Battles Lost and Won

by Beryl Matthews

  ‘Cases of machinery. It was bad luck really because I was only walking past, but they had been badly stacked and they fell just at the wrong moment.’

  He nodded. ‘Well, your body took a beating, but I can find no indication of anything broken, which is something to be grateful for.’

  ‘Meaning?’ Steve asked hesitantly.

  ‘Nerves and muscles take time to heal completely, but you are doing well, and in time you might get some use back in your legs.’

  ‘Might?’

  ‘I can’t say more than that. You have been badly injured, and only time will tell how complete your eventual recovery will be. But there is a small hopeful sign. You flinched a couple of times during the examination, so there is some feeling there. Bob is doing exactly the right thing for you, but if there is still no improvement in two months, then I’ll see you again.’

  ‘Doc!’ A head appeared in the doorway, and then disappeared just as quickly.

  ‘I must go.’ He jumped off the table. ‘Nice to meet you, Mr Cooper, and don’t give up hope. Bob, you come back soon.’ Then he was gone.

  ‘I must get back to work as well.’ Jack then placed his hands on Bob’s back. ‘Work this area more, and don’t be afraid to be strong about it. Like this.’

  ‘Ouch!’

  ‘That’s the place, now you’ll remember where it is.’ Jack grinned and slapped him on the shoulder. ‘Don’t you desert us, my lad. You’ve got sensitive hands and a real talent for the work. Forget about being a teacher. This is where you can do the most good, and as Sister is continually saying, this is where you belong.’

  Turning to Steve, Jack shook hands. ‘I know it’s hard, Mr Cooper, but try to have patience, and do as Bob tells you. Make the most of his talent because he’s only on loan to you.’

  Steve could only watch with his mouth open as Jack left the room. ‘They like you, don’t they?’

  ‘They’re a good crowd. Now we’ve finished here I’m going to show you my favourite place before we go home.’

  There was no sign of Sister so Bob left a note of thanks on her desk.

  A few clouds were appearing now, but they weren’t rain clouds, and it was still pleasantly warm. Bob’s first stop was the butcher for two of his famous pies, and after that he wheeled Steve to the Terraces. They sat there admiring the view and enjoying their pies.

  ‘How could you bear to leave here and come back to Canning Town?’ Steve asked quietly, sighing deeply as peace settled over him. ‘This is such a lovely spot.’

  ‘You have always been like family to me.’ Bob tore his gaze away from the view and looked directly at the man beside him. ‘That’s why I returned.’

  ‘Will you come back here when you’ve done all you can for me?’

  ‘Yes.’ Bob wasn’t surprised by how quickly the answer had come. No doubts. This was where he wanted to be.

  ‘Why did you bring me here?’

  ‘You were losing heart, and I needed to find out if I was doing you more harm than good. I was afraid I had been pushing you too hard. I trust the people here to tell me the truth about your chances of recovery.’

  ‘And what exactly did they tell you? Because I’m damned if I’m any the wiser.’

  ‘There is a chance you will walk again, but probably not without something to support you. However, as far as I’m concerned, that is not good enough! I won’t be happy until you can walk without any aid, so don’t you damned well give up!’ Bob looked at Steve, determination written on every line of his handsome face. ‘I’ll be wasting my time if you don’t cooperate. So, are you up to it?’

  For the first time that day Steve smiled, his eyes misted with emotion. ‘I’m with you all the way. Here’s to victory!’

  They clasped hands to seal their unity for the struggle ahead, and Bob sighed with relief. If Steve had given up there wouldn’t have been a chance, but if he could stay in a positive frame of mind they might just win. Steve didn’t know exactly what Doctor Vickers and Jack had told him, and he wouldn’t tell him in case it came to nothing, but there was more than a glimmer of hope.

  The journey back to London was more cheerful. They didn’t speak much, both lost in their own thoughts, but they were relaxed, and it was good to know he had done the right thing in coming here.

  Dave came after tea for Bob to work on his arm again. This would only be the third time, but it was already showing signs of improvement.

  ‘Have you asked Ruth out yet?’ Bob asked as he worked.

  ‘Not yet.’ Dave grimaced when a tender spot was located. ‘I’m waiting until I can use my arm more.’

  ‘Don’t wait too long or someone else might beat you to it.’

  ‘You, for instance? Ouch!’

  ‘I wouldn’t stand a chance. She’s never forgiven me for walking out after Mum died.’

  ‘Ah, yes, I read about that. Must have been tough for you.’

  Bob stopped working. ‘You read about it? Don’t you mean someone told you about it?’

  ‘No, I read it in your dad’s book.’ Dave turned his head. ‘You finished?’

  ‘Stay where you are. What book?’

  ‘It’s in the Imperial War Museum. Are you telling me you don’t know?’

  ‘No, I damned well don’t!’ Bob worked in silence for a while longer, then stopped. ‘That will do for tonight. How does it feel?’

  Sitting up he moved his fingers. ‘Wow, look at that, I can almost close my fist, and there’s more movement in the arm. Thanks, Bob.’

  ‘Glad I can help. Now, tell me about this book.’

  Over a cup of tea Dave explained about Alf’s memoirs and how the museum had had them made into a book for anyone to read.

  ‘So that’s how he managed to buy that house.’ Bob was stunned. ‘But why hasn’t anyone told me about this before now?’

  ‘Alf’s not one to brag. You ought to have a look at the museum some time.’

  ‘I will.’ And he’d find that book as well. His dad was bound to have been given a copy, so it must be somewhere in the house.

  ‘Er . . . Bob, I’ve got a mate who was injured as well, and he’s having a tough time. I was wondering if you’d have a look at him? The doctors have given up on him, just like a lot of us.’

  ‘What are his injuries?’

  ‘Left leg and hip.’ Dave fidgeted awkwardly. ‘When he saw how my arm was improving he said he’d be grateful if you’d see him. I know I shouldn’t ask, but I told him what kind of job you’d been doing, and he begged me to ask you.’

  ‘Bring him round with you tomorrow evening, but I’m not promising anything.’

  ‘He knows that.’ Dave smiled in gratitude. ‘Thanks, Bob.’

  The door burst open and Alf rushed in. ‘Bob! Come and see. Steve’s used the hoist and got on the bed without any help.’

  ‘He didn’t try it with no one there, did he?’ Bob was already on his feet.

  ‘No, I was beside him all the time.’

  ‘That’s good. I’ll come now. I was just about to search for a book Dave’s been telling me about.’ He gave his dad a pointed look. ‘But it can wait. I expect it’s in your bedroom, isn’t it?’

  ‘Ah.’ Alf gave Dave a hard stare.

  ‘I didn’t know you hadn’t told him,’ he protested.

  ‘What’s the secret, Dad?’

  ‘No secret. I have a copy for you, and I intended to give it to you one day. I just haven’t got around to it yet.’

  Noting his dad’s uncomfortable expression, Bob smiled. ‘I look forward to reading it, and well done.’

  ‘Thanks.’ He laughed nervously. ‘But Steve did all the hard work and dragged me to the museum. I’d never have done it without him, and I owe him and his family more than I can ever repay.’

  ‘You’re repaying that debt now. Let’s go and make sure Steve doesn’t try to get out of bed while we’re not there. Come on, Dave, let’s all go and congratulate him. I want us to give him all the encouragement possible.’

&nb
sp; Steve was sitting on the bed with everyone clustered around him, smiling and happy about this big step forward.

  ‘Isn’t it wonderful?’ Daisy said as soon as they walked in. ‘He did it all by himself.’

  ‘Well done.’ Bob stood beside the wheelchair. ‘Now, can you get out again?’

  ‘I’ll try.’

  ‘Take your time and don’t worry if you can’t. You’ve crossed the first hurdle, and it will get easier with each attempt.’ He gave Steve a sly wink, making his mouth twitch in amusement. On the way home they had agreed not to tell anyone where they had been today, not wanting to raise false hopes. For the moment this would be kept between the two of them.

  It took three attempts before he was back in the wheelchair, but he had managed it without their help. Mopping his brow he smiled in acknowledgement of the applause.

  Bending down so no one else could hear, Bob said, ‘That’s victory number one, but don’t you dare try that when I’m not here. I’ll tell you when I think you are expert enough to use the hoist on your own.’

  ‘I won’t, sir!’ he said smartly, and burst out laughing, flushed with success.

  Later that evening when everyone was in bed, Alf gave Bob the book he had been keeping for him. ‘It isn’t pretty reading, son, but I think it will explain a lot of things.’

  ‘I’m sure it will.’ He was still sleeping on the floor in the same room as Steve. ‘I’ll read it before going to sleep tonight.’

  ‘You know I can’t believe the difference in Steve. Yesterday he seemed to have given up, but now the fight is back in him.’ Alf gave his son a questioning look. ‘Just what did you do to him today?’

  Bob shrugged. ‘I shook him up a bit.’

  ‘And that’s all you’re going to say?’

  ‘For the moment.’

  ‘Hmm.’

  Bob read well into the night, unable to put the book down. War on the front line came to life, giving him a much clearer understanding of why so many men were still suffering nightmares and other problems. But when he read the final chapter he couldn’t stop the tears of remorse running down his face. Why hadn’t his mum told him? He would have understood then.

  Without giving the time of night a thought he left the house, jumped the fence, and went to Alf’s room. He shook him awake.

  ‘Eh? What?’ Alf sat up, startled. ‘What’s happened? Is Steve all right?’

  ‘He’s fast asleep.’ Bob sat on the edge of the bed. ‘You knew Mum was dying.’

  ‘She told me as soon as I arrived home, knowing it wouldn’t be long, you see. I had been longing to get home and back to normal life, and all my hopes were ripped away in a moment. I was already struggling and that tipped me over the edge. I couldn’t handle it, and to my shame, I lost control.’

  ‘You should have told me.’

  ‘Your mum didn’t want you to know. She had seen a doctor and knew there was no hope of her recovering, so she thought it best not to tell you. I didn’t agree, but she was firm and wouldn’t hear of it, making me promise not to say a word about it to you. It was hard watching your love for me turn to hate, but I’d promised and I couldn’t go back on my word.’

  He now understood the pain Alf must have been going through, and the difficult position he had been put in. ‘I wouldn’t have left the way I did if I had known.’

  ‘No, son, you did the right thing. I would probably still be drinking if you had stayed. It has all worked out for the best. Don’t hold on to regrets. All the misunderstandings between us have been cleared away, and that’s all that matters now.’

  ‘You’re right. What’s done is done.’ Bob stood up, squeezed his shoulder, and said, ‘Night, Dad, sleep well.’

  Thirty-Four

  ‘Hello, Dave.’ Ruth smiled as the young man stopped by her stall. ‘How’s your arm?’

  ‘Feeling good, thank you. I couldn’t move it at all, but now I can lift it about six inches. Bob’s massaging is making a difference.’

  ‘I can’t imagine him being a masseur. It’s not the sort of thing I would ever have expected him to do.’

  ‘Oh, he’s more than a masseur. The training he’s been receiving is in physiotherapy. You couldn’t have anyone better to look after your dad. Someone my dad knows is in a home for the badly injured – not where Bob worked, but he was able to find out a few things for us.’ Dave gave her a speculative look. ‘Don’t underestimate him.’ Dave grinned. ‘But I didn’t come here to sing Bob’s praises. Would you come out with me, Ruth? We could go to the pictures, or dancing, whatever you fancy.’

  Taken by surprise, she hesitated for a moment, and then nodded. She liked him, so why not? It was time she started to go out on dates, just like all the other girls. ‘I don’t mind what we do. When?’

  ‘Wonderful!’ He beamed with pleasure. ‘I can’t make it tonight because I’m bringing a mate round to see Bob, but tomorrow would be fine. If that’s all right with you I’ll come for you at seven o’clock?’

  ‘I’ll be ready.’

  ‘Nice boy, Dave Wilson,’ Mrs Law remarked, watching him disappear into the crowd. ‘His dad made sure he had a decent education. There’s money in junk, so the family’s not short of a bob or two. The lad made it to sergeant in the army as well. You could do quite nicely for yourself there, Ruth.’

  She burst out laughing. ‘I haven’t even been out with him yet, and I’m far too busy to get serious about anyone, Mrs Law.’

  ‘How many times have I told you to call me Hannah?’

  ‘Sorry, I keep forgetting, Hannah. And here’s Alf coming to see you.’ Ruth hid the smile as Hannah patted her hair into place. This Saturday afternoon visit was becoming a regular thing, and she couldn’t help wondering if there was a romance blossoming between them. If there was then she was pleased. Hannah had lost her husband during the war, and Alf had been through a lot, so they both deserved a bit of happiness.

  ‘Ruthie.’ John suddenly appeared, ducking through the crowds and pulling Sally behind him. ‘Mum told us to bring you a sandwich, and could you get a loaf of bread, please. And can we help you? We won’t be a nuisance.’

  ‘Of course you can both stay.’ She smiled as her young brother and sister took up positions by the stall, smiling at the people walking by and urging them to come and see what they had for sale. They really enjoyed doing this.

  ‘Hello, Mr Hunter.’ Both of the kids waved to him on the next stall. ‘Bob isn’t taking Dad out today because he’s tired after all the excitement yesterday.’

  ‘Is he all right?’ Alf frowned, concerned. He had come to the market straight from the docks, and was wondering if he should have gone home first.

  ‘Oh, yes.’ John nodded. ‘He’s been talking to Bob, but they wouldn’t let us hear.’

  ‘They’ve got secrets,’ Sally told them, ‘and I heard Dad say “you must be joking” and they both laughed.’

  John nodded, pursing his lips. ‘They’re up to something, Mr Hunter. Do you know what it is?’

  ‘I’ve no idea.’

  John looked hopefully at his big sister. ‘Dad’s much happier. Do you think he’s getting better?’

  ‘They haven’t said anything to me, but whatever they did yesterday has certainly cheered Dad up. Do you know where they went?’ she asked Alf.

  ‘Not a clue, but I know Bob didn’t like the way he was acting, and wanted to cheer him up. He’s certainly done that.’

  Customers came to the stall, putting an end to their conversation, and for the rest of the day they were quite busy. In fact when it came time to pack up, she was able to send the children to get the bread and also some sausages for a treat.

  ‘How did you get on with Dave’s friend last night?’ Steve asked Bob.

  ‘His leg is a mess, I’m afraid, but I’ll see what I can do for him. I’ve given him some gentle exercises to try, and I’ll see him again next week.’

  ‘You go on like this and they will be queuing up outside the door to see you.’

 
; ‘I don’t mind helping.’ He shrugged and changed the subject. ‘Are you up to an outing today?’

  ‘You’re not thinking of the horse-riding you mentioned yesterday, are you?’

  Bob grinned. ‘It’s a lovely day for a ride in the country.’

  ‘Is it going to do me any good?’ Steve asked, looking rather doubtful.

  ‘We won’t know until we try, but it will be fun, anyway.’

  ‘I’m not sure I agree with your idea of fun, but let’s give it a try.’

  ‘Good, we’ll catch the nine thirty train. I’ve already let the captain know that we’re coming.’

  ‘Ah.’ Steve’s mouth twitched in amusement. ‘So I really didn’t have a choice?’

  ‘None at all.’

  Jim was waiting at the station with a brand-new car, and when both men admired it, he told them that the captain only got it yesterday.

  ‘And he’s letting you drive it?’ Steve asked. ‘That’s very trusting of him.’

  ‘He insisted, saying it would give you a smoother ride than the old horse and buggy. Come on, in you get.’

  As they drove away Steve watched the passing scenery, sadness almost swamping him. ‘Last time I came here I walked from the station.’

  ‘Wait until you’ve ridden a horse a few times, Mr Cooper, and you might be able to do it again.’

  ‘I hope so, Jim.’

  Captain Russell was waiting for them in the stable yard, with Lilly at his side, as usual.

  She ran to meet them, all smiles. ‘Daddy said I can ride with you if I behave myself. I will, I will!’

  ‘Lovely.’ Bob swept her off her feet, making her squeal in delight.

  ‘I’ve got a sister now, but she’s too little to ride yet, and Robert doesn’t like horses. How can you not like horses?’ she asked, looking thoroughly puzzled. She stopped chattering and went up to Steve in the wheelchair. ‘Hello. We’ve got a lovely quiet horse for you.’

  ‘You remember Ruth’s father, don’t you, Lilly?’ And when his daughter nodded, Ben shook hands with Steve. ‘It’s good to see you looking so well.’

  ‘Thanks, but I’m not sure about getting on a horse. Bob seems to think it will help me.’