Page 77 of Chaos Theory
Julia and David are nearby. Julia giggles and grabs David’s arm, seemingly in need of support. I look over at Shane at the other side of the room. I watch his eyes widen and his mouth open.
As Shane predicted, Trish is dressed as Dorothy fromThe Wizard of Oz,with 2 long plaits, a blue check pinafore dress and red shoes.
JP’s costume takes me an additional 45 seconds to accurately discern. As I am expecting to see a lion, it requires some extra processing before I conclude that JP’s costume is not, in fact, that of a lion. There is no long tail, or mane. There is, however, a red collar around JP’s neck, attached to a long leash, the end of which is held by Trish. JP appears to be covered in dark grey fur, with dark make-up on his face, and two small, triangular ears on top of his head.
‘Toto!’ Imelda says to David and Julia. ‘He’s Toto.’
‘I know-toh,’ David says.
‘Stop.’ Julia now appears completely unable to stand independently and clings to David for support. ‘I can’t.’
‘Well, you better, ’cos they’re coming this way,’ David says.
JP and Trish begin making their way across the room, greeting individuals and groups along the way. They bypass me without comment. They reach the group that is now composed of Imelda, DC Jen, David and Julia.
‘Great costumes, Trish!’ Imelda says. ‘Wonderful idea!’
‘Thanks!’ Trish says. ‘Would you believe I made these costumes myself? JP says I’m very talented at sewing. I’m thinking of putting more time into it, actually. But then I wouldn’t have as much time for my painting.’
‘Oh, what a shame,’ David says.
‘Now,’ Imelda says to Trish, ‘we’d heard you were coming to the party and that you were dressing as Dorothy. But I must admit, I think we all assumed that JP would be, well, how can I put this…not a dog?’
Trish laughs. ‘You know me – full of surprises. Subverting expectations wherever I go.’
‘That’s one way of putting it,’ I hear David say, although it is unclear if the rest of the group also hears this.
‘Oh, it took some persuading, I can tell you – didn’t it, honey?’ Trish pats JP on the arm. ‘It had to be Toto. I mean the rest of the crew are just a bunch of brainless fools! But the clever, loyal companion that is Toto? Yes, indeed – a good fit for my JP!’
Trish shakes JP’s leash and leads him away to another group of colleagues.
‘Honestly,’ Imelda whispers, ‘it’s just so humiliating!’
‘I mean,’ Julia says, ‘how does he do it? But really, I mean –whydoes he do it?’
‘I have a theory,’ DC Jen says. The group closes in tight, but I can still hear their conversation.
‘So do I,’ Imelda says.
‘Well, what’s yours then?’ DC Jen says.
‘He’s afraid of her.’
David and Julia laugh.
‘What man isn’t at least a little bit scared of his wife?’ DC Jen says. ‘I think it’s more than just that though.’
‘Go on,’ Julia says.
‘Okay. Now, hear me out on this: he just really loves his wife.’
They all laugh.
‘I’m serious,’ DC Jen says.
‘But all he does is complain about her!’ Julia says.
‘But what about the other stuff he does?’ DC Jen says. ‘Letting her sell her crappy art in the shop. Involving her in staff nights. The fact that she’s here right now. The fact that he’s wearingthat.Mark my words – he will not leave her side tonight, and it’s got nothing to do with that leash around his neck.’
