Short Stories

Stopping And Starting

I'm late. I'm late for the biggest business meeting of the century and I'm late. Hotels From hell I should really go on that programme. First they gave my room away to someone else sticking me in this tiny room on the 11th floor instead of the penthouse suit on the ground floor I requested. Then the restaurant in the hotel had no spaces so I had to go to McDonalds across the street. MCDONALDS for god's sake! And now this: No wake up call after I specifically requested one. It's now 9:05am and I have 25 minutes to get across London and into the meeting. I'm late and I'm in so much trouble.

Within ten minutes of waking up I was showered and out the door and I literally ran into some women on my way to the elevator, rushed an apology and bolted for the elevator once more. Only to get there, and wait two minutes for the lift to arrive. By the time the Lift actually got there the women I ran into and a girl about 7 were also waiting on the lift.

I pushed the button for the ground floor hoping beyond hope that lift would not stop on its way to the ground floor. No such luck, two floors later the lift stopped again and a couple walked in, clearly in the middle of an argument. The lift went down again. I was beginning to get ready to dash out the doors as we were now on the 4th floor when the lift suddenly jerked to a sudden stop, and the alarm went off.

This cannot possibly be happening not today. Not today of all the days. The women instantly went to the little girl who looked like she was about to cry and reassured her. I overheard them telling each other there names: Young girl was called Kelly and the woman was called Cheryl. I looked around for one of those lift phones, but when I picked it up there was no answer on the other end.

The couple seem about ready to tear each other's throat's out, the man - Jerry- was blaming the women-Christina- who rushed them out of their room, which made them get this lift.

Great Not only am I stuck in a lift on what is probably the most important business meeting of my life but I'm stuck in a life with a bunch of psychos.

"Okay everyone lets not panic. Lets just stay calm - I'm sure they will have the lift working any minute" Jerry says allowed for everyone to hear.

"Oh and how do you know that?"Christina snaps "have you become some lift expert now as well as toy maker?

And on the argument goes again, in the middle of the lift for all to hear.

I turn to Cheryl and Kelly and notice the uncomfortable look on their faces. The girls for being stuck in the elevator and the women's for the argument going on less than three steps ahead.

The lights then came on the lift again and its starts to move again, relief washing over me, I can still make the meeting if I really hurry. The relief however is short lived as no sooner than the lift starts moving does it shut down again.

The girls breath starts to become ragged and I kneel down beside her.

"What's wrong?"

"I have asthma" she says between gasps

"I'm that in that nice pretty bag of yours you have your inhaler" She shakes her head.

I look up and see Cheryl look panicked.

"Cheryl sing to her, I want you both to sing, a nursery rhyme anything, Just sing-it will help relax her breathing" Christina says breaking away from Jerry.

It's only then that I notice Jerry trying to pry open the top panel of the life that leads to the elevator shaft. Before I can tell him to stop he gets electrocuted and drops to the ground. SHIT.

Christina screams and Cheryl begins to sing more urgently as she calms the girl down, who is really starting to panic now.

Okay Tom, relax and think. I have a panic stricken girl with asthma, an electrocuted man, a hysterical women and one who seems to be frightened but okay.

"Christina sing to Kelly" She does not move. Standing there paralysed looking at Jerry. I move over and slap her. "Get yourself together women. You're going to be no help in this state. Move over and help Kelly. Let Cheryl help me, I know what I'm doing" I don't add that I only think I know what I'm doing from a two hours of emergency medical training.

Between us Cheryl and I begin CPR, to get Jerry breathing again.

Five minutes later and Jerry is breathing, unconscious but breathing. Christina is sitting beside him telling him she loves him and is sorry for what happened. Whatever they were arguing about long forgotten. Kelly's breathing is again normal and she's sitting down in a corner of the lift. That leaves Cheryl and me.

She was brilliant. Fantastic even. She did not panic once. She just got on with it. The most remarkable women I have ever met, as well as the most beautiful women. The way that she immediately went to Kelly when the lift stopped to make sure she was okay. Cheryl looked scared when Jerry fell but she helped me just the same, putting her fear behind her.

"How did you know what to do?" Cheryl asks pulling me out of my thoughts

"Err...well I sort of took a class last year on emergency medical training. You never know what's going to happen."

"Wow that's amazing. You were really good you know"

I take a step closer to her. "I could not have done it without you, you saved his life

"It was you not me"

"Don't be so modest" Grabbing her arm "I could not have done it without you"

And at that moment the lift drops 5 feet. I hold onto Cheryl to steady her and see Christina reach for Kelly. The drop only lasts for a few second but it might have well have gone on for hours as it seemed like it would never stop.  Once we come to a halt Cheryl is in my arms, and it feels so right. Natural even to have her there.

Sadly I let her go to cause no embarrassment. I immediately know it was the wrong thing to do when I notice the hurt look in her eyes.

"Thanks for..." She pauses lost for words.

"Not letting you fall and hurt yourself"

"yeah that one" She smiles.

The lift doors suddenly open, and were welcomed by the sight of the ground floor. I stand there shocked, not realising that we were free at last.

"MUMMY! DADDY!" Kelly shrieks as she rushes into the arms of her parents.

"We need medical help over here" I say to the hotel manager standing just outside the lift. Pointing to the man I add "this man has been electrocuted"

I look around and see Cheryl talking to Kelly's parents. So considerate I think to myself. I look at the clock in the lobby and notice that its 9:45. I have missed the meeting. However looking at Cheryl that meeting no longer seems important anymore.

I go to walk away from the lift when  Cheryl catches up.

"I just realised I don't even know your name"

"Tom, Tom Sugar"

"will I see you again"

"Of course, tonight in the hotel restaurant at 7 o'clock. It's a date"

And with that I walk away.