Katie lies down and places her head on my chest, "Paradise."
She's not wrong. It's beautiful here. Birds sailing by in formation, navigating the cotton clouds in the sky, the sun beaming down from behind. It's perfect.
"Look, that cloud looks like a car. I think that ones for you, JayJay."
I try to laugh but my chest doesn't allow it and I start coughing, "Don't...make me laugh, it hurts still."
"I'm sorry. Look, that one looks like a man with one leg."
I burst out laughing. My sides killing, although it's worth it.
"I'm sorry," she giggles. "That's the last one, I promise."
I pull my hand up to wipe the sweat from my forehead when I notice another cloud. It's a woman with long hair.
"That one looks like Claire," I sigh.
No matter how hard I try, I just can't get her out of my head. Would things be different if I'd got a job earlier. It's not like I wasn't trying though. I should of done something to stop her leaving. I miss her.
"Nah," says Katie scrunching up her face. "Looks more like a witch if you ask me. See look, here comes her broomstick."
I watch as a tube shaped cloud comes drifting across the sky, stopping perfectly between the woman's legs. I burst out laughing again.
"I think you're right," I say. "How did you even find this place?"
"A bit like you really. I just kind of fell into it one day."
She rolls over and places her chin on my chest, squinting her eyes with a puzzled look on her face.
"What?"
"What happened to your hair?"
"I got hit by a car, remember?"
"No, no," she giggles. "At school, it used to be perfectly styled so it never moved. I always wondered how much gel you used to get through. Must of been at least a tub a day."
I laugh. "Yeah, that was when I had money to waste on gel. It's just the cheap, scruffy natural look for me now."
"I think it looks better."
I feel my cheeks blush. "Thanks. So, erm, what you got planned today?"
She rolls her eyes, "Erm...well...I was going to visit the bank."
"The bank?"
"Big place, stores money in it."
"I know what a bank is. I meant, why the bank?"
She starts biting on the end of her thumb, "Well, you know how I said I'd like to travel."
"Yeah."
"I was going to take out a little loan."
"What's little?"
"Fifty thousand."
I shoot up, "Fifty thousand!?"
"I want to travel properly, experience everything."
"That's still a lot of money for travelling."
The highest amount of money I've ever had was two hundred pound, and that was from saving up birthday gifts.
"Are you working?" I ask.
"Erm, no, not exactly."
"How are you going to pay the loan back then?"
She smiles, "I'm using a fake name to get it."
"Serious?"
"Yeah, why not? It's my last chance to visit the world."
"You're only twenty one..."
"And I'm missing out," she snaps. "Don't you want to see the world?"
"Yeah, when I get a job and my own house and stuff."
"And how's that going so far?" Her eyes widen. The first time I've seen her act serious all day.
"It's a work in progress," I lie.
"Sure it is." She sits up onto her knees. "You've seen the news, unemployment in the under twenty fives is still rising and it's not going to stop any time soon. We're the lost generation, JayJay. The government are going to throw us under the bus and let us rot to save themselves. I just think it's time we screwed them over for a change."
She's right. I've got no end of degrees and qualifications, and nothing. I've spent the last five years searching for a job.
"So what? You're just going to take out a loan and fly around the world?"
"Yes," she says straight faced. "Why not?"
"But what about your family and friends? What if you get caught?"
I watch as she fiddles with the bracelet on her wrist. Her eyes fixed to it, "No one will come looking for me. They won't have to."
She grabs my hand, "You could come with me, if you want that is."
I puff out my cheeks, "I don’t know, it sounds pretty crazy."
"You only live once, JayJay. It could all be gone tomorrow. Life's fragile," she says, eyes tearing up.
I've only known her for a few hours, kind of. I'm not sure if school counts because I really don't remember her, but that's not the point. I still can't just get up and leave. Can I? I search my brain for reasons not to go. Nothing.
"Do you know what. Why not. Let's do it," I say, heart pounding against my chest. "Let's just go. Why not. I've got nothing here anyway."
She leaps to her feet and clicks her boots together, "Are you serious?"
I jump up to my feet, adrenaline numbing the pain in my side, and beam, "Yeah, screw it, why not. Let's enjoy life, Kate."
She leaps onto me and squeezes her arms around my neck, "Thank you."
"You're the one with the money, I should be thanking you."
She looses me and takes a step back, "Well, I haven't exactly got the money just yet. We need to visit the bank first, but don't worry,” she winks. “I've got a plan.”
Chapter Six
We arrive at the entrance of the bank, a long queue of people snaking their way outside the front, each bearing a familiar depressed face.
"What now?"
"Just follow my lead," says Katie. "I was top of the class in drama at school."
She flicks her chin up and pulls her left arm into the air like she's holding an invisible plate, then parades her way into the bank.
We had drama at school? I must of missed that one. More than likely on purpose.
I chase after her while trying my best to adjust my muddy suit. There's not much saving it though. It looks like it's been run over with a car. Oh wait. It has.
"Robin, darling," I hear shout from in front.
"Oh Peter, how have you been?" replies Katie in a posh voice.
I squeeze past the crowd of people and into the sitting area where Katie is.
"I've been fantastic, darling, how about you? How's the fashion show doing?"
A man dressed in a bright, navy blue suit, parts his way through the crowd and lunges at Katie, kissing her on either cheek.
"It's been going amazing, Peter, absolutely amazing," she says. "I sent you tickets last week, why didn't you come?"
The man's face turns red, "You sent me tickets?"
Katie puts her hands on her hips, "Yes, front row seats! Where were you?"
"I-I-I didn't receive any, darling. Did you send them to this address?"
"Yes, but of course, where else would I have sent them," Katie cackles like a witch. A bit too forced to be her normal laugh.
"Never mind, Peter, never mind," she says. “I’ll send you some more tickets for my next show."
"You're far too kind, darling."
"I know I know. Erm, Peter, could we go somewhere a bit more quieter? It's rather loud in here, don't you think?"
"Yes yes, of course, follow me, Robin." He twirls on his heel and marches back through the crowd, scrunching up his face every time he accidentally bumps into someone.
Katie follows and I scurry after. "Who's Robin?" I whisper.
She looks at me and winks, "Just follow my lead."
We walk into a glass box at the back of the bank, its space twice the size of the cramped hallway outside. Why do they give managers such big offices when there's clearly not enough room outside for the customers. I don't try to understand, there's no point.
"Please take a seat, Robin," he says waving his hand at the two red chairs.
I go to follow Katie, but an arm drops down in front of me, "And you are?"
"He's my bodyguard, Peter," says Katie. "I've had to upgrade security after th
e protesters tried to throw red paint at my beautiful fur coat."
His frowning bald head turns to a smile, "I'm so sorry to hear that, darling. Why these people want to ruin such beautiful creations I'll never know."
He squashes his mouth and tuts, "He's a bit untidy though, isn't he darling. Shall I ask him to wait outside?"
I swear I'd slap that designer beard straight of his face if it wasn't for the fact he's right. I look a mess. Mud speckled across my legs and jacket, which is buttoned up wrong might I add, and a small tear on my left elbow. I look like I've been...oh yeah.
"No no, let him in, he's had a busy day today. He got hit by a car you see." She looks at me and smiles, "He deserves a rest the poor thing."
He scrunches up his face and looks me up and down, "Let me put some plastic on the seat first though. These seats are very expensive."
You'd think I was a dog by the way he looks at me. Alright, I'll admit, I do look a bit scruffy, but come on cut me a break. It's been a rough day.
He rushes to the cupboard in the corner of the room, several red faced customers glaring through the glass behind it, and grabs a sheet of plastic from inside, placing it on the seat beside Katie.
"There you go, darling. Just don't fidget, okay. I don't want to get my nails dirty cleaning that seat. I've just had them done."
I smile. I'm going to make sure I get dirt on here somewhere if it's the last thing I do.
I throw myself into the seat and fidget my way into a comfortable spot, sliding my back against the uncovered rest, a wide smirk on my face. That'll teach him.
He frowns at me while squirting some anti bacterial gel on his hands, scrubbing each section from the tip of his little finger to the corner of his thumb.
"So, Peter," says Katie, frowning at me. It feels like everyone is frowning at me. "How's the family been?"
He sits down, his face changing back to a smile as he looks at Katie, "They're fantastic, Robin, thank you for asking. Judith loved the dress you sent her by the way."
"I thought she would, and what of the baby gown?"
"It fit perfect," he says, a tear running down his cheek. "She looked beautiful."
"Don't get crying on me now, Peter." Katie starts wafting her hands around her eyes, "You'll set me off too."
"I'm sorry, darling, I didn't mean to. Would you like a tissue?"
"No no, let's just talk business. That always helps dull my emotions."
He starts laughing, "I know I know, business is boring isn't it. Full of red tape and road blocks, it doesn't help the creative mind flow."
"That's why I come to you, Peter, you've got a sensitive spot for creative flair like mine."
He claps his hands together, "Thank you, darling, that means a lot. I like to think I'm helping the creative minds that walk through those doors, you know. Most bank managers don't see it like I do. Creative minds need to be invested in for the future, especially fashion."
"And that's why I'm here today," says Katie. She roots through her bag and pulls out a sheet of paper. "Last fashion show was a massive success. We managed to double our projected intake."
"That's marvellous, Robin," he smiles. "So why do you need me?"
Katie places the paper on the table and leans forward, "I'm going to go for the big one."
"The Milligan show?"
Katie nods, "I'm going to reinvest my profits and put it into the Milligan show. It's a risk, I know, but I think it can work."
His face drops, "That would be amazing if you could get seen on there. I watch it on TV every year with my wife. It's fabulous. This could shoot you into the spot light."
Wait, did he just say wife?
"And you, sitting on the front row with the A listers."
"You're joking. You'd do that for me?"
"Of course I would, Peter," Katie smiles. "I just need you to sign off on this last loan and it's first class to stardom and fame from here on end."
He pulls the paper over and inspects it, "Anything for you, Robin, anything."
His face quickly turns to a frown, "Fifty thousand?"
"I've over compensated a little for errors and mistakes. This could be my only shot, Peter. I don't want to mess this up."
"You're very clever, Robin. I'm certain you won't mess up."
He stands up and heads for the door, "I'll need the branch manager to sign this one off though. I'll be back in a minute, Miss Banks."
He leaves the room and I turn to Katie, "Miss Banks. Robin Banks. Are you serious?"
She starts giggling, "I thought it was funny at the time, alright. I didn't think this would actually work when I first came in here."
"Yeah, real funny. What if the branch manager spots it?"
"He won't, trust me. They're blinded by money. If it says profit they simply tick the box and move on to the next. It's a recession, JayJay. Everyone's trying to make easy, no risk money, and my projections show that."
"I suppose," I say. "How do you even know him though?"
She bites down on her lip, "I may have lied a little."
"What do you mean, a little?"
"I may have already taken out a small loan."
"What's small?"
"Twenty thousand."
My heart starts pounding, "Twenty thousand!"
She grabs my arm, "Be quiet."
I throw my hands onto my head, "What the hell did you spend twenty thousand on?"
"I didn't spend it, silly. It's still in my bank account."
"What? Why are we here then?"
She starts pulling at the ends of her ponytail, "I don’t know. I wasn't sure how much we needed."
I'm about to say 'not seventy thousand' when the door opens and Peter re-enters the room. He walks around the desk and sits down with a solemn look on his face.
"I've got bad news, Robin."
Oh shit. My fists tighten around the seat rest. He knows. He's seen the name. He knows. We're in trouble.
His face turns to a smile, "Because you're going to have to pack all your dresses again. You're going to the Milligan show!"
I loosen my grip on the side of the chair and slouch back down, sighing as I do so.
"That's fabulous, Peter," says Katie, switching back into character. "I knew you were the right person to come to."
She stands up and leans forward, sharing them weird air kisses with him. "Come now, Barry. Take me home. I need to prepare my dresses. I'll see you at the show, Peter."
Barry? Who's Barry?
She nudges my shoulder and grits her teeth, "Open the door, Barry."
I shoot to my feet and open the door with a bow. Barry the bodyguard. Is she trying to be funny?
She drifts through the door and exits the bank with me right behind. We walk slowly past the line of people then sprint around the corner.
She stops and twirls on the spot, her smile wider than ever.
"What did you? How did you just do that?"
"I kind of, maybe, went to the bank last week and said I was an aspiring fashion designer. I didn't expect to get the loan, it just kind of happened."
"I honestly can't believe it. You're amazing, Miss Robin Banks."
"Why thank you, Barry the bodyguard," she says while bowing.
I burst into tears of laughter. I've never met anyone quite like her. How she can switch....I wipe the tears from my eyes. Katie is on her knees, clutching her right shoulder.
"Kate?"
I drop to the floor and lift her chin up, my hands trembling. "What's wrong? What happened? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," she grimaces, her eye twitching with small tears trickling out. "Can you...pass me the two orange tubs from my bag."
I grab her bag and rummage through, "Sora...something."
She snatches it out my hands and pops two pills without water, "That's it. There should be another in there too."
My eyes dart around, an orange tub wedged in the corner, “Codeine?"
"Yeah, two of them."
I
flick the top off and pass her two pills, "Do you want water or a..."
She pops them down without a struggle, "No, I'm fine, honest. Could you help me stand up."
I put my arm around her waist and pull her over to the bench beside us, "Is that better?"
"Yeah, thanks. I'm so sorry. I-I didn't mean to..."
"Why are you saying sorry for? There's no need to apologise."
Her smile switches on and off like a light. I can tell she's nervous but I can't work out why.
"Have you got a problem with your shoulder?" I ask.
"Err...yeah, I kind of had, um, surgery on it a few days ago. It's fine now though," she winces.
"Turn around," I tell her. "I did sports therapy at college."
"It's fine, don't worry."
"Trust me, I can ease the pain."
For a change, I'm not lying. This is actually something I can do. One of the few useful things that is.
She turns to face me and I pull down her jacket, a huge purple bruise on her shoulder. It looks painful, but I don't tell her that. She doesn't need me telling her something she's already feeling herself.
She looks at me, eyes brimming with water. "It's okay," I tell her. "I won't hurt you."
She smiles, "I know."
I place my hands on either side of the bruise and slowly massage in a circular motion, hoping I can increase the blood flow and ease the pain, just long enough for the codeine to set in and do its job.
Her eyelashes flicker. Her breathing slows. She bites her lip. I feel myself being pulled towards her. I don't know why. I can't stop myself. Are noses touch. Her warm breath on my lips. I think I want to....
My pocket starts vibrating, making me jump and squeeze her shoulder.
"Arrgh."
"I'm so sorry, are you okay?"
She winces but laughs at the same time, "It's fine. It feels better now. Thank you, JayJay."
I lock eye contact with her again. Her lips moving up and down without sound. What's she doing to me?
"I said are you going to answer that?"
I shake my head, "What? Who? Phone, yeah, sorry."
I pull my phone out of my pocket and look at the screen, "It's from Claire, says meet her at mine in twenty minutes."
"Oh, that's good news," mumbles Kate.
"Yeah, I think so. Is it?"
Does she want to get back together. Has she decided to stay instead?
"Yeah, you should go. If you've got a chance to be happy here, then you should at least find out, right?"
"I guess so. But what about our trip?"
She stands up and straightens her jacket, "I'll wait at the bus stop at half past eight tonight, JayJay. If you’re not there then I guess...I guess it worked out for you."