GTMarApr

Creative Writing Corner
"When is a cheat not a cheat"
by AJ Hudson
Gloria sat resting on the sofa, a well-earned rest was in order
after the long slog of hoovering and polishing the house into
pristine condition.
Kate had asked her mother to come over to help clean the
house whilst she busied herself with tonight’s ‘meeting’ as Joe
had put it! Well it was Joe’s boss who had asked to come over
for dinner this evening actually. Joe had worked hard in the
accounts department for 4 years now and hopefully a promotion
was on the cards. There was a higher grade job up for grabs and
Joe wanted the job. “Well, there’s nothing concrete” Joe told his
wife.
Gloria had a few unvoiced misgivings “It could be bad news as
well as good.” she worried to herself.
“Dough Balls are ready to go into the oven later. Oh mum!
I’m so worried as to why Mr Blake wants to come over tonight!”
Kate’s nervous voice called from the kitchen. “I do wish Joe
would ring, he said he would if he heard anything. I’m a bag of
nerves and I feel so sick!” Kate said.
“I’m sure it will be fine, dear. Now deep breaths, worrying won’t
make a jot of difference will it? Now get on and make those
meringues” Gloria said as she tried to reassure her daughter.
“Yes, you’re right.” She agreed.
“Eggs whisked and sugar folded – do it right and you won’t be
scolded.” Kate recited the words her mother had taught her all
those years ago.
“Have you got the flour etc. ready for the pastry for the ‘Boeuf
Wellington’? I’ll rub it in for you if you like! Gloria offered. “The
pastry is all ready and waiting in the fridge.” Kate said. Gloria
opened the fridge door and saw the pre-made packet of pastry.
“You’ve got shop bought, Kate!” “Mum, its 2017, shop bought is
fine, the Beef is shop bought too. I didn’t have to go to the farm
and walk it home on a lead, you know!” Kate laughed. “The eggs
are shop bought too and the sugar and the….” “Ok, I get the
picture!” Gloria felt defeated. “Mum, I know you have taught me
to do things properly but once in a while it’s ok to cheat. Besides,
I’m so flustered, I can’t be messing about with ingredients.
Anyway, I will have made the pastry.” Gloria raised an eyebrow
“Well I will have rolled it out and cooked it!” They laughed.
Just then Joe opened the front door. “Hi Kate! Hi mum! The
boss is bringing the Champers later!” “The Champers?” Kate
questioned. “Oh Yes, I’m sorry I couldn’t phone, I got caught up
with Blakesy” Joe said excitedly as he added, “because! I’ve got
the job!” “You what!” Kate and Gloria said in unison. “What are
you like? You could have rung on your way home!” Kate said.
She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, instead she threw up
“And, by the way I’m expecting a baby!” She announced.
If you would like to submit a short story (450-500 words) for inclusion in
Golden Times, please email jason@goldentimes.co.uk or post your story
to us at: 78 Elphinstone Road, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 2BS
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