Alec had written to tell her to put her glad rags on as he was taking her somewhere special. So May had asked Sister Chilvers’ permission to stay out late as tonight was New Year’s Eve and her birthday.
‘Not a minute later than eleven o’clock, Nurse, as I have to stay up and lock the front door.’
‘Yes, Sister.’
May put the spoon in the empty porridge bowl and, scraping back the chair, moved towards the door.
‘And, Nurse…’
‘Yes, Sister.’
Sister’s faded eyes twinkled. ‘Happy birthday.’
* * *
Applying lipstick, May looked into the wall mirror and rubbed her lips together. Though lipstick wasn’t rationed, it was expensive and so she used it only for special occasions and never at work as make-up wasn’t allowed.
‘You don’t need it,’ Maureen had told her, ‘not with your snow-white skin and those ridiculously long and thick black eyelashes.’
Not knowing where she was going tonight made it difficult to know what to wear – not that May had much to choose from. She decided on a dark green frock with exaggerated shoulder pads, nipped in at the waist with a flared, panelled skirt that reached to her knees. She didn’t wear a suspender belt or stockings because she had only one pair and, afraid she’d get a ladder in them, she kept them for work. She wore black high heels – a little worn down – with an ankle strap and she drew the obligatory eyebrow pencil down the back of her legs to give the impression that she was wearing stockings.
It was good to be in mufti for a change, she thought, as she shrugged into her mothball-smelling outdoor coat (which reminded her of home and Mam). Her uniform had become like another skin.
Alec was waiting for her as arranged outside Parklands at quarter to seven.
May slammed the door to keep the light in and hurried along the path to meet him. He was standing beneath a tree shrouded in the shadows of a moonlit evening.
‘Happy birthday, May.’ His lips brushed her cheek.
He smelled of Old Spice aftershave and wore a two-piece suit, collar and tie. May was gratified he’d dressed up for the occasion.
‘By, it’s cold, the night.’ He rubbed his hands together. ‘I wished I’d worn me overcoat but with the shortages I’ve lost that much weight it’s massive on us now.’ His cold hand took hers and he led her to the bus stop in Dunlop Road.
‘I’ve had a bath at Nana’s and even though she ignored regulations and give us double the amount of water I still froze and I’ve never been warm since.’
Reaching the bus stop, May followed his example and talked small talk, as, annoyingly, he wouldn’t tell her where they were headed.
She told him, ‘I read an article that the king sets an example by only having the regulation five inches of bath water.’
‘More fool him,’ Alec shocked her by saying, ‘I’m sure if I was him, me bath would be full up to the brim. And no one would be any the wiser, would they?’
May thought His Majesty should be applauded but didn’t say that as she feared upsetting Alec. He didn’t like his opinion challenged.
A tingle of excitement ran through her. ‘I hope I’m dressed properly for what you’ve got planned.’
‘You look smashin’ whatever you wear.’
She returned the compliment by telling him, ‘You look a real gent.’
The trolley came and they stepped up on the platform.
As they sat on the seat, May’s heartstrings pulled as she thought of Billy and the many nights they had done the very same thing. Pictures of him passed through her mind, how handsome he looked in his khaki uniform, his rascally smile, and a sweet, physical ache radiated in her groin. Billy had convinced her that as an engaged –practically married – couple it was acceptable for them to have intercourse. Not, to be fair, that May had needed much persuading.
‘May, man… leave work behind.’ Alec’s voice broke into her thoughts. ‘Tonight, you’re gonna have some fun.’ He squeezed her arm. ‘Remember tomorrow might never come and it won’t if Jerry doesn’t behave tonight.’
May shivered. Like a kid, she felt the need to protect herself by spitting on her hand and crossing her heart for reassurance.
She stared out of the window into the blackness. She couldn’t see the destruction, but she knew it was there, the unkempt and torn look of the town. But South Shields folk, weary and worn down with the struggle to survive the war, held the dream that the Allies would defeat the enemy soon.
‘Our stop.’ Alec stood and made his way down the aisle.
* * *
May climbed the steps to the Hedworth Hall doorway and a shiver of anticipation ran through her.
As the pair of them walked into the foyer and closed the door, May read the notice pinned to the wall.
Grand Charity Dance.
Tonight 7-11 p.m.
Music by Albert Sutton and his three-piece band.
Spot Prizes
Tickets 3/- Forces 1/-
Money in aid of South Shields shoeless children’s fund.
The Hall was lent rent-free for the occasion.
Alec’s face split into a grin. ‘Surprise, birthday girl!’
May clutched her heart. ‘Ooo… thank you, Alec. I can’t remember the last time I came to a dance hall.’
She handed her outdoor coat to the cloakroom girl, who gave her a ticket in return.
Alec led the way into the dance hall and the scene that met May’s eyes was better than eating a box of chocolates – a rare treat in wartime.
Couples, most of them in uniform, swirled around the polished dance floor, quickstepping to the tune of Glenn Miller’s ‘Chattanooga Choo Choo’.
Alec led the way to a table in the corner of the room, then left her to buy their drinks. As she waited, May watched as the spot prize took place on the dance floor.
The music stopped and a compere on the stage stood with his back to the dancing couples.
He called to a member of staff, ‘Take two paces to the right… four in front, and the couple on your left are the lucky winners.’
The man did as he was bid and then handed over the spot prize to the lucky couple, and May longed to see what was inside.
A St Bernard’s Waltz came next.
Alec came over and, putting the drinks on the table, took her hand and led her to the dance floor.
Encircling her waist with his arm, he led as they circled the room. What with the spotlight, a huge ball scattering silver beams around the hall, and the music – especially the trombone, her favourite musical instrument – May was transported to heavenly bliss.
She danced the night away but when things heated up and the band played jazz music, May made her excuses and retired to her seat. The jitterbug was a dance she’d never got the hang of. The lively music filled the hall. Servicemen tossed their partners over their shoulders, then skilfully thrust them through parted legs and twirled them around. May was sure the girls must have felt dizzy.
She smiled at the scene, at those brave boys having so much well-deserved fun. They deserved to forget duty for a while.
Unexpectedly, Richard appeared in her mind’s eye, his disillusioned look as he told her to ‘be his guest and to have a go at him like the others’.
Imperceptibly, she shook her head. Why think of him when there were more deserving candidates she could feel sorry for?
The exhilarating music ceased, and May watched as the servicemen and their partners left the dance floor.
Alec, his expression intent, followed her gaze. ‘I could join the forces if I want.’
‘How come?’ May wondered what had brought this up, especially at a dance.
‘That politician, Sir Smedley something or other, has been asked to consider us blokes in the Home Guard.’
May never had time to keep up with all the news. ‘Why?’
‘Because… we want the right to be on the assault on the continent. The lads agree; we’ve got the training, we should have t
he opportunity to fight.’
His gaze swept the room, eyeing the servicemen, and May thought she saw a hint of envy gleam in Alec’s eyes.
‘Would you go?’
‘Course.’ He gave a cheeky grin. ‘If only to impress you. I bet I’d look a charmer in uniform.’ His brow creased. ‘The thing is… I want to stay here and look after you.’
May was both confused and touched. Didn’t Alec know she was capable of looking after herself?
People made a circle on the dance floor, preparing to do the hokey-cokey.
Alec stood up. ‘I’ll get us another drink.’ He went to join the refreshments queue.
May took the opportunity to go to the cloakroom, where she went to the lav and freshened up.
As she came back into the dance hall, she bumped into a fellow in a Royal Navy uniform, who was waving at one of the dancers instead of watching where he was going.
‘Watch out, mate,’ he said. Turning, his eyes appraised her. ‘Beg your pardon, miss. Are you all right?’
May smiled. ‘Yes. I saw you on the dance floor with your girlfriend. You look good together doing the jitterbug. ‘
‘She’s my sister and we’ve practised all week,’ he laughed.
They exchanged pleasantries about dancing, and then May returned to the table.
Alec, a pint glass in front of him, leant over the table. ‘Who was that?’
May noticed a vein in his temple was ticking.
‘Just a nice bloke I bumped into.’
‘Pull the other one.’
‘How d’you mean?’
‘I saw how he looked at yi’. How long have yi’ known him?’
Confused, May replied, ‘I’ve never seen him before in my life.’
‘Tell us the truth.’
Alec reached over and grabbed her arm, his fingers digging into her flesh.
‘Ouch! That hurts.’
He released his grip and looked nervously around.
‘Alec… what’s got into you? Honestly, that’s the first time I’ve clapped eyes on the bloke.’
He didn’t answer.
The evening spoiled; she wanted to go home. She checked her watch and couldn’t believe it was half past ten.
‘Eee, I have to go.’
‘Who’s taking yi’ home… yer fancy fella?’
If May hadn’t known better she would’ve sworn Alec was drunk.
She ignored the remark. ‘I’ll be for it if I’m not back on time.’
May rose to fetch her coat. Alec didn’t do likewise.
She told him, ‘You can stay if you want.’
‘That would suit, wouldn’t it?’
He looked over the room towards the Royal Navy serviceman, who threw back his head and laughed at something the girl at his side said.
‘Mebbes it’s too late. Yer fancy fella seems to have met somebody else.’
May didn’t know what to think. She wanted safe and reliable Alec back.
‘Don’t be daft,’ she quipped. ‘Come on, let’s go.’
Alec followed her to the cloakroom, where he waited like a sentinel outside the door.
* * *
Outside, the clouds had disappeared and the heavens had changed to a twinkly starry night.
‘Don’t fret, I’ll make sure you get back on time.’ Alec seemed to have reverted to the friendly lad May preferred.
She decided to put aside his earlier behaviour and concentrate on returning to Parklands.
As they stood at the bus stop at the top of Dean Road, she looked across to Whale Street and Etty came to mind. May, recalling the happy birthdays she’d spent with her friend, felt infinitely sad.
The trolley came then and the couple climbed aboard and sat on the wooden seat for a few stops. Then, alighting from the platform to the pavement, they hurried along the street towards Parklands.
May told him, ‘Thank you, I’ve had a lovely evening.’
And she had, apart from the last hour.
She felt awkward as she didn’t know what was now expected of her.
‘The night’s not over, yet.’ Alec, making his motive plain, moved her some yards away and they stood beneath an enormous gnarled tree.
In the hazy moonlight, teasingly, he brushed her bottom lip with his index finger and then he bent forward to kiss her. May wasn’t too sure at first but it was only a kiss, she reasoned. He embraced her tightly in his arms and, as the kiss lingered, a needy ache, strong in her groin, made May forget all sense of time and place.
She registered a movement, as Alec’s hand reached beneath her coat and fondled a breast. Startled, she came to her senses and pulled away. She didn’t mean for this to happen – but how to explain? Since Derek had been born, she’d considered her breasts for feeding and not sexual entertainment – her mother had instilled that into her.
‘Ah! Hawway, May, you can’t stop now.’ His rasping breaths sounded as if he’d been for a run.
‘I must go. I’ll be late.’ And it was true, she would be in deep trouble if she overstepped the time limit.
She buttoned up her coat.
‘When’s your next day off?’ he wanted to know.
‘I don’t know… the off-duty book hasn’t been done for next week yet.’
‘Write and let me know when you do.’
‘I will.’
She started to make her way towards Parklands.
‘Promise.’
‘I said I would, Alec.’
A pause. ‘You know that fella you told me about… the one you said was yer beau.’
‘Yes.’
‘You’re over him, right?’
May didn’t think she could ever let go of Billy.
Alec must have taken her answer as confirmation of what he’d said. She imagined the dimples in his cheek as he grinned.
‘Look here.’ His voice was contrite. ‘About before. That Navy fella at the dance. I do believe yi’… the thing is… it’s because I care so much and I couldn’t help but get jealous.’
* * *
May stole up the path leading to Parklands. Trying the handle on the front door, she found it locked. In the darkness she couldn’t see her watch but she was sure she was past her deadline. Where was Sister Chilvers? Surely she hadn’t forgotten to leave the door unlocked. May tried the knocker and heard it echo in the house.
Then, thankfully, the door opened and May hurried in. As she closed the door, the electric light came on.
Maureen stood there, wrapped in a blanket.
‘When did you get back?’ May wanted to know.
‘Dad brought me in the car a couple of hours ago.’
May still couldn’t get over the fact that Maureen’s parents owned a car. She didn’t know anyone else that did. Or how he got petrol with all the shortages?
‘When I couldn’t find either you or Valerie I looked in the late book.’
‘Where is Valerie?’
‘In bed.’ Maureen raised her eyebrows as if there was more to the story. ‘Then I met Eileen from downstairs in the kitchen making a Horlicks. She hadn’t a clue where you were but said Sister Chilvers had gone to bed early. When I saw your name in the late book and saw Sister’s signed approval next to it I realised she must have forgotten about you.’ Maureen wore a worried frown. ‘I’ve waited for you here in front of the fire just in case.’ She shook her head. ‘I don’t think Sister’s been right since that nasty cold she had.’
‘I agree. It’s time Sister retired. She’s very forgetful and, poor soul, she sleeps half of the time.’
‘But what else would she do?’ Maureen’s expression was a picture of concern. ‘By all accounts her profession is her life.’
May had a sudden thought that this was how her life could turn out too.
Maureen brightened. ‘I didn’t realise you were going out. Did you have a good time on your birthday?’
‘Yes, thank you. It was a last minute thing. A surprise from Alec.’
‘Where did you go?’ Maureen
asked.
‘He took me to a dance. It was fun.’
‘So why did you look so glum when you came in?’
Maureen was very observant.
May decided to voice her concerns, as she trusted Maureen’s opinion.
She told Maureen about the scene at the dance hall and Alec’s accusations. Unconsciously, she rubbed her arm where he had grabbed her.
‘He apologised and said he was jealous,’ she confided. ‘I’m worried it’s my fault… that I led him on.’
‘You’re not responsible for Alec’s actions.’ Maureen glanced down at May’s arm. ‘Are those finger marks?’
‘Yes. But he couldn’t help himself. You see, it’s because he cares so much that he acts the way he does.’
‘No, May, I don’t see.’ Maureen’s voice was firm. ‘What I do know is that caring for someone means trusting and never hurting them.’
Maureen’s expression had changed and now she was the one who looked unsure.
There was a thoughtful silence, then Maureen spoke up. ‘By the way, I should warn you… Valerie’s on the war path.’
Glad to have the subject changed, May replied, ‘Is that why she went to bed so early? Is she in a huff?’
‘I’m afraid so… poor girl, she expected we were all going to celebrate the New Year together. She thought I’d be back earlier and she was miffed you didn’t tell her you were going out.’
May felt bad. ‘To be honest I didn’t think Valerie would want to spend New Year with us. We don’t get along all that well.’
‘Valerie’s easily upset. She has troubles of her own.’
‘Am I allowed to know?’
‘I don’t see why not. She didn’t tell me in confidence.’ Maureen’s expression was full of sympathy. ‘You know Valerie’s the eldest and her mum wants her to stay home to look after her brothers and sisters while she goes out to work. She’s been offered a job in a munitions factory.’
‘But Valerie has a job.’
‘I know.’
‘I thought Valerie’s mam wanted her to settle down.’
‘She does.’
‘But… none of it makes sense.’
‘Life often doesn’t.’ Maureen heaved a sigh as if she should know. ‘Her mam isn’t the stay-at-home type. I suspect Valerie suffers because deep down she wants the best for the bairns but neither does she think it fair that she should be the one to look after them. Poor girl’s in a predicament.’
Our Last Goodbye: An absolutely gripping and emotional World War 2 historical novel Page 14