Ch.1, Pt 5: Upstairs, Katherine and Frieda set up the big brass bed…
Upstairs, Katherine and Frieda set up the big brass bed under the sloping ceiling of the little room, sliding the siderails into the slots at the curved headboard and then attaching the footboard. “I’ve always loved this bed,” said Frieda stepping out of the centre to help Katherine put on the mattress.
“Before we put the sheets on, I want to sweep,” said Katherine running downstairs. Douglas and Frank were unwrapping the dishes from one box, and Beth was trying to stuff the newspaper into a brown paper bag. “Dish detergent?” asked Douglas. Katherine pointed to a box holding her dish rack, and picked up a broom and dust pan. “You really don’t have to wash them,” she called, trotting back upstairs. “According to Frieda, we do,” he answered.
Frieda was looking in a box. “I found your lamp, but where is your clock-radio? Let’s have some music. CMIS or CBC?”
“CMIS, I think. It’s what helped me buy this house, after all.” As she was sweeping, Frieda fiddled with the dial until she got clear classical sounds. Katherine put the dust pan and broom out in the hall and helped Frieda unfold a contour sheet.
“Don’t you just love this house?” Frieda said. “It’s what you’ve always wanted. Remember in first year, telling me you wanted a big old house in the country, with a garden and a dog and lots of kids?”
“Did I say that?” said Katherine shaking out a pillowcase. “This house is old, although it’s not very big. I hope I don’t hit my head on these sloping ceilings. But I wouldn’t mind a garden and dog.”
“And kids?” Frieda tossed a pillow onto the bed. “It’s time to move onto that now that your dreams are coming true.”
“It’s already too late,” said Katherine with a grimace. “I just wasn’t lucky in that area.”
“It’s not too late yet. You’ve got a few years yet.”
“It’ll take me that long to find a guy. If there are even any left.”
“Nonsense! You meet interesting men all the time.”
“Well, I meet them superficially, and they’re either passing through town, or they’re married.”
Frieda took a corner of the duvet and helped float it evenly onto the bed. “It’s too bad that Douglas doesn’t work with anyone suitable. Where are we going to find you someone?”
“Don’t bother trying. If they’re not married, they’re gay or confused. Bed’s done. What’s the next step?”
Frieda gave a swift glance around the room. “How’s the bathroom? Have you cleaned that? Got out towels, your toothbrush and stuff?”
Katherine pointed a finger at Frieda. “Good idea.” In the bathroom Katherine embraced the toilet bowl while Frieda shook cleanser onto the sink. “Very clean, actually,” noted Katherine, “but all the same…”
“You have to clean everything yourself anyway,” Frieda agreed. They worked in silence a few moments, until Frieda continued with “I have a feeling that your luck is changing because you bought this house. You’re going to find a fabulous man soon. I just don’t know how. But I don’t want you in this house by yourself for long.”
“Just don’t start setting me up with men. You know I can’t stand that. I don’t date.” Katherine pushed the toilet handle and turned to the tub. Frieda untied a big garbage bag and took out some towels.
The bathroom cleaned, they returned to the bedroom and began hanging up Katherine’s clothes. Little chirping sounds from Beth and the slow thump of unsteady feet drifted up the stairs. Soon she appeared in the doorway, her fist around Douglas’ forefinger. “Mommy,” she cried and ran right into Frieda. “We missed you and wanted to see what you were doing,” Douglas said apologetically as Frank squeezed past him into the room.
“No problem!” said Frieda sitting on the bed and hugging Beth, who repeated the words in delight. “What have you been doing downstairs?”
“We washed all kinds of dishes,” moaned Frank in exaggerated disgust. “Millions. Gazillions.”
“So is the kitchen all unpacked and put away?” Frieda pulled Beth onto her lap.
“Well, there are still some boxes. We’re on a break.” Frank draped himself over the brass railing of the footboard.
“I don’t know how much longer they’re going to last,” said Frieda to Douglas, cocking her head down at Beth, who was sucking her thumb. “But I hate to leave with so little done.”
“But you’ve been a big help,” cried Katherine. “Getting me started, giving me a direction. I didn’t know where to begin. And bringing dinner was brilliant. You’ve got me over the hump of moving in. I’ll just do a little bit more, now that I know your technique, and then I’ll go to bed myself. I’m really worn out. And tomorrow and Sunday I’ll have all day to get this place in shape.”
“If you’re sure,” said Frieda. “And maybe we can drop in on you again this weekend. Maybe Sunday?” She glanced at Douglas.
“Or maybe Frieda can come without the kids,” he said. “And if anything goes wrong, call me. You know how to turn on the furnace? I tried it again, and it’s all right. But you probably won’t need it yet.”
Ch.1, Pt 6: “Don’t worry about me,” said Katherine. » »
I’ve been reading too much today! Millions! Gazillions!
My, you’ve got a knack for cute lines. On to the next part!