Chapter 9
Chapter Nine
E arly morning yoga on a Monday was one of the rare occasions where Dan would join Chrissie and Rae. Seven am in the community centre with fellow early risers was the perfect way to start the week.
Rae was wearing their customary baggy shorts and fitted vest top, while Chrissie preferred her tie-die T-shirt and leggings. Dan, however, was wearing his school issue tracksuit as his class had PE on Mondays.
The class was coming to an end. Rae’s gentle voice slowly brought the group from their peaceful prone position in shavasana. “And gently bring your awareness to your fingertips, your toes, your head.”
Chrissie flicked her eyes open and began to make small movements. “That’s right,” said Rae, their voice still low. “Slowly bring yourself up into a sitting position.”
The class began to rouse from the pose that served as the reward at the end of a long and strenuous yoga class.
“Bring your hands together, thumbs to your forehead,” said Rae and the class did as they were told. “Namaste,” Rae added.
“Namaste,” said Chrissie softly. It was something she hadn’t been able to say when she’d first started. Not until she’d researched the origin of the word, which in this context was about bowing to oneself; thanking yourself for taking care of your body. In many ways, yoga was the only healthy vestige of Infinite Bliss. She was grateful to still have it as an outlet. It was a way of bringing her body and mind together and being at one with the world.
“I think it’s my turn to get the coffees,” said Dan, as they strolled along the high street towards school.
“Well, I won’t complain. Although obviously it’ll be a chai latte for me, please,” said Chrissie.
“Obviously,” replied Dan. The coffee shop at the top of the high street had only just opened, and they were served quickly. Chrissie had remembered to bring reusable takeaway cups. Dan always forgot, so she tended to bring one for him too.
“So, how’re things going with your old friend?” asked Dan, as they continued their journey to work. “She seems pretty sound.”
“Yes, she is. The kids love her.” Chrissie smiled.
“Did you know her well back in the day? I mean, I know you said you were friends and there was a bust-up,” asked Dan, clearly desperate to find out the back story, in spite of his earlier attempt not to pry. “Were you just friends?” he said, giving her a nudge. Chrissie took a sip of her too-hot drink to buy time to work out what to say. “I had a ‘best friend’ at high school too,” continued Dan, “and I can tell you, she and I were very friendly,” he added, with a grin. They left the café and began to walk towards the school.
“Oh, it’s far too early to hear about your teenage shenanigans,” said Chrissie.
“Ah, it wasn’t like that,” Dan replied. “It was actually very sweet. She was my first love.”
“Bless you. That sounds lovely,” said Chrissie. She could imagine Dan would have been a very sweet first boyfriend for the right girl.
“We went to different unis, and the whole distance thing didn’t work out. But we stayed friends. She’s married to a stockbroker now, I think. Perhaps she’s traded up?” he said, blowing on his drink.
“From you, Mr Harvey, never,” Chrissie insisted.
“But don’t change the subject. What are we talking here with Nisha – best friends, experimentation, first love?” Dan’s red hair flopped over his brown eyes, which felt like they were piercing Chrissie’s soul. She didn’t know what to say. All of the above? None of the above?
Always questioning.
“Oh my,” said Dan, “you had a thing with her, didn’t you? I was only joking, but this really was a thing.” He rubbed his hands together in glee.
“Ugh,” said Chrissie. “Ok, yes, there was a thing. But saying it was a ‘thing’ makes it sound tawdry, which it absolutely was not.” There was an edge to her voice that made Dan raise his eyebrows.
“Sorry, bab, I didn’t meant to upset you,” he said, concern laced through his eyes.
“No, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap. Yes, it was a thing. A big thing. A big thing that ended badly.”
“Teenage love is hard, right? Believe me, I remember.” They were walking in through the school gates now. “Look, you don’t have to tell me about it, but if you ever want to, you know where I am.”
“Ta, love. In the meantime, has Nisha told you about her plans for a trip to France?” Chrissie was relieved to change the subject. She wasn’t sure how best to describe her current situation. The journal was calling.