Chapter 9

Liz had had such a nice evening that the next day she was sure there was going to be no ruining it for her. Even if she was to run into Patsy, she would not let her pull her down - but in the event when see her at work, she made no attempt to do so. That was not what her friend wanted to do.

In fact, the next time the two of them run into each other, it was at work when the men folk had gone. It would be a few weeks before they saw Jim or Dan again. But a man who was about was Marty. And from the look of it, he was soon to be at the end of his tether with how they were being. If the two of them did not buck up their idea's, then they were going to be in trouble.

Patsy knew it was up to her make the first move. She had been the one who had been a muppet after all. But it did take her a while to build up to it. In some ways it annoyed Liz. But feeling that was no way for them to get their friendship back on course.

But at last she did approach her tentatively.

"Liz," Pats began as together with Marty they begun to close up for the night.

"Yeah."

"I know I was a fool before the boys left - but please do not say it is going to have a long-term effect on us."

As soon as they had had words, she had regretted - they were to good mates to fall out. And they had both found the lads leaving tough - they should be leaning on one another, not fighting. Their friendship went far too far back to let this interrupt it for long.

"Of course, it is not, you daft mare."

Patsy did not need to hear anymore and went to give Liz a hug.

She was glad they were back on form. She had so much to confide in Liz.

"It is going to be a long three weeks and us girls need to stick together."

Liz could only agree with that. It had not been easy for them to see the boys leave… not easy at all.

They drew back, smiled and Patsy cleared her throat. She had a question to ask.

"How was the meal? Did you and Jim have a lovely time with your family before he left?"

The way she asked made it clear that had there been any bitterness or jealousy on Patsy part all of that was done with now. From across the counter, Marty grinned as peace resumed.

"We did - mum and dad seem to approve of him." Now that they were having this conversation, Liz felt as if she could admit how much she had wanted too. Confiding in her best friend was what she needed to do.

"I can't believe you took him home!" It was a big step at no mistake.

Liz was glad she could be honest with her once more.

"The truth was nor did I, until I found out he was going to be going away. I thought I was happy to keep him to myself but - but its more than that - does that make sense?"

Patsy nodded. She could see what she meant. "I know the feeling very well." She said with a smile and Liz believes her with her whole heart. She was so glad they have made up.

"So, did you see Dan before he left? What did you do?"

Patsy bit her lip. "Yes, I saw him," she had stayed out the evening Liz and she had fought. She did not go to the boy's drink but when it had come to its end, she made the two of them got to see each other. And yes, they had time together.

"We - we spent time together," she said somewhat cryptically.

Maybe she would be ready to say more when they were not at the Spoon and when Marty was not in ear shot. Not yet.

"I am glad," even though they were moving on and passed what had gone on, suddenly Liz could not stop herself going back to a previous subject. "If it felt to you as if I was trying to rub it in, that I could take him home, then you know I did not mean too."

"Oh, love I know that - of course I know that. And if I had my head screwed on that day I would have seen that if it was up to anyone then it was up to her mum and dad." Dan was such a good man and he did not deserve to be treated as the Greenwood's treated Jim. It was only because he was in the army that they were treating him this was as they were. In Patsy's opinion, it should make them respect him more.

There was a silence before the two old friend for just a moment and Liz tried to raise a smile. It was clear both of them were thinking of their men folk.

"At least we know they are not in danger this time." It was a sentence which Patsy felt was full of weight as they both know, if they carried on down the route they were on right now, they both knew one day they would be in danger.

"I know they are safe - but I miss them - much miss Dan all the same," Patsy admitted she had not yet said those words but now that she had she felt better. It was not as if she could say those words at home - at least now she knew she had Marty and Liz to talk to.

"Now am I right in thinking the two of you do not have homes to go to tonight?" asked Marty as he approached the girls. It was clear that for the most the pack down was done for the night. He was eager to get upstairs and put his feet up. Therefore, he needed them out. Patsy and Liz grinned at one another. It was a question he asked once or twice or fifty times before.

"We have got the hint Marty," said Liz as she lead the charge for her and Patsy to go and get their bags, Patsy thought on the other hand held that question in her mind as they went to get there bits. Right then she lived in a house where the man she loved was not welcome and the decisions she made were not respected. So no - she was not sure she did have a home to go to.

X x x

The following week and weekend went slowly for Liz. She worked and she saw her friends and spent time with her mum and dad, but it felt to her as if life was quiet after the height of and the fun she had had over the height of summer and when Jim was around.

She would be a liar if she said she did long for his return. She did. More than she could say.

So she was glad on Sunday when she picked up the phone and heard the voice she was longing to hear.

"Jim, how are you?"

"Good - I just wanted to hear you."

He was glad he had gone to the Greenwoods before they had all left as he now had the confidence.

She grinned. Hearing that sentiment was very welcome.

"It was good to hear you as well. Have you got settled in ok?"

"We have - I can't say I like it as much as I did like the last place," he said with a sigh.

"Well, I can't wait for you to get back," for neither of them, it could not happen soon enough.

"Just three weeks," he said to her in a way of a promise.

She did not know how long three weeks could be. But love was teaching her a lot about love.

Please review!