Decisions, decisions

Jill and her niece Ella are undecided about their careers... now both need to make decisions

- A short story by S Bee

I'm sorry, but our books are already full,” the friendly woman in the office said. Her name badge said Sue. I nodded. I'd driven to the city to register with an agency that dealt in TV extras.

I'd been given the agency address from a colleague of my husband's.

His colleague's nephew earned a part-time living from being an extra. It sounded like a refreshing change, and I'd geared myself up to begin a new 'late in life' career, only...

Sue must have noticed my downcast expression.

"Look, if you fill in this form and post it back to us, we'll place you on our waiting list. We'll need a recent, clear photo of you, too.”

I smiled. “I'll fill in the form and include a photo. I'll post it back as soon as I can.”

Well, I thought, so much for my dreams of mingling with the stars!

I'd worked as a receptionist at a Lloyd's, a busy veterinary practice, for 25 years, and now, approaching 60, I'd wondered about retirement.

Then a vet came out. “Has my 10.30 arrived? A hamster called Boo Boo?'

It hadn't. So he went straight to Penelope Pipstop, a sulky yet very intelligent parrot.

At home, I reflected.

“If I retired, I'd still want something to do,” I said to Chas.

“Hmm... remember Alan at work? He has a nephew, who works as a TV extra. Alan's always banging on about all the popular dramas his nephew has appeared in,” he said.

“Oh, that sounds interesting. Tell me more.”

“Bear in mind that you'll be called as and when you're needed, so you must be flexible. From what Alan says, you'll also have lots of spare time.”

I nodded. That sounded great.

I was keen to join the dynamic duo... my two sisters, Kate and Liz were retired teachers.