Re-imagining

Continued from here

['Petra's iPhone started vibrating intensely in his hand]

I'm sorry, I've got to take this. 'Petra said, holding up a hand before turning around listening to the high pitched wailing on the other end of the sleek, gorgeous, piano black iPhone. Very well, I'll be there in a second 'Petra said, turning to face the Coven elders. I've got to go, something very personal has come up. I'll be back before you know it. Sorry.

'Petra then spun around in the Louboutin heels, snapped her fingers and disappeared in a shower of glitter and sparkles.

A moment later, 'Petra was in a dingy, low lit, filthy apartment. A bedroom to be more specific, facing a woman sitting by a bed crying. 'Petra hid in a darkened corner with a box of old magazines with crossword puzzles. A policeman walked over to the woman sitting on a chair she'd covered with a newspaper. Ma'am, we need to go. We need to lock the apartment until we've determined if this was foul play. The woman turned and looked the policeman straight in the eyes, but we found her like this, she said. The policeman helped the woman up. She smoothed her Chanel skirt, wiped her eyes and walked out not saying a word.

'Petra heard the key turn in the lock and the clacking of Prada pumps walking down the stairs outside. Without hesitation, the Louboutins made it across the room, almost like the heels weren't touching the dusty and extremely dirty carpeted floor. 'Petra kneeled down on the filthy floor, and looked at the woman his mother had been hunched over. She looked so tiny, peaceful yet disturbingly pale. 'Petra reached down and wiped the hair away from the old womans forehead and mumbled an incantation.

The old woman started breathing again, opened her eyes and frowned. What on earth did you do that for?!? the old woman demanded. 'Petra looked down at the woman, who was wearing a smelly old nightgown and responded. You were dead! The old woman pulled up the dirty duvet and said, I know! Finally, I've been waiting 20 years for this and then you go waking me up to this nightmare.

'Petra frowned. You are right, it does look fairly nasty in here. Allow me to do a home improvement so we can talk. 'Petra snapped her fingers and in a shower of glitter everything in the room became clean. The chandelier glowed and the old woman stared with her mouth open. Don't get too excited, it's all an illusion darling, 'Petra said. Oh honey, you simply can't wear that old thing! 'Petra snapped her fingers again and the old woman was wearing a white silk night gown, matching silk robe and diamond earrings and necklace. The bare feet suddenly in a silver Gucci stiletto.

The old woman smiled, this is how I used to live you know, she said. 'Petra motioned the old woman to follow her. As 'Petra moved from the bedroom to through the hall, dining room and stopping in the lounge snapping her fingers on the way. Everything transformed. The dirty carpets turned into gorgeous wood and marble flooring, wallpaper was repaired and cleaned, chandeliers aglow and sparkly, furniture sparkling clean and the air clean and fresh. The high ceilings, stuccowork and paneled walls looked like it had in it's heyday 20 years earlier. It looked amazing, and just like 'Petra remembered.

The old woman looked misty eyed at the transformation. I'm so embarrassed of how it turned out, she said. Referring to the old sick that had been in the corner by the bathroom door. It had been covered by a bit of newspaper but the old woman couldn't get down that low to clean it up. Actually, it was in her head. She thought, she couldn't get down that low without risk of falling. It was tragic, but this wasn't the reason 'Petra had come. The old woman looked around for something to drink. Being dead had made her a bit thirsty. Again, without a word 'Petra snapped her fingers and a tray consisting of nibbles, two martini glasses and a pitcher of martini appeared.

Martini? 'Petra offered. Oh sorry, I forgot. 'Petra snapped her fingers again and a bottle of Moët appeared along with two Champagne flutes. I must have inherited my taste of Champagne from you dear Auntie. They clinked their crystal glasses and took a sip. We don't have that long, but I thought I'd come and pay my final respects in person, 'Petra said smiling.

Eloise smiled, it's alright dear. I'll miss you most of all. You were always my favorite, although you stopped calling. I realise I'd stopped living 20 years ago, and I wasn't that fun to be around. 'Petra put a hand on her aunts and smiled wickedly. When you started drinking wine out of cardboard boxes, and put up those hideously orange curtains, I had to say stop. There would be no recovering from that, Eloise.

The old woman chuckled. We had a good run though, didn't we? You used to vacation here all the time, begging to join my dinner parties. Back in the day, playing Draughts, solving puzzles, playing cards and drinking Champagne. I knew you were special 'Petra. A 10 year old who thinks Champagne tasts divine - that's a keeper in my book. Eloise wiped a tear from her eye, and smiled. I'm sorry I let it all go. I had my problems.

'Petra took a sip of Champagne. It's not your fault though, Eloise, you couldn't help it. Nobody could have foreseen you falling in love with a married man. Especially not one who 10 years down the line, would die only weeks before his divorce was final. Let alone one who was divorcing one of the most powerful dark witches in the area. I can taste the curse in the air. The b-uh-witch cursed you! 'Petra couldn't believe she hadn't sensed it before. Elosie shook her head, no matter she said, wiping a tear from 'Petras face with one of her perfectly manicured hands.

Was that the red nail varnish Vicious Tramp? 'Petra couldn't help but wonder. No matter, it was all fine. It was done, nothing could be changed. Errrr.. Auntie? May I ask you a question? Eloise, arched a brow and looked expectantly at her, niece? nephew? Oh, who cared with labels these days. 'Petra looked apologetically at her aunt and asked. What's the real story about all those men that came to your door when you looked upstairs from grandmother and grandfather? Eloise chuckled. Oh how could you not know this. I thought your dear mother had filled you in, but no matter. I will tell you the real story.

It was another time back then, and I'd just moved out of your grand parents apartment. Through my work at the criminal courts office, I'd gotten to know a lot of policemen. They would come up for visits and I may have been playing the field a little too much in my fathers opinion, Eloise explained. I also happened to meet a very nice sailor who I took a liking to. We had an affair and people in the building started talking. This is why my father took me aside and told me to act proper. A few years later I met my married man, and the rest as they say is history.

'Petra was intrigued but didn't push it any further. Instead she poured another glass of Moët for them both, and they clinked glasses. To death, Eloise said smiling wickedly. I remember two things from a few years ago, 'Petra said. Things that I'll forever smile when I'm reminded of. Eloise frowned a little, I'm not sure I'll like what you are about to remember, she said.

The most vivid memory is when Mrs. Maxwell upstairs died and the handymen broke the floor and your ceiling, Eloise. You didn't want them to come in and fix it, and told them you'd take care of it. Then finding out, after they'd left for the weekend that your entire bathroom was filled with dust and rubble. That was not the worst part though. Then come Monday, they handymen were back, and you didn't want to go to the loo when they could be ogling you from up there. What's a woman to do, but squatting over a bucket in the bedroom. This was only part of it, you then poured your liquids into the kitchen sink..

Eloise looked a little embarrassed, but recovered quickly by raising her glass and toasted. To an old womans silliness! They clinked.

'Petra continued, this time with another silly tale. I remember being told of how you'd gone to the grocery store and bought apples, creme cheese and a cardboard carton of wine. Then just as you are about to step into the building, you fell over backwards and sat on the bag - and wine! Thankfully, someone saw you and helped you up to your apartment also bringing the bag with you. Of course the bag was now leaking red wine, and so you thrust a roll of kitchen towels into her hand and told her to go clean it up. The way it was told to me, made it sound very funny.

Eloise smiled a little again. I remember that, I was so embarrassed and had to get rid of the woman she said.

I on the other hand remember taking you out to lunch 'Petra. You were about 8, a very mature 8. I ordered us open sandwiches, and mine were roastbeef and other 'adult' varieties. When they brought yours in, we both stared at the plate mouths agape. Do you remember what the third sandwich was, 'Petra? 'Petra smiled from ear to ear. Yes, I do, 'Petra answered, it was buttered white bread with thin slices of chocolate and banana on top. I don't think I'd ever eaten anything that gross before. Eloise smiled, you didn't eat it though. I remember you throwing a hissy fit at the waiter who brought you an entirely new plate identical to the one I had. 'Petra chuckled, sounds like me but I don't remember that.

The two sat there, enjoying the Champagne. It was nice, 'Petra thought. Just like in the old days. The light in the chandelier started flickering and 'Petra knew it was time. She looked at Eloise, and Eloise frowned slightly. It's time, isn't it? Well, let's go then 'Petra.

'Petra walked Eloise back to the bedroom, the rooms behind them turning dark and dirty again. Eloise, laid on the bed and pulled the crisp silky sheets up to her neck and smiled. Thank you for giving me a little extra time 'Petra. 'Petra kissed Eloise on the forehead and they said their goodbyes. Then 'Petra snapped her fingers again, and Eloise laid there, cold and peaceful again, the room surrounding the two also back to it's dark and dreadful state. 'Petra wiped a tear from her eye, and snapped her fingers again, and in a shower of glitter and sparkles returned to the other Coven members here, one second after she'd gone.

Only this time, wearing a gorgeous black Gucci cloak.

I don't know what it is - Part II

Miss K and I had a lovely brunch. She was only slightly miffed that I was late. Turns out, she was late herself, so she only waited 5 minutes. We ended up going shopping after brunch, and then off to Christopher Kanes studio to look at some creations she had on hold. They didn't work for the event she had in mind, but we ended up taking a bunch of them back to her place anyway. Just to be on the safe side.

The topic of Aiden showing up with the skank came up. I said he was a friend of ours, and that I was feeling a little under the weather. Obviously Miss K couldn't believe I'd associate myself with a two bit Asda model like that, but after I told her that Aiden was doing photos for this post modern exhibition on supermarket trash, she let up. So I didn't tell her. I know, I should have as we are dear friends. Still, she had a whole to do to get to later so I didn't want to ruin her day. I figured I'd just go home, get the locks changed and crack open a bottle of bubbly to toast my new singleness. At least I can whore around now. Anyone interested in a fit, 42 year old ex underwear model?

Maybe I should do porn. I could move to the US and do porn. Afterall I know how to look good naked, so how hard (ahem) could it be. Although, I've got a nice and cushy life here and with my investments I could probably live comfortable for the rest of my life without lifting a finger. Oh, yes I am not as stupid as I look. I've made quite a bit of money like that. Thanks to Cal, my bank person. Wait, I must get a lawyer. Shit! Aiden probably already has one.

So instead of calling a lawyer, I show up at the most prestigious law firm in town. They know me, as I did some work for them after I just got my law degree. There is this woman you see, Jen Davis who is a total shark. I want her.

We have coffee for 10 minutes in her office, and I explain the situation, and she takes on my case on the spot. Of course I'm thrilled and we make arrangements to meet again with all the papers and such. It's going to get messy, I'm sure. Aiden never took anything laying down (ahem, at least not with me). By now I'm in complete damage control mode, and so I get all these things done. Even sending out my CV just for the hell of it.

When I get home, Aidens there looking for a camera. I meet him in the walk in closet where the skank is trying on one of my shirts. I'm like, oh no you didn't just do that! Aiden tells me to let it go, besides I'm wearing his shoes and jacket. Oh, right. It's different though, because it's not Aiden wearing my shirt, it's his skanky fuckbuddy. It's.. Gross. (I later end up ritually burning the shirt in Aidens office because like EW!) I strip down to my underwear and change into nothing but tracksuit bottoms. Just to see if I've still got it. They are both checking me out. It feels good, or actually, ew! skanky pants is checking me out. Just up and die already. Still, I try to come off as civil when I ask him for his name. He blinks, like he doesn't understand the question. Um, er, Scott? he says. Like it's a question. I raise an eyebrow and ask him if he's sure. Aiden glares at me. Well, it sounded like he wasn't sure, I say. Scott looks at me confused, and I smile at him in my most condescending way. Bless him.

I still love Aiden though. Sure, I'm bitter and pissed and confused. Why would he trade me in for that skanky Asda model. He could have almost anyone and he picks some two bit trash. It's so beneath him. Not to mention very insulting for me. Hey, skanky pants could you give us a minute alone please, I hear myself say. Neither Aiden, nor skanky pants seem impressed by this. I suspect it's for different reasons entirely. When he passes me by the door I trip him. Granted, that wasn't a stellar move, but it worked in Showgirls. Aiden doesn't see this, and apparently skanky thinks he just tripped over the threshold. Hah.

First Aiden starts mumbling something, but I interrupt him and tell him that I've got a lawyer. He looks hurt. Why would he look hurt, he put this in motion and where's his wedding ring? I tell him that it's the natural thing to do when someone decides to end a marriage. So he just looks at me, gets up and grabs his camera. Without saying another word. What's that about. I follow him, and I keep talking all the way to the elevator. Maybe that's why he is leaving. I talk too much? That skanky Scott guy doesn't seem to be able to put together a complete sentence.

I do talk a lot, and I tend to talk about myself a lot. Of course, since I either sit at home, or end up going out to glitzy affairs or famous brunches it's only natural. Isn't it. Suddenly I'm very aware of how much I talk. Especially about myself. Then I get to thinking that all my friends are the same way. Although I'm sort of this model has-been, I still get interviewed and end up on VH-1 and those hideous "wealthiest models in the world" shows. You know, the ones with that man voice over thing that always sounds sooooo obnoxious and yet offended that P. Diddy has a 500 ft. yacht or something. I'm not offended by that, I just wish I did. I'm not that rich, sadly.

Then my mind goes to fashion. Maybe I should get into designing. I love fashion, and I have the connections. You'd think that the only thing I need is the talent, but I've actually got some old sketches somewhere and while I may not be perfect at sewing I am fairly good. My mother called me domestic, because I repaired and altered my clothes. At the very least I might be able to squeeze myself onto the creative team behind Miss Ks next lingerie collection. What are friends for, right?

I go to the bar and mix a batch of gin martinis and sit down. Alicia hasn't been here today. There's still glass and other crap on the floor from the other night. Why didn't she come in today? Maybe Aiden sacked her. I wouldn't be surprised if he did. He always thought that since I didn't work, I might as well do a bit of housework. Yeah, right. Like I'm going to clean up your shit mate. That was pretty much my response to that, when he suggested it oh so many years ago. So we interviewed a couple, and it came down to two. Alicia and Randy, but there was simply way too many double entendres and Aiden wasn't comfortable hiring a man. No matter how much, he so wasn't my type. Bless her, Alicia won out and while she's a very poor maid she was the least inoffensive one we could find.

My phone rings, and it's my assistant Cat. I realise I make a lot of obnoxious nicknames, but Cathrine actually prefers Cat. Plus she's a total minx, there is no way anyone could resist calling her Cat. Hey Cat darrrrrling, how are you doing today my love? I say. She giggles and I could almost hear her batting her eyelashes as she responds. Nate, my dear! I'm fabulous, and I was just making sure you guys remember attending the new museum exhibition at the V&A tomorrow. She senses something's wrong from the silence. My brain goes into overdrive as I think. Cat thoughtfully reminds me of the 1950s fashion photography exhibit. Oh..That.. Well, I'm not really up for it, I say. I tell her how Aiden and I have broken up, and that he's probably bringing his trashy boytoy with him. Cat doesn't care. She's paid to make me feel better, and force me to attend even the most tacky of events (approved by my manager, because everyone has a manager right?)

Images of me, standing alone near a WW2 canon at the Imperial War Museum with a plastic cup of white wine out of a cardboard box, waiting for an ancient man in a ragged uniform to finish putting people to sleep with his tiresome and very elaborate speech. It almost made you wish the Nazis had killed him, that or they would come and kill you (or better, him) now. The evening was a complete waste. Nobody of interest showed up, and for years to come I was invited to everything that had the faintest bit to do with history and war. I tell you, I nearly fell over reading my first invitation after that. It started with "Dear fellow history buff". At first I thought it was a friend of mine playing a joke on me, but I called and they meant it. The lady on the other end of the line seemed a little insulted when I couldn't stop my, you are shitting me right?. Bless her though.

Cat asks if I'm still there. Oh, yes I'm still here, I say. So you are attending, she asks. I suppose I should get out there. So, she says she'll make sure to get me on the VIP list. We say our goodbyes, and I go fetch a bottle of Bollinger and settle on the chaise.

I don't know what it is - Part I

Ok, so I'm sitting here on a chaise in our living room with a glass of Champagne. No, scratch that, I may as well be honest, that was at 9pm last night. By now it's 7am and now it's an almost empty bottle of gin. Isn't it strange how suddenly your life just changes?

The plan was for Aiden (that's my husband) and I to attend the opening of the Tous store here in London. I had put on my new silver suit (ok, maybe it does sound a bit naff but it reminds me of my modelling days) from Dolce & Gabbana and I was waiting for him to come home from work so we could go. Then of course Aiden's late. He finally comes home, it was about 8pm by then, and sits me down and says he wants a divorce. I'm outraged - obviously! - and start yelling and crying and making a complete fool of myself. Of course I knew about his affair with that Asda model Scott but I assumed it would die out. Like it did with Miles, Sambad, Thomas and who can remember the rest. It didn't mean anything, it was just sex. Right?

So I just kind of alternated between throwing stuff at him, yelling, and fumbling my way towards the Champagne cooler. Aiden ducked and covered with the best of them, and said he was moving out. For the time being, he said. Like he's ever getting in here again, hah! Good one. His affairs must have started about the time we got married, about 10 years ago and we've been together 15 years. Today is our anniversary, funny that.

I really love Aiden, and I ignored the cheating because I figured that he always ended up back with me. He didn't love those two bit skanks who, quite frankly, only participated because they thought it would boost their modelling career. This is when you think, hah, who are you to talk. Aiden's a 51 year old world renowned fashion photographer and you are a 39 year old (OK, honesty is the best policy I suppose, 42) ex underwear model and you do the math. Well, it does look bad, but really it isn't. You just think all models are skanks who screw whatever to get on the cover of Elle, Vogue or whatever is the premier fashion magazine at the time. You'd be quite right, been there and done that. Yet, I never whored around after I met Aiden and I never used him to get ahead (ahem!). I didn't.

The thing is, everyone thinks models are whoring around and using everyone to get ahead. They will be quite right, but as I mentioned before, I stopped doing that when I met Aiden. I loved him. Well, I love him. I'm bitter, surly, angry, hateful and I still love him.

I look down at my platinum wedding ring with diamonds all around the band. Apparently I've taken it off earlier and been holding it in my hand. Suddenly, I throw the ring at the 62 inch flatscreen TV. As I watch it fly towards the TV, I regret throwing it and get up to go pick it up. The room is now spinning, like that time some cow spiked my drink at a Jean Paul Gaultier after party at Paris fashion week in 1997. I fall to my knees and crawl to my destination. It looks like there are two rings. How could there be two, it's like friggin Alice in Wonderland. Will the wrong one make me small? How could I feel smaller than I feel now, lying on the living room floor in a naff silver suit from Dolce Gabbana staring at two rings - and is that dust behind the sofa over there, or is the Mad Hatter coming to get me? Must mention it to Alice, no Alicia. Our cleaning lady is Alicia, isn't it?

The phone wakes me up three hours later. Apparently Miss K wants to know why only Aiden and 'some guy' showed up last night at Tous. Oh, and do you want to do brunch? Um, OK...? When, what time is it now? It's 10am. Well Ok then, in an hour at the usual place. Right. Miss K is rarely in town these days, and I fear that I need the company. I put on the wedding ring and wonder for a second if I'll get any smaller. No, and the other ring is gone. Must call Alicia about the dust then.

I take a quick shower, and think of how I do love my bathroom. It's positively divine. The shower and bath tub are the best parts though, but then I picked those out.

You still can't get over the whole, he's an ex model who didn't whore around on his partner, am I right? I know, even I'm baffled. It just never occurred to me because I loved him. Also you are thinking money, Nathaniel (that's my name, but my friends call me Nate) probably didn't have any and his famous photographer boyfriend turned husband probably had loads. You are wrong, I thought we were fairly equal in that sense. Aiden had a great career etc., and I was just an underwear model.

I could have been like that, had I done all that stuff (read. drugs, parties, vacations) my colleages did. When they were all partying in Acapulco, I was off working. Photoshoots, fashion runways, commercials etc. My parents were right about money, put it away and once you're done modelling you can go to law school or something. Of course, I ended up retiring earlier because of Aiden fairly rich. Aiden wanted me to stop working so he'd be the only one seeing me in my underwear, and I did. Partly because I loved Aiden, and partly because I thought I'd be able to do something else. Yet, in those last 15 years I never got around to finding out what that something would be.

On some level I probably thought the only thing I was good at was modelling. That's not completely true, because I did pass all the exams to become a lawyer. At some point I got sick and tired of only being this accessory only to be worn out at parties. I suddenly had deep sympathy for my old Hermés ascot that I hadn't worn in ages. Eventually I took it to a nice little vintage fashion shop down the corner, and bought a pair of 1972 Manolo Blahnik shoes. I know, how gay is that. And yet, I'm a collector. By now I must have over 300 pairs of Manolo Blahniks. They don't get worn, but they get adored at any chance I get. Aiden found that extremely funny, but he has this weird pen fetish, so he's one to talk. It's not like I go about mocking his Mont Blanc collection.

Here I am, telling you about Aidens Mont Blanc collection and my ridiculously large Manolo collection but I never told you how we met. Sorry. This is where everyone says, it's really kind of funny, or, it's really kind of romantic the way we met. With kind of, being the emphasis. Because it really isn't, is it, unless of course you were there perhaps but then again. Maybe not.

It was love at first sight, on my part anyway. We met at a gallery opening in New York that had an exhibit on fashion photography. He had taken a few of the photos and everyone was gushing over him.

Sorry, I just have to put on my black Jean Paul Gaultier trousers and that striped Paul Smith shirt, and grab some orange juice before I pass out.

Well, I caught his eye while I was looking at this black and white four foot blow up of a halfnaked man in the shower. It wasn't his work, and he came over. I pretended to be a student of fashion photography, and he bought it. I gushed over the photo, knowing full well he hadn't taken it, and he was pointing out all the flaws. He ended up giving me a tour of the exhibit and asked me on a date. At the time I was a total workaholic and had a shoot the next morning at 5.30am so I declined. He insisted and we made arrangements the night before I was set to fly back to London. I was immediately attracted to him, although I'd heard he had a thing for these Italian dancer types named Gianluca and Paulo. They usually didn't last long, and I thought maybe I would last, at least a bit longer. I was right about that, turns out, but not as I'd hoped forever.

In the end I ended up back in New York and went on 2 more dates with Aiden. He still had no idea, I was a model, and I didn't really want him to know. The photography student thing was working so well. Turns out, I had been booked to do an underwear shoot for Calvin Klein, and there had been a change of photographer. Who walked into that shoot, but Aiden Donovan. I nearly died. He pretended not to notice but after the shoot he used this cheesy line on me and asked me out again, and that's it. We dated for a while and ended up moving in together. Which is easy to do, when he was based in New York, and I had a studio flat in a scummy part of London and shared a flat with 10 other models in Paris and Milano.

Now I'm off to meet Miss K for brunch, and I'm late. She's usually 10 minutes late, but if the Tube doesn't have delays I'll be 20 minutes late. I'll never hear the end of it. Last thing before leaving is the key, phone, wallet and bags under eyes check. God, I look old. Wait, shoes! Must wear shoes. Black Prada loafers, yes. Wait, they are Aiden's, oh who gives a shit. He might though, hah! I put on his black Boss jacket and leave.

131108 Part 1

She was standing on a rest stop in the middle of nowhere. Dusty road as far as the eye could see except for the rusty bus stop sign close by. Her long blonde hair moving slightly in the wind as she looked down the road. There were no cars. The rest stop was abandoned. She was wearing a pair of strappy silver stilettos. Givenchy, she thought, they must be Givenchy. Her coat was black and ended above her knees. She shivered and closed it wondering why she was only wearing lingerie underneath. Something was very wrong. She'd never owned a mink coat before and she didn't remember putting on her diamond necklace or ring for that matter.

Come to think of it, she didn't remember anything that had happened lately. Of course she remembered her name, Christine Rose. She also remembered she was one of those Roses who owned half of London. Strangely enough she didn't remember why or how she had ended up on an abandoned rest stop in the middle of nowhere. Okay, she thought, I'll have to do something. So she started looking around for something she'd missed.

There seemed to be something over by the bus stop, so she made her way over there and found a silver, last season Dolce & Gabbana bag. She knelt down, picked up the bag and rummaged through it frantically. Inside the bag was an INQ1 phone, a roll of £20 bills, an Esteé Lauder lipstick - she turned it over, colour "Sugar Daddy", a Louis Vuitton datebook and a set of keys on a chain with a large diamond encrusted C. Christine reached for the mobile and looked at it. She pressed speed dial 1 and nothing. Then she checked the contacts and noticed it was empty as was the the call log. The phone was brand new, and to her horror she noticed that there was no signal. Bloody 3, she muttered to herself. Why hadn't she brought her trusty iPhone 3G?

Next she checked her datebook. She wrote everything in her trusty datebook, even with the iPhone she still maintained the old one. It was her diary too and she liked sitting in car on the way home writing. She doodled, wrote about her friends, the wannabe's and her family. Then to her horror she noticed the last week had been ripped out. What had happened, why was she in the middle of nowhere wearing practically no clothes? The shoes were great though. Christine loved shoes.

It was as if someone had deliberately erased the past week. Christine remembered getting a strange invite to some VIP party in east London. She had been very reluctant about going as the invite had been strange and when she found out it was near Liverpool St. she had almost asked the driver to turn around. She liked her penthouse in Soho a lot and although she didn't get along that great with the parental unit their house in Belgravia was quite alright too.

The Roses had lived in their big Belgravia house for a couple of generations but they originated from New York. Someway along the road they'd moved to London and bought the house. Christine wasn't that interested in the family history. She didn't care about how much money they had either, she was aware they had more than most and her brother and her went to the best schools. Her father Warren Rose ran the company, an investment company that buys up companies, turns them profitable and sells them again. Her mother Rebecca was groomed to marry rich from she was baby, so she managed the household. Rebecca had tried the same with Christine but had failed miserably as her daughter would have none of that.

Now Christine stood, 23 years old, at an abandoned rest stop in the middle of nowhere, in what could only be described as an upper class booty call outfit, with no means of getting away than a good samaritan offering her a ride. She frowned and checked the INQ1 again. Still no signal. As she stood there she tried to remember how she'd gotten there.

The party! The INQ1 promo party in East London. That's it, that was the last thing she remembered. There had been funky Chinese women on the walls and a DJ spinning records in the backroom. Not to mention that young man. She'd bumped into him and he'd smiled at her. Alas he was with someone or she would have said something. Of course he'd caught her staring at him as he'd set down a glass on a shelf. Then nothing. What had happened after that? It was weird. It was like something was suppressing her memory. Had he introduced himself, she thought he'd mentioned his name but she couldn't remember.

Christine gave up and sat down on the ground and emptied her bag onto the ground. There was also a roll of Polo mints and a piece of thick glossy paper. It was red, and something Chinese on it. Oh, yes. That must have been part of the posters they had handed out. There was a number on the back, 0500 131 108. Suddenly there was a sound. The sound of a car. She put her things back in her bag and got to her feet.

The car stopped, and the man behind the wheel rolled down the window and asked if she needed a lift. Christine smiled and got into the car.

Celebrity Big Brother: Coven Edition day 3

The other day on Celebrity Big Brother: Coven Edition we had an interview with T-Birdy in which she introduced the newest housemates. Her very own Peecat and Pete. This week things heat up as new things have been added to the Big Brother House. We'll be right back after these messages.

Welcome back to Celebrity Big Brother: Coven Edition.

T-Birdy immediately started bonding with Peecat playing cat teaser. Oh how she had missed Peecat. Even if it had started killing her new sofa.

Everyone except IDV sat around the new long table to eat breakfast. Cereal, the breakfast of champions. Dora had served the food, and the rest started digging in, without a second thought to the efforts of the lovely Dora. That is, everyone except Dinah who sat there thinking how lucky she was to get out of cooking duty. She just wished there was a Tim Hortons around, especially one that delivered. Alas, she was in Pleasantview, it was too old country for that.

After the others had finished breakfast, IDV came home from his Big Brother job. Promoted to backup dancer. He was well on his way to fame! Little did he know that he had to go back to work very soon.

While IDV was just coming back, Pete and Tim were in one of the bedrooms cooking up a strategy. In case there was a voting off ceremony soon. Pete wanted his back covered in case. Was Tim sincere, and what exactly did they discuss?

Meanwhile in the living room T-birdy was playing a coy game of chess with a neighbour Brittany Wendland. What was her game?

Dinah played with Peecat in the hall. It seemed like Peecat had been forgotten due to other Big Brother activities. Like the massive basketball court outside, the dart board and the hottub.

Then it was time for another meal. Grilled Cheese. Brittany was invited to join the gang. IDV was nowhere to be found. Had he gone back to work, or was he UP to something?

After the meal, Pete went to exercise in the newly redecorated exercise room. IDV had picked out some kicky wallpaper for the room.

Dora went out back by herself to shoot some darts. She went there to think, about life and all that. She was not sure if she'd had it with blogging yet. Even if she had said goodbye on her blog.

T-Birdy and Tim went for a game of chess while Dinah went to bed. She was a little tired and depressed. All the commotion with actually being in a reality show was a bit much.

Dora and Tim had joined Brittany in the new hottub. Pete was standing next to it considering if he should dive in. IDV tried to ignore the happy vibes at the hottub while he made his way in to play a game of chess with a new mystery Sim.

Dora, Tim, Brittany and newcomer Pete chilled out in the tub. "What's with IDV" Pete asked. Tim grinned and said "I think he's just jealous, you know he wants to get into my pants". Brittany looked at Tim "Really? That's such a shame I have the hugest crush on him". They all laughed.

Then Dora and Pete went to bed. Leaving Tim and Brittany alone to talk. "So, who was your best kiss?" Brittany asked. Tim looked at Brittany, closed his eyes and thought. "Well I haven't kissed anyone in here yet" he came back. Then he got up and went to bed.

Next time on Celebrity Big Brother: Coven Edition

Who is the mystery Sim, IDV is talking to.

Is there romance in the air? Is IDV really gay?

And who is the guy doing a striptease in the shower? Or more importantly, who is he doing it for?

Stay tuned for more Celebrity Big Brother: Coven Edition

Celebrity Big Brother: Coven Edition day 2

The other day on Celebrity Big Brother: Coven Edition we saw the Coven moving in, IDV getting his first Big Brother job, T-birdy got a mysterious phone call and Tim was flirting with Tiffany Zarubin. The plot thickened when Dina and Nina Caliente arrived with their friend Mortimer Goth. Especially the latter making Dora interested. But who did call T-Birdy?

We'll be right back after these messages.

T-Birdy is in the confessional telling us exactly who was on the phone and what was said.

Interviewer: So who called you?
T-Birdy: I got a call from a really lovely guy who turned twentyten yesterday.
Interviewer: Can you elaborate?
T-Birdy: Well, he said that he'd be joining the rest of us today and he was bringing a surprise.
Interviewer: Can you tell the viewers who this person is?
T-Birdy: Of course, it's the lovely Pete

This is him. Obviously the artist has taken some liberties, but this is him in his everyday wear.

Here he is in this fabulous H&M suit.

He wears Diesel underoos, but hates the colour.

Pete wears proper PJs, none of that homoerotic stuff.

Of course, being a label queen he wears Emporio Armani swimming trunks.

He also keeps his shirt on while exercising unlike one of the Coven members. I think it's because he is a lot less fit.

Obviously he has class which is why he wears this outside when it gets cold.

Interviewer: Wow that's quite a secret to keep! You all thought this was all about the Coven.
T-Birdy: Yes. We had no idea that Pete was such a narcissist. Still it may be fun to have him join.
Interviewer: You aren't afraid this will cause tension in the group? Afterall he is just a flying monkey.
T-Birdy: We love him, he's fabulous. Of course, if it comes down to an elimination and he's nominated.
Interviewer: Then what?
T-Birdy: Well... See you at Dolce & Gabbana Pete!
Interviewer: This surprise he's bringing to the house. Do you know what it is?
T-Birdy: Yes, I do.
Interviewer: Are you allowed to tell us?
T-Birdy: He's bringing 20,000 Simileons and Peecat with him.
Interviewer: Wow, that must be really exciting for you.
T-Birdy: Well, while in the Big Brother house, Peecat belongs to the Sayhey family.
Interviewer: What does that mean?
T-Birdy: If Pete is kicked out of the house, so will Peecat.
Interviewer: Thank you so much for taking the time out to talk to us.

Pete joins the Big Brother house.

Thank you so much for joining us today. We'll leave you with the cast of Celebrity Big Brother: Coven Edition

Celebrity Big Brother: Coven Edition day 1

Last night we saw the arrival of the new celebrity Big Brother contestants. The Big Brother house was ready for them.

While the Coven was settling in upstairs Ron came by and placed a present on the front steps. The contents of which was a computer.

Tonight the excitement continues as the Coven settles in and gets on with life in the Big Brother house. Mysterious guests arrive, tasks are handed out and who exactly calls T-Birdy? And now, we continue with Celebrity Big Brother: Coven Edition.

The doorbell rang and IDV came down to answer. He had a long talk with Tiffany Zarubin the spokeswoman of the Garden Club. As we know IDV loves gardening so they had much to discuss. They spoke about everything from hibiscus to sunflowers. Even water features were mentioned as IDV had big plans for the large garden.

Tiffany then moved her way upstairs to Doras room where she met T-Birdy. T-Birdy was immediately taken by Tiffanys story about her cat getting stuck on the roof. Oh how she missed Peecat. She couldn't stop thinking about how unfair it was that she couldn't bring Peecat with her. Afterall the Coven was fine with it. Even IDV who wasn't a big cat person even though he was a witch.
Dora meanwhile booted up the new computer that was left on the doorstep by Ron when they arrived. She wanted to find a job so they could get better furniture.

Meanwhile Dinah was in her room training her ballet. She felt a little silly and over dressed in those clothes but some schmuck had put them in her suitcase instead of that cute outfit she'd planned on taking.

IDV had decided to take to the exercise bike as he was going to his first Big Brother job in the morning. As an aerobics instructor. Oh joy! Not exactly what he'd had in mind when he persuaded the other Coven members to sign up. He didn't even know what the idea behind this Big Brother event was about. The other Coven members were not aware of this.

Tiffany Zarubin really got around. She and Tim were playing a romantic game of chess by the window. A photo that surely will make the cover of the Sun tomorrow. What was Tims motivation behind this? She is much older than Tim, not to mention that she is a horrible dresser. What was going through Tims head when he kept leading her on?

Dora answered the doorbell when it rang again. Now arrived the sisters Dina and Nina Caliente and Mortimer Goth. Dora immediately smelled money and short life expectancy and went to talk to Mortimer. Much to the blonde Dinas nuisance. Nina just stood by watching.

Then T-Birdy got a mysterious phone call. Who called T-Birdy? Why wouldn't she say? Meanwhile the guests made themselves at home in the house.

Then it was time for dinner. Lunch meat sandwiches. Dinah set the table while the guests waited.

After dinner IDV went to bed and T-Birdy cleaned the kitchen. She felt it was important to keep the house clean. Afterall they were going to stay there a while. Plus if Peecat would somehow make it into the house there shouldn't be any human food laying around.

Later some of the others decided to have some spaghetti. Dora still trying to make her move on Mortimer and Dinah trying to diffuse the situation. Nina just ate, biding her time until she could create some kind of scandal.

In the morning IDV got up and made his bed, preparing for his first job as an aerobics instructor. Oh joy he thought. He needed something to laugh at.

T-Birdy came to the rescue rehearsing her new pirate stripper routine in the upstairs bathtub. She wondered why there was no stripper pole. And where was the bar? There should be both. Hmmmm, they had to earn that. They didn't want to get a drunk Crazy James incident in the house again.

As IDV left for work, he spotted the cute postman. He looked really good in yellow didn't he?

Stay tuned for more Coven fun in the Celebrity Big Brother: Coven Edition.

About a boy part 5

You may remember this? Guess what, the saga continues.

Perry was sitting outside the school kitched alone waiting for the teacher and his classmates to get there. It was his last two classes of the day and then there was only one more day before weekend. He couldn't wait. The cooking classes were fine although the school kitchen was disgusting. Actually, he only liked the cooking part of it. Since the teacher had a bizarre obsession with spam he never ate anything there. His mother had also told him not to, because she was sure he'd get hepatitis or AIDS or something. It wasn't until he'd had his first sexual education class a week earlier that he'd heard about AIDS. Before that he though it was food poisioning. Of course he hadn't asked if he could get AIDS in the school kitchen because Perry was too shy to say anything. Besides his teacher, who had kept scratching his beard the entire time, had said that one could get gonorrhea in the throat so why not AIDS.

The bell disturbed his thinking and his classmates came storming towards the door just in time for the teacher to open the door. The teacher, a woman in her late 40s was the same teacher he had in 4 other subjects and she'd also taught John, his big brother when he went to the school. Perry walked into the school kitchen last as usual, or second last. The new boy was trying to look invisible behind him. The new boy smiled at Perry as he made his way towards the table with the popular boys. "Oh great" Perry thought to himself, "another one". He walked towards the girls table where he usually hung out. Up until now he had been pretty popular with the girls. They'd hang out after school playing with Barbie dolls. Perrys collection was ever growing and some of the girls had been quite jealous. Still now, at age 14 things had changed. He was alone, surrounded by his former friends. Now they giggled talking about Thomas, the attractive football player with the killer smile. Perry liked Thomas but he couldn't remember ever speaking to him except the time when one of Thomas friends had held him down and his other friend had painted Perry all over his face with a permanent marker. Thomas had come over and apologised afterwards. That was at the beginning of the year. It was now spring and the summer holidays were coming up. Finally.

The new boy seemed to fit in at the popular table. He laughed at the right times and smiled at the girls next to Perry. It made Perry want to cry. He just wanted to be noticed by someone besides the hag teaching the class. Perry was an excellent cook, his mother had taught him everything she knew and he liked it. Besides cooking spam meals didn't require a lot of talent. When the bell rang, they were dismissed. He took his time packing up his school bag and walking out of the school kitchen. With any luck the others were half way to the bike sheds by now.

He was surprised when he walked into the open air. The new boy was standing by the door waiting. Perry wondered who he was waiting for, but dismissed the thought and nodded as he walked past. He had no idea what his name was, the new boy had just started the other day and it had been very unlikely he'd want to be friends with the class loser. The new boy ran after Perry. "Hey! wait up!" he yelled. Perry froze and a million images ran through his mind, most included Perry with his head down the toilet. The new boy caught up and introduced himself as David. David then asked if he was doing anything that afternoon. Perry thought for a moment, his mother was at work pretending to work late for covering up her appointments to a psychiatrist and his dad wouldn't be home until 8pm on Thursdays. "No, I've just got to do my homework though" Perry said. David smiled, revealing beautiful white teeth, "can we go to your place? My place is still a bit of a mess with moving boxes everywhere". Perry showed the way. They walked together talking about this and that.

By the time they had reached the church, Perry relaxed. He had been expecting that his classmates had been up to something, using the new boy. Perry hadn't brought home any friends in about a year. In fact he liked it better that way, especially as he made a pretty good impression with parents and his mother Angela rarely made a good impression with the people he brought home. He showed David into his room while he went to make sure the door to Seans room was closed. The shrine to his dead brother was too intense for everyone, especially on a first visit. David quickly started playing with some Lego that was scattered on the floor. Thankfully he'd cleaned up his Barbie stuff a few days ago and Perry had quite liked playing with Legos.

They sat for hours playing and assembling Lego cars, houses, castles and they'd just started building a pizzaria when his mother knocked on the door. Angela didn't wait for an answer, she opened the door and peeked inside. Angela nearly fell over when she saw that the other voice wasn't just Perry pretending to be his Ken doll Marc. She quickly introduced herself and excused herself again retreating to the living room where she made herself a dirty martini. For a while she was shocked, then she was happy and then she realised that David would probably not come back for a second visit. Angela didn't know if she was too sad about that, she much prefered the house was as free of kids as possible and if Perry was alone he wouldn't get hurt by anyone. After all it took such an effort for her to pretend to care. David left around 6pm.

Kenneth didn't come home until after Perry had gone to sleep. Angela had waited up for her husband but had finally gone to bed around midnight with a book and a dirty martini. He came in looking very tired. As he stripped off his clothes and went to bed, Angela turned off her reading lamp and turned over. She was in no mood to talk to him when clearly he had given up on their marriage. Staying out doing lord knows what until this late while she was at home taking care of house and home.

Time flew by for Perry and before he knew it, the summer holidays had started. Every day David had come home with him after school and they'd played computer games on his Commodore Amiga 2000 as well as played with Legos. Angela had finally warmed up a bit to David and it had become a ritual that she brought home something nice for lunch after work. They'd sit together the 3 of them in the kitchen and eat, talking about this and that. David had a brother who was blind and he only came home to stay with them every other weekend. He was excited though, because this summer he would stay for two weeks. His brother was at a special school for the blind where he lived. It surprised her, but Angela liked David. He was a good boy, the sort of boy she would have wanted herself. Exactly like Sean had been. A good boy who was genuine and he was also devastatingly handsome and charming.

The summer was coming on strong. Angela and Kenneth were taking Perry with them to Rimini in Italy in a few weeks. John had been asked by he didn't want to go, he was just happy to live on his own and not be forced to behave around Perry. His deal with Perry about leaving him alone and no beating him up had come to an end when he'd moved out. John had kept the diary of Seans. Nobody except John knew what was in it, their parents had still no clue it had been found. Perry had asked his mother if they could take David instead. They couldn't.

The two of them had been almost inseparable going for walks around the lake, going swimming in the lake and hanging out in their garden. His parents had no clue that Perry had gone swimming in the lake, or walked to the lake. That was forbidden because of the main road he had to pass to get there. Still what Angela didn't know, didn't hurt her. Perry liked David a lot, they understood each other. It was strange because Perry never felt the same way when he was around anyone else, but when he was around David things were just. Wonderful.

Then the day before the family went to Rimini came. David had come over so they could go swimming in the lake one last time before Perry went to Italy. Perry was home alone because Angela had dragged Kenneth into town because she needed a new beach outfit. They eventually left for the lake and they also managed to get home before his parents. It was a little risky but it was exciting. They were sitting on Perrys bed talking with the door closed. "You are a bit of a dork, you know that?" said David all of a sudden. Perry looked at David "well you must be too, wanting to hang out with me" he said. David then jumped on top of Perry and started tickling him. Perry was very ticklish and laughed and squirmed with David now straddling him. Perry pushed David a little trying in vain to get him to roll over but he was too strong. David had a big grin on his face and let go of one of Perrys hands still stradding him.

It was completely quiet and then Perry pushed a little to get free, not noticing where he was pushing. David looked very surprised when he saw Perry touching his crotch. He smiled and Perry blushed and pulled his hand back. David didn't say anything, he let go of Perry and rolled off him. He was now on his side right next to Perry. Perry could feel Davids breath on his neck and he tensed a little. For what seemed an eternity they just lay there not saying anything. Then Perry turned his head to face David. They were only inches from each other, looking into each others eyes. David had green eyes and blonde hair and he smelled of peppermint and fresh sweat.

Perry had never been this close to another person before, except when they were beating him up at school. It was nice, he reached out and touched a little scar on Davids neck. Within a couple of minutes he moved his hand down and ran his fingers over his chest and stomach. David closed his eyes and smiled. After a few minutes David put his hand under Perrys shirt and did the same, they lay there for a bit touching each other saying nothing. Perry had never felt anything like that before, he couldn't think straight, he heard nothing, all there was in the room was David. David moved closer and kissed Perry on the cheek, then moved his hand down his trousers. They were so close and Perry copied Davids move. They kissed, on the mouth. It was Perrys first kiss and it felt like nothing he'd ever experienced. He was equally surprised how big David had become and shocked that his own had gotten so large. It had never been that big before.

It was completely quiet in the house, and David started unzipping Perrys trousers, then his own. They lay there looking down at each other. Then Perry did something he had never imagined doing. He moved his head down there. David moaned and started playing with Perrys hair. Perry tried not to make a noise. His mother had always told him it was impolite to talk with his mouth full. Then all of a sudden David opened his eyes and pulled Perry away. A car had just driven up to the house. They quickly put their trousers back on, ran over and booted the computer.

Minutes later Angela came in, all smiles offering David to stay for lunch. It was awkward at the kitchen table. They said very little but Kenneth kept talking about how he'd bought a LaCosta polo at 50% off and how they'd gotten 20% off on everything Angela had bought. After lunch they went back to Perrys room and closed the door. This time David locked the door. No more than five minutes later Perry was on his knees with a goofy grin on his face. David zipped up his trousers "I'd better get home, have a great trip to Italy". Perry looked up at David "are you leaving already?", David shrugged "I'd better get home, my brother is coming home tomorrow and you'd better pack for your big day tomorrow". With that David left. Perry still on his knees looking at him leave.

About a boy part 4

The endlessness continues yet again from here.


The caterers arrived at 11am on the dot. Angela was happy about that, it gave her a reason not to pay attention to Sally. She felt that Sally always came with the most annoying helpful remarks to annoy her. "Our mother always did it this way" Sally would say. Angela tried to ignore it and do things her own way and after a while Sally would leave her be. She greeted the kitchen staff, the waiters and went to supervise the table setting. The people coming might be animals but that doesn't mean we have to stoop to their level, she thought.

Meanwhile Perry had finished making his room presentable and was now sitting on his bed with a wooden box. He was just about to open it when Kenneth came in to check on him. "What do you have there?" his father asked him. "Oh just some clothes I made for Sophie," he responded. His father smiled, "how are you holding up son?" he asked. Perry looked at his father, put on a brave face "I've been better, but I have a feeling things are going to be good soon". Kenneth smiled, he had to. Then he went over and hugged Perry, almost knocking over the wooden box.

Perry rushed to catch the box before it fell on the ground. "Those are some precious clothes you've made for Sarah" his father said and Perry blushed and ignored the insinuation that the box did not contain Barbie clothes. "They are for Sophie" Perry said and with that Kenneth went to the kitchen to check on his hung over wife. The boy went and closed the door, then opened the wooden box. He smiled as he looked at the blue book inside. Of course he hadn't been able to open it but in time he would figure something out. Maybe the letter opener from his fathers study would work? Still he didn't have a strong desire to read it. He had other motives.

When he had heard his parents talking about the diary in the livingroom he had known he would have to find it. From his spot behind the door in in Seans room he had heard his mother raise her voice. She did not think they children should find the diary and she was prepared to go to his room right at that instance and procure it. Who knew what he would have written in there. He might have been a dying boy, but he still had moments where he was angry at them and if some hideous lines from a diary would somehow end up outside the family. Well she wouldn't be able to cope with that. Perry had then gently lifted the mattress and fished out the blue diary. Then he had run to his room as quietly as possible. He had almost slipped on the oriental rug running along the marble floor hallway. Perry was thankful he had gone barefoot. Then he had put the diary inside his pillowcase and gone to sleep.

Now sitting there with the diary, he wondered what his brother John would do to have it. Afterall they had been close, but just how close were they really. John had brought Sean with him everywhere, always including him whenever he had company over. Despite their 4 year age difference John had adored Sean. Sean however didn't really include John when he made plans to go somewhere. It could be nothing, afterall Perry was so young he couldn't remember too far back. Perry held the diary in his hand and pondered. What would John give to get this, this message from beyond. He knew he couldn't just walk up to his parents and say he had found this lying around but he also knew that John wouldn't ask questions or tell.

What Perry mostly wanted was to be left alone. His older brother always picked on him, and the usual morning would start at breakfast where he would be sitting hiding behind the Cornflakes trying not to make eye contact and make any sounds. It took so little to set him off and he'd be thankful if John would just leave him alone. Still Perry knew it was worth so much more. Then all of a sudden he heard Sally out in the hallway and he quickly put the diary back in the box and slid it under his bed.

Sally entered the door without knocking. She brought with her a gin and tonic and a cola, both with lots of ice. Then she handed him the gin and tonic and he took a large sip. The day after it tasted almost good. Sally took a sip of cola and shuddered. "I think we have to switch, this is just awful" she said adding "it lacks vodka". Perry grinned. She always knew what to say to make him laugh. Of course he knew she wasn't entirely joking. He'd heard his parents talk about her drinking and his mother thought it quite inappropriate. "She could at least do it at home, in the comfort of her own home" Angela had said.

Perry liked it, he found her facinating. Sally would sometimes make herself a drink and get a faraway look in her eyes and talk of all the exotic places she'd been when she was in her late twenties. Of course she still claimed she was in her late twenties. "I'm not a day over 29" was her motto along with "another gin and tonic over here please". Sally had told the same stories over and over about how she'd jumped on a plane after she had graduated and flewn to Turkey where she'd seen the most incredible things. She'd met the most facinating people. tall dark and handsome men and exotic women belly dancing in hotels. He would be spellbound, not caring that he'd heard the story a million times before. It was so exciting to hear about the tall dark and handsome men, and the colourful silks sold at the market in Ankara. Somehow she never mentioned that the local people didn't have indoor plumbing and electricity. It was not important to the story. The smell of spices made up for that.

Then the doorbell rang, and Angela came into the room to fetch them. She'd already gotten her iron fist around Johns upper arm while Kenneth had gone to greet the arriving guests. So far it was only Kenneths parents, his dad pushing his mum around in a wheelchair. They were in their late 70s and his mum had her leg removed many years ago. Perry couldn't remember her not being in a wheelchair and he didn't know her name. Not that he cared. They didn't bring money and smelled of old people. He didn't like that smell. To make matters worse they both smoked cigars. He remembered his mother slapping his grandmother. It had been quite shocking and since then they hadn't spoken. He heard his mother say "there is nothing like a tragedy to bring people closer together" continueing mumbling under her breath "with people they don't like". There was a raspy noise from his grandmother and she was wheeled out onto the patio.

The other guests arrived shortly after and the family were standing at the ready to shake hands and make fake kisses. Sally had been sent to entertain the guests on the patio with the promise of another gin and tonic. Once everyone had arrived Angela and Kenneth went out onto the patio to mingle. Perry then cornered John when he was on his way into his room. They spoke for a long time, Perry sitting on Johns bed and John walking around looking out onto the patio at the guests. They were having appetizers now, and drinks. John looked at Perry "are you serious, you actually have his diary?". Perry nodded, "yes, I've got it". John stood frozen, like a pillar. He had turned ashen. It was odd to see his older brother look that way, Perry liked it. Whatever was in that diary it had to be good. John settled the matter, and they left the room. The younger brother went to his room to hide the diary better, while his older brother went to the bar and made himself a vodka and cola. His parents wouldn't suspect it wasn't just cola.

Sally spotted Johns drink straight away. She could smell it a mile away so she went over to talk to him. They made their way towards the garden and once out of sight she took his drink and poured it onto the grass. "You really shouldn't drink, you are not old enough for that" she said. John immediately came back "well you are the one feeding gin and tonics to a 5 year old boy". Sally smiled "well he's an old soul, he is more man than you'll ever be dear, now go back there and smile" she paused, "your mother expects you to behave today and if you don't you'll answer to me". At that moment Kenneth came down and announced that the buffet was open.

As the afternoon wore on, Angela started feeling more and more tired. She had not had any alcohol all day but finally she gave in. She went to the bar and fixed herself a dirty martini. Her signature drink with extra olives. Angela looked around and saw nobody there, so she drank it all, then made herself another. She felt the alcohol rushing through her system and she felt better. Much better in fact, but she knew she should not have anymore drinks. Naturally she switched to red wine.

When the last guests had left Perry was sitting in the garden by the pool with a tray of appetizers and a cola enjoying the silence. His older brother had locked himself in his room and Kenneth was playing Chinese checkers with Sally on the patio. Angela was bossing the caterers about in the kitchen but finally gave up. She walked down the hallway from the kitchen to Seans room. Unlocked the door, went in and locked the door behind her.

She looked around the room and wondered where the diary could be. It had to be there and then she rummaged through the cabinets, dresser and looked behind all the books. The diary wasn't there. Angela sat down in the fluffy chair and took a deep breath. Something wasn't right, and she wondered if Kenneth had taken the diary and destroyed it. But why would he have told her about it in the first place. Nothing made sense anymore. Why did all this have to happen to her? Her sister Oliva was a horrible creature but yet she always skipped by unscathed. Even if nobody really liked her. At least nobody Angela knew. Angela shook her head and closed her eyes.

By the time she woke up Perry was having an evening swim and Sally had finished her sixth gin and tonic. Kenneth had been looking for her everywhere and had gotten nervous. He'd paid the caterers and lost his game of Chinese checkers. The look on Angelas face told him something was up, yet he didn't read much into it. Something was always up after they'd held functions. Either she was mad that he hadn't worn a tie or the tie he'd worn was too formal or didn't compliment her outfit. Angela interrupted his mind wandering "it's not there, the book. I've checked everywhere". Kenneth looked at his wife "you do realise it makes little difference, we'll find it sooner or later". She knew he was right but she couldn't help feeling a bit uneasy. It was just so very odd, because Sean had never been very secretive. Except for the notes she'd found that John had written. She would have to talk to him about that, but he was so sad at the moment. She could tell.

That night for the first time since Sean had died, she'd slept next to Kenneth. Life would have to go on.

About a boy part 3

Continued from here.

Kenneth carried his wife to bed, tucked her in and closed the door. They would have people over for lunch today. Angela thought they might as well invite some of the grieving family members who had not been invited to the riverside restaurant over. Afterall they would expect something since they had not been included the day before. He had been succesful at persuading his wife to hire a catering company to take care of the lunch. Not because he had expected her to be in bed sleeping off two bottles of wine but just so she didn't have to worry too much. Now he wondered if she'd be awake when they arrived, let alone ready to receive the guests.

He went into Perrys room expecting him to be asleep. Perry slept a lot, and Kenneth had always thought it was too much. To his surprise his son was sitting on floor, fully dressed, playing with his Barbie dolls. Perry had always loved playing with dolls, and he now had 4 Barbie dolls and a Ken doll. Sarah, Jessica, Sophie, Chloe and Marc. Kenneth smiled and told him to get ready for breakfast. It wasn't a problem for him that Perry liked playing with dolls, he'd grow out of it in a few years. Angela didn't like it, he knew it, but she never mentioned it. He lingered in the doorway looking at his son, setting his dolls down at the kitchen table preparing to have their breakfast.

The front door suddenly slammed. Oh, God! JOHN! How could they have forgotten. They'd sent him home with Olivia, her husband and their children. Kenneth chuckled, remembering the urinal mint debacle. He just caught the back of his older son storming into his room before the door was shut, and locked. Now that the door was locked he couldn't really do anything, so he went to the kitchen and started breakfast. It had to be special today, pancakes, omelettes and waffles.

Perry came into the kitchen and sat down, looking at his father. "Where's mother?" he asked. She was always up first, making coffee and setting up for breakfast. Especially when company was coming. "I'm right here Perry, and.... Oh Kenneth, give me those eggs you couldn't make an omelette if your life depended on it" Angela said. Kenneth knew he couldn't argue with that and handed over the eggs. He then went to set the table and get John out of his room. The latter proving to be quite difficult despite the promise of waffles.

John was furious when he sat down at the kitchen table. It was one thing to spend the day with his aunt Olivia, but spending the night there? Unforgivable! Perry was so lucky and spoiled, never getting into trouble. He, was always the one who got blamed. His father especially, took Perrys side. It just wasn't fair he felt. In order to make it more evident how angry he was, he started staring down Perry. He knew that eventually Perry would catch on and alert the parents. Angela, however, was the one who spotted it first, returning his stare with an icy glare followed by "don't stare, dear, it's not polite to stare". John finished his waffles, put his dirty dishes in the dishwasher and went to his room.

They sat there in silence. Then Angela broke the silence "Sally is coming today, I thought you'd like that". She looked at Perry, expecting some sort of recognition. There was none. Perry ate his pancakes in silence, like he hadn't heard her. She then addressed Kenneth "Should we setup tables in the garden or should we keep it in the livingroom?". Kenneth looked at his wife, thought for a minute, then "We could setup the parasols on the patio, that would be lovely". Angela thought about it for a minute, then decided that would work. She wondered when the caterers would arrive. Afterall it was an important day, they should understand that everything had to be perfect. They finished their breakfast in silence. There wasn't anything to discuss anyway. It had been settled, they would entertain on the patio and Sally would be there.

Perry slowly walked past Johns room, he had only been in there once or twice as far as he remembered. He did remember there was a poster of a naked woman on the back of the door. She was standing, holding a big hose wearing a firemans helmet and boots. He found that odd. Why would a woman fight fire naked. It seemed a bit risky. As he went down the hall he approached Seans room. He'd been in there a million times. It was his favorite place in the house.

Seans room had hardwood flooring unlike Johns and his own room. There was a big fluffy chair and shelves with books all around. In the corner there was a birdcage in which a little lime green canary bird sat perched on a plastic stick drinking water. It was Muppet, a noisy bird that he knew his mother couldn't wait to get rid of. Perry would sometimes, like today, sneak into the room and sit behind the door on a little foot rest looking in the books and Disney magazines. He especially liked Donald Duck, the mice not so much. Mickey was so annoying. Sometimes at night, when everyone had gone to sleep he would sneak in there, sit in the chair for hours in the dark. Just thinking, of nothing in particular, just thinking.

It was one such night he got to thinking about God. His mother had forced him to pray every night before bed ever since Sean got sick. She said it would help make Sean better. His mother wouldn't lie to him, he knew that much. If she said something, it had to be true. So he had prayed and prayed every night. For the first week. He really meant it. Still, he was having his own problems in kindergarten so by week 3 he didn't pray anymore. That was bad, but Anne in kindergarten had been particularly rough on him and he just didn't have the energy. Even when his mother came in and prayed with him, he faked it. It wasn't out of ill will it was just, he had his own life. Life in kindergarten wasn't just dressing up and afternoon fruit. It was a backstabbing, name calling, betrayal, cheese lunches and the occational punch in the face. The adults would be stunned to know how cruel kids could be. But he knew, sitting in that chair, it was his fault Sean didn't get better. If only he'd meant it. If only he'd prayed more.

Perry went in and gave Muppet some food, then he sat down in the middle of the room and looked around wondering. What would happen to Seans room? Then Angela walked in looking at Perry. "You really shouldn't be in here" she said, "did you tidy up your room, the guests will be here in a matter of hours and the caterers will be here any minute now". He shook his head and went to his room. Angela made sure Perry had gone before she went over and lifted the mattress of Seans bed. She knew it would be there somewhere. Before Sean had passed away he had told his father that he had kept a diary. One he really didn't want anyone to read. Kenneth had told her about it the day after Sean had died.

Angela was too curious to let it go, she wanted to read it. Why wouldn't Sean want anyone to read it. Alas, it wasn't there. Kenneth had looked for it as well but none of them could find it. Sean had said it was blue with a combination lock. She had found school things she'd never seen before and notes that appeared to have been signed by her. Yet it looked more like Johns handwriting but no diary. She left room, pulled a key out of her pocked and locked the door behind her. It would be inappropriate for people to go in there and if there was ever an inappropriate crowd it would be the ones coming today. Angela went to the kitchen to start arranging the glasses.

The door bell rang. Outside stood Sally beaming at the sight of Perry running to the door. She hugged him and quickly gave him a tenner before anyone else noticed it. For your dream house she said. He smiled knowingly. Then she went to the patio to say hello to Kenneth. "She's in the kitchen" he said "probably polishing the glasses yet again". Sally smiled "I'd better go help her then". Kenneth smiled at put up another parasol. He knew it was going to be a very hot day.

About a boy part 2

Continued from here.

Angela was furious. She dragged John off to the kitchen where she slapped him and yelled at him. The kitchen staff fleeing. She rarely lost her calm but she hadn't been lucky with her children. John was the rebellious one and Perry was the sensitive one. Sean had been the glorious middle child, a wonderful mix. Since Sean had become ill she'd sometimes sit in the livingroom with a glass of red wine pondering why it would be Sean who would die. They had known very early on that they couldn't cure the type of cancer he had. So she wondered if it would have been easier if it had been John or Perry instead. One of the two extremes. John had always had the ability to drive her up the wall, and Perry. Well Perry was so young, but who knew what he'd turn into once he hit puberty.

Having finished yelling at John, she dragged him into the hallway where she met her other sister Olivia. Olivia was a weathered woman of 55 who had spent her life worshipping the sun and was now paying the price. Her skin like pleather boots and tired eyes she was still running an illegal daycare business out of her kitchen. She stood there in her black polyester pants, turquois shirt and black flats. Angelan immediately noticed the flats, she frowned. "would you be ok taking the kids home and watching them until it's over?", Olivia looked at Angela and responded "sure, but I'm not taking Perry. Remember last time, he had been chased up a tree by my sons". Angela agreed, Perry would have to stay. Afterall, the family should be represented, children included.

Angela watched as Olivia and her husband took John and his cousins by their arms and dragged them to the car and drove off into the afternoon. She may not like her but she knew Olivia was dying to leave as they weren't allowed to smoke in the room or on the terrace. Then she went looking for her sister Sally. Sally could keep an eye on Perry. Afterall she liked him so much, maybe she'd offer to have him stay over for a few days. It worried her that he hadn't seemed to show any type of emotion since Sean had died.

Would he be more like her than she thought? For the first few years she'd wondered where he'd come from because Perry didn't look or act like any of them. He might as well have been adopted. Now she almost wished he'd stayed that way, as he was showing all her trades. Lack of emotions being the worst. It had always bothered her that she had to pretend to care, be sad and be happy for others. Her sisters knew she was cold, void of emotion and empathy but she'd managed to fool Kenneth. Or maybe he'd seen a different side of her. She would have to make sure Perry wouldn't turn out that way.

Perry had been the smiling boy who cried at everything. Overly emotional, but he seemed to have hardened after Sean had died. She didn't understand, because Sean and Perry hadn't been interacting a lot. It had always been John and Sean. They were together, playing. When Sean got sick John was allowed to go behind the red door. To the cancer wing. Perry was not, as he was so young and was a potential disease carrier. Sean had been behind the red door for close to a year. Angela didn't understand, but then there was more important stuff to deal with today. She had to mingle.

Kenneth brought a gin and tonic over to Sally who was sitting on the terrace enjoying the view. "Beautiful day, yeah?" he said. Sally looked at him and said "this will be my eighth, your wife won't approve". He looked in through the window and saw Angela being hugged tight by a plump gray haired woman wiping her drag queen like makeup off on her dress. "There are lots of things she won't approve of today, I doubt you'll make the top 10" he said smiling. "It's tough though, I don't know what we are going to do now. When this is over". Sally smiled and said "You go home, hug your children and tell them everything will be alright". He knew she was right, life had to go on, and if anybody could pull that off, it would be his wife. "Have you seen Perry" he then asked before spotting him sitting alone with his legs dangling over the edge of the terrace.

The rest of the day went beautifully, just like Angela had imagined it. The assortment of cheeses and sausages was divine, and everyone seemed to cheer up a bit. Afterall, alcohol did lift the spirit of most. By 6pm everyone had left and Angela rounded up Sally, Kenneth and Perry. Kenneth went to settle the bill and Sally and Perry walked down to the brown Ford Escort. Angela stayed behind waiting for her husband before joining the others by the car.

Then they drove Sally home, and then changed direction towards their home. They drove down the road towards their home. A villa with 3 bedroom, 2 livingroom and a large kitchen built in 1977 a year before Angela, Kenneth, John and Sean had moved in. It was definately the right move Angela thought. They had bought Angelas childhood home and lived there for a number of years but it was a 3 story house and it was so impractical. Besides, they'd gotten a good price for the house and made a bargain on the villa. The neighbours were also very dignified and had kept their distance since Sean got sick.

Perry went straight for his room and went to bed. It had been a long day and the sun had taken its toll on him. Kenneth grabbed a bottle of red wine and two glasses, then joined Angela on the patio. They didn't say anything, they just sat there, sipping wine and staring into the dark garden. When the bottle was empty, Angela went and got another one. There was no point in holding back tonight. Tomorrow was going to be dreadful anyway.

At 2am Kenneth went to bed. Angela just sat there. When she was sure everyone had gone to sleep she curled into a ball on the garden bench and a tear ran down her cheek. The next morning Kenneth found his wife wrapped in a blanket on the bench, asleep. A third half empty bottle of wine on the table next to the bench.

About a boy part 1

A five year old boy, could be any boy. Was sitting outside on the front steps smiling. Flashing his missing two front teeth enjoying the weather. It was a nice summer day, sun shining and birds singing. He was there in black long pants and a yellow polo shirt. Even at the age of five, he knew that wasn't right but his mother had specifically told him to wear it and considering the circumstances he thought he'd humour her.

In his hand was a red rose. He'd been told to sit on the steps until everyone else were ready. His older brother waiting in his room and his father in the kitchen. All waiting. His mother was in the bathroom putting the last touches on her hair. Now, something you have to realise, is this was back in the early to mid eighties so styling hair took multiple layers of aerosol Elnett and mousse. Those poodle curls didn't just settle that way, they had to be arranged. Arranged carefully. Then finally sealed with extra strong Elnett. It always took her ages to get ready, but today was special.

She finally came out, high poodle hair, black dress, black heels and waterproof mascara. You could feel a chill in the air a mile away. His dad went out and started up the brown Ford Escort. His mother rounded up the older brother and he joined the boy on the backseat. The backseat, usually the battleground of siblings trying to annoy each other until someone got blamed. Nobody said a word, they drove in and out between other families doing their thing on Saturday mornings.

They were however, not like any other family. After ten minutes of silence they arrived at the church. It wasn't an actual church but rather a chapel. Outside they joined a few close friends and immediate family. The older brother, John met up with their three cousins who were throwing rocks at the big oak tree. All while his parents greeted their friends and family. Not everyone were informed, let alone invited to this intimate gathering. He had heard his mother Angela say "The less commotion, the better" to her sister Sally.

His father had gone over to talk to his sisters, one of which had come home from Miami. She had recently married and had a baby. Not in that order, much to the displeasure of Angela. Angela might have come from a working background, like her husband Kenneth, but that didn't mean they couldn't strive to better things, perfection.

Like her hair, Angela had made sure the day would go by without a hitch. First chapel, then place the stone, and finally lunch at the riverside restaurant. The riverside restaurant had been almost impossible to get on such short notice. That had really been an imposition. Finally she had gotten the 40th birthday of some cow bumped and she'd gotten the good room. The one with the riverside view. That had been a good day.

Suddenly the bells started ringing, and people started entering the chapel. He felt his mothers hand around his upper arm and was escorted into the chapel like the perfect family. Even the clothes matched, although there was only so much you could do with black. His father was in a black suit and a hideous yellow tie, and John was in black pants and a black polo. The walked the long way up the aisle to the front where they took their seats.

It was the day they would say their final farewells to Sean. The priest had a moving speech, there were people crying all around the chapel. He sat there with his rose, still in his hand, turning his head now and again. Not looking at or for anyone in particular. It was just a long time to sit there, on the old chairs listening to organ music and priests talking about God Almightys way. He spotted a few classmates and a teacher who had somehow found out it was today. They were crying, everyone were. That is, except his mother and him. His mother sat there cold as ever worrying about the flowers. Were they too much or too sparse?

You realise, it could easiely become too gaudy and it could look like they weren't caring. The carnations really bothered her. She'd specifically asked them not to include purple. One little thing and the look was ruined. For a moment Angela considered going up there, removing them. They were so distracting, what was the priest saying, she thought.

Kenneth grabbed his wife by the arm and motioned for her to get up. It was time to leave a flower on the casket. They each had one. He, the young boy, was the only one who had a red rose. The others had yellow flowers. Everyone had mistaken Angelas hesitation for sorrow but Sally knew better. She knew that Angela would not be sad today. Possibly ever. She had always been good at keeping her emotions at bay.

After the flowers had been placed they walked the casket up to the stone where it was placed. People gathered around hugging and telling the family that everything was going to be alright. You see, there was a reason why God had taken his 11 year old boy. The casket was not lowered into the ground, it stood there for a while, and then everyone went back to their cars and drove off to the riverside restaurant. Sean would be cremated and set into the plot the following weekend in the presence of only Angela, Kenneth, John and the boy.

The now little family of four, would leave last, telling the priest thanks for the lovely ceremony. Before they left, the boy ran back to the casket and took back the red rose. It was going into the ground and what was the point in that? Angela was furious, she yelled at him from the front seat about common decency. It was not proper etiquette to take back something you'd already given to someone else. The boy blurted out "but he's dead! He's not gonna use it". After that, they drove in silence.

The heat was overwhelming by the time they arrived at the riverside restaurant. Angela immediately rushed to the back to make sure the drinks were served before greeting the guests. This time, it was an even more select crowd. Kenneths family would not be attending, and the classmates and teachers had been told it was strictly family. No freeloaders, and no riff-raff. This would be the funeral everyone would talk about for years. The boy was kept close, at the adults table while his older brother and cousins were at the childrens table. She would not make the rookie mistake of placing the two of them at the same table.

She only made mistakes once and everything worked like a charm. By the dessert she went to the loo. Made sure she was alone. Went to the last stall and had cried. Only for a minute. Angela composed herself. Fixed up her makeup and went back to the table like nothing had happened. The boy, with his mothers iron hand away, relocated to the terrace to be alone.

He sat there all by himself enjoying the sun and the view of the river. Boats would sail by and he would wave. Sometimes the people onboard would wave back. It made him smile. His mother noticed he was missing and sent aunt Sally to find him. Aunt Sally brought an orange soda and her fifth gin and tonic out on the terrace. She staggered over and handed him the gin and tonic. He laughed. She always did that, but this time he took a sip. It wasn't nearly as revolting as he thought it would be, but it was strong. Sally gave him the soda and they sat there drinking in silence. They understood each other, and sometimes he wondered what it would be like to have Sally as his mother.

Sally had never married, she had always been the gorgeous one in the family, the one who could get any man she wanted. And she did. Married, rich and beautiful. Tall, dark and handsome. There had been so many gentleman callers, that she'd been asked to leave the building she'd lived in before buying her own penthouse appartment downtown. Now in her fourties she was still desirable but had decided to take it easy. She'd started to enjoy a drink, a bottle of red wine or Champagne instead. Sally didn't particularly like children, and in fact she had never liked John. However she had a special bond with Perry, the young boy. She let him do and get away with anything and what boy doesn't like that.

Perry went for her drink again, this time taking a big sip. She grinned and patted him on the head. He smiled back at her. This time it tasted even less revolting. "Your mother is looking for you" she finally said, "we'd better get in before the ice cream melts, she'll have a fit if that happens". Perry smiled and said "we are not having ice cream, it's sachertorte". She laughed, took his hand and they went back to the room. Kenneth had just thanked everyone for coming and hoped they'd enjoy the rest of the day as there would be drinks after dessert followed by an assortment of sausages and cheeses.

Suddenly the boy of a couple of Angelas best friends came in. Blue around the mouth, looking a little queazy. He was followed by John who was grinning to himself. His parents ran to him asking what was wrong, and then they smelled it. It turned out John and one of his cousins had convinced the poor boy to eat a urinal mint. A blue one "it's blueberry" he'd said, "we've all tried them". He was immediately rushed to the hospital for a check-up but they were harmless. It was only quite disgusting.