In the Face of Adversity

by Peter Martin

  He walked over to the bridge which crossed the lake. He stopped halfway, leaned over the railings and watched the birds feeding themselves.

  He pressed his body against the rail, staring down at the murky depths, wondering how deep it was. Had he the guts to do it? Probably not.

  It was almost pitch-black save for the dim streaks of street lights filtering through the trees. Where to now? Not back to the town: instead he’d go in the other direction.

  Outside the park gates he turned right, walked on to where the road veered sharply to the left. This would be an ideal place: with the traffic taking the bend too fast and the poor street lighting it would be difficult to see pedestrians.

  Whatever the future held, it wouldn’t be good. The thought of three or four more years at school dismayed him. What a quandary, how he wished his dad was here to guide him. What reason did he have to carry on? All he had to come was more pain and suffering on his own. The only way out was to be with his father.

  Cars surged by in either direction; this was his only option. He walked towards the edge of the footpath.

  Although he wanted his life to end he wasn’t afraid of death itself, only the pain involved. But it would be over in seconds, he told himself. He didn’t look as he stepped out into the road but felt the whoosh of air from passing traffic. Then, moving quickly into the path of the next oncoming car, the beep of a vehicle’s horn startled him. As he waited for the impact to come, a thought flashed into his head: what would his aunt and uncle make of this? Would they blame themselves, or put it down to recent events? The tyres screeched as the vehicle skidded across the tarmac in a last-ditch attempt to avoid him.

  What hit him was a small hatchback that slid into the kerbside. Darkness enveloped him.

  <><><>

  How long Billy had lain there he didn’t know. He opened his eyes to see a crowd of concerned onlookers. A young man knelt by him, quietly talking to him. And as he came to his senses, he caught the drift of what he was saying, ‘we were frightened to move you … an ambulance is on its way.’ He felt the warmth of a blanket placed over him.

  By the time he was fully conscious, his head throbbed and pain down the right side of his body had set in. He lay still, terrified of moving in case the agony intensified.

  Closing his eyes, he drifted in and out of consciousness. And in his mind his mum whispered, ‘It’s no good feeling sorry for yourself, or looking for someone to blame, this was your own doing. You must pull yourself together.’

  CHAPTER 9

  Barely aware of what was going on, Billy heard the whirring sirens of the emergency vehicles in the distance. Then, almost at once, the accident site became a hive of activity with two police cars and an ambulance arriving, all with flashing lights.

  One of the crew assessed his injuries and after a few minutes inserted a cannula into the back of Billy’s hand. Seconds later his pain lessened, and he was eased onto a stretcher.

  During the journey to hospital he drifted into a relaxing sleep. He saw visions of his mother and father at home in Clifton Street. Katie was sitting on the floor opening presents and they were all laughing; they looked in his direction and the joviality stopped as he tripped and fell to the ground.

  <><><>

  He opened his eyes to find he was lying in an unfamiliar room with three other people around him. Every muscle in his body ached. Then, remembering what he’d done, he noticed his right leg and arm were both in plaster. But the excruciating pain down the side of his chest was almost unbearable. He panicked, tried to sit up, and in doing so dislodged the flex attached to his left hand; the monitor bleeped, and in rushed a nurse.

  ‘I don’t want to be here,’ Billy shouted.

  ‘You haven’t got a choice right now, dear,’ she said calmly. ‘But it won’t be for long and you’ll be able to go home in a few days.’

  Home, he thought. I haven’t got a home. He didn’t reply, just lay there feeling perplexed.

  After giving Billy a drink and two of what she called ‘painkillers’ the nurse left him to tend to other patients. Soon he drifted off to sleep again and dreamt of his father.

  He woke around midday to the sound of rattling crockery. Opening his eyes, he saw three other patients, all much older than him, sitting up, tucking into their dinner.

  ‘Ah, glad to see you’re awake, my dear. Like something to eat?’ the nurse propping him up in bed asked.

  ‘I’m not hungry right now.’

  ‘Come on, everyone likes chips. Sure you wouldn’t like any?’

  He shook his head.

  ‘How are you, young man?’

  ‘The same.’

  Nonetheless, the catering assistant pulled the trolley towards him, placing a portion of chips and a slice of bread and butter on a table which she pulled towards him

  Before he could object she’d walked off and he could hear her voice from the corridor chatting away.

  Half an hour later the visitors’ bell rang and in they streamed, amongst them Violet and James Price.

  ‘Billy!’ Aunt Violet exclaimed, tears in her eyes. ‘How do you feel, my love? You’ve had us worried sick.’

  ‘We couldn’t believe it, son,’ Uncle James said, shaking his head. ‘When we had the phone call from the police, I only heard the words “car accident” and I pictured you lying there in the middle of the road, dead. I couldn’t have coped with that.’

  ‘No, your uncle’s right. We’ve both got used to you living with us, despite’ – she nodded as if to reinforce her statement before carrying on –‘this business with the school.’ She dried her eyes.

  ‘Okay, love,’ James said, ‘don’t get upset. We won’t go into that now. Just as long as he gets better, nothing else matters.’

  Billy felt so guilty, they’d bent over backwards for him, but he’d been so obsessed with his own grief that he’d been unable to relate to anyone or anything. He said, ‘I’m so sorry, I just wanted to be with Dad.’

  ‘I understand, Billy, but that’s because of all the trauma you’ve suffered.’

  ‘You’ve come through that. Put this behind you, eh? Look to the future and rebuild your life – it’s not too late. But please don’t make us go through this again – it’s more than either of us could stand, isn’t it, James?’ Aunt Violet said, flushed with emotion.

  ‘It certainly is. We know you’d rather have your parents here with you, but remember we meant what we said in the beginning: we’re here to help you, no matter what problems you have.’

  Billy looked up at them both and, realising their feelings were genuine, was ashamed not only of how he’d behaved but of his attitude too. His dad, too, would have been ashamed.

  ‘I didn’t mean to hurt you, but it seemed the only way out.’

  ‘Never mind that now,’ Aunt Violet said. ‘You’ve come through and you’re still alive. It’ll take a while for your injuries to heal, but when they have, you still have a bright future to look forward to. And we’ll be right behind you, I promise.’

  He grabbed hold of her hand. ‘You mean that?’

  ‘Yes, we do. We’ve been here every day, and we’ll keep coming until you come home,’ his uncle said. ‘We don’t intend to push you into anything, but you must remember the law states you have to go to school. But after that it’s up to you.’

  Billy gave them a slight smile. ‘Thanks, Uncle James, Aunt Vi. I’ve had so much going around my head, I didn’t know what I was doing.’

  Then his aunt hugged and kissed him, causing his uncle to comment, ‘Come on, Violet, enough of that, you’re embarrassing the lad.’

  ‘Sorry, I can’t help it.’

  ‘When I go back to school I’ll join the football club. I may even give cricket a go.’ He looked from one to the other and continued, ‘I’m talking about the after-school clubs. I’ve nearly wasted my life and let you down, as well as Mum and Dad.’

  ‘No point dwelling on the past because you can’t change it. The future is in your own hands
. And we’re here to help any way we can.’

  Although still weak and in pain he saw Uncle James and Aunt Violet as they really were for the first time, loving and caring. Maybe he’d been placed with them for a reason; suddenly his life didn’t seem as bad as he’d imagined.

  The bell rang to end visiting time.

  ‘Right then, Billy, if we don’t go now they’ll throw us out. But I’m sure you’re on the mend – we’ll see you tomorrow, eh? Think about what we’ve said and decide what you want to do,’ Aunt Violet said before kissing him once again.

  Once they’d gone Billy’s guilt crept up on him again. He’d blamed them for everything, expecting them to put it right. But now he saw everything in a different light and realised he should be grateful. And he made a vow to repay them for their devotion.

  <><><>

  Billy did exactly what the doctors told him and was home quicker than expected. After three weeks the pain he’d experienced from his broken ribs had all but gone and he was allowed home. But with his leg and arm still in plaster and being unable to walk without the aid of crutches, he didn’t return to school. Arrangements were made for him to be educated at home whilst he recuperated.

  He was absent for ten weeks; on his return he prepared himself mentally to endure any snide or hurtful comments from his classmates. But he needn’t have worried, they welcomed him back, which he was grateful for.

  Although he was behind in his studies, thanks to his aunt and uncle’s help, he caught up.

  Now staring at his first paper, English Language, in his final mock exams, his hands were jittery at the thought of the task at hand. He soothed his forehead with his fingers and sat there for a few minutes, his heart beating fast. How on earth would he answer any of these damn questions? He looked around at all the examinees engrossed in the paper in front of them. Taking in deep breaths he read the question paper through, calmed himself down and wrote his answers. To his astonishment the words flowed unabated into his head.

  Two weeks later the exams were over. Whether he’d reap the rewards of his endeavours remained to be seen, but he’d given it his best shot and could relax for a while.

  Towards the end of the school year, the results were out and to Billy’s relief he’d achieved average marks, except for Maths and English where he excelled, attaining over seventy per cent. Due to the hard work he’d put in, and his aunt and uncle’s support, he could hand over his report with confidence. What a turnaround from last year when his uncle had been so disappointed. When James and Violet saw his report, they were ecstatic.

  His aunt hugged and kissed him, saying, ‘Billy, you’ve done brilliantly.’

  ‘It’s a miracle, son,’ Uncle James said, smiling. ‘If you’d had the same start as everyone else, you might have been top of the class.’

  ‘Well, maybe, maybe not,’ he replied modestly.

  ‘Do the same next year Billy, and who knows what might happen,’ Aunt Violet said.

  He smiled, not as convinced as his aunt and uncle.

  <><><>

  Still driven by a determination to succeed, Billy surprised his teachers and classmates alike. Instead of the disruptive, uncooperative individual they’d been used to seeing, he’d turned into a model pupil. Now, in class, he paid attention to every word spoken by his tutors and became ultra-competitive, trying to outdo his peers.

  Although quietly confident, he didn’t quite expect eight grade As and four grade Bs for his GCSEs, a magnificent achievement according to his aunt and uncle.

  This allowed him to enrol on A Level courses in English, History and Psychology at Dexford College, which led him to gain three grade As.

  His uncle and aunt were elated, James in particular, and after slapping his nephew on the back, he said, ‘Well, Billy, when you came here after your mum died, we were so worried, especially that first year. We were at our wits’ end wondering what would become of you. It took the accident, which we won’t go into, to turn it all around. Since then you’ve gone from strength to strength. These results are the icing on the cake. We’re so proud, Billy, and as a thank-you we’ve got you a little surprise.’

  ‘Let’s have a look, shall we?’ Violet said, already rushing to the front door.

  Much to his amazement, standing on the drive parked behind their Vauxhall Cavalier was a red Ford Fiesta, its paintwork spotless. The adrenaline pumped through his body as he gazed at the car.

  ‘Aren’t you going to say anything, love?’ Aunt Violet said.

  ‘I’m lost for words, nobody’s ever given me anything like this before,’ Billy admitted. ‘But I can’t even drive yet.’

  ‘That’s all in hand. The other part of your present is twelve driving lessons. The plan is that you’ll have passed your test before you go to university. But if you can’t manage it, I’ll drive you.’

  ‘Thanks, Uncle James, that means a lot. I’ll do everything I can to pass my test, as soon as possible.’

  ‘Well, if you put as much into learning to drive as you did into your college work, it won’t be long before you’re on your way,’ Aunt Violet said.

  Billy grinned. This was reminiscent of how his life had been with his mum and dad before their troubles.

  In the ensuing weeks before starting at Cleeford University, Billy started the driving lessons and Uncle James took him out to practise during the quieter times. Right from the outset he seemed a natural, so much so that within three months he was ready to take the test. And a few weeks into his English course at university, he passed.

  At first, he found university difficult. He missed his aunt and uncle and was homesick. For his final two years, he shared a flat with three other students who had been in his first-year halls. Ted and two girls, Amy and Val. He was close friends with all of them, and being in the same classes made life easier. The step up to university was a big one; the work was hard, and for a time he feared he wouldn’t make it. But the two girls in particular were clever and hard-working. They helped each other, and after much study together they were ready to sit the final exams.

  Amy, the prettier of the two girls, with dark hair and sparkling blue eyes, pulled Billy to one side once they came out.

  ‘So how do you think you did?’ she asked.

  ‘I wouldn’t like to predict my result, but I’ve put everything into it. You?’

  ‘Yeah, all right. Listen, do you want to come out with us tonight? We’re going to the Bier Keller in town to celebrate the end of our course.’

  ‘Yeah, don’t see why not. It’s all in the lap of the gods now. Be good to let my hair down a little for one night,’ Billy said.

  ‘Okay, great stuff.’

  ‘Who else is coming?’

  ‘Most of the guys in our class. Val and Ted too.’

  ‘It’s a deal. So what time?’

  ‘Around nine.’

  ‘Okay.’

  As soon as they got back to the flat, Billy phoned his aunt and uncle, told them the exams were over, and now came the long wait for the results. He was quietly confident, but he’d take nothing for granted.

  Billy sat beside Amy for a time watching television, all the time wondering what had happened to Val and Ted.

  ‘Where have they got to?’ Billy asked.

  ‘Don’t know. Probably gone out together, you know what Ted’s like for having a drink. Val, too, I shouldn’t wonder.’

  ‘Shame, would have liked to ask them how they’d got on.’

  ‘We’ll see them later at the Bier Keller, we can ask them then.’

  ‘Yeah.’

  ‘You know, I’m going to miss you. It’s been a hard slog, but we’ve worked well together.’

  ‘Don’t think I could have done it without you,’ said Billy.

  ‘Thanks for the compliment,’ she said quietly.

  ‘Hey, what’s wrong? Have I said something to upset you?’

  She shook her head.

  He put his arm around her and she leaned her head against his shoulder.

&
nbsp; ‘So, what’s the matter?’

  ‘After today we’ll never see each other again.’

  ‘We will. I’ll arrange a get-together for a few weeks’ time. Just the four of us. And there’ll be graduation day.’

  ‘Yes, but it won’t be the same. Eventually we’ll just drift apart.’

  ‘That’s life, Amy. We all live in different parts of the country, have our own lives to live. It’s only natural for us to drift apart. We have our memories though, of the last three years, no one can take that away from us, can they?’

  ‘No, but what of the future?’

  ‘We can keep in touch, Amy, arrange to go out together for a reunion every year if you like. I’ll never forget you, you’re like the big sister I never had.’

  Amy’s face dropped. ‘Is that all? Well, you certainly know how to flatter a girl. I thought … Oh, it doesn’t matter. I’ve just remembered, I promised a friend I’d go and see her this afternoon. I’ll see you later then.’

  ‘Amy …’ he said, but she’d gone.

  Later at the Bier Keller, she didn’t turn up. Billy had an idea of what she wanted, but he didn’t feel ready for a serious relationship yet. He had a career to pursue. But he liked her and often wondered how his life might have panned out if he’d gone along with her wishes.

  Some weeks later he got the news he had graduated with a first class honours degree, to the delight of his uncle and aunt.

  After the graduation day was over, Uncle James offered to take them out for a meal.

  ‘Uncle, there’s no need to do this. Today has to be one of the best days of my life. I’m overjoyed, I can tell you. So please don’t waste your money on me.’

  ‘Don’t be silly. I’m not, but anyway it’s mine to waste.’

  ‘You’ve both done enough for me. If Mum and Dad were still here, you wouldn’t –’ The sentence went unfinished as Violet butted in.

  ‘Billy, whatever it cost to help you, we’ve spent willingly, haven’t we, James?’ She turned to her husband who nodded, and then continued, ‘We had a ropy start at first, but that was to be expected after what you’d been through.’