Ruby's Palace

by KERRY BARNES

  “Gloria, what is wrong with this child?”

  Not one for lying, she answered, “He has eaten cannabis cakes.”

  Massie turned to face Jesse. “If Gloria wasn’t a friend of mine, I would have called social services. My God! How can this happen?”

  Jesse wanted to have a go back but thought better of it.

  “Look, it wasn’t my fault. I turned me back for a few minutes and he climbed up to me top cupboard and ate the dope cakes.” Jesse was worried now.

  “The state of these little mites, they look like they have never had a decent meal in their tiny bellies. No wonder they ate your precious dope cakes. Now get out of the room and let me fix them up.”

  Jesse didn’t argue. She sat in Gloria’s living room with Joseph and Daniel.

  “Wanna fag, Jess?” Joseph offered his packet of Marlborough. Jesse snatched one and sucked madly on it.

  Gloria and Massie stitched Jack’s leg and got his blood pressure back to normal without a fuss.

  The two Jamaican women were now in the doorway, away from the children’s earshot.

  “You know, Gloria, these children are used to abuse. I have just stitched his wound with the least amount of anaesthetic and he didn’t flinch. Please, my friend, keep an eye on them because they need help.”

  Ruby fell asleep again, sucking her thumb, but Jack sat upright, now awake. Massie had given him a painkiller and bandaged the gruesome wound, which helped him to feel much better. In his little mind, he was mended.

  “Aunty Gloria, can we stay with you tonight?” whispered Jack.

  He knew how his mother would react to all the commotion and he hoped that, by the time tomorrow came, she would have calmed down and forgiven them for causing so much trouble. He wondered if other mummies were like his. Gloria seemed a nice mummy. He wished she was his, with her soft hugs and gentle kisses, and the way she bent down to tickle their cheeks or give them a surprise ice pop or chocolate curly wurly. Just how a nice mummy should be.

  “Me little angels, you can stay with Aunty Gloria for the whole week, and you can go back to your mummy when you’re better.” Again, she kissed them both on the top of their heads. Ruby heard those words in a sleepy state and smiled. She loved the smell of the clean bedroom and the bright, pretty colours. The children giggled at each other. They knew they would be warm, safe and comfortable, if only for a week. Yet a week in their lifetime seemed forever.

  Massie had suggested that Gloria feed the children as much as possible, because for sure they were malnourished. Gloria was in her element. She loved to fatten anyone and had tried for years to put weight on her very thin husband and four sons. Whilst they remained slim she, on the other hand, got bigger. Fried chicken with rice and peas was their main diet but, no matter how much they ate, their weight remained the same.

  The following week was a holiday for Jack and Ruby. Gloria fed them morning, noon and night, with cakes and biscuits in between each meal. They watched cartoons on the television and drank milkshakes through coloured straws. At the end of the week, Jesse arrived to take them home, full of smiles and sweet words – but it was all an act. Gloria had, in the meantime, visited her flat every day to check it was clean and tidy, and stocked up with food for when the children returned home. Jesse did as Gloria ordered. She knew that if her kids went into care she was well and truly fucked.

  A deal was agreed on. If she kept her end of the bargain, Gloria wouldn’t turn the children over to social services.

  Jack glared at his mother. He despised her and she knew it. Even though his leg was better there would always be a scar, and a haunting memory of that terrifying day. He would never, ever forgive her for her cruelty. The thought that one day his father would come and rescue them kept him going and gave him hope still for them both. He also had another thought – he would grow up and murder her while she slept.

  Chapter Five

  Sam decided not to mention the conversation which had taken place at the dinner table to his sister. He had so many mixed emotions. His daughter was interested in meeting her mother, but he wanted to save her a real heartache because he knew what her mother was – a selfish junkie. Francesca had given his children everything they could want, including an abundance of love. She had rescued both Jack and Ruby from Jesse’s clutches when their little lives were so bleak and sad. He recalled their faces when he’d told them they never had to go back to her again. They had clung to him so tightly and made him promise. He knew then that his two children had suffered in more ways than he’d ever imagined. He’d seen the scars and he’d heard some of the stories but had assumed there was more than they’d cared to say.

  Jack came into the living room with a mug of tea for his father. Sam admired the way his son looked. He had a man’s body, big and strong, with olive skin, blue eyes, and long, black eyelashes. He was the image of Sam’s youngest brother, Fred. He was placid, unlike his live-wire sister, Ruby. A sensible lad. A son to be so proud of.

  “’Ere you go, Dad, get your laughing gear around that,” Jack giggled.

  “You’re a good boy,” said Sam.

  “Not really, Dad. I made it to put you in a good mood, before I ask you for a fiver.”

  Sam laughed.

  “I want to talk to you, Jack, about your mother.”

  Jack put down his tea and his expression turned sour. “What mother? I don’t have one, and I don’t want one, thanks!”

  “I know you don’t want to see her, but you heard your sister, she does.” Sam sipped his hot tea, hoping that Jack would help him with the whole situation.

  “Well, what do you want me to say, Dad? I hate her! If only our Ruby remembered the abuse, then she would stay well clear!”

  “It might do her good to see what a cunt she is. Then, she may change her tune and snap out of her hard-arse attitude.”

  Jack’s eyes widened. “Dad, you can’t be serious? The woman’s a nutcase. Fucking hell, even I’m scared of her, and I’m sixteen and a champion boxer!”

  Sam felt his stomach churn. Jesse must have been a cruel woman for his strapping lad to still fear her, all these years later.

  “Well, if it’s not arranged properly, Ruby will go by herself, and God knows what she may walk into.”

  Jack didn’t answer. He was still unsure about it all. But he had noticed his father looked bedraggled these last few weeks and assumed that it was his sister’s behaviour dragging him down.

  Ruby stomped down the stairs, with her bag slung over her shoulder and her high-heeled boots on. As she went to go out the door, Sam shouted, “Come here, Ruby, please!”

  She marched into the living room. “What now?”

  “Where are you going?” Sam asked, with his voice lowered.

  “Out!” She stood with her hands on her hips.

  “Don’t push it, Sunshine. I asked where you are going. If you won’t tell me, then you ain’t going out!” Sam wanted to shake his daughter.

  “I told you already, I’m going to find me mother.” She folded her arms now, curled her lip and glared at her father as if he was a piece of shit.

  “And how do you know where to find her?”

  Ruby rolled her eyes. “I ain’t thick. I’m gonna go to the estate and ask.”

  “Don’t be fucking ridiculous, Ruby!” Sam got up from his seat and grabbed her by the arm. She tried to shrug him off. “Sit down, Ruby!” he demanded.

  “Oh, for God’s sake, let her go – then, maybe, she will find out for herself!” piped up Jack, fed up with his sister’s carryings-on. Both Ruby and Sam were surprised at his outburst. Jack stood up and walked to within two inches of her face. “If you really think our mother is so special, then go and find her. But, just remember one thing. I’m older than you, and I didn’t imagine she was a fucking no-good scumbag. I remember it only too well. I still have the fucking scars to prove it!” he screamed.

  Ruby stared defiantly, leaving Jack fuming. He grabbed her by the back of her jacket and dragged her to the
front door, so angry and disappointed with his sister. Sam watched. She needed a firm hand and this was the first time he had witnessed Jack give it to her. She didn’t struggle as he opened the door and pushed her out.

  “Now, find your precious muvver and, when you do come back, I want an apology for calling me a liar!”

  Ruby straightened her jacket and marched off along the drive.

  Sam remained tight lipped as Jack stormed back into the living room.

  “Come here, son, and sit yourself down. I’ll go after her.” As he slipped his feet into his Italian leather shoes, Jack snapped at him. “No, Dad, fuck her, the little bitch! Leave her to look for her mother and, when she finds her, she will be back, with her tail between her legs!”

  Sam wanted to listen to his son but she was still only fifteen and it was close to nightfall. She would have to get a train to London and then walk around the estate in the dark – alone.

  “No, I’m gonna bring her home and then, tomorrow, I’ll take her to her mother’s. It’s late, and I don’t want anything bad happening to her.”

  Jack sighed. His father was right. “Okay, Dad, but how do you know where she lives?”

  Sam flicked the side of his nose, telling him to mind his own business.

  He found Ruby, before she jumped on a train, and explained he would drop her off tomorrow. She agreed and spent the rest of the evening in her room. Jack went back to the gym; he needed a way to keep his anger under control. Ruby was excited. However, she had imagined meeting her mother alone, not holding her father’s hand.

  At seven o’clock, the sun shone through her pink voile curtains, casting rainbows around the room. The smell of bacon and eggs wafted up the stairs. Yesterday’s events must be forgotten, she thought, since her father was singing along to music blaring from the kitchen radio.

  She smiled to herself. It was going to be such a memorable day, and now she had her dad’s blessing to find her mum. She took her time getting ready. Her mum had to be impressed. It was important she looked a nice person, whatever that was. Her dad was always moaning about the layers of makeup she wore, and the lack of covering around her stomach, so she guessed it would be more appropriate to dress modestly, with just a hint of blusher and a dusting of mascara.

  “Well, look at you, Ruby, you look like an angel. I’m glad you’re dressed respectably for a change,” said Sam, with a big smile across his face.

  Ruby looked him up and down, wondering why, on a Monday morning, her father was wearing a suit. Surely, after slating her mother, he wasn’t planning on impressing her now.

  “So, Dad, what’s with the whistle? In court, are ya?”

  Sam laughed at his daughter’s lack of charm.

  “No, babes, we are off to your school. I forgot we have a meeting there this morning. Get this down your neck while I clean me teeth.”

  Ruby stared at her fried breakfast with no appetite. How could he be so cruel? He knew how much she wanted to meet her mum and yet the whole time he had made plans for her to go to school.

  When Sam returned from the bathroom Ruby had gone. He rushed to open the door but there was no sight of her. He couldn’t believe she had just left with no word. She must have thought he had changed his mind about taking her to Kidbrooke. He hadn’t, of course, since he had always been a man of his word. He had intended to drive her to school, meet with the headmistress, and then take her to the estate and show her where her mother lived. He called her mobile but it was switched off.

  As she stepped on to the train at Sevenoaks, she was about to start a fresh chapter in her life. The train stopped at the station right next to the estate. The moment Ruby walked onto the platform, her heart pounded. This was it. This was the new beginning. She might even move here, especially if her mum wanted her to. Maybe it would be a good idea to get to know her and rekindle a long-lost relationship.

  *

  Ruby was appalled by the half-derelict concrete mess called Kidbrooke. She walked gingerly along the road which split the estate into two halves. Each block of flats had the doors and window frames painted a primary colour. Her heart sank. It was so ugly. There were blocks with boarded-up windows, and signs stating a redevelopment programme was taking place were in evidence everywhere. The whole estate was decorated with random graffiti, grey nets blew in the windows from smashed panes, and passers-by walked with their heads low and their hands in their pockets. This was a far cry from the streets in Sevenoaks. She hoped that when she turned a corner the view would be more civilised. It wasn’t – only sights of deprivation caught the eye, everywhere she gazed.

  She passed a small park with two swings and saw a child playing with a skateboard bigger than him. An overwhelming sense of familiarity swept over her. She walked over to the small playground and tried to absorb the sense – it might help her remember where she’d lived. The little boy came over to her and asked if she could push him on the swing. He looked sweet – with caramel skin and an enormous afro. Ruby laughed and agreed. She tried to remember more as she pushed the child. She was so engrossed that she didn’t notice the boy’s minder head her way.

  “’Ere, what are you doing with me boy?” The voice was a deep Jamaican and partially put on. Ruby stopped and spun around.

  “Hey, it’s all right,” he laughed at her reaction. “I was just pulling your leg. Me name’s Jacob.”

  As he sat on the other swing he looked Ruby up and down, puffing on his joint. He offered her a go.

  “It’s good gear!”

  She shook her head.

  “You don’t smoke, no?” he said, his accent now South East London.

  Ruby didn’t want to come across as a childish school girl.

  “Yeah, I do, but I’ve got business today.”

  She looked Jacob over. He was light-skinned, had unusual green eyes, his hair was cane rolled, and he wore the latest Nike tracksuit.

  “So, you’re not from here, are you?” he asked.

  “I might be,” replied Ruby. She wanted to act hard and yet she also knew how to flirt.

  “I know you’re not, because I’d have your number by now.”

  Suddenly, the grey, dull depressing estate seemed exciting and fun. The foul odour of piss had gone and the graffiti looked a work of art.

  “I’ve come to see me mum.”

  Jacob nodded. “So where does she live then?”

  Ruby shrugged her shoulders. The little boy hopped off the swing and tried to ride his skateboard.

  “I see. You don’t want to tell me!”

  “No, it’s not that. She lives here on this estate, but I don’t have an address.”

  Jacob laughed. “I didn’t think you was from here, you know.” He stood up and held out his hand. “Me name’s Jacob.” He kissed her cheek.

  Ruby lapped up the attention.

  “I’m Ruby,” she blushed, as she stared into his green eyes. “Who’s the little boy then?” she giggled, knowing only too well he couldn’t be his. He was too young.

  “Me sister’s,” he nodded. “So, how are you gonna find your mum? This is one ginormous, big estate, and I don’t know everyone. Nearly everyone, but not everyone.”

  Jacob clocked Ruby’s clothes and the bling around her neck. She was loaded. Hard to imagine who her mother could be.

  “What’s her name?”

  Ruby, pleased he cared enough to want to help, replied, “Well, her first name’s Jesse, and I think her second name’s Right.”

  Jacob screwed his face up and frowned. Knowing exactly who Jesse was, he found it difficult to believe that Ruby was related in any way to her.

  “Are you sure someone ain’t sent you here on a wind-up? I mean, look at you, babe, you’re clean and fresh. You don’t belong ‘ere!”

  Jacob was a rogue. He dealt puff, sold counterfeit Rolexes, and shagged as many women as fell for his charms, but he wasn’t the worst kind of crook when compared to other lads his age who lived there. He felt for this young girl. She had come from a decent
home, so why would she want to meet Jesse?

  “Jacob, I haven’t seen my mum in twelve years, and now I want to see her. If you know where she lives, please tell me.” She put on her sweetest voice. It was the voice which usually got her what she wanted, time and time again. Even Jacob was sucked in.

  “Listen, sweetheart, I don’t know you, but you seem a nice person and, take it from me, babes, you don’t belong here.”

  Ruby had a temper, and, if she didn’t get her own way, she could lose it. She was sick of people telling her what was good for her – Jack, Francesca, her father, and now a stranger.

  “Fucking ‘ell, mate, I don’t need to be told where I belong. I just want to find her. Now, do you know, or not?”

  Shocked by the change in Ruby’s tone and look on her face, he recognised that expression and, sure enough, she was definitely Jesse’s daughter.

  He pointed to a row of flats across from the park.

  With a dull tone in his voice, he said, “She lives in number thirty-one.”

  Ruby walked away, without another word.

  He had initially felt sorry for her because he knew Jesse only too well. So did most of the estate but the little rich kid had that same malicious spite he had seen on Jesse’s face and his view had now changed. She could get on with it. It was a shame, though, because she was a good-looking girl, with dimples and thick, wavy dark hair. Her eyes – grey-blue, with lots of eyelashes – had captivated him. He sat on the swing and rolled another joint, reflecting on the girl.

  *

  Ruby stood at the front door of her mother’s flat. Her mouth was dry and her stomach churned. This was it; the moment had arrived! The door had been partially boarded. The pane of glass had wire running through it, with cracks everywhere, and a hole where the letter box should be.

  She looked up to the end of the row of flats and remembered running with Jack up and down the cold stone steps. Her memory still vague, she recalled a big woman who gave her curly wurlys – or was it only a dream?

  After taking a deep breath, she banged on the door. An eerie groan came from inside the flat. Ruby waited.