In the light of a full moon, Sally looked at her daughter. It was odd really. From the day they had moved back to Candle Lane, Angel had taken to Tommy, and though older, the boy in turn had taken her under his wing. Then there was the dream Angel had had, the one in which she saw Tommy living with them. It was strange, and once again Sally wondered if her daughter’s gifts were manifesting.
At last Sally settled down, pulling the blankets up to her chin. Tommy wasn’t living with them, just staying for the time being. Angel’s dream wasn’t accurate, but maybe as she grew older, her abilities would develop. On this thought, Sally at last fell asleep.
At eight o’clock the following morning Sally was busy getting Angel ready so it was Ruth, with Tommy hovering behind her, thumping on Denis Walters’ front door.
‘Wassa matter,’ he said gruffly, his eyes fuddled with tiredness as he opened the door.
‘Mum’s in ’ospital,’ Tommy said, darting forward.
Denis Walters shook his head in bewilderment, but managed to focus on his son. ‘What are you talking about?’
‘Mum was ill and she went in an amlance.’
‘Ambulance, Tommy,’ Ruth corrected. ‘I did try to tell you last night, Mr Walters, but you obviously don’t remember.’
‘Did you? Look, you had better come in.’
Ruth followed the man inside and though Sally had described it, she was still shocked by the state of the place. The sink was piled high with dirty dishes, the table strewn with all kinds of rubbish; old newspapers, an empty jam-jar, crushed cigarette packets, and an overflowing ashtray. The hearth was as bad with old ashes thick under the grate, and carelessly thrown fag-ends.
‘Why was my wife taken to hospital?’ Denis asked, at least sounding sober now.
‘She had a heart attack.’
‘No! Where did they take her?’
‘I don’t know. You’ll have to ask the doctor. Anyway, it’s Tommy I’ve come to see you about. Have you got anyone who can look after him?’
‘There’s only my wife’s brother, but he lives in the North and we haven’t seen him for years. Still, I suppose I could send Tommy there.’
‘No, Dad, I wanna stay here.’
Ruth watched as Denis sank into a chair. Placing both hands over his face, he groaned softly. ‘I can’t seem to think straight.’
Deciding to take him in hand, Ruth said, ‘It hardly seems worth sending the boy away until you know how long Laura’s going to be in hospital, so in the meantime he can stay with me. Why don’t you find out where she was taken to, and for the moment my daughter will see that Tommy goes to school.’
‘Yes . . . yes, good idea.’
Ruth studied the man’s face, realising that if it wasn’t for the effects of alcohol, he could be good-looking. But, as it was, she could see his hands trembling, a sure sign of a heavy drinker, and so said briskly, ‘Say goodbye to your father, Tommy. He’ll come round later to tell you how your mum is. That’s right isn’t it, Mr Walters?’
‘Yes, I’ll do that, and thanks.’
‘Dad, can I come with you to see Mum?’
‘No . . . you get yourself off to school.’
‘But . . .’
‘You’ll be able to see her soon,’ Ruth consoled, taking the boy’s hand. ‘Perhaps this evening if you’re a good boy.’
‘Is that right? Will you take me later, Dad?’
‘I dunno, maybe.’
Before Tommy could protest, Ruth said, ‘We’re off, Mr Walters, and if there’s anything else I can do, let me know.’
‘Yes, thanks, and you’d better behave yourself, Tommy, or else.’
Tommy nodded, reluctantly following Ruth outside, where out of his father’s hearing he said, ‘He won’t take me to see her, he’ll be too pissed.’
‘Tommy! What have I told you about your language?’
‘But he won’t!’ he cried, and Ruth saw tears welling in his eyes.
‘Listen, darling, I know you’re worried about your mum, but if your dad doesn’t take you to see her, I will. That’s a promise. Now come on, you don’t want Angel to see you crying, do you?’
The boy cuffed his face with his sleeve and sniffing loudly, he shook his head. Smiling gently and ruffling his hair, Ruth led him back to her house.
‘What did he say?’ Sally asked as soon as they walked in.
‘He said there’s only a brother up North somewhere and agreed that Tommy should stay with us for the time being.’
‘So we’re stuck with him,’ Sadie commented.
‘Yes, Mum, we are, and try to be nice for a change. The boy won’t be any trouble.’
‘Huh!’
Ruth shook her head, but said nothing further. Crouching down she pulled Tommy into her arms. ‘Sally will take you to school, and bring you back here afterwards. I’ve got to go now, but I’ll see you later.’
She felt Tommy’s arms snaking around her neck, and felt tears forming in her own eyes when he said, ‘I don’t want you to go.’
‘You’ll be all right with Sally. She’ll look after you.’
‘I . . . I want me mum.’
‘I know you do, love, and I’m sure she’ll be home soon.’
‘Kiss me too, Nanny!’ Angel cried.
‘Come here then, pet.’
Angel ran across and, as she disengaged Tommy’s arms, Ruth cuddled her granddaughter. ‘I’ll see you later too.’
‘You’re
my
nanny, not his,’ Angel said petulantly.
‘Of course I am, and I always will be.’
‘See, she’s
my
nanny, not yours!’ Angel said, scowling at Tommy.
Ruth was surprised by Angel’s behaviour. This was the first time she had shown jealousy towards Tommy, and she hoped it wasn’t going to be a problem. She glanced up at Sally and saw the worried expression on her face. Letting go of Angel, Ruth rose to her feet. ‘It’ll be all right, don’t worry,’ she told her daughter.
‘If you say so,’ Sally replied doubtfully.
‘I must go. Denis Walters may call round after he’s been to see his wife. If he does, tell him to take Tommy with him when he goes to see Laura again this evening.’
‘Yes, all right. Bye, Mum.’
Ruth left, worried by her promise to Tommy. If his father didn’t take him to the hospital, she would have to do it, but with Sally going to visit Arthur, she had no idea how.
When her mother left, Sally piled the breakfast dishes in the sink, all the while keeping an eye on the children. Angel had been the centre of attention for so long, and was now seeing Tommy as a usurper. It would make matters worse if she fussed over him too, so though she felt sorry for the boy, Sally decided to keep her distance. ‘Right, you two, it’s time for school,’ she said briskly.
‘I don’t want
him
to come with us,’ Angel said.
‘Now then, that’s enough of that. Have you forgotten who stands up for you in the playground? Tommy stops you being bullied.’
For a moment Angel hung her head. She then looked at the boy from under her lashes. ‘Sorry, Tommy. You can share my nanny if you want to.’
‘Fanks,’ Tommy said, a smile lighting his face at last.
Sally buttoned her daughter’s coat, saying gently, ‘Good girl. Now say goodbye to Gamma.’
Angel ran across the room, gave Sadie a quick hug, and then said, ‘Tommy, you can cuddle my gamma too if you like.’
Tommy looked momentarily panic stricken as he stammered, ‘No . . . no, I don’t fink so.’
‘And why not, young man?’ Sadie asked.
‘Err . . . err . . .’
Sadie held out her arms. ‘Come on, I don’t bite.’
‘Go on, Tommy. I don’t mind,’ Angel urged.
Looking decidedly reluctant, the boy walked towards Sadie, his little body stiff as he gave her the briefest of hugs.
‘See, I told you I don’t bite. Here, have a Fox’s Glacier Mint,’ she said, pulling one out of her apron pocket. ‘Here’s one for you too, Angela.’
‘Fanks, missus,’ Tommy said, his eyes wide.
Sally saw his surprise. Angel was used to her great-grandmother’s mood swings and mostly took them in her stride. Tommy, however, was new to them. She called a quick goodbye, bundled the children out in front of her, and soon they were safely in school.
For the rest of the morning, Sally kept busy by doing the housework, and it was two-thirty before Denis Walters knocked on the door, grinning crookedly and obviously drunk. ‘I’ve been to see me wife. She’s in Bolingbroke Hospital.’
‘Will you be taking Tommy when you go to see her this evening?’
‘Nah, he doesn’t need to go.’
‘He’s upset and I think it would help if he could see that his mother is all right.’
‘I’m not going again this evening. I’m meeting a mate in the King’s Arms.’
Sally could see it would be pointless to argue with the man. He could hardly stand, let alone take in what she was saying. Her temper flared at his selfishness. ‘Go to the flaming pub then, and
we’ll
look after your son.’
When Ruth arrived home to find that Tommy’s father wasn’t taking the boy to see his mother, she had to ask Sally to forgo her usual visit to Arthur. Thankfully Sally had guessed as much and had rung Elsie, asking her mother-in-law to take her place. ‘Are you sure you don’t mind, love?’ Ruth asked after sprucing Tommy up as best as she could.
‘Arthur is a lot better now, and I’m sure he won’t mind if I miss just one visit.’
‘Right then, come on, Tommy, we’re off,’ Ruth said, rewarded by the delighted smile on the boy’s face.
It wasn’t far to go to catch a bus, though Tommy was un - usually quiet during the journey. When they got off, Ruth held his hand and in no time they were walking into the old Victorian hospital.
Ruth had to ask what ward to go to, and as they walked in Laura saw them almost immediately. Tommy let go of Ruth’s hand to run up to her.
‘Hello, love, I wasn’t expecting to see you.’
‘Are you all right, Mum?’
‘I’m fine,’ and looking sheepish she smiled hesitantly at Ruth. ‘After the way I’ve behaved towards you it’s good of you to bring him, and I know I owe you an apology.’
Ruth could scarcely believe her ears. Sober, Laura Walters was like a different woman. ‘Yeah, well, that’s in the past and I ain’t one to bear grudges.’
‘Denis told me that you took Tommy in and I’m very grateful.’
‘That’s all right. He’s a good kid and we don’t mind having him.’
‘When are you coming home, Mum?’
‘Soon, love. But until I do, be a good boy.’
Ruth took a seat at the side of the bed. ‘Is there anything you need?’
‘No, but it’s kind of you to ask.’
‘Here, Mum,’ Tommy said, obviously anxious to get her attention, ‘Angel’s dad’s had his leg cut off.’
‘Is this true, Mrs Marchant?’
‘I’m afraid it is.’
‘How awful. Did he have an accident?’
Obviously events in Candle Lane had passed Laura Walters by so Ruth told her about the car crash. Tommy scrambled up onto the bed, and as Laura cuddled him his little face lit up with pleasure until the ward sister sourly told him to get down.
He looked sulky, but his mother held his hand until visiting time was over. They were just about to leave when Laura took Ruth’s hand too, pulling her forward until their faces were almost touching as she whispered, ‘This heart attack has made me take stock of myself. I’ll stay off the booze from now on.’
‘For Tommy’s sake, as well as your own, I hope you mean that.’
‘I do. I wasn’t always like this you know, but after losing my little girl to polio, the pain was so bad that I turned to drink.’
Ruth saw the agony in the woman’s eyes. She couldn’t imagine how awful it must be to lose a child. ‘Oh, I didn’t know, Laura, I’m so sorry. When did it happen?’
‘How could you know? It was over a year ago, just before we moved to Battersea. Bessie was a beautiful little girl, and the youngest. When . . . when we lost her, I just didn’t want to go on.’ She smiled wanly at her son. ‘Poor Tommy, he’s had it rough since then, and when I think about my behaviour . . .’ Pausing she let go of Ruth’s hand to hold out her arms. ‘Come here, son, and give me a hug.’
Tommy looked worried for a moment, but seeing that the ward sister wasn’t in sight he scrambled onto the bed again and wrapped his arms around his mother’s neck. She buried her face in his hair, saying, ‘I haven’t been much of a mother to you lately, but that’s all going to change.’
Ruth watched the scene, saw the love on Laura’s face, and hoped to God that this was the start of a new chapter in the woman’s life.
During the journey home, Ruth said gently, ‘You’ve never said that you once had a little sister, Tommy.’
‘Mum doesn’t like to talk about her so I’ve learned to keep me mouth shut. She was pretty though, like Angel.’
So that’s it, Ruth thought. That’s why Tommy was so protective of Angel. She reminded him of his little sister and putting an arm around the boy she hugged him tightly.
Days had passed and Denis Walters had only called to see his son once, until at last he turned up after eleven one morning. Though slurring his words, Denis managed to tell Ruth that his wife was coming home the next day. She was surprised that Laura was coming home so soon after being admitted, but Denis said that she’d refused to have any tests and was therefore being discharged.
Ruth went to bed after that, sick at the thought of Tommy going home to that filthy house, a house that wasn’t fit for a sick woman to return to either. Her mind turned until at last she decided on a plan of action.
When Ruth awoke the next morning she rang in sick, telling her boss she had an upset stomach. He didn’t sound too pleased, but Ruth didn’t care. What she had to do was far more important. She waited until Sally returned from taking the kids to school before breaking the news.
‘Why didn’t you say something earlier?’ Sally asked.
‘If Tommy knew his mother was coming home you’d never have got him to school and we’ve got a lot to do without having him under our feet.’ Ruth told her, going on to say what she had in mind.
‘What about Gran?’
‘Sally, we’ll only be next door and one of us can pop back every half an hour or so.’
‘You don’t need to do that,’ Sadie protested.
Ruth didn’t argue. No matter what her mother said they would still check up on her. And now, armed with brooms, a mop, bleach, disinfectant, and other cleaning paraphernalia, they knocked on Denis Walters’ door. Thankfully he opened it, and when Ruth told him what they were going to do he didn’t protest, instead scurrying off and saying he was going to work.
Sally looked around the kitchen, her expression one of dismay. ‘Mum, this is awful.’
‘I know, but we can’t let Tommy, or Laura, come home to this.’
They tackled the kitchen first, Ruth saying as they worked, ‘I still don’t know where Denis works. I tried pumping Tommy, but the kid hasn’t got a clue.’
Sally gasped, a hand covering her mouth as she heaved. ‘Christ, Mum, look at this.’
Ruth saw that she was pointing to a part loaf of bread, thick with green mould, along with a dish of dripping, also covered in a layer of fur. She saw what looked like a remnant of cheese, hard and cracked with age and, as Sally lifted the lid of another dish, she stood back in horror.
‘I don’t know what this is –’ Sally gasped ‘– but it’s crawling.’
‘Chuck the lot out, dishes and all. I’m sure I’ve got some old ones I can replace them with.’
Sally gingerly cleared the cupboard and then, with a bucket of soapy water and bleach, cleaned the inside. She then left to check on her gran, but bumping into Nelly and explaining what they were doing, the old woman said she’d go and sit with Sadie.
It took another hour to finish the kitchen and then they were thankful to find that the living room looked hardly used. It only needed dusting and the floor swept. The two of them then went upstairs.
Tommy’s bedroom looked a pitiful sight, his bed coverings no more than a thin blanket and a couple of old coats. Laura’s room wasn’t much better and, sighing heavily, Ruth said, ‘It’s just as well I’m a hoarder, Sally. You strip the beds and I’ll pop home to sort out some sheets and blankets. I’ll find a few other bits and pieces while I’m at it.’
Ruth hurried next door and after making up a bundle of sheets and blankets, she rooted out a couple of bowls, some spare china and a nice clean tablecloth.
‘What are you up to?’ Sadie asked.
‘I’m sorting some stuff out for next door.’
‘We ain’t a bleedin’ charity you know.’
‘It’s my stuff, Mum, and I’ll do what I like with it,’ Ruth said as she put some tea, milk, sugar and a pint of sterilised milk into a shopping-bag. To that she added a fresh loaf of bread, some margarine and a jar of jam before saying to Nelly, ‘We shouldn’t be much longer, but if you need us you can bang on the wall.’
‘Hold on, did you put Nelly up to sitting with me?’
It was Nelly who answered, ‘No, she didn’t. I just popped by.’
‘That’s all right then,’ Sadie said.
Ruth threw Nelly a grateful smile and then hurried next door again to find Sally with a sheen of perspiration on her forehead. The beds had been stripped, and Sally had made a start on the dusting, but she frowned saying, ‘I daren’t touch the curtains, Mum. They’re so old they’ll fall apart if I try to take them down.’
‘I’ve got some spare ones somewhere, but we can’t do everything today. As long as the beds are made up and the place is clean and tidy, that’s the best we can do for now.’
‘The bathroom’s a mess too.’
‘As I said, we can’t do everything. We’ll just chuck some bleach down the toilet for now.’
They put in a last burst of effort and, going downstairs, added the finishing touch, Ruth’s nice clean cloth on the table. With a final look around Ruth said, ‘Well, it ain’t perfect but it looks presentable. Let’s hope Denis doesn’t come back drunk or he might muck it all up again.’
‘I wouldn’t bank on it, Mum,’ Sally replied, as they made their way home.
When the hospital transport arrived with Laura an hour later, Ruth went outside. ‘Welcome home, love.’
Laura looked tired. ‘Thanks,’ she murmured.
‘When Tommy comes home from school, he’s going to be chuffed to see you.’
‘I can’t wait to see him and thank you so much for looking after him. I’d invite you in, but I dread to think what my place looks like.’
‘Don’t worry about that. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised,’ Ruth told her.
Laura seemed to sag, and the driver asked, ‘Are you all right, missus?’
‘Yes, I’m fine and thank you. I didn’t expect to be given transport home.’
Unconvinced, Ruth said, ‘Come on, let’s get you inside. I don’t think Denis is in, so have you got a key?’
‘Yes,’ Laura said, taking it from her pocket, but she seemed so weak that Ruth took the key from her hand.
Laura didn’t argue, and she held on to Ruth’s arm as they stepped inside. ‘My goodness,’ she gasped, ‘don’t tell me that Denis did this.’
‘Well, no, Sally gave me a hand to tidy the place up a bit, but it’s nothing really.’
Laura lowered her eyes, but when she raised them again, Ruth saw they were moist with tears. ‘You’ve been so good.’
‘We’re neighbours,’ Ruth said dismissively. ‘Now, would you like me to make you a cup of tea?’
‘I don’t think there’ll be anything in the cupboards, but thanks for the offer.’
Ruth picked up a battered kettle, filling it with water before taking out the cups and saucers.
‘Where did they come from?’ Laura asked. ‘Don’t tell me. You provided them.’
‘Yes, but don’t worry, I don’t need them. Sally is always complaining that I’m a hoarder and these haven’t been used in years. I had a bit of a turnout and it’s nice to have some room in my cupboards now.’
The moisture in Laura’s eyes now turned to tears, but Ruth decided to pretend she hadn’t noticed as she made a pot of tea. By the time it had brewed and she carried a cup over to Laura, the woman had managed to pull herself together, though Ruth was worried by her pallor. ‘You look worn out,’ she said. ‘When you’ve drunk that why don’t you go for a little lie down?’
‘Yes, I think I will.’
Ruth waited until Laura had finished the last dregs of her tea and then said, ‘Come on, I’ll help you upstairs.’
When Laura saw her bedroom, there were fresh tears. ‘I just don’t know what to say,’ she sobbed.
‘There’s no need to say anything. Just rest until Tommy comes home,’ Ruth said. ‘Now, are you sure you can manage, or would you like him to stay with us for another night or two?’
‘No, but thanks anyway,’ Laura said tiredly as she threw back the blankets and got into bed, fully clothed. ‘I can’t wait to see him and to show him that things are going to be different. I was lucky, the heart attack didn’t do much damage and once I’ve had a bit of a rest I’ll be fine looking after him.’
Ruth wasn’t convinced. If Laura’s heart was all right, why did she look so awful? She didn’t like to leave her all alone and asked, ‘When will your husband be home from work, Laura?’
‘He’s a casual labourer and works when the mood takes him, or when he’s sober enough. If he’s at work today I doubt he’ll show up until after six. If he isn’t working, well, your guess is as good as mine,’ she said, her eyes closing.
‘But he knew you were coming home,’ Ruth protested. She got no reply. Laura was already asleep.
Later that day, Sally went to collect the kids from school. As expected, Tommy was thrilled to hear that his mother was home. Sally had no choice but to let him run ahead of her, and by the time she reached Candle Lane, the boy was already out of sight.
Her mother had said that Laura seemed overly tired, so to make sure that she was all right and could cope with Tommy, Sally knocked on her door.
‘Sally and Angel, please, won’t you come in.’
Angel didn’t need asking, she was already over the threshold, so with no other choice, Sally went inside. Everything was still spick and span, and Tommy was obviously delighted, his little face glowing with pleasure.
‘Me mum’s got it really nice in here now,’ he said.
Laura looked about to protest, but Sally forestalled her, ‘Yes, she has.’
‘Thank you, Sally, for everything that you and your mother have done.’
‘We were pleased to help,’ she replied, worried by Laura’s aura. As her mother had said, the woman looked far from well and unaware that she was echoing her words, Sally asked, ‘Will your husband be home soon?’
‘As I told your mother, search me. No doubt he’ll turn up when he’s good and ready.’
Sally felt it then, a flash of intuition that told her that Denis wasn’t coming home, not today, not tomorrow; in fact she felt he wouldn’t show his face for a long time.
Closing her eyes, Sally prayed she was wrong.