Old Friends

Jen felt a little in awe of Lou's high-spirited lifestyle...

- MARIE PENMAN

AIthough on paper they had very little in common, Jen and Louise were best friends. Thrown together by work - they were both nurses in the same hospital - they had bonded over their love of cake, their hatred of back shifts and their enthusiasm for cleaning.

But anyone who knew them could point out that those were probably the only things the two women had in common.

With an age gap of almost thirty years between them, they had very differing views on life, love and loss, with Jen far more quiet and reserved in her outlook. Louise, on the other hand, was a force of nature, full of fun, always laughing and focused on finding her Mr Right in a world seemingly full of Mr Wrongs.

"I don't know how you can be bothered, Lou." Jen sighed after hearing about another of Louise's disastrous dates. "Just the thought of having to get all dressed up, putting on make-up and doing your hair wouldn't you rather just stay at home and watch TV?"

Louise laughed.

"Listen to yourself, Jen! Life is for living, not just for watching. There's nothing like walking into a busy pub or club on a Saturday night, hearing the throb of the music, and knowing that you could meet the man of your dreams..."

Jen smiled shook her head.

"I admire your dedication, Lou, but it's not for me."