by Peter Martin
‘You’re a hard taskmaster, Mr Price – the next eighteen months will be sheer hell.’
‘It’s the same for me. But what’s with the “Mr Price”?’
When she replied, she smiled, ‘I’d better get some practice in. I might forget and call you Billy in class.’
Too true, but how he wanted to take her in his arms.
‘I don’t care how long it takes, I’ll be waiting,’ she said defiantly.
‘I hope so. Anyway, I have to go. And remember from tomorrow you’re just another student, no favours, all right?’
She looked so dejected. Then before he knew it, she turned towards him and pushed her lips against his.
After a few moments, they parted.
‘You remember that, because it will be eighteen long months before we do that again. But I promise you after that you’re going to be hard-pressed to get rid of me’
‘You’re worth waiting for.’
When she got out of the car, she turned to wave.
He drove off, thinking the next eighteen months would be sheer agony. How he’d keep his feelings in check he didn’t know. But he had no choice –if he succumbed, his job would be on the line; he’d be dismissed from work and unemployable. It seemed so unfair, but wasn’t life unfair?
Within ten minutes he’d arrived back home, unsure of how he felt. Initially, he was elated, overjoyed, but sitting in the confines of his flat he came down to earth and a sense of despair crept in. As things stood he’d be tasked with seeing her with male students. He got up, poured a good measure of brandy into a glass and went to bed, hoping the alcohol would induce sleep. Eighteen months seemed like an eternity.
CHAPTER 12
At the end of May, the following year, for second-year A level students the year was over, except for optional revision classes and the exams scheduled for June. After that came the agonising wait for the results. Billy remembered only too well the anxiety and negative thoughts of not achieving his predicted A level grades. Now he felt nervous; if his students failed to attain good grades, his reputation would suffer and with it his confidence.
During the summer recess having neither seen nor heard anything of Sarah, he feared she’d slipped from his grasp, like everyone else he’d come into contact with and loved. But he still fervently hoped she’d achieve her goal and make something of her life.
The results came in during the middle of August and eager teaching staff were keen to find out their own students’ achievements, each vying for the best overall results. To his relief, most had achieved their predicted grades. And the feeling heightened when a colleague commented that Sarah Baker, dark horse and scatterbrain, had got three straight As – Psychology, History and his subject – English. She’d now be set up to get into the university of her choice. She’d be delighted.
Having gone into school the day before the results were released to students, he wouldn’t be required to go in on results day. So, he got up later. And as soon as he did, he wondered how Sarah felt. Had she received her letter? And would she contact him, and when? The longer he waited, the more he began to lose hope.
His shattered hopes were replaced by despondency and loneliness. And in the privacy of his living room, he cried before his inner voice told him to pull himself together. An hour later, having swallowed his pride, he went into the kitchen to make a sandwich. He’d been so preoccupied with Sarah, he’d totally skipped breakfast.
When the front door bell rang at five o’clock that afternoon, he ignored it; but the caller wouldn’t go away. By the fourth ring he got up, driven by annoyance, to give the determined caller a piece of his mind. On opening the door, he was astonished to see her, dressed in figure hugging jeans and v-neck tee shirt. She looked flummoxed, no doubt due to his dour expression. ‘Sarah!’ he exclaimed. ‘You’ve come after all.’
She stood gazing into his eyes, and for a second his world stopped, until she raised the bottle of wine in her hand. With bright smiling eyes, she said, ‘Didn’t you tell me to come when the time was right? Well, that time is now.’
He’d dreamt of this moment for what seemed like eons never imagining she’d return to him. They had acted out their parts of teacher and student impeccably for eighteen months, but he still never expected her to come.
‘How could I forget the pact we made – but I never thought you’d fulfil your end of the bargain?’ he said allowing her in. She closed the door behind her, leaving them standing opposite each other in the hall.
‘Why wouldn’t I? After all you’ve done for me and everything we’ve been through together. There was never any doubt in my mind – you should have faith in me.’
He smiled. ‘I know, but you can’t blame me for having doubts. Come through.’ He stood to one side, so she could get to the living room.
She gave him the bottle, which he took to the kitchen. After a struggle, there was a pop as he pulled the cork out. Carrying the drinks, he returned to see she had already made herself comfortable and was sitting at the end of the sofa with her feet under her. He sat opposite and toasted her success, saying, ‘Congratulations, Sarah, you’ve done so well. I take it you know your results?’
‘Yes, I do. I’ve been lucky, three As is much better than I expected.’ She took a sip of wine. ‘I got up late this morning due to a hangover after a night out with friends.’
On hearing the word ‘hangover’ he smiled. But he couldn’t help wondering where she had she been to get drunk. And more to the point, with whom? But trying to conceal his jealousy, he said, ‘It means you can go to your first choice. I presume you’ll be studying English?’
‘My degree will be English Literature and Creative Writing, because I want to perfect my writing. I’m ninety-nine per cent sure I’ll opt for Edgincombe. The university specialises in English and studying a degree course there will hold me in good stead when it’s time to leave and get a job.’
‘It appears you’ve thought this one through.’
‘But for you I’d be saddled with a baby, and all that entails.’ She gulped. ‘Even now I get emotional, but deep down I’m sure I made the right decision.’ She took hold of his hand.
‘Prove me right by getting your degree and becoming a great writer. But there’s a long way to go; if you think A levels were hard, you wait till you see what’s involved in a degree course.’ He squeezed her hand; the atmosphere was now electric.
Then Sarah whispered, ‘Don’t know if I’m up to it, Billy.’
‘Why ever not?’
‘I won’t be able to concentrate ... because of you,’ she said, her hand trembling ever so slightly in his.
Billy’s stomach churned over.
‘What do you mean? Because of me. How would I be a distraction?’
Tears streamed down her face, causing Billy to fear what was to come next.
She looked at him through tear-stained eyes. ‘I’ll never forget what happened between us. Have you any idea how it’s been, seeing you and not being able to do anything about it? Sheer torture – when all I wanted was for you to hold me in your arms.’
Shocked, Billy said, ‘I was sure you’d find someone your own age. I saw you talking to a few lads on occasions.’ He laughed nervously. ‘It drove me crazy.’
‘I had no intention of going out with those idiots. I learnt my lesson the hard way.’
‘Not all of them would be …’
‘Billy, what’s the matter with you? Can’t you see what’s right in front of your eyes?’
His heart wrestled with his head, and not knowing where to turn, he said, ‘I’m worried about the age gap, and it’s not only how your parents are likely to react, because I know they’ll crucify me. I don’t want you to … well, look at me as an old fuddy-duddy.’
He watched as light came into her eyes and she started to giggle. ‘Stop it, will you? That’s not how I see you. You’re not too old for me – eight years is nothing. My dad’s ten years older than Mum. So, what can they say? And we’ve been apar
t for eighteen months, and our feelings are as strong as ever. Aren’t they?’
That was all he needed to hear. He stepped forward and took her in his arms, and looking down at her beautiful face, he kissed her. Without speaking she led him into the bedroom.
<><><>
Afterwards they lay in one another’s arms drifting towards sleep. How he wished Sarah could stay forever, but that wasn’t possible at present. Glancing at the clock he considered waking her, but decided to savour the moment.
A little while later, she moved and opening her eyes, whispered, ‘I have to go now. Have you seen the time? It’s nine o’clock. I didn’t tell Mum I’d be out this long.’
‘Shall I drive you back?’
‘Would you? I don’t want to walk on my own.’
‘No problem,’ he said, getting out of bed.
They both dressed and rushed out to his car. The evening was still young, and, under different circumstances, they’d have enjoyed a night out. But that was for another time.
‘I would have stayed Billy, but Mum and Dad wouldn’t approve,’ she explained.
‘Don’t worry, you’ll be able to soon enough,’ he told her.
‘It won’t be easy. We can be a couple now, but there are still many obstacles to overcome.’
‘It can’t be much worse than the last eighteen months.’
‘True. Although I must tell my family about you soon, and also that you used to teach me at school.’
‘Ssh, Sarah, don’t think about that now. Let’s savour tonight and remember we can face anything so long as we’re together.’
‘I know,’ she sighed.
‘When shall I see you again?’ he asked her.
‘Would tomorrow be too soon?’
‘Oh, much too soon,’ he joked, but on a serious note, added, ‘No, it isn’t. I’ll pick you up at twelve o’clock by the old church and buy you lunch.’
‘Wonderful.’ She leaned over to kiss him on the lips, and then got out of the car. He watched as she ran down the road, his gaze never leaving her until she’d opened the front door and was safely home.
He drove back feeling on top of the world. After many miserable unhappy years, he was on the up and Sarah made him feel so alive.
That night he slept soundly without any bad dreams of his past. Now with Sarah, and his successful career, there was so much to live for.
He awoke the next morning with a glint in his eye, hardly able to believe what had happened. After breakfast, he called her mobile.
‘Hallo,’ she yawned.
‘Was it a dream? Did it really happen?’
‘It did,’ she laughed. ‘I kept wishing you were lying next to me.’
‘Me too. Can’t wait to see you again. Still on for lunchtime?’
‘Yes,’ she said. ‘I’m about to get up – Mum and Dad were out when I got back, they’d gone to Nan’s, so I haven’t been bombarded with questions. But whatever they think, I’m keeping quiet for the moment.’
‘I understand. Not looking forward to them finding out, but I have to face it.’
<><><>
Billy parked by the old church and sat gazing towards the end of the road, the direction he expected her to come from.
At twelve o’clock, she turned the corner heading towards the car. His heart soared; she looked so beautiful, wearing the minimum of make-up, and only faded jeans and a short-sleeved top. He opened the door for her.
As she got in she leaned over to kiss him on the lips. As she moved away, she asked, ‘So where are you taking me?’
‘How about a pub meal? And afterwards we could go for a walk in the park. What do you think?’
‘Sounds great.’
‘Hope you’re hungry.’
‘Starving.’
With an ideal venue in mind he drove the car back towards Dexford, taking the bypass turning for Hartleton.
As they approached the village, to Billy’s surprise, it was a hive of activity. He’d passed through before and always thought of it as ‘a sleepy hamlet’. No doubt the cricket match taking place on the field at the back of the church hall was the reason for the commotion.
The road through the village was split into two by the green; on one side stood the post office and general store, on the other the seventeenth-century half-timbered pub.
Billy parked the car at the side of the pub and they walked arm in arm towards the entrance.
The atmosphere inside was most welcoming with lots of customers enjoying their meals. Eventually, having found a table, Billy ordered the food and drinks at the bar. While he felt thoroughly invigorated by the idea of them being a couple, at times he doubted it would last.
When the food came, they settled down to enjoy the delicious meal.
‘Any idea when you start university?’ Billy asked.
‘End of September,’ she replied. ‘That’s another five weeks away yet. As it’s at Edgincombe, it means I’ll be in student accommodation, but I intend coming home at weekends.’
‘That’ll be difficult. It’ll kill me to be apart from you for even a day. But I suppose it’s for the best if it helps you to get your degree.’
‘That’s the one thing I don’t like about it. But if we can be apart for eighteen months and still feel the same, I’m sure we’ll get by. I’m looking forward to it – the challenge, the chance to write. Can’t wait to start.’
‘And don’t forget, I’ll always be here to help. I’ll do all I can to make sure you get that degree, first class with luck.’
‘I don’t know about that, it’s a tall order, but I’ll do my best.’ She smiled. ‘Anyway, enough of that. Do you realise we have the next five weeks together? Sheer bliss.’
‘Yes, except that I have to be back in three weeks to prepare for the coming year. But I might squeeze you in somehow.’ He grinned.
‘Oh, get on with you.’
‘Don’t worry, darling, I’ll make the most of it, because until next summer it will be weekends and holidays only.’
‘Well, at the moment, I’m certainly available.’
‘Excellent, because I want to give you the time of your life,’ he said, taking her hand across the table.
She sighed. ‘Can’t wait.’
After finishing the meal and a couple more of drinks they left. But rather than head home, Sarah suggested they followed a bridle path, towards the post office, which she had spotted on their way into the pub. It led along the side of a farmer’s field which had been harvested recently. On the far side was a dry-stone wall and beyond, sheep grazed in the field. As they approached another stile, instead of helping Sarah over the few steps, Billy pulled her into his arms and kissed her. When they parted, he said, ‘Still can’t believe yesterday happened.’
‘It might happen again later on if you play your cards right,’ she said, smiling.
But Billy misinterpreted her joke, and said, ‘I thought about taking you into town, buying you a little something, as a reward for all the hard work you did in your A levels.’
She laughed, saying, ‘I’m teasing, there’s no need honestly, I don’t want anything. I know you’ve got a well-paid job, but I’m not going with you for that …’ Giggling, she added, ‘So long as we’re together, that’s all I care about.’
His heart soared; he was half-expecting to wake up and realise it was a dream.
<><><>
Three weeks later, having spent Saturday morning shopping in Dexford, Billy and Sarah were making their way across to the car park. Walking hand in hand, Sarah froze, let go of his hand, and slowly walked on. But as he followed her gaze, he recognised the tall heavily built man approaching; her father. Over the last two years he’d seen Mr Baker at parents’ evenings and had always thought what a formidable character he looked, and his facial expression now confirmed this.
Billy shuddered. The last thing he needed right now.
With grey thinning hair and lined forehead, Billy guessed the daunting character almost upon them to be in his
early fifties.
‘Sarah!’ he shouted, his face mellowing to a look of surprise. ‘So, this is where you hide yourself – and with a handsome young man too. Why don’t you introduce us?’
‘Hallo, Dad,’ she said, her lips quivering ever so slightly. ‘This is Billy. Billy – my dad.’
Sarah’s father shook Billy’s hand, saying, ‘Hallo, glad to meet you.’ His beady eyes never left Billy’s face when he asked, ‘Why didn’t you tell us, Sarah? Although me and your mother sensed you were up to something. I hope he’s worth it.’
‘He is, Dad,’ Sarah admitted. ‘The perfect gentleman, and he’s made me very happy.’
‘Is that so?’ He raised his bushy eyebrows. ‘Well, according to my daughter, you have a lot to live up to – let’s hope you prove worthy of her.’
‘I’ll do my best, sir.’
‘Glad to hear it, because if ever anyone takes advantage of her, I don’t need to tell you what would happen,’ Sarah’s father warned, looking at him straight in the eye.
‘Oh Dad, please don’t go on,’ Sarah said.
‘Only taking care your interests, love. You never can tell what people are like, most are only after what they can get. I aim to make sure that never happens to you.’
‘It won’t, Dad, not while I’m with Billy – he’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.’
‘In that case, why all the mystery? If he’s only half the person you say he is, you’d be proud for us to meet him,’ Mr Baker commented, his eyes narrowing.
‘It’s all right you saying that, but you’ve not exactly welcomed any of my boyfriends with open arms. Is it any wonder I’ve kept him quiet?’
Sarah’s father smiled. ‘Darling, I only want what’s best for you. Come on – now I’ve met him why doesn’t he to come to tea, then we can all get to know him?’
‘Yes, all right, so long as you’ll give him a chance, Dad,’ Sarah said.
‘I will – what do you take me for? So, what do you think, Billy? How about coming to tea, say five o’clock tomorrow?’
‘Yes … that would be great. I’ve been on at Sarah to let me meet her folks for ages. I’ll look forward to it.’
