Love in Lockdown - Chloe James Page 0,50

chair. ‘That’s nice, Zane, what are they?’

‘Chocolate cakes,’ he says.

‘Of course.’ I peer at the monstrous brown mountains. ‘They’re lovely and big aren’t they?’

‘That’s how I like them,’ he states. You can’t argue with that.

‘My goodness, these are lovely, Pritti.’ I stop transfixed and admire Pritti’s page, on which she’s created intricate flowers, which twirl artistically into a forest of swirls and scrolls.

‘I got the idea from henna tattoos – the bride normally has them painted on her hands but I thought I could do them as part of a picture,’ Pritti says.

‘They’re so elaborate – well done.’

‘Mum has sent my best dress for the filming,’ Freya says.

‘I’m going to wear my Spider-Man outfit,’ Milo adds, not to be beaten.

‘Sounds awesome – every wedding needs a visit from Spider-Man for luck and I’m really looking forward to seeing your dress, Freya.’ That’s the great thing about a virtual wedding: it really doesn’t matter what these kids wear. They had the idea of doing a big picture for Jess, so I suggested that – as it has to be done whilst staying two metres apart – they each paint their own picture and I’ll join them all together. Part of my surprise for Jess is to make a video of the kids presenting their paintings and they are so excited.

‘Just like on the Zoom screen, all the wedding guests will be apart but their images will all come together to make one big audience,’ I had explained to the kids. And that’s how I like to think of it. We may all be socially distanced but tomorrow on the screen and in spirit, we are all going to be together.

Chapter 16

Jack

It’s strange to be wearing a suit again. Having slobbed around the flat in tracksuit bottoms and comfortable T-shirts until now, I’m actually looking quite smart. Even the hair’s not bad. Well, not that bad anyway. I rummage about in the bottom of the cupboard for my best shoes. I don’t remember the last time I wore them. I’ve been in for three weeks and four days now. This lockdown definitely plays with your brain. It feels like a time bubble, which in some ways has gone on for ages; in others, time feels like it’s going really quickly. Maybe time is playing tricks with my brain, or what’s left of it.

I saw this psychiatrist on television the other day who said it was because if you do the same thing every day, time feels as though it’s going quicker because there’s nothing to distinguish the days. That’s a depressing thought, but not for me any more, somehow I now have a purpose and it feels good.

I check my WhatsApp. Thanks so much for the call today, mate; it was like old times. Next time I’ll make sure I have a beer at the ready and we’ll go through some song suggestions for next Wednesday. Bertie

I enjoyed it, I reply. Have some ideas already. Let us know what shopping you need. Sophia’s got a team of people to pick stuff up.

As I’m typing another message bings in:

Let me know if you need anything from the shop. I’m also making you some meringues. I heard you have a sweet tooth. Anna xx

This is definitely getting disturbing. I do have a sweet tooth, but how does she know that? I ignore her for now.

Nice talking to you yesterday. I have the sheet music for Elton John’s ‘I’m Still Standing’. Any good? Mavis

I loved chatting too – yes that’s a great song. Everyone’s bound to know that, I reply. Looking forward to it!

My phone rings suddenly, making me jump as I’m staring at it. It’s Sam on FaceTime. I answer.

‘Hey, I was looking for Jack. Is he in?’ Sam asks, his face deadpan.

‘Ha blimming ha, I don’t look that different.’

‘You look like a different guy and you’re acting like one too. What’s with the suit?’

‘I’m helping Sophia out with her sister’s virtual wedding,’ I reply.

‘With that hair cut?’ He grins.

‘No it’s okay. I’m not going on screen.’

‘So why bother with the suit?’

‘Helps me play the part,’ I say, brushing a couple of stray bits of fluff off my jacket.

‘You look good. Have you got some champers at the ready?’

‘Actually I have. Sophia bought me a bottle of fizz.’

‘I was joking. Blimey, does this girl think of everything?’

‘Do you know, I really think she does. Anyway I’d better go. I don’t want to be late for her.’ Whilst talking I’ve been rushing round the flat,

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