by Peter Martin
Maybe he would regret his reaction, but his feelings for her had gone. And as for Tim, well, she was wrong about him as well. He’d have done anything for the lad – hadn’t he proved that by all the weekends they’d spent together since his return?
With no intention of catching Maria up he walked slowly out of the park, back towards the town centre and the multi-storey car park. He felt a measure of relief now Maria had gone and even more so when she wasn’t waiting by his car. Obviously she was making her own way home and there was no need for him to go back to her parents’ house.
The traffic was horrendous when he drove out of the car park, taking half an hour just to get onto the motorway. On his journey home he felt concerned about what that ‘silly woman’, as he thought of her, might say to Tim. If she tried to ruin his relationship with his son, he’d soon put them both right on that score.
Four hours later, he arrived back at Cliffburn. He’d thought it better to go on his own to see Tim, but on reflection the scene in the park wouldn’t have taken place if Debra had been there. As he stopped the car outside his house, he realised there was much to tell Debra, and hoped she’d be understanding about it.
Looking at his watch, he saw it was almost ten o’clock. He’d phoned earlier to say he was on his way, and if he wasn’t back by ten, not to wait up. But he expected she’d still be up, and would want to find out the news.
After hanging his coat up and going to the toilet he made his way to the living room. He opened the door to find the only light in the room was that coming from the television screen. Debra was lying on the sofa and looked up at him with a smile.
‘You’re late aren’t you?’ She moved up the sofa, to sit up at one end.
‘Yeah, well I had to stop longer than I anticipated.’ He sat down beside her, took her hand, and yawned. ‘I’m shattered. Two, four hour journeys in one day is too much.’
‘Why didn’t you stay overnight?’
‘Because I wanted to get back to you.’
She squeezed his hand. ‘So how’s Tim?’
‘He’s all right, better than he was. But he has genuinely been ill, he’s lost weight and looks rather pale.’
‘I’m glad he’s on the mend. So is he coming up here next week?’
‘He’d better be, or there’ll be trouble. I won’t stand for it Debra. I get the idea she’s up to something .’
‘So, I gather you didn’t have a very pleasant day?’ She said, seemingly pleased with the situation.
‘You could say that. At least I can rest easy about Tim’s health. Can’t wait to see him next week. Pity there’s no football next Saturday, but I’m sure we’ll find something else to do.’
‘Good for you Bob. I’m glad I didn’t come down with you, I hate it when there’s a bad atmosphere.’
‘Yes, well it had to be done. I had to go.’
She moved over and delicately kissed him on the lips, but he felt a little uncomfortable, on edge even. He didn’t feel like telling her about his meeting with Maria, not at the moment anyway. He just couldn’t stand the barrage of questions that would no doubt be asked. There’d be time enough for that later on when he’d drop it out that Maria had wanted to try again. But for now he must stop thinking about it, he’d had enough stress for one day.
Debra seemed to take in his mood and without passing any further comment switched the TV off, then went into the hall and bolted the front door, saying ‘I’m going up to bed now Bob.’
‘Ok, I won’t be long.’ He replied.
As he climbed the stairs that night he knew he’d been deceitful, but was also aware that it hadn’t been an easy day.
He was certain Tim had arranged for his friend to come to the café, so he and Maria could be alone. He was angry with the lad and would have it out with him when the right moment arose.
The following week passed by uneventfully, and Bob now looked forward to seeing his son again at the weekend. He’d telephoned midweek to ask if Tim was well enough to travel, and apparently he couldn’t wait to spend time with them.
That Friday evening Tim arrived eager to talk about what his father had planned for the weekend. He appeared to be in quite a good mood and after eating a late tea he went up to his room to listen to his music.
While Bob was overjoyed to see Tim, he was still dwelling on what had happened the previous week. And it had to be dealt with.
As he got to the top of the stairs, Bob could see Tim’s bedroom door was closed. After pausing for a few moments he walked straight in to his room without knocking, closing the door behind him. Tim was lying on the bed, earphones in, listening to music. He gave his dad a broad smile, but Bob just raised an eyebrow, and indicated for Tim to take out his earphones.
‘All right dad, how’s it going?’
‘Never mind that now. I want to know what you think you’re playing at.’
‘You what? I don’t know what you’re on about.’
‘You, that’s what I’m talking about, playing cupid to me and your mother. How dare you interfere in matters that are none of your concern? In future stay out of our private lives – you hear?’
‘Dad, I was only trying to help. Mum loves you so much – and wants you back more than anything in the world. What’s wrong with that?’
‘Oh sure she does because Danny’s no longer on the scene. You did all this behind my back, forcing me to keep it from Debra, which I never wanted to do.’
‘All right, sorry dad, but my heart was in the right place - honestly. It’s hurting everyone so much to see you apart. You can’t blame me for wanting you and mum to be together again, can you?’
‘Yes but leaving us alone like that made your mother think it may be possible for us to try again, when she’d probably never even considered it. And if this conversation is anything to go on I bet you convinced her I wanted her back. Now she’s been hurt again for nothing. Can’t you see it’s Debra I love now, not her. If I’d wanted to get back with your mother, I’d have done so myself before now. What gave you the right to meddle in our affairs?’
Bob thought he heard Tim grinding his teeth together, his eyes were twitching too. But then he seemed to regain control of himself.
‘I don’t know, do I? And why can’t you be together again? Dad, surely you wouldn’t really rather be with Debra, would you?’
‘Why shouldn’t I want to be with her? She’s a very special person, twice the person your mother will ever be.’
‘You’ve got to be joking. If you knew what she’s really like, you wouldn’t be so keen.’
‘Oh yes. And what’s that supposed to mean? Are you trying to tell me you know more about her than I do?’
‘Yes dad I do, and you’re too blind to notice. I’ve never felt comfortable about her since the moment we met. She’s one of a kind, the type who should never marry and are incapable of having a lasting relationship. These people can never stick solely to one person.’
‘What do you know about it? You’ve turned into a little meddler since you’ve come back.’
‘Look Dad, you don’t have to be married, or getting on in age, to get the measure of someone. I’m telling you there are people who can’t resist flirting and having affairs with anyone they meet. Whether it’s in the blood I don’t know.’
Bob seemed bemused by his son’s outburst and the way he saw life, and for a split second found it impossible to speak. What was the answer to Tim’s accusation? He wasn’t exactly accusing Debra of being unfaithful, but of being capable. Then thinking he’d had enough said, ‘Now you look here Tim, this is another one of your ploys to get me and your mother together again. You’re trying to come between Debra and me and it won’t wash.’
‘Dad, on a couple of occasions while you were out, I overhead her on the phone to someone. And I’m certain she wasn’t talking to you. She sounded all lovey-dovey and from what I could glean she mentioned ‘The Tower’. Has she been to London?’
‘Don’t be so ridiculous, course she
hasn’t.’
‘You could check the phone records, and then you’ll have the answer!’
‘That’s it, I’ve had enough. First thing tomorrow morning you’re out of here - you hear me?’
‘I wouldn’t be so hasty if I were you dad – I just might tell Debra what actually happened in Dexford last weekend.’
Bob saw red. And as Tim clenched his fists together, Bob feared he was witnessing his son’s true colours, and he didn’t like what he was seeing. He couldn’t believe how this had flared up into an argument so quickly.
‘You do my lad, and you’ll regret it,’ Bob warned him.
But the smug expression remained on Tim’s face, leaving Bob with the desire to give him a good thrashing there and then, but with Debra downstairs it didn’t seem the right thing to do. It even led him to wonder if his son’s illness had been feigned – again to get his parents together. With all this going through his mind and pointing his finger at him, he said, ‘I’m not arguing with you. As far as Debra’s concerned you’re still ill, and you want to go home. I’ll wake you first thing in the morning, and you’d better go along with what I’ve just said, or else.’ With that he left the room, slamming the door shut in anger.
Outside on the landing Bob trembled with fury, realising he didn’t know his son as well as he thought. It would be awful for Debra to find out what had transpired last week from another source, and so he had to tell her before Tim had the chance to open his big mouth.
‘How’s he doing?’ Debra asked when he came back into the living room.
‘He not very well again. I’m taking him back to the station first thing in the morning. He wants to go home, where he can go to his own doctor if he needs to.’
‘Oh right. That’s a shame, isn’t it Bob?’
‘Well, it can’t be helped.’ He smiled, thinking for once I can’t wait to get rid of him.
The next morning Bob made sure he got up early, and by seven o’clock was ready to face what could be a difficult day. He made his way to Tim’s room and shook him vigorously by the arm to wake him up.
‘Oh for God’s sake dad,’ Tim moaned.
‘Never mind that, get yourself dressed – I’m taking you to the station, as soon as you’re had breakfast.’
‘And what if I won’t?’
‘Don’t push me son.’ Bob pointed a finger almost in his face.
‘All right, all right, I’m coming.’
‘And be quiet, I don’t want you waking Debra.’
Tim pulled a face but did as he was told. Bob had already eaten his porridge and was preparing a second lot of toast when Tim came into the kitchen, his overnight bag on his shoulder.
While Bob finished the washing up, Tim ate a bowl of Frosties, and the two slices of toast his father had made.
‘Come on, get a move on - will you? There’s a train at eight, and you’re going to be on it,’ Bob told him bluntly.
‘Sure – whatever,’ Tim said in reply.
Ten minutes later they sat in Bob’s car, making for Cliffburn railway station - the roads were quiet as always early on a Saturday morning.
‘That first train isn’t due for another fifteen minutes, so you’ll be in plenty of time for that,’ Bob said sharply as he drove.
‘You’re making a big mistake dad. The biggest mistake of your life.’
‘Maybe I am, but that’s my choice.’
‘We could be one big happy family again – just the three of us. But you’ve blown it for that hussy – you must be mad.’
‘Shut up about it. Haven’t you caused enough trouble over the last few weeks? It was bad enough you sloping off for five years without a word to anyone, and now you’re back everyone’s pussyfooting around frightened to ask where you’ve been. And to top that these allegations about Debra are too much for me to take.’
Tim grinned, saying ‘I won’t forget what you’ve done dad, and mum won’t either, even if she hasn’t said how upset she is.’
‘Well, it seems to me your mother isn’t as bothered as you make out, you’re just trying hard to get your own way again. But I don’t want to hear another word out of you or I’ll stop the car, and you can walk the rest of the way – all right?’
Tim scowled but kept quiet then. Bob turned the radio up to drown out the bad atmosphere and was glad when they arrived at the station car park.
He had no intention of helping Tim with his luggage and remained in the car with the engine running. But when Tim reached for his overnight bag saying ‘Be seeing you dad,’ he ignored the comment by adding ‘It’s about time you got yourself a job and paid your way.’ Then he drove off without looking back, and for the first time Bob was glad Tim had gone. But somehow he didn’t think this was the end of the matter.
Chapter 30
Maria was shattered, she’d had a difficult week at work, and at times thinking back to last weekend, had become very emotional. Tim had convinced her his father wanted to try again so the three of them could start a new life together. Initially the idea of rekindling any feeling for Bob wasn’t what she’d wanted at all. But when they were unexpectedly left alone in the café last Saturday afternoon she started to see the idea in a different light. Tim had obviously arranged to bump into his friend, but the plan he had concocted had gone terribly wrong. And what had happened to the so called job at Stuart’s dad’s garage?
On the way back home she’d found it hard to stop herself from crying. Initially she had thought it impossible to rekindle her feelings for Bob. But thrown together for a couple of hours as they had been, brought hope that he would want her again – but instead he’d rejected her. That was it now. She had her pride after all. She had Tim and her own parents. For the time being that would have to be enough.
A week later she was helping her mother prepare the Saturday lunch when her reverie was broken on hearing a commotion in the hall. She turned round to see the kitchen door open, and in walked Tim.
‘Tim – what are you doing back here this early? Is something wrong?’
‘No, why should there be? I’ve come home because I got bored.’ He spoke without looking at her.
‘Bored? You’ve hardly had time to be bored.’
‘Well to be honest he seems more interested in Debra right now. So I’ve decided to have a few weeks off from them.’
Maria’s face dropped in surprise. ‘Well, his loss is my gain. So we have you to ourselves at last.’
‘Looks that way, mum. Listen, all right if I go upstairs to change? Oh and I wondered if there’s enough food for me to have dinner with you?’
‘Yes, we always make too much anyway.’ His nan butted in, looking rather perturbed.
The rest of the day seemed uneventful. No one broached the subject, but everyone must have guessed something was amiss.
Then later that evening when her parents had retired to bed, Maria went to see if Tim was ok. The door was open, he had his earphones in listening to music. As she came in she motioned him to turn the music off because she wanted to talk. But it was Tim who started the conversation, ‘Dad told me it didn’t go well last weekend, mum.’
‘No, not very well at all. He doesn’t want me anymore. The funny thing is at first I wasn’t really bothered about getting back together again, but when I was in his company I sort of warmed to the idea. I was so disappointed, but now realise it’s probably for the best.’ But her face belied her words.
‘I don’t understand, mum. What’s the matter with him?’
‘I have no idea, but I have to accept what he told me. Now I need to get on with my life, put this behind me, as I should have done years ago. I’m going to file for divorce.’ A tremor came in her voice as she said this.
‘Mum, are you mad? Don’t give up so easily. We could still be together again. He doesn’t know what I know – and when he finds out he’ll realise his mistake.’
‘Tim, what are you talking about now?’
‘It’s Debra, and what I overheard. I tried to tell him,
but he wouldn’t listen. She’s seeing another man, perhaps more than one. I heard her on the phone after dad had gone out for a takeaway. I’d come out of the downstairs cloakroom - she must have thought I’d gone upstairs to the bathroom - and there she was flirting with whoever it was. Then she mentioned looking forward to visiting ‘The Tower’ and acting coy.’
‘Well your father did say something about a teaching conference in Blackpool.’
‘There you are then. I naturally thought London when I heard ‘The Tower’, but it could be the Blackpool Tower, and the coquettish remarks she was making were downright embarrassing!’
‘But what can you do about it?’
‘Like I said, he wouldn’t listen.’
‘So how will you get round that?’
‘He’ll believe me when I get the evidence. First I’ll try to find out if there was a teaching conference in Blackpool and if there wasn’t I’ll know she was lying. And if dad reacts like he did when he virtually threw you out because he chose to believe somebody else, then he’ll be on his own again.’
‘I don’t like the sound of this Tim,’ Maria admitted, stroking her cheek with her hand.
‘Mum – he needs to know the truth. How ironic would it be if I can show him she’s doing what he thought you did?’
‘Well he found it easy enough to believe I was having an affair, but from my point of view, I don’t care what she’s getting up to, I’d just like to prove my innocence.’
‘Look just leave everything to me. I’m very good at things like that.’
Maria admired him for his tenacity, but she wouldn’t be coerced into a plot to discredit Debra in order to gain Bob’s affections. After all she’d believed Tim once, and he’d been wrong and one rejection was enough.
‘Be careful what you say to your dad. You don’t want to fall out with him, and I wouldn’t want you to either.’
‘Mum, once he realises what a fraud she is, he’ll thank me and come running back to us, I’m sure.’
Maria kissed him on the forehead. She loved him so much and always would. He was the best son anyone could ever wish for, despite the uncertainty of those missing five years.