Hey, it's Nancy here, Nancy Dockett. I have a job interview tomorrow for a music teacher position? Yeah… mmhmm. Yeah, I was just calling to let you know I won't be able to make it, something's come up and… Yeah, uh huh, yes, yes I know it's highly unprofessional, I'm so sorry…. No, no I don't think I would like to reschedule the interview. Yeah, thanks, bye.

Hi, is this Stowes Family Law? Yes, I'd like to enquire about getting legal representation for myself? Yes… going through a divorce. Yes, thank you.

Hi is this Vardags Law? Yes, I heard that you do represent women going through legal seperation? Yes, yes I was asked to call. No, he doesn't know yet, I was going to tell him and I wanted to be covered when I do so. Yes, I think that's a good idea too. Would we be able to set up a meeting? Tuesday? Yes Tuesday is good for me… What do I need to bring? Oh hold on let me just get a, ugh, rustle mmhmm, yeah? Yes, just got a pen what is it now? Yeah, mmhmm, yeah… yes, got it. Thank you so much. See you soon, ok have a good day. Bye.

Last one…

Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring.

C'mon pick up… Pick up…

Ring. Ring. Ring

Don't run away, this is the hardest one, you can do this, you can DO THIS

Ahh yes, hi, hello. Is this Symphonics Studios? Yes, it's Nancy, do you remember me? No… that's ok, its ok. I played backup for The Fucked Six once there… Yeah it is a lovely studio! Um, I was wondering if you had any vacancies soon? Oh, as soon as possible! Ahh yes… for me. Yup, just me. No, no it's not a band recording. Yeah so I'll need a mic setup, and if you have a booth guy around that would be fab. Yeah, yes I can pay, how much is it? Oh, oh ok… Yes I can afford it! Don't worry. I'll come with cash. Yes, yeah I know. I know where it is. Thank you so much. Thanks, I'll be in touch soon. What's your name? Dave? Thank you Dave, you have no idea how much this means to me. Ok… you too! Bye!

With that last call you rush out into the rain and take your coat off, letting yourself be soaked. It is as if a huge weight was lifted off your shoulders. You scream to the heavens, hopefully it's too dark for anyone to think you're crazy.

And so what if you were? Anyone would be after what you've experienced.

You grab a paint roller dipped in royal blue and slather it all over the plaster. It's taken your entire life's savings and the divorce money to buy this place. But you tell yourself it'll be worth not having a landlord in the long term. Plus, this way, you can truly do whatever you'd like with the place. You realise that David chose the colours and furniture for your old home. So, you try to choose things that he would never pick, like dark blue.

Your mom gave you a couple rugs, which you sprawl out onto the floor, setting some second-hand furniture on top. You insisted that you didn't want to keep anything physical from the divorce besides your bed and guitar. All the other things were David's to begin with anyway. The small flat has double doors that lead out onto a balcony, full of smog and horns from the busses going by, but you wouldn't have it any other way.

A good two families and their dogs show up, but it's a start.

“Presenting the one, the only, this year's sellout artist and headliner. The one you've all been waiting for, Nnacy Dockett!!”

The crowd erupts into cheers as you shred your way on stage. If only they could see you now.

“And for her contributions to the Indie Rock Genre, we would like to extend a special mention to… Nancy Dockett!”

You stand from your seat at a table and go up to meet the presenter.

“I hope you can't see my wrinkles under these lights.” You joke with the crowd in your acceptance speech. “I'd like to dedicate this award to my publicist, my team, Symphonic Studios who supported me from start to finish. And most importantly, Paul, if you're out there, you know who you are.”

On New Years, you pull out the letter you wrote that faithful night 30 odd years ago and open it, word by word you painstakingly type it into the computer email, hopefully you've done this right. You hit send to Paul's university correspondence.

“Omg, why do you still have Nancy Dockett on your profile, she's old news!”

“Eff you. Her music is still fire and you know it!”

“She's like a reject Amy Winehouse…”

“You take that back!”

BLOCKED

Years pass, and soon, it will be decades. You don't know if it ever got to him. But somehow… it doesn't matter. The fact that you sent it made you free, the fact that you sent it meant that you really did say goodbye. Plus, you've long since moved on.

Hey girl, we still going to that Nancy Dockett concert next week?

Yes!! omgfsgsffdg so excited.

Hear it's gonna be her last one before she retires *crying face*

I know, I really liked her last album too, she really went back to her roots with his one.

And the flare pants she wore in her last photoshoot, love.

I can't believe no one actually knows about her. If they heard her I'd bet she could sell out the O2 or something

Hahahaha maybe. But it's nice I guess that it's gonna be like, a small concert. My mom's excited too. She used to listen to her when she was a teen.

Old Souls we are *tongue out emoji*