Mother’s Ruin

by Kitty Neale

  ‘I won’t argue with you, Dad, and have to admit that I feel a bit whacked.’

  ‘That’s understandable, but you’ll feel stronger as each day passes.’

  Sally accompanied her in-laws out, but when she went back to the sitting room it was to find Arthur slumped in the chair with his eyes closed. ‘Are you all right?’ she asked worriedly.

  He opened his eyes and for a moment they hardened. ‘I’m fine, and don’t mollycoddle me. Save that for Angel.’

  ‘Yes, sorry.’

  ‘Oh, love, it’s me that should be sorry. I’ve got a horror of being treated differently and I’m being oversensitive. After being in hospital for such a long time, I feel a bit disorientated, but it’s wonderful to be in our own place again. Come here and give me a proper kiss.’

  Sally ran to his side and, kneeling by his chair, she threw her arms around him, her kiss passionate. Yes, he was being a bit snappy, but that was understandable if his stump was still painful. Despite her feelings to the contrary, she would be careful not to make a fuss of him.

  Later that afternoon, Sally left to pick Angel up from school and, as her daughter ran out of the gates, she said, ‘Come on, I’ve got a lovely surprise for you.’

  ‘Where are we going?’ Angel asked as they turned in the opposite direction from Candle Lane.

  ‘You’ll see,’ Sally said, gently squeezing her daughter’s hand.

  As they turned into Maple Terrace, Angel looked puzzled. ‘I don’t want to see that place again. I want to go home.’

  ‘I think you’ll change your mind, darling,’ Sally said as she opened the street door. ‘Go into the sitting room and see who’s waiting for you.’

  ‘Daddy!’ Angel screamed, dashing across the room.

  ‘Hello, princess,’ he said, holding out his arms.

  Arthur pulled his daughter up onto his good leg, and Sally held her breath, worried that Angel might knock his stump. Angel gazed up at her father for a moment, and then looked down at his missing limb. ‘Daddy, when will your leg grow again?’

  With a chuckle, Arthur said, ‘It won’t grow again, darling, but I’m getting a new one made for me. In the meantime I’ll have to get about on those things.’

  Angel looked at his crutches, her eyes alight with interest. ‘Can I have a go on them?’

  ‘They’ll be too big for you. Now come on, tell me how you’re getting on at school?’

  ‘It’s all right, but Tommy doesn’t play with me now.’

  ‘When I was a little boy, I didn’t want to play with girls, and I expect Tommy feels the same. Surely you’ve made other friends?’

  ‘Yes, and they’re nice. Rita is my bested friend.’

  ‘Best friend, not bested,’ Arthur said. ‘Can we go home now, Daddy?’

  ‘We’re going to live here. You, me, and Mummy.’

  ‘I want to go back to Nanny’s house.’

  ‘What and leave me on my own?’

  ‘You can come too.’

  ‘No, Angel, this is our home now. Anyway, I need my princess to look after me. I thought you were going to be my special nurse?’

  ‘But . . .’

  ‘You’ll see Nanny every day, Gamma too.’

  Angel sat quietly for a little while, her head cocked to one side and, for a moment, Sally thought her daughter was going to cry. But then she placed her hand on Arthur’s cheek saying haughtily, ‘Have you had your medicine today?’

  ‘No, nurse, I think you’d better get it for me.’

  ‘Mummy, where’s Daddy’s medicine?’

  ‘In the kitchen. I’ll go and get it for you.’

  Sally quickly emptied a half bottle of cough syrup down the sink and then, rinsing out the bottle she filled it with cold tea. Returning to the sitting room and winking at Arthur, she said, ‘Here you are, Angel, give him a spoonful of this.’

  ‘I’ll have to put my nurse’s uniform on first,’ she said importantly, and then frowned. ‘Oh, no, it’s at Nanny’s house.’

  ‘No, it isn’t, pet. It’s in your new bedroom.’

  ‘Wait there, Daddy,’ Angel said as she scrambled off his lap, and ran out of the room, Sally following close behind.

  The play outfit had been a Christmas present, but for some reason Angel had refused to wear it until her daddy came home. Now, with Sally’s assistance, she eagerly put it on, adding the white cap as the final touch. There was a little case to go with it, containing plastic instruments, including a pair of scissors, thermometer, stethoscope, and tweezers. A few bandages completed the kit, and now Angel grabbed it before running back to the living room.

  ‘Hello, nurse,’ Arthur said.

  Angel picked up the bottle of medicine, and Sally forced herself not to intervene as she poured the liquid into a teaspoon, spilling some in the process. ‘Open wide,’ she said.

  Arthur swallowed the cold tea and pulled a face of disgust. ‘Yuk, nurse! That’s awful.’

  ‘I know, but it’s to make you better.’ Angel then took out the plastic thermometer, and asking Arthur to open his mouth again, she popped it inside. Obviously, this was an impatient nurse, as seconds later she pulled it out again, her little face screwed up with importance as she read the gauge. ‘You have a temture,’ she said, putting the stethoscope around her neck.

  Arthur hid a smile, this time not correcting his daughter’s mispronunciation of temperature.

  She placed the stethoscope on his chest, and after listening to her daddy’s heart, she adopted a haughty pose. ‘I can’t hear anything so I think you should lie down and have a rest.’

  It was too much for Arthur, as while he’d fought valiantly to hold in his mirth, Angel’s mannerism was the final straw and he roared with laughter.

  Sally found it infectious and joined in, her heart swelling with happiness. Arthur was home at last, they were in their new home, and as their laughter subsided, their eyes met.

  ‘I love you,’ Arthur murmured.

  ‘I love you too,’ she replied.

  ‘What about me?’ Angel asked.

  ‘And we both love you,’ Arthur said, dragging Angel onto his lap again.

  Sally smiled at the scene, pleased that the transition to Maple Terrace hadn’t been too difficult. It was only the first day, but if this was anything to go by, things could only get better.

  That evening, Sally said, ‘Come on, Angel, it’s time for your bath.’

  ‘Daddy, you do it,’ Angel begged.

  ‘All right,’ Arthur said as he clumsily stood up and tucked his crutches under his arms.

  Worriedly, Sally said, ‘Are you sure you can manage?’

  ‘Of course I can. There’s no need to treat me like an invalid.’

  ‘Sorry,’ Sally said hastily, but still watched nervously as they left the room. Their daughter could be a handful, and if the bathroom floor became wet, it would be slippery. Would Arthur be safe? She forced herself to stay where she was, but ten minutes later there was a yell.

  ‘Angel!’

  Heart thumping, Sally flew to the bathroom.

  ‘What is it? Are you all right?’

  Arthur was sitting on the side of the bath, his trousers and shirt soaked. ‘There’s no need to panic. We’re both fine. Well, apart from this little minx soaking me with water.’

  White bubbles formed a small crown atop Angel’s red hair and, as she stood up, more coated her body. She held out her arms imperiously. ‘Get me out now.’

  ‘I’ll do it,’ Sally said hurriedly.

  ‘Right, that’s it,’

  Arthur growled as he reached for his crutches. ‘As you seem to think I’m incapable, I’ll leave Angel to you.’

  Clumsily he left the bathroom, whilst Sally grabbed a towel and wrapped it around her daughter.

  ‘Daddy’s cross,’ Angel said as they went to her bedroom.

  ‘He’s just tired, darling. Now come on, let’s get you dry and into your nightclothes.’

  ‘But I’m Daddy’s nurse.’

&nbs
p; ‘It’s past your bedtime, and even nurses have to sleep. Now come on, be a good girl,’ she said rubbing her daughter dry.

  Angel consented to put her nightclothes on, but when Sally picked up a book and suggested a story, she shook her head, pouting. ‘No, I want Daddy to read it.’

  ‘I told you. He’s tired, darling.’

  ‘No, he isn’t.’

  Sally held back the blankets as her daughter scrambled into bed, saying, ‘All right, I’ll get him.’

  When she walked into the living room, it was to find Arthur slumped in a chair. ‘Angel wants you to read to her.’

  ‘Are you sure I can manage it?’ he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

  Sally’s face fell. When Arthur had arrived home that morning, he seemed fine, but as the day wore on she could sense a growing tension. ‘I’m sorry, love. I know I’m being overprotect ive, but it’s your first day home and I don’t want you to overdo things.’

  ‘I don’t need fussing over. If I can’t cope with something, I’ll tell you.’

  ‘All right,’ she said, but as Arthur stood up she thought she saw him wince. Was he in pain? With her eyes slightly un focused, she used her spiritual gift to gaze at his aura, but before she could concentrate sufficiently, Angela burst into the room.

  ‘Daddy, come on.’

  ‘All right, but only one story.’

  He left the room, but not before Sally noticed that he really did look tired, perhaps another reason for his tetchiness. Once Angel was asleep she’d see that he relaxed and maybe he’d allow her to give him some spiritual healing.

  At last we’re alone, Sally thought. Angela was asleep, and Arthur was sprawled out on a fireside chair with his eyes closed. She focused on his stump, frowning, yet seeing only a little darkness in the aura that looked nothing to worry about.

  He opened his eyes, saw her looking at his leg, and his lips tightened. ‘Judging by the look on your face, you must find it repugnant, Sally?’

  ‘Don’t be silly. Of course I don’t,’ Sally protested.

  ‘All right, forget it then and switch on the television. There’s a programme I want to see.’

  Sally did his bidding, and as Arthur stared at the screen, she remained silent. He hardly said a word for the rest of the evening, just thanked her briefly when she made him a cup of cocoa.

  ‘Arthur,’ she began, hoping he’d tell her what the problem was, but he cut her off, struggling to his feet and saying that he was going to bed.

  ‘Are you coming?’ he asked, not waiting for a reply.

  Sally followed behind him, but in the bedroom one of his crutches caught on a bedside rug and he stumbled. She blanched as she rushed to his side. ‘Are you all right?’

  ‘Yes,’ he snapped, regaining his balance.

  He then seemed to stand awkwardly by the bed and thinking that he didn’t want her to see his fumbling attempts to undress, Sally went to her side of the room, turning her back as she removed her own clothes. She then flung on her dressing gown, still not looking at Arthur as she headed for the bathroom. It was cold and Sally shivered, but to give Arthur time she washed slowly before cleaning her teeth.

  Arthur was in bed when she returned, his eyes closed. He had always slept on that side, and had chosen to do so again, but that meant his stump would be next to her. She wanted to snuggle up to him, but what if she knocked it, causing him pain?

  She eased herself carefully into bed, keeping a little distance between them and tentatively reached out to touch him. It was then that she heard a soft snore. Poor Arthur, he must have been exhausted and had already gone to sleep.

  He was sure to feel better tomorrow, and as they had been apart for so long they were sure to make love soon. Angel had her own room again now and there was nothing to stop them. For now, Sally closed her eyes, smiling at the thought as she drifted off to sleep.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  When Sally awoke in the morning she stretched out her arms. It was early, still dark, and as Arthur didn’t stir she guessed that he was still asleep. Careful not to wake him, she got up and tiptoed from the room, the house silent as she washed and dressed.

  With the sun just beginning to rise, Sally made a pot of tea and sat sipping it, relishing being in her own home again. All too soon she would have to leave it to spend the day at Candle Lane.

  After drinking another cup of tea, Sally stirred herself and went into Angela’s room. ‘Come on, sweetheart, wake up,’ she said, giving the child a gentle shake.

  Sleepy eyes gazed up at Sally. ‘I was flying, Mummy.’

  Sally’s eyes widened. She too had dreams of flying, vivid ones of skimming low over rooftops, the moon casting a translucent glow on the tiles. It felt so real, so joyful, and now Angel was experiencing it too. She gazed at her daughter, sure now that Angel had inherited her spiritual gifts, though how they would manifest, was yet to be seen. ‘Did you enjoy flying?’

  ‘Yes, and I want to go back to sleep so I can do it again.’

  ‘Sorry, darling, you’ve got to get up.’

  Angel pouted a little, but scrambled out of bed and in no time Sally was getting her ready for school.

  Later, just as she was preparing breakfast, Arthur appeared, slowly walking across the room on his crutches, his hair tousled and looking to Sally, deliciously sexy.

  ‘Hello, love,’ she said. ‘You’re up then.’

  ‘Daddy!’ Angel cried.

  ‘Morning, princess.’

  ‘What do you fancy for breakfast?’ Sally asked.

  ‘What are you having, Angel?’

  ‘Porridge.’

  ‘Then I’ll have the same,’ Arthur said, his eyes avoiding Sally’s.

  ‘Are you all right, love?’

  ‘I’m fine. Why shouldn’t I be?’

  Sally hid a frown. Arthur still seemed tetchy, but maybe his wound was painful. ‘Does your leg hurt?’

  ‘I’ll get your medicine, Daddy,’ Angel said before he had a chance to answer, and as Arthur indulged her, Sally made breakfast, though with no appetite herself she just poured two bowls.

  Sally was all too aware of the strained atmosphere, though she had no idea what had caused it. Thankfully Angel seemed blissfully unaware, her chatter filling the silence, until glancing at the clock Sally saw that it was time to leave. She put the bowls in the sink, rinsed them out and then said, ‘Right, it’s time we were off. Come on, Angel, get your coat on.’

  Angel did as she was told, and then ran to kiss her daddy goodbye. Sally went to do the same, but Arthur leaned away. Though hurt, she said, ‘I’ll be back as soon as I can. Your mother will be down later to see if you need anything.’

  ‘There’s no need. I’m perfectly capable of looking after myself. In fact, I’m going to ring Joe to tell him that I’m ready to start work.’

  Sally wanted to argue, to tell Arthur that without his prosthesis it was too soon, but managed to hold her tongue, only murmuring, ‘All right. I’ll see you later.’

  He smiled thinly, calling to Angel as they left, ‘Bye, sweetheart, and be a good girl at school.’

  ‘Bye, Daddy,’ she called back.

  Holding her daughter’s hand, Sally made her way to Candle Lane, arriving to find her mother hovering in the hall. ‘You’re here at last. If I don’t get a move on I’ll be late for work.’

  ‘Nanny, have you got any sweeties for me?’

  ‘No, sorry, darling, but I’ll fetch some home. Now come on, give me a kiss before I go.’

  Angel ran into Ruth’s arms, clinging to her nanny for a moment, obviously bewildered by this new routine. Ruth was finally able to extract herself, saying as an afterthought, ‘How’s Arthur?’

  ‘He’s fine. See you later, Mum.’

  As the door closed behind her mother, Sally went into the kitchen, Angel on her heels. ‘Hello, Gran.’

  ‘Hello, love, and what are you doing here?’

  ‘You know why I’m here, Gran. I’ll be staying with you until Mum comes
home from work.’

  ‘What on earth for? You should be with Arthur.’

  ‘Arthur is fine on his own,’ Sally said, frowning. Since Gran’s stroke she was often forgetful, but until now there had been signs of improvement. Surreptitiously Sally looked at her gran’s aura, but she couldn’t see any signs of deterioration. ‘Did you sleep well last night?’

  ‘No, not really, my hips were playing up.’

  ‘I’m taking Angel to school now, but I’ll give you a bit of healing when I get back.’

  ‘Thanks, love. That always does the trick. Now then, Angel, before you go to school, ain’t you gonna give me a kiss?’

  The child ran to her side, grinning widely. ‘I’m Daddy’s nurse now, Gamma.’

  ‘That’s nice, and do you wear your uniform?’

  Angel puffed with importance as she answered Sadie, ‘Yes, and I take my daddy’s temture.’

  ‘Temperature,’ Sadie corrected, ‘and my, ain’t you a clever girl.’

  ‘Come on, Angel, it’s time to go,’ Sally urged.

  Angel reluctantly left Sadie’s side, but not before Sally called, ‘I’ll be back soon, Gran.’

  Sadie pursed her lips as her granddaughter left the room. It wasn’t right that Sally had to come round here every day to look after her, yet despite protesting, nobody listened. She didn’t need nursing, and even if she did, it wasn’t Sally’s place to do it.

  Ruth had to work, Sadie knew that, and though she loved her daughter, there was no getting away from the fact that she had a selfish streak. All right, it would be a bit humiliating to apply for National Assistance, but surely that was better than laying the burden of her care onto Sally.

  Her elder daughter was as bad, going off on a cruise and then deciding not to return for what sounded like some time. Sadie sighed heavily. Though her daughters were similar in looks, both pretty with brown hair and blue eyes, they had very different personalities. As children, Ruth had been the needy one, whilst Mary had always been self-sufficient, growing into an uppity and bossy adult.

  Sadie had no idea where Mary got that from, but then she smiled and finally chuckled. If truth be known, Mary was the daughter who was the most like her. She might appear hard, but it was just a veneer that hid a soft and vulnerable core.