Molly's Fun Day Off (Bingo night)
Molly's Fun Day Off (Bingo Night)
Irene was back in a cab at 4:30pm and Molly raced down the stairs and hopped in. They were both excited when they arrived at the Bingo Hall. Irene purchased their setups for the games and they were assigned at a table together. Irene had brought extra money for special cards and snacks. The big prize for the full house or coverall as they call it in the USA was a thousand pounds. There was also a Lucky Star ball number where you win a thousand pounds if you bingo on that number. Irene got number 24 and Molly got number 52. You have to Bingo on that special number in 46 balls or less or that jackpot ends and rolls over for another day. Because the prizes were large it was crowded.
"It's a lot better since they banned smoking. It used to be you didn't even need to light up. All you had to do was breathe. And a grey fog hung in the air over the tables. Yes, it was better now."
"My mum used to smoke like a chimney at Bingo back then," said Irene. There were lots of older ladies but some men too. You tried not to drink too much tea or soda or you'd be running back and forth to the loo. They also had a large screen that showed the balls as they popped.
Irene and Molly got set many times. That is when you are one ball away from yelling Bingo. Neither had won anything yet but they were having a ball. The hall got dead quiet as they started to call the big game. Just as they were about to call the forty fifth ball Irene was down to needing three more balls and Molly was set for ball number 52. Irene looked over at Molly and swore she could hear her heart beating like a drum. A caller's loud voice called 52 and Molly started screaming Bingo Full house and then couldn't breathe because she was so excited. Irene was in shock too and smiling a mile wide. They came over and checked the card and it was declared a good Bingo. Molly was so excited she couldn't speak but made strange noises instead. Irene couldn't stop laughing because Molly was so happy. Molly insisted that they share the prize 50/50. Both ladies were having the time of their lives.
They decided not to stay for the night owl games and had security call them a cab. While they were waiting for the cab to arrive Molly gave Irene a big hug and whispered "Thank you, Irene. I had a great time. This was the most fun ever."
Irene warned, "It's only beginners luck, Molly." The cab came and quickly dropped Molly off at her apartment. She blinked the light to let them know she was safe inside. The cabbie then drove Irene home. After Irene got back to her hotel she sat in shock on the bed in her room. She had a thousand pounds in her pocket and Molly had the time of her life. How will she ever out do that the next time she takes her out? Goodness.
Molly was so excited that she couldn't fall asleep. Damn, I have to be at work at 6am and it’s nearly midnight. She looked at the thousand pounds she had won like it was a dream. Her cat curled up in her lap just glad that Molly was back home.
What a day!