The Mirror - J. Morris (beginner reading books for adults .txt) 📗

to me in my dreams, just how close I came to causing someone to die.”

              Mary read his words without looking up as he continued writing.

“I went to prison. Three months but I was out in two for good behaviour. When I got out I managed to track the old guy down and I apologised to him. He said he forgives me. He told me I’m young enough to make something of my life. He told me not to waste my chance. You know what he said then?”

Mary read the page. She looked at Danny and shook her head.

“Mary, he said if I ever needed help, to just ask him and he’ll do what he can. Can you believe that?”

Mary wrote: “He obviously saw something good in you.”

“I promised him I would never do anything like that again. It was the truth. I left the gang and my parole officer got me a job. I want to be a good person Mary. I want to show you that I’m a good person.”

             Danny lowered his head and put his forehead in his hand, his elbow resting on the table. He felt extremely remorseful, and unsure if he could go on. Mary could see how upset he was. He looked up as Mary held up a message.

“I’m here, Danny. Let me take some of the pain.”

At that, Danny burst into tears. Mary let him be for a minute or so until he regained his composure.

“I’m sorry Mary, I just need to be alone for a while.”

“I understand” she wrote. “Can we talk some more tomorrow night?”

“Do you really want to? Knowing what you know now?”

Mary nodded, and gave him a slight smile.

“Ok, thank you,” he replied “but if it’s ok with you I might have a quiet night alone tomorrow. See you the night after?”

“Why don’t we have dinner again tomorrow night and talk. You can talk to me Danny. You can tell me anything.”

Danny shook his head. “I’m sorry, Mary. I just need to get my head together.”

Mary wanted to help him, to listen to his troubles, but she respected his decision.

“Ok, see you Saturday night.”

Danny nodded. They put their hands to the mirror, only ¼ inch of glass separating their palms, and after a long look into each other’s eyes, Mary watched Danny go into the bathroom, and she hung the bedsheet.

“Goodnight Danny” she whispered to herself.

             When Danny came out from the bathroom he saw that Mary had hung the bedsheet over the mirror. He went to bed, switched off his light and laid back, staring upwards in the darkness at the ceiling and knowing that he wouldn’t sleep that night. Images were beginning to re-emerge of the not-so-distant past. Danny knew from previous experience that the haunting memories of prison will flash through his mind and torment him until another piece of his soul has been taken by his demons.

 

 

 

Chapter 7

 

              “So,” said Adele, “how’s the romance going, how’s Danny?”

“Oh my god, Adele. He’s just so nice. I think I’m in love.”

“Oooh, you go, girl” Adele replied, and gave Mary’s shoulder a little squeeze. “So tell me the goss. Have you done it with him yet? Come on, spill.”

“Well,” Mary replied, “we’ve fooled around a bit. Kind of. He’s so hot Adele.”

“Hmmm, he sounds like it.” said Adele. “So how big is it?”

“How big is what?” Mary replied naively.

“You know…”

“ADELE!!!” said Mary shocked.

Adele stared at her expectantly.

Mary shyly held up her hands, moving her palms apart, and grinned sheepishly. “About this.”

They both laughed, and Adele applauded. “I can’t wait to meet this Danny guy,” she said. “I don’t know what he’s done with the old Mary, but I just love this new one. Who knows, maybe I’ll even tempt you to come out for a couple of drinks.”

“Maybe…” Mary replied thoughtfully. She knew Adele and her friends had a drink every Friday night. “I’m not seeing Danny tonight,” she said. “If you’re going to the pub I might tag along, if that’s ok.”

              Mary felt a little guilty about going out for drinks when she knew Danny was at home feeling miserable, but she knew how tense she would be in her apartment, knowing Danny is behind the bedsheet feeling bad. She knew she would be too tempted to look in to his room to see if he was ok, and that isn’t what Danny wants. He wants privacy. Going out with Adele would be an adventure and a challenge, and a chance to clear her own head as well, and when she sees him again on Saturday night her cheerfulness might rub off on Danny.

Adele couldn’t believe her ears. “Damn right it’s ok, Girlfriend! I’ll pick you up at six.”

The buzzer sounded for the return to work. Adele gave Mary a huge hug. “See you at six Babe. Don’t you go changing your mind in the meantime. ok?”

“I won’t,” replied Mary. “See you at six.”

            Mary was excited about the night ahead, but nervous. She had made a commitment and couldn’t back out now. The more she thought about it, the more she realised she didn’t want to back out anyway. She felt so much more comfortable and confident within herself. She felt she had so much self-worth. Maybe Danny was right. As silly and corny as his little observations were, maybe she really was like a flower too afraid to leave the seed, too afraid to show the world her colours. She saw Adele’s reaction to her revealing parts of her personality that she had hidden for so long, and she felt that she wanted to share more of herself.

 

             At six o’clock Mary was waiting outside her apartment building for Adele. She wore her new blue dress that she had bought for Danny, and also her matching blue lipstick. Her hair was held back from her face by her white headband. Danny had given her so much confidence and self-belief that she now wanted to show the world who she was. Inside she was terrified, but she was determined to get out there with her friend and try and have a bit of fun. She would feel safe with Adele. When a cab pulled up in front of her Adele wound down the back window.

          “Jump in” said Adele. “The girls are going to meet us there.”

Mary got in and Adele gave her a quick hug.

“Wow Mary, you look amazing! That dress looks great on you.”

“Thanks.”

           As the cab headed toward the city Adele looked over at Mary, noticing that she was fidgeting nervously.

“You’ll be fine” said Adele, squeezing Mary’s arm reassuringly. “We don’t have to stay late if you don’t want to. Just let me know if you want to leave at any time.”

“Ok. thanks Adele. This is the first time I’ve been to a pub.”

           They pulled up at the bar and the other girls, Sue and Monica, were waiting outside. Mary had met them both once or twice before.

“Oh wow, Mary, you look absolutely gorgeous!” said Sue.

Mary blushed. “Thank you. It’s a new dress.”

“It’s really beautiful” said Monica. “It looks so good on you.”

“Come on. Let’s go inside” said Adele.

           The bar was crowded, but they found a table at the back and they sat down. The music was pumping and people were talking loudly trying to hear each other. A few couples were dancing. A waitress appeared next to their table.

“What are you drinking, Mary?” asked Adele.

“I don’t know. I don’t usually drink.” she answered.

“She’ll have a Vodka and orange, and I’ll have the house wine,” said Adele to the waitress. Sue and Monica ordered theirs and the waitress went towards the bar.

Mary looked around the room nervously.

“You know, Mary, it’s better that the place is full,” said Adele. “If you’re feeling self-conscious you can blend more easily into the crowd. Nobody is going to notice you here.”

“Yeh,” said Mary thoughtfully. “Yeh, you’re right. Thanks.”

            The waitress returned with the drinks on a tray. She passed the vodka and orange to Mary. The other girls got their drinks and Monica tapped her credit card to pay for them.

“So,” said Monica. “Adele tells me you have a new guy in your life.”

“Yes, I do. His name’s Danny.”

“And how’s that going?”

“Really well. He was busy with other stuff tonight. That’s why my night was free, but we normally meet up every night.”

“Well, we’ll have to meet him one day.”

“Yeh,” replied Mary. “Definitely. One day soon.”

Just then a group of four guys came over to their table.

“Hey girls” said one. “Would you like a dance?”

“I’ll be in that!” said Sue, and she skolled her wine and put the empty glass on the table.

“Me too” said Monica. They both rose and moved to the dance floor with a partner each.

A third guy looked at Adele.

“No thanks. I’m good,” said Adele.

“No problem,” he said and he and the 4th guy walked away without asking Mary.

“You could have danced, Adele. You don’t have to worry about me. I’d be fine.”

“I came here with you, Mary. I want to spend some time with you.”

Mary smiled. “Ok.”

           They talked and watched the people on the dance floor for a few songs.  Sue and Monica were sitting on the other side of the room engrossed in conversation with their newfound friends. Mary was on to her 3rd Vodka and orange and, being a non-drinker, was really feeling the effects of the alcohol. She was more than a bit tipsy. She was talking non-stop, mainly about how wonderful Danny was, and thanking Adele for bringing her that night, and for being her ‘bestest friend…ever!’

            A voice came over the speakers announcing Karaoke hour.

They listened to a few wannabe singers who were obviously Karaoke ‘regulars’. The barroom filled with applause and whistling after each performance. Then Adele got up. Mary watched in awe as Adele pumped out the Madonna song ‘Papa Don’t Preach.’ Mary thought Adele was amazing, not just singing the song in perfect tune, but doing a great impersonation of Madonna dancing.

When she finished the applause was deafening.

Adele returned to the table.

          “You were amazing!” said Mary, wide eyed with an inebriated grin. “I wish I could get up and do that.”

“Thanks Mary,” said Adele with a smile.

Mary looked at her adoringly.

“I love you Adele.”

Adele rolled her eyes. The alcohol had definitely taken effect on Mary.

“Yeh, love you too Babe.”

“No I mean it. You’re my best friend.”

“Yeh. you’re mine too.”

“Well,” said Mary, “when I say best friend, I meant after Danny of course.”

“Of course.”

“Coz Danny’s my boyfriend you know.”

“Yeh, I know.”

“But you’re my girlfriend.”

“Yep,” said Adele.

“Well, you know, not like ‘that’ kind of girlfriend” said Mary, doing the quotation sign to accentuate the word ‘that’.

“Yes, I know.”

“Just besties,” said Mary.

“Mary, I think you need to slow down on the drinks.”

“This is only my first.”

“No, it’s your third. And you’re not used to drinking.”

“I’m fine,” said Mary, waving her hand dismissively.

They watched another singer. No one else got up after that.

“Come on all you talented people. Let’s hear what you’ve got. Don’t be shy.” said the voice through the speakers. No one moved and it seemed to be the end of the show. Adele looked at Mary who looked as if she was thinking deeply. Mary suddenly looked excitedly at Adele. It was an expression that Adele had never seen on her before.

Mary rose from the table and walked up to the Karaoke machine.

Oh my god! thought Adele as the room broke out in applause and whistling. Please be careful, Mary.

             The room went quiet as a shaking but excited Mary studied the machine. She seemed puzzled, and looked questioningly at Adele. Adele ran over to her.

“What’s wrong, Mary?”

“How does this thing work?”

Adele showed Mary how to operate the machine, and after asking Mary if she will be ok, returned to her seat and crossed her fingers. Mary scanned down the list and chose a Jennifer Rush song ‘Power of Love’.

When the music started she froze and missed the first verse, but picked up halfway through the second. Mary had