November 2012
Eunice was apprehensive as she approached the steps of the Community Centre. It was some time since she had been out alone on an evening. In fact, since Dougie, her husband, had died earlier in the year, she hadn't really been out much at all. Her friends had said they were very concerned about her, that she needed to get out and about, staying indoors brooding all the time was not good for her. They could see that it was having an adverse effect on her.
So here she was, 7:15 on a cold wet October evening, feeling lost and quite miserable. Whatever did she think she was up to? Whatever had made her think this meeting would help? She had seen it advertised on the library notice board last Wednesday, when she had gone to change her books. Not that she had actually managed to read them, but Jackie had brought them round.
'They're great,' she had enthused. 'I'm sure you'll enjoy them.'
Eunice had tried each night to get started, but to no avail. Then suddenly she had realised that they were due back. The library notice had pointed out that the meeting would be held tonight, 7:30 in the Community Centre, all welcome, especially new members. So here she was entering the centre's doors and into the reception area. There didn't seem to be anyone around, and no notice to show any directions.
Eunice wandered down the corridor, saw signs for the toilets, and ahead two large decorated doors, with Hall 1 above them, and a board stating 'AA Meeting, 7:30pm'. She could see there were lights on behind the doors. So she pushed them open and walked in.
There were a few people sitting in the rows, not looking at each other, not talking to each other. Nobody looked up or at her as she entered, so she sat down nervously near the back, trying to keep a low profile and not make herself too obvious. Other people came in and sat down. As Eunice looked around the room, she felt it was a strange group, dotted round the hall, and still no one was talking to each other.
Eunice looked at her watch, 7:30. Just then a lady from the front stood up and turned to face the rest.
'Good evening everybody, I'm Mary Prentice, the organiser of this group. I'd like to welcome you all this evening, especially any new members. You are all welcome and I'm so glad you were able to join us on this miserable evening.'
Mary then went on to tell everyone about the fire exits, toilets and the tea break. Eunice realised that this was all important but hoped that they would soon start the real meeting.
'OK, everyone, pick up your seats, make a large circle and push the spare chairs to the edges,' called out Mary, 'then we can get started on our first meeting since July.'
Eunice felt this was rather strange, but perhaps it was a way to get everybody to know each other. She quickly found herself a place near another lady. She tried to smile at her but got no response. Most of the people seemed to be looking down at the floor rather than at each other. Once everyone was settled Mary started by telling them about herself, where she lived and her family. When she had finished the person on her right did the same and so on, slowly working around the circle. Eunice was confused and rather amazed that this was happening. Everybody's information sad and quite depressing. Why?
She suddenly realised that soon it would be her turn. Could she tell everyone about her life, losing Dougie and being afraid to go out? She felt herself sinking inside. Why had she come? How would this help her? It would be her turn next, what could she do?
Mary turned towards Eunice and said, 'And now, one of our new members.'
'I'm Eunice Stone, I'm 61 and became a widow earlier this year. My friends felt I should start going out again, so I came here to meet some new people. I'm not sure that this is really what I expected, or what I really need. I don't think I belong here.'
'Lots of people say that when they first start, it's a form of denial,' said Mary.
'Denial?' muttered Eunice. 'Of what? I've already admitted I'm lonely and I miss my husband Dougie.'
'No, I meant the denial of your drinking problem,' replied Mary.
'What drinking problem?' whispered Eunice, now feeling totally confused.
'Well that's why you've come to the meeting, isn't it?' asked one of the other people in the circle.
'We all have a drink problem,' said another, 'after all it is an AA meeting, Alcoholics Anonymous.'
'What?' stuttered Eunice, 'I knew something was wrong. I thought it was the Art Appreciation meeting. That's what I came for.' She hurried towards the door.
'Silly woman,' she heard behind her, 'that's in Hall 2.'