Chapter 2
It was Marlene’s turn to get the shopping. She didn’t mind, Lily’s list meant she didn’t have to think, so it was really just some alone time. Something you don’t get much of in 2-bedroom apartment in central London shared with 3 other girls. Living in close quarters was not something she was used to. Growing up with one older brother in an estate on the outskirts of Glasgow meant she had plenty of space. Yet, she found she didn’t mind terribly, sharing space.
Marlene turned a corner, pulling her jacket closer, the late September chill settling in. London was nice this time of year, multi-coloured leaves littered the streets, and traffic oddly calming despite its disruptiveness. She stuffed her hands into her pockets, regretting the choice to leave her gloves at home. Although, she’d probably rather lose a finger than interrupt an argument between Mary and Lily.
Just yesterday, the girls had dropped their debut album. After performing a cover of ‘Everywhere’ by Fleetwood Mac, they had been signed by a record label, and had finally released their first album. Tonight, the girls were hosting a party to celebrate this release. Mary wanted to splash out, buying lots of drink to honour the beginning of what she felt would be a lucrative career. Lily, on the other hand, said that they weren’t successful yet, and thus should continue to save what little money they had. Marlene knew they were both sort of right, but under no circumstance would she be interfering in the ongoing debate of Mary’s thoughtlessness and Lily’s lack of commitment.
Lily and Mary often fought. They claimed it was because of conflicting personalities and motives. Marlene thought it was because of unresolved sexual tension (a fact she would not be mentioning to them). Entering the shop, she headed straight for the alcohol aisle. She grabbed enough drink to satisfy Mary, but not too much that Lily would have a breakdown and made her way to the crisp aisle. As she was debating between barbeque and sour cream and chive pringles, a trolley bumped her hip.
“Sorry, I wasn’t paying – McKinnon!?” The offender was a stunningly gorgeous woman, with dark braids and a heart-shattering smile.
“Meadows! Long-time no see.”
Dorcas Meadows was an old classmate of the girls, she never had much to do with them, but she played on the netball team with Marlene, so they spoke occasionally. She, like Lily, was incredibly smart and was currently studying at Oxford. Seeing her in London was, therefore, a shock. Although certainly not an unwelcome one.
“What brings you to London?” Dorcas asked, as Marlene examined her face.
“What? Oh, erm, trying to start a band, you remember, Mary and Lily? We’re trying to, well we have actually, released an album.” Her cheeks were flaming red, nearly the same shade as her lips.
Dorcas smiled, “Yes, I remember, you were very good! I’m glad you’ve managed; I’ll have to listen to it!”
“Well, actually, we’re ah, well we’re having a party to celebrate, tonight actually, at my, well our apartment. I’m sure they’d want to catch up, I’d like to catch up,” Marlene’s face was burning at this point, but she couldn’t stop. “that’s if you’re not busy. Although if you are free, you don’t have to come, I just thought, maybe, if you,”
Dorcas let out a giggle. “I’d love to.” Marlene grinned. “Where do you stay?”
“Oh Yes!” Marlene scribbled the address on the back of the shopping list.
“You sure you don’t need this?”
“Nah, I’ll remember.”
“See you!” Dorcas steered her trolley and headed towards the aisle end and grabbed a bag of popcorn before turning out of Marlene’s sight.
Marlene returned to the apartment later with a large quantity of alcohol, an unmovable grin and nothing else.