by Peter Martin
‘Oh my God,’ Maria whispered to herself; before adding, ‘Tim, let’s get out of here.’
Hurriedly they rushed upstairs, gathered up their things, and put them in two large suitcases Maria had stashed on top of a wardrobe. They were gone in no time, not even bothering to see how Danny was. Although upset over what had happened, Maria was convinced Tim was innocent. She believed in him and didn’t want him to leave again. But before telling Bob she intended to let the dust settle – fearing he’d gloat over it and say I told you so.
Chapter 27
‘Is Tim coming up this weekend?’ Debra asked Bob on the Thursday night while they were watching television.
‘Yes, he is – I’ll pick him up from the station after work,’ Bob said smiling.
‘So he’ll be coming every weekend from now on, will he?’
‘Looks like it. Why, do you have a problem with that?’
‘No, not at all. But it seems a lot of money to spend; I mean his train ticket must cost a hundred pounds at least.’
‘And worth every penny love – don’t forget I haven’t seen him for over five years. Even before that it was a struggle to find time for him because I was always at work.’
‘But does it have to be every weekend? I mean we won’t be together very often, will we?’ There was a slight quiver in her voice.
‘Look, we’ve got the rest of our lives together. This with Tim won’t last forever. Before long, he’ll grow tired of coming to us, and will want to do his own thing. He might even get married someday. I just want to make the most of this while I can. Surely you wouldn’t deny me that, would you?’
Debra sighed to herself, and Bob hoped this wouldn’t cause any trouble between them.
‘Of course not. Let’s forget I said that, shall we? You have him here as often as you want. It’s me being too selfish for my own good.’
He smiled. ‘I’ll make it up to you love – I promise. Remember I’ll never get this opportunity again.’
She squeezed his hand, then kissed him lovingly.
That Friday afternoon was wet, and having parked on Cliffburn railway station car park, Bob put up his umbrella, and ran for the cover of the station itself. He waited on the platform for the train from Dexford and was a little irritated when it arrived half an hour late due to a point’s failure. But when he saw Tim get off, carrying his travel bag, his heart soared.
Bob hugged him as he always did but did notice Tim didn’t respond in the same way.
‘Everything all right son?’ Bob asked as they made their way down to the station steps towards his car.
‘Yeah, why shouldn’t it be?’ Tim tried but failed to hide his mood.
‘Nothing – you seem upset.’
‘Oh, it’s the weather – all this rain gets you down.’
He didn’t push things; perhaps the lad would open up about what was worrying him when they got home.
On the way back Tim didn’t say much, another pointer to his mood. Either he was unhappy about coming up to them, or something had gone on at Maria’s. He half hoped on the latter because he’d dearly love to have his son come live with him. Despite Debra’s probable reaction.
Tim’s head was down at teatime. Clearly he wasn’t hungry and only ate half his meal. Bob thought he’d try to lighten the atmosphere a little.
‘So shall we go to the match again tomorrow? It’s only a reserve game, but that’s better than nothing. Then Sunday, weather permitting, why don’t the three of us take a trip down to the coast, to Seahouses, where there’s a nice sandy beach? What do you reckon Tim?’
Tim looked up at his father, and shrugged his shoulders, half-heartedly, not bothered what they did. ‘Look dad, we’ve had an upset at mum’s… you might as well know, even though she told me not to tell you. She’s split up from Danny and we’ve gone to live with nan and granddad.’
Bob found it hard to suppress the smile that threatened to come on his face. He wanted to do a little jig, he was that happy. Serve her right.
‘But how and why?’ Debra asked.
‘Over Lizzie,’ Tim began, seeming to find it difficult to say the words. ‘It’s all right; I... I find this all rather embarrassing. She’s got herself pregnant, and for some strange reason she’s tried to put the blame on me.’
‘You what! But why would she do that?’ Bob asked.
‘No idea, dad. I didn’t do anything, I swear. No way would I do that to a girl her age – I’d be in big trouble with the law if I did. The thing is, she fancied me, even made a pass at me when we were alone in the house once; only I turned her down, and she wasn’t happy. Obviously she’s slept with someone, and if what she told me is true, the father could be one of a number of people.’
‘I see, but why did your mum and Danny split up over it?’ Debra inquired.
‘Because he believed his daughter, and mum didn’t. We had one almighty row, he wanted me to leave, but mum told him if I went, she’d go too. And that’s what we did in the end. When mum tried to explain how Lizzie had been eyeing me up, Danny slapped her, and that’s when all hell broke loose. I hit him. I didn’t plan to, it just happened. I was trying to protect her.’
‘How awful to have this so soon after you’ve come back. I expect your mum’s really upset, although I admire her for standing up for you. But that doesn’t help the situation you’re in.’
‘No, it doesn’t dad. She’s hurt more than she’ll ever admit. I’m really concerned over her, and I don’t know what she’ll do now.’
‘Well, if it gets too difficult, come and live up here with us, for as long as you like or until she finds a new place of her own.’
‘I don’t think I’ll be doing that. She needs me now Danny’s not around.’
Soon afterwards Tim sloped upstairs, leaving Bob and Debra to do the washing up together.
‘So what do you make of that?’ Debra spoke quietly.
‘God knows – but it’s an odd set of circumstances. Mind you, the last time we were down there I saw Lizzie eyeing him up and down. You can see the attraction, he’s a fine strapping lad – no wonder the girls go for him.’ Then added on a lighter note, ‘Rather like his dad, don’t you think?’
‘Don’t flatter yourself, Bob.’ She gave him a playful little push.
‘Anyway, the question is – what do we do about it?’
‘Nothing. There’s nothing we can do. Maria has her own life to live and she’ll live it as she sees fit. No point in getting involved; it will only cause more trouble.’
‘Don’t worry, I’m not that stupid. Although if he wants to stay with us because he’s not happy with Maria, so much the better.’ But Bob knew from what his son had just said that it was out of the question. However, if it came to it, despite what Debra had said previously he’d welcome Tim with open arms.
The next day followed a similar pattern to the previous week, after a shopping trip in the morning, Bob and Tim attended a football match in the afternoon. And although this was a reserve game, neither Bob nor Tim could help getting carried away when their team won a resounding victory. In fact when they were out to dinner on the night they talked about nothing else, it was football all through the meal, and Bob almost forgot Debra was there.
‘Phew, what a day!’ Bob exclaimed with a yawn as he changed into his pyjamas in their bedroom. He felt a little light-headed too because he’d drunk three pints of beer during the meal as had Tim, but he’d seemed as sober as a judge.
Later, lying in bed unable to sleep for thinking over the events of the day, he felt a pang of guilt. He’d been so wrapped up in his son, he hadn’t given Debra much attention and now realised he’d virtually ignored her. Culminating in her driving them back because he’d had too much to drink.
Wondering if she was asleep and thinking he should apologise he snuggled up to her and squeezed her arm gently.
‘Debra, I’m so sorry about tonight. Look, I’m sorry if we got carried away, but we were making up for lost time – it’s been so
long since we’ve seen each other. It won’t happen again – I promise.’
‘I don’t want him living with us permanently, Bob.’ The tone in her voice was flat, making him loosen his grip on her arm.
‘It may not come to that, love. But if he’s unhappy at Maria’s, I can’t let him down. He might leave again and then where will I be.’
‘He’s twenty years old Bob, he’ll do whatever he wants no matter what you say.’
‘I know he will and that’s why I want to pull out all the stops for him now.’
Debra sighed. ‘Well, I can’t stop you, but no matter what you decide, you’ll have to live with the consequences.’
‘And what’s that supposed to mean?’
‘Nothing. I’m just telling you – that’s all.’
‘Just what have you got against him? The lad must have been through a horrific experience, so terrible that he can’t even talk about it to us yet. Somehow I’ve got to help him get his life back on track or Lord knows what’ll happen to him. All I’m asking is for your support for a while. He’ll be on his way soon enough, so surely it’s not too much to ask, is it?’
‘I suppose not,’ Debra reluctantly agreed.
‘And I’m sure he wants you to like him – so couldn’t you at least meet him half way.’
She moved away from him. ‘All right, all right, no need to go on. I’ve said I’ll do my best – haven’t I? Now let’s forget about it and go to sleep.’ She pulled the bedclothes further over her.
He was relieved she’d relented, albeit under duress, he thought. All he wanted to do was help Tim and it would be so much better with Debra on board. He breathed easier, realising he’d have to find time for her too, or all her goodwill would come to an end.
After getting up late the following morning to torrential rain they decided to cancel their trip to Seahouses. Bob lounged about reading his Sunday newspaper and was surprised to see Tim taking an interest in preparing the Sunday lunch. First he pealed the potatoes and carrots and much to Bob’s amazement he even made an apple crumble. Where he’d learned to cook was a mystery but he was making an effort to be friendly to Debra.
Once again after the meal Tim got up to help with the washing up, encouraging his dad to have a well-earned rest. When everything had been put away Debra went out to do a spot of gardening. The weather had cleared up, and the sun was doing its best to break through the clouds. Tim followed, offering to help with the weeding. Initially Debra seemed a little riled, perhaps working alone would be her way of relaxing and give her time to think, but in the end they both seemed to get along fine. And at three o’clock it took a little coaxing by Bob to get Tim to come in and get ready to go home.
On the way to the station Bob felt elated with the turnout of events and said, ‘Glad to see you’re making an effort with Debra, son – I appreciate it. I think sometimes she feels left out, once you and I get together.’
‘I understand that dad - and I do so want us all to be one big happy family. She didn’t appear to want any help at first, but I think I’ve won her over and I’m sure we can become good friends. I’m doing my best to make her like me. I’d hate it if she didn’t, and it would make it difficult for me when I visit at weekends.’
‘Don’t worry, everything will work out, I can feel it in my bones,’ Bob assured him.
‘I feel sorry for mum though. If it wasn’t for Lizzie, she and Danny would still be together. Although now Danny has shown his true colours, maybe in one way it will be for the best. The only thing is mum’s so down, I wish I knew how to get her out of it.’
‘Just give her your love and support. She’ll sort herself out eventually, so let her get on with it.’
‘I don’t like the fact that you and mom have split up. I realise me leaving didn’t help. I’m back now - wouldn’t it be great if the two of you could get back together again?’ He looked ahead rather than at his dad.
Bob smiled sadly, he could see where his son was coming from, but there was much he didn’t know and may never find out.
‘Tim, leave it, will you? There’s no way we’ll ever get back together again – not now. So I’d appreciate it if you’d shut up about it.’
But his stern reply, ‘You never can tell what the future holds.’ Led Bob to reflect on their conversation on his drive back home. What had the lad meant? And, more to the point, what was he up to.
Chapter 28
Once more eagerly awaiting the arrival of Tim’s train, Maria waited patiently. Then as the train pulled into Dexford station, and the passengers started to step onto the platform she saw him. He seemed happy, had he had a good time with his father or was he glad to see her? It wasn’t that she minded sharing him, it was the threat of losing him, which was always at the back of her mind.
She kissed him on the cheek, before they walked back to her car, parked just outside the station.
‘Have you enjoyed yourself?’ She asked him once they were inside the car.
‘Yes, not too bad.’
‘And are you getting on all right with your dad?’
‘Yes, fine. I love it when it’s the two of us, but when that Debra’s there, it’s not the same. She tries hard but I’m sure she doesn’t like me. She puts up with me because she has to, but I think she’ll try to make sure I can’t come too often in the future. That’ll make things difficult for dad.’
‘Yes, but she can’t stop you from going, as long as your dad wants you to visit.’
‘She might make things awkward for him though, and then what’ll he do?’
‘He’ll do what he thinks is best, I should imagine.’
Tim chose to drop the subject saying, ‘And how are you mum? Did you miss me?’
‘Of course I did.’
‘At least you’re not on your own, you have got nan and granddad for company?’
‘Yes but it’s not quite the same.’
‘I think deep down you’d like to get back with dad again.’
Maria gave a haughty laugh. ‘What makes you think that? That’ll never happen.’
‘Who knows?’ Tim replied flatly.
Maria pulled a face at this and didn’t comment further. If he thought they’d get back together again he’d be disappointed.
On their arrival home Tim received a warm welcome from his grandparents, Elsie and Joe, who were so thrilled to have him living with them.
After Sunday tea, Tim decided to go to his bedroom to listen to the radio, saying it had been a long day.
‘How’s he been?’ Joe asked his daughter, as he lit up his pipe, sitting in his armchair.
‘Fine, he wants to spend every weekend with his dad, but it seems Bob’s girlfriend isn’t that keen, so I guess he’s glad to come back here.’ She told her parents as she sat down opposite her mum.
‘I do worry over that boy. No one’s found out exactly what he’s been doing these past five years, or what he’ll do in the future. I mean he’s nearly twenty one years old – shouldn’t he be getting a job or something? It’s not healthy to laze about the house all day.’
‘It’s nothing to do with us Elsie, but I know what you mean. He’s always so quiet and withdrawn. Sometimes when you look at him, it’s like he’s on another planet - stares straight through you. Maybe he should see a doctor for a bit of advice, or perhaps a careers adviser.’
‘Mum, dad, stop worrying, will you? All right, so he’s not like he used to be, but that’s to be expected. I have no idea what he went through, but it must have been awful. He’s doing his best, so don’t knock it. We just need to give him time to adjust again. If we do that, I’m sure he’ll come round eventually. Let’s be patient with him, ok?’ Hoping this would bring the conversation to an end, she picked up a magazine and pretended to read it.
Considering what his daughter had just said, Joe took the pipe out of his mouth, looked at it, decided it was out, and lit it again with his gold lighter saying, ‘Well, you’re his mother. Hope you know what you’re doing.’
‘Ok, that’s your choice,’ he agreed. ‘But remember we’re here to help any way we can – you only have to ask.’
‘Thanks for that, I’m very grateful,’ Maria smiled. She turned to the next page in the magazine, unable to concentrate, knowing full well what her parents said was true.
Two weeks later on the Monday, Maria was upstairs putting away her washing when she passed Tim’s open bedroom door and saw him lying there staring into space.
‘Are you all right?’ She asked, walking to his doorway.
‘What! No... not really.’ His face pale and drawn.
Maria went in and sat down beside him asking, ‘So what’s wrong?’
He hesitated for a moment. ‘It’s dad. He’s changed, and isn’t the same with me any more, not like he was in the beginning. I keep worrying he won’t want me to go up there. That Debra has been talking about me. She sees me as a threat to her cosy little life – but honestly I’m not. I only want to be with dad every week if I can. He’s really not that happy with her, because when we’re alone together, he keeps talking about you, about how it was before I left, and how happy we all were.’
‘Oh yes –’
‘I’m sure he’d like to get back together with you. Especially now he knows you’ve split from Danny - and when we meet he always asks me how you are.’
Maria laughed, surprised how easily her heart began to thump against her chest. Maybe she did want him back too, despite his attitude towards her in the past. But he’d have to apologise first, acknowledge he’d made a mistake about her having an affair. But he’d never do that.