Short Story

lifestyle Short Story

BREAKING UP ALWAYS LEAVES A MARK

by P.A LATTER

I noticed the sheet of paper on the kitchen table as soon as I walked in. In the early days of our relationship, my husband had left me messages all the time: from romantic cards with flowers on special occasions, to silly notes tucked into my handbag when I least expected it.

In recent years, I was lucky if a text reminding me to pick up the milk was punctuated with an “X”. We still got on fine - at least, we never rowed - but we both had busy careers, and, over time, marriage can so easily become part of a routine, given as little thought as buying the milk.

I picked the sheet up with a smile.

Jane, I’ve written this as a note so you can’t interrupt me before I finish. [I never interrupt you, darling, I thought.] And I’d like you to know the whole of it, before you react. And then take some time to think about it before you reply. [Of course. I never make hasty decisions before thinking things through.] There isn’t anyone else. [Oh God, he’s having a mid-life crisis.] I’m not intending to buy a Harley-Davidson or attend a spiritual retreat so, before you say it, I’m not having a mid-life crisis. You have never been unreasonable. In fact, you’re the most rational person I know. [Thank you.] But perhaps that’s it: there’s no magic. I think we should get a divorce.

No magic? What did he expect from a rational woman? And I didn’t think I could have foreseen this, even if I had the magical power of precognition.

I celebrated the day I received the decree absolute, with my colleagues, at a city bar near the office. At least, that’s where we started.

‘It’s gone through very quickly and smoothly,’ Tarran, my best mate at work, said.

‘We agreed it was the sensible thing to do.’

‘Do you want to be sensible, for the rest of your life?’

‘It’s not a question of wanting to be, it’s what I am,’ I said.

We had more drinks. I later led a Conga line of sharp suits on a pub crawl headed towards Soho. ‘I want to get something to mark the occasion,’ I said. ‘It’s a bit late for retail therapy, dear heart.’

‘Nonsense. Lots of shops still open around here.’

We found another pub and had more drinks.

‘Magic,’ I said, as we emerged back onto the street.

‘What’s that?’ Tarran said.

I pointed, in a wobbly way, at the mystical symbols and depictions of the tarot covering the windows of the shop opposite. ‘He wanted magic and I didn’t have any. That’s it. I’ll buy some as my souvenir.’

I marched into the shop, which turned out to be a tattooist’s studio, followed by several of our group.

‘Go for it, Jane,’ someone behind me called out.

A woman wesring a gypsy head scarf stepped out from behind a curtain. She took both my hands and locked her eyes with mine for what felt like a full minute, before dropping both her arms and her gaze abruptly.

‘I can show you…’

‘The future, I suppose,’ I said. Although at that point, I was probably slurring the words.

‘Past and future are immaterial. I can show you who you are.’

I had no belief in magic, but I was obviously possessed by spirits that night: tequila and gin, mostly. That’s the only way I can account for leaving the studio with the design she sketched for me, newly inked onto my thigh.

It wasn’t until the next day that I was fully conscious of my idiocy. I now had a tattoo - something I had always hated. However, if that was the only scar I bore from my divorce, it could have been a lot worse.

This story forms a prequel to the novel “And Some Have Witchcraft Thrust Upon Them.” by P. A. Latter, available in paperback and ebook from Amazon.

PEOPLE IN BUSINESS (PIB)

We are a fun, friendly and affordable small business network group, holding monthly meetings for members who have exclusivity in their field. Our groups include Bromley, Bexley and Southwark.

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JKA ORPINGTON SHOTOKAN KARATE CLUB

Based at Darrick Wood Senior School, the club was established by its current chief Instructor Graham Richardson in 1975. Class times are 7pm-8.30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 10am-11.30pm on Saturdays.

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Holistic, mindful vegan/vegetarian cook-along experiences, workshops and demonstrations. Also offers artisan nuts and spices, available for purchase at Bromley Health Store (8 Widmore Road, BR1 1RY)

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We make bespoke cakes and cupcakes for all occasions. We cater for most dietary requirements including vegan, diary free and gluten free.

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CHERYL HUGGINS MAKEUP ARTIST + SKINCARE SPECIALIST

Professionally Licensed Makeup Artist based in Bromley trained in London & Paris with over 20 years’ experience in artistry and skincare. Together we will create your signature glam look for Special occasions, Bridal + Wedding guest, Zoom or social media makeup, Prom & Celebration Party nights, Business headshots. Makeup Master Classes. All ages, all skin tones. Book your FREE 30-minute consultation. Call 07947 821 991, email

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GEO SPORTS MASSAGE

Qualified Physiotherapist and Sports Massage Therapist, providing sports and pregnancy massage in the local area. Whether it is a specific injury or to alleviate general aches and pains, sports massage can benefit you.

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FAYE COX COACHING & THERAPY

Affordable Integrated Coaching and Therapy for Teens and Parents. Creating a deeper connection through better communication. We also offer Purpose & Progression sessions for 14-16 year olds, as well as a ‘Needs Audit’ for both parents and Teens. For more information

email faye@fayecoxcoaching.co.uk or send a message to 07968 381793.

PETS

TOP KNOT TOYS

We make safe toys for dogs using traditional Royal Navy knotting methods and, where appropriate, the dying trade of ‘whipping & splicing’ is used. We also offer a range of accessories, household essentials & gifts including dog leads, Monkey-Fist knot toys and doorstops.

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