The Last Word
Wrenched from slumber by a persistent ringing, she reached across the bedside table and answered the phone. A swift glance at the clock showed it was after one in the morning.
‘Hi, it’s Mum. How are you?’ said a perky voice.
‘Um, not bad.’ She blinked and shook her head. ‘But you do know it’s very late, don’t you?’
‘Is it? Oh, sorry. Lost track of time.’
Again? And it was Sunday night too. Didn’t Mum have work the next day, like her? ‘Is there something important only I’ve got to be up tomorrow, like you, I expect.’
‘Yes, well, I’ve decided to hand in my notice. I’m just so fed up with the way I’m being treated. I’m going to go somewhere else.’
‘What’s happened?’ Her stomach clenched. She wiped sleep from her eyes and propped herself on one elbow.
‘Look, I’m not going to talk about it now but they’ve been telling lies about me, saying I can’t manage things and getting confused. I know what’s happening. They’ve got their eye on thingumijig from the department downstairs, and are just looking for a reason to get rid of me. I always get the whatsit to balance.’
‘Sorry, who’s saying this? And what are you getting wrong?’
‘I’m not getting things wrong, Monica. Shirley’s the one ganging up on me. Now are you coming for lunch this weekend?’
‘One thing at a time, Mum, please? Did you say you are going to hand in your notice or you have already?’
‘Have what?’
‘Have you handed in your notice already?’
‘No one has handed me my notice!’ She could hear her mother’s breath coming fast and heavily. ‘They’re all bloody hypocrites and jealous because I talk to the customers and get good sales.’
‘Look, Mum, I wasn’t due to come this weekend but maybe I will if that’s OK. Then we can talk about this?’
‘Yes, I knew you’d need reminding. Good job I phoned. Night, night.’
THE END