Chapter 3
Meredith rounded the corner and slipped into her place. The camera lights were still at red, letting her know that she wasn’t on air yet. Jim, the jack of all trades, came over and hooked her up with her earpiece before handing her the clicker she used to switch screens. All set and ready to go, she waited on Joanna, the early morning news presenter, to wind up the latest news cast and introduce Meredith. Taking a deep breath as she heard her countdown begin, she smiled and began to speak into the camera.
“Thank you Joanna. I’m afraid you’re correct; the rain is with us all day, right across the country. Throughout the day there’s not much change but by late afternoon and into the evening there will be high winds and even some stormy conditions in the north. There are a few weather warnings in place for this evening so check your local news for the areas affected. Overnight the rain continues and unfortunately stays with us again tomorrow. The winds will have died down a bit by then but it will still be very blustery. Along with the rain this will make conditions quite unpleasant, so take care if you’re driving in those high winds. And that’s all from me for now. Back to you Joanna.”
“Thank you, Meredith.” Joanna turned back to her screen, allowing Meredith to slip quietly away when the camera light turned red again. It was time for another coffee, she decided, as she headed for her dressing room to change out of her killer heels. She couldn’t walk properly in high heels; never had been able to master it. It was even worse now since she’d had over a year of wearing sensible shoes all the time. Her feet and legs instantly felt much better when she removed the shoes. She slipped on her comfortable, but tatty, old pumps before heading along the corridor and entering the canteen through the automatic double doors.
The canteen was buzzing, a change from earlier although there were usually plenty of people around because the building never closed. They even made some dramas and documentaries in the studios. Meredith bumped into the odd well known actor or actress now and again but never really had time to chat for long.
Making her way to the counter, she scanned the tables as she went for Alice. Spotting her at a table way off in the corner, Meredith began waving to attract her friend’s attention. Alice was a news presenter which meant their paths didn’t often cross at work. On top of that she hadn’t seen so much of Alice since Jenny was born so she was really looking forward to their get together on Saturday.
Alice eventually noticed Meredith waving and patted the empty seat beside her by way of a greeting. A double shot latte in hand, Meredith made her way toward the table, set down her coffee and flopped into the seat opposite Alice.
“It’s so good to see you,” Meredith said with a smile.
The two women had been friends since Meredith first joined the news team at Channel 7. It had been Alice’s job to show Meredith around, introduce her to everyone and follow that through by always helping whenever Meredith had been at a loss. They’d become very firm friends over the years and Meredith was truly glad to see her.
“You too.” Alice grinned. “Where have you been all week?”
“Oh, you know second week back and still trying to find my feet again so there wasn’t much time for coffee breaks.”
“Yeah, I know the feeling. It’s Wednesday already and this is the first day I’ve managed to have a coffee break this week. Anyway, enough about that. Tell me all about that beautiful baby of yours. How are you coping?”
“Well, up until last week it was fine but working and having a family is not easy, especially when I have to be up at three-thirty. Jenny is an absolute delight though; she makes it all worthwhile.”
“Hmmm, you do look a bit tired but apart from that you’re looking great. You’ve nearly got rid of your tummy already; almost back to your normal size. You should be very proud.”
Meredith wasn’t sure what to make of her friends comments. She knew Alice would never be deliberately cruel but it definitely sounded like a back handed compliment.
“How’s your lot anyway,” Meredith asked in an effort to change the subject. She didn’t really feel up to taking any more criticism about her appearance.
“Oh the usual. Boys will be boys. The three of them are at school now. I thought that would give me more time to myself but it seems to work the opposite way. I’m tied down to their timetable now. The joys,” Alice moaned.
“You wouldn’t be without them,” Meredith laughed.
“No, you’re right, I wouldn’t, but it doesn’t stop me feeling a bit overwhelmed sometimes.”
“I’m beginning to understand what you mean.” Meredith laughed again as she rose from her seat. “Anyway, I’d better get back. I’ve hardly worked at all this morning. I slept in and then it just seems like one thing after another. Will you be here at the same time tomorrow?”
“I’ll do my best but you know how it is. If some new story breaks...” Alice shrugged and smiled up at Meredith.
“Okay, hopefully see you tomorrow.”
As Meredith was walking back along the corridor, head down and lost in thoughts about her weight she collided with Celia, knocking the papers Celia had been carrying on the floor.
“Oh, excuse me,” Meredith apologised and bent to help Celia pick them up. “I’m really sorry. I don’t know what’s wrong with me today. I’ve got my head in the clouds.”
“Among your feet more like, from what I could see. You okay?” Celia asked, furrowing her brow and looking Meredith straight in the eye.
“I’m fine. Just a hectic week, you know how it is.”
“Yeah, it’s bad enough without adding a baby in to the mix. How is she; the baby I mean?”
“Oh, an absolute angel, although she has her moments.”
“You’re looking well, if a bit tired. That hair of yours is so lovely and thick, although it must be difficult to manage,” Celia commented while reaching out and pulling at the ends of Meredith’s hair.
Meredith couldn’t believe what she was hearing. What is it with everybody criticising my appearance today? she raged. It’s not as if they’re all perfect.
“I like it the way it is. Sorry, I have to run,” Meredith snapped as she took off along the corridor, leaving Celia with a puzzled frown.
It wasn’t like Meredith to snap at anyone. Celia decided it must just be the stress of new parenthood. Besides, Celia had no time to run after her to find out what she was so upset about. She had to get going to her interview with Gary Maters, the latest soap heart throb.