Wrong Number
– Hello, is that you, Grace? Sorry for ringing so late, but I just dont know who else to turn to…
– Excuse me, this isnt Grace, replied a mans voice, quite annoyed. Have you checked the time? Its half one in the morning.
I stared at my phone, completely taken aback. The screen clearly displayed Grace. Then whose voice was that?
Maybe her husband? But Alexs voice was nothing like this. So who was it? Some bloke shes seeing? Or perhaps a colleague? Well, a colleague in her flat at half one in the morning is probably more than just a colleague. Or maybe, God forbid, shes at his place?
Questions rushed through my head, but I decided to test the waters just in case.
– Is Grace there, by any chance?
– No Grace here, mate. Im alone. Was asleep until you called.
– Terribly sorry, I really am, I apologised quickly. I was just trying to ring my friend, her numbers been saved in my phone for ages, but its obviously connected to you by mistake. Sorry again.
My thumb was hovering over the end call button when he asked,
– Emma, is that you?
*****
Two weeks earlier, my boss sent me off on a training course.
Not because I couldnt handle my jobfar from it. I was good at what I did, maybe too good. The truth is, he wanted to offer me a new position with more responsibility and a better salary, but that required extra qualifications.
– Emma, just two weeks. Im doing this for you.
Two weeks isnt much, but it meant spending those two weeks in another city.
– I doubt Tom will be thrilled, I sighed to my boss, picturing my boyfriends reaction.
– Its not like youre off for two years, Emma. Just two weeks. Hell manage, surely.
So, I agreed. After all, the promotion meant a higher salary. We could start saving for the wedding, or whatever came next. Tom hadnt proposed yet, but of course, he would soonit was only a matter of time.
– I dont get why you need more qualifications. You did uni, didnt you? Tom said when I told him I was going away.
– Yeah, but theres always room for improvement, you know? I smiled. You going to cope without me?
– Where else would I go? Ill survive on ready meals and takeaways for a fortnight.
– Ill cook up some dishes before I go. Dont worry. And when I get back and get promoted, the pay will be much better. Its worth it.
– Alright, if you must. Go on then.
*****
Every day, Id check in with Tomwhat hed eaten, how work was, how his day went. Oddly enough, it rubbed him the wrong way.
– Emma, youre like my mum! Im grown up. No need to check up on me all the time.
– Im not checking up, just interested. You matter, thats all. But you never ask me about my day Doesnt it bother you at all?
– What am I supposed to ask? Did you get a detention today? He laughed.
– Goodnight, Tom.
That was early into my second week away. It stung, realising the man I loved couldnt care less about what happened in my day. I mean, I loved him, and for that reason let a lot slide.
Still, just once, I wished he would show a bit of interest in meask how I was, how I felt, if Id had lunch, what I was learning. Tom wasnt curious about any of it.
He barely shared much about his own life eitherclaiming he was out with mates at the pub, not keen to come home to an empty flat.
But it wouldnt kill him to spare five minutes for me, would it? Step outside, have a quick chat, then he could get back to his night out.
Its not as though I ever said he couldnt go. I just asked him not to get absolutely sloshed.
Oh well, I told myself, Ill have a word when Im home. Maybe hell finally get it.
*****
The days went quickly. Tomorrow was meant to be my last day of training, and I was already buzzing to see Tom again. But then, in the evening, I got a callthe sessions were cancelled.
– The tutors been taken to hospital, explained one of the staff. You dont need to come in tomorrow. We’ll email your certificate once its sorted.
– Brilliant, thank you! I said, grinning after the call.
It meant I could head home first thing in the morning and spend the whole day with Tom.
Hed even mentioned taking time off, one day to clean up and get ready for me, the other to be together.
Now we’ll get two whole days, I laughed to myself. Amazing!
I almost rang Tom to share the good news, but an idea popped into my head: why wait? Why not set off tonight and surprise him?
I checked the coach schedule online and couldnt believe my luckthe last bus to London would leave in a few hours. It was late, sure, but for the sake of surprising Tom? Absolutely worth the hassle.
I packed my things quickly and waited outside for the cab. I couldnt stop smiling.
*****
The station was crowdedpeople pushing, chatting, a bit of a stink lingering from some, but I didnt care.
Soon, Id be home with Tom. That was all that mattered.
Just a bit longer, I told myself, glancing at my watch. My bus was due in about an hour and a half. The ticket lady warned it might be a little late.
I killed time wandering around the forecourt, since it was airless inside the terminal.
Then, by the iron railings, I noticed a dogone of those types you cant help feeling sorry for. There was something in the way he sat, looking lost, that made me want to help.
Abandoned, maybe, I thought as I headed for the pie stand to buy him some sausage rolls.
– Whats with the long face, mate? I said once I knelt beside him. Left on your own, were you? Well, I brought you a little something. Fancy a bite?
He looked up at me with doleful eyes, wagged his tail uncertainly.
Eat up, I coaxed, setting the paper bag on the pavement.
He limped over, sniffed the food, glanced at me uncertainly, and, when I nodded, tucked in with enthusiasm.
Watching him, I felt my heart twist. Who would look after him, limping along? Winters coming too…
Lost in my thoughts, I barely noticed a bloke approaching until he barged into my shoulder.
Oi, I wanted to snap, could you not see me standing here?
He excused himself, stepping on my footpainfully so.
– Its alright, I said, though wincing.
He smiled apologetically and started to move off just as the dog growled and barked at him.
Just then, a cleaner in a hi-vis jacket came marching over, fuming.
– I knew letting that dog in here would be trouble! You lot, clear off, Ill see him out myself.
The man scarpered, leaving me with the dog, who looked about ready to chase him.
– Hang on, what are you doing? I said, blocking the cleaner from raising her broom. You cant just hit him! Are you mad?
– And why shouldnt I? That dogs a menace, nearly bit that lad.
– Only because he knocked into me. The dog just got spooked, thats all. Hes not vicious.
– Well, he barked, didnt he? He doesnt belong among people. What if hes rabid? Do you have any idea how bad that could get?
– Hes clearly just in pain. And besides, hes harmless. Look at his eyes. Hes only limping on one leg. Just let him be. Surely someones feeding him out here?
– He shouldnt be on coach property. Now, if he were someones, thatd be different
– He is. Hes mine! I blurted.
Both the dog and the cleaner stared at me. Especially the doglike he couldnt believe his luck.
– Excuse me?
– I said, hes my dog.
– Looks stray to me.
– Was stray. Now hes mine. Ill take him with me. If you touch him, Ill make a complaint. And Ill call the police if need be.
– Blimey, she huffed. Well, you take him home, then. If I see him here tomorrow, Im calling animal control. Got it?
– I will, promise, I replied.
Only after shed gone did it hit me. I couldnt leave that dog now. Id said as much.
What will Tom think when I turn up at home with a stray dog? Hes going to love that…
Never mind, I thought, scratching the pups head. Well sort it out. Just as long as they let us both on the bus.
I checked my watch againten minutes to go.
– Ready, then? I grinned at him. Youre my responsibility now.
He wagged his tail and hobbled along behind.
– Just behave on the bus, alright? I dont fancy getting thrown off for your troubles.
I went to the platform, readied my ticket, and opened my bag for itonly to hear a clatter at my feet.
My keys had fallen out. But something else was wrong…
The lining of my bag was ripped open. My phone and walletgone. Along with the ticket and everything inside.
– Oh, for heavens sake! I whispered, panicking. But how, when?
Then it pieced together: That man. The one who bumped me and trod on my foot. He must have lifted my stuff. And the dog barked at him because of it.
Now what, with no phone, no card, no cash, no ticket? How was I meant to get home?
The dog cowered, as if reading my thoughts and blaming himself.
– No, not your fault, I muddled, stroking his head. Thank you for trying to warn me. If only Id cottoned on sooner…
*****
The coach arrived fifteen minutes late, but at that point it made little difference. I couldnt go anywhere.
I remembered Id stashed an old brick of a phone in my suitcase, just in case, and thought about calling Tom, but what could he do? Drive out to get me? Unlikely, and, besides, what about the dog?
I couldnt just leave him now, not after what I’d said. And its not as though Tom would have him in the car. But then, I couldnt exactly hang around the coach station all night, either.
While I debated my options, the driver poked his head out.
– You coming, love?
– My tickets been stolen and my wallet. I havent got any money.
– Oh dear… he replied, climbing down. So whats your plan then?
– I dont know Ill probably just wait here til morning, try to figure something out.
– Nonsense. Hop on. Ill take you for free. Got a near-empty coach anyhow.
– I cant…
– Whys that?
– Ive got him, I said, indicating the dog. Promised I wouldnt leave him. If hes caught here by morning, theyll probably put him down.
– Well, bring him on as well. Theres plenty of room.
– Really? Both of us?
– Of course. Come on, its freezing out here. Here, let me help you with your bag.
*****
The journey to London went quickly. I ended up chatting to the driver for most of the trip while my companion sprawled at my feet, keeping a calm, watchful eye.
Soon enough, we were pulling into Victoria Coach Station. I thanked the driver, gathered my things, and stepped out into the early morning gloom.
– Do you need some cab fare? he asked.
– No, Ill call someone, I smiled. Thanks again, for everything.
– Good luck, and be careful. Though with that four-legged bodyguard, I doubt anyone will bother you again.
– Quite right.
Standing outside, I dug out my old phone and dialled Tom.
– Whos this? he barked, sounding half asleep.
– Tom, it’s Emma… Im using my backup phone. Could you come and get me from Victoria?
– Emma? Victoria? Whats this about?
– Honestly, Tom. I was going to surprise youbut my wallet and phone got nicked. Im here with my suitcase and, well, with a dog. Sorry, its a long story.
– What do you mean, a dog? Are you kidding me?
– Tom, can we do this later? Please just pick me up. How long will you be?
A long pause.
– Erm I cant come, Em.
– What?
– Well, Ive had a few drinks and cant drive.
– So how am I meant to get home then? Walk across town with a suitcase and a dog?
– Have a seat, wait til morning. The Tube starts up early.
– Did you not hear me? I dont have any cash. Not even change for a bus. Cant you just call a cab for me, or something? Please.
– Dont shout, Em. If youd told me, maybe I could have planned for this.
– I wanted to surprise you
– Yeah, well, here we are. And now Im in the wrong, I suppose? I genuinely cant come.
– Why not?
– Because Im not at home.
– Where are you, then?
– Im at Olis. We went out, and Im crashing here. Hes asleep already. So, just ring me in the morning. Well sort something out then.
I ended the call.
I was gobsmacked. Wed lived together for over six months (and been together a year and a half), and yet this…
– Guess Ill be getting the Tube, I muttered. What on earth do I need him for? Ill ring Grace, she wont leave me stranded.
I opened up my old phone, found Grace’s number, and pressed call.
– Grace, its me. Sorry its so late, but Ive got no one else…
– Sorry, this isnt Grace, replied a baffled mans voice. Have you checked the time, love? Its half one.
I stared at the screen, puzzled. It clearly said Grace. What on earth?
Maybe her husband answered? But Alex’s voice was nothing like this…
I decided to ask anyway.
– Is Grace there?
– No, Im alone. Was asleep before you called.
– Sorry, mustve dialled the wrong number. I was trying to reach my friend, don’t know why your phone picked up.
Just as I was about to hang up, he interrupted:
– Emma? Is that you? I didnt see who it was at first, but now I have.
– Ben?!
– The one and only. Whats going on, Em? Why are you ringing me at this hour?
I faltered. Then it clicked. In that old phones contacts, Bens numbermy old classmate and long-ago boyfriendwas still saved.
For whatever reason, Id never deleted it. Instead, years ago, when Tom had thrown a jealous tantrum, I told him it was deletedbut really, Id renamed the contact as Grace. And now, here I was, a decade later, calling him by mistake.
– Why so silent? Ben prompted, sounding worried. Somethings up with you, isnt it? I can tell by your voice.
Hed always been good like that, reading my tone, understanding my mood, even from across a phone line.
Before I knew it, Id blurted everything out to himhow I’d gone to training, how Id been robbed, how Id met the stray dog and been driven back for free by a kind coach driver, how Tom refused to come and get me, leaving me waiting in the cold.
– Well, at least Ive got a penny to my name, Ben joked.
– What are you on about?
– Sorry, bad joke. Forget it. Listen, I still have Dads old Mini. Let me come pick you up. Itll be no trouble at all.
– Ive got the dog as well, Ben…
– No problem. Well all fit. Im on my way. Half an hour, alright? Dont go anywhere. Call me if you need.
– O-okay… I managed.
How bizarre, I thought. The man Ive lived with for months wouldnt walk a mile for me, but someone I broke up with ten years ago is prepared to cross London in the middle of the night to fetch me, no questions asked. Maybe I just cant pick them, can I?
Its funny how one mistaken call can turn your whole world upside down.
As I sat on the cold pavement with my new four-legged friend, I found myself rethinking everything. Ben, who once swore hed always love me, was already halfway to the station.
Simply there for me, wanting nothing in return.
*****
I imagine by now, dear reader, youre wondering what happened next.
Well, that was itTom was out of my life. Not because he didnt come to fetch me, but because after I got home, I found a champagne bottle in the bin and a long, blonde hair on his pillow. Neither belonged to meor Tom.
Everything made sense.
The next day, Tom tried to explain, raising his voice, but Jackthe name Id given my adopted dogwould growl so fiercely every time Toms voice rose that I thought hed chew through Toms jeans if he had the chance.
Not long after, Tom moved out.
A few days later, Ben and I were walking Jack and his own lovely Labrador, Molly, in the park. We ended up talking for hours while the two dogs, both with a limp, played together in the grass.
Ben had rescued Molly from the roadside a year earlierpicked her up after a hit-and-run, nursed her back, and shes been with him ever since, limping but happy.
Funny how things work out. After all those years, Ben and I were talking again, ready to try, and Jack seemed pretty taken with Molly. I reckon theyll get along just fine.
Thats my tale. If you liked it, well, just remembersometimes a wrong call is all it takes to set things right. And the biggest lesson? Maybe its never too late to let the right people back into your life, and to walk away from the ones who never showed up.
