Friends and Lovers

by June Francis

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  ‘Cruising down the river on a Sunday afternoon,’ warbled Dot that same evening as she and Viv rested their arms on the rails of the Royal Iris.

  ‘You’re out of date,’ said Viv, fanning herself with her handbag. ‘And it’s not Sunday and it’s not afternoon.’ They were having a cruise on the River Mersey. Below deck music was playing and people were dancing.

  ‘It’s the only cruising song I can think of,’ said Dot, easing her dress away from her skin. ‘Isn’t it incredible how much heat you can catch from people?’

  Vivien stared out over the dark oily waters of the Mersey. ‘It’s the dancing that gets you hot, idiot … and getting steamed up over girls making goo-goo eyes at Phil. As well as the drink. How many Babychams have you had?’

  ‘How many Babychams have I had?’ Dot’s voice rose. ‘You’ve got a cheek! You’ve been tossing them down as if there was no tomorrow. Just because you’re eighteen now there’s no need to go mad.’

  ‘I’ve had three. And you shouldn’t be counting. I’m drowning my sorrows.’

  Dot’s expression changed. ‘Why don’t you go and see if Nick’s come home?’

  ‘He knows where to find me if he has,’ Viv said quietly. Her fingers toyed with the clasp of her handbag. ‘Uncle Steve said Mam was hurt when he gave the present back. He told me that she went to see Nick but he wasn’t in so she spoke to his mother. He believes she was trying to make amends. All she did in the end was mess things up.’

  Dot nodded sympathetically. ‘I bet your mam finds Stephen attractive when he smiles. And he has that lovely curly hair and nice blue eyes.’

  ‘Mam and Stephen? Oh, shut up, Dot! And don’t talk about blue eyes. Nick has blue eyes.’

  Her friend sighed. ‘You’re getting to be a real pain.’

  Viv tossed back her hair. ‘You don’t have to stay with me. Go and find Phil. I’ll be quite all right on my own.’

  Dot raised her eyes to the star-sprinkled sky. ‘We’re mates, aren’t we? Anyway, let’s both go and see if we can find the boys.’

  Viv did not move. She was in no mood to dance with Norm again. He got amorous when he drank too much. Yet she wanted to dance. She was feeling tense, restless, moody. If she did not let off steam somehow she would explode.

  Dot let out a long breath and glanced along the shadowy deck. ‘We really should get back to the dancing because there’s a couple of those Norwegian sailors heading this way and I don’t trust them.’

  ‘Are there?’ Viv twisted round. Suddenly bandying words with a couple of young sailors who had given them the glad eye during the dancing seemed the answer to her overwrought emotions.

  A fair Viking-like giant addressed Viv, his eyes carefully assessing her charms. ‘You dance?’

  ‘No,’ answered Dot for her, pulling her arm. ‘Our boyfriends have just gone to the toilet so you can scram.’

  ‘Scram? What is this scram?’ said the other sailor, who was shorter but tougher-looking.

  ‘It’s go away,’ said Dot, clinging to Viv like the ivy in the song. ‘We don’t want you around.’

  ‘You speak for yourself,’ Viv said firmly.

  The tall Viking smiled at her. ‘You dance with me?’

  ‘Yes,’ she said, returning his smile.

  ‘We dance up here,’ he said, taking her arm. ‘It is romantic with the sea and the stars, would you not say?’

  ‘I might say so if you were someone else, but you’re not,’ replied Viv, amused by his turn of phrase. ‘So it’s downstairs, me laddo.’

  ‘’Tis all right. I will take care of you.’ His hand slid down her arm and caught her fingers.

  Dot hissed, ‘Viv, what are you playing at? You’ll get yourself into trouble.’

  ‘Oh no I won’t,’ she said, flashing her a sparkling look. ‘You go and dance with Phil.’

  ‘We dance now.’ The blond giant grinned and waltzed Viv along the deck. ‘I like you.’

  She sighed inwardly. Someone else had once said they loved her but he probably didn’t any more. ‘Let’s head for the bright lights, if you don’t mind,’ she said. ‘I could do with a drink.’

  The Norwegian bought the drinks, draining his pint glass in a couple of seconds before seizing her hand and pulling her on to the dance floor. He was heavy on his feet, and loud – stamping and clapping, whirling her round with such vigour that her head spun. She determined to enjoy herself. There were more drinks and more dancing. There was smoochy music and the Norwegian held her close, sucking her earlobe and pulling on strands of her hair with his teeth. She wondered what he got out of it and if it tasted of Coty’s L’Aimant. Her head was filling up with fluffy clouds and she wished it could stay that way. She was fed up of hurting. Another drink and the sailor talked of ships and ports. She needed a break and went to the toilet where she found Dot.

  ‘I don’t think I should speak to you,’ said her friend, looking up scarlet-cheeked from straightening her seams. ‘That other bloody Norwegian felt me all over before I managed to get away.’

  ‘Sorry.’ Viv squinted at herself in her compact mirror and jerkily powdered her nose.

  Dot frowned. ‘I wouldn’t drink any more if I were you.’

  ‘I’m having a good time.’ Viv sang a snatch of a song.

  ‘You want to be careful.’

  She closed her compact with a snap and stared fixedly at Dot. ‘I’m a big girl now, you know. And I wish people would let me run my life the way I want.’ Her voice wavered slightly. ‘I wish people would trust me. Nothing’s fun any more.’

  ‘All right, all right,’ cried Dot, looking even more worried than before. ‘Keep your hair on. I won’t interfere. Don’t forget, though, Mam wants us in at a reasonable hour.’

  ‘Oh Lord, Cinderella!’ Viv rolled her eyes. ‘Watch Phil doesn’t turn into a pumpkin and you into a mouse.’ She moved away.

  Her partner found her, bought her another drink, and they danced again. But it was not so easy to dance now because Viv needed to hold on to him to prevent herself from floating away.

  At last the ship docked and everybody started to head for the gangways. The cold air revived Viv as, surrounded by hundreds of other revellers on the Prince’s landing stage, her eyes scanned the crowd for Dot, Phil and Norm. She felt a tug on her hand and looked up into the droopy grey eyes of the Norwegian. ‘I see you home,’ he said.

  ‘No, I’m OK.’ She blinked at him. ‘I’m looking for my friend.’

  ‘Please. You have been with me. It is manners that I see you home.’

  Viv looked about her one more time and then accepted his offer. She took him in the direction of the bus stop, aware that he was more affected than her by drink. There was a long queue for the bus so he suggested a taxi. She accepted and without thinking gave Stephen’s address.

  As soon as the taxi left the kerb the Viking pinned her into a corner, sprawling on top of her. He breathed heavily and gave her several spanking kisses before biting her neck. She was more than annoyed, not only with him but with herself. She could just about breathe and kept trying to push him away but he always came back for more. The taxi driver was singing ‘Hello, young lovers’, and Viv felt like screaming.

  At last the taxi rattled to a halt outside Stephen’s house and the driver shouted, ‘Let’s be having yer, kids. Pay up and get out.’ Viv stumbled out of the taxi but the Norwegian hung on to her, swaying on the pavement as he searched for money with his other hand.

  It was a struggle but Viv managed to free herself and make her way to the front gate, her only thought being to get indoors. She had her key in her hand when she was grabbed from behind and shoved against the fence. The sailor’s hot beery breath was on her cheek but his hands were pushing up her skirts.

  Her heart jerked in her breast with sudden fear. ‘What the hell do you think you’re doing?’ she hissed.

  ‘We make more love,’ he whispered, and sucked her neck.

  She ground her stiletto hee
l into his foot but except for his shaking his leg it didn’t have the effect she’d hoped. He began to fumble with his trousers and she punched his hand hard. He gasped but straightened up. ‘What is wrong with you? Why you play games with me? I not hurt you.’ The words were slurred. ‘It be goot. We make each other very happy.’

  ‘No,’ she gasped, struggling with him. ‘You won’t make me very happy. In fact, you’ll make me bloody miserable.’

  Light suddenly flooded out from the doorway and the next second Viv caught a swift glimpse of Stephen before being flung in the direction of the front door. A moment later and her partner was flat on the ground.

  ‘What the hell’s going on, Steve?’

  When Viv heard her mother’s voice she thought she was dreaming but on turning there she was silhouetted against the light, wearing Stephen’s dressing gown. ‘What’s going on?’ said Viv, blinking at her.

  Hilda stared at her as if she could not believe her eyes. ‘What are you doing here?’

  Viv leant against the doorjamb because her head was suddenly spinning.

  ‘Get inside,’ rasped Stephen. ‘Don’t let’s be having a row on the doorstep.’ He bent over the Norwegian. ‘I’ll have to get rid of him.’

  ‘He’s not dead, is he?’ said Hilda.

  ‘Don’t be daft!’ Stephen’s voice held the slightest quiver. ‘I knew exactly where to hit him.’

  ‘You learnt it in the war, I suppose?’ said Viv faintly.

  ‘Will you two get in!’ he ordered. ‘I’m going to have to take him to the docks. Someone’ll know which ship he’s off.’

  Hilda turned and walked into the lounge. Viv stumbled after her and collapsed in a chair while her mother poked the dying embers of the fire. Stephen pulled on a sweater and without a word to either of them went out to the car.

  ‘Well?’ said Hilda, putting down the poker and staring at her daughter.

  ‘Well what?’ Viv tried to sound defiant but felt too shaken. ‘

  ‘You know very well what. What are you doing here?’

  ‘I live here.’ Her eyes did not leave her mother’s face. ‘Perhaps you do too? Maybe he’s had you locked up in the attic like the mad wife in Jane Eyre!’

  Hilda threw down the poker, and the gauntlet with it. ‘You sneaky, conniving little madam!’ she cried. ‘You’ve been staying here all along!’

  ‘And what if I have?’ Viv stood up. ‘What the hell are you doing here wearing his dressing gown?’

  Her mother flung back her head. ‘We’re lovers, that’s what we are! Lovers! I bet he didn’t tell you that when you came to live here.’

  Viv felt as if her mother had hit her with the poker. ‘I don’t believe you,’ she gasped. ‘He wouldn’t.’

  ‘You think we’re too old? We’ve been lovers for ages.’

  ‘Ages?’ repeated Viv stupidly, feeling as if her world had somersaulted and settled the wrong way up. ‘But you didn’t even like each other,’ she cried.

  ‘Well, it goes to show that people can change, doesn’t it?’ Hilda’s eyes glittered. ‘But don’t think I’m not going to have a few words with Steve over this. What the hell was he thinking of, keeping your staying here a secret from me? It’s not right! You shouldn’t have been alone in this house with him.’

  Viv’s temper flared up. ‘Why shouldn’t I? I’ve got more right than you have! He’s my uncle and he’s been more sympathetic to me than some people I could mention. How could you keep that letter from me, Mother? You knew how much I loved Nick.’

  ‘Loved Nick?’ Hilda laughed scornfully. ‘After what I’ve just seen outside? He’d love to hear about that, I don’t think! Especially after the other little episode at a dance.’

  Viv went white. ‘It would be just like you to tell him about tonight, if you had the chance.’

  Hilda’s mouth tightened and there was a pause. ‘You’ll be getting yourself a reputation,’ she said at last.

  ‘It couldn’t be as bad as yours,’ snapped Viv. ‘Does Uncle Steve know about Mr Kelly?’

  ‘That’s over.’

  ‘So you say.’

  ‘You wouldn’t tell him?’

  ‘Wouldn’t I?’ Viv laughed. ‘I think I should tell him. There’ve been enough secrets going the rounds.’

  ‘If you’re talking about Nick’s letter again,’ said Hilda in a seething voice, ‘I didn’t bloody read the thing and I tried to make things better for you.’

  ‘Oh, aye? A right mess you made of it too. Mothers! Who needs them? How could you sleep with Uncle Steve behind my back? I’ve been a right fool not realising what was going on.’

  ‘Me too! How was it I didn’t think of your staying here?’ Her mother’s expression was grim. ‘Well, you’ll have to come home now. You can’t stay here any longer.’

  Viv’s eyes glittered. ‘You’re going to stop me, are you?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘You won’t! Don’t be thinking just because you know I live here now it changes things.’

  ‘It does,’ said Hilda. ‘Stephen’s not your uncle. It wouldn’t be right.’

  The room suddenly seemed very still. ‘That’s not funny, Mother,’ whispered Viv.

  ‘It wasn’t meant to be.’ They stared at each other.

  ‘I don’t believe you! You’re just saying it to get me out.’

  ‘I am. But it’s the truth. Steve is not your uncle.’

  Viv felt as if her throat was closing up. She swallowed. ‘Who is my father then?’

  ‘Don’t start that again,’ muttered Hilda. ‘I never did tell you that Jimmy was your father.’

  ‘But you told Aunt Flo.’

  ‘I lied.’

  Viv stared at her mother, hurting unbearably. ‘You could still be lying.’

  ‘I’m not,’ whispered Hilda.

  Viv believed her. She rubbed at the sudden dampness on her cheeks. ‘Why is it, Mother, you get such pleasure out of hurting me?’ she said in a low voice. ‘I’ve tried so hard to love you but you’ve made it too difficult.’

  Hilda stared at her, moistened her lips. Her throat moved but no words came out. Abruptly she turned and left the room.

  Viv heard her slowly climbing the stairs. I’ll have to leave, thought Viv. Now! This minute! I can’t cope with any more right now.

  She left the house and ran up the street. She was halfway down the main road when a car stopped beside her and the window was wound down. ‘Viv, where are you going?’ said Stephen.

  ‘Does it matter?’ She ran a hand through her hair and gazed unhappily at him. ‘Ask my mother to explain. You might just get the truth from her.’

  ‘Get in the car, Viv,’ he said quietly. ‘I know you’re upset, but you can’t go wandering around at this time of night. We can talk.’

  ‘Not now.’ She averted her face because it pained her, looking at him. ‘Anyway, I’m not going to be wandering around. If you remember I was supposed to be staying the night at Dot’s. Her mother’s probably still waiting up for me, worrying herself sick.’ She looked at him then, attempting a smile. ‘I’m sorry I came home and spoilt your night.’ She did not give him a chance to answer but walked away, knowing that by the time he managed to turn the car she would be out of sight.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  Hilda was just leaving the house when Stephen drew up. He got out of the car and walked slowly towards her. ‘Back inside.’ His voice was low. ‘You’re not leaving till I’ve had a few words with you.’

  ‘You can have them with Viv.’ Her voice was brittle as she smoothed on a glove.

  ‘Oh, I can, can I?’ he said testily. ‘I’ve just seen her halfway up the main road. She told me to speak to you. She’s on her way to Dot’s. So it’s you and me who have to work this out.’ He pushed her back inside the house and closed the door. He leant against it. ‘Well?’

  Hilda lifted her eyes to his face. ‘She knows we’re lovers and is upset. You’ve deceived us both, Stephen.’

  He suddenly felt awfully tired. �
��So she’s left. And now you’re leaving.’

  ‘You knew I was worried about her all this time she’s been away.’

  ‘Not that worried.’

  ‘Yes, I was!’ Hilda’s voice rose. ‘I mightn’t have shown it but I was. You should have told me that she’d run to you, if you really cared for me.’

  ‘She didn’t want me to tell you so I didn’t,’ he said harshly. ‘I didn’t find it easy deceiving either of you if that’s any consolation to you.’

  ‘Not really.’ She stepped away from him with a jerky movement ‘I suppose that time we went away for the weekend it was to get me out of the way so you could keep your little secret?’

  ‘Partly,’ he said honestly. ‘But does it matter? We both enjoyed it.’

  Her eyes glistened. ‘Oh, yes, we both enjoyed it. But soft me started believing that romance wasn’t dead after all. At my age! Can you believe it?’

  ‘Hilda!’ He seized both her arms. ‘I’m sorry I kept it from you, but no real harm’s been done. We could get married. The three of us could live here together.’

  She was suddenly very still, then a small laugh escaped her. ‘Thanks, but I don’t think it’ll work out. Viv’ll be back. She can’t have taken any of her things from upstairs or I would have heard her. You have a talk with her. I think you’ll feel different then about the three of us living here happily ever after.’

  ‘Why? What can she tell me that you can’t?’

  ‘A fair bit, I shouldn’t wonder.’ Hilda swallowed and pulled back her shoulders. ‘I think I’d like to go home now. I’ve said enough. If you can open the door, Steve?’

  He stared down at her then let her pass. ‘I’ll take you home.’

  ‘No. I think I’d like a walk.’