Take a Chance on Me (22 page)

T
here were
several people in the briefing room. Charlie was surprised at the number. Were they all mad? Young and old were sitting listening attentively to the instructor, some looking wary and others with excited expressions plastered over their eager faces. Charlie was drawn to the woman and young girl seated next to her. The girl was little more than twelve. Her mother was petite with dark hair. She smiled the entire time and occasionally patted her daughter's hand with affection. Thoughts of Amy surfaced and Charlie wondered if Amy would ever have fancied taking on such a challenge herself. Her inner voice told her Amy most certainly would. It was a pity she never had the chance to.

Charlie barely heard the safety briefing. All she picked up was that the sharks got fed every few days and that this was not one of those days.

She had been chosen to go in the first team of four with the young girl, her mother and a man who seemed confident. He talked non-stop about a group of barracuda he had eyeballed during a dive. They were told to go backstage to get kitted up.

‘Hi, I'm Mandi. This is my daughter, Melissa.'

‘Hi. Charlie. Nice to meet you both.'

The girl acknowledged her. She was bright-eyed with excitement.

‘Nerve-wracking isn't it? I don't know why Melissa isn't more scared. I'm so proud of her. She's only thirteen. She only became PADI certified this year. I wish I'd been more adventurous when I was her age. The most exciting thing I used to do was go roller-skating or hang upside down on the climbing frame in the park. Kids today. So different.'

Charlie nodded dumbly. Melissa was busy putting on her suit. Mandi squeezed into her suit too, chatting all the while. Charlie was grateful. It helped to focus on something other than her nerves.

‘So, I guess you've not done this before?' Mandi asked.

‘No. It's a challenge. I'm doing it for charity.'

‘Good on you. I hope you raise lots of money. At least it's not as tiring as running a marathon, eh?'

They were requested to leave their fins off; only the safety divers would be wearing them. Instead they were weighted to ensure that they stayed down in the water. Three safety divers, equipped with spears, dropped into the tank.

‘I hope we don't need those chaps,' said Mandi. ‘Still, better they're there. I wouldn't go in alone.'

They made their way to the tank. The man was first to go in. He descended quickly. He was followed closely by Mandi.

‘If she doesn't come in by herself, throw her in!' she told the instructor. But having given Charlie a big smile, Melissa donned her regulator and jumped in right behind her mother.

Charlie's heart thumped wildly in her chest. She gave herself no time to think and, following Melissa, she jumped in, sinking immediately down into the huge tank. She landed at the bottom.

Charlie was acutely aware of an urgent drumming in her ears. The noise threatened to deafen her. She couldn't move. Even if she had the wherewithal to make an emergency ascent she was unable to. Her feet were weighted down, rendering her immobile. The bubbles of air that had been floating above her head like silver balloons ceased as she held her breath, transfixed by the sinister grey shape that was now focusing on her. If she weren't so terrified she might have admired the enormous shark. However, it had fixed its glassy stare on her and was headed towards her, not at speed, but at a teasing, leisurely pace, biding its time before deciding to rip into her flesh. She didn't take in the sparkling white underbelly of the creature or the power of the muscular tail as it effortlessly guided it through the water. All she could see were row upon row of razor-sharp teeth all grinning at her.

Breathe, Charlie
, she thought, willing every muscle in her body to relax. Her vice-like grip on her regulator was making her jaw ache.
Remember, stay calm. Don't show it fear.
The voice in her head continued to attempt to placate her in vain as Charlie suddenly and uncontrollably began to shake. The shark picked up its pace.
Why, oh why, did I allow myself to get into this situation?

More sharks appeared. They arrived from nowhere. They circled the group. Charlie saw teeth – hundreds and hundreds of teeth. Her mind screamed silently at her to escape, then she noticed Melissa. The girl appeared transfixed by the beauty of the creatures. She was admiring them, trying to attract her mother's attention to share the experience with her. The sharks swam above them yet the duo were unperturbed. As if a magic hand had pressed an invisible button, so the sharks were unaware of the divers. They drifted off into the water in search of more interesting sights. Other fish came into view, all different shapes, sizes and colours. She noticed the flashes of colours on the smaller fish as light reflected from them and marvelled at how nature could succeed in painting the small creatures with such rich hues. Charlie felt a serenity she had not experienced before. She was aware of her breathing. It was no longer ragged. It came in relaxed intakes and lengthy exhalations, making her feel more relaxed than she had in years.

The sharks continued to swim overhead. They seemed completely at ease with the intruders in their world. They did not advance on the group and no longer seemed threatening. Their ever-present grins were no longer terrifying. In fact, they seemed no more frightening than the other curious fish that darted about. They were not going to attack. Charlie knew it. She could sense it. This underwater world was harmonious.

Mandi and Melissa sat together on the floor of the tank, searching for something. Charlie found she had regained feeling in her limbs and joined them. She saw what they were looking for. It would make a fantastic memento for the young girl. She picked up the object from the floor. It was a white shark's tooth. She handed it to Melissa. As she did so, a large shark hovered overhead as if watching them, then with a powerful flick of its tail swam away.

The dive over, the group exited the tank. The euphoria was palpable. Charlie hugged Mandi, Melissa and Darren, the man who had made up their little group, and all the team, safety divers and all. Babbling at the same time, they discussed the sharks they had spotted before returning their equipment and heading to the changing rooms to shower. As they left the shark-diving area, each was awarded a certificate and photographs of the experience and then one by one they proudly exited to join those who had come to watch them.

B
ack at the entrance hall
, Charlie discovered Mercedes in conversation with a man holding a microphone. A television camera was set up and manned. They noticed her as she came in. Mercedes backed away. The man lifted his microphone.

‘And so, this is Charlie Blundell. The lady who was once attacked by a shark, lived to tell the tale and has now overcome a lifelong fear to take up a challenge to save a hospital radio station,' said the man.

Charlie recognised him. He was one of the local BBC evening news presenters.

‘How do you feel now, Charlie?' he asked, thrusting the microphone towards her.

‘Relieved. Relieved and ecstatic. It was an incredible experience.'

‘Was it difficult to face your fears?'

‘Yes. I have to thank Alastair for helping me and, of course, I've had the support of my dear friend Mercedes who has overcome far more than an irrational fear of sharks.'

‘Well, I'm sure you've inspired many to tackle their fears head-on, Charlie. Thank you for taking the time to talk to us and good luck with the next challenge. I'm sure it'll be a breeze after this one.'

They turned off the microphone and chatted for a few minutes about the radio station then the small crew left to cover another story.

‘How did you manage to get the cameras here?' Charlie asked Mercedes.

‘I didn't. Jake sorted it out. He phoned a friend on the way here, told them it would make a great story for tonight's news and arranged it for you. That man is perfect,' she purred. ‘I think he's smitten by you, you jammy cow. Why else would he go to such lengths to get the television involved?'

‘Because he is an arse. An arse who attacked a defenceless man, tried to spy on me, dragged up my past and is trying to prove he's a big man by impressing me with his contacts. He's one of those blokes who thinks he needs to prove something. He might have fooled you, but I know he's up to no good. Where is the big shot?'

‘He had to leave. He said something about his son and went. Not before he watched you go into the tank though. He told me to tell you, well done. I think you're being harsh on him.'

Charlie was surprised that she felt some disappointment that he had departed. However, he was lucky because now she felt strong enough to tear him off a strip for his past actions. It was a shame he was not there to face the new Charlie.

‘Drop it. I don't want to sour my elated mood. Let's go celebrate. I think we deserve a bottle of champagne. We are staying the night here, aren't we?'

‘I booked us into a hotel.'

‘Fantastic! Come on best friend. Let's go paint Chester red!'

I
t was
a green-faced Charlie who arrived back home the following afternoon. Peggy banged on the front door as soon as she had sat down.

‘Charlie, I saw you on the television. Bert recognised you and barked. You were wonderful.'

‘Come in, Peggy.'

‘Sorry, dear. I can't stay. I have a date. I'm going to the theatre with Gordon.' Peggy's cheeks were rosy. She looked years younger.

‘So, you and Gordon. Is it serious, Peggy?'

‘Yes it is. At our age you can't afford to hang about. He's a lovely man and Bert thinks he's super too. He kissed him today and sat on his arm like he used to with Dennis. I have a feeling Gordon might even pop the question tonight. He's booked a table at a very smart restaurant before the performance. He's been whistling all day.'

‘All day?'

‘Yes, he's more or less moved in with me. It made sense. No point in heating two properties and his is awfully large. He prefers living in our street. He says it's much friendlier here. He hardly speaks to his neighbours.'

‘You really like him, don't you?'

‘I do, Charlie. I didn't think for one minute I'd want to be with another man after Dennis passed on, but Gordon makes me feel so alive, and he's so funny. I laugh and laugh when I'm with him. I know it all seems a bit rushed, but when it's right, it's right.'

‘Peggy, you go and enjoy yourself. And if Gordon puts a ring on your finger tonight, I want to see it first thing tomorrow morning.'

Charlie pulled the little lady into her arms in a warm embrace. She felt so fragile. Life was precious and she was so pleased for Peggy.

‘I must go back. Gordon was playing ball with Bert and I bet the little devil's propelled balls all over the lounge.'

‘Gordon or Bert?'

Peggy laughed. ‘Bert. If ever they decide to hold parrot Olympics, he'd make a champion ball thrower. They end up everywhere. He has a superb aim. He managed to hit Gordon on the nose. I'm sure he did it on purpose.'

As Peggy turned to leave, Charlie said, ‘Have fun tonight.'

‘Thank you. I hope you raised lots of money. You looked so composed on television. I'm proud to know you.' With that, Peggy bid farewell and left, a noticeable skip in her step.

Shutting the door behind her, Charlie mused on how much Peggy had changed in such a short time and reflected that she too had changed. They were both more content. Peggy's transformation was down to Gordon and Charlie had Mercedes to thank for taking her out of her comfort zone. She decided to call her friend. The phone was answered on the fifth ring.

‘Hi Mercedes, I'm just checking on you.'

There were muffled noises and cursing.

‘You okay?'

‘I'm fine. Dropped my blasted ball of wool. It's rolled off and Bentley has grabbed it.'

‘Wool?'

‘That funny stuff that comes from sheep. You can get it in all different colours.'

‘Ha-di-ha. What are you doing with wool?'

‘It's one of the daft challenges from your list. I've nearly finished it. I'll show you when I next see you. You really were the dullest person on the planet coming up with this. Why ever would you want to knit a onesie?'

Charlie snorted loudly. ‘I didn't write that. Surely, that wasn't on my list? I can't knit or sew.'

‘I'm afraid you did and, worse still, I've spent weeks knitting one. I'm just sewing up the last of the squares on it. I'll bring it in tomorrow and you can model it for me.'

‘Like heck I will.'

‘If I can waste my precious hours knitting the wretched thing, thanks to you, then you can try it on. In fact, you can wear it during the show. I insist. If you don't, I'll make Ryan wear it and come around to your house posing in it. He'll sit on your doorstep so everyone can see him. You wouldn't do that to him, would you? Poor Inspector Onesie!'

Charlie could not hold the phone for laughing. ‘I give in. I'll wear it. But only in the studio. Where no one can see me.'

‘Deal. Can you get in early tomorrow? An hour before the show?'

‘Yes. Why?'

‘I need your help with something. See you then. Bentley! Come back here with that yarn!'

W
hen she walked
into the Art café the following morning, Charlie was treated to a round of applause, led by Patricia and Art. She felt like a celebrity. Throughout the morning, people congratulated her on her dive and commented on the television interview. The feature had included some footage of her sitting calmly with Mandi and Melissa, discovering the shark's tooth on the floor and handing it over to Melissa, while a large shark swam above them. She had done it. She had no more fears to face. Mercedes had been right. She was not the same woman. Basking in the limelight, she decided that nothing would stand in her way now. She would tackle any challenge thrown at her, save the station and then make some important decisions about her life. She had been hiding away too long.

The doorbell clanged announcing the arrival of customers. She looked up to see a red-faced Jake. She prepared to do battle with him.

He marched up to her and from behind his back pulled out a bunch of flowers. ‘These are for you. To say congratulations. I watched you go into the tank but I had to leave to collect Toby from the hospital.'

Charlie was thrown by the news and recalled the anxiety she had felt when Amy had been taken to casualty following a tumble in the school playground. Charlie had been worried sick and Amy, who had fractured her thumb, had had to wear a large plaster cast for several weeks until it healed. Her reaction was of concern.

‘Is he all right?'

‘Thanks, he's fine. He hurt his ankle during a cricket match. The school feared it was broken and whipped him off to hospital but it transpired it was only sprained.' He changed the topic. ‘So, these are for you. They are to ask forgiveness for forcing you to share your story. I'm sure reliving it was horrific, but it was such an opportunity for you. The television crew were far more interested in filming you when I told them about your past history. I hope you didn't mind.'

For an instant Charlie forgot she was furious with Jake. He didn't seem like the sort to be aggressive. All she could see was a nice man who was undeniably charming and handsome. She gazed at the mixed bouquet of flowers.

‘These are beautiful. What are these blue flowers? I've not seen them before.'

‘They're from my garden. They're borage, also known as starflowers. You can eat the leaves. Traditionally borage was used in cooking and for medicinal purposes. Nowadays, they're mostly used commercially for their oil. I like the look of them. I sometimes use a few leaves for decoration on my food. I added them to the bouquet because they represent courage.'

He managed to look bashful. His face searched hers for approval and found it.

‘Thank you. I'm genuinely touched. So, you're a gardener?'

‘Not really. I have a small plot for vegetables and herbs. I enjoy cooking, so I like to have fresh produce.'

‘Do you want a coffee?' She found she had asked the question before she had thought about it.

‘I'd love to but I have a meeting with Abigail.'

‘Well, thank you for the flowers. You shouldn't have.'

‘I should. I still owe you an apology for that incident with the fellow in the white trousers.'

‘I think you owe him the apology,' she replied tartly. His reference to Rob reminded her that she shouldn't be fooled by Jake.

‘Well, I wouldn't go that far,' began Jake.

Charlie felt her blood beginning to boil again. Who was this man? One minute he was kind and generous and the next he was stand-offish and arrogant.

His phone rang before she could say any more.

‘Must take that. Well done, Charlie. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. The newspaper is going to run a lengthier feature on you and have assigned me to cover the story. I'll be going with you when you take your next challenge. Mercedes said that would be fine. See you soon.'

He left with a smile on his face, chatting into his mobile, oblivious to the fuming woman he had left behind.

‘What beautiful flowers,' said Patricia. ‘Are they from an admirer?'

‘No, they're from a dickhead,' answered Charlie, dropping them unceremoniously into a large vase.