Two wicked women?

Posted on by

lizwainwright:

‘All the things in here are reminders of some very happy times.’ She handed Lynda a photograph album. ‘Would you like to look at this while I make us some lunch? It’s photos and mementoes of Ted and me.’
Later they sat on the sofa and looked through the album together.
‘You made him so happy Rose. Ted told me it was the best thing that ever happened to him, meeting you.’
‘Sheila didn’t think so. I feel very guilty sometimes, that I took her husband away from her.’
‘It wasn’t just because of you that he left her. It wasn’t because of me encouraging him, either, though they all still think I was to blame.’
Rose saw how bitter Lynda felt about that. ‘Have they still not forgiven you for taking Ted’s side?’
She looked at Rose, this little woman full of compassion, and all the strength of spirit which had held her together over the years, suddenly seemed to melt away.
‘They don’t do forgiveness, John and his Mother – not where I’m concerned anyway.’ She shuddered. ‘Sheila hates me, always has done. And John, half the time he looks at me as if he’s wondering why the hell he married me. There’s no love there for me, Rose, not in that house.’
‘There’s Carolyn and Steve, and your grandson. I thought you said Carolyn was much closer to you since she had the baby.’
‘She was at first, but now it’s like it always was before. It’s her and her Dad lined up against me, or her and Sheila. Steve tries his best for me, but if he stands up for me it only causes trouble between him and Carolyn. That seems to be what I’m good at, Rose, causing trouble. Even Dan says that.’
‘Dan Heywood?’
‘Yes. We had a row before I came here. You know I’ve always thought it was Dan that I really loved, but I’m not even sure of that any more. Dan told me I just needed something to dream about. And I suppose he was right. This is one of things I used to dream about, coming here. Oh, I’m so glad I could come here, Rose.’
‘So am I. I’d always wanted you to see you again and share this with you.’
Rose looked at this younger woman who had once been so full of energy and hope, and was worried. Lynda was clasping her hands tightly in front of her, trying to hold on to her self-control. She took a deep breath.
‘No-one wants me, Rose. There’s no-one there who loves me, or ever will. I looked round last Sunday and realised that. And I couldn’t take it. I felt so lonely, so cold and lonely. I had to get away.’
The tears begin to stream down her cheeks, and Rose was shocked to see this resilient young woman crumple as if all the strength had been taken from her. Held in Rose’s loving arms, Lynda cried like a child.
She cried almost all of the next two days, and Rose and Janet quietly took care of her. They reassured her that it was all right to stay in her room, or go for walks alone. These two strong, older women had both known what it was like to reach breaking point – they understood Lynda’s needs, and prayed she would come through this crisis in her life.

Leave a comment