Live to Tell Read Online Free PDF

“Well, here’s to us then.”

    I had been with Aidan in the Maida Vale apartment for just under a week and it was our first Saturday morning together. Living here was going to take most of my resources and I decided to go to a jumble sale in West Hampstead to fill the gaps in my depleted wardrobe. To this end I was in my bedroom getting ready to go out.
    “You’ve got a visitor Hon,” Aidan called out to me and I heard him bolt into his bedroom, banging the door behind him.
    At his words, my heart leapt. Joe must have come back and somehow tracked me down. It was over two months since I said goodbye to him at St. Pancras station, and I still thought about him every day. His arrival would also account for Aidan’s sudden strange behaviour.
    I ran into the hall but instead of Joe, Aunt Jess stood there and my face fell. “Oh,” I said.
    “Well, don’t look so happy to see me. Can I come in?”
    It was with mixed emotions that I tried to smile and make her welcome, disappointment that she was not the man of my dreams; fear that she would discover my deception; and guilt that I had not seemed happier to see her. I wrapped my arms around her and kissed her cheek.
    “Of course you can. You just gave me a surprise. I didn’t know you were coming. Aidan,” I shouted. “Please come and meet my Aunt Jess.”
    “Aidan?”
    “Er, he’s my housemate. Aidan!” I bawled his name and he re-appeared looking a little sheepish
    “Hello,” he said, shaking her hand. “Nice to meet you. Would you like a cup of coffee? I’ll put the kettle on.” He disappeared into the kitchen, which neither of us had cleaned since I arrived and where last night’s takeaway lingered on the work-top.
    “So, you are living here with Aidan, a name that’s new to me.” She opened her eyes wide and pursed her lips.
    “I’m his lodger, not his girlfriend. I have my own room. Look.”
    I opened the door to my room and Aunt Jess recoiled in horror. I wished I had made the bed and tidied up a bit, for makeup pots and art work accoutrements littered every surface. Aidan came back with a tray with three mugs of coffee on it and a bowl of sugar and said, “I’ll show you my room too, if you like. It’s opposite hers but the carpet between the two was worn already from old age. It’s had no extra wear since she got here.” He gave her an angelic look.
    She patted his arm. “I’m sure it was, Dear, and thank you for the offer but it won’t be necessary. One shock a day,” she said eyeing the open door to my room, “is quite enough.”
    Carrying the tray, Aidan led us to a coffee table that was positioned in front of a large curved window bathed in sunlight. Jess sat down beside it on a rocking chair.
    “So, as I was passing I thought I’d pop by and say hello. I must say, it is rather nice here,” she said, looking out. “What a view they must have from the top floor. I wonder how much they are worth?”
    Taking a mouthful of coffee, I wondered where she could have been popping to that would take her along the main A5 road into the heart of London’s west end at Marble Arch. Aidan and I exchanged worried looks.
    “Check me out, you mean.”
    “Your father said it was a very nice flat and being a nosy body I wanted to have a look, that’s all.”
    “Well, you’re very welcome Mrs, er…” Aidan chipped in.
    “Miss, dear, or Ms, if you must. Miss Heeson. And thank you.”
    She only stayed with us for half an hour, just long enough it seemed to prevent my going to the sale, but as she was leaving she held me close. “It is a decent place. I was a bit worried in case it was awful but do keep it clean, especially before your dad makes his next visit,” she said sternly. “Otherwise he’ll insist you go home! He wouldn’t like you living in squalor.”
    With these cheery words ringing in my ears, I waved goodbye and closed the door.
    “I’ve rented Casablanca for tonight,” Aidan called out, from the kitchen.
    “That’s