A Secret Schemer Page 15

  Chapter 25

  Jena is meeting up with Jodie today, Kate was unable to make a doctor’s appointment before next Monday, and so clarification of a pregnancy will have to wait until then. I believe it’s a good idea for them to meet today whatever the outcome maybe. Archie is uneasy about the situation and the whole scenario is casting a gloomy cloud over the staff, as most of them are aware of what is taking place. Again my plan of action has been shelved until this mess is cleared up. Going into the kitchen I approach Kate. ‘What time is Jodie due in?’ I ask tentatively.

  ‘About three o’clock Lucy, I thought that would be a better time for Jena.’

  ‘Yes it will be, as the bar should be a lot quieter.’

  When Jodie arrived Jena was in the kitchen waiting for her. ‘Hi Jodie, do you fancy a hot or cold drink?’ She asks.

  ‘Cold please.’ Jodie replies bluntly.

  ‘Well let’s go through to the restaurant and I’ll get us a cool drink.’ Jena had made sure that Archie would not be working this afternoon. Once settled at one of the small tables, Jena poured them both a glass of fresh orange juice. ‘We won’t be disturbed in here Jodie, so what’s happening with you then?’

  ‘I suppose you know everything?’ Jodie muttered.

  ‘It is irrelevant what I’ve heard Jodie, I want you to tell me how it is with you, in your own time. I’m not here to judge you.’

  ‘When I came here to work, well help my mum out really, I saw Archie and I thought he was hot. He came in the restaurant one time for a meal and I took a couple of pics on my mobile.’

  ‘Did he know you’d taken the photos?’ Jena probed.

  ‘I’m not sure but he smiled at me when he went back into the bar, so I thought he liked me.’

  ‘Ok so what happened next?’

  ‘I showed the photos to my mates at school and they thought he was hot, and then they kept asking if I’d done it with him.’

  ‘Did that make you feel pressured Jodie?’

  ‘Not at first, but they kept asking and saying they would have done it with him by now. They said I was scared, so I started sending him text messages. I wasn’t allowed in the bar really, though I went in there a couple of times just to see him.’

  ‘Did he respond to you being there?’ Jena asked cautiously.

  ‘He just smiled, so I took that as he liked what he saw. My mates kept telling me to send him sexy pics.’

  ‘So did you send him sexy photos?’

  ‘Yeah, ones I took myself.’

  ‘Did he respond to them?’

  Jodie began to look anxious, so Jena knew she must reassure her. ‘Hey it’s ok honey all I want to do is help you, believe me I’m not judging you.’

  ‘No he didn’t respond, well he sent me a text and asked why I’d sent the photos.’

  Feeling she should move this on a notch. ‘So how did the two of you meet up?’ Jena quizzed.

  ‘My mates kept on every day about him, so I kept sending him messages. I found his address in the kitchen and on Christmas day I went round there. I had to do it with him. I was getting loads of messages on face book and text messages and stuff…’ Jodie burst into tears, racking sobs as though her heart was breaking, and Jena knew this had been building up on her for such a long time. She was just sixteen and from her story so far Jena realised she’d been under enormous pressure from school mates. Bullying comes in many forms and this girl had been bullied into her actions. As far as Jena could see she was actually full of remorse, although getting her to admit that would take a while longer, so Jena proceeded gently. ‘Obviously this has upset you dreadfully, do you want to talk more honey or have you had enough for now?’

  ‘Ca..can I tell you everything please.’ She said quietly.

  Jena nodded. ‘Of course you can, in your own time.’

  Jodie related how she had turned up at Archie’s flat on Christmas night after sending him endless text messages throughout the day. She admitted stripping off most of her clothes and lying to him that she was on the pill. She stayed at his flat all night, even though he told her they could never have a relationship together. She admitted taking photos and sending them to her school mates, to prove she’d done it with him. She said she’d written it all on her face book page as well.

  ‘So Jodie do you really believe that you’re pregnant, have you done a home test?’ Jena asked quietly.

  ‘Yes I do think I am, I haven’t done a home test though I’d rather go to the doctors.’ Jodie dissolved into another bout of sobbing and Jena held her arms out to comfort the girl. She let Jodie cry, and when the tears subsided she spoke to her softly. ‘And if you are pregnant Jodie have you thought about what that would mean to your life?’

  ‘I’d have to have it, that’s what they all say I should do.’ She trembled.

  This was turning out to be a much deeper and more serious situation than ever Jena had imagined and she knew it had to be handled with kid gloves.

  ‘OK now honey I want you to listen to me very carefully. You’ve made a terrible mistake, however no one can make you go through with this pregnancy. The way I see it you’ve been bullied, and to save face with these so called mates you’ve gone along with their intimidation. I can guarantee you that not one of those ‘mates’ would have done what you have. They’ve been having fun at your expense in a very cruel and unfair way. Having a baby at sixteen years old Jodie is going to ruin your life, you would become a single mother with no means of support for you and your child. At your age you should be going out with decent friends and having fun, looking forward to university, maybe even a year travelling. Then at a much later date meeting a guy who loves you, and then thinking about settling down and raising a family. You made a very bad move, encouraged by others, however it can be put right and you have a network of people who will support you, and that includes me. My advice to you now is stay off face book until this is sorted out, ignore any bullying messages, and probably the best move is to change your mobile number. Please give our conversation a lot of thought Jodie. I could ramble on about the pros and cons of your dilemma, although I feel you have a fairly clear idea about what I’m saying. Thank you for sharing your ordeal with me Jodie, and if you ever need to talk I’m always here.’

  ‘Jena can I ask you a very big favour please?’

  ‘Ask away honey.’

  ‘Would you come to the doctors with me…please? I love my family loads, but Mum cries all the time and Nan and Grandad keep asking questions. Then I get angry because I don’t know what to say to them…they’re all too close to me Jena.’ Jodie said slowly.

  This request had caught Jena completely by surprise, so she pondered for a moment before replying. ‘Jodie it wouldn’t be right for me to say yes, without speaking to your mother first. The decision should be your mum’s, however if she agreed I would be happy to go with you.’

  ‘Oh I’ll make sure she agrees Jena.’ Jodie exclaimed.

  ‘Hold on Jodie, please don’t upset your mother, she has enough to cope with now. Maybe we could speak to her together.’

  ‘Ok, thanks Jena.’

  As they made their way back into the kitchen Jena felt concerned as to how Kate would respond to this request. Nevertheless on reflection, she thought it could be the best approach, as like Jodie said she was too close to her family. This was a delicate subject to discuss with family members and maybe that’s why the situation had advanced so far without Jodie opening up. Fortunately as they walked into the kitchen it was to find Kate there alone.

  ‘Mum I need to ask you something, but I don’t want you to get upset.’ Jodie said cautiously.

  ‘Why would I get upset?’ Kate replied.

  ‘Because you always do, Mum I’ve told Jena everything and I’ve asked her to come to the doctors with me.’

  Kate instantly burst into tears.

  ‘See what I mean Jena that’s all she does is cry.’ Jodie said bluntly.

  Jena wished she was a million miles away; this was a mothe
r and daughter; however she could see it from both sides. I came into the kitchen just as Jena was about to speak.

  ‘Perhaps if someone could tell me what’s going on, I may be able to help.’ I said tentatively.

  ‘Jodie wants Jena to go to the doctors with her.’ Kate sniffed. ‘I feel as though I’ve lost my daughter.’

  ‘No mum you haven’t lost me, I want Jena to come with me to save you getting so upset, and I find it easier to talk about this kind of stuff to a stranger.’ Jodie explained.

  ‘Did you offer to go with her Jena?’ Kate asked defensively.

  ‘No Kate I would never have done that, when Jodie asked me to go I told her categorically that it was your decision.’ Jena resolved.

  ‘What do you think Lucy?’ Kate probed.

  ‘Actually it sounds like a good option Kate, if it means Jodie will speak freely and of course Jena will be there to support her, without the emotional involvement.’

  Kate looked towards Jena with serious eyes. ‘Jodie obviously wants you to go, I agree providing you don’t make any decisions for her.’

  ‘I would never do that Kate, rest assured.’

  ‘Thanks mum.’ Jodie offered.

  ‘Ok now why don’t we have a cuppa?’ I suggest as it’s supposed to be the cure for everything.

  Some time later I bumped into Jena on the stairs. ‘Can you spare a few minutes honey?’ I asked hopefully.

  ‘Always Lucy let’s go in the lounge.’

  I then gave Jena a full account of Tim’s five hour meeting with a work colleague, and my reactions and dream.

  ‘I’ve got one thing to say to you Ms Ross, it’s time for action before he drives you mad.’

  ‘I know Jena and I promise I’m going to do something about it, however I fully intend to devise a plan and you may well be involved….

  Chapter 26

  Tim came into the bar around nine o’clock, being Friday night the band had just started to play and the bar was alive with thirsty punters. A thought flashed through my mind, had he chosen to come in on the busiest night of the week because he knew I wouldn’t be able to chat to him. I served him with a half pint of larger. ‘I can see you’re too busy for a chat darling, so can we have lunch together on Sunday.’ He shouted over the hubbub in the bar.

  ‘Yeah that’s fine.’ I shouted back as I watched him disappear into the crowd. To be honest Tim was the least of my worries at the moment, running my bar was my priority. Contriving a plan to scrutinize Tim’s suspicious behaviour, I could deal with later when I had time to focus. As always on a Friday evening the bar was in full swing, so at closing time we were all pretty exhausted. As I locked the outside doors there were four of us left to enjoy a night cap, Jena, Andy, Lucas and me. Andy poured the drinks; me and Jena found it amusing as he seemed to enjoy his short spell behind the bar. I made a mental note of this as he could prove to be exceptionally helpful if we were short staffed. After one drink we were all visibly flagging. Jena and Andy made their way upstairs and Lucas, like the discerning man he was, waited for me to set the alarms and walked up the first flight of stairs with me. ‘Goodnight Lucy sleep well.’ He wished me. If only all men were that sensitive….

  Once in bed I was afraid that sleep would evade me, turning on my side I closed my eyes and wished to drift into dreamless oblivion. Although my body was physically exhausted my mind had other ideas, refusing to let me rest. So where was Tim tonight, asleep in the next room? Or had he absconded on one of his secretive missions…. I could answer this question easily if I plucked up the courage to open his bedroom door. What was stopping me, whatever was holding me back? I’m a naturally impulsive person and one who speaks my mind, was I afraid of what his room may reveal? After a restless few minutes and without further thought I jumped out of bed and donned a robe. Walking towards his bedroom with my master key in my hand, my only thought was, he comes into my room whenever he feels the urge, now it’s my turn. With no thought of sound, I placed the key in the lock and slowly opened the door…there was no movement and I was finding it hard to focus in the dark, my instincts told me to switch on the wall light. Sliding my hand onto the wall I felt the light switch, the room looked just as it was on my previous visit. Unless he was hiding under the bed or in the tiny shower room which was doubtful, once again there was no sign of him. With sheer determination I began to rearrange a few things, surely then he would realise someone had been in his secret den. I folded the duvet neatly at the end of the bed, picked up the clothes he’d strewn casually on the floor, and then closed the lid on the case, which appeared to contain underwear. Discarded paper had been thrown aimlessly on the floor, next to an overfilled waste bin. Then my eyes settled on the computer, I hastily turned it on without a thought of what would happen if he returned. Why should I concern myself anyway it was my building. The computer burst into life and after a minute the request for a password showed up on the screen. I tried the obvious names, addresses, and even his mobile number, all to no avail. Thought would have to go into this, as one thing is for sure Tim isn’t stupid. Turning the power off I looked over into the corner where he always spends time in my dreams, apart from a cover thrown in the corner there was nothing of interest. I turned off the light and re locked the door, the only achievement was to prove he was out once again. Slipping back into bed I fell into a dreamless sleep.

  On Sunday afternoon at around three o’clock, Tim condescended to show his face in the restaurant, where Jena, Andy and me were having lunch. This was the first sign of him since Friday night in the bar. ‘Oh look what the wind’s blown in.’ I muttered sarcastically.

  ‘Am I late then darling?’ He replied glibly.

  I ignored his remark and carried on eating my lunch, Andy spoke next. ‘Have you eaten mate?’

  ‘Yes thanks Andy, I’ll go and get changed Lucy and meet you in fifteen minutes.’ He proffered.

  ‘Ok I’ll still be in here.’ I then visualized him walking into his room, as he’d obviously been away for the weekend. Would he notice my few adjustments? Whatever, I fully intended to give him the third degree this afternoon.

  ‘I take it you’re angry Lucy?’ Jena asked cautiously.

  ‘Just a tad Hun, I haven’t been able to bring you up to speed over the weekend. We must find time tomorrow after you’ve chaperoned Jodie to the doctors.’ I explained. ‘Apologies Andy for causing an atmosphere just then, but that man is enough to make you scream at times.’

  ‘No problems Lucy I’m getting your drift love.’

  ‘Enjoy your afternoon you two I’d better grab a coat.’ I added as I hastily left the restaurant.

  Me and Tim ambled along in silence until we reached the Embankment, where we found an empty seat. ‘How’s your weekend been?’ He asked.

  ‘I believe I should be asking you that question, you’re fully aware how I’ve spent my weekend. In fact why don’t you start with the other night when you went out to meet your colleague for a coffee, you know the coffee that took five hours.’