didn’t even know what Zoom was a few months ago, yet now I’m getting quite good at it. Calls to Sam and his little family as well as Mum and Dad have become a regular occurrence. I had even arranged an Easter Day Zoom call with the whole family, which was dominated totally by little Carrie of course, with Mum and her Blue Toothpaste episode threatening to overshadow the whole proceedings.
‘The picture is flickering,’ she had complained, tapping the screen as though somehow this would help.
‘It’s probably a bad connection,’ Sam had said. He and Tina and Carrie were all looking the picture-perfect family on their screen. Carrie’s gorgeous beaming smile could now hold the attention of the whole room. It was a smile that would melt even the strictest non-baby-admiring fraternity.
‘Dad says it’s something to do with Blue Toothpaste,’ she announced. ‘They keep sending me information on it and saying I can get a better deal if I go with Blue Toothpaste.’
I could see out the corner of my eye that Sam, Tina, and even Carrie looked confused. We couldn’t work out what Mum was talking about. She just wasn’t making any sense.
‘Blue Toothpaste?’ exclaimed Sam scratching his head. ‘Oh you mean Bluetooth?’
We had all snorted and laughed hysterically and even Mum had looked amused. They should really give her a job to check out technology for user friendliness – if my mum can work it anyone can. I’m sure she would be invaluable working for a technology giant somewhere.
I eye the envelope now and quickly tear it open before I can change my mind.
Dear Mr. Stanton,
We are delighted to inform you that after your Zoom interview on 29th April, we are offering you a place to study Sports Science starting on 7th September 2020.
Please find enclosed your acceptance form, which we would be grateful if you could sign and return by 1st June. We have also attached an information booklet on reading for the course and other important details. Congratulations and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any other questions.
Yours sincerely,
Diane Reeves
I’ve done it! I fist-punch the air and do a ridiculous little dance that I’m glad no one is here to see. That’s one of the few good things about shielding; no one is around to witness my strange dancing, my dodgy trackie bottom and Donald Duck T-shirt combination (I know, I should have got rid of that old T-shirt years ago). I feel a glimmer of hope in spite of everything. Soon I can get on with the rest of my life.
My phone sings out and I snatch it up immediately, hoping it’s Sam or Sophia or even Mum and Dad. I have to tell someone the news. But it isn’t, it’s Laura.
‘Oh hi,’ I say feeling a wave of disappointment. I really don’t want my good mood quashed. Come on, life; just give me a chance to feel more upbeat for a moment.
‘Have I phoned at a bad time?’ she asks, obviously sensing my mood.
‘No, it’s fine,’ I reply, squashing down my feelings with an effort. ‘How are you?’
‘Fine thanks – look, I won’t keep you.’ She sounds unusually businesslike.
I’m sort of stunned because I’m mostly used to her trying to persuade me to have her back, or moaning about the fact that I haven’t returned her calls. ‘Okay,’ is all I can manage.
‘I’ve decided to sign the divorce papers.’
I’m flabbergasted. I thought this was never going to happen. ‘Do you …’ I clear my throat nervously, hoping I’ve heard and understood her correctly. ‘Do you really mean it?’
‘Yes. I’ve signed them and I’ll stick them in the post box this afternoon.’
‘Really?’
‘Yes really.’ Laura laughs wryly. ‘You don’t have to be that surprised. I know I’ve been a bit of a bitch about it all, but I’ve thought a lot about it since we last spoke and you’re right. We’re just not right for each other. I was hoping you might turn back into the fun-loving, wacky guy I fell in love with in Crete and you’ve made me realise it’s never gonna happen.’
Alleluia, she finally understands. ‘No, I’m pretty boring really,’ I say, more than happy to admit to this shortcoming if it means Laura and I can get on with our separate lives. ‘Although,’ I add, because I’m just so excited about it, ‘I’ve just been accepted to study at the Chiropractic College. Start later this year.’
‘That’s … er, great? If that’s what you want. It is, isn’t it?’