Chapter 9

August 27, 1:49pm

Bob,

Frank: I wonder how he's even functioning at all.

My thoughts exactly. Sorry it upset you so. I'm kind of relieved to at least know the facts now, even though they're horrific. When he gets back, he's going to get such a huge hug from me I'll probably suffocate him. I just hope he doesn't in some way blame himself for Susan's ultimate action.

I loved the bit Mike told me about Frank organizing them to work 'unofficially' at the nearby village and renovate the school and community centre - that's so like him. And the village kids crowding him - yeah, I know he would love that no matter how down he is feeling. Frank has told me several times that a small part of him wishes his kids never had to grow up. I can just imagine him being a Granddad - they will walk all over him and get away with it!

Yeah, I do now realize changing my name would not be the most subtle thing to do. In fact, I won't change it anyway, even though I don't like it. Plenty of folk say they like Vicky, so I guess I should believe them.

SOL:

I've already taken the first steps at SOL. I've modified the prologue of 'Brad and Janet', stopped feedback and reviews. I've removed 'Daddy's Little Girl' and I've removed the old blogs and posted a new one, explaining that 'Brad and Janet will be taken down in two weeks (that was Frank's request, so that readers who read online have chance to finish the story). Then it's gone and handed over to 'Tedbiker', but first I'll alter all the names that Frank wants changing. Actually Bob, Frank never asked me to change 'Susan' so I guess he wants that name to remain.

Richard:

Since I wrote down my thoughts on Richard's actions at the club, I've done some further thinking and I kind of figured you'd say what you did, which pleases me, because it means I'm starting to think the correct way - you just confirmed it, so thanks! I'll befriend him first and see how that goes - as you state, if he is really serious about me, he'll be prepared to wait; if he's just after a quick horizontal rumba, then he won't wait and will move on. Didn't know he'd told Magenta he was sick of bimbos and was now wanting something more serious with his next girl - she didn't tell me! Guess she had her reasons. (No, I'm not mad with her before you think that).

Okay, moving on to your next email now. Guess I will be logging in on Nell's Netbook if your don't get the second part out tonight (my time).

Victoria.

August 27, 2:10pm

Vicky,

You know I thought it really sweet that you apologized to me for not being able to share some of the stuff Frank told you about. Unnecessary but very sweet.

If Richard feels the way M has talked to me about it, then he isn't going anywhere. If he is a shithead he'll go of his own accord. Good test I think. Besides if he does or does not wait for you is if no real importance anyway. The most important part is you are not ready for a romantic relationship right now. You don't have to apologize for it upsetting me. I told you before I found a lot of similarities between Frank and I while reading Brad and Janet. As such it was very easy to sympathize for the poor guy. I came dangerously close to losing my love just last month believe me when I can tell you I understand his pain over losing his.

Enjoy your trip girlie!!!!

Still say Patricia just wanted to avoid having to drive on the correct side of the road.

Yeah not all Brit food is bad, but really baked beans for breakfast? Perfect way to start the day, blowing wind everywhere you go...

Bob

August 27, 3:01pm

Bob,

Just where do you get it from that we eat baked beans on toast for breakfast? Nobody I know would eat just that for breakfast. Beans on toast is typically a quick snack you might have particularly for lunch or maybe dinner.

My typical breakfast at home is juice, cereal, coffee and croissants or crumpets or poached/scrambled eggs on toast.

If I'm hungry (and in a motel, because I certainly couldn't be arsed to cook it myself at home!), I'll eat the Full English breakfast, which is typically Bacon, sausage, fried egg, grilled tomato, mushrooms and toast or fried bread and sometimes baked beans are added too, but never on their own! As far as beans and farting, it's my experience working on site that it doesn't seem to matter what the lads eat, they still fart!

Re: Patricia - you may be right (left?) about that - I've driven in Holland and they're crazy fuckers, so it doesn't bother me the thought of driving in France (yeah, that may surprise you as I've only been driving solo for 18 months or so, but I love driving). As you know, the Brits are not the only country to drive on the left (which IMO is the right side of the road, no, wait ... err the left, um ... damn). Try Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Ireland, Malta, Pakistan, Some parts of Africa ... to name but a few ;

The EC wants us to change to the right. Apart from the billions it would cost, I can't begin to imagine the carnage in every town and city that would occur! Your equivalents over here would certainly be very busy!

Enjoy your trip girlie!!!! - I'll try my best!

Damn, I feel hungry now writing about food!

Victoria

August 27, 6:57pm

Hey Magenta,

I had the same concern about Vic kissing Richard on the cheek as you did. She and I have talked about it since then and she says she still isn't ready to pursue a romantic relationship yet. I told her to put him in the friend zone (do you have any idea how much us blokes HATE the friend zone?) Matt may be your only but Sarah is not my only. Anyhow I told her that if what he said was true he would wait as long as she needed and if all he was after was in her knickers then he'd go away of his own accord. So tell him to be a friend to her but stay around and not give up. I will continue to encourage her in little bits. Having him in the friend zone gives her a chance to get to know him without all the pressures of romantic intent. I have a feeling that she will turn her thoughts toward dating Richard at some point, but right now you need to understand Brad the Twat left a very strong once bitten twice shy reaction in her. Be patient.

Vic picked up the other guys that went to Africa at the train. One of them had a flash drive from Frank for her.

At this point I am swearing you to absolute secrecy here.

You do not know this flash drive exists.

Vic wrote me probably the longest email she's ever sent me about it. I am not going to tell you any of the things she told me as she asked me not too, just as I have not told her any of the things that you thought should be kept just between us.

I now know why Frank went on project x, why he is staying the extra month when the work is really below his level and why the difference in his personality before he left. I cannot tell you what his reasons are but I feel so sorry for the poor bastard I actually cried at one point when I read her email. It is tragedy on tragedy on tragedy. Trying to get Vic to move on past him is the right thing to do but in his situation probably one of the hardest personal sacrifices he has ever had to make. I also understand much more as does Vic about the cheating on his wife thing. For the record do not ever bollock her again by saying that. It will hit her much harder than you intend. Do not apologize again for already having done it either.

There were some things she couldn't tell me about as either Frank asked her not to or she thought it was just too private between the two of them. She actually apologized to me for not being able to share that. What a sweet girl. Totally unnecessary but really sweet. Tell Richard to be patient, if he is he may end up with a real gem.

Hope you aren't mad but I used copy and paste to share what you said with Vic about Richard. I downplayed the drinking to drown his sorrows part and made it more part of the social situation you lot were in. She got everything up to and including the fact that you were hung over. She didn't get anything below that.

You aren't going to see Vic at work until next Tuesday. She's going to France. If it's any consolation, ask her who forgot today was a Bank Holiday in England and showed up at work :) Yup, she did. Feel free to bollock her about that.

Once you're done teasing her about showing up at work can you explain what the hell a bank holiday is? For that matter what's Boxing Day? We do not have either.

Bob

August, 28, 1:12am

Bob,

Just checking in before I leave the house to go to Franks house.

Please don't write about anything you're uncomfortable with, after all, I left some personal stuff out about Frank and I. You really don't need to mate.

I just got a nice text off Magenta wishing me a good time in France. She also asked if enjoyed working yesterday. mmmm ... Something tells me that some twat from the USA has maybe emailed her? Cos she doesn't start work till 9 or 9:30AM so can't have heard about it there... ;) Magenta's the mouth of the office, so if Dave doesn't say anything, she certainly will! (I don't mind, really!)

Cheers, Victoria

PS - you know I was joking calling you a 'twat' right?

August 28, 8:25am

Yes some twat from the USA DID email her. Couldn't resist. I just knew she'd tease you about showing up at work, if she knew about it. So I made sure she knew about it!!

Bob

August 29, 3:04pm From Magenta

Bob,

i sent a text to Vic to wish her a happy holiday, and i couldnt resist getting in a dig about her coming into work on a bank holiday - thanks for telling me that pal, though you do know Vic will probably know that tip-off came from you, dont ya? so she might bollock you! ;)

received a text from Nell today to say they arrived OK (i think Vic has left her phone and laptop behind - good on her for that!).

your questions: bank holidays were set up in the Victorian era by an act of parliament to ensure that bank staff got some time off/holidays other than just sunday. also, because the banks would be shut on those days, then it was considered that other business would shut for trade to, and therefore it generally became a public holiday for all. there were originally 4 bank holidays - easter monday, may day, end of august, and boxing day (Christmas day was already a holiday). i think we have 6 bank holidays now. bank holidays always fall on either the friday or monday, which is why we get these nice long weekends.

boxing day was named after the act back in the day of the well-off 'boxing up' things they didn't need and handing them out to the poor, usually the day after Christmas. it was also a collection box placed in each church on Christmas day and wealthy people would put in money or gifts and then, the box would be opened the next day and the stuff given out to the poor. also, servants working for rich people on Christmas day would often be given a 'Christmas box' full of food and gifts as compensation by their master to share out with their family the next day. so that next day became known as 'boxing day', it stuck and became a firm date on the calendar. the kindness act still sort of happens now, but is more symbolic. there is so-called 'alms money' given to the poor. now, in present day, boxing day for most folk is just an excuse to have another day of stuffing your face with yet more food and/or booze, and/or going to the mall to grab a bargain or 2 (most major shops open and have huge cut-price sales on boxing day). also, there is a lot of sport - football and rugby mostly - and the games tend to be 'friendlys' between rival teams in the same town city, so that folk dont have to travel far to see them.

does that answer your questions? shit, just realised, now i look like my nerdy lil sis writing serious stuff like that! she will be proud of me! guess your gonna squeal on me and tell her!

i've noted what you said about not talking to Vic again about Frank cheating and i promise i won't mention anything youve told me. what happened to Frank must be pretty bad to make you cry - i cant imagine what it is/was - would i want to know? is it really so bad? see Bob, i really like Frank a lot - yeah, i wind him up and take the piss out of him, but i always see him smile when he walks off, so i know he likes it really, BUT, please tell me he hasnt done anything that would make me hate him or not like him anymore OR, and more importantly, that he hasnt done something that could/will hurt Vic in some way? i mean, your not talking something real bad like hes done something really illegal? i cant believe he has, but just saying :(

BTW, i dont mind you sharing anything we write if you think it will help her.

and yeah, your right about Vic - she is the sweetest girl you could ever wish to meet - i knew that within 10 minutes of first meeting her. theres no side to Vic, she's transparent. shes tough in a lot of ways but also has an almost child like innocence to, and thats why i look out for her so much.

BTW, spoke to Richard AGAIN and told him not to read anything into that kiss - said that Vic was just being friendly. i told him she is really confused about the whole relationship deal at the moment. his answer was that he wasnt surprised after everything that has happened to her. i smiled at him and told him that was a good answer. i told him 'she might only ever want you as a friend' he said something like 'so long as she tells me that so that i'm not left hanging then fine'. then i asked him if he was really sure he could wait for her is she wanted more than just friendship - he said 'i see her in my life, simple as that, so yes, i'll wait'. wow, i almost shed a tear! (i'm being half cynical, half serious - i've known Richard a lot of years and he is a really great bloke, BUT, hes also what we call 'a bit of a jack the lad' - i find it slightly hard to believe this change in him, as he certainly did like his bimbo fuck bunnies - i guess i have to believe him when he says he now wants to settle down. anyway, i finished our convo off by reminding him that i'd be making him eat his own balls if he ever so much as hurt a single hair on Vic's head. he said 'oh, dont i know it, dont you worry'. i patted his cheek and told him 'good, so long as we understand each other' ;) oh, and believe me Bob, i CAN look after myself - 2 older brother made sure of that when we were kids growing up! and if it ever came to it, what i didnt finish off, Matt would!

hope that hurricane aint affecting you? i guess your to far north though?

and shit, you can tell its a crap night on TV - i've written far to much again. oh, and Matt is out with his mates, so i'm all alone, sob, sob...

regards, Magenta

August 29, 8:47pm

Magenta,

One of the last things Vic did before leaving her house for Franks was to send me an email accusing a certain American Twat of telling you she showed up at work. In fact what follows is exactly what she said.

Vic said I just got a nice text off Magenta wishing me a good time in France. She also asked if enjoyed working yesterday. mmmm ... Something tells me that some twat from the USA has maybe emailed her? cos she doesn't start work till 9 or 9:30AM so can't have heard about it there... ;)

I don't think shes read it yet but I responded that of course I did.

I really couldn't resist it ya know. My sense of humor just wouldn't let me.

Would you believe she actually added a ps after her signature to remind me that she was just teasing by calling me a twat? She is such a sweet girl. I know how she uses that word, but she was still concerned how I would take it.

Your guess is right. Vic told me she was going technology free for the week. Or going to try too anyway. She also said there was a distinct possibility of swiping Nell's Netbook...

Thanks for the explanation of the holidays. I'm not going to rat you out to Vicky. Not being generous there, it's pure self interest. See I figure I may need you to tease Vicky about stuff in the future, like that whole showing up at work thing so I figure I should stay on your good side.

About Frank, would you want to know? Maybe.

Is it really that bad? Yes.

Has he done something illegal? Not even remotely.

Is it something that would/could hurt Vic? Does sympathy count? He hasn't done anything that will hurt her directly. I ain't the only one that feels sorry for the poor bastard.

Would it make you hate him? Absolutely not. Yes I am that sure.

Would it make you not like him anymore? Not a chance. Yes, again I am that sure.

If I thought it were something that would put Vic in any kind of remote danger or cause her pain I would forward you the email regardless of what she asked me to do. She will be feeling sorry for him though. Glad you don't mind me sharing what you tell me with Vic. I don't intend to do that all the time but once in a while it helps her to see that you and I have the same concerns. Like the kiss on the cheek thing. That said if there is something you do not want her to see make sure I know that.

About Richard. OK M I need the straight shit here. I will not encourage her to give him a shot if there is a chance he will fuck up and hurt her like Brad did.

If you think he is decent that's good enough for me. On that score but if you have any doubts about him being serious about settling down I need to know that too. I'm not expecting life time commitment here. I do need to know he would be a decent BF. I made a mistake with Brad I do not intend to make again. I warned her that a lot of blokes would not be able to get over her past. Still would have been much better had the asshole decided it was too much for him the night she told him and not later. Consider telling Richard about Brad should help him understand her confusion at the moment-and need to go slow. If he really is tired of bimbos-that really does happen you know, eventually some pussy just isn't good enough. At some point we want a bird we can actually talk to as well as fuck.

If you think he's worth it I'll give her some encouragement from this end. But I need you to be sure.

NO hurricane worries. We may get some rain from it later in the week.

You didn't write too much at all. Thanks for explaining those holidays for me.

Bob

August 30, 5:53pm

From Magenta

Hi Bob,

Vic and her ps message -that doesnt surprise me - as you say, she's a real sweety.

thanks for putting my mind at ease about Frank - i really didn't think he would have done anything illegal or bad. and if whats happened to him made you cry, then i'm guessing it would make me cry to, and i'm a toughy, so its probably best i never find out (not my business anyway). whatever it is, i hope Frank can pull himself out of his depression. i'm surprised he didnt feel he could tell Vic about his problems face to face - wonder why he had to tell her in a letter? - after all, those 2 are really close. he needs to come home and be around those that love and care for him and, guess what? i might even be nice to him for a few days!

about Richard: i've already told him about Brad, he knows the score and actually called him a wanker, well, that pretty well matches up to you calling him a twat! actually, Brad tried to speak nicely to me at work today, asked me where Vic was. i told him none of his fucking business. he said he hoped she'd still be his friend. i just told him that was entirely up to her, and he should leave her alone until she decided to talk to him and then i walked off - i'm still mad with him, the tosser. yeah, ok, maybe a bit childish of me!