Part 13

It may seem a strange decision, when you realise that Darcy’s third job was at a meat processing plant. It was her job to load a huge van with tall sealed tubs of fat, and deliver them to the various cosmetics factories across the southern counties.

Darcy was the only female to apply for the job, but it had been Chris who had taught her to drive, in his lumbering blue van, so she had no problem with the company’s van at all.

Once she learned what went into every day cosmetics, Darcy’s previously enthusiastic relationship with the use of make-up took a dive. That did not deter her, however, from enjoying her job, which was very different to her other jobs. It meant going into other people’s workplaces and having a chat with various employees, while the orders were being unloaded. She became a popular visitor and, so long as she ignored the contents of the van, it was fun to be out on the road.

Avert the mind in favour of

A poignant point, where pleasure’s found

Some things are deemed as requisite

When victory lands on fertile ground

A little bird, caught pondering

May find her flight-path floundering

Ensure no lipstick taints the lips

Nor lotions feed well-weathered pores

And spare the flesh its bogus blush

Made from the grease of hooves and paws

No flagrant mask shall tell its lies

Through creamy shadow-painted eyes

Although she still missed Chris’ company, Darcy felt her life was becoming balanced and its variety kept her entertained.  She had no thoughts of her past or her future. The present was everything she wanted it to be.

Beneath the skies of sun-kissed cloud

The open road betroths its pledge

To lighten heart and steal a smile

From passing field and tree and hedge

A freedom that’s beyond the sphere

Of keeping house, or serving beer.