Bench Space

An imagined conversation inspired by a photo with a story, taken by my sister-in-law and posted on her PerthDailyPhoto website.

Bench space…

Rodney. What makes you think I’d want a rotten wooden bench with tombstone writing on it?  Ewwww.  A scabby reminder of old people who sat together in some cold and miserable place in England, years ago?  And it must have cost thousands to get over here…. why didn’t you just go to Tiffany’s in King St?  You know I like new stuff… not crappy used things that no-one else wants anymore.  Really Rodney – get a life!

Where’s the romance in that, Nicole?

Who wants romance – bling’s the thing Rod.  I love it when you introduce me to your friends, like at ‘Muse’ the other night.  Everyone loved my outfit – I’m a Perry girl through and through!

I thought we had a ‘life’ together, or were at least building one.  You’re not just – and why were you smoking again?  Who was that bloke outside?  You could be pregnant…

Roddy, Roddy, Roddy, chill already.   Speaking of Alex – do you want to come watch me try on my Perth Cup outfit?  I have to order early… he’s making it in blue, to match my eyes.  Perhaps we could visit Tiffany’s again, something Sapphire-ish?

Nicole, we don’t seem to be on the same page – if we ever were.  Did I tell you, I bumped into an old friend?  Her name is Alex too…

About the preggers thing, Roddy… I got the injection when I went to the doc about a boob job.

You don’t need one!

It’s my body! Just increase my card limit and I’ll surprise you one day, hey?

Yes, about the card.  I’ve cancelled it.

What?  Did you get me another one?  American Express is better, I’ve heard.

Alex is a lawyer.  We met at UWA.  Did I tell you…

My bum’s numb from this friggin’ bench.  Can we go back to the hotel now? 

I wanted you to see what I’d done with it – wanted to let other people enjoy it, feel the romance, like I did.

Great idea, Roddy.  Can we go now?

Go where, Nicole?  You won’t even give me bench space…

Frances Macaulay Forde © 2014