Friends

They had grown up together. They knew almost everything about each other save the innermost workings of their minds. But everyone is a stranger to our secret thoughts.

When Anne's mock results were not as good as Harriet's she coached her until Jane went into the exam hall feeling as though she could have solved the meaning of life. When Harriet's heart was broken for the fifth time in a year, Jane took round chocolate, tissues and her best non-verbal responses. When Jane was sick after their Fresher's ball, Harriet held her hair and stayed up until she was sure she wouldn't choke in her sleep. They worked in the same cafes, bars and hotels and later they would call each other after work to mutually moan about their hideous bosses. They talked about the children they wanted, the homes they would have, holidays, clothes and who would provide them.

Jane married first. Martin was something in the city, had connections, parents with houses in town and in the counties. She no longer needed to work. She had her children, clothes and took wonderful holidays. It was with utter bewilderment, shock and grief that after five years Martin took Harriet and never brought her back.


Time up.

Inspiration: rather obscure today. I saw the word twins and thought I'd write about that but then it lead me thinking about friends and how to turn the idea of friendship inside out. Not sure I totally accomplished what I had in my head within the ten mins, though.