Check, Please

MumNext: Sweetheart. There you are!
FridayNext: Hi Mum.

They hug in a slightly awkward manner and MumNext removes her handbag that she has had strapped across her chest. As if she was a college boy. FridayNext doesn’t mention it to her. They have had this conversation already and MumNext didn’t appreciate the truth. They sit at the table. MumNext is looking around eagerly. She loudly thanks the waiter who brings the menus.

MumNext: This is different. I have never been in a sushi restaurant.
FridayNext: *shrinking from MumNext’s shrill voice* It’s just like any other restaurant, Mum. Nothing too special.
MumNext: I know, honey. It’s just different. From where we usually go.

They only go to a restaurant once a year. Last time was 10 months ago. They had Chinese. For the first time in Europe. They were surprised that they liked it.

FridayNext: How is he?
MumNext: Oh he’s fine. He’s tired and exhausted but fine.
FridayNext: Well, he’s in his 70s, so…

They let the sentence trail off. MumNext looks at the menu but soon gives up.

MumNext: You choose for me. It’s all fish to me.
FridayNext: How hungry are you, Mum?
MumNext: Oh I can barely eat a thing.

And she’s right. She never eats a full meal. She usually gulfs down a piece of toast and she’s full. Then dessert comes and like magic hunger appears and she munches like a fully grown man. She is mean with chopsticks, though. They were in China 8 years ago. FridayNext is impressed.

MumNext: How’s work?
FridayNext: Alright. Busy.
MumNext: That’s good, sweetie.
FridayNext: Mmm.
MumNext: How’s UniCorn?
FridayNext: *smiles at the thought of her best friend* She’s fine.
MumNext: We should have lunch one day. All of us.
FridayNext: Good idea. I’ll ask her when it suits her.

MumNext has finished off her ten pieces of sushi. She sighs. Then she downs half a lager. FridayNext is only halfway, always a slow eater.

MumNext: This wasn’t bad. It was very good. It’s a good place.
FridayNext: Yeah, I like it. The fish is good and it’s not too expensive.
MumNext: So…

FridayNext knows what is coming. She’s been dreading it.

MumNext: How is everything?
FridayNext: Fine. Just busy, you know.
MumNext: Have you heard from CodeCruncherGirl?
FridayNext: Yeah, she got engaged two weeks ago.
MumNext: Ooooooooooh.
FridayNext: Mum…
MumNext: Well, good for her. It suits a woman to wear a ring on her finger.
FridayNext: Mum…
MumNext: And how about TravellingChick?
FridayNext: Still travelling, Mum.
MumNext: Do you ever hear from Mohamed?

She finally said the M word. The word that nobody in the family has dared to utter for months and months.

FridayNext: No. It’s over, you know.
MumNext: Well, I’m sure he was a nice boy…
FridayNext: …man…
MumNext: …and I didn’t mind him being…you know…but I just wished that he had had a different name.
FridayNext: *sighing because she’s heard it all before*
MumNext: Martin. What’s wrong with Martin?
FridayNext: Not many Muslims are called Martin, Mum.
MumNext: Or Matt. Matt is a nice name.

FridayNext looks at MumNext who appears cool as a cucumber. She gulps down the rest of her lager and hides a burp.

MumNext: I’m just saying…Matt is a nice name.

Some Days Earlier

Matt: Excuse me, but are you MumNext?
MumNext: Oh my! Indeed I am. You must be Matt!
Matt: Hello. It’s an honour and a pleasure to meet you.
MumNext: Likewise, Matt. Likewise.

MumNext radiates and steps closer to Matt. She spreads out her arms and hugs him in a motherly way. Matt is surprised but hugs her back, carefully. She steps back a little and looks at him, approvingly. He smiles, shyly.

Matt: Should we sit? Waiter?

MumNext puts her hand on his arm and lets him guide her through the crowded restaurant to their table. She practically beams when Matt pulls out her chair and squeezes her shoulders as he asks her if she is comfortable.

MumNext: I’m so glad that you called.
Matt: Me too!
MumNext: I had no idea that Friday was seeing someone.
Matt: No?
MumNext: She can be very secretive sometimes.
Matt: Perhaps she’s shy.
MumNext: Sweetie, she’s many things but that’s not one of them. At least not to friends and family.

Matt smiles and nods. He picks up the menu and glances at the various dishes.

MumNext: I’d love a steak, Matt.
Matt: Me too, MumNext.
MumNext: Call me Mum. We’re practically family, sweets.

Matt beams and thanks her.

MumNext: And I’d love a lager, honey.
Matt: Me too, Mum!
MumNext: Sugar, we’ll get on just fine.