How Big Was It?

SMS. 9.33. Hello, how r u miss? – christian

SMS. 9.44. It’s all taking on a grim tone Miss to tell you the truth – Tom

SMS. 9.46. Why? – christian

I called Tom after that.

Who is Tom who used to live at 30 X Street, who works at the Clinic and who seems to know me and you?

christian

That would be nurse Tom I guess ... with the big... He was a friend of Robs – lovely guy if it’s the one I’m thinking of.

Tim

Yeah, that's him. He says he knows me, but I don't have the faintest clue who he is. How does he know me?

And a big... you say?

christian

Huge – ridiculously big... how did you meet him... He has been to the house before on a number of occasions and you've met him as well..

Tim

He was taking Aby's blood and when he saw the address he said he knew you and me.

christian

christian – How big the 2nd wave was.....Tsunami Phuket(Thailand) – this isn’t real is it?

Tim

Tsunamis can be that big, no doubt about it. But not in the case of the most recent ones, no. They weren't that big.

christian

Thought so

Tim

Heavens to Betsy – I forgot to ask you... we are going to the laird on Friday night – would you like to come along.? I’ll bring u a surprise!!

Tim

Yes, I reckon I will.

I might even bring my old friend from London who is staying with me at the moment.

christian

Oh – He thinks we're lovely!! Are you home this weekend – I will pick up that scratching post and come over if you are not busy? How’s pussy  >**<

Tim

I wish I could remember him...it doesn't seem right not to remember someone who thinks I'm lovely.

I should be home on Saturday until about 2ish. I have to take my London mate to the airport on Saturday for a 4pm flight.

Pussy is good. She loves feet doesn't she.

christian

Can we meet at your house and head over – I’m going with Grant (my new housemate.... Christos may come too.

Tim

Um. Can we confirm that closer to Friday. I like the idea, but I should see what my visitor wants to do first, I reckon.

I might even get Manny to come.

christian

Sounds good – will email you Friday morning – if I forget please email me...

x x Tim

She does!! Like feet.

Tim

Did you know Tom was in hospital?

christian

No – what’s up?

Tim

He's had trouble getting over the flu, but it turns out he has got some bug that he has to be treated for in hospital.

christian

Hope he's ok... please pass on my love when you talk to him next

Tim

Joel Libretti offered me a glass of white wine as soon as I got home. With determination, or was it just politeness? I was on the phone to Manny, trying to get him over, to get his pants off. But I was having no luck. I drank the wine, dutifully. White wine, what's more. Big glass.

I'd cancelled mum for Sunday. I went to a play with her Monday night and I'm taking her to Bolago Sunday.

Joel and I sat in the atrium and chatted. He'd been to the beach during the day. It was hot. He'd had quite an ordeal getting there, but as he found out, and as I confirmed to him, Melbournians are very good at directing people. Happy to. It's in their nature. Joel went to the beach with Rachel. St,Kilda Beach. They had only been there for half an hour when Rachel said she was leaving. Too hot for the kids to stay out in that heat for so long.

You don't mind, do you? said Rachel.

Not at all, said Joel. He said to me that he was damned annoyed.

He'd been having trouble with his Lloyds card. So we called London on my phone and he straightened it out. Lloyds has a blanket block on all cards being used outside of England. The nice boy in South End removed it for him. It lasts 30 days.

Joel said he was going to treat me to dinner. I asked him what he fancied and he said KFC. So, we had KFC.

Nick A and Lisa arrived with my mortgage documents and the requisite Nick A accoutrement, pot. Talk about shit-faced. Me, that is. I had to lie on the couch and hang on. Er! I just remember Lisa saying good-bye, hoping that I was all right.

Joel and I had been drinking white wine all night. Joel kept filling up my glass. The two combined and I was a gonner.

Not long after I staggered off to bed. I remember bouncing off the walls as I headed up the stairs.

Joel slept on the couch. He woke up hours later, a little dazed and confused. He asked me in the morning if he thought it was the dope, rather than the wine? I said it was. It probably was.

Oh, I was in a right state by the time I got to bed, I remember the room spinning. I messaged Rachel with the intension of telling her that Joel was pissed off with her leaving the beach early today, but I didn't in the end. 

SMS.21.07. How’s r u, miss? – christian 

SMS. 21.30. I’ve been chatting to Alexandra. I got through the good part of a bottle of wine on that phone call – Rachel

SMS 21.45. She still complaining about Alexander – Christian. 

SMS. 22.00. Yes, of course. Isn’t she always – Rachel.

SMS. 22.10. I’d help Alexander out, if she doesn’t want to – Christian.

SMS. 22.15. Bloody hell, I’d help him out, too, don’t know what’s up with Alexandra – Rachel

SMS. 22.36. Do u reckon Alexander did it with Adam? – christian 

SMS. 22.40. All those nights together at choir camp when they were young? – Rachel

SMS. 22.52. What’s Alexander’s mobile? I’m stoned. I want to proposition him. He might still be at work – christian 

SMS. 22.53. 0400 xxx xxx. Maybe we could take a night each – Rachel.

SMS. 22.55. I reckon he’d be good at it, all that ‘go getter’ energy he has – christian 

SMS. 22.58. I can certainly see it – Rachel

I flinch now that I think about it. But Rachel was keen, it wasn’t like it was just me with the dirty mouth, you know, like it normally is.

(Sometime later, I tried to bring up our wonton conversation about Alex, but Rachel wasn't having any of it. She had no idea what I was talking about)