Franks Tyres

 Franks Tyres 

By Barbara Thomas 

7.30am The day has started well

8.00am had breakfast said my goodbye's then went to my car.

8.10am Driving off to work, roads clear for a change.

8.55am Driving steady down the road, traffic building up.

9.00am going towards Blackwall tunnel traffic has eased with a bit of luck I should be at my meeting in good time.

9.05am Suddenly there was something wrong as I was getting nearer the tunnel the steering wasn't right luckily there was a layby.

9.10am I got out of the car traffic whizzing past not to sure what the problem was, I walked round the car problem solved two tyres had burst.

9.20am I phoned the breakdown who said due to traffic they couldn't come for at least an hour thats when I was thankful my wife and children were not in the car, that's when it would become a priority. 

9.30am the sky opened up then there was an almighty flash. The rain became a deluge and there was I stranded! So I pulled up my coat collar and sat in the car at a loss.

9.45am the rain stopped, I was soaked through. I checked my watch thinking it must be time for the breakdown lorry to finally arrive. I pulled my mobile out.

9.50am  I phoned the building where my meeting was and spoke to receptionist explain I could be a little late  as I was having trouble with my car she said she would pass on the message and I thanked her hoping as I put my mobile away then low and behold the breakdown lorry arrived. 

10.00am I put my hands together looked up to the sky and thanked God.

10.10am the driver got out of the cab and we exchanged pleasantries, then he had a look at the problem.

10.15am The mans name was Dave. He scratched his head and said he was sorry but he didn't have that size tyre so unfortunately he couldn't help but he was willing to phone up for another breakdown lorry that would have the right equipment. Words failed me Dave apologised again before he set off into the heavy traffic.

10.35am once again I was stranded and the day has started so we'll.

10.50am I looked down the road and at last I saw the flashing lights of the second breakdown lorry the driver pulls in, gets out of the lorry.

“Hello mate my name is Frank. Now let me see what the trouble is.” after checking all my tyres he walked back to the lorry and, pulled out 2 tyres. Within 20 mins, the job was done.

I shook his hand and thanked him.

"That's alright mate only to pleased to be of service."

11.20am I sat in the car, turned the key. Watched the traffic, waiting for an opening then creped out into the flow.

11.30am I reached the tunnel now at least 2 hours late for my meeting I could only hope the people were still there, quietly thanking our lord for Frank. And his efficient tyre change.  

Driving along I wondered what the rest of the day would throw at me. Oh it had started so well 10 minutes to the meeting I must look a sight still soaked through, what a way to go to an important meeting. 

I arrive, I park the car rush into the toilet wash my face check my suit put my hands through my hair this is it I have arrived.  I went up to the receptionist and asked if she could tell me what room my meeting was being held in?  She looked up her appointment book asked me my name and after 5 minutes said she was very sorry but my meeting was tomorrow. 

Yes you guessed it I was a day early I walked out of the building got into my car and thought to myself that really takes the ticket let's hope tomorrow will be better. 

When I finally got home I checked all my tyres as I had been advised by Frank.  I couldn't go through that again.

Copyright Barbara Thomas