jml297

‘Mum was right.’
‘Here we go. What did she have to say about me this time?’
‘It wasn’t about you, Ben. You’re not the only topic of conversation.’
‘Maybe not. But I’m usually in the top three.’
‘That depends on what’s trending on Facebook.’
‘So what was she right about?’
‘She was right about how living here would do my head in.’
‘I thought you liked it here. We’d waited so long for a place to come up, and it’s close to the kids’ school and sport.’
‘But it’s like living in a fishbowl. Everyone knows each other’s business.’
‘Like you can talk.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘Last night you were giving me chapter and verse of what the neighbours were up to, and how things were looking rocky after they’d had a falling out with the in-laws.’
‘That’s different. Krystal’s my friend, and she had to talk to someone. And anyway, I didn’t think you were listening.’
‘You didn’t give me a choice! You muted the tele and didn’t give me back the remote till you’d finished.’
‘Well, I had to tell someone. And even when you seem to be listening you don’t always take it in.’
‘Oh that’s rich.’
‘It’s true, though.’
‘I listen when it matters.’
‘How do you figure that out?’
‘I’m listening now, aren’t I?’
‘You seem to be. But will you remember this conversation later?’
‘If it’s important, I will.’
‘So remembering to pick up bread on the way home, like I asked you yesterday, isn’t important?’
‘I said I was sorry about that. If you’d texted me the details -‘
‘How hard is it to remember to buy bread?’
‘It slipped my mind. I’d had a rubbish day at work -‘
‘Why didn’t you say?’
‘When did I get a chance? I had to go back out to get the bread, then it was after dinner when we had a minute to ourselves, and you’re giving me the full story about Krystal.’
‘Right.’
‘I do listen.’
‘I know you do. And I’m sorry.’
‘What for?’
‘Going on about Krystal.’
‘I know she’s your mate.’
‘It’s just, well, I don’t know.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘It’s nothing.’
‘Tell me anyway.’
‘You’ll think it’s silly.’
‘Try me.’
‘Well, with things getting messy with Krystal and her family, it reminded me of how things haven’t been so good with our parents lately.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘Haven’t you noticed the tension over our Christmas plans?’
‘We agreed, it’s time we did something different. Start a tradition of our own instead of constantly trying to please everyone else. Running around from Christmas Eve through to Boxing Day to keep other people happy just doesn’t make sense.’
‘I know.’
‘It’ll work itself out. You don’t have to worry.’
‘You think so?’
‘I know so.’
‘Thanks.’
‘Anytime.’
‘And I do like living here.’
‘Maybe your Mum isn’t always right?’
‘Perhaps. Just don’t tell her that.’

This piece was written to a prompt on the Writer’s Digest website. He Said/She Said: write a story in the structure of alternating voices.

Photo: Birdhouse Wall, Lithgow, created by Ludwina Roebuck