by Jo Meadows
‘That would be really mean but be careful Sweetheart; you don’t want to unleash the monster again.’
‘I know but we need to be sure she’s really changed. Do you remember how she was when we spoke to her the night before she went home on her own?’
‘Yes, scary wasn’t it?’
‘Scary. That’s one way to describe it. No you’re right; I’ll just keep an eye out and see how she is for a while. I might be wrong anyway.’
The builders got underway the following day and within no time at all the garden in the area where the extension was to be built was unrecognizable. A deep trench had been dug using a small mechanical digger and the soil they’d removed was in a huge pile off to the side.
‘Crikey, they haven’t taken long to do all that have they?’ said David with a smile as he walked outside with Georgina on their way to do some shopping.
‘Well, how long did you think they’d take with that huge thing?’
‘I know but it just amazes me how quick things can be done with the right tools.’
‘It doesn’t take much does it David?’
‘What do you mean Darling?’
What do you mean, what do I mean? It doesn’t take much to amaze you does it? Come on let’s go, I’m not standing here watching them like a couple of children,’ snapped Georgina.
A few minutes later as they were walking down the street David asked if Georgina was okay.
‘Why? What makes you think I’m not? All I said was that I didn’t want to watch the builders wrecking the garden, we’ve got things to do.’
‘Yes but it’s good don’t you think? It’s another little milestone in what will become our new life together. I’m pleased they’ve finally made a start. Before you know it we’ll be back in our own little place – together.’
‘Little being the key word David. I wish we’d looked around a bit more for a house or bungalow; I bet we could have found something. Besides, it won’t be our own place, will it? Not with Lynnette just the other side of the wall. I’d rather it was just the two of us alone.’
‘I thought you were okay with the plan and the extension, you agreed that it was a good idea. I thought you were happy.’
‘Oh for god’s sake David! I am, well, I will be I suppose. It’s just that Lynnette will have us just where she wants us – we’ll have no freedom and all our money will be gone.’
‘It won’t be gone. With what we got for the house and what the extension’s going to cost, we’ll have a fair bit left over. We can do what we want; we’ll be better off.’
‘Fine! Fine, just leave it David. I don’t want to talk about it anymore. You’ll all be better off won’t you? Never mind what I think or want.’
‘But-’
‘Oh David shut up! Leave it!’ shouted Georgina as she stormed off towards the supermarket, leaving him lost for words. He knew that they were going through a really big change, but he’d thought that Georgina had really come to accept it. They’d included her in all the decisions; what on earth was she playing at? Why was she suddenly so upset? I’m not having this, he said to himself. I’m not having it.
‘Georgina,’ he said as he caught her up. ‘Wait a minute; we need to talk about this.’
‘No, we don’t David. I told you to leave it. It’s too late now, you’ve all got what you wanted; I’ve been well and truly manipulated and well and truly put in my place. What more do you want? Just leave me alone, I’ve had enough.’
‘No, don’t do this! We need to talk about it. What’s got into you? What’s suddenly changed to make you like this? You said you were fine with everything, why are you now all upset and angry?’
‘Don’t be so stupid! But, carry on David, carry on and you’ll see me angry. I’ve done everything I can to please you and show you how sorry I am but you keep on don’t you? What more do you want from me? I’ve had just about enough of the lot of you, get lost! Get out of my sight!’
‘Stop it Georgina. Think about what you’re saying. Not talking doesn’t fix anything.’
‘Who are you?’ she sneered. ‘Have you turned into your precious daughter all of a sudden?’
David gave up. He watched her walk away in a daze and then went into a nearby café to sit and think about what had just happened. My god, he thought, where did all that come from? The look on her face. What the hell’s wrong with her? As he sipped his coffee and caught his breath he realised his hands were shaking and he realised he was scared.
Georgina walked off down the street, not knowing where she was going. Nothing had changed, not really. It had been so difficult and she thought she’d come to terms with everything. But, when she stepped outside and saw the mess the builders had made, and then David being all excited like some little schoolboy, Jesus! Didn’t he realise what she was going through? Didn’t he realise how hard this all was for her? She felt dizzy and sick and had to steady herself by holding onto a nearby bench. God! She was so angry. Didn’t he see what was happening? Didn’t he realise that he was seconds away from – Stop it! Don’t go back down that road, not after all you’ve achieved.
Still shocked, David stepped out of the café and was about to walk home.
‘David? Darling, wait, please.’ David turned and saw Georgina rushing towards him. When she reached him she hugged him and kissed his cheek. ‘I’m so sorry Darling. I didn’t mean to get so upset, not with you. It was seeing the builders and it was the impact of realising that there’s no going back for us. I know that’s been the case for a few weeks, it’s just that seeing the builders brought it all home and I was a bit shaken by it.’
‘It’s okay Georgie, I know how hard this has all been for you but we did agree it was the best way for all of us.’
‘I know, I know. I’m sorry.’
‘You had me worried back there.’
‘Oh David, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean anything I said, I was upset, that’s all. I’m fine, really. Please don’t say anything to Lynnette; I was just a bit upset.’
‘No, no, of course I won’t. As long as you’re okay, Darling, that’s all that matters. Let’s talk when we get home.’
As they walked home David had an uneasy feeling. A feeling he hadn’t had for some weeks but a feeling that was so familiar.
Later, after lunch, they sat down and talked. Georgina had decided that she’d been silly the way she’d almost lost it with him and, all the while holding his hand, she spent some time talking nicely and trying to put his mind at ease. David seemed to accept that she was just having a bad day and, ever the easy-going, soft man that he was, she felt she’d convinced him that everything was fine.
Although he pretended to accept what she said, David however, was not convinced inside. She’d seriously worried him earlier and he recalled those times in the past when her mood had changed within the blink of an eye. Today was like reliving those terrible moments and once again he became afraid.
‘How is it going?’ asked Georgina.
‘Oh hello, yes, it’s going fine thanks, err, it’s Georgina isn’t it? We’re almost done with the digger now; we’ll have to get busy with the shovels soon.’
‘Oh. I wondered why your men were all standing around. What’s that saying? I don’t remember who said it - “You’ll need to move about a bit soon or someone will think you’re workmen” Can’t you do it all with the digger then?’
‘That’s a good one, very good, I’ll tell the lads. We can do most of it with the digger yes, but we have to tidy up the edges and corners. We should be finished with all this today and we can drop in the concrete tomorrow.’
‘Good. Oh well, things to do. I’d better get on, besides I shouldn’t keep you chatting, you’re very busy I can see.’
‘Okay, nice to talk to you. I’ll go and tell the lads to stop leaning on their shovels.’
The next morning, Lynnette was busy making some breakfast when the building site manager knocked on the door.
‘Oh, Hi Sid, good morning, what can I do
for you?’
‘Morning Lynnette, We’ve got a bit of a problem I’m afraid, don’t worry it’s nothing to be too bothered about; we were getting the concrete delivered today for the foundations but we’ve had to put it off. Strange really and, god knows how it happened, but the trench is full of water. The hose was left in there after we tidied up yesterday but somehow the tap’s been left on all night.’
‘How could that happen?’
‘As I said, god knows. I always check all around the site personally before we all leave to make sure everything’s safe. You can’t be too careful with the equipment and tools especially when there are little kids running about. Everything was fine when we left though, I’m sure of it.’
‘Perhaps it was just the tap leaking.’
‘No, I checked, the tap’s okay, it was turned on. It’s been running all night.’
‘So what’s the damage then? Will you be able to do anything today?’
‘Not really, I’ve rearranged the concrete delivery for tomorrow; hopefully the water should have drained away by then. There are a few bits we can do but not much. I’ve sent some of the lads off to another little job just for today. We’ll get stuck back in tomorrow. Sorry Lynnette.’
‘It’s not your fault Sid but it’s a shame you’re going to lose a day. I’ll ask everyone if they know anything about the tap but I’m sure no-one would have touched it.’
‘No, don’t worry about it. Probably some kid up to mischief when no-one’s about.’
Georgina couldn’t help but laugh out loud. ‘Oops!’ she said. ‘What a shame, no progress on the stupid extension for a day. Oh well, never mind, peace and quiet once more. A few more problems like that and you may all have a rethink. Now, what’s next?’
She turned away from the bedroom window chuckling to herself and then her heart sank to the pit of her stomach. Emily was standing in the doorway looking puzzled.
‘What are you laughing at Nana? Is it because the men were all muddy? There’s water everywhere, have you seen it?’
Georgina couldn’t speak. Like the day before, she felt sick and dizzy and, unable to catch her breath, she felt pressure in her chest. She quickly sat down on the bed to steady herself.
‘Are you alright Nana? You don’t look very well, should I fetch Mummy?’
Finally, Georgina managed to calm herself down, taking deep breaths and closing her eyes.
‘No, thank you Emily, I’m alright. You gave me a fright when I turned round, that’s all. Why were you standing there anyway? You’re not spying on me are you?’
‘No Nana, I came to see if you’d seen all the water. The builders can’t do any work today because of it. Someone left the tap on all night. Mummy said that it was really stupid if it happened on purpose and if she knew who’d done it she’d give them a piece of her mind.’
‘Yes, I’m sure she would. It might have been older children messing around last night.’
‘Nana, what did you mean when you said that the extension was stupid?’
‘Nothing Darling, I meant the water was stupid. It means the workmen had to go home because they couldn’t do any work.’
‘But you were laughing.’
‘Yes, it was what you said. The workmen were all muddy.’
‘Oh. They did look funny didn’t they?’
‘Yes they did. Now, do you fancy a walk to the park?’
‘Yes please, I’ll go and tell Mummy we’re going.’
‘No, don’t worry about that, I told her we might go, come on.’
‘I’m glad you’re living with us Nana. Are you glad too?’ asked Emily as Georgina gently pushed her on a swing a few minutes later.
Yes Emily, I liked my house in Calthorpe but it is nice living here and being able to take you to the park like today.’
‘Yes it’s great isn’t it? I like having Grandpa here too, he’s good fun.’
‘I’m sure he is. You can’t tell he was poorly now can you? He seems normal but you must take care, he’s still not very well really.’
‘I know, Mummy told me. I’ll be careful, promise. He pushed me really high on the swings when we came here with Uncle Michael, Suzie and Davy though. Grandpa was pushing me and Uncle Michael was pushing Suzie and Davy at the same time. Grandpa pushed me the highest.’
‘Oh, when was that?’
‘A few weeks ago; I hope they all come back to see us soon.’
‘Yes, I hope so too Darling. I didn’t know they’d visited, were they here very long?’
‘No, not long, then they had to go back.’
Georgina felt the slow rise of anger starting to build but she managed to keep it in check while she continued to push Emily.
‘Higher Nana! Higher, please.’
‘This is as high as I can push you, besides it’s dangerous if you go higher. You might fall off and then where would you be?’
‘It isn’t dangerous Nana, go on higher, higher.’
‘Emily I said no. It’s time we went home now anyway, your Mum will wonder where we are.’
‘Alright, but I thought she knew where we were.’
‘Not really, I didn’t tell her we were going, this is our secret.’
‘But Nana, we don’t have secrets, I’m not allowed.’
‘I know but it’s not really a secret. Anyway, no-one told me about your Uncle Michael visiting. That was kept secret from me and that’s not very nice is it?’
‘I suppose not. I’m sorry; I thought you knew they’d been.’
‘No Darling, but never mind. How many other secrets have your Mum and Dad been keeping from me I wonder? What else don’t I know about?’
‘But, they don’t keep secrets Nana! Mummy told me it’s wrong to have secrets,’ said Emily looking worried.
‘It is wrong but grown-ups do keep secrets when it suits them and your Mum and Dad are no different. Anyway, don’t worry about it Darling, I wasn’t very well when your Uncle Michael visited and your Mum probably thought it would upset me if I knew they’d been. Now, come on, let’s go home. And, you don’t need to tell your Mummy that you told me about Uncle Michael visiting; you might get in trouble.’
‘What?’
‘It’s alright; I won’t tell them you told me. That’s why it’s called a secret and it’s just one little secret we can keep just between us.’
‘Yes, I don’t want to get in trouble. Promise you won’t tell, please.’
‘Cross my heart and hope to die. It’s fun having secrets, don’t you think?’
‘I suppose so,’ replied Emily, although the look on her face said otherwise.
‘And where have you two been?’ asked Lynnette as Georgina and Emily walked in the door.
‘We’ve been for a walk to the park, haven’t we Emily?’
‘Nana pushed me on the swings Mummy. It was great fun.’
‘Mum, you must tell me if you’re going to take Emily out. I was looking for you both everywhere.’
‘Alright, but you can trust me you know. Emily’s safe with me you know that. Besides, you said I could take her to the park. I didn’t think I needed to book an appointment,’ Georgina said smiling.
‘I know, don’t be silly; book an appointment. That’s not the point Mum; I need to know where she is.’
‘Alright, sorry,’ said Georgina winking at Emily.’ You’re right of course, it won’t happen again.’
Keenly attuned to her daughter’s moods and conscious of the fact that she’d been alone with her Mum for some time, Lynnette knew that Emily was troubled. Berating herself for allowing her mother to take Emily out to the park alone, albeit without her knowledge at the time, she knew something had happened. Am I being over-sensitive? Am I over-reacting? I doubt it, she said to herself. What’s my mother been up to? Why can’t I trust her? She’s been pretty good since she’s been back, hasn’t she? She’s done everything we’ve asked.
Later, as she finished reading Emily her bedtime story, Lynnette asked her if she’d had a good time at
the park with her Nana. Emily seemed reluctant to talk at first; almost mumbling that it had been okay. When Lynnette pressed her about it Emily quietly started to cry.
‘What’s the matter Emily? Don’t cry. Did something happen while you were out?’
Emily was a good girl at heart and all afternoon she’d thought about what her Mum and Dad had told her about not keeping secrets. She remembered how she’d upset her best friend Sammy and how upset she’d been herself when her Nana had told her that she was chubby and that she shouldn’t eat too many chips and sweets. She remembered that her Nana had made her promise not to tell anyone about their secrets and how angry her Mummy had been when she found out.
‘Nana said I’d be in trouble if I told you.’
‘Told me what Darling? Don’t worry about what your Nana said; you won’t be in trouble.’
‘I told Nana about me, Grandpa, Uncle Michael, Suzie and Davy going to the park when they came to visit us. I didn’t know it was a secret.’
‘That wasn’t a secret, Sweetheart.’
‘Nana said it was because no-one told her. She said that you and Daddy keep secrets even though you tell me I shouldn’t. It’s not fair Mummy, I don’t think anyone should keep secrets, they always cause trouble and people get upset because of them.’
‘Oh Emily, Sweetheart, come here and give me a big hug. You’re such a lovely little girl; I love you so much.’ Emily jumped into Lynnette’s arms and sobbed into her chest.
‘You shouldn’t get so upset Darling,’ said Lynnette after Emily had calmed down. ‘You’re a good girl and you did the right thing telling me. It’s hard to explain but your Nana’s been a bit poorly and she sometimes says silly things. Your Daddy and I don’t keep secrets from anyone I promise. We would have told her about your Uncle Michael and everyone visiting but we didn’t want to upset her because she wasn’t here at the time. It wasn’t a secret.’
‘Why does Nana say silly things? Is she still poorly because if she is she should go to the doctor to get better? Grandpa did and he’s alright now.’
