached his flat he could hear the fruit and
veg Seller, “Bananas, get your bananas”. An old lady fumbled in her purse “I’ve
got some more loose change in my pocket; I need to give you 50p more”. As he
packed yet another bunch into a bag the seller lent over “Don’t worry about
that luv, just give me a pound”. Jeremy was impressed for they looked after
their own in times of need and beyond.
He showered in readiness for an evening at the local pub. He
didn’t welcome the idea of going in alone but with a band playing it would be
busy and he could immerse himself in the crowd. He queued at the Bar. “Yes luv,
what can I get you” “ A pint of Carlsberg please” Jeremy noticed her hands;
hard working hands considering her youth.The Band started up and the Bar area cleared.. He sat on an
empty Bar Stool and soaked up the atmosphere.. He ordered another pint. “A busy
evening for you tonight” he quipped.
She flicked her thick aubumn hair from her face, “Yea, I’ll
be glad when its over, I was here cleaning at eight this morning. I clean here
in the mornings and serve some evenings, you know how it is, keeps things
ticking over. I live with my mother and have a two year old son, Charlie but tomorrow is a day off.”
He was taken aback by her allegiance to hard work. “Have a
good day tomorrow, take it easy. Oh by the way the name’s Jeremy, and yours?” “Emma luv” she replied..
He spent the next couple of days soaking up the atmosphere
of the local area. Then time was of the essence and he should contact Cassandra. As he took his mobile out
of his pocket he took a deep breath and pressed her number.. “Hi Cassandra,
Sorry I didn’t call you.. I arrived back from South
Africa last week but had to fly straight
into Cardiff to sort out a few
things with the family. I have broken away from the family business as I want
to use my literacy degree knowledge and write a novel. You know, something for myself.”
“Wow that is incredible Jeremy. If successful it will bring fame and fortune or
even a blockbuster”.” Steady on girl, its not that easy to get a result. My
parents are paying my rent and I’ve moved to a one bedroomed flat in East
London ” “Why East London Jeremy, that’s not your style?” “But that
is exactly it. The novel will be based on that area so for research sake I need
to live there. The flat is groggy and cheap but I only need a base. Anyway
writers are always poor” he laughs. “Well yes Jeremy but I bet you’ll be back
with the family business in no time. Poor isn’t your style”.
Cass ,I know we were talking of moving in together, well why
not move across here.”
She hesitated, “Oh wow Jeremy, I never thought you’d ask. It’s
a tad far for me to travel to work in Kensington but a girl has to support her
man when he has ambition to climb great heights. I will bring my things by cab Friday
evening if that’s OK.”.
She arrived outside the shabby flat and looked up. Her head
spun. Could she actually live here for it was grim and the thought repulsed her. On
the other hand she adored Jeremy. He was a ‘good catch and may have found a path in which eventual success would bring
recognition amongst the elite of literacy and possibly a moneyed future. If not
he would surely re-join the family business.
-3-
Jeremy laid the ground rules bare. Rule 1. He would write only
when alone. Writers needed quietness and
privacy without the turmoil from others. He would do his research and writing whilst she was at work. Rule 2.
He would secure his work so only he could access it. Sharing it with her
would disrupt their time together and critisicm would only make him insecure.
The later rule knawed at her with intensity
but at least when together she would have him to herself instead of the loneliness of watching him burn the midnight oil.
So far she was playing into his hands and he hoped the eventual outcome would bring the answer he
so needed.
He awoke early on Saturday morning and nudged her, “Think
we’ll go out to eat”. She opened her eyes, “I’ve go a new pair of Victoria
Beckham jeans to wear. Where are you taking me Jeremy?” Her mind was racing
with excitement, “There’s a lovely new
Restaurant in South Kensington ”. He gave her a gentle
hug, “It’s a surprise”. The Street
Market was busy. Cassandra found the atmosphere of the crowd and gruff voices of the street vendors
disconcerting. This was not her style though she reminded herself this was the
learning curve of Jeremy’s research and she needed to support him in his quest whilst
keeping her own balance.
He took her by the hand and lead her to the Eel, Pie and
Mash eatery. As he opened the door he looked at her with a wry smile. “This is
an experience we must try, they say the food is good. She felt her stomach
lurch with disappointment though she knew her pretence had to be maintained.
“Oh wow, this is certainly different, good choice”. As they ate she surveyed
the tatty café style layout and banter of those around her, “The food is lovely
and this place, well what can I say, it certainly has character”. “Glad you
like it” he replied. I’ve never tried it either. Tonight we’ll go across to the
Half Moon; they have a band Saturday nights.
The Pub was crowded and the queue at the Bar was endless.
However Emma caught Jeremy’s gaze. “A pint of Carlsberg and a medium sweet wine
for the lady please?”. He noticed she looked tired. “Emma allow me to introduce
you to Cassandra or rather Cass for short.. She’s now moved in across the way
with me”. “Nice to meet you luv” she replied in her Cockney slang. Again
Cassandra felt uncomfortable “Likewise, thank you”. Jeremy sensed her
discomfort, slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her in tightly, “Have
you noticed these people are so genuinely good hearted and easy going. When you
get to know them its so easy to relax”. Cassandra smiled gently, yes they are lovely. May I have
another white wine please?” He looked at her glass, “That went down rather
quickly” he quirked with a smile, “It’ll go to you head”.
The Band had struck up and he went to the Bar. “Yes Jeremy
what can I get you?"
"Another white wine please Emma, By the way you look tired.
Is the little one OK?"
-4
She poured the wine into a glass, “Had very little sleep
last night, he has a cough and I was here cleaning at eight then had to visit
my dad who isn’t too well either”. Jeremy sighed, “Rather a lot on your plate
at the moment”. Cassandra noticed the
familiar banter and scowled. He passed her the wine and beckoned her near the
door where it was quieter. “How about we go out to Canary
Wharf
She loved his cooking and the combination of candlelight and
wine played with her emotions. As they lay on the sofa she sipped her wine and
felt an overwhelming contentment. He was a good man and deep down she loved
him. As she placed her head on his chest she felt safe and drifted into sleep. Next week would be her turn to return the gesture..
The loud, gruff voice of the fruit and veg seller outside
the flat annoyed her immensely.
“Yes luv what can I get you, in fact don’t answer that
darling cos I’d give you the world.
He chuckled and eye her from head toe. She felt herself
cringe at his common and forward manner, bought two bunches of grapes and made
a quick exit back up to the flat.
“You look a bit flushed” Jeremy said, “Are you OK?” She put
the grapes on the table,
“That guy down there on the stall is rough and
offensive. I don’t like his manner”
Jeremy took her hand, “You mean Jake. His manner may be so
but he is still in business.
Would you believe me if I told you he goes to the Caribbean
twice a year and they saye he
owns a beautiful home;, swimming pool the lot. Apparently he owns owns a number of stalls down there. A lot of those kind of people are moneyed.
It’s all part of the learning curve honey.” Still wouldn’t be my type “ she
replied flippantly.
The following few weeks were blissful and Jeremy sensed a
togetherness and continuous foundation of happiness in Cassandra. The marketing
project on which she had been working had been demanding yet successful.
He was sitting sipping coffee awaiting her arrival home when
he heard her bounce up the stairs. Excitedly she threw her handbag onto the
sofa. “Guess what? we are going for a celebratory meal Saturday night to
celebrate the success of the Cereal promotion. Apparently it’s flying off the
shelves. Do you really mind if I join the others and stay with my parents or a
girlfriend for the night? I appreciate it’s our ‘night in’ but I’ll make
-5-
it up to you” Jeremy placed his mug on its Coaster. “No of
course not Cass, it’ll do you good to ‘let your hair down."
She enjoyed the weekend for with it came freedom and re-claimed luxury of one of her favourite
restaurants. Unbeknown to her the
occasion would bring her to the crossroads of confusion. In Jeremy she had
found a genuine and safe love yet again she hungered for the ‘high life’. However shed had to 'hang on'. for he was ariculate, educated, reliable and would surely return to his 'roots' and financial standing if she waited long enough.. Perhaps she could
sway a few more girlie nights out to keep her inner balance. She would have to
approach him when the moment was right.
Lying in his arms a few nights later she took her
opportunity. “How about we try that Indian
Restaurant at the end of the market. I know you’ve always wanted to. My treat?”
“That’s thoughtful of you Cas”. She kissed him on the cheek, “I’ll book a half
day in the week and we’ll do it. I do love it here, it’s, you know, fascinating
and different”. Unintentionally Jeremy asked
the question which ‘played right into her hands’. “It means so much that you
like it here with me. You really are very supportive, I love you so dearly.,
you know how much this project means to me. I know you enjoyed your night out
with the girls, you must think of
yourself also”. She felt a huge relief
for here was her cue. “Well actually they are going out for a birthday on
Friday, we will still have our Saturday night together, would you mind?” He
stroked her hair “Of course not, in fact there’s a talk on local history in the
Town Hall Friday evening. I’ll go to that. Now let’s go to sleep, your alarm
goes off at seven.. ””
Friday morning she rose early and excitedly packed a bag.
“See you tomorrow night, Ill be staying with one of the girls. I’ll bring home
some shopping, my turn to cook”
As he approached the old Town Hall he admired its architectural
beauty. A small crowd was beginning to gather. “Sorry! this evening’s been
cancelled” came the voice from the Caretaker “The Speaker has been taken ill”.
There was only one other option, the Pub. At least Emma
would be good company. She was well liked for her humour and genuine kindness.
He knew deep in his heart had it not been for his love for Cassandra he
would find a soulmate and undoubtedly more in her. Something he always
mindfully dismissed..
As he entered the Pub he felt uneasiness. Far from the usual
greetings the atmosphere was silent and awkward. Emma caught hi glance. “Hi
Jeremy luv, what can I get you?” “Has someone died?” he asked quietly and
inquisintly. As she poured his usual pint
he noticed her blush. “What’s the matter Emma. Are you OK?” “Yes, thank
you I’m fine.” He sipped his pint. “The
atmosphere here is definitely different. Out of the corner of his eye he could
see Joe and Bill looking over. Emma felt flustered. She didn’t want him to be
the last to know yet she hadn’t the heart to tell him.
-6-
As the evening gathered pace the drink flowed. Jim Hansen, a
stall holder who spoke his mind after a ‘skinfull’ staggered over to the bar. Emma shuddered as he put his
hand on Jeremy’s shoulder. “So where is your young lady tonight? “ Jeremy
turned round, “She’s gone out with friends for a Birthday drink in the West
End ”. Jim’s tone got louder, “Does that often does she, go up
West?” “A couple of times, you know how girls like to get together without us
guys hanging around”. Jim took a swig of his beer. “Well, young Jeremy, I think
you should know that Jake on the fruit and veg stall just below your flat
has helped himself
and took her to a hotel in Park Lane
last Saturday night and tonight he has other plans for her. Apparently she
likes the ‘high life’. Jeremy felt the
rush of adrenalin rush through his body. “I don’t believe it, I can’t. I
thought we had come to some kind of compromise. She was so attentive, loving
and happy”. Jim looked across at Emma “I
think you would be better dealing with this from here.” He patted Jeremy on the
pack. “Sorry mate to tell you but he’s not popular round here. Owns quite a few
of the stalls so folk keep quiet cos
they need heir jobs. Thinks he can take what he wants. Emma threw her arms
around Jeremy. “It’s OK luv, I’m so sorry my heart bleeds for you. You deserve
better”. He clung to her, sobbed and
felt her warmth.
After shift she walked him home. “Now here is a small bottle
of Brandy, it will calm you.
Just cry your hear out. I’ll make arrangements at home to tell
mum I’m staying out. The little one will be fine with her. You can’t be left
alone. I’ll sleep in a chair”
The Brandy calmed him. He was distraught, felt he’d failed
yet a surge of relief took over. At least he had his answer. They sat on the
sofa, and as he placed his head on her
shoulders he felt the softness of her long blonde hair on his cheek and fell asleep in her arms
Emma heard a key in the door. Cassandra ran up the stairs
sobbing and bearing a badly bruised eye. She glared at Emma, “What the hell are
you doing here?” “What the hell have you been doing Cassandra, he knows it all
and I wasn’t the one to tell him” Cassandra dabbed her eye, “Jake decided to
replace me at the last minute and when I objected started punching me. I just wanted a bit of the ‘high life. I didn’t want Jeremy to find out, I didn’t want to hurt him”
Jeremy stirred and opened his eyes. “Half drunk and red eyed
he slurred, “What are you doing back and what happened to you?” She told him
the truth. “Please, please Jeremy, forgive me, I love you and beg you”. He beckoned
her to the kitchen for he did not want Emma to hear the truth, not yet. He looked
her straight in the face with both pity and hatred. “It was a challenge Cass,
there was no writing project and I am still in the family business. Before I
made a decision on our permanent future I needed to know you would love me for
myself, not for wealth. I now have my answer. It’s not the one I wanted but
it’s over, no turning back” Sill she sobbed and begged. “Did Rob and Mark know?” “Yes, they were in
on it because I needed to do this”
-7-
Jeremy went back in the living room to Emma and whispered,
“You and I have some talking to do tomorrow”
Emma bathed Cassandra’s bruise and Jeremy packed her
possessions then rang her parents and dialed a cab.
He took Emma in his arms and kissed her passionately. She
too felt the love run through her veins. As his story unfolded Emma was shaken.
Life would be different for her and her young son but as she said, “In
moderation Jeremy, I am who I am"..
GAME OVER – he had found true love.
.
