by Peter Martin
By Saturday, with still no word from Becky, he did a rerun of the previous week and after getting his shopping, he walked back to the pub for lunch. As the weather was good he hoped he might see her, but his efforts proved futile.
Having bought the ingredients for the meal, he wasn’t sure what to do. Should he or shouldn’t he go ahead with Sunday lunch? Or put everything in the freezer? Eventually he cooked the meal.
By one o’clock and still no sign of them, Billy’s enthusiasm vanished. All morning he’d been looking on the bright side, convincing himself they would arrive at midday as arranged.
At first he was upset. She’d seemed such a genuine, caring person. But to stand him up without a word was hurtful. Gradually the upset petered out and anger reared its ugly head. How could he ever trust anyone again, he asked himself? In sheer frustration he knocked a plate and dish against the wall and the two saucepans containing the vegetables were dropped into the sink, the contents splashing over onto the floor. Why hadn’t she sought him out at school when she knew he was cooking her a meal? It was inexcusable.
It took a while to pull himself together again.
Afterwards, having cleared up the mess, a glass of medicinal brandy in hand, he sat down, emotionally drained and a bundle of nerves. He couldn’t face going to work in the morning; he’d feign illness of some sort.
Later that evening, feeling sorry for himself, the sudden blare of the intercom jolted him back to reality. Who was that, he thought, still in a foul mood. Nobody apart from delivery men ever rang it.
‘Hallo, Billy speaking,’ he said.
‘It’s me. Becky. Can I come up and see you for a minute?’
Was there any point? Hadn’t she done enough already? His blood boiled. He should tell her to leave him alone, but a tiny part of him wanted to hear her excuse.
‘What do you want, Becky?’ he asked.
‘I wanted to explain why we couldn’t make lunch. I really am most dreadfully sorry,’ she said, sheepishly.
‘You’d better come in, hadn’t you?’ He pressed the button allowing her to enter the building. Then he went to the front door to let her in, nodding to her rather than speaking, but allowing her into the flat.
‘Sit down,’ he said curtly.
She sat down, but suddenly burst into tears. Were these crocodile tears to soften his resolve? Whatever they were for he didn’t intend to console her.
‘It’s David …’ she began.
‘What about him?’
‘He’s ill and has been off school all week with stomach pains. At first, I thought it was a bug; like those that go around school. But yesterday the pain got so bad, I had to call out the doctor. Anyway, he diagnosed acute appendicitis and telephoned for an ambulance straight away.’ She stopped to swallow hard, before continuing, ‘They operated immediately. So, I stayed with him all night, and most of today. Been out of my mind with worry. You see, he was so ill I daren’t leave him for a minute. I had no idea how to contact you. That’s why I’m here. I only got back a few minutes ago.’
Despite his concern for the child, a wave of relief came over him.
‘I should have guessed something terrible must have happened. How awful for the poor lad.’ He stopped, shook his head, and asked, ‘Are you going to the hospital again later?’
‘Yes. I wouldn’t have left him, but I needed to come home, take a shower and change my clothes. There’s also some washing I need to do.’ She chewed her lip nervously. ‘I’ll go again this evening. Would you like to come?’
‘Of course, I will. I’ll drive you.’
‘That’s kind; if you’re sure it’s no trouble.’
‘That’s the least I can do. Now, have you had anything to eat?’
‘No, but I’m not hungry.’
‘You must eat, keep your strength up. How about some bacon sandwiches and a cup of tea?’
She sighed, looked a little irritated. ‘All right, if you insist, but I need to get back to get a few things done.’
At six-thirty they walked briskly through the hospital corridors to the children’s ward. David was sitting up watching television. His face was pale and drawn.
‘Hallo, darling, how are you now?’ his mother asked, stroking his face with her hand.
‘All right. It doesn’t hurt so much now,’ he said, looking past her at Billy. ‘I thought you’d be coming on your own.’
‘I had to go around to Billy’s flat to tell him what had happened, because if you remember we had planned to go to his place for lunch. Anyway, he kindly offered to bring me.’
‘Oh, yes, and teachers have names too, so as you’re my friend you should use my name,’ Billy said.
He nodded. ‘I’m still not well, but they took the pain away. The doctor said I might be going home in a few days,’ – he began to smile – ‘and I can’t go to school for a few weeks. Yes!’ He punched the air but held his stomach.
‘We’ll see about that, young man. You can always do the work at home,’ Becky said.
But that didn’t diminish David’s enthusiasm. ‘Hey, Billy, I’ve got loads of time, so you can play lots of games with me, can’t you? I’m good at scrabble, snap and pairs.’
Billy laughed. ‘Okay, if you’re well enough. But ask your mum first.’
‘Can he, Mum?’
‘Don’t forget he’s a busy man – he has to go to school even if you don’t, he’s a teacher. It all depends on how much spare time he has.’
Billy noted that Becky’s face was brighter and full of colour, no doubt David’s eagerness said it all – he was on the way to recovery. Over the past few days she must have been at her wit’s end.
A while later he left. Becky had arranged to stay with her son. But she walked to the hospital entrance with him and thanked him for being so understanding.
‘I don’t know how I’d have coped, if things had been any worse.’ She closed her eyes for a few seconds before continuing, ‘Not after all I’ve been through recently, it doesn’t bear thinking about.’
‘Don’t worry, he’ll soon get better.’
‘Thanks for being so understanding and helpful. How can I ever repay you?’
‘Don’t be silly. I didn’t do very much. And besides, it’s been a pleasure. Any time you or David need a lift anywhere, I’ll be only too happy to oblige. And it might be an idea so swap mobile numbers so we can contact each other.’
‘Good idea. You’re so sweet,’ she said, giving him a kiss on his cheek.
Everything was back on course again, and Billy’s mood soared. Again, he felt on top of the world.
CHAPTER 22
In a better frame of mind, Billy drove to college feeling buoyant for the first day of the week. Then, during the lunchtime break, he saw Becky arrive for work and walked over to speak to her.
‘How’s the patient this morning?’ he called along the corridor.
She turned, a puzzled look on her face. ‘Oh, I wondered who was shouting. He’s much better again, Billy … err, Mr Price,’ she said, walking towards him. ‘I telephoned the Principal earlier, and he’s agreed to let me work afternoons for the next few weeks until David is fully recovered. I just need to get someone in to look after him while I’m at work.’
They stood opposite each other now. ‘Naturally. That’s good of him, don’t you think?’ Billy said.
‘Yes, because I’ve no family to step in and help me.’
‘I’ll take you to the hospital again tonight. You are visiting him, I take it.’
‘Err … yes. I am. But I wouldn’t want to burden you with my responsibilities.’
‘You wouldn’t be. I want to help if I can.’
Becky looked him straight in the eye. ‘That’s very kind of you.’
‘No worries,’ he said.
She studied him for a few seconds, her face straight, ‘Okay, see you later – I need to get on now.’ She turned and walked off.
Billy took a bag of goodies – a bunch of grapes, a football annual an
d a solitaire game to the hospital, his smile almost as wide as David’s. And, being overjoyed with the game, David asked him to promise he’d come again tomorrow.
‘That was sweet of you to give David all those things, I was quite touched. But you needn’t have gone to so much expense,’ Becky said as she got out of his car at the flats.
‘What do you mean? I wanted to buy them,’ he said tersely, before adding, ‘I like the lad – you have a fine son there.’
‘I know.’ She smiled, and again, gave him a peck on the cheek before she left.
<><><>
For the next two evenings, a similar pattern of events followed with Billy taking Becky to the hospital to visit her son. It gave him the chance to get to know her better. And when the lad was discharged from hospital, Billy agreed to go with her to fetch him.
After spending the day together, Billy had just finished reading David a bedtime story. ‘Phew,’ he said, coming to sit down afterwards. Becky had the television on and looked exhausted. She yawned.
‘It’s been a long day,’ she said.
‘Yes, but an enjoyable one.’
‘Very true. Billy, I wanted to thank you for all you’ve done over the past few days. I don’t know what I would have done without you.’
‘Oh, I didn’t do very much. It’s been a pleasure, I really like David. He’s a son to be proud of.’
‘I hope so. He’s been through a lot and there may be difficult times ahead.’
‘Have you seen anything of your husband lately?’
‘Not much. He’s probably too busy enjoying himself with his bit on the side. I want a divorce, but I’ve been very busy, what with one thing and another, so I haven’t had chance to see a solicitor yet.’
‘There’s no winner in a divorce settlement. David will be hurt too, when he only sees his dad once a fortnight.’
‘I know. I try to shield him from it as much as I can, but I know he’s hurting inside.’
‘You look exhausted,’ Billy commented.
‘Yes, it’s been hard, and I’ll be going to bed early tonight.’
‘Perhaps I’d better go now.’
‘You don’t have to. I like your company.’
‘Likewise, but you need to rest. I’ll see you tomorrow.’
‘Wait, I’ll see you out.’
They stood in the hallway together.
‘Thank you again for all you’ve done. How can I ever repay you?’
‘No repayment necessary,’ Billy laughed.
They moved closer together, Billy expecting a kiss on the cheek, only it ended up on the lips. Neither of them wanted to break away.
‘Oh, my goodness, I shouldn’t have done that, ’Becky said.
‘Why ever not? It was rather nice.’
‘Yes, it was.’
‘Any chance of us going out together, do you think?
‘Don’t see why not, so long as you don’t mind a certain young man gate-crashing our dates.’
‘I wouldn’t have it any other way,’ he laughed and kissed her again. ‘See you tomorrow then.’
She nodded and gave him a warm smile.
So, their relationship blossomed. Every night he had free, he visited them or took them out. And at weekends, weather permitting, he arranged outings. To an onlooker they appeared like a family unit. The only downturn was that he and Becky weren’t on their own for any length of time. But he was positive their relationship was moving in the right direction. They only held hands or kissed once David had gone to bed. She was still married, but from what she’d said, that part of her life was finished. Maybe, over time, the relationship might develop; he would have to wait and see.
An idea had been preying on his mind but he was reticent to raise it, worrying about Becky’s reaction. Some weeks later, one Sunday evening after David had gone to bed, they sat holding hands watching the television together. ‘Oh dear, I suppose I’d best be leaving, I’m so tired,’ Billy said.
‘Me too. We had a nice day at the Safari Park, but the way my son charges around’ – she laughed – ‘it’s as if he hasn’t a minute to live, either that or he’s frightened of missing something.’
‘Can’t say I hadn’t noticed.’ Having drunk a bottle of wine between them, Billy managed to find the courage from somewhere, and taking a deep breath, he said, ‘Becky, I wanted to ask you a question.’
‘Oh, yes. I had a feeling you’d got something on your mind. Come on, what is it? You’re not sick of us, are you?’
‘No way, you couldn’t be further from the truth. Well, here goes … I wondered if you and David would like to move in with me.’
She didn’t speak for a second, but her face said it all.
‘From your reaction, I guess it’s not what you expected.’
‘No, no, it isn’t. I’m surprised, stunned even …’
‘But you must have suspected how I feel about you. After all, we are going out together even if we do have a chaperone, aren’t we?’
‘Yes, but I never imagined you were that serious. I thought … I have no idea what I thought. I’ve been that wrapped up with David, and the job and everything else … Oh, Billy, what a sweet thing to ask.’
‘Might you consider it then?’
With tears in her eyes, she replied, ‘To meet someone so soon after Robert is incredible.’
‘I can sense a “but” somewhere there. Am I right?’ he asked guardedly.
‘Sorry, but … I’m not ready for this yet. I can’t at the moment. That’s not to say I don’t like you, because I do. it’s just too soon.’
After a few seconds Billy suggested, ‘I don’t want to push you into anything, but we are already like a family – and the three of us get along.’ He paused, his heart racing, before adding, ‘Maybe we could be together at weekends?’
As he looked into her eyes, he realised she’d taken in the implications of his proposition. Her neck and cheeks were flushed.
Eventually she gave her answer. ‘I’ll have to think about it.’
‘Okay, if you want, but you did say you’re attracted to me –’ He stopped abruptly, realising she had said “liked” not “attracted”.
The atmosphere was tense. He’d been sure she felt the same – obviously not?
Then he said, ‘Sorry, Becky, if you want things to stay as they are between us that’s fine.’
‘It’s early days yet, I don’t know how I feel. It’s only been a short while since I split up with Robert and all the upset that involved. But I’ll think about it.’
‘You take as long you need, I won’t rush you,’ Billy said, much calmer.
‘Thanks.’
They embraced, and he gave her a brief kiss, but she gently pulled away and walked into the hallway. His heart pounded in his chest and he felt the bile rise in his throat. Was she politely trying to get rid of him?
<><><>
That night Billy couldn’t sleep, he was so keyed up. He pictured what it would be like with Becky there in bed beside him. Their first night together would be something to cherish forever.
The next day he didn’t see Becky, but as he’d be going around to the flat later, he wasn’t worried. He got on with his day and enjoyed the rapport he had with his students. His light-hearted banter made them laugh.
The depressing drizzly morning turned into a bright but cold afternoon. At seven-thirty Billy stood waiting outside Becky’s flat, stamping his feet to keep warm. ‘God, Becky, hurry up and open the door,’ he muttered to himself, and rang the buzzer again, and waited.
No answer. He pressed it again, then stepped back to view the building. No one in. At this time of night, the windows would be lit up. He rang again knowing it was futile. Where are they? he asked himself. Surely if David had been ill, or anything else, she’d have phoned or left a message on his mobile. He tried to ring her but got no reply and sent her a text. In a sudden fit of rage he kicked the door, turned abruptly and walked home.
But during the short walk back he’d co
nvinced himself there must be a plausible explanation and was sure she’d ring him in the next hour. So, for the rest of the evening, he sat with his mobile beside him on the sofa.
By eleven o’clock he panicked and contemplated phoning the police. But how would it sound; he’d been round to his girlfriend’s place and no one was in! So what, he could almost hear them say. He went to bed. First thing the next morning he phoned her, but to no avail. Wherever she’d gone, she must have stayed overnight. How difficult would it have been to ring him?
By lunchtime the following day, unable to concentrate on the work he’d set out for his students, he went to see the Principal. Luckily, he caught him in the corridor, making it seem more of a casual enquiry.
‘Err ... Sorry to infringe on your time, Mr Gibson, but have you seen anything of Becky Sanders?’
Jack Gibson stopped in his tracks, a shrewd expression on his face. ‘Let me think now. Ah yes, I spoke to her yesterday. She’s on compassionate leave until next week.’
‘Oh dear – would you happen to know why?’ Billy asked, thinking a close member of family may be ill. ‘I’m not prying, but we’re good friends and I’m worried because I can’t get in touch with her.’
‘Oh, I see, it’s like that is it?’ He gave Billy a knowing look. ‘Unfortunately, I can’t divulge any more details.’
‘Why ever not?’
‘Because, Mr Price, it’s none of your business,’ the older man responded bluntly. ‘And she specifically asked me for complete discretion.’
Billy backed down, saying, ‘Oh, okay I’ll …’
‘The fact it’s compassionate leave speaks for itself.’ Mr Gibson turned abruptly and marched off down the corridor.
Billy followed in his wake heading for his classroom, still none the wiser. How could he contact Becky if she chose not to answer her phone? His only hope was that she’d get in touch with him – and soon!
