by Kitty Neale
Lena had thought that Sarah was beginning to relax, but then she saw the panicked look in her eyes that had been there earlier. ‘It’s easy, honest,’ she said, hoping to reassure her.
It didn’t take long for Sarah to grasp how the monetary system worked. Lena had a pad and pencil on the counter for writing down the prices to add them up, and was astonished when, nine times out of ten, Sarah would add the numbers in her head. At first she felt compelled to check the girl’s figures, but soon found out they were always correct. In fact, Sarah could do it faster than she could. ‘I told you there was nothing to worry about. You’re really good at this, and I know I’m not going to have any problems with leaving you here alone soon.’
‘Do you really think so? Thanks, Lena. I love working here and I can’t believe how quickly the time passes. I’ve only got one hour to go, but I can’t wait to come back tomorrow.’
Lena chuckled. ‘Huh, I doubt you’ll be feeling that enthusiastic after a few weeks.’ She then told Sarah to fetch another stool from the storeroom, and they sat together behind the counter. ‘We normally have a quiet spot about now and it won’t get busy again until the schools finish for the day. This is when I normally do my stocktaking. I’ll go through that with you another day, and in the meantime, it gives you and me a chance to have a natter.’
The obvious topic of conversation was George, and Lena explained to Sarah how he’d come to have such horrific scarring. When she told Sarah about George screaming in agony as his flesh had blackened and melted from his face, she saw tears in the girl’s eyes and regretted being so graphic. But her son was a brave young man, and rarely talked about what had happened to him. He was better at putting on a cheery face that betrayed nothing of the excruciating suffering he’d been through. No one but she really understood how much George had endured, and seeing her son in unbearable pain had deeply affected her too. It was good to talk and get it off her chest, and though the bomb had dropped years earlier, Lena realised she’d been left traumatised. George had physical scars, but she had mental ones.
Nevertheless, once Lena realised she was upsetting Sarah, she changed the subject. An hour passed, and in that time, Lena gently probed. She found out that the rumours she’d heard were true. She didn’t think Sarah was anything like her mother, but she’d keep an eye on the takings for now, just in case.
Her day’s work over, Sarah dashed from the shop and collected Tommy. When they arrived home, Mo called over the banister, ‘Congratulations on your first day at work. How was it?’
‘Fine. I enjoyed it.’
‘Come up and tell me all about it.’
‘I want to get these shoes off, so why don’t you come down here?’
‘Yeah, all right,’ Mo agreed.
‘Can I go out to play with Larry?’ Tommy appealed.
‘Yeah, all right,’ Sarah agreed, and once inside their room she flopped on the sofa, kicking off her shoes.
Mo came in to sit next to her and wrinkled her nose, ‘Phew, those feet of yours smell a bit cheesy.’
‘You cheeky mare. Yours would too if you’d been on them for hours, and my shoes ain’t exactly new,’ Sarah protested, but smiled, unoffended.
‘Well, come on then, tell me what it was like in the shop.’
‘I love it. Lena is so nice. She’s a bit nosy, and I found myself telling her all about my mum, but I’ve seen her with the customers. She loves a gossip, but it’s all one-sided. She’s got this knack of getting information out of people, but she don’t gossip back. I like her.’
‘Good,’ said Mo, though Sarah thought her friend didn’t sound very sincere. ‘Was she shocked when you told her about your mum?’
‘Not really. You know what it’s like around here and she’d already heard stuff. I found out today that I’ll be getting a bit of a discount, so next time you want a bit of shopping, I can get it for you.’
‘Samuel will love that, you know how he is about saving money. You know I bought that radio the other day? Well, he only made me take it back to the shop, the tight bugger. I swear his bum squeaks when he walks!’
Sarah laughed. She always found Mo funny and wished she had her wit. ‘Lena’s invited me over for Sunday lunch. You’d think she’d be sick of my company after working with me all week.’
Mo gave her a knowing look. ‘Haven’t you worked it out yet?’
‘Worked what out?’
‘George. From what you’ve told me it’s so obvious he fancies you, and now Mummy is going to play Cupid and get you two married off.’
Sarah sipped her tea. George had asked her out when they’d first met, but he hadn’t pushed it since. ‘No, you’re way off the mark. George knows we’re just friends.’
‘He may know that, but does Lena?’ Mo asked teasingly.
‘Oh, stop it, Mo. Whatever Lena has got in her head, I hope she soon realises it’s never going to happen with me and George.’
They continued chatting for another hour, then Mo left and Sarah began to get Tommy’s tea ready. As she stirred a saucepan of mutton stew, her mind began to wander and she found herself thinking about Roger again. It wouldn’t be so easy to see him now, not with her working during the week. She wouldn’t be getting a full week’s pay packet on Friday, but she’d have enough to treat herself and Tommy to some new clothes. She’d visit George’s stall on Saturday, and would hopefully see Roger. She’d make a special effort and make sure she looked her best. Maybe she could get Mo to help her with some make-up. Her stomach flipped at the thought of him and, with her new-found confidence, she dared to dream that one day he would ask her out on a date.
Chapter 23
Sarah was happy in her work, and the weeks passed quickly. One Saturday morning in April she woke in the early hours to hear the front door close. She knew it would be Samuel leaving for work and closed her eyes, hoping to fall asleep again. She didn’t work on Saturdays and wanted to look her best for when she went to the market, hoping to see Roger. She was disappointed that he still hadn’t asked her out, but didn’t want to give up hope that one day he would.
She was still wide awake when the sun rose and light spilled through the thin material at the window, illuminating the room. Sarah climbed out of bed and trudged over to the stove. She might as well put the kettle on, as it was unlikely she’d get any more sleep now.
As she stood with an absent mind and waited for the kettle to boil, Tommy jumped up from his bed and ran from the room, calling, ‘I need a wee.’
She could hear muffled voices in the hallway, and guessed Tommy must be talking with Mo.
A few minutes later he returned, Mo close behind him. ‘Morning, love. Tommy said you’re making a brew.’
‘Yes, sit yourself down,’ Sarah said and yawned.
‘Looks like that job is wearing you out,’ Mo commented.
‘No, it’s not my job. I just didn’t sleep very well. I’ve been awake for hours.’
‘Something on your mind? Or someone?’ Mo asked with a knowing smile.
‘Well, funny you should mention that. I was thinking of popping up the market later and now that I’ve managed to buy some, I wondered if you’d do my make-up for me?’
‘Sure, no problem. Tell you what, Samuel won’t be home until late, so how about I come with you? It’d be nice to put names to the faces of the people you talk about.’
‘Are we going to see George today?’ Tommy asked. He’d obviously been listening to the conversation, and was now jumping on his bed excitedly.
‘Yes, we are,’ Sarah told him, ‘and what have I told you about breaking that bed?’
‘Sorry,’ Tommy answered and sat down.
‘We can make a day of it,’ Sarah said to Mo, ‘it’ll be fun.’
‘Just as long as I don’t spend too much money. You know how Sam is.’
‘You’re doing my make-up so we’ll have fish and chips for lunch and it’ll be my treat.’
‘Yummy,’ two voices said in unison, both Mo and Tommy grinn
ing happily.
A few hours later, Mo strode into the market with Sarah, Tommy running a little ahead. She was looking forward to meeting George and checking out Roger. Sarah had told her about George’s face, not that it would have shocked her. Things like that didn’t bother her. She’d seen the broken bodies and aftermath of many accidents when her oldest brother had been an ambulance driver. It wasn’t allowed, but she’d often sneaked a ride with him.
As they walked into the market, it wasn’t difficult for Mo to recognise George and she spotted him immediately. It didn’t go unnoticed that his eyes lit up as soon as he saw Sarah approaching. ‘I see he still fancies you,’ she said, and nudged her friend in the ribs.
‘Behave yourself, Mo,’ Sarah said quietly out of the side of her mouth, ‘or there’ll be no fish and chips for you later.’
‘Hello, George. This is my friend Mo, she lives upstairs from me,’ Sarah said.
‘Nice to meet you,’ George said, though Mo wasn’t taking much notice as she was too busy looking past him to see Roger. He was just as good-looking as Sarah had described and she could see why her friend was so besotted with the man. She was admiring his profile as he turned his head and looked straight at her, catching her staring. He eyed her up and down, then flashed her a flirty smile. Mo glanced sideways at Sarah and saw she was occupied with looking at some of George’s stock, so returned his smile with equal flirtatiousness. She could tell by the way he was looking at her that he found her attractive, but Mo was used to this. Most men did.
‘What do you think of this dress?’ Sarah asked.
Mo pulled her eyes away from Roger and looked at the outfit Sarah was holding up. She thought it was hideous and very old-fashioned. ‘It’s nice. I’m sure it’ll really suit you,’ she lied.
As Sarah paid for the dress, Mo turned her attention back to Roger and was pleased to see him grab a few apples before making a beeline towards them.
‘Hi, Sarah. Are you going to introduce me to your friend?’ Roger asked.
Mo noticed George was frowning, and Sarah seemed to get herself in a bit of a tizzy.
‘This is Mo,’ Tommy answered for her. ‘Can I have an apple, please, Roger?’
‘Yes, there’s one here for you, and one for each of the beautiful ladies.’
Mo thought Roger’s voice sounded like smooth, dark velvet, and as she took the apple from him, she offered him a wicked but sly grin. His eyes met hers, but Mo looked away quickly, chastising herself for flirting with him. After all, she was virtually a married woman, and Sarah had first dibs on him.
‘I heard that you’re working with Lena now?’ Roger said, turning to Sarah.
‘Er … yes,’ Sarah replied, her cheeks flushing.
George was looking at Sarah too and though she couldn’t fancy him, it annoyed Mo that she wasn’t the one getting all the attention. Butting in, she said, ‘We’re out and about because it’s Sarah’s day off.’
‘What have you got planned then, something nice?’ asked Roger.
‘Well, I was thinking of suggesting a matinee film, but I’ve changed my mind. I work at the Grand, see, and it’d be a bit boring for me. Apart from a bit of fish and chips later, we’re at a bit of a loose end. Got any good ideas?’
‘Saturday is normally our busiest day, but how about we all go to the funfair later on this evening?’ Roger suggested.
‘Please, Mum, I’ve never been to the fair. Please can we go?’ Tommy asked, emphasising the ‘please’.
Mo would have quite enjoyed squeezing up to Roger on the Jets. The fellas would always sit their girls on the inside of the flying airplane, so when the merry-go-round picked up speed, the men would lean in and squash up against the ladies. She couldn’t go out this evening, though, as Samuel would be home. ‘I’m sorry, I can’t go tonight.’
‘That’s a shame,’ Roger said, ‘I quite fancied a ride on the Big Dipper.’
‘Me too,’ Tommy whined. ‘I really wanted to go.’
‘There’s nothing to stop you taking Sarah and Tommy, eh, George?’ Roger said.
‘Yes, good idea,’ he agreed.
Mo thought it sounded a little like a set-up. It was obvious to her that Roger knew how much George was enamoured with Sarah. Trouble was, Sarah’s feelings weren’t reciprocated – well, not towards George.
‘Oh, Mum, say yes, please say yes!’ Tommy begged.
Sarah looked at the boy’s eager face and sighed. ‘Oh, all right, I suppose so, but I won’t be going on that Big Dipper thing, or the Jets. I’ll wait down the bottom while you two go on the rides.’
Roger winked at George and then returned to his stall as a queue was beginning to form. Sarah made arrangements to meet George later, and then they left the market to head for Clapham Junction. They walked in silence for a while, but then Mo asked, ‘Are you all right, Sarah?’
‘Yes, but I was hoping to be going out with Roger tonight, not George.’
‘Maybe Roger hasn’t asked you for a date ’cos they’re friends and he knows that George likes you,’ Mo offered in consolation.
‘Maybe, I hadn’t thought of that. To be honest, I don’t really want to go to the fair with George tonight, but I couldn’t think of an excuse to get out of it and I didn’t want to let Tommy down. I just hope I haven’t given him, or Roger, the impression that it’s a date.’
‘No, I wouldn’t have thought so, especially as you’ll have Tommy with you.’
They walked to the Junction with a few stops now and then to admire goods displayed in shop windows. It had been a long time since Mo had felt so carefree, and wasn’t preoccupied with looking over her shoulder for one of her brothers or her dad.
They bumped into Tommy’s friend Larry and his mum, and after several pleas from the boys, Sarah allowed Tommy to go off with them. She watched them leave and then said to Mo, ‘Fancy a tea and bun in Arding and Hobbs?’
Mo hesitated, but then said, ‘I’m not ready for fish and chips, so yeah, that sounds like a good idea.’
The large department store stood grandly on the corner of the Junction, and apart from the bargain basement, it wasn’t a shop Mo would normally frequent. Her only concern was that she knew her brother often visited the store on a Saturday to buy a record from the music department and as they walked towards the entrance, she looked around her nervously.
‘Now it’s my turn to ask you if you’re all right?’ Sarah asked.
Mo thought she’d hidden her worry well, but Sarah must have seen through her act. ‘You can read me like a book,’ she answered and tutted. ‘Yes, I’m OK, just a bit nervous in case I see one of my family. I’m sick of hiding away and being cooped up in that room, especially with Sam working. It’s great to be out and about, and I shouldn’t let them get to me and spoil my fun.’
‘Surely they wouldn’t make a scene in front of me and in such a public place?’
‘Oh, you don’t know my family! It’s never bothered them before when they’ve come into where I’ve worked. One time, Danny, my middle brother, he turned up at Gilson’s factory and literally dragged me out by my hair. I screamed and kicked and punched him, but he wouldn’t let me go. Needless to say, I wasn’t welcome back after that. Then this other time, I had a job at the fair on the candy floss stall opposite the Big Dipper. I loved that job but it didn’t last either, not once my dad got wind of it. He showed up, effing and blinding, and scared all the kids. I couldn’t promise he wouldn’t do it again, so they let me go. Believe me, I could go on, they’re relentless, that’s why I get nervous when I’m out.’
‘Oh, Mo, I knew you’d had a rotten time of it, but I didn’t realise it was that bad. Well, like you say, let’s not let them spoil our fun. Fingers crossed we won’t see any of them today. If we do, you won’t be alone.’
‘Thanks, Sarah,’ Mo said, though she didn’t know how her friend would be able to help against her dad and brothers. She thought it was nice of Sarah to stand by her, but her friend hadn’t seen the size of the muscles on
her family. Nor had she heard their foul mouths.
‘Come on, let’s go to the beauty department and you can help me pick out a new lipstick,’ Sarah urged. ‘I doubt we’d bump into your dad or brothers in there.’
‘OK, but I bloody hate them snooty make-up women. They’re probably all posh Chelsea girls who think they’re so much better than us.’
‘I’ve never been in there before, but I bet none of them are as pretty as you, Mo.’
‘I wouldn’t bet on it,’ Mo answered, ‘you wait ’til you see them. They always look immaculate and have a right air about them.’
Mo and Sarah climbed the red carpet of the impressive sweeping polished wooden staircase, and looked in awe at the fine dresses displayed in the centre.
‘Cor, I wish I could have something like that red dress instead of second-hand gear from George’s stall,’ Sarah whispered.
‘I know what you mean, but where would we wear an evening gown like that?’
‘Good point. Oh, well, it’s nice to look,’ Sarah said.
Mo nodded in agreement, but she imagined herself in the designer dresses, riding in a flash sports car with an attractive film star by her side. That was the life she believed she should have been born into. Not this tedious one of poverty and beatings. It’s not fair, she thought, trying not to sulk.
As they walked past the cosmetics counters and admired the expensive perfumes, Mo thought Sarah seemed rather animated, like a child at Christmas. She could see her friend was enjoying herself, and couldn’t understand why. It wasn’t fun to look at things they could never afford, and the women behind the counters made Mo feel inferior. She felt like everything in the store was teasing her, mocking her life and reminding her of all the things she would never have.
‘Let’s get out of here,’ she snapped to Sarah.
She saw the look of surprise on her friend’s face, but nonetheless hooked her arm through Sarah’s and dragged her quickly back towards the grand carpeted staircase. She had to get out of there and back onto the dirty streets.
