In another life

2

Jason texted me to meet at this new bar that had opened up in town. This sort of concerned me more. If Jason needed alcohol to hype himself up enough to tell me whatever it is then maybe I should be worried. Or what if he thinks it's me that's going to need the alcohol?

Neither Jason and I have ever really been big drinkers. Of course a nice glass of wine or a beer is lovely but we aren't the pub type of people.

Once I walked in I saw Jason immediately sat at a table,
"Hi" I smile as I sit in the other chair,
"Char, hey"
"How are the girls?"
"They're good yeah, very excited to go to the cinema" I can imagine.
"I'm sure they'll love it"

"Yeah. Do you want a drink?"
"I'll just have a lemonade" I'm driving so I don't want to drink, also I think I'd rather stay sober for whatever this meeting is about. Jason still looks a little nervous as he scans over the drinks menu.

It didn't take long for the drinks to come and we talked a little about the girls while we waited. But there was a reason he asked me here,
"So you said you needed to talk to me?" I take a sip of my lemonade
"Yeah yeah, um, well" I imagine he's trying to find the right words, "I've been seeing someone" oh.

He's seeing someone. I didn't really expect that. How am I supposed to feel about that? I'm not sure what to think. We're not together anymore, he has every right to see other people. It just feels a bit strange hearing it. But it's good, right? Yes. This is what is supposed to happen. He's moving on, we both need to.

"That's great Jason" I smile,
"Yeah It's been a few weeks now and I would really like to introduce her to the girls. If you're okay with it of course, you can say no or if you want to meet her first or whatever"

Honestly I've never really thought about what would happen in a moment like this. Of course I'm happy that he is moving on just like I hope he would be if I ever decided to date someone else.

"It's okay Jason" I laugh. I can tell he's still a little bit nervous about me finding out and how I feel about the girls knowing
"Really?"
"Yeah, of course"
"I honestly wasn't sure how you would react. We never really talked about it" that's true. I think it's more about the girls in this situation. Of course they know that we are separated but I suppose we never thought about introducing others into that.

They know that mummy and daddy will always put them first and love them no matter what happens, whether we live together or not. I'm not sure how they will react to us seeing other people. I just don't want them to be confused or think that we will put others before them.

I think Jason knows that already, which is why he spoke to me first and I do appreciate that.
"They're your girls too Jason. But I do appreciate you talking to me first, thank you"
"Yeah of course. So, you're okay with the girls meeting her then?"
"Yeah I'm okay. I'm really happy for you" he smiles. He seems really happy,
"Thanks Char"

"So, tell me more about her"
"Well her name is Maddison. I've told her all about the girls and she's really excited to meet them and you" meet me?
"Me?"
"Yeah, she knows you're going to be around for the girls and whatnot and we're still friends, right?"
"Of course" so she's okay with me? I'm glad she's not one of those girls who automatically hates the ex. Hopefully she's not anyway.

"So when are you going to introduce her to the girls?"
"Well that's the thing, I'm not sure. I want to talk to them about it first before they meet her. And of course I wanted the green light from you too"
"Well I appreciate that"
"I was thinking of talking them tonight and then when I have them on Wednesday they could maybe meet her? Or is that too soon?"
"No I think that's a good idea, why don't you invite her to Elsie's birthday party too?" I suggest, that gives me a chance to meet her too. If she's okay with coming of course, it must be a big thing dating someone that comes with kids.
"Really? Are you sure?"
"Yeah of course"
"Wow, thanks Char. I'm sure she'll love that"

Jason and I talk a bit more and just catch up as well as talk about Elsie's birthday. She's turning six on Tuesday, I can't believe my baby is all grown up already.

"Well it's nearly seven and I want to get home for bedtime so I should get going, thanks Char" we both stand and Jason pulls out some money for the drinks,
"Tell them I said goodnight"
"I will do"

We say our goodbyes but before I leave I just want to nip to the bathroom.

As I walk in I see a red head leaning against the sink and she looks like she's crying,
"Oh sorry-" wait a minute, this is the same woman Elsie bumped into yesterday "oh"
"Oh. Char-lot right?"
"Yeah, Amelia was it? What a coincidence" the woman faced the mirror again, her mascara was smudged a little and she was swaying slightly but holding herself up on the counter. She seems very drunk I'm surprised she remembered my name.

"Um are you okay?"
"Dandy" she smiles, "where's the bar gone?"
"I think you've had a bit to drink already" I laugh a little, I don't want it to seem as though I'm pestering her. I don't even know the woman.
"A bit" she laughs. Her phone starts to vibrate on the counter next to her and then pings. Again and again. Wow someone really wants to get ahold of her.

"Ugh!" Amelia picked up the phone and throws it at the wall. Oh. It mashes against the brick wall and falls to the floor. Wow. Okay.
"Is everything okay?" I'm not really sure what to do in this moment, do I just leave? No I can't do that.
"Fine. I should go. Should I go? I should go" she questions herself in the mirror.

Amelia tries to push herself off of the counter but slips and I instantly go to help her stabilise herself. She looks right at me and I realise where my hands are. Crap!
"Sorry" I let go of her waist and step back, oh my god that was embarrassing
"It's alright, thank you" she smiles at me, "Nice seeing you Charrr-lot" She tries to walk towards the door but is still stumbling.

I know I don't know this woman but she's drunk and upset and vulnerable. I can't exactly let her out there alone can I? What if something happens to her?
"Wait, how are you getting home?"
"My car is round here somewhere. I think" she cannot drive home in this state. No way in hell.

"Okay I know we don't know each other, but, can I drive you home? Or at least call you a taxi?" She stayed quiet, oh my god I've gone too far. What an idiot I don't even know her.
"Alright" she smiles. Oh.

I let Amelia lean on me so I can help her outside and to my car. I managed to help her to the passenger side and walk around to get in the drivers seat.
"Okay, any chance you know your address?" I doubt she remembers it,
"Ummmm up there?" The looks over at the road ahead of us.
"Never mind then"

I drive to my house, the girls aren't here anyway so it's just me. Of course I know it's not a smart idea to take a random stranger into my home, but she's alone and vulnerable. Something inside me just tells me I should help her.