"I think I'll take you home first," said the driver. "I expect your mother will be worrying about you."
As the car turned off the main road, Simon looked out for any boys he knew, anxious for his status to be recognised, best of all Daniel. But nobody was about.
"Here you are, Mrs Scott," said the policeman, "one errant child delivered."
"Thank you so much," said Mummy.
Once the policeman had gone, Mummy turned to Simon.
"What did you think you were doing, Simon?"
"I wanted to ride on one of the new diesel trains, and I wanted to go to Coulton-in-the-Bottom. Just to see what it's like."
"Well, now you know. I don't know what your father will say." Simon was gripped by fear.
"Please Mummy, don't tell Daddy. He'll be cross."
"I'll see what mood he's in when he comes home." Simon had to accept that.
"Can I go round to see if Daniel's in?"
"Oh yes, he called round about an hour ago. But don't be long. Tea will be ready soon."
Simon ran round and knocked on Daniel's back door. To his surprise, Mr Gray opened it. He was wearing his police uniform.
"Ah, the intrepid explorer," he said, smiling. "Come in. Daniel's upstairs I think."
Simon went to Daniel's bedroom. His friend was there.
"What happened?"
Simon explained the whole story, Daniel listened, chuckling. When Simon said he felt important in the police car, Daniel pointed out that people would probably think he was a bad boy who had been arrested.
"Simon, you're such an idiot," he said, and then gave him a hug. But Simon was happy.
1956/9 School without Daniel
It was the last Saturday morning of the school summer holidays, September already, and it was raining. Simon was reading in his bedroom trying to take his mind off school next week. He would be fourth year so that meant he would be in one of the oldest classes, but Daniel would not be there anymore. The prospect of facing up to the Spence gang without Daniel, never mind Miss Harvey whose dislike of Simon remained tangible, was frightening. Daniel had of course passed his eleven plus exam, which meant he was going to the Hooray Henrys grammar school. Most of the other kids who didn't pass went to Victoria Road Secondary Modern School. As Simon was still struggling at school and getting extra help, especially with arithmetic, he was trying to face up to the fact that he would too, and despite Daniel's confidence that he would follow him to Hooray Henrys, Simon knew in his heart he would fail and have to go to Victoria Road, probably with all the Spence gang. Simon's stomach churned at the thought of his future schooling from this point on.
He was looking forward to the afternoon when Daniel would be back from his swimming club. So he carried on reading. One thing that had improved a lot was his reading, and he was devouring the 'Famous Five' books. They were derided by many, but Simon loved them. He so wanted to be like them, a group of friends and he also wanted a dog, like Timmy, but Daddy said No. They cost too much and would need too much looking after.
Simon suddenly felt the presence of somebody. He turned to look and for a moment could not take in what he saw. It was Daniel in his bedroom doorway, leaning against the side, looking somehow taller and elegant, one leg straight, the other crossing at the ankle with a natural grace, smiling at him. But it was what he was wearing that had the most effect. Daniel was wearing his brand new Hooray Henrys school uniform, the green blazer with the colourful embroidered coat of arms on the pocket, the white shirt with the school tie, and long, dark grey trousers. All crisp and new. And long school trousers! Suddenly Daniel looked so much older than the twelve years old he would be on Monday. Simon was awestruck.
"What do you think?" Daniel stood up and advanced into the bedroom, stopped and twirled around, facing Simon again.
"You look fantastic!" said Simon, admiring his friend.
Daniel smiled happily. "I had to beg Mum to let me come round with it on to show you. But you had to be the first to see."
Simon's feelings were mixed, pleasure that Daniel had thought of him when trying his new uniform ready for next week, sadness because it symbolised their parting at school forever. This must have shown because Daniel's face became one of concern.
"Simon, what's the matter? Don't you like it?"
"I think it's super. It's just that I'll never wear it and I'm back with Spence and them and Miss Harvey next week without you." At this vocalisation of his fears, a tear rolled out of Simon's eye. Daniel came and sat on the bed next to Simon, comforting him with a hug. Simon felt better for the warmth and strength of Daniel's touch, the scent of his body mingled with the crisp new smell of his clothes.
Daniel's heart went out to his sad friend with his uncontrollable emotions. "You'll be fine. You've got Peter thingummy you're friends with. You don't need me to stick up for you with Spence. I know you can do that. You've just got to be strong."
"Peter Holman," corrected Simon, "I can be when you're there, but not without you."
"Well, I will be there," said Daniel.
"How?" said Simon. "You'll be at Henrys."
Daniel tapped Simon's chest twice. "But I'll be in there, all the time. Whenever you need me, just think of me being there, and I will be."
"Really?" said Simon hopefully.
"Really. I sometimes think of you and it's like you're with me. I like to think of you when I'm in bed at night, specially if I'm having a wank. I always think of you then."
"Do you? Honest?", said Simon. To Daniel's nod, he continued, "I think of you too a lot, and specially in bed. I try to wank and make it come like you, but nothing happens."
"It will. I'm two years older than you, remember. But I like it that you think of me when you try," said Daniel, smiling. "Aren't I sort of there with you then?" Simon nodded. "So there you are then," said Daniel. "It'll be like that at school, I'll be there."
Simon smiled, trying hard to believe it. "But we'll never be at school together again. I won't be able to go to Henrys, I'll end up at Victoria Road."
"Why? You're going to pass the eleven plus. If I could, then you can."
"I'm stupid. I'm no good at school."
"Yes you are. You showed me your report, remember? It said your English was good. Sums a bit dodgy though. But we can work on that."
"We?"
"I'll help you. Don't want you going with the morons to Victoria Road."
"They're not all morons," said Simon indignantly.
"That's true. There are some Vicks at scouts, and they're OK. But there's a lot of morons too. And it's pretty rough."
"You'll really help me with arithmetic?"
"Of course. A scout has to help other people at all times, and be loyal. Who better to help and be loyal to than you?" said Daniel, tightening his hug, "We're best friends, aren't we."
Real hope started to fill Simon. If Daniel said it was possible, then it was possible.
"Thanks, Daniel."
"I'd better get back, or I'll be in trouble," said Daniel, releasing Simon and standing up. "I said I would just come and show you the uniform and then get straight back."
"I'm glad you did. How was swimming?"
"Good. There's this new kid, Layton. He's almost as fast as me, but he's older."
"So you're still the best then?"
"Of course. You coming back with me?"
"Yes," said Simon, leaping up off the bed. They went downstairs, Simon calling out to Mummy where he was going. They ran round the corner in the wet, Daniel anxious not to get his new uniform soaked. Simon was hoping that somehow they would be able to use Daniel's bedroom, as many times before, to be alone and intimate together. The two boys came in through the back door at top speed.
"Slow down," said Mrs Gray at the arrival of this whirlwind. "Hello Simon."
Mr Gray came into the kitchen at this point.
"Hello Mrs Gray, Mr Gray," said Simon politely.
"Daniel, I hope you've not got that uniform wet. Go and take it off," sa
id Mr Gray.
"OK Dad," said Daniel. "Come on." This last to Simon, and they ran up the stairs.
"Very smart, bruvver," said Louise as they reached the landing. She was just going into her room.
"I look good, don't I?" said Daniel.
"You sure that cap will fit over your big head?" jibed Louise, closing her bedroom door.
Daniel threw the green cap with gold piping onto his bed, and closed the door. He stood in front of the mirror and adjusted his tie. Simon sat on the bed and watched. Daniel's pride in his King Henry VII Grammar School for Boys place and uniform was evident. Simon now had a glimmer of hope that he too might achieve this.
Daniel turned away from the mirror. "Better hang this lot up," he said, and started to undress, carefully hanging the blazer, trousers and shirt up in his wardrobe. "I've got a hard on now," he said unnecessarily, because Simon had already noticed the effect on Daniel's underpants. "That's coz you're here," he added looking at Simon, with a grin.
Simon looked at the closed bedroom door, which was not lost on Daniel.
"Better not," Daniel said. "Everybody's at home. Too risky."
"I don't mind," said Simon, feeling reckless.
"I do. It would spoil everything we've got, and we've managed lots of times in the holidays," replied Daniel, pulling on some denim jeans. Simon wanted some denim jeans like Daniel but Daddy said he was not old enough for long trousers. Daniel pulled on his favourite red socks he liked to wear when not at school. Simon wanted red socks but Daddy said they were too flashy.
"Come and listen to my new piece," said Daniel. He led the way downstairs to the back room. Daniel opened the keyboard of the piano, and stroked the keys lovingly, before setting up his music and then starting to play. Simon watched, spellbound, as Daniel's hands caressed the keys, bringing the piano alive with sound. Once or twice, Daniel frowned, hesitated and repeated a section when he made a mistake. Afterwards, he started again and played the whole piece through without error. Simon liked the music, but it was the sight of his friend, in command of this complex mechanism, his power and skill in converting the lines and dots on the page into sound, that he loved.
"Did you like it?" said Daniel.
"It was good," said Simon. He had asked Daddy and Mummy for a piano, just a little one, not a grand like this, would do. But nothing had happened.
"Beethoven. It's called Für Elise, but I'm going to call it For Simon, because I played it for you," said Daniel. "Let's play the note game."
The two had developed a game on the piano, one which intrigued Daniel. Simon had to turn his back on the piano and Daniel would play a single note. Then Simon had to press the same key on the keyboard. He nearly always got it right. When it was Daniel's turn, despite his musical talent, he often got the wrong note. At the succession of single notes, Mrs Gray came in, curious.
"What are you doing?" she inquired.
"We play this game, Mum," said Daniel. "Watch this." The game was demonstrated to Mrs Gray, herself a skilful pianist. Time and again Simon hit the right note.
"Fascinating," she said. "Simon, have you ever thought of music lessons?"
"I would like to learn how to play the piano, but I've asked."
"Simon can play some tunes by ear, and he can often repeat chords as well," said Daniel. "He plays tunes and puts in the chords, just triads, but they match. Play Greensleeves," he said, turning to Simon.
"I'm useless, it's not proper playing, like you," said Simon, embarrassed at playing the piano in front of Mrs Gray.
"I'd like to hear it, Simon, if you would," said Mrs Gray encouragingly. Daniel was nodding.
Nervously Simon sat at the keyboard of the big piano. He placed his fingers on the keys and started to play, watching the keys, his brain somehow telling him which notes to press next, a single line melody with the right hand and matching three note chords with the left. Once started he felt at ease, and completed the piece.
"Very good, Simon," said Mrs Gray. "Your fingering is pretty much correct, much better than I was expecting. You're a natural."
"He can tell straight away when I play a wrong note, just a semitone out," said Daniel.
"I'm not surprised," said Mrs Gray. "He obviously has a musical ear, and quite likely perfect pitch. Well, Simon, I hope you get the chance to learn sometime," said Mrs Gray. She sighed and left the pair to it.
So the two boys spent the wet afternoon playing on the piano, talking, playing with Daniel's toys and sharing his books.
The first day of school arrived. Simon left home to get the bus to the juniors, to find Daniel waiting at the corner, as usual, but now wearing his Henrys uniform. "I thought," he said, "We can still get the bus in the morning, just you get off before me now." Simon remembered that there had always been some Henrys boys on the bus.
"Good," said Simon, happy for the time being as they walked down the hill to the bus stop on the main road. "Aren't you scared? Starting at Hooray Henrys I mean."
"I suppose, a bit, but Evans said he'd meet me and look out for me."
"Who's that?"
"Miles Evans. You've met him, He's my Patrol Leader."
Simon remembered the big, kind boy who had spoken to him at the church parade a few months ago. "I'm still a bit scared of going back, but I'll try to remember what you said on Saturday." And he tapped his chest twice.
Daniel laughed. "You'll be OK as well. I bet it's a lot better once you get there than you think now."
It was hard getting off the bus without Daniel, and Simon watched it as it went on into the city along the busy main road. He walked alone up the street to the juniors.
"Hiya, Simon!" came a chirpy voice next to him. It was Peter Holman. Simon was glad to see him. They had sat together and were friends in school, but never met outside as they lived too far apart.
"Hiya Peter, you sound happy."
"So should you be, haven't you heard?"
"Bout what?"
"Harvey. She's not coming back," said Peter.
Simon stopped dead. "What!"
"She's ill or something, but anyway, she won't be there."
Simon could have hugged Peter Holman right there and then. He felt a weight lift from his body. But wait, perhaps Peter was wrong.
"You sure?"
"We'll find out, won't we," said the chirpy Peter. "Come on." The boys ran the rest of the way and into the juniors' yard. Many of the kids were talking about the rumours concerning Miss Harvey, but nobody seemed to know for certain.
Simon and Peter were confronted with Barry Spence plus hangers on, a triumphant smirk on his face as he looked hard at Simon. Simon thought how different his blue eyes were from Daniel's.
"Piss off, Holman," said Spence, without even looking at Peter. Peter nervously backed away. "So where's Gray then?" mocked Spence.
"You know where he is. Henrys," said Simon. By mentioning Daniel, Barry Spence had in fact helped Simon. He tapped his chest twice.
"Heart trouble?" scoffed Spence, and pushed Simon hard back against the wall. Forth was there, waiting for the fun. Simon reached out and pushed Spence back. The hangers on gasped. Nobody pushed Barry Spence!
"Fight!" the cry went up and the nearer kids started to gather to watch. Barry Spence came forward again, aiming a punch at Simon. But Simon dodged it, and his mind full of Daniel, he launched a straight punch with all his strength at Spence's unprepared face. Spence received the blow on his nose which started to bleed. He staggered and then fell over, and was lying on the ground, crying and holding his hands to his face. The crowd looked on, astonished, gone quiet.
"Any of you lot want the same?" Simon glared at the hangers on who were trying to melt back into the gathering crowds.
"What's going on?" The kids parted as Miss Day came through.
There was a chorus of responses. "Miss, Barry Spence started it … Hit Simon first … self defence, Miss." Simon noticed that some of these comments were coming from the Spence gang! Miss Day helped Barry Spence to his feet
.
"I'll get you, Scott," he snarled.
"No you won't!" said Simon and Miss Day, almost in unison, which surprised both of them. "Come along, Simon," she ordered. Simon followed, wishing he was still in Miss Day's class, instead of Mr West's. Daniel said Mr West was good, so maybe it would be OK. But then the whistle went and the children lined up.
"I'll see you later instead, Simon," said Miss Day, "I've Barry to see to now."
So Simon joined his class line, the others making space for him, with a new respect.
"Well done, Simon," said Peter, who had rejoined him. "He's had that coming for a long time."
"My hero," said Cynthia Jackson.
Simon felt tall, but was still a bit worried about Miss Harvey. But it would be worth getting the cane to have beaten Spence.
"Hang your coats up and go straight into the hall," the teachers were saying.
The children filed into the hall, Simon's class now at the back, being the oldest. Where Daniel used to stand. Simon wondered how he was getting on at Henrys.
The door at the side of the stage opened and Miss Harvey – wait. It wasn't Miss Harvey! It was Mr West. The school went quiet, waiting. Mr West stood at the lectern.
"Before we start the new school year," Mr West began, "I have some sad news. Miss Harvey was taken seriously ill during the summer holiday with what's called a stroke. She was with a friend in France at the time I understand. She is back in England, and is being treated in hospital in the city. I am sure you hope that she will soon be well again." There was a murmur of assent. "However, what is certain is that she will never be well enough to return to work here. So we will need a new head teacher. But in the meantime, the Board of Managers and the Education Committee have asked me to take on the job." There was a buzz of excitement round the school hall. Mr West held up his hand, the noise died down. "This does mean that there are some changes to your classes." He went on to read out a list of classes and teachers. "And Junior 4W, that would have been my class this year, will now be Junior 4D, and will remain with Miss Day."
Simon heard that with amazement. Miss Day was taking them up. There was happy whispering along the line.
The Secret Catamite Bk 1, The Book of Daniel Page 12