In the Face of Adversity

by Peter Martin

  With all that sorted, they dined out and returned home late.

  Uncle James opened a bottle of champagne. With the bottle in one hand and the glasses in the other, he said, ‘It’s about time I joined in the celebration. You two have been knocking back the drinks all night,’ he joked, ‘while I remained teetotal because I was driving.’

  ‘I never gave it a thought, I got carried away with the celebrations. And I suppose I ought to have been driving because it’s my car.’

  James laughed. ‘Not to worry, only kidding.’

  They sat back and enjoyed their drinks.

  ‘Well, Billy, what a wonderful day. And it’s gone so quick.’ He raised his glass. ‘Here’s hoping you’re just as successful in the career you choose.’

  ‘Yes, I agree with your uncle,’ Aunt Violet said, ‘but be sure you’re not too far away from us.’

  ‘Thanks for all the encouragement and the occasional kick up the backside.’ He gestured in their direction. ‘All I’ve accomplished is down to you. I dread to think where I might have ended up. In a remand home, or maybe even worse: prison!’

  ‘Rubbish!’ Uncle James exclaimed. ‘All we did was support you. You did all the hard work. Don’t be so modest; accept it for what it is, a tremendous achievement.’

  Billy didn’t answer; he was embarrassed by all the praise and pats on the back. So, being tired, he said, ‘If you don’t mind I’ll call it a night.’

  ‘Okay, we won’t be long ourselves.’

  He slipped into bed, slightly intoxicated, and within seconds had drifted off to sleep.

  <><><>

  His decision to become a teacher met with his uncle and aunt’s approval, but his choice for teacher training was some distance from them, which he expected wouldn’t go down well. But to his surprise, they were as supportive as usual.

  Sadly, once Billy had settled into university life again and found new friends, his promise to visit regularly and telephone once a week went by the board, culminating in little contact. He justified his actions with a plan to spend the whole of the Christmas break with them.

  Then, one Friday, well into the first semester, a member of the secretarial staff came in search of him. She’d received a call from a Mrs Violet Price, who asked if he could contact her urgently.

  He left the lecture theatre puzzled. Why did she want to speak to him?

  Outside the main building he turned his mobile on. He had a few missed calls. Three of them in the last forty-five minutes from his aunt. He tried to call her as a sense of foreboding enveloped him.

  ‘Hallo, Aunt Violet, it’s only me,’ he said. Total silence except for a slight sniffling sound. ‘Aunt, are you there?’

  ‘Yes … yes. I’m so sorry to disturb you, but I have some bad news.’

  ‘Oh no, what now?’

  ‘It’s … it’s your Uncle James.’

  ‘Uncle James?’

  ‘Yes, he … he … passed away … earlier this morning.’

  ‘What! But how? I mean I don’t understand.’

  ‘He had a heart attack ... In the shop. They rushed him to hospital, but he never recovered.’

  ‘When did this happen?’

  ‘Yesterday morning. I’ve been at the hospital all day until the early hours.’

  ‘I’m coming home, straight away,’ he said, placing the phone back in his pocket.

  Awash with emotion, he bowed his head and leant against the wall. A hand touched his arm, and he saw the secretary, who must have followed him, looking concerned.

  ‘Are you all right?’ she asked.

  He nodded, trying to pull himself together, eventually answering, ‘Yes, it’s my uncle, he’s looked after me since my father died. He’s passed away. I have to go.’

  ‘Do you want someone to drive you?’

  ‘No, I’ll be fine. I have my car.’

  Within fifteen minutes he’d returned to his room, stuffed a few items into a rucksack and was on his way, wondering how he’d handle this.

  Whilst the motorway was busy, there were no holdups, but the nearer he got to his destination, the guiltier he became. He’d had little contact with his aunt and uncle over the last few months, let alone visiting them. And yet still he experienced a warmth, thinking of his life at the bungalow. He opened the door and went straight to the living room and found Aunt Vi sitting in the corner of the sofa staring into space. Two other women sat with her, holding her hands. Billy recognised them as two of her three sisters.

  She got up and walked into his outstretched arms. Then they both wept unashamedly in mutual grief.

  ‘Aunt Violet, I can’t believe it,’ he said.

  ‘Nor I. It was so sudden. He was always so healthy, we never knew he had something wrong with his heart.’

  ‘You should have sent for me earlier. I’d have come straight away.’

  ‘I kept hoping he’d pull through and I didn’t want to disrupt your studies.’

  ‘You’ve both been so good to me, when I didn’t deserve it. And I never had the chance to tell him …’

  ‘He knew, Billy. By what you achieved afterwards.’

  Billy didn’t reply, remembering how he’d behaved when he first came into their lives. Eventually he asked, ‘When’s the funeral?’

  ‘Next week. Stay here tonight, but tomorrow go back to uni. I’ll make the arrangements, no need for you to get involved. Just come down for the funeral.’

  He smiled. ‘No way. How can I leave you to it?’ Then he held up his hands. ‘So it’s no good, my mind’s made up.’

  ‘Uncle James always said you’d make a brilliant teacher. But he wouldn’t want you to miss out on your studies for him.’

  Billy shook his head to emphasise his words. ‘I shall stay until it’s over.’

  How he wished he had his uncle’s confidence in his ability to become a teacher. One thing was for sure, he’d give his all to make something of his life, considering the sacrifice his father had made, and the resolute determination of his uncle.

  <><><>

  Eight days later, on a bright but cold day, the funeral took place. Much to Billy’s surprise, St John’s Church was full to the gunnels with mourners. And although both he and his aunt had their moments of grief, the large turnout proved James had been well-liked and respected, which eased their sorrow.

  The funeral went off as well as could be expected, but throughout the service Billy worried over his aunt’s plight. How would she carry on without her husband? Although she had siblings to turn to, he guessed she wouldn’t want to be a burden on them.

  Now, the day after, his few belongings were packed and he was ready to return to university. But seeing the tears brimming in her eyes, he said, ‘Look, I won’t go. I can take over the shop for Uncle James.’

  ‘You have to leave, son. I don’t want you looking after an old woman like me. I shall sell the shop.’

  ‘Hey, less of that. You’re only in your sixties, you have plenty of years ahead of you.’

  ‘Maybe. But the best part of my life is over now James has gone. You make something of yourself, while you still can.’ She stopped to dry her eyes. ‘Besides, it’s what your uncle wanted.’

  He hugged her tightly and not only promised to visit whenever possible but said he would phone too. When she smiled without comment, Billy realised she was putting on a brave face.

  He phoned twice a week, and although he struggled to find something to talk about, she gave the impression she was glad to hear from him.

  Twelve weeks later, having studied hard and crammed as much revision into his spare time as possible, he took the teacher-training examinations. It would be two months before the results were out, and he planned to spend most of it with his aunt in Redburn.

  He started out early and by midday he reached his destination, glad to be home. And the rumble in his stomach brought to mind his aunt’s steak and ale pies; perhaps she’d make one during the week.

  As soon as he got out of the car, he got the s
hock of his life. A For Sale notice stood in the middle of the lawn, and over it was nailed a Sold notice.

  He thought he’d better ring the bell rather than use his key and give her a fright.

  Her eyes widened with love when she saw him. She hugged him.

  ‘Hey, Aunt Violet, what’s with this For Sale sign? You never told me you were thinking of selling the house.’ His heartbeat increased.

  ‘I didn’t want to worry you with my problems.’

  They went into the house and sat in the living room, and after making a cup of tea, she told him.

  ‘The thing is, I miss James so much, and I find it hard on my own. Oh, I have family who come and see me when they can, but I’m still alone a lot of the time.’

  ‘I’ll be able to visit more now I’ve finished teacher training.’

  She shook her head. ‘I don’t want you fussing over me for the rest of my life. You have your own life to lead.’

  ‘Aunt Violet …’

  ‘No, Billy.’

  ‘So where are you moving to?’

  ‘Scotland.’

  ‘Dear God, that’s so far away. How am I ever going to visit you up there?’

  ‘I’m sure you’ll find a way when you can.’

  ‘But why Scotland?’

  ‘Because it’s something completely different, and because I have a sister who lives there. She lost her husband too, five years ago. I’ll be living with her in an old country house. The scenery is spectacular, so I’ll be going on lots of walks. I’m really looking forward to it.’

  Billy smiled sadly.

  ‘Be happy for me, Billy. I can’t bring James back, and I have to live my life too. This is the best option for me, considering what’s happened.’

  ‘Yes, I can see that now, but I’m sad because I’ll miss you – what am I going to do without you?’

  ‘I’m sure you’ll get by. In time you’ll have a family of your own.’

  ‘When do you go?’

  ‘Four weeks’ time.’

  ‘Wow, so soon. I’ll have to move all my stuff out and find somewhere else to live.’

  ‘Yes, I’m sorry about that. I didn’t want to worry you while you were studying and couldn’t do anything about it. I hope I’ve given you enough time.’

  ‘There’s plenty of rented accommodation around Dexford. I’ll soon find a place, don’t worry. I wish you luck, Auntie.’

  ‘Can I come and see you off?’

  ‘Of course, that would be very nice of you. I’ll look forward to that.’

  ‘It’s the least I can do after what you and Uncle James have done for me over the years.’

  For Billy this was the end of another era, and perhaps the start of a new one.

  <><><>

  After getting through his teacher training, Billy secured a position as an English teacher at Wood Green Road High School in Dexford. Newly built with the latest facilities, its examination results were rated ‘outstanding’. Having found a rented semi-detached house in his home town during the holidays, he thought his future looked bright.

  CHAPTER 10

  September soon came around and with it the new school year. During the summer holidays, he spent three weeks cycling, taking in the beautiful countryside of the Languedoc region in the south of France. Now he felt ready to meet the challenges he had to face.

  But, on the morning of the first day, jangling nerves left him sick with dread. Having spent six months as a student teacher training in several schools, he hoped to take it all in his stride. But sleep evaded him, and most of the night he hardly closed his eyes. Although tired, he got himself up, breakfasted and left early.

  Still edgy on his journey to work, he turned on the radio and sang along with the tunes. By the time he reached the small car park beside the school he’d calmed down a little.

  The main entrance and corridor leading to the staff room was alive with pupils; it was bedlam, all competing to see who could shout the loudest. At the end of the corridor he watched several teachers enter, although he recognised none of them. But he followed them in. He scanned the crowded room, looking for Vinnie Rhodes: his mentor for the first day. In the far corner, his stocky body shielded by an open newspaper, sat the senior English teacher, oblivious to the goings-on of his colleagues. Billy approached, and clearing his throat said, ‘Mr Rhodes …’

  Vinnie looked up over the small round spectacles perched on the bridge of his nose, his chubby face showing recognition. ‘Aah, Mr Price, good to see you again. Looking forward to your first day?’

  ‘Yes, very much so.’

  ‘Glad to hear it. Hope you’re up for the challenge.’

  ‘Most definitely.’

  ‘Right, we won’t be doing a lot today. Year seven will be spending the day getting to know the school and finding out where everything is.’ He stopped, and shaking his head, added, ‘Don’t look so worried, they’ll be scared out of their wits facing the prospect of being in the big school. I shall be in the same boat as you; I don’t know any of them, and they won’t know us. At first, it’s a battle trying to remember their names.’ He laughed. ‘Mind you, with a younger head on your shoulders, you ought to be better at that than I am. But I’ll be keeping an eye on you for the first few days, and gradually you can fly solo once you’re comfortable with them.’

  ‘Sounds good to me.’

  ‘Okay, so we might as well go and wait for the little monsters to arrive,’ he joked.

  Billy smiled. ‘Fine, I’m not worried … just a little apprehensive.’

  Vinnie didn’t reply. But as they left the staff room, he pointed to the double doors in front of them. ‘It’s the last door on the right.’

  The door was open and as he followed his mentor in he noticed, to his delight, the doorplate which read in bold black lettering: Mr W Price, Form 1W.

  He walked over to the desk at the front of the class to join his colleague, taking in the bright and airy feel to the room. Other schools where he’d trained were shoddy compared to this, and as if reading the other man’s thoughts, Vinnie said, ‘It’s a fantastic school, but I’m afraid we’re very strict here, we expect our pupils to adhere to certain standards’ – he looked straight at Billy, his brow wrinkled, and he continued – ‘in dress and in behaviour too. We’re aware our values are deplored by some and regarded as rather outdated or even archaic, but the bottom line is we’re successful and achieve outstanding results.’

  ‘Yes, that’s one of reasons I came here. I’d like to make a difference and help kids of all backgrounds reach a high standard.’

  Vinnie smiled. ‘I’m sure you’ll be a fine addition to our staff. I can see you mean well, but try not to be too enthusiastic. And don’t look so worried, it’s only friendly advice. If you’re too overeager you may set yourself up for a fall.’

  Billy smiled in return, knowing he was only trying to help.

  Minutes later, the bell rang, and the corridors were brimming with pupils, all, it seemed, talking at once. But on entering FORM 1W, the tumult ceased as they filed in, intent on securing a seat as far back from the teacher’s desk as possible.

  ‘Welcome, children, I’m Mr Rhodes, Head of the English department, and this is Mr Price, also new and who will be your English teacher this year. Let’s start with your names, shall we? I’d like you all to tell us a bit about yourself.’

  He pointed to the first pupil in the far corner on the back row. ‘You there. Yes, you. Start by telling us your name, favourite subject, and which sports you prefer.’

  Billy sympathised with the lad, who looked lost for words. Everyone had their say, and he soon noticed the different characters, some stricken by the task, others feisty, and one or two cheeky and rude – he’d have to watch them.

  After calling the register, two boys handed out both the exercise and text books and the lesson began.

  ‘Page 54 in your text book contains the story of Pandora’s Box. It’s a shortened version and easier to understand.’ Glancing around
the class he said, ‘I’ll read the passage, and then give you twenty minutes to answer the questions. After that I’d like you each to write a short paragraph on what the story implies.’ The heat rose from his neck, and he guessed his face to be bright red, but never mind, it was a step forward.

  As he turned around to see his colleague busily writing, he whispered, ‘So far so good.’

  ‘You’re doing fine, Mr Price. You’ll soon have them eating out of your hand.’

  ‘I wouldn’t go that far. If you only knew what was going on inside,’ – he put his hand to his stomach – ‘I’m shaking like a leaf.’

  ‘We all have our own way of teaching … and dealing with problems. It’s difficult because they’re up to all sorts, all of them, but I try to see the lighter side to any problems. Rules are made to be followed, so you’ll have to show you’re in charge.’

  Billy grinned, heartened by the reassurance. He saw what Vinnie was getting at. But how he’d put it into practice was anyone’s guess. And tomorrow he might be on his own.

  But in the quietness of the classroom he remembered his father. How proud would he be of his achievements? One of his favourite sayings was: it’s surprising what you can do when you have to. But the spell was broken when a piece of screwed-up paper hit him on the head. He looked up to see the culprits.

  ‘That’s enough.’ Billy pointed to the two troublemakers, ‘You and you, get over here, now!’

  Sheepishly they walked to the front of the class.

  ‘I’m warning you, I’m not a soft touch. You’re here to learn – if you’ve finished, there are other things you can get on with.’ Addressing everyone he added, ‘So take heed, all of you, I’ll not stand for any bad behaviour in my classroom.’ After dealing with the two perpetrators, telling them to return during the morning break to write lines, the rest of the lesson passed without a hitch.

  Later that evening he reflected on the day’s events. To see how he dealt with the unruly few in the class, Vinnie had said he was a natural. He’d taken every element of the day in his stride, but whether he’d be so buoyant tomorrow night was another matter.