by Kitty Neale
‘No, I’m awake,’ Peter announced as he followed his older brother.
‘Yeah, me and all, thanks to you two little brats,’ Gloria called from the bedroom.
Jenny grinned at the boys, and asked, ‘Did you jump on her again?’
‘No,’ Timmy answered, ‘we drew on her face.’
‘You didn’t! She’ll have your guts for garters. Come on, get yourselves downstairs and let her have a lie-in.’
The truth was, Jenny didn’t want the boys’ jovialities to disturb their dad. Luckily, he was a heavy sleeper, especially after he’d had a good drink.
In the kitchen, Jenny gave the boys a glass of milk and made them some bread and jam, along with a pot of tea for herself. It hurt to lift the kettle, but she hid the discomfort from her brothers.
‘Where’s Pamela?’ Timmy asked.
‘She went to stay with Gran last night.’
‘Can we go to see her today? Gran might have made some cakes!’
‘Not today, but we’ll go next Saturday,’ Jenny answered. Craig had said that Gran was fine, just shaky, but she wasn’t sure the old woman would be up to seeing the boys.
‘Can we go to the common then?’
‘Well, if you stop being mean to Gloria, she might take you. You can take the old bread and feed the ducks.’
‘Cor yes,’ Timmy said excitedly. ‘I like the ducks, but the geese are a bit frightening.’
‘I don’t want to go to the common,’ Peter said sullenly.
‘Why not?’ Jenny asked.
‘I just don’t want to. I want to stay at home today.’
‘But it’s going to be a lovely sunny day and you’ll have lots of fun.’
‘I don’t care. I’m not going!’ Peter said firmly, then sat with his arms folded.
‘Don’t be daft, Peter. You’re coming with us,’ Timmy told him.
‘No, and you can’t make me!’
Jenny pulled out a chair and sat opposite Peter. ‘No one is going to make you do anything you don’t want to, but can you tell me why you want to stay at home today?’
Peter’s bottom lip began to quiver, and his big blue eyes glistened. ‘Mummy might come to see us today,’ he cried, ‘and I want to ask her if I can live with her.’
Jenny’s heart broke for the boy. ‘I don’t think she’s coming today and I’m sorry, Peter, but I doubt she’s got room for you. Anyway, I don’t want you to leave us. We’d all miss you too much.’
‘If Peter goes to live with Mum, can I go too?’ Timmy asked.
‘No, I’m afraid the two of you aren’t going anywhere.’
‘But you said I don’t have to do anything I don’t want to … and I don’t want to live here!’ Peter cried, his cheeks now wet with tears and his nose beginning to run.
‘I know that’s what I said, but that was about going to the common.’ Jenny turned her head and said, ‘Do me a favour, Timmy, go and get your brother a hanky to wipe his nose.’
As the boy ran off, Jenny pushed her chair back and went over to Peter. She crouched beside him, placing her arm across his shoulders. ‘Come on, darling, stop crying now. Why don’t you want to live with us?’ As soon as she’d asked the question, Jenny regretted it and knew what his answer would be.
‘I do … but … but …’
‘It’s all right, I know,’ Jenny interrupted. ‘Dad frightens you.’
Peter nodded his head and asked, ‘Does he scare you too?’
‘Sometimes, but when he’s in a bad mood it doesn’t last long. He soon gets over it and goes out to the pub.’
‘But he hits you … and I think he’s going to hit me too.’
‘No, he won’t. I won’t allow him to. Dad will never lay a hand on you, not while I have breath in my body. I promise.’
‘Really? Cross your heart and hope to die? Stick a needle in your eye?’
‘Yes, I really, really, promise.’
‘But last time he hit you, an ambulance took you away,’ Peter said and began crying again.
‘But I’m fine now, so you’ve nothing to worry about.’
Timmy appeared with a hanky, scowling as he said, ‘When I grow up, if I see Dad bashing you I’m going to kick his head in!’
‘Timmy, you mustn’t say things like that. Violence doesn’t solve anything. When Mum walked out on us, Dad could’ve sent you to live in a children’s home, but he didn’t. He does his best, and all right, he loses his temper now and then, but as I said before, he soon gets over it.’
Peter sniffed, took the hanky and wiped his nose while Timmy said, ‘It might be nice in a children’s home.’
‘No, love, it wouldn’t be nice at all. Now come on, Peter, no more tears, and no more talk of kicking Dad’s head in, Timmy,’ she said sternly, then, trying to lift their spirits, she forced a smile and said, ‘Now, who would like a biscuit, a nice custard cream?’
There were only three biscuits left and now that Gloria was out of work, and Jenny on unpaid sick leave, she doubted they’d be having any more biscuits in the house for a while. For now, though, two enthusiastic hands shot in the air, and both boys piped up, ‘Me, I’d like one please.’
Jenny handed her brothers the treat and saved the last one for Gloria. The girl had a terrible sweet tooth. With all the sugary snacks Gloria ate she should have been the size of a bus, yet somehow she managed to keep her trim figure. ‘Now that’s sorted I’ll ask Gloria if she’ll take the pair of you to the common later.’
‘Did I hear my name mentioned?’ Gloria asked, as though on cue as she walked into the kitchen. ‘Oh, biscuits, lovely. Where’s mine?’
‘In the tin. I saved you the last one, but surely you’ll want your breakfast first.’
‘One biscuit won’t spoil it,’ Gloria said, and raided the tin.
‘I said you’d take the boys to the common later.’
‘No, not today,’ Gloria answered.
‘Please, Gloria, please take us …’ Timmy begged.
‘Nope, I’ve got far better things to do. You’ll have to wait for Pamela to get back from Gran’s.’
‘What better things?’ Jenny asked.
‘I’ve got my hair to set, my nails to paint, my skirt to take up and then I might see if Dennis is hanging around the ABC Café this afternoon.’
‘I see, and that’s clearly far more important than taking your brothers out today.’
‘Well, yes,’ Gloria said, ‘of course it is.’
‘But we want to go to the common,’ Peter cried.
‘I’ll have to take you, but I can only walk slowly so no running off,’ Jenny told them and as they ran around whooping with glee, she said to Gloria, ‘It’s a fair way to the common and I hope I can manage.’
‘I’m sure you’ll be fine, and a bit of fresh air will do you good.’
Jenny wasn’t surprised by her sister’s selfishness. What Gloria wanted always came first, but at least she’d taken up the reins while Jenny had been out of action. However, now that she was out of bed, it was obvious that Gloria considered her well enough to take over again.
Craig couldn’t get Jenny off his mind, but now it was because he was so worried about her. From what Pamela had said last night, things were beyond bad with their father. He sounded like a nasty piece of work, and not a man that Craig would like to go up against, but he couldn’t stand by and do nothing. Craig wasn’t a fighter, and he’d thought long and hard about what he could do, before he finally came up with what he hoped was a solution. He wasn’t sure Jenny would go for it, but he had to try. It wasn’t ideal, but at least she’d be safe and anything had to be better than living in fear for her life.
Feeling determined, he jumped out of bed and quickly washed and dressed. There was no time for breakfast; he had to act fast. Living under her father’s roof left Jenny in imminent danger. Henry had hospitalised his daughter. What if he went for her again?
As Craig marched to her house, he planned what he was going to say. By the time he arrived, he th
ought it was clear in his mind and knew it was the right thing to do. He’d never forgive himself if Jenny was hurt again and he hadn’t tried to protect her. He knocked and Gloria answered the door. She looked different without all her make-up on. Younger, more like a child than a woman.
‘You again,’ she said, grinning. ‘It seems you can’t stay away. I suppose you’d like to see Jenny?’
‘Yes, please.’
‘I’ll tell her you’re here. After all, who am I to stand in the way of true love?’
Though a younger sister, she seemed to Craig much bolder than Jenny, especially when she called over her shoulder, ‘Jenny, your handsome lover-boy is at the door … again.’
Craig’s brows rose as two lively boys charged out. ‘Who are you?’ the taller of them asked.
Jenny had spoken of her brothers with deep affection, but this was the first time he’d seen them. ‘I’m Craig, I live upstairs from your gran. What’s your name?’
‘Peter.’
‘Hello, Peter.’
The other boy said something, but as he was running up and down the short front path, Craig couldn’t quite get what he said.
‘Sorry, I’m deaf so I have to see your lips to know what you’re saying. Can you stand still and repeat it, please?’
‘You’re deaf?’ Timmy asked, looking astounded.
‘Yes, that’s right, but I can understand what you are saying by the way your lips move.’
‘I said, my name is Timmy.’
‘Pleased to meet you, Timmy,’ Craig said, smiling down at the lad.
‘So, you can’t hear nothing?’ Timmy asked then turned his back for a few moments before spinning round again. ‘Did you hear what I said then?’
‘Nope, afraid not.’
‘Blimey, Peter, he really is deaf!’ Then Timmy looked at Craig again, and asked, ‘But you know what I’m saying now.’
‘Yes, I do.’
‘Wow, can you teach me how to lip-read? I’d know what Terry and Bruce are saying when they’re whispering to each other.’
‘Who are they?’
‘A couple of boys in my class. Will you teach me? Will you?’
Before Craig could answer, Jenny appeared and said, ‘That’s enough, boys, go inside.’
‘But I want to talk to Craig,’ Timmy whined.
‘I said go inside. You can talk to Craig another time. Now do as you’re told or there’ll be no trip to the common.’
‘Hi, Jenny. Did you just say you’re off to the common today?’ Craig asked.
‘Hello and yes.’
‘I know you wasn’t expecting to see me today but I have to talk to you. May I join you?’
‘Go on, Jen, say yes!’ Peter and Timmy urged.
‘If you want – looks like I’m outnumbered anyway,’ Jenny answered, smiling at Craig. ‘Peter, ask Gloria to start making us some sandwiches.’
The boys skipped inside, and looking at Jenny, Craig saw she was blushing again. He found it so endearing.
‘Is everything all right? Is my gran OK?’ she whispered.
‘Yes, as far as I know. That’s not what I want to see you about.’
‘Oh, what is it then?’
‘We’ll talk at the common,’ Craig answered. He was eager to pitch his idea to her, but on the doorstep wasn’t the best place.
Jenny frowned worriedly, then said, ‘I’d invite you in, but my dad’s still in bed and I don’t want to disturb him. If you don’t mind waiting out here, I’ll get myself and the boys ready now.’
‘Of course I don’t mind,’ Craig told her, thinking it was probably just as well that they didn’t disturb her father. He wasn’t sure how he’d react to the man and though he wasn’t one for violence, he wouldn’t stand for him laying into Jenny again.
Jenny quietly closed the door and Craig meandered up the street. He tried to keep his mind focused on his proposition, but seeing her again had flustered him. She did something to him, something he couldn’t explain, but he had to admit, he liked it. Whatever it took, Craig was determined he’d protect her from her father’s brutality and now could only hope she’d allow him to.
Though still in pain, Jenny did her best to hurry up the boys. She stuffed sandwiches into a shopping bag along with some stale bread and a bottle of lemonade.
‘Calm down, Jen, it’s only a stroll on the common,’ Gloria said.
‘I know but look at the state of me, I’m a complete mess.’
‘You look fine.’
‘Where are my shoes?’ she asked frantically, her eyes darting around.
‘In your bedroom I should think.’
Jenny couldn’t run upstairs, but walked as quickly as she could, to find her father emerging from his room.
‘What’s all the fucking commotion about?’ he growled.
‘Sorry, Dad. The boys are a bit excited because I’m taking them to the common, that’s all.’
‘Good. Get a move on and get them out from under my feet then. Where’s your sister? I want some breakfast.’
‘Gloria’s downstairs, Pamela has gone to stay with Gran ’cos she had a fall.’
‘Huh, your mother should be looking after the old girl. Is your gran all right?’
‘Yes, just a bit shaky, I think.’
‘Right. I ain’t got time for your mother, but Edith’s a good woman. ’Ere, take this and get her some flowers or something … make sure you say it’s from you kids though. I don’t want her thinking I’ve gone soft in the head.’
Jenny tried not to show her astonishment as her dad fished in his trouser pocket and handed her five bob. She muttered, ‘Er, right, thanks.’
He barged past her and she stood bewildered as he stomped downstairs. This was turning into a day of surprises. Once in her room, Jenny shoved the money into her purse, put her shoes on, ran a brush through her tangled hair and grabbed a light coat. Although she was still sore, the thought of meeting Craig muffled her pain. She took a last quick glance in the mirror and decided there wasn’t any need to pinch her cheeks: they were red enough already. Too red, in fact, but there was nothing she could do about her persistent blushing.
She drew a long, deep breath, which was a mistake and she gasped at the pain in her ribs. Shallow breathing was all right, and they’d have to walk slowly, but she was thrilled that Craig was joining them. Slowly she walked downstairs, to see Timmy and Peter hovering at the street door. ‘Come on then, boys, let’s go,’ she said, and called, ‘See ya later.’
Craig was casually standing close by, and as she walked up to him, once again her stomach somersaulted. She tried to act cool, though felt sure her glowing neck and cheeks gave her away. ‘Hello again.’
‘That was quick,’ Craig said cheerfully.
‘We was ready before Jenny,’ Timmy piped up.
‘And we’ve got a picnic,’ Peter added, then they ran on ahead.
Craig took the shopping bag from her and frowned. ‘You look a bit uncomfortable. Is this walk going to be too much for you?’
‘As long as we take it slowly I’ll be fine.’
The boys were in a rush, and Jenny had to call them back a few times as they ran on ahead, but eventually they reached the common and stood by the pond.
‘Can we have some bread for the ducks now?’ Peter asked.
‘Yes, here you go,’ Jenny answered. She took the bag from Craig, fished out the stale bread and broke it in two. The boys merrily skipped off and Jenny smiled. It was nice to see them so happy and carefree, especially after how upset Peter had been earlier.
Craig removed his jacket and laid it out on the grass bank. He offered Jenny his hand and helped her to sit down. ‘Penny for them,’ he said.
‘I was just thinking how lovely it is to see the boys relaxed and having fun.’
‘I know it’s none of my business, but I can’t imagine it’s easy for any of you with your dad being the way he is.’
He sounded so sincere and sympathetic that Jenny found herself opening up to h
im. ‘No, it’s not easy. The boys are too young to understand why my dad behaves the way he does. When he loses his temper, it frightens them, and while my sister Pam lives on her nerves, my other sister Gloria is filled with hate. I just wish there was more I could do to protect them.’
‘Well, maybe there is.’
‘I don’t see how,’ Jenny answered. She’d thought long and hard but hadn’t come up with a solution. She couldn’t afford to rent somewhere for them all and even if she tried to squeeze them all in to her gran’s flat, she knew that would be the first place her dad would look.
‘That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. I think you should all move in with me.’
Jenny gasped. Craig’s suggestion had taken her by surprise and the idea seemed ludicrous. ‘But … but we can’t —’
‘Wait, hear me out. I realise space would be tight, but me and the boys could sleep in the lounge and you girls could have the bedroom. It would only have to be temporary. With my earnings, plus yours and Gloria’s wages, we could look for somewhere bigger.’
She gawped at Craig and spluttered, ‘No … no … we … we can’t move in with you. What would people say? I … I’d be labelled a slut.’
‘We can put them straight, tell them we aren’t a couple, and anyway, who cares what people think? This is about getting you all out of harm’s way. I can’t stand the thought of your dad hurting you again and though I know it isn’t ideal, you’d be safe. What do you think?’
Jenny didn’t know what to think. ‘It’s mad, bonkers and … and why would you do that for us?’
Craig rolled his eyes, then took Jenny’s hand. ‘Isn’t it obvious? I know we’ve only just met, but I like you, Jenny. I want to protect you, the boys and your sisters.’
Jenny gazed into Craig’s eyes and felt his offer was genuine. There was no ulterior motive, just an honest offer of help. She was worried about her dad’s increasing violence, and longed to take her siblings to safety, so Craig’s suggestion made sense. It could work, but her reputation would be in shreds. Could she stand the pointing fingers and the gossip? ‘I … I don’t know, Craig. Thank you so much for your offer, but I … I need to think about it.’
‘What’s there to think about? I don’t want to sound like I’m rushing you, but if your father kicks off again and hurts you, I’d never forgive myself for not putting pressure on you to agree.’
