Five Words

By Alan R Wilson

A light romance looking at paternalism, male entitlement and how small events can have a disproportionately large impact on a person’s life. ‘Five Words’ can be considered a ‘companion’ book to ‘Sarah’. It is the story of Steven and Sarah if ‘Steven Riddell’s short story’ was ‘The Day That Was’. While ‘Five Words’ stands by itself, there are echoes of ‘Sarah’ throughout the second part of the novel which enhance the narrative.
Synopsis
It is 1974 and Sarah and Steven meet and fall in love as students at Melbourne University. However, Sarah’s father has other plans for her and does not approve of the young male she has found with the too long hair and too long boots. He organises a place for her at Oxford University, sure she will accept the opportunity and sure the separation from Steven will dampen their adore. Unknown to him, Steven thwarts his plans by applying for and obtaining a scholarship to Oxford.
The first year in Oxford is challenging because Sarah’s father has also arranged for her to meet the right sort of person. In particular, an up and coming lawyer with good connections and good prospects who he expects to ‘sweep her off her feet’. Things become ugly as he and some friends attempt to wrest Sarah away from Steven by first discrediting him, then in more physical ways. Some of the tension is assuaged by the close friendship the two make with the women who was like a fairy godmother to Sarah’s father and grandmother during the 1930s.
At the end of the first term in Oxford the narrative jumps forward 43 years to the same time that Sarah and Steven met as adults in ‘Sarah’. The two both have successful careers and three adult children making their way in the world. Sarah causes a stir when she gives a lecture on the misogyny and poor treatment of women rampant in business. There is pressure from ‘the establishment’ for her to resign but she resists and ends up taking the fight to the privileged men, some of whom she has damning reports on.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alan R Wilson
• Release date: Feb 5, 2020
• ISBN: 9780648599999

Alan R Wilson

As an undergraduate in the 1970s I was a member of the Melbourne University Science Fiction Club, contributing to and editing the magazine, Yggdrasil, which was largely devoted to fiction. We also held writers workshops and since then I have continued to ‘scribble away’ at various things with the seed of the ‘Anita’ novels sprouting in the late 80s.Personally, I found it impossible to write seriously while working full-time. (I have a Ph D in Physics and worked in research and have published numerous scientific articles). Always wanting to be a novelist, I took time off a few years ago to see if I had it in me to produce a novel. It worked for me and I retired properly and have dedicated myself to writing ever since.Writing is great fun, I love it. Whenever asked I say it is ‘better than reading’ because I am continually surprised as the plot develops. I am definitely not an author who has a novel plotted out from start to finish. As Ray Bradbury said, ‘It would be boring if you knew where it was going’. Indeed, the main protagonist in ‘Anita’ suddenly appeared a third of the way into the novel.There are 4 more books on the way in the Anita Histories and I am also dabbling in some contemporary novels too. Keep tuned, because the next 3 Anita novels may come out quite quickly.

Book preview

H-hi, we met, over lunch?

As a giant oak

Springs forth from a small sprout,

A lifetime with its many hues, shades and colours

May arise from a few words.

1974, Melbourne, Australia

Lunch, Tuesday

Your last exam is Thursday afternoon! Bother, I hoped … oh well. Sarah sighed. I have this family thing. With Claire, and she does need support at the moment.

Steven looked crestfallen but soon perked up.

Okay, guess it’s me and some buddies to the Clyde.

And, um, err, I’m going down tomorrow too. Finished all my assignments.

You’re coming back next term? he asked, his anxiety showing although he tried to hide it.

Ah ha, she agreed.

To college?

I…, she paused. His exams, doesn’t need the distraction. Yeah, of course, she lied.

Only a white lie, she reassured herself because it was not yet certain what she was doing. However, originally she was booked in for first term only and with her parents back in Melbourne they might not see any need for her to stay in college. Added to this was the recent difficulty posed by her father’s Oxford plans for her but after meeting Steven she was determined to stay at Melbourne University and not be shipped overseas.

Good, Steven said with obvious relief. Friday? What do you want to do Friday?

Aren’t you going down then?

No, I left it for Saturday. We have the whole day except, um, where do your parents live? I can, err, pick you up.

Yeah, Sarah replied.

They went on to organise it, leaving the specific details to be decided on the day, dependent on the weather. At the end, Steven looked at Sarah with a hesitant expression.

I’m sorry, but I do need to do some study – last-minute cramming. Someone has distracted me these last weeks, he finished with a smile.

It’s okay, Sarah replied, and reached for his hand under the table to give it a gentle squeeze. Me too, tonight I have my last assignment to finish, and she leant sideways onto his shoulder.

Gods Sarah, three days. I don’t … whoops, Bruce is on his way over, he said and she let go of his hand and they both sat up straighter.

Thursday, Family

As expected, Claire was the last to arrive. When she did she waltzed into the room like she was presenting herself for display. Anne pointedly turned away however Miriam, the youngest of Mary and Ian Dunnett’s four daughters, was willing to indulge her.

Oh Claire, has the bastard done something, um, bastardly? she asked, flashing her eyes at her.

All his high principles fled when he got a sniff of cash. Pure avarice! He says it is repatriation of the ill-gotten gains of capitalism back to the socialist cause. Socialist my arse, he’s just a greedy dick-head. You know he’s taken up with a rich, socialite bit of fluff.

Oh no! Miriam said dramatically. Do tell, who is she? she continued, egging her on.

Jillian, the harpy. Once I thought she was my friend, Claire said loftily before she started to shred Jillian’s character in earnest.

Anne pulled Sarah aside and walked them to the opposite end of the room.

Why does she encourage her? Anne asked.

Miriam says it’s to obtain material, Sarah replied.

Material? Christ, you mean for the sell-out novel. I suppose Claire is enough of a drama queen. Why did I ever introduce her to Gerald Durrell? Next thing she’ll be dragging the rest of us into it like some zoo specimens.

They both looked over to where Miriam now was in sole possession of Claire and Claire, although she preferred a larger audience, was playing up to her.

Why did mum and dad duck out and she told me to stay put, didn’t want any help? Sarah said.

Oh no! I shouldn’t have come, Anne responded.

What! Why?

You wait. I bet you dad’s in problem-solving mode. He will want a report of activities like when we were girls. Any time now mum will appear and ask us all in to dinner and the tea trolley will be on the side with all his reference material on it.

Sarah knew exactly what Anne was referring to. When they were younger she liked the family discussions because it made her feel involved in important family decisions. Over time this engendered a strong sense of family unity and of sharing and all working together for the family. However, when she became older and more independent it started to feel more like a coaching session.

Anne’s prediction was soon proved correct and their father, however with no tea trolley this time, started when they were seated, even while he was carving the roast.

Anne, as the eldest, anything of particular note these last few weeks? he asked and passed the first plate down to Mary at the other end of the table for vegetables.

Life of a resident. Long hours, lots of pressure, that’s about it, Anne replied succinctly.

Do you like it, dear? What do you find most interesting? Mary asked.

Oh, emergency is best. Some don’t like it but it is exhilarating; thinking on your feet, reacting to whatever comes through the door. Tiring, but rewarding. Gruesome too and, um, I have lost a couple, probably not a good topic for the dinner table.

Any other interests? Miriam asked with a suggestive lift of an eyebrow which Anne missed.

Too busy. I get out, a movie with the other doctors, the odd impromptu party. But it is rush, rush.

All good, what you want? Ian asked.

Yes, dad.

Right. Ah, Claire, Ian switched to his second daughter. You and Damian and the impending divorce.

He regarded her with a glum expression before continuing.

While Mary’s brother has expertise in this area I can offer a different perspective, a perspective from one who is used to judging matters. It all boils down to evidence and what he is claiming.

Dad, he has this crazy idea in his head that I am some sort of heiress with lots of money. I bet the floozy put it in there. She wants to suck as much as she can out of him and scarper, the vampire, Claire said hotly.

Not relevant, her desires. Finances, easily nipped in the bud by full disclosure of your financial status. Heiress! Neither of us is planning to shuffle off in the next ten or so years, it is irrelevant.

You don’t think he has any claim? Mary asked.

He has some claim of course but Claire does too. Hmm, can he be frightened off? Remember, Claire has rights to his income.

Dad, I just want to be shot of the bastard and not complicate things!

Might be rid of him faster if he thinks he has more to lose. What is Damian’s future earning potential? Compared with yours, Claire?

Why don’t I sue for divorce with his vampire the co-respondent rather than this sort of argy-bargy? Claire huffed.

I don’t advise it. Best to wait, establish you are living apart and the marriage is irreconcilable. There is a change in the law in the offing. It is sure to go through and in a years time you can file for divorce and he will not be able to challenge it.

A year!

Going through the law courts may take longer if he is obdurate. What I said, there is change in the air which will pre-empt it anyway.

What’s that? Aren’t we going to have a big legal bust-up with lots of court drama? Miriam chipped in.

Ian gave her a disapproving frown before relaxing it when he recalled how helpful she was in the matter of Sarah.

Hmm, if you can be discreet, all of you! he said, looking particularly at Miriam again. By next year Australia will have full no-fault divorce laws. With no children involved, Claire’s situation will only have the financial side to deal with. With the right incentive I am sure we can come to an understanding with Damian. Tie it all up, call it even all around and finished with, no further repercussions. Claire, what do you think?

I want to be free of him. Braggart, talking himself up, oh so gallant but a black worm at heart, he ….

Yes, dear, Mary interrupted. Don’t upset yourself, we know all about his faults.

Isn’t it bad for the digestion, all this stress while we are eating? Sarah suggested.

This caused silence to settle on them for a while with only the sound of the clink of cutlery on fine china until Ian spoke up.

Who is stressed? A calm, logical discussion of family events.

Claire doesn’t sound calm, Anne said.

Don’t go pointing fingers at me, who knows what …

Girls! No sniping. Let’s keep it respectful and Ian, you might not be stressed, it is part and parcel of what you do, but the rest of us do not have the same experience. Please, keep it in mind, Mary said.

Ahem, I think we’ve considered Claire’s situation well enough for the moment. No impromptu lawsuit, make it clear the marriage is irreconcilable and make sure Damian knows who he is dealing with and will not be difficult. Claire, we will support you whatever happens but please, some patience. You have him out of the house and you must be thankful I insisted the second gallery be in your name after we provided the bulk of the funds. Maybe you can resume your studies too.

Ian looked around the table and there was another lull in the conversation while he applied himself to his last piece of roast.

Sarah. I’m not sure whether everyone knows but Sarah has the opportunity to study at Oxford, Ian announced.

Claire and Anne looked at Sarah in surprise but she was not paying attention because it was what she was dreading ever since it became apparent Anne’s prediction was correct.

Cat’s got your tongue has it? Miriam said in a singsong voice.

It’s not decided for sure, Sarah replied coolly and frowned at her: Miriam often niggled Sarah but her current behaviour was particularly vexing.

Why not? Oxford sounds fantastic. What’s keeping you here? Miriam asked suggestively.

They were all startled by a loud bang from the direction of the kitchen followed by the sudden rattling of wind-driven rain on the windows.

Looks like the predicted storm has arrived, Mary said.

I’ll check the kitchen for you, mum, Sarah said.

There might be some windows open, I’ll have a look, Miriam volunteered too.

Ian watched, bemused, when his two youngest daughters scurried out of the dining room.

You two can help me clear the plates and bring in dessert, Mary suggested to her two remaining daughters and Ian was soon sitting by himself.

Where were we? Ian asked when they were all settled again and everyone had helped themselves to whipped cream to go with the tiramisu and the six small coffee cups each filled with strong, dark coffee.

I think you were about to start on Miriam, Sarah was quick to answer.

I’m not …

Dad! Sarah interrupted. Wait until it is more certain. What can we decide here?

Hmm.

Ian regarded his third daughter. Generally the most tractable of them and, he had to admit, his favourite although he tried not to let it show, and the one he had the highest hopes for. However, she also displayed the stubborn streak which, he teased Mary, came from her side of the family. Better to talk to her later.

Right, he conceded. Miriam, last year at school is proceeding famously and she’ll be fine for next year.

What course are you considering? Sarah asked, not willing to let her off so lightly.

Graphics, design, photography, something like that, Miriam replied.

What about architecture, combines some of those. I know someone in second-year, Sarah suggested.

Why go to the university, she can work with me. I have one of the galleries and intend to keep it going, show the bloody braggart he’s not the only one in the world with ideas. Miriam can help out and exhibit too, Claire suggested.

You can all see my latest work after dinner, Miriam suggested.

Sarah looked for her father’s reaction. She knew he wanted them all to go to university however he was oddly accepting of Claire’s suggestion. Haven’t seen Miriam’s work for a while. Maybe she is improving, she thought.

Don’t know if I can make it, Anne was the first to respond and looked pointedly at her watch.

Anyway, I want to and Sarah, you’ll stay too? Oh, silly me. Of course you will, you’re here now, Claire corrected herself.

Okay. Can we finish? I’ll have another piece of the tiramisu please and let’s talk about inconsequentials, like the government’s financial mess and how the economy is tanking, Sarah responded.

Later, Sarah agreed with Claire that Miriam’s work was much better than she remembered. Miriam smiled back, pleased by the compliment but to Sarah she looked uncharacteristically uncomfortable with her praise. She did not dwell on it because Miriam was always up and down, more like Claire than her and Anne. Sarah also knew Miriam was harbouring an illogical, jealous resentment of her and her university life which was making her more irksome than normal: with all her sisters out in the world Miriam chafed under the restrictions of a school girl, she wanted to be ‘grown up’ like them.

After viewing Miriam’s work they all made their way back to the octagonal room where Claire announced it was time for her to be on her way too. This precipitated a general break-up with Miriam heading out the door to the kitchen with her mother, soon followed by Sarah who intended to organise her room: after moving all her things back the previous day she then spent most of the night at the share house of Marion, her firmest friend at the university, and had done little more than sleep in it.

Sarah, Ian called to her before she managed to leave. Can I see you for a minute, in my study?

Sarah hesitated in the doorway, not sure how to respond, before turning back to face him.

Okay, she replied and waited for her father to catch up to her before following him to the next room along. Rather than taking the chair behind his wide, polished wood, green leather-top desk, he went to a wing chair positioned by the window next to a side table.

Pull up one of the others, he suggested and waited for her to sit before continuing. It is almost like you are avoiding me. I expected to see you last night but you were out. Exactly how late were you last night? Anyway, no matter. Your mother tells me you have gone off the idea of Oxford, more than you just indicated. I fail to see what the problem is, not many have an opportunity like this?

I don’t understand why there is a place for me, Sarah responded, deliberately avoiding his question.

I am still a British citizen, Sarah. My legal standing helps and you have excellent school results and references from your tutors.

You approached them when you were there without telling me?

Ah, no. I did hear about some of their new directions and I don’t know why I didn’t think of it at the time; certainly more convenient than arranging long-distance calls. Fortunately, I do know some of the right people and your excellent results tell their own story.

Sarah was casting around for reasons, other than Steven, for why staying at Melbourne was preferable to Oxford University. Her father often took a more egalitarian stance in both his legal decisions and life in general. She decided to remind him of it.

Feels like cheating, dad, jumping the queue. I am given special access while others, probably more deserving, do not have the same opportunity.

Harrumph, was his first response. What she said touched a nerve but he was determined to save her from herself. Sarah, take the chances that come your way. There is a lot of luck in the world. Look at me and where I have ended up, the chance of a few seconds.

But …, but dad. It’s like cultural cringe, she tried another tack, remembering a comment Steven made. Like the universities here are not good enough.

You must admit Oxford has a better name than Melbourne and …, History of Science. They have a new chair specifically for the History of Science. Fits right in with your interests, you’ll be in on the ground floor.

Ian’s reasoning was quite sensible and Sarah did not have any more reasonable objections. She was forced to fall back on something closer to her real reason.

I won’t know anyone there.

Much like college and uni when you started here, if I recall correctly, but you coped. Probably easier at Oxford because there are several Australians there and while there is no club for them they often have informal gatherings. With you all in the same situation there is more local support. But think of the opportunities! You will have England around you and all of Europe at your doorstep. Think of what you can do and see outside of the university. At your age, I’d jump at it without any hesitation.

Dad, I don’t want to go to Oxford! I like the course here.

It’s not this young man you are involved with, the scruffy one with the long hair?

How does he know about Steven? Sarah was lost for words and stared back at him, mouth gaping open until she clicked it shut.

I see. Look, don’t make Claire’s mistake! Throwing your life away on some hairy no-hoper. You have a great opportunity and your whole life in front of you, her father pressed on.

What the hell! Dad, he’s not a hairy dropout, he wants to do a Ph D! I…, I…, he even agreed to consider switching courses to study law and is willing to talk to you about it. But, bloody hell, are you …? she responded and ended up at a loss for words again and looked around the room at anything rather than her father. Is he spying on me? Christ!

Consider studying law? Maybe not so bad, Ian thought, but he was committed to a path and he knew of another young man, already in law, a Rhodes Scholar, much more suitable and Ian knew he would also be in Oxford in the coming term.

Miriam saw you two together, and she says you told her about him.

Miriam …, Miriam! Dad, she had no right. Is it why she behaved strangely earlier?

Oxford is a fantastic opportunity, a new emphasis on the very area you are interested in and there will be all sorts of interesting people from all over the world. Who knows who you will meet? Rhodes Scholars, for instance, someone who has proven himself.

Steven has straight H1s, high distinctions in the old parlance. Chemistry, maths and physics, not easy subjects!

But you are too young, Sarah. Nineteen and how old is he, twenty, twenty-one? Definitely too young. You need more experience of the world. Don’t let this girlish infatuation …, Sarah! he called to her when she stood up and walked briskly out of the room. I’m not paying if you stay at Melbourne! he called after her to hear yelled back at him, It’s free, dad! Are you going to throw me into the street? shortly followed by the sound of a door slamming shut.

Was that Sarah? Mary asked Ian when she looked in on him soon afterwards. What did you say to her? She’s not a yeller or a door slammer.

We were talking about Oxford.

Oxford? I thought …, she doesn’t want to go then? Hmm, you know my opinion.

But dear, it is such a good opportunity and she will meet the right types there.

But she doesn’t want to go.

It appears not, he admitted.

What’s the fuss about, they both heard from the direction of the door and turned to see Miriam peering in.

Oh, Sarah is in a tizz about Oxford, Ian replied.

Is this because of the scruffy student? Miriam asked with an excited air about her.

Scruffy student, what are you talking about? Mary asked.

You don’t know! Sarah has a beau, Miriam said with relish. Not the right sort. Long hair, and I mean long! Scruffy. Probably some dead-beat, hippy, arts, drop-out sort, a radical into rallies and demos. You should see the boots he wears!

What did you say to her, Ian? Mary looked at her husband.

Told her she is too young, and she is, and not to throw her life away on some girlish infatuation.

Hmm. I’ll see what I can do. You two stay here! Mary said and left.

She was heading for Sarah’s room but changed direction when she heard the burr of the telephone dialling.

What are you doing, dear? Mary asked gently when she found Sarah at the telephone.

Sarah jumped when she heard her mother’s voice. She had changed her mind from the rather precipitous decision she made when she stormed out of her father’s study and was intending to hang up. Now, instead, she depressed the cradle with one hand while retaining the handset in the other. She looked up to see her mother watching her, waiting for a response. The only thing which came to mind was her original intent.

Dialling for a taxi.

Why? Where are you going? It’s, Mary glanced at her watch. It’s rather late.

This put Sarah in a quandary and with her mind in turmoil from the recent events she was only able to concoct a story close to the truth.

Back to college tonight. Forgot to say I, um, I have a final, err, interview with my tutor tomorrow, early morning, and I left a few things in my room and I haven’t given my key back yet, she said with a rush at the end. Means I have to go in tonight.

Mary considered the large shoulder bag she was carrying and the fact it was obvious Sarah was being flexible with the truth.

This isn’t because of dad?

No-o, Sarah replied hastily, but rather uncertainly to Mary’s ear. I really have to go back, and caught up in her lie she turned back to the phone.

Forget the taxi, dear. I’ll drive you.

Mum, no. You don’t have to.

And it gives us a chance to talk. Come on, faster than waiting for a taxi.

Sarah regarded her mother. She knew it was an excuse for her to question her but she also knew she would be quizzed while waiting for the taxi and possibly not only by her mother.

Okay, she replied and hung up properly.

Go out to the car, dear, while I find my keys.

There was silence between them until they reached the main road.

Sarah, Mary started but paused. She was about to question her about her boyfriend but decided instead to skip over him for the moment. This Oxford business. I am not as keen as your father but I do see there are some advantages.

I’m not going! Sarah snappily replied. There was a brief silence before she added. And I want to be in college next term too.

Ah ha. What do you want to pursue, more of the science and society? Mary asked.

Yes. Thinking of some psychology units too, sort of bridges arts and science and it is good to understand peoples’ motivations. All fits together.

Sounds interesting.

Mum, what about college next term?

Hmm, your father won’t be keen and … may not be possible. You were only booked in for first term and they will already have allocated your room; there is a big demand for places in Ormond.

Sarah exhaled heavily and looked down at her knees which she started to jiggle nervously. Mary recognised the signs and wondered what was distressing her.

I’m sorry, dear. It was all arranged at the start of the year, we were lucky a place became available for you in first term.

I …, I, yes I suppose, Sarah said and sighed again.

Home’s okay. Faster than going to school, train to Flinders Street and I understand there are lots of trams to the university.

But you miss out on so much. College is much more a whole life? People doing similar things and you are right in it, where things are happening. And no young sister bugging me and of course, but she stopped because letting her thoughts run towards Steven was likely to upset her even more and she knew it was important to present a rational front to her mother.

Like the English universities. Much more of a tradition of live-in whereas here most students are still at home, Mary said.

There was no real response to what she said but it made Sarah think of her friend, Marion. Also a first-year, she was living in a student share house in Fitzroy. Maybe I can do the same thing, she thought, instantly tempered by, shit, how much does it cost? Some cash in the bank, need to check the shares granddad gave to me. How do you sell them?

Are there any other reasons you don’t want to go to Oxford? Mary asked, reverting to the original topic.

Sarah looked at her in a considering way.

I hear you have a boyfriend, Mary added when they were crossing into Elgin Street.

His name is Steven, Sarah replied but did not elaborate.

After Sarah remained silent for one set of lights Mary decided to probe further since they would soon be arriving at Sarah’s destination.

So what is he doing? she asked.

However, Sarah’s mind was wandering off in a different direction and she ignored her mother’s question to instead ask one of her own.

How old were you and dad when you married? Sarah asked.

Mary was surprised by her non-response and by her question coming out of the blue but answered it anyway.

Oh, sends me back a ways, dear. Just on twenty-one. Ian was back at university straight after the war, he was twenty-three. He was the first young man I really went out with, she mused at the end.

And how long did you know each other?

Sarah. This is about you, not me and ancient history.

Dad’s being a hypocrite then when he reminded me I am only nineteen. Steven’s twenty-one soon, it’s much the same.

But they were different times. The war and everything. Even with it all over there was still a feeling of urgency.

What did your family think? Sarah asked even though she knew the answer.

She had the story from her father’s mother. Mary’s family was well to do with a good name whereas her father was a newcomer, an unknown. They were very unhappy at the time (an understatement according to her grandmother) but following her father’s success it was all forgotten, except not by his mother. She was not bitter about it but considered it ironic her son was more successful than any of his in-laws.

I think you know, dear. We wanted to marry earlier and they came around in the end, Mary replied. Probably why Ian tolerated Claire’s Damian. But now he is extra cautious after her disaster and it is why he is worried about you and how young you are.

Sarah remembered the way Claire gushed over Damian, proclaiming him the love of her life, her soul mate. While she dearly wanted to talk up Steven to her mother she knew it was the wrong course to take at the moment.

Mum, you know I’m not like Claire. She is always on about something, her latest discovery, her latest craze, Sarah replied.

Which is why we worry. Is this Steven so important you will throw up the chance of a lifetime to study at Oxford? It’s not like you at all. Oh, but maybe. You have always been somewhat of a loner. Has the first young man to pay real attention to you turned your head?

Silence settled around them again, broken by Mary while she was negotiating the roundabout in College Crescent.

Can we see him, Steven? Bring him around next week. Have him to dinner, Mary suggested.

Hmm. I’ll ask. Did dad tell you he was considering changing track to law and I even suggested Steven talk to him about it? Not sure now after what dad’s done. And another thing. Is there a time Miriam won’t be home? The weekend?

Thursday, Night

Mary drove up the main driveway of Ormond College and drew up in front of the main entrance.

You are okay, dear? You do have your room still, not some defiant gesture? Mary asked.

Yes mum, I have a place to sleep, a room. I will be fine, Sarah replied, a little breathless now she was closer to the impetuous decision she made earlier: it was like fate was pushing her towards its fulfilment.

So why the big bag?

So I, um, can bring the rest of my stuff home.

Hmm, Mary hummed, thinking, sheets too? Didn’t I see them earlier? but did not mention it.

See you mum, thanks for the lift and I’ll ask Steven about the weekend, when I see him, Sarah said and opened the door to slip out.

Don’t be too hard on your father, dear, he only wants the best for you, Mary said before the door shut.

She was disturbed by the scowl Sarah gave back in response, which increased the unease she felt at leaving her. Mary was certain her daughter did not have her room in college and suspected she instead intended to walk to the share house of her friend, Marion. She leant over and wound the window down an inch or two.

You’re sure that you don’t want to go somewhere else?

No mum. I’m fine!

Still not convinced Mary wound the window back up, let the brake off and slowly pulled away. Sarah ran up the main steps and turned to wave her off. However, when the car disappeared Sarah headed in the direction of McCaughey Court rather than Picken Court where her old room was.

Arriving at the ground floor she felt too energised to wait for the lift and instead ran up the steps to the third level. However, while she knew Steven’s room number this was her first time in McCaughey Court and she was confused by the numbering system until she realised each corner was its own cluster of rooms which shared a bathroom and mini-kitchen area. With this discovery, she was soon in front of his door.

The light seeping out underneath it implied he was in and she took a deep breath to steady herself before knocking. There was no response. She knocked harder: she knew he listened to music using headphones and it was possible he failed to hear her. When there was still no response she stepped back and looked down to confirm there was light at the bottom of the door. Maybe he went out and left the light on, she was thinking when she heard the bathroom door open. The problem with the room layout was she was stuck at the end of one of the short passageways with nowhere to go. She turned away to obscure her face.

Sarah? she heard and turned back to see Steven standing at the end of the other short passageway with a toothbrush in his hand.

His unexpected appearance sent tingles through her body and froze her on the spot. Steven managed to cover most of the distance between them and say, Weren’t you…, before she snapped out of her stupor and lurched forward to embrace him and smother the rest of his words. After catching him unawares and greeting him enthusiastically she slid her cheek over his to put her chin on his shoulder and hug him even more fiercely. Her whole body was trembling and she pressed