| David took his time on the walk eastwards along the Lane, his awareness heightened the way marijuana used to stimulate him before he'd grown immune to its affect. Life for him was about to change forever, just as it had 21 years ago, he was aware of the date. June 6th 21 years ago today Helen had stood him up at the station, they'd been bound for Gretna Green and a new life away from their disapproving families. The lane marked the social divisions of Old England. Totteridge lane proper was in Whetstone a mixture of small cottages and flats above two parades of shops & Totteridge and Whetstone Tube station. This part of the Lane was Upper working and Lower Middle Class. Then past the underground station of Totteridge and Whetstone it became Totteridge Green, the double bayed semis marking out true middle class territory. Where David lived was Totteridge village where the newly rich and old money lived in manor houses set in acres of grounds. The most Westley part of the lane is Totteridge Common where riding stables and farms lead into Woodside Park and Mill Hill. Two Brooks; various wooded areas; a Golf Course, Tennis Club; Library; Parish Church and the Orange tree pub were classless and open to all. As the sun shone on the sleeve of his Navy blazer, he was reminded of his early career at Anderson and Sheppard, where he'd been tipped to become one of the best tailors of his generation. He felt ashamed as he remembered his arrogance in insisting he become a cutter. After a further four years training he entered the front of house at the most traditional tailors on Savile Row, and became a nightmare to be around."I owe young Glover an apology." he thought aloud. "David! my David I don't believe it". Helen Dennison recognised his voice as she was letting herself in the cottage. David felt ashamed again as he realised she wouldn't have recognised his face, he realised she could hardly see anything, she couldn't have been laughing at him that day, as she wouldn't have seen him form that distance. "Come in fer a cuppa char me old treacle" David knew she was trying to hide her nerves, she was just as worried about what they had to talk about as he was. He wondered if she was still in love with him, the way he realised he was still in love with her. I've thrown away 21 years off my life, I'm determined to make the most of the next 21 he thought. |