by Joan Jonker
‘Nothing quite so daring.’ Victoria smiled faintly as she rocked back and forth in her chair. ‘If I had more strength in me legs, and the use of me two hands, I’d be quite satisfied. At least I’d be able to go to the station with Phil tomorrow night to see him off. All the other lads will have their families with them, but he’ll be on his own.’
Molly glanced briefly at Nellie, and when her friend nodded, she smiled across at the old lady. ‘He won’t be on his own because me an’ Nellie are goin’ down to Lime Street to see him off. And we’re taking a surprise guest with us.’
The rocking chair was still. ‘Is Doreen going with you?’
Molly pulled a face. ‘There’s no joy there, worse luck. I wish there was, but Doreen won’t even listen when I try talkin’ to her. No, our surprise guest is none other than yerself.’
‘Me! But I’d never make it down there!’
‘Of course yer would!’ Nellie said. ‘With me an’ Molly either side of yer, it’ll be a doddle.’
‘Oh, if only I could.’ The faded eyes were wistful. ‘But I’d be too much of a burden to you.’
‘Ay, Tilly Mint! We didn’t come over to ask if yer’d like to go,’ Molly told her. ‘We came to tell yer that yer are! Me an’ Nellie have got it all sorted out, so we’ll have no arguments if yer don’t mind.’
Victoria could feel herself getting excited. ‘I feel like Cinderella being told she can go to the ball.’
‘Well, there’ll be no coach an’ horses, sunshine, only the twenty-two tram. But yer will get to see yer Prince Charming off.’
There was a catch in Victoria’s voice when she spoke. ‘You two are so good to me, I’ll never be able to repay you. But I do mention yez in me prayers every night.’
Molly stood up and cupped the lined face in her hands. ‘Me an’ Nellie don’t want any thanks, we do what we can because we think the world of yer. An’ we’ve grown fond of Phil as well, so we wouldn’t let him go off without someone there to wave him goodbye.’
Nellie pulled on the back of Molly’s coat to hoist herself up from the couch. ‘Get yer best clothes out, Victoria, an’ I’ll pick them up later to iron ready for tomorrow night.’ She gave Molly a dig. ‘Come on, girl, I want to get to the shops before one.’
‘I’ll sort a dress and cardi out for meself, Nellie.’ Victoria had perked up a lot since they’d sprung the surprise and her eyes were bright with eagerness. ‘Phil’s gone down to the works to see his mates, but he should be back soon so I’ll send him over with them, save yer coming back.’ They’d reached the front door when they heard her call, ‘You’ve made an old lady very happy.’
Nellie almost fell down the step. Her voice charged with emotion, she gulped, ‘I’m goin’ to cry.’
‘Don’t you dare, Nellie McDonough!’ Molly swallowed the lump in her throat, sniffed, then added, ‘I’ll break yer ruddy neck if yer start me off … so remember, yer’ve been warned!’
Chapter Twenty-Eight
‘I’m blowed if I can make you out,’ Maureen said, breaking into a trot to keep abreast of Doreen. ‘I got me head bit off when I told yer I thought yer were mean for not saying goodbye to Phil … yer never wanted to see or hear of him again. I even let yer talk me into borrowing a tanner off me mam to go to Millington’s with yer, so yer wouldn’t be around when he left.’ She grabbed her friend’s arm to slow her pace down. ‘Then, come the interval, yer suddenly change yer mind an’ can’t get home quick enough.’
‘I’m everythin’ yer say I am, Mo, bad-tempered, contrary, selfish and childish. But will yer leave it until tomorrow to have a go at me, please? I’d just like to see Phil before he leaves.’
‘Some hope you’ve got! It’s a quarter past ten!’ Maureen huffed impatiently. ‘Oh, come on then, let’s start legging it.’
Jack’s brows shot up when the two girls ran in, breathless. ‘I didn’t expect you back so early.’
‘Dad, what time is Phil’s train?’ Doreen’s pride had flown out of the window. She didn’t care if she made a fool of herself as long as she saw Phil before he left.
‘Oh, I couldn’t tell yer that, love. All I know is he was told to be on platform two at Lime Street station at ten o’clock.’ Jack was sympathetic to his daughter’s plight, but why had she left it so late? ‘They left here about half eight … there were six of them, because Jill and Steve wanted to go as well.’
Doreen looked at the clock. ‘We’ll never make it. The trams don’t run very often this time of night.’
‘The last tram to Lime Street passes the top of the road about a quarter to eleven. After that they only run a skeleton service. So yer need to get yer skates on, lass. It may be too late, but it’s worth a try.’
Without a word, Doreen made for the hall, pulling Maureen after her.
The station was crowded and noisy. Groups of people were milling around, their voices raised to compete with the hissing of steam and the shunting of trains. Victoria looked scared and bewildered and Phil was quick to notice her discomfort. ‘Steve, will you stand by Aunt Vicky so she doesn’t get trampled underfoot? I’ll have a dekko where I’m supposed to be, then I’ll get platform tickets and you can all come on the platform with me. It won’t be so crowded there.’
Once through the ticket barrier, they found that although there was more space, all the seats on the benches set out at intervals along the platform were occupied. ‘Come on, Victoria,’ Molly said, ‘we’ll stand by one of those big pillars and yer can lean against it.’
Nellie was glaring at the occupants of the nearest bench. ‘They’re young enough to stand … wouldn’t yer think they’d have the manners to give up their seat for her?’ An evil glint came into her eyes. ‘Never mind, one of them’s sure to want to go to the lavvy an’ as soon as their backside leaves the seat, I’ll nab it for yer.’
‘I’m all right, Nellie, so don’t be worrying.’ Victoria’s nerves were settling down now as she got used to the noise, and she was beginning to enjoy a feeling of excitement. It was donkey’s years since she’d been into town, and the last time she could remember being on Lime Street station was when she was a teenager, going on holiday with her parents. She gazed at the groups of people nearby, mostly women who she guessed had come to see their sons or boyfriends off. One or two of the younger women looked sad, but most of them were laughing and joking.
Phil was standing talking to Steve and Jill, and Victoria feasted her eyes on the boy who had made such an impact on her life. With his height and blond good looks, he stood out from the rest of the crowd. Mind you, she conceded, Steve McDonough, with his dark hair, flashing white teeth and attractive dimples, ran him a close second.
Time passed quickly, with Nellie keeping them amused with her antics. But when it got near to eleven o’clock, Molly voiced her thoughts. ‘It’s a wonder no one’s been around to let yer know what’s goin’ on! I mean, the train that’s in now, is that the one you’re going on? An’ if it is, what time is it due out, and where’s it takin’ yer?’
‘Yer know as much as me, Mrs Bennett! And listening to these people here, they’ve no more idea than I have.’ Phil’s heart and mind were filled with mixed emotions. Apprehension about what lay ahead of him, happiness and gratitude that these people had shown their true friendship by coming along tonight to wish him well, and sadness that the one person he’d give the world to see wasn’t here. He’d held on to a glimmer of hope that she wouldn’t let him down, glancing at the huge station clock every few seconds and scanning the late arrivals who were crowding on to the platform. But when the hands on the clock turned eleven, his hopes faded completely.
Molly had been watching him and sensed his hopes and disappointment. She didn’t have a magic wand to wave and grant his wish, but perhaps a little pep talk would help. ‘Jill, will yer stand here a minute while I have a word with Phil?’
They moved a little way from the group, and it was Phil who spoke first. ‘I’ve been waitin’ for a chance to get yer on yer own, Mr
s Bennett, to ask a favour. Remember yer told me once that you an’ Mrs Mac had met a woman who lives near Tom Bradley’s scrapyard?’ He waited for Molly’s nod before pulling an envelope from his pocket. ‘Would yer ask her to pass this into the yard for me? It’s addressed to me mam, but I know he’ll open it. I want to make sure they know I’ve joined the army so they’ll steer clear of Aunt Vicky.’
Molly crammed the envelope into her pocket before anyone could see it. She’d tell Nellie about it tomorrow and the two of them could go and see Millicent again. ‘Your family have got a lot to answer for, son, tryin’ to ruin yer life for yer. But don’t you let them win, d’yer hear?’ She chucked him under the chin. ‘You make a good life for yerself and to hell with them.’
‘I intend to, Mrs Bennett. I’ve got it all planned out for when I get out of the army. First of all I’m goin’ to have me name changed by deed poll, from Bradley to me real dad’s name. Then I’m goin’ to see if I can trace his family. I know the area where he lived, so I’ll start there.’
‘Good thinkin’, son!’ There was admiration in Molly’s voice. Then a gem of an idea formed in her mind. She knew his dad’s name and Corker knew the neighbourhood he came from, so what was to stop her and Nellie making some enquiries? That would be right up their street … they were good at detective work. And they’d be doing something to help a nice young lad who’d had to battle against the odds all his life.
‘Mam!’
The urgency of the cry caused them both to turn, and there was Jill dancing up and down, clapping her hands, her face aglow. ‘What’s the matter?’ Molly hurried to her side.
‘Look who’s coming down the platform.’
All eyes followed Jill’s pointing finger, and there, rushing towards them, were Doreen and her friend.
Phil was rooted to the spot for a few seconds, then he was pushing people aside in his haste to reach Doreen. He held his arms wide and she ran into them as though it was the most natural thing in the world.
‘Well, well, well! Wonders will never cease!’ Molly was grinning from ear to ear, her heart warmed by the happiness shining from the two young faces. ‘It seems my daughter has pocketed her pride and grown up at last.’
‘Better late than never, Mrs B.’ Steve smiled, showing his dimples. ‘Doreen is stubborn, but she’s not stupid. She knows a good thing when she sees one.’
‘I’m made up for them.’ Jill was too choked to say more.
‘They make a lovely couple,’ Victoria said, adding softly, ‘I hope if they get wed I’m still alive to see it.’
‘Bloody hell!’ Nellie snorted. ‘She hasn’t had her first kiss yet, an’ you lot have got them married off!’
‘Nellie, have yer no romance in yer soul?’ Molly asked. ‘Think back to when yer were young yerself.’
‘Don’t remind me of when I was young, girl, or …’ Nellie broke off, her face screwed up with laughter. ‘No, I’d better keep me mouth shut or I’ll have yer all blushing.’
Phil heard the laughter behind him and broke away from Doreen, but he kept hold of her hand. ‘Thanks for coming.’
‘Ay, what about me?’ Maureen came to stand beside him. ‘Don’t I get a thank you?’
‘Of course yer do.’ Phil kissed her cheek. ‘Thank you, Mo.’
‘Don’t you be fluttering yer eyes at him.’ Doreen feigned anger. ‘He’s spoken for.’
Molly saw some uniformed soldiers moving between the groups higher up the platform. They seemed to be checking warrants and Molly guessed the time was nearing to say goodbye. Doreen really had left it very late to come to her senses. But the young couple could still have some time on their own if the rest of the company departed. ‘There’s a lot of activity goin’ on at last, so I think it’s time for us to leave. And anyway, I think Victoria’s tired, aren’t yer, sunshine?’
Taking the hint, the old lady nodded. ‘It’s way past my bedtime.’
Everyone stood back while Phil held the frail body close. He kissed her and promised to write every day. It would have been a very long and tearful farewell if Molly hadn’t stepped in. ‘Come on, Victoria, give someone else a chance.’
Taking their cue from Molly, Jill and Steve wasted no time. It was Nellie who grumbled. ‘Why can’t we stay an’ see the lad on to the train?’
‘’Cos I say so, that’s why.’ Molly gave Steve the eye and he and Jill took up positions either side of Victoria and led her away, while Molly wrestled with a protesting Nellie and called for Maureen to follow.
Alone at last, Phil gazed down into the vivid blue eyes that had knocked him for six the first time they’d met. ‘Yer’ll never know how happy I am that yer came. I’ve got segs on me eyes lookin’ out for yer, but when it got to eleven o’clock I’d given up.’
‘We only just made it … it was the last tram coming to Lime Street.’ Doreen’s heart was beating fifteen to the dozen. ‘I’d have kicked meself for being so stupid if we’d missed that tram.’
Phil reached for her hands. ‘Will you be my girl?’
‘I’ll have to think about that, Phil Bradley! Yer’ve kissed everyone else but me! Even Maureen got a peck.’
‘I can soon remedy that.’ Phil dropped her hands and took her in his arms. ‘It reminds me of when we used to dance at Barlows Lane.’ He started to sway and crooned softly in her ear, ‘“I’ll see you in my dreams, hold you in my dreams”.’
‘Phil Bradley, if I don’t get that kiss soon, I’ll clock yer one.’
When their lips met, Doreen felt as though she was floating in the air. She’d dreamed of this so often, but had never imagined it would do this to her.
And to think she’d waited until he was going away to let him know how much she cared. So much precious time wasted. But he’d be coming home on leave and they could make up for lost time. They could go dancing, sit in the back row of the pictures and hold hands, perhaps sneak a kiss in the darkness. And they could write to each other every day while he was away, put their feelings down on paper. That way, by the time he came home for good they’d know everything there was to know about each other.
Doreen sighed as Phil’s lips caressed hers. She knew if she told her mam how she felt, she’d be told she was too young at sixteen to be planning her future. And she’d get a lecture on the uncertain times they were living in, with no one knowing for sure what was going to happen. But Doreen didn’t want to think of anything that would mar her happiness. She was in love with Phil, her first sweetheart, and her heart told her that it was with him she would share her future.
Phil lifted his face. ‘I’ve gone all light-headed.’
‘Me too,’ Doreen answered dreamily.
‘Perhaps it’s because it’s the first time.’ Phil’s handsome face beamed. This had to be the happiest day of his life. ‘Shall we try it again and see what happens?’
‘Oh, yes please!’
‘Will yer stop pushin’ me?’ Nellie pulled her arm free as they reached the turnstile. ‘All this way an’ we don’t even stay to see the lad off! I even brought a hankie with me so I could wave to him as the train pulled out.’
‘Nellie, the officers are roundin’ all the blokes up now, an’ I wanted to let Doreen an’ Phil have a few minutes to themselves. Surely yer wouldn’t begrudge them that?’
Nellie looked sheepish. ‘I never gave it a thought, girl! Yer right, I’ve no romance in me … thick as two short planks, I am.’
‘Ay, I’ll not let anyone say my mate’s as thick as two short planks … not even me mate herself!’ Molly glanced across to see that Victoria was being looked after by the youngsters, then said, ‘If yer come down to ours in the mornin’, I’ve got a couple of bits of news for yer.’
‘Yer can’t tell me that then expect me to go ’ome and sleep! Come on, out with it now or I’ll never be able to close me eyes!’
Molly shook her head. ‘Private and confidential. For your ears only.’
‘Oo-er.’ Nellie’s shoulders moved up and down. ‘It sounds
excitin’, girl, can’t yer give us a clue?’
‘Just one tiny hint.’ Molly winked broadly. ‘It’s detective work.’
‘Ooh, ay, the gear! I’ll enjoy that, girl!’
‘Yep! Bennett and McDonough are back in business.’
‘Yer can forget that!’ Nellie puffed her chest out. ‘It’s McDonough and Bennett … ’cos I’m bigger than you.’
Molly chuckled as she took her friend’s arm. ‘Yer a flamin’ headcase, Helen Theresa McDonough, but I love yer just the same. Now, let’s go an’ join the others.’
