Page 89 of Dancing Fools and All That Jazz
Fay smiles, despite looking incredibly pale. ‘I have to say this fall has taken it right out of me. I would not have been up to finding my way here, but Ingrida has been marvellous navigating the Paris transport.’ Fay turns to Ingrida and smiles at her.
‘You are welcome. It is good to see some of Paris,ja?Look at the Eiffel Tower. We are so close.’
Ingrida sits down next to me on the bench and looks at me expectantly. I give a small shake of my head and lightly pat my bag so she knows I have not yet done the test.
Fay lifts her sari to show everyone the large airboot with Velcro fastenings.
‘That’s one big boot, Fay,’ Ruby comments.
‘At least my outfit hides it from view,’ Fay responds with a smile.
‘How are we going to manage “Dancin’ Fool” without Fay? We need someone to take her place.’ Cath andBonnie go and stand in front of Clarissa and exchange looks before they continue.
‘And on that point, we’ve had an idea.’ Cath encourages Bonnie to continue.
‘So, Clarissa, well… we thought perhaps you would dance with us. You know the routine; you taught us, after all. I expect you will fit into Fay’s costume, too.’ Bonnie cocks her head to one side, awaiting Clarissa’s response.
I must admit this sounds like a good solution to me, but I know Clarissa has not danced with the group publicly in aeons and may not be comfortable on stage. Plus, “Dancin’ Fool” is a very energetic dance and Clarissa is getting on in years.
‘Goodness, no.’ Clarissa looks horrified. ‘My days of performing in public are over.’
‘Nonsense.’ Bonnie pats Clarissa’s arm but I can see from the way Clarissa returns her entreaty with a hard stare that she is unlikely to budge on this.
‘As it happens, there may be a solution,’ Hazel remarks. I am sure she glances at Fay when she says this. ‘But I cannot say more. Not until tomorrow. For tonight, let’s all relax and enjoy the food and the Paris sights. You have all done brilliantly today.’
I cannot think what Hazel means. Unless Fay’s leg miraculously heals overnight, we are a person down, which will present problems whichever way you look at it. I expect Hazel plans to persuade Clarissa during the course of the evening.
I stand up and pace the pavement. Come on. Let us get on.
Finally, we are allowed to board the boat and I rush to the ladies to use the test. I am grateful Ingrida read the instructions for me outside the chemist.
This is it. Please, please, do not let me be pregnant.
Sample taken; the three minutes seem to go on forever… And ever.
Eventually, a word comes up on the small display, ‘Enceinte’. What? Oh, for goodness’ sake; it would be in French. But then I see below in the same window it says ‘3-4 sem’. No. I google the translation of ‘Enceinte’ but I hardly need the confirmation when the answer appears on my screen. I am pregnant.
My first reaction is to call Jay, but I stop myself. I need time to think.
‘Asha, are you OK?’ Ingrida’s voice comes from outside my cubicle. I did not hear her come in. It must be the noise of the boat engines covering the sound of doors opening and closing.
‘Not really.’ I open the door and when Ingrida sees my face, she pats my arm and I hand her the test while I wash my hands.
‘Enceinte. Pregnant. It say 3-4 weeks…’
As the words leave her lips, Bonnie and Cath enter the ladies and stop short as they catch the word, pregnant. Cath spies the test in Ingrida’s hand.
‘Is that what I think it is?’ Cath claps her hands together with delight. ‘Oh, Ingrida, how wonderful. Congratulations. Already 3-4 weeks? How exciting.’
‘What?’ Bonnie looks blank. ‘What is it?’
‘Oh, Bonnie, can you not see? Ingrida is expecting.’
Ingrida looks anxiously at me, and I give a slight shake of the head. Please let them think it is her for now – they all know she is happily married. I told her at the chemist that no one could know I was pregnant if the test was positive, not when they are dancing at my wedding. If I have a termination, I do not want anyone but Jay to know. My parents must not catch wind of it. I look at Ingrida and plead with my eyes. She promised.
‘You dark horse, Ingrida,’ Bonnie begins. ‘Fancy you expecting. Ha. No wonder you got married so hurriedly. What wonderful news.’
‘Is not reason I get married.’ Ingrida steps back from Bonnie, glares at me and slaps the test down on the side of the sink. She marches out and Bonnie looks aghast.
