The winner takes it all (1049 hits)
Category: RomanceRating: 1.87 on 57 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by orphelia (View user info) at 2010-02-03 13:11:38 EST
Maybe I am the problem. 17 years and this is meant to be one of the most amazing things to happen in life and what do I do? I don't tell him. Not only that but I plan to test him too. He wasn't here when it happened. He drives lorries long distance, he'd have been on the hard shoulder somewhere between France and Spain, sleepng in his cab after a meal of Pot Noodle and kingsize Snickers and probably a couple of tubes of Pringles.
I watched the show live. Alone, I had little better to do than plonk myself on the settee for the night with some Quality Street and the remote. I nearly choked to death when my numbers came up. I checked them several times on Teletext after the program had ended before the fact I was suddenly a millionaire began to sink in.
Derek was pretty much unreachable until tomorrow morning now, so I nervously phoned Camelot to claim my prize. Waiting on the line for confirmation my ticket was indeed the winning ticket was excruciating. My head was numb with visions of easy living and carefree lesiure but I dare not mentally spend a single penny until the voice at the end of the phone said 'Mrs. Ryan? We are thrilled to tell you that you are one of two lucky winners of the 8 million pound jackpot'.
4.5 million quid. We'd want for nothing. Derek could give in work and I'd never spend another day pretending to be nice to greedy overweight customers buying cream buns for lunch. Of course I'd see the girls at Greggs were alright, I'd share the booty. My niece Sandra was expecting so spoiling her would be a joy. Each of my friends would get some gift to enhance their lives. There wasn't anyone I was particularly close to that would benefit from a large portion of the money, we'd never had kids and most of my family was dead or no longer in contact.
That night, I couldn't sleep. I worried until I was sick in my stomach that some how I would lose the ticket or it would be stolen. It's hiding place had changed a hundred times or more overnight. From inside my sock to folded into a tiny square and inserted in a tear in the seat cushion of a dining room chair. Eventually I gave up and just sat sipping my cup of tea and staring at it. That little red and white slip of paper would change my life.
Morning came and I still couldn't get through to Derek. I tried him on his mobile again with the same result. A represtntative from Camelot was due in the next few minutes. We'd discuss the banking of the money and also whether or not I would remain anonymous. I greeted the grey suited man with a huge cuddle and beaming smile. 'I can't believe it I really can't believe it' I said as I ushered him into the sitting room and offered him a bourbon cream.
I was certain I wanted to remain unknown. I didn't want to have to deal with begging letters and heartache and sneaky conmen. I was also surprised to find out that as Derek and I were never actually married, and the ticket was mine, all the winnings were mine and would go into an account soley in my name. This never even crossed my mind until now and for some reason it made me feel strange. The advisor mentioned the other winner was remaining anonymous - he'd just been to see him. That morning two peoples lives had changed drastically.
Leaving me with a firm handshake and a pamphlet 'So now you're a millionaire, what next?' I was alone again with still no word from my other half. Ringing his office I tried to remain calm as I spoke to Miriam on the front desk at the depot.
'Is our Derek back yet, Miriam?'
The woman coughed slightly.
'Betsy... He dropped the wagon off late last night... I am sure he is fine... Probably just got held up somewhere... I wouldn't worry...'
'Last night?'
'Yes, he seemed fine, a bit... quite maybe, but otherwise just his usual self'.
I put down the phone.
In nearly 20 years we'd had more then our fair share of ups and downs. We were both divorced when we met and just seemed to click . Our life experienes were so similar we felt there must be some magical force that bought us together. 'Fate' we'd say 'is on our side'. Throughout the years though fate seemed to abandon us. I lost two pregnancies, both at late stages. Derek had a short affair with a woman from work. It all took it's toll. But we muddled through and salvaged what we could each time life flung shit at us and for better or worse we remained together and moderately happy. As middle age set in we became creatures of habit and took pleasure from Saturday night take aways and sunday night quiz at the local. During the week, when Derek was away, we'd speak every tea time if mobile signal allowed and every call was finished with 'I love you' and 'I love you too'.
Now, at the most critical point in our time together, he'd gone missing and my mind was boggling with explanations as to where he'd gone. The last 7 years had played out like a well rehearesed soap opera. Name any day, and time, and I could tell you what the man was doing. Even if fate threw him in a different direction than normal he'd text and tell me. I needed to tell him, I was bursting to tell him and yet at the same time, his sudden disappearence made me feel reserved. Annoyed.
Several hours later and no contact and I was climbing the walls. Now my brain was playing tricks. Did it sound like Miriam was holding something back when I called the office? Did she know where he was? Was he with her? The other week, when we were having a pint and steak and ale pie at the Brown Cow who was that man who kept staring at us? Derek said it was an old colleague who parted the company on bad terms. What if it wasn't? What if this man had a grudge against Derek and wanted to do him harm? What if that was Miriams husband and he knew they were doing the dirty?
Sighing and mashing myself another brew I knew I was being ridiculous. Still, it was hard not to let the feelings of suspicion consume me. Flashbacks to his affair all those years ago kept seeping into my mind poisoning it against him. It had hurt so much the wound inflicted hade never truly healed. When you love and trust someone so much you'd give your life for theirs it is the ultimate betrayal. No the pain was still there, just as raw, just hiding under years of sorrys and feigned forgiveness.
The money. Focus on the money. Think of all the luxuries and holidays four and a half million could buy. We'd see the world, together, go to places we'd only ever seen on the telly. Everyday would be an adventure and most importantly we'd share it with each other. Every dream we had would become a reality. I looked out the front room window again. 'Oh where is he?!' I shouted to an empty room unable to contain my irritaion.
A minute or two later I heard the keys in the door. Before he even had a chance to remove his coat I confronted him.
'Where have you been, Derek? Why haven't you even bothered to phone me? Do you know I was worried? Of course you knew but you let me suffer!'
Looking back it's strange how everyday life can get in the way of happiness. I was on the verge of telling him the most amazing news and here I was screaming the odds.
'Betsy calm down will you... I needed time to think'.
The words acted like a trigger and I was off.
'Think?! THINK?! Think about bloody what Derek?' And before I could stop myself I said it.
'Sure you weren't with someone else?'
'What do you mean, woman?'
'Oh don't give me that you bloody know what I mean you little shit. You've done it once and you'll
do it again a leopard nev..'
'Oh not this again?! Bets when are you gonna let go? I've put up with this torture for years hoping, praying, one day you are just gonna forget but you won't will you? Everytime I do anything wrong you are there reminding me I once made a mistake. I can't keep apologising for something that I did years ago.'
'But you hurt me so bad'. I was crying now, the last few hours had exhausted me.
'I know I did but Bets, you have to let it go. Day in day out I tread on eggshells with you and I am sick of it. I can never go anywhere without you constantly phoning, checking up... Damn woman, I can't even go to the pub for a pint your worried I will cop off with Pearl from behind the bar'.
'So it's Pearl is it, that's where you have been?'
'Oh for fucks sake Bets, I can't do this. Look I have some news, last night... There is no way to tell you this really, it's still unreal to me...'
'Just spit it out, man'.
'Last night well I won some money. Quite a lot of money. My numbers came up on the Lotto. I won' he took a deep breath '4.5 million pounds'.
'Derek...'
'No listen to me, for once in your life listen. For the first time in 44 years I have the freedom to do as I want. Go anywhere, do anything, whatever my heart desires, only I can't because of you. YOU. I am sorry but I don't want this anymore. This, us. I am going to give you half the money, I think it's only fair. Do with it as you like. I am sure it will help ease.. this. I am sorry but Bets you know this has been coming for years. You've never been happy, not really, not since, well...'
'Please Derek, you are all I have'.
'No Betsy, my mind is made up. I am gonna collect a few things then go to a hotel Camelot have arranged, a car is waiting.'
'You are throwing 17 years away for money? I have money, I have money too, let me explain, Fate is on our side again, we can make it work I know it...'
'No. Not throwing it away for money, the money is a cushion, and enabler. A comfort. But freedom, that is something I will treasure until my last breath. Fate has given me a chance, a chance for me to leave and know you'll be provided for. A chance for us both to find true happiness. Besides Betsy, you'll never change, like you always tell me, a leopard never changes it's spots'
So there you go. On the day Fate gives him a chance she cruelly snatches away every shred of happiness I had. You can own many things in life. nice house, designer clothes, a fancy car. But the one thing I want most money can't buy. My mind goes into meltdown when I think of the odds of us both putting on the same line, our numbers thrown out the machine. How differently we viewed the opportunity those digits presented us. As I sip at the steaming hot tea I think back to when we had nothing, we'd scratch about to make rent and buy food. had nothing but each other.
And I think what I'd give, everything, to have that back.
User Reviews
Submitted by matnotharry (user info) at 2010-02-11 19:15:19 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Oh hey!
Submitted by stinkfish (user info) at 2010-02-09 14:54:33 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Maybe was as far as I got. Ugh, maybe.
Submitted by 53RD (user info) at 2010-02-05 19:46:58 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by SgtHartman (user info) at 2010-02-05 14:05:59 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Does this work???
VERY COOL!
rob berg is teh master of teh intarwebs.
♥
Submitted by HeyJude (user info) at 2010-02-05 12:19:32 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Booya.
Submitted by Socialist_Joe (user info) at 2010-02-05 11:46:53 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by JoeyG (user info) at 2010-02-05 08:01:40 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
This was definitely worth coming back here for.
Nice job.
Submitted by spuj (user info) at 2010-02-05 04:33:06 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
WHAT THE FUCK.
You stop writing on uber for fucking ages, you come back now and again to leave comments etc.
Then you come and post this which really was such a good read, so much feeling and emotion.
You are such a bitch.
Submitted by rob_berg (user info) at 2010-02-04 20:07:53 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No way am I reading all of that.
♥
Submitted by Danger_Ranger (user info) at 2010-02-04 15:31:18 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I'm a mean *person* sweetie
Submitted by icarus1987 (user info) at 2010-02-04 14:26:20 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I dunno man, it was good. I can just seldom sit through a romantic drama thing, you know?
Submitted by orphelia (user info) at 2010-02-04 13:00:30 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Or you could just ask him for the account, then you have a trilogy of mares.
I'd ask him for you but he ignores me *sighs*
:(
Submitted by orphelia (user info) at 2010-02-04 12:55:40 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submitted by Ryland (user info) at 2010-02-04 12:39:00 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
A more approprite title would have been "The winner takes just half"
~~~
That would have been a fantastic title, what can I say, I am shite at titles. And stuff.
Had 4.5 million actually been half of 8. :(
***
Stealing that account would be a superb idea. I suspect the pass to be 9outof10catspreferwhiskers
Submitted by Ryland (user info) at 2010-02-04 12:39:00 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
A more approprite title would have been "The winner takes just half, to be increased to three quarters depending on how much of a bitch she plans on being"
Just saying.
Submitted by GroundHorse (user info) at 2010-02-04 12:29:43 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Assuming you mean this jack....http://www.ubersite.com/m/124200#2957183
He's too good to be uncovered. I consider stealing his horse87 account, just for the fun of it.
Submitted by orphelia (user info) at 2010-02-04 12:12:14 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
No i think he just doens't see me, goddamnit. No kneeling there though, theres a puddle of something...
what is a pigs favourite football team?
west ham.
Submitted by GroundHorse (user info) at 2010-02-04 12:06:38 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
The logic below does not compute.
Stop fucking us around.
Submitted by triangle_man (user info) at 2010-02-04 12:02:41 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by orphelia (user info) at 2010-02-04 11:55:44 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Why does jack always ignore my posts? :(
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOyeah
Maybe he is your alter and you don't know it..;)
I'll kneel at your alter BTW
Submitted by orphelia (user info) at 2010-02-04 11:55:44 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Yes, we have different math, we call it maths.
Also, I have written a series based on the Lotto. I haven't won it, I don't play it. But I do have two tickets in my kitchen drawer, unchecked. They were an mpulse buy several months ago.
Making out with me is never awkward unless the kids are watching.
Money can buy you time. it can by you the most modern science and medicine known to man.
Thanks for the book suggestion and the long words.
Why does jack always ignore my posts? :(
Submitted by inion_de_trua (user info) at 2010-02-04 10:55:54 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by orphelia (user info) at 2010-02-03 18:49:26 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by AyeCarumba (user info) at 2010-02-03 17:37:34 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Dear god woman, spellcheck and proof read! 4.5 is NOT half of 8! =)
~~~
not in england. :)
------------------------
england has different math rules?
Submitted by BranDo (user info) at 2010-02-04 05:51:22 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Jackpot!
Submitted by F.J.Bell (user info) at 2010-02-04 04:19:11 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Look, if you ever DO come into money, can we run away together?
Submitted by ridiculous (user info) at 2010-02-04 02:54:49 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Good fun, a bit predictable perhaps but still wanted to read it all, partially to confirm my suspicions and partially to watch it come together. I am curious how this concept came to you?
Submitted by Cakes (user info) at 2010-02-04 02:32:59 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
And I think what I'd give, everything, to have that back.
*
I was in a similar position once, but having everything seemed more of an absence than a presence. I’d remember our macaroni and cheese days, they were the best. But I couldn't ever go back there, even though I tried. Really good story.
Submitted by erosion_rules (user info) at 2010-02-03 22:34:54 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I'd make out with ya.
Even if it was awkward.
Submitted by apollo88 (user info) at 2010-02-03 21:53:44 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
8/2 =/= 4.5
Submitted by Yozz (user info) at 2010-02-03 21:33:11 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Ending was predictable, but it was well written.
Submitted by VelvetElvis (user info) at 2010-02-03 21:22:06 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Good writing: the emotions didn't get in the way as oft happens in such scenarios. Considering your style and mindwork, you might enjoy reading Fear of Flying by Erica Jong--if you read it and like, then read her best book afterward, titled "Fanny: Being the True History of the Adventures of Fanny Hackabout-Jones." It's awesome.
Submitted by cheerios (user info) at 2010-02-03 21:03:05 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
didnt read, but looks like effort.
Submitted by sandmantate (user info) at 2010-02-03 20:54:21 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I meant one of *your* posts.
Submitted by sandmantate (user info) at 2010-02-03 20:53:23 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I saw it coming, but I still liked it. It's nice to read one of our posts.
Submitted by TuTs (user info) at 2010-02-03 20:45:41 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Are you a bit obsessed with the lotto lately? Did you win?
Submitted by Lib (user info) at 2010-02-03 20:15:20 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by orphelia (user info) at 2010-02-03 18:49:26 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by AyeCarumba (user info) at 2010-02-03 17:37:34 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Dear god woman, spellcheck and proof read! 4.5 is NOT half of 8! =)
~~~
not in england. :)
Submitted by Snark (user info) at 2010-02-03 18:03:03 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I own a lamp
Submitted by MyTeeOne (user info) at 2010-02-03 17:43:24 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
Well written. I knew he won the other half early on though.
Submitted by AyeCarumba (user info) at 2010-02-03 17:37:34 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Dear god woman, spellcheck and proof read! 4.5 is NOT half of 8! =)
Otherwise, really good, enjoyed this a lot. Next part please :D
Submitted by AshK (user info) at 2010-02-03 17:28:56 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by TechnoRatty (user info) at 2010-02-03 17:06:09 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Delightful my dear. lets break out the tea and scones
Submitted by JonnyX (user info) at 2010-02-03 16:51:18 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
GIFT OF THE MAGI VERSION 2.0
Submitted by triangle_man (user info) at 2010-02-03 15:43:26 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
if you'd traded Sally for Bets...
Submitted by HellRazer (user info) at 2010-02-03 15:43:08 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Not too shabby. Bets is quite the bitch.
Submitted by triangle_man (user info) at 2010-02-03 15:39:36 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
OK I'm back whew
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2010-02-03 15:19:16 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
If wealth you desire then remember this rhyme:
Your money buys neither contentment nor time.
Submitted by Jeanneee (user info) at 2010-02-03 13:41:49 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
My mom's name is Betsy.
Submitted by SgtHartman (user info) at 2010-02-03 13:36:55 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Awesome story O.
Submitted by FALLEN (user info) at 2010-02-03 13:36:15 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
stop writing sad things!
I will do what I said otherwise, you just watch me.
Submitted by willartstorg (user info) at 2010-02-03 13:31:22 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by sicosemen (user info) at 2010-02-03 13:27:54 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Bubba's a mitochondriac, pass it on.
============
Kiss my ribosome.
Submitted by wardy (user info) at 2010-02-03 13:29:25 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I can't read.
Submitted by sicosemen (user info) at 2010-02-03 13:27:54 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Bubba's a mitochondriac, pass it on.
Submitted by willartstorg (user info) at 2010-02-03 13:25:23 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by sicosemen (user info) at 2010-02-03 13:12:28 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Just to be a mitochondria in the chasm of your pussy...
=================
Endoplasmic reticulum sounds cooler.
PS: mitochondria is the plural form. . .
Submitted by RoadSong (user info) at 2010-02-03 13:20:56 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
This is a grand tale.
"A leopard nev..."
Submitted by triangle_man (user info) at 2010-02-03 13:18:13 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
BRB I gotta pee first
Submitted by orphelia (user info) at 2010-02-03 13:14:19 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
I take it 'mitochondria' means aids infected tosspot :P
Submitted by orphelia (user info) at 2010-02-03 13:12:42 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
*no spellcheck.
Submitted by sicosemen (user info) at 2010-02-03 13:12:28 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Just to be a mitochondria in the chasm of your pussy...
Submitted by orphelia (user info) at 2010-02-03 13:12:22 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
I expect WTFINRT hence now spellcheck.