Lilies And Smoke

CHAPTER FOUR: The new guy

Janice apologised constantly to Anita for the next couple of days and Alex has offered to cook them both a meal. She was extremely excited to go around to his and get to know him. She tried on multiple outfits for Janice, who was just as excited for her as Anita was. "You'll have to see if he has a fit brother for me, remember" she reminds Anita, who in which replies; "why of course!". "Thank you for coming with me, I know it's not a date-date, but I want to get to know him a little first before jumping on the band wagon" she thanks, smoothing down the dress she's wearing. She smiles to herself and swooshes the bottom side to side.

"I want to see this new neighbour of yours and besides, I can help you if things get a little awkward" Janice offers helpfully.

Anita breathes out slowly, mooning over what she might say. "Do you want a cig?" asks Janice. Anita nods and they head outside onto the front step of the house. Janice lights Anita's cigarette and sit there leaning back against the front door.

"Hello ladies" a small croaky voice greets them from their right. Anita smiles, "hi Phillip, how are you doing?". Phillip gives them a warm, half toothless smile and replies, "I'm good, same old legs though and body for that matter". Anita gives him a half-hearted laugh and sniffs the air. "Oh god! What's that smell?" Anita spits repulsively. Phillip takes out his lighter, his cigarette in his mouth as he cups his hand to stop it from shaking so much.

"That'll be the sewers, probably having an issue down there still" he informs then before cursing, "Bloody hell, I've left my front door open. One moment" he excuses himself.

Janice mutters in annoyance; "it's that bloody cow next door but one". Anita knew instantly who she was going on about.

"And where are you two going all dressed up?" calls Anne, walking over towards them by the fence. Janice rolls her and tonelessly replies, "hello Anne". Anne looks Janice up and down distastefully giving her a dirty look. Anita coughs a little and replies, "we're off out for a meal at the new neighbour's house". Anne leans on the fence and says enthusiastically, "oh really?".

"Oh, here we go" Janice whispers to herself. Anita continues, ignoring Janice's comment, "it'll be nice, just getting to know him". Anne noses, "getting to know him or getting to know him?" she heavily implies other intentions. "Just popping round Anne, she's not sleeping with him now move on" Janice spits. Anita blushes, "Jan! don't be rude! I'm sorry Anne" she apologies on behalf of Janice. Anne waves her hand dismissively and replies, "don't worry pet I ignore pests" and walks off. Anita looks at Janice and replies, "alright, now she was cheeky too". Janice smacks Anita's arm with the back of her hand, "well done now half the neighbourhood will think you're banging him now". Anita shrugs and laughs, "I wouldn't mind that" Janice joins her and nudges her with her arm. Phillip inputs; "that woman, I swear half the rumours she's spread about me over the years".

Janice looks at him sadly, "how could anyone gossip about you Phil? You're too nice". Phillip shrugs, rubbing the back of his head "she has her ways, it's why half the neighbourhood doesn't speak to me now and the other half are busy with their kids to talk to a dull old man like me". Anita interjects; "you're not dull Phillip, you're lovely".

"And besides, you have us" Janice assures him lovingly. Phillip smiles brightly, "you're right, I do. Thank you, girlies".

Janice puts her arm around Anita and gives her a half hug, "it's alright Phil, any time". Phillip stumps out his cigarette on his side of the fence posts and offers, "do you girls want to come over after the meal and have some wacky-backie?". Anita looks towards Janice, as if asking her silently if she wanted to. "Sure" replies Janice sincerely.

"I'll see you two later".

"Goodbye Phil", "See you later" they both say at the same time. Anita hears Phillip's door close gently and turns her attention back to Janice, "shall we set off soon?". Janice blows out the smoke in her mouth, wheezing out a 'yes'. Anita stands up and offers her hand to Janice, who takes it and she pulls her up. "Do you have my keys?".