They both scrambled onto their booster seats in the back of the car and fastened their seat belts. Sandra checked to make sure they were secure then got in herself and set off, the children’s favourite songs blasting. They all joined in and as she glanced in the mirror and saw their happy faces she felt a lump in her throat. She would miss Kali and Rana so much.
She pulled up in the parking area by the play park and they all got out. The children immediately ran off to play, Kali jumping onto the swings, Rana hurtling down the slide. There had been a time when she’d had to coax them, hold their hands, help them onto the swings, stand at the bottom of the slide to catch them. Those days were gone.
They’re growing up fast, and soon they won’t need you to pick them up from school, she reminded herself. They won’t want you to take them to the park, or to have sleepovers. They’ll be off with their friends, and too busy to see you. Don and Laila will be busy too, you’ll be lucky if you see them all for an hour a week. You’ll be on your own in a home and city with no memories.
Don was late, and in a hurry to get home when he picked up the children. She’d known he’d be in a rush, so had made sure Kali and Rana were both ready.
‘Can’t stop, Mum. I’ll call you later. Thanks for having the kids.’ He gave her a peck on the cheek, as usual, as if the other afternoon had never happened. ‘Oh, by the way, our house is going on the market on Monday and the estate agent said this is a good time to sell. They’re actively looking for properties. And there’s some lovely bungalows for sale in Cambridge,’ he added.
She could obviously decipher the barely hidden message, and Don was looking at her, waiting for a response. ‘I’m still thinking about it.’
He pursed his lip. ‘Don’t take too long, Mum. The clock’s ticking.’ He ushered the children out, calling over his shoulder, ‘See you over the weekend.’
When they’d gone Sandra sunk down onto the sofa, her head in her hands. What should she do? She felt like her whole life was being turned upside down. And she was terrified of making the wrong decision.
Her phone pinged. It was Patti.
Patti
Do you have time to chat?
Sandra phoned her immediately. ‘Hi, what’s up?’
‘You know you said that you’ve always wanted to swim? Well, I was passing by the local swimming pool earlier and saw they were advertising swimming lessons for seniors twice weekly. Mondays and Thursdays. Fancy joining? I’ll come with you.’
‘You can swim already,’ Sandra pointed out. ‘And I’m not sure. I think I’m a bit old and wrinkly to be parading around in a swimming costume.’
‘It’s for seniors, everyone will be old, wrinkled and have droopy boobs. Anyway, I’m a bit self-conscious too, you know. My boobs are lopsided since the cancer and I haven’t swum for years. Might not have the energy now. I’m not going to let it stop me from trying though.’
Of course Patti would be a bit anxious about how her body had changed but if she wasn’t going to let it deter her, neither was Sandra.
‘Let’s do it,’ she agreed. ‘Then when I go to visit Becky inAustralia I’ll be able to swim in their pool instead of sitting out on the side or wearing a float.’
‘Good for you! There’s life in us “Old Gals” yet! I’ll book us both in for Monday, shall I? Now how about we go swimming cossie shopping?’
‘I have a couple of costumes somewhere…’
‘Yes, but we need new ones, brightly coloured, for our Insta.’
‘You want us to put photos of us in our swimming costumes on our Instagram account? Goodness, I’ll look a right sight!’
‘Rubbish, we’ll look like a pair of older women having fun. And we might even inspire others who can’t swim to learn too.’ Patti always put a positive slant on things. ‘Now what are you doing tomorrow? We could go shopping then, if you fancy it. Followed by coffee and cake, of course. Or another couple of cocktails.’
Sandra spirits lifted. A shopping trip with Patti sounded just what she needed. Once again, Patti had brightened up her day.
‘Perfect. Shall we meet at the bus stop?’
They agreed a time and chatted for a bit longer. When the call ended, Sandra went upstairs to sort out her swimming costumes. It would be good to have a new one for Monday, but if they were going twice a week she wanted a variety to wear.
Patti phoned again to say she’d booked the lessons. ‘They start at eleven,’ she said.
‘Brilliant. I’ve been sorting out my swimming costumes. I know we’re going to buy some new ones tomorrow, but I don’t want to wear the same ones in every photo.’ She chuckled. ‘Goodness, listen to me! Anyone would think we’re one of those… what did they call them? …influencers.’
‘We are,’ Patti told her. ‘We’re going to shake up “the oldies” and get them to enjoy their lives.’
Well, this was one ‘oldie’ who was starting to enjoy her lifeagain, Sandra thought as she looked at the two swimming costumes on her bed, one black and one navy Both very boring. I definitely need a few coloured ones, she thought, ones that would look bright and fun.
A text pinged in from Patti. She opened it up and chuckled when she saw the photo of two old ladies in Victorian swimming costumes with frilly swim caps on their heads.
