It was nearing the end of another day, as Terri watched Anna play in the back garden. She heard the phone ringing, and tried to take deep breaths. She went through this routine every time the phone rang. What if it was Jack? But to her relief, as she answered it, it was Charlotte's voice. But somehow now it made her feel uncomfortable, and guilty. "Hi Terri. I was just thinking… Vincent's babysitting tonight, and I was wondering if you want to go to the pub, you know, a bit of a girl's night out. You could bring Anna over." "Oh," Terri said, her mind still on other matters, "Yes, that would be good. I'm sure Anna would like it." "That's great." Charlotte replied. "Well if you want, just drop Anna over at my place and then the pair of us can go on. Sound good?" "Sure." Terri barely heard the rest of what Charlotte said. She ran her fingertips gently across the cold kitchen bench, carefully watching Anna in the sandpit. Finally Charlotte finished with: "I'll see you at 7 o'clock then," before hanging up. Terri lingered for a few seconds before putting the phone down. The cheeriness in Charlotte's voice seemed to taunt her. She trusted Terri, as a loyal friend, and… oh, Terri was so confused. Maybe a night out would at least help her forget about all that, at least for a little while.
It was just past seven, as Terri arrived at Charlotte's house. Terri paused for a second as she let Anna out of the car. She felt so strange. But then Charlotte rushed out the door to greet them, and Terri pushed all those awkward thoughts aside. She wouldn't let them spoil her night.
"Well, Terri, ready to go?" Terri looked Charlotte up and down, with her blow-dried hair, makeup on face, dangly earrings, necklace, revealing top and skirt and her high heels. Charlotte, too, looked at Terri and took in her falling out ponytail, grotty top, old pants, runners with holes and bare face. Neither said a word. Vincent too came out, took in the awkward silence and tried to break the ice.
"Um…you two ready to go? Or would you like a coffee, Terri?" "That would be nice." Terri sighed with relief. Charlotte did too, glad the tension was gone. "Oh yes, and Charlotte, could I borrow a hairbrush? I've been so disjointed today I forgot all about getting ready." "Of course!" said Charlotte. "I'll get some coffee, shall I?" asked Vince. Then, when no response came from either of them, he dashed off, muttering to himself: "Well I guess I will." Terri and Charlotte burst out laughing.
After ten minutes upstairs in the bathroom, Terri and Charlotte emerged, both now evenly as glamorous as each other. "You look beautiful, Mummy!" exclaimed Anna. Terri smiled, adding to the prettiness of her face. Vincent gasped and murmured: "Wow, Terri, you do…" but both Terri and Charlotte were too preoccupied to notice.
"Well, we better go!" said Charlotte happily. "Bye Flick, and Pat! Mummy loves you!" Terri hugged Anna tenderly before both her and Charlotte departed the house, leaving a somewhat stunned Vincent with three little kids pulling at him, and three cold coffees in his hands.
Once they arrived at the bar, Charlotte smiled and started conversation, while sipping her cocktail. "Ah, this reminds me of the old days! With all the colleagues, you know, in Ward 17!" Charlotte took a gasp as she just realised what she said and nearly spilt her drink. "Oh Terri, I'm so sorry! That was really insensitive." Terri stared blankly at the table. When she didn't reply, Charlotte looked at her empty glass and cleared her throat. "I'll get us some more drinks, shall I?" She then busied herself with some glasses and headed to the counter. When she returned, Terri gave her a smile. "Well, this is a girls night out! Tell me some gossip!"
Charlotte laughed, and then turned serious. "Well, Terri, I thought we could use this as a bit of an escape to the past. Before we had kids. Long ago, when I was married to Vincent and you were with Mitch…" Terri gave a sad smile. "I guess I have to get it off my chest… I haven't been able to sleep properly for a long time, you know Charlotte." "Well, I'll go first!" said Charlotte brightly. "Then you can follow on!"