“Cheers mutt, just what I wanted for my birthday!”
I dug my hands into the pockets of my magenta waterproof jacket. Merrily, I walked to the beat of electronic dance music that blared from my headphones, while Rufus - my golden retriever - cantered around in front.
An overcast sky dimly lit the woodland that particular May morning. With a light breeze that rustled through the tree tops and disturbed roosting birds. It was the type of morning I enjoyed the most.
Taking a sudden left turn, I delved deeper into the trees and off the beaten path, whistling for Rufus to follow. Trees were just sparse enough for me to walk through with a few weaves, until I came upon a small clearing.
This little clearing was well maintained by local youth, adding makeshift seats from fallen trees neatly in a circle, an old burnt out barrel turned fire-pit stood proudly in the middle and even a little rubbish bin. I glanced around the familiar surroundings. A quick smile flickered across my face as I traced two fingers over some etchings on the bench beside me.
Rufus rolled around in a small patch of grass while I settled onto the log bench, removed my headphones and reached up into my hand-knitted purple slouchy hat to find the slightly scrunched spliff I made earlier.
I straightened it between my fingers delicately before lighting it up and watched the paper burn while taking the first draw. My body relaxed into the log bench, my eyes closed, and a smile slowly cracked on my rather cold face. I exhaled. I should probably introduce myself, I’m Leah Jenson, though a special few call me E.L.
“Nothing’s better than a good morning spliff, hey Rufus?” I remarked watching my beloved pooch. Rufus barked, more interested in the stick I had just picked up, dashing off into the bushes when I’d thrown it.
Being there meant I could smoke without the fear of being detected and I could allow my mind to wander and Rufus could get a good run.
Win win situation all round if I say.
Wonder what films Vincent will provide tonight? I gazed off into the trees, while I swung my legs lazily. Bushes rustled and Rufus jumped up, lunging into another bush to emerge victorious in his discovery of the stick.
Wonder what the mother bear will berate me for this time when we have lunch tomorrow? I threw the stick and it rushed through the air, clanking off a tree and disappeared into a bush. Rufus barked excitedly, chasing after it, a snorted snigger escaped my throat. I stared out at the trees in front, captivated by the way the leaves danced delicately in the wind.
I reckon I can afford a candy floss machine-
Something brushed against my leg. I yelped, flinching so dramatically I fell off the bench. My heart was beating so frantically against my chest that I could feel my pulse in my ears. A wet cold nose prodded me in the face, and I shouted loud profanity when I realised it was just Rufus whom had retrieved the stick.
I muttered inaudible ramblings to myself - something about him wanting to be lucky he was cute - and picked myself up off the floor, dusting off my trousers before I threw the stick once more.
I chose to believe this was a cue to leave, and quickly gave the log bench one last glance before swiftly marching back through the thick trees. Rufus followed behind proudly, stick in mouth.
Goddamn stupid fucking mutt! Wants to be goddamn glad he’s fucking cute! I grunted under my breath as I dashed through the crowded street, gritting my teeth when people suddenly stopped in front of me. I was clearly in a hurry, could they not just stop and have a conversation in the middle of the street, it would have been much appreciated.
Of all the goddamn fucking days. I ran towards the small shopping precinct and the Cafe ‘Mama’s little dumplings’ bursting through the front door “Hi Mrs. P! Sorry I’m late Mrs. P, will be back in a moment Mrs. P!” I sang and waved to the sweet plump old lady behind the counter as I ran past, towards the staff room.
I entered the staff room, and my eyes widened. The scene I was greeted with wouldn’t have been out of place at a children’s birthday party. Birthday banners decorated the pale yellow walls, while balloons tied to the chairs surrounded the little round table and floated gently above the homemade red velvet cake that sat proudly in the middle.
Mrs. Palmer, Mrs. P as I so affectionately call her, had obviously been busy. A rush of electric energy hit me in the chest and an excited giggle reputed from my throat; had to admit that it almost made it up for working on my birthday.
“Sorry again Mrs. P, Rufus thought rolling around in-” I lowered my voice “-fox crap would be an awesome idea.” My head twitched as a shiver tickled my neck, recounting the incident. “And thank you for the birthday cake, can’t wait to sample a slice later.”
Mrs. P stood with her back turned to me making sandwiches “Oh glad you like it dear” She replied not taking her attention from her task at hand. “You could have had the day off if we’d found someone sooner”
“Yeah I noticed the staff wanted sign was missing from the window” I remarked glancing at the window “so what they like then?” I inquired paying more attention to tying my apron straps in a perfect bow around my waist.
Mrs. P’s attention had been pinched “Oh Leah!” she turned swiftly, abandoning the sandwiches “he’s a bonny lad, around your age, maybe a bit younger, tasty little bum!” She puckered her lips nodding her head knowingly “He’s called Jack and he starts on Monday”
A snorted laugh vibrated out of my nose and my cheeks blushed pink faintly. “Mrs. P! You’re not meant to say things like that!” I giggled, feeling a little uncomfortable that the woman I regarded as a grandmother figure, talked about men in that way.
“Well all I can say is if I were your age again, mm-hmm, I’d teach him a thing or two”
“Mrs. P. no! You’re a sweet lady who bakes cakes, please don’t taint my perfect image of you” I shook my head, still giggling, and prepared myself for the 6 hour shift in front of me; it was a Wednesday what could possibly go wrong.
I stepped out of the cafe, cake in hand and thankful that that shift had finally ended; my thumb still tingled and ached. The sky cleared and the sun warmed the air.
Thoughts of the bottle of rum that was sat on the kitchen bench brought a smile to my face. Skipping the song for a more favourable upbeat one, I quickened my step - if the sun stayed out I could enjoy a drink in the garden.
