by Peter Martin
‘Okay, we’ll leave you in peace now, Billy,’ Sarah told him. ‘Come on then you two, time to go. Just think kids, before too long we’ll be back living here as one big happy family. But it’s all up to him.’ She nodded in Billy’s direction.
Alice didn’t say anything and couldn’t look at Billy. He guessed she didn’t like this idea one bit.
When they left, Alice had tears in her eyes, but she tried not to show it. They didn’t even hug or kiss each other.
The kids were being slowly and insidiously brainwashed by that thug, and, as for Sarah, she’d turned into someone he no longer recognised.
CHAPTER 19
When they’d gone he reflected on what had happened. This was the last thing he’d expected. And still he’d nurtured the hope Sarah might even contemplate returning. What an utter fool he’d been.
But to be coerced into selling the house to them rubbed salt in his wounds. He wanted to trash the place, but if he did he knew the kids would suffer.
First things first. The property needed to be valued by two estate agents. Sarah was right, it would suit his needs to downsize. So, he would add the cost of the furniture to the price; wipe the slate clean and make a fresh start somewhere else. He wanted to contribute to Alice’s upbringing, be in her life, but if he only saw her once a fortnight, eventually they’d be like strangers to each other.
As he thought, Sarah telephoned the following Saturday.
‘Hi-ya, Billy – how are you?’ she asked sweetly.
‘I’m fine,’ he replied.
‘Decided what to do about our offer?’
‘Yes –’ he began.
‘And?’
‘Reluctantly, I’ll take it.’ Both valuations had been within five hundred pounds of their offer.
In the background, he heard a general furore as Sarah yelped with joy, Ryan and the kids too sounded elated. Bile came into his throat and he gripped the phone tighter to quell the urge to throw it against the wall.
‘That’s great, Billy. It’ll be lovely to be back home. Now have you got a list of the contents you’re not taking and how much they’re worth?’
‘I’ve done that allowing for the age of each item. Could you give it the once-over?’
‘We trust you. We’ve sold our house, so it’s up to the legal eagles to sort it out. And have you found anywhere to live yet?
‘Don’t worry, it won’t take me long.’
‘Well, don’t rush, wouldn’t want you to buy the wrong place.’
‘Cut the crap, Sarah. Don’t pretend you care.’
‘Don’t take it like that. What’s happened has happened. I never meant –’
He didn’t let her finish the sentence. Butting in, he said, ‘Okay, Sarah, you’ve got what you wanted, let’s leave it at that.’ The phone went dead – she’d taken the hint.
An emptiness overwhelmed him, and he wondered how she could sink so low. He’d made her his world. Not so long ago he’d meant something to her, so why treat him like this now? But that was the story of his life. One disaster after another, and inevitably, he’d been the loser; even his children were indifferent towards him now. A whole range of emotions raged around his head, anger, pain, rejection – the list was endless.
As reality struck him, he became frantic to find a new place to live, questioning whether he should stay in the area to be close to Alice. They were growing further apart, and he wondered whether in the future she would still want to see him. Was there any point in keeping in touch? Maybe it would be better for her if they made a clean break so that she’d be happy with her new family without any complications.
He favoured a move to another part of the country where housing might be cheaper and where he could put the past behind him. Luckily, the money from the sale of the house would provide a good deposit on a new place.
He was given a day off for an interview at a college in Ashfield, a Somerset town outside Bristol, and even started looking for accommodation. Although he’d be living ninety miles from Edgincombe, it seemed the perfect place to start a new life.
He found a two-bedroom first floor flat close to the college in a quiet, sedate area, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Somerset countryside. The flat was well-decorated and spotlessly clean, and ready to move into.
After resigning from his job and accepting the offer of employment, he worked the three months’ notice stipulated in his contract. He’d taken the job of Deputy Head of the English Department in the sixth form college.
Built only five years ago with first class facilities, the college had an outstanding record of achievement. The Principal, Jack Gibson, had lots of plans and new ideas which Billy could relate to.
When Sarah phoned, he told her the news; and she sounded ecstatic. ‘What a relief. Talk about killing two birds with one stone,’ she said. ‘Now we can get things moving.’
‘Yes. Not long and it’ll be over.’
‘Good, that’s what I wanted to hear! You had me worried. Got it into my head you were dragging your feet, to get your own back. Ryan will be pleased too.’
‘I bet.’
‘Okay, I’ll get in touch with the solicitor and fill him in with the details. I’m so glad this will be settled amicably. I don’t want any upset, especially with the children to consider. I’ll ring you once it’s finalised.’ The line went dead.
There it was in the pit of his stomach again; he hated how she could still hurt him after all she’d done. She hadn’t even enquired where he planned to live. Had he really failed so badly as a husband to be treated like this?
The next ten weeks were hectic. A completion date was set, coinciding with the last day of the summer term, which the Head agreed he could take as a day’s holiday.
On the morning of the move he was up early, and after breakfast he cleared up and checked everything over, while contemplating what the future held. This time he intended to keep himself to himself and not get involved in another relationship.
When the bell rang he opened the door to see the ‘happy couple’ standing waiting.
Billy didn’t comment but followed them through the hall into the kitchen.
‘Glad the house is nice and tidy, I appreciate it.’
‘You know me, I like things spick and span.’ He handed her the keys.
‘Thanks, I imagine you want to get off now?’ She avoided eye contact with him.
‘Well, I have a long drive ahead of me.’ He turned to leave.
‘Yes,’ she replied as she walked with him to the door. ‘I’ll ring you about seeing Alice – perhaps we can come to an arrangement.’
‘Except it won’t be the arrangement I want.’
She ignored this.
‘You already have my mobile number if you need to contact me’
‘Be seeing you,’ she said.
‘Goodbye,’ he replied, and walked out of the house for the last time. He got into his car and drove away.
CHAPTER 20
Billy didn’t relish the ninety-mile trip to Ashfield, but the sooner he put this sorry episode behind him the better. The traffic wasn’t as bad as he’d imagined, and he arrived at his destination around dinner time.
The beautiful Somerset countryside was a different world to the hectic one he’d left behind in Edgincombe. The main street in Ashfield was busy, with bustling market stalls in the middle of the street. The traffic had been diverted through the backstreets. Had it not been for the castle ruins situated to his right and overlooking the town, he would have lost his bearings. Both his flat and the college were a stone’s throw from the ruin.
By early evening, having unpacked, he made a mental note of the most important items he should shop for the following day. Although he had plenty of household linen, thanks to the copious amount Aunt Vi had stockpiled, the flat was devoid of furniture.
However, when his stomach rumbled, realising he’d forgotten to go to the supermarket, he left his flat in search of a fish and chip shop. The walk into town pro
ved useful. The main street had electrical and furniture shops, which he’d visit in the morning.
Upon his return he took a quick shower, and then lay down on the floor, wrapped himself in blankets, and slid into a deep sleep.
The next morning he awoke with a splitting headache, and called out in pain as he stretched, his whole body stiff. With no food in the flat, except for a packet of crisps and water from the tap, he dressed and made for the supermarket. Food was the most important item on his agenda, so he stocked up for the coming week. Over the road at the electrical superstore, he bought a television, a washer and a fridge freezer. How he wished he’d sorted these things beforehand, instead of feeling sorry for himself.
After lunch he spent the afternoon looking for furniture. He ordered a bed, a three-piece suite, and a table and chairs – his savings were dwindling but they were all must have items. Unfortunately, the earliest they could deliver the bed was Friday, six days away. And with that daunting thought, he headed for the pub he’d passed earlier on.
He drank two pints, feeling more relaxed than he had for a long time. He sat in the corner of the bar, a pint in front of him and listened to the locals talk of farming and then banter about the girls they would ‘pull’ later. He’d barely spoken to anyone, but the people seemed friendly. Might he grow to like it here after all.
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In the intervening weeks until he started work, he spent most of his time getting the flat into shape. Every room got a lick of paint and with the new furniture it looked like home.
Each weekend was the same: Saturday morning shopping, Sunday he’d get a newspaper from the corner shop, return to the flat to read it. Back at the pub he enjoyed lunch and a pint, and a natter with the locals. Often families ate a meal in the beer garden, and while it brought back memories of happier times, he never mentioned he’d once had a family.
He missed not having any outside space to wander around in. At the end of the six weeks holiday, he spent an hour or so sitting out on the small balcony at the rear of the property. When buying the flat he had been in such a troubled state, he hadn’t taken in its glorious setting. Being the last block on the estate, the view of undulating countryside was second to none. To the right, edging the housing estate was a park from where children’s faint squeals of delight could be heard. He’d noticed a few fitness enthusiasts running past the building, and now in his thirty-first year, added this to his ‘to do’ list for the future.
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The first day at school came around quickly. He cursed himself when he awoke on that Monday morning for forgetting to set the alarm on his mobile. But with a rush and skipping breakfast, he made it on time.
The college was a modern building built within the last five years. With its state-of-the-art facilities: a computer lab, physics and chemistry lab and a first-class English Department, Billy felt confident he’d made the right choice. The sports facilities were excellent too with outdoor football and rugby pitches, running tracks, and an indoor sports hall.
Pulse racing and head throbbing, he parked his car outside the building and walked briskly to the college entrance. Inside he headed for the secretary’s office to confirm he was the new English teacher. He sat down on the proffered seat to wait for the arrival of Mr Gibson, the Principal.
Jack Gibson was a stocky man in his mid-forties with balding ginger hair, the strands of which were combed over to hide his ‘broad parting’. He had a large bulbous nose with a purple-red hue denoting perhaps a liking of alcohol, although his complexion was pale. Smartly dressed in what looked to be an expensive suit, he held out his hand.
‘Hallo, Mr Price, good to see you again,’ he said, his piercing blue eyes lighting up his smiling face.
‘Nice to see you again too, Mr Gibson,’ Billy said, shaking the offered hand.
‘Ready for your first day? Or should I say ready to ‘bite the bullet.’ His stomach shook as he laughed at his own joke.
Billy chuckled. ‘I don’t see it as being quite that bad. I’m nervous, but that’s normal I suppose.’
‘Don’t mind me, you’ll be fine. Come on, I’ll take you to the staff room, introduce you to some of the staff. Mr Wilkinson will be there too. He’s agreed to be on standby for the first week. Should you need help, that is?’
Billy hadn’t been expecting that, after all he was an experienced teacher and didn’t envisage needing help. But what he said was, ‘It’s kind of you, but ...’ The Principal stopped halfway down the corridor and with a straight face turned to Billy who continued, ‘I’ll be able to handle it, I’m sure.’
Jack Gibson held up his hand, then closing his eyes, which suggested he would brook no argument, said, ‘Yes, yes. But it’s been arranged, let’s say just in case,’ and marched on.
Billy followed him, in no doubt who was boss. On reaching the staff room Mr Gibson pushed open the door and stepped aside, allowing Billy to enter.
Inside were about a dozen teachers of all ages, lost in conversation. Some turned to see who was entering.
‘Good,’ Jack Gibson said. ‘I can see most of my staff are here.’ And with a wave of his hand, he gesticulated towards Billy. ‘Let me introduce Mr Price who is joining us today and will be working in the English Department.’ One or two of the staff moved forward to greet their new colleague, but Mr Gibson held up his hand, a gesture Billy was becoming used to. ‘Formal introductions are for later, it’s Mr Wilkinson I need to speak to.’ He turned abruptly, scanning the room, ‘Ah, Mr Wilkinson, I’ve explained to Mr Price here that you’re to act as an aide,’ he laughed, ‘for want of a better word.’
With outstretched hand Mr Wilkinson, a short thin man with sparse greying hair and bushy eyebrows, welcomed him saying, ‘It’s nice to meet you, Mr Price. You probably won’t need my help, but if you do you only have to ask.’
‘Right,’ the Principal said. ‘I’ll leave you in the good hands of my colleague and get back to my office. No doubt we’ll meet up in the week.’ And made a hasty retreat.
‘Don’t read anything into the Principal’s brusque manner, Mr Price. You’ll get used to his traits.’
‘Yes, yes, I expect I will. But please call me Billy,’ he said.
‘Oh, right, and I’m Ken.’
Billy couldn’t help thinking of the job, and what he’d left behind. He had expected to be at his former college for good and might have worked his way up there too. What with the devastation Sarah had caused, missing the children, moving house, a new job, and new faces, he felt overwhelmed.
But, as if reading his mind, Ken said, ‘Don’t worry. You’ll soon get into it.’
At the end of the day he left feeling much brighter. He hadn’t needed any help, but Mr Wilkinson had been there during lunchtime and readily introduced him to a few of the teaching staff. He liked the man, and hoped they’d become friends.
He arrived back at the flat at four-fifteen, instantly thought of the children and flopped down on the sofa in dismay. Not wanting to cook a meal, after he’d washed and changed into more casual clothes, he went out. With his stomach grumbling he headed for town, and with refreshments to hand walked in the direction of the small park he’d viewed from his patio window.
After he finished his snack, he felt like a pint or two but decided against it – he had work in the morning. So, he sauntered back to his flat, making the most of the early evening sunshine.
As he got within sight of home a young woman donning a tracksuit jogged passed. From the glimpse he’d caught of her profile, she appeared familiar. Of medium build with a curvy figure. Where had he seen that sandy brown hair? No doubt given time it would come to him, but right now it bugged him.
Later, lying awake unable to sleep, the penny dropped. The staff room at college: that’s where. Her hair had been styled differently, and she was smartly dressed but he was sure it was the same person. A tad bigger than Sarah … There he was again thinking of her still, he must stop it and move on. Perhaps this girl lived close by and mi
ght help him meet a few people.
The next day, the mystery woman remaining uppermost in his mind, he made a point of scanning the staff room. Unfortunately, she was nowhere to be seen – until the end of day, when he was walking out of the school entrance. She was right behind him and he held the door open for her. She smiled, and he smiled back.
‘Didn’t I see you last night out jogging, close to where I live?’
‘Oh my God. I don’t remember seeing you. I must have looked a sight.’
‘No, you didn’t. But don’t look so worried. I’m new here. In fact, it’s my second day.’
‘Oh, really?’
‘Just wondered, since you live close by, if you’d like a lift? Or do you have your own car?’
‘As a matter of fact, I don’t. I was just off to catch a bus.’
‘Well, the offer’s there if you don’t fancy waiting for the bus.’
‘Okay. Thanks, I would like that lift.’
He opened the car door for her.
‘I assume you live close to Lowlands Drive?’
She hesitated before answering, ‘Yes, in the flats over there.’
‘Me too.’ He released the hand brake and pulled out into the school drive.
‘What a coincidence.’
Conscious that so far, she had only answered his questions, he feared he’d been too presumptuous. She fiddled with the hem of her skirt and he realised she was nervous.
Out of the blue, she said, ‘Actually, I do vaguely remember passing someone yesterday, a few hundred yards from home.’
Billy laughed. ‘Ahh.’ He had vowed he wouldn’t get involved with anyone but being this close he felt drawn to her. ‘So, do you run a lot?’
‘Every evening during the week, and whenever I can fit it in at weekends. How about you?’
‘Can’t say I do,’ he admitted, although he was tempted to say he did to have something in common with her.
‘You ought to, you know, it’s a good way of keeping fit. Everyone should exercise – it does wonders for you, mentally and physically.’