Rayn’s hand was shaking as she lit up. “Thanks Amelia. But I suppose if I want it that bad, I’d better give these up,” she said, turning to Amelia, “But I’m not giving up the cigars though.”
“I’m just as bad really,” said Amelia. “We’re supposed to give up fast foods, sugar, salt, fizzy drinks – the list goes on and on, including alcohol.”
“It’s supposed to reward you with a long and healthy life,” said Rayn, trying to look on the bright side.
“I can’t see that giving up everything worth living for just to go on living is a very logical philosophy,” replied Amelia. “Apart from the cigarettes, I think we’re doing okay. Don’t you?” Amelia was remembering her failed attempts to give up on her favourite bacon sandwiches.
“Good for you, Amelia,” said Rayn. “I reckon if we split it down the middle we should get a bit of both.” She slipped off her glasses.
“How do I look?” she asked.
“Not too bad,” replied Amelia. “Your eyes have cleared, unfortunately.”
“What? Why?” Rayn demanded to know.
“Because they matched your hair.” They laughed and things got back to normal.
“Come on Rayn, Let’s cheer ourselves up and go down and raid the fridge, I’m ravenous again.”
***
In the afternoon, despite the weather, they walked down to the caravan site. It was mainly to retrieve the tracksuit that Nigel had given to Rayn, but also to check on the animals and make a fuss of Horace. The rain wouldn’t let up and, as they struggled back, Amelia suddenly made an announcement. “I’ve decided what we’re going to do on Saturday.”
“What do you mean, we? It’s your birthday,” said Rayn.
“Exactly, and I can do whatever I like, can’t I?” Amelia responded, with a grin.
“What exactly are you up to, Amelia?” Rayn had become wary.
“We,” said a jubilant Amelia, “are going to dress up nicely, no make-up though, ‘must keep the management happy’ and get a taxi into Grabsum Moore. It’s a better shopping centre. We shop till we ruin the economy, then we go over to Warem Down where I’ll take you to Hunters Lodge for dinner. How’s that?”
“Amelia,” answered Rayn. “That sounds wonderful. But I can’t accept. Sorry.”
“Why ever not?” she asked, bewildered.
“You know why. I can’t afford it,” Rayn was adamant.
“But I’m paying for everything,” insisted Amelia.
“That’s why I can’t. It won’t be right. It’s not me, Amelia.”
Amelia stopped. She stood there, her wet hair plastered to her face, rain dripping from her nose and chin. Suddenly she felt very foolish. Embarrassed at having embarrassed her friend. “I’m sorry, Rayn. That was a bit thoughtless of me. I should have realised.”
“That’s okay, I know you mean well. It’s just that I can’t let you,” Rayn explained.
“Let’s re-think this then.”
“Tell you what,” said Rayn. “Just buy me a set of windscreen wipers for these damn glasses. I never imagined it would be such a problem.”
They walked on for a while until Amelia decided to try again. “Well how about we go to Grabsum Moor for an afternoon of window shopping, try on some shoes and things, then I’ll buy us dinner? My treat. How’s that instead?”
“It sounds great, but I’m still not sure I trust you,” said a wary Rayn.
“You would be making a birthday girl very happy,” wheedled Amelia.
Rayn laughed. “Okay,” she replied. “But I can’t return the favour on my birthday, you know that.”
“Don’t worry,” said Amelia. “We’ll think of something.”
“When you say ‘don’t worry’, that’s when I start worrying.” said Rayn, with a sense of foreboding.
The training session went well that evening. Nigel was very pleased to see that Rayn had fully recovered. She in turn did everything he said and if she couldn’t get it right she kept going till she did.
She had been watching Amelia on the parallel bars – so smooth and controlled, with Nigel at her side like a guardian angel. When Amelia took a toilet break, Nigel quietly spoke to her. “Don’t worry, Rayn. We’ll get you there.”
“Really?” said Rayn.
“Oh yeah. You’re half way there already. As soon as your face heals we’ll start you off. Can’t risk another accident, or I’d be in trouble with G-Dad and your mum. Can’t have that.”
“Why George?” she asked, without thinking.
“He said I had to look after you,” replied Nigel. “Both of you. He said you were very special and I had to do my very best. I’m afraid that’s why I had to hit you. It was the only way. I’m really very sorry about that,” he apologised.
“Don’t worry. It’s not the first hit I’ve taken. Anyway, it worked.”
Nigel looked at her. “I was a lot like you at your age. Fast, tough, always ready for a fight to show off how good I was. Got me into a lot of trouble. I can see how bad you want it. It’s in your eyes. I know how you feel and that helps us. You’ll end up a lot better than Amelia because you want it more.” He paused for a moment, looking a little sheepish. “Don’t tell her I said that, will you?” he said. “I’ll be in trouble again.”
When Amelia returned he continued. “Now, round that circuit again. Keep those legs straight, toes pointed. Go! Go! Go! Rayn, it’s not a race. Amelia, stop egging her on, you don’t have time to think about winning or losing. Every movement is a thought, when you’re going up you’re thinking of coming down, and when you’re coming down you’re thinking of your next move. Life is more than the perfect pizza and a horror movie. This isn’t what you do, it’s what you are.”
With a tirade of support from the young athlete the girls had the satisfaction of reaching new heights in their efforts, and they could actually feel the difference.
During the warm down Amelia asked Nigel if they could get in an early extra-long run the next morning.
“Sorry girls, I’ve got an early run with G-Dad, he needs a lift to go and pick up a heavy duty 4 by 4 he has to convert. Why don’t you go on your own? Wait till it gets light and go and enjoy yourselves, you know the routine.”
“Are you sure you don’t mind Nigel, we’d love to.”
“Yeah, why not. It’s about time we took the bubble wrap off. Just don’t overdo it or you’ll get me the sack.” He laughed, confident with his decision.
Back in the house Rayn confessed, “I was wondering about that ‘bubble wrap’ remark Amelia. It somehow makes me think we’ve been protected.”
“Don’t start that again Rayn, I feel really great, don’t spoil it, please.”
Chapter Twelve
Saturday finally arrived. Amelia was up early despite herself.
“There you are,” she said, giving her clock a gentle pat, “this is one day I don’t need you.” It sat there blank-faced where she had pulled the plug.
Back in her tracksuit she went down to the kitchen and put the kettle on. A sudden knock on the back door made her jump. “Nigel. What are you doing here so early?” she said as she unlocked and opened the door.
“Hi, Amelia. I didn’t expect anyone to be up yet,” said Nigel. He came in, rubbing his hands together against the cold. “Lucy said it was your day off. She left the coach gates and the side gates unlocked and said to dump everything in the yard. Made me jump when the lights went on. By the way, happy birthday.”
“Thanks Nigel,” she answered. “Well, I’m here now. Let’s get this stuff in here and I’ll do your breakfast. Okay?”
She couldn’t believe the size of the order. They filled the utility room and then the kitchen. Amelia was at a loss as to what to do. They had to use the shop space for the potted shrubs and ferns.
“What is she up to?” Amelia asked Nigel.
“Don’t ask me,” called Nigel as he headed out for more. He came back with a stack of plastic pots. “This must be a first,” he said.” I thought your mum
wasn’t too keen on these.”
“But my mum hates plastic pots. She just refuses to use them. What on earth is she doing behind my back?” Amelia was mystified.
By the time they had finished unloading, and Nigel was on his third bacon and mushroom sandwich, Amelia excitedly told him of her and Rayn having dinner at the Hunters Lodge restaurant. “What are you up to today?” she asked him.
“Oh, nothing much. A few bits and pieces this morning. Afternoon’s free though.”
“What are you going to do with it?” she said by way of conversation.
Nigel suddenly looked a bit nervous and he actually blushed. He finished his sandwich and put down his cup. “Oh, nothing much. You know nothing special, gotta go, and see ya.” Then abruptly got up and left.
“I wonder what that was all about?” she asked herself as she locked the gates behind him.
Amelia woke her mother as usual that morning. She had insisted that she didn’t want Mrs Orugo coming in just because it was her day off and her mother had gratefully conceded defeat. They sat and had breakfast together, just as Amelia wanted on her birthday.
“Why have you ordered so much stock for today, Mum? What’s going on?” Amelia asked. Lucy explained about the Vicar’s anti-Halloween service and his request for ‘any old stock’.
“I’ve heard about it but I didn’t know you were footing the bill. He’s got a nerve.”
“Not really, we get a lot of business through him. Not only for the church, but people see the displays and they imagine they can grow flowers like us and arrange them like Mrs Atkinson. She really is talented; I must say that for her. So it’s just a bit of subliminal advertising really”
“But Mum,” argued Amelia. “You’ve never been in the church to see them, so how do you know?”
“Ah, I’ve got my spies, complete with cameras. I’ve even pinch some of her ideas, on occasions,” her mother confessed with a wide grin.
“What’s with the plastic pots then?”
“Hey, I’m giving my stuff to the vicar. He’s certainly not getting my pots. I’m not that generous. Anyway, it’s time we had a clear out. It’ll be a busy day on Sunday, I’m afraid.”
“Rayn and I will help out,” offered Amelia.
“No, it’s okay. Bridie’s coming in,” said Lucy.
“Oh, that’s nice of her,” remarked Amelia.
“I don’t know. It’s costing me double time,” Lucy grinned. “The happy face of capitalism. By the way, are you eating out today?”
“Yes, I’m taking Rayn to Hunters Lodge. It’s a first for both of us.”
“Have you got enough money? That place is expensive.”
“Yes Mum, I’ve got the day covered.”
“Well, be careful. The last time I ate in there the steak was so rare I think that with a little TLC it would have lived.”
Amelia laughed. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure I eat my vegetables,” she conceded.
“Well,” said Lucy. “If you don’t eat plenty of roughage, life becomes a strain.” And she laughed at her own joke.
“Oh, thanks Mum,” replied Amelia grinning. “I really needed those words of wisdom. Today of all days.”
Bridie and Rayn arrived, and when Bridie saw the amount of stock on the shop floor she frowned.
“Wait till you see the utility room and the kitchen. She’s gone absolutely insane,” Amelia told her. Bridie looked around, formulating a plan of action.
“No problem,” responded Bridie. “I’ll get the keys and some of this stuff can go in the tap room. It’s stopped raining and the wind has dropped so Lucy, if you tell me which of these larger trees and things can take it, I’ll stick then out the front. That should give us some space to work.”
“You can put the Japanese maple and the Bay trees out for a start,” said Lucy. “I’ll price them up later.”
Bridie stared uncertainly at the small forest in front of her. “Er… could you just point to them, or I’m going to have to put numbers on them.”
“We’ll help,” Amelia said.
“No you won’t,” Bridie blasted at them. “This is all for you. Now get out of here. I’ve got work to do. That’s after you’ve made me a cup of coffee first. You too, Lucy?”
“So what are you wearing today?” asked Amelia when they’d retreated to the bedroom.”
“I don’t know really.” Rayn replied. “I didn’t want to wear jeans again today, but it looks like I’m stuck.”
“Don’t you have anything else?” remarked Amelia.
“Not really. Actually, no, I haven’t.” Rayn sighed again, heavily, and her shoulders slumped.
“I’m sorry Rayn, I didn’t know.” said Amelia. “Hang on; I’ve just had an idea. Be back in a moment.” She ran out of the room and went down stairs. A few minutes later she called up.
“Come down Rayn. Problem solved.”
Rayn found herself in Lucy’s bedroom. Amelia slid back the wardrobe door and revealed an array of jeans, slacks, jumpers, blouses and cardigans.
“Amelia! What are you doing?” exclaimed Rayn. She didn’t mind upsetting her own mother, but with Lucy she was way out of her depth.
“Mum said we can borrow anything we like. She never wears half of it anyway,” Amelia replied, looking quite pleased with herself.
“Amelia. You didn’t tell your mum I had nothing to wear, did you?” Rayn was near to panic.
“No, of course I didn’t, what do you take me for? I told her I didn’t have anything to wear, and it worked,” replied Amelia, laughing. “So, let’s both pick something from here. I think most things should fit us anyway.” She pulled out a pair of beige slacks and tried them on. “A bit tight in the backside,” she commented.
“They make your bum look nice,” laughed Rayn. “If I were that way inclined I’d take a second look.”
“Really?” said Amelia.
“Really,” agreed Rayn. They both laughed and together they sorted out a white blouse, blue skirt and a soft brown cardigan for Amelia.
“That’ll do me nicely,” she said. “Now, what about you. Hello, what’s this?” She pulled out a low-cut, sleeveless jumper and a brown silk blouse. Then handed her a pair of white slacks. “Try this, there’s plenty more.”
Amelia slipped on her mother’s blouse and surveyed herself in the mirror. “This looks a bit baggy, don’t you think?”
Rayn laughed. “That’s because you’re supposed to have a chest in there with you.”
Having finally deciding on an outfit each they set the ironing board up in the kitchen just as a bulldozer disguised as Bridie steamed through. She informed them that as she was in and out and needed the room, if they didn’t move she would summon the demons of Hell and turn them both into snails.
“It’s not fair,” said Rayn, as they began dragging everything upstairs. “Why pick on snails? They’re nice.”
“What’s nice about snails?” Amelia shuddered.
“I don’t know,” replied Rayn, “but they tell me the French love them.” They fell up the stairs, laughing.
***
Having spent the rest of the morning ‘prettying up’, as Rayn called it, they were finally dressed and ready, waiting in the shop for their taxi.
“Amelia, Rayn,” said Lucy, and handed them a sealed envelope. “It’s for both of you. It’s not from us. All we know is that you’re not to open it till you get into town. Okay?”
“What on earth?” said Amelia. Rayn just looked at the envelope wishing desperately for x-ray vision.
“We can’t guarantee we can wait, but we’ll give it a try,” she said.
Lucy gave her open palm shrug and Bridie burst out laughing. The taxi arrived and, after giving their respective mothers a hug, they flew out the door.
After a few minutes in the taxi Rayn made a grab for the envelope. Amelia, who’d been expecting it, was too quick for her and they rolled around, laughing and wrestling.
“Hey!” shouted the driver. “You stopa moving
pliss. You shud upa you faces. Yes?” The two girls stopped and apologised and he continued. “I don meana do shouding. My English is not so good. Okay?”
“One thing’s for sure,” said Rayn. “You speak our language better than we could speak yours.”
“Whatever it is,” added Amelia. “Where are you from?”
“I from Portugal, but I born in Hungary,” he told them and went back to his driving.
They didn’t turn left at the Moonraker but instead went straight on. Amelia saw that the pond, which had given the old pub its name had been refurbished and a fountain added. The architect had obviously lost the plot, but it looked nice. After a few minutes they passed a sign that informed them that Grabsum Moor was another eight miles. “Oh, give me a break,” exclaimed Rayn. “What boring nutter was allowed to name these places? Grabsum Moor, Tethers End, Warem Down. Who are these people?”
“We did this in primary school,” said Amelia. “Apparently, Tethers End is where the Lord of the Manor at Tetherington Hall housed his peasant workers.”
“What about Warem Down then?” asked Rayn.
“That comes from Cromwell. It was one of the training camps for his new style army. It used to be called War on the Downs.”
“I just can’t wait to hear about the next one,” said Rayn, faking a yawn.
“They say,” Amelia continued her lecture, “but nobody knows for sure, that it was the place everyone took their church taxes.” Rayn made a gagging sound. “Ten per cent of everything they produced, I think it was,” said Amelia with a broad grin on her face. “It was nicknamed Grabsum Moor in medieval times. The church was supposed to distribute it among the poor but all the records were lost during the reformation. There are lots of strange town names around here. They’re supposedly named after those improbable invisible dead straight ‘ley’ lines that connect places together around the world”
“I wish I’d never asked,” Rayn said. “You mean to tell me you found this interesting enough to remember?”
“Not really,” Amelia laughed. “It’s just that I knew that someday some moron would ask me. It was worth the wait.”
“Bitch!” shouted Rayn and punched Amelia on the arm. The driver’s voice cut in from the front seat.
The Chrysalid Conspiracy Page 17