by June Francis
Tim agreed, remembering how his father had always been against such visits when he was a boy. William had had no time for the myth of Father Christmas, and had never been the kind of father who spent time playing with his children. Despite not having been round when Jerry had been born and not having known of his existence until a few years ago, Tim was determined that, with God’s help, he could be the kind of father he would have liked to have had.
The trip to town was a success and, helped by his mother’s advice, Tim was able to buy presents for his nieces and nephews that they would welcome. He left them under the Christmas tree at his mother’s house, so they would be able to open them on Christmas Day. He had already bought his son’s main present and stowed it upstairs in Mrs Hudson’s house. All there was to do now was to look forward to the festivities and think what to take with him to the Brookes’ that all the family could share – although he really should buy Lucia something separate. Perhaps that record she had mentioned on their night out. He had bought Isabella the perfume she had said she liked, as he was supposed to be seeing her on Christmas evening. Apparently she was throwing a party at her flat in Everton. He had been depending on Mrs Hudson to look after Jerry, but considered it likely that Lucia would be willing to have him instead.
Later that evening, it felt unreal carrying the parcels next door. A bit like being Father Christmas. It was getting on for eleven o’clock by the time he had completed his task. Lucia offered him a hot drink but he refused, remembering he had Jerry’s bicycle to bring down from the attic, which was going to be a struggle. He was tired and his damaged hip was aching, but he told himself it shouldn’t be too difficult wheeling the bicycle downstairs once it was out of the attic.
It proved harder than he’d thought, though, because when he moved the handlebars the front wheel twisted, one of his legs got caught up in it, and he and the bike tumbled downstairs. He had a struggle disentangling himself. Fortunately the bike was undamaged, unlike himself. He limped down the next flight of stairs to the ground floor, knowing he was going to need help to get the bicycle to their apartment and into Jerry’s bedroom. The only person he could think of was Lucia, but no doubt she would be busy playing Father Christmas and wouldn’t want to be disturbed. Then he realized that it was unlikely that she would be alone fulfilling that task. No doubt Michael would be helping her fill stockings for the younger ones. Leaving the front door ajar he went and tapped gently next door. As luck would have it, Michael answered his knock, and did not hesitate to hurry back with him to Mrs Hudson’s once he heard of Tim’s dilemma.
When Michael returned home, Lucia demanded to know where he had been and what he had been up to. ‘What do you think I was doing at this time of night on Christmas Eve?’ he asked.
‘I don’t know, that’s why I’m asking. It just seems so odd you disappearing the way you did.’
‘It was Mr Murphy from next door. He wanted me to help him.’
‘Do what?’ asked Lucia suspiciously.
‘Carry a bike downstairs. He was doing it himself when he fell and the bike went with him.’
‘Was he hurt?’
Michael nodded. ‘He was limping more than usual.’
‘The poor man. Has he sent for the doctor?’
‘I didn’t ask him. I wheeled the bike into Jerry’s bedroom and then came home. I wouldn’t worry. He’s a tough nut. Must be with all he’s done.’
‘What d’you mean by that?’ asked Lucia.
‘Don’t pretend. You know he’s been in prison. I don’t understand why you’ve asked him here tomorrow. I must admit I couldn’t help wondering where he got the bike from. He doesn’t go out to work, so how can he afford it?’
‘You’re suggesting he stole it?’
‘I’m just wondering, that’s all.’
‘It could be that members of his family all clubbed together to buy it,’ Lucia said. ‘Although I did hear that he received a big insurance pay-out for the injuries he incurred after saving that boy’s life.’
‘So he’s rich.’
‘I don’t know about rich. No doubt he has to make the money last until he starts earning from his writing.’
‘I bet he buys you a good present. He fancies you.’
‘What makes you think that?’ asked Lucia, flushing.
‘The way he looks at you. Besides, you help him out by having Jerry here. I sometimes think he’s using you.’
‘I’d rather be useful than just waste my time doing nothing.’
‘You sound like Dad. He did more favours for people than proper paid jobs.’
‘He had a kind heart.’
‘Yeah, but I remember Mam muttering behind his back that doing favours doesn’t pay the bills.’
‘She loved him, though.’
‘Of course she did. He was a loveable person, seldom lost his temper with her.’
‘Which was important to her because her father always used to pick on her. Anyway, it’s time we were both in bed. The kids will be awake early and tomorrow will be a busy day.’
As Lucia climbed into bed, wishing she had not placed all the hot-water bottles in the kids’ beds, she thought of Tim and hoped he was all right after his fall. Should she have gone next door and seen for herself? She chuckled as she imagined what Maggie and Aunt Nellie would have to say if she had done so and ended up spending half the night alone in the house with him. Suddenly she began to ask herself why she worried so much about his welfare and why she enjoyed his company so much. It certainly wasn’t that he tried to charm her as Maggie said he would. Although she did love his smile and enjoyed listening to him talk about music. She supposed she would have to get a lot closer to him before he’d tell her more about his past and what his married life had been like. Not that he had spent much of it with his wife, from the snatches of conversation she had overheard at Nellie’s music evenings when Peggy, Irene, Maggie, Marty and Pete had been present.
Lucia fell asleep with that thought still on her mind. She was roused from sleep by Gabrielle, James and Joseph telling her that Father Christmas had been. They proceeded to climb into bed with her, dragging bulging stockings with them and placing their freezing feet on her legs. There was a strong aroma of tangerines as they emptied the contents of the stockings on the floral cotton eiderdown. There were several lead soldiers for James, as well as a penny whistle, a packet of coloured pencils and a colouring book, fruit, nuts, a bar of fruit and nut chocolate, a sherbet dab and several pennies. Joseph had some similar items, as did Gabrielle, although she had a small rag doll and a Walt Disney film jigsaw. Joseph had an Airfix aeroplane kit, and a paint box.
‘There are more presents for all of us,’ Lucia said.
The children’s eyes brightened. ‘Who are they from? Aunt Nellie?’
She shook her head. ‘I think Aunt Nellie will have yours on her Christmas tree at her house and you can have them tomorrow when we visit. The presents I’m talking about are from our other aunt, Babs, who lives in America. They’re in the attic waiting to be brought down and opened.’
The three children immediately scrambled from the bed and made for the door. ‘Get Michael to go up with you,’ ordered Lucia. ‘They’re to be taken to the kitchen and placed on the sofa. We’ll open them all together after breakfast.’
As they hurried out and scampered along the landing, Lucia snuggled beneath the bedcovers for an extra five minutes, remembering Christmases past when her father had produced a stocking of his own, supposedly left by Santa, and removed from it a potato, an onion, a carrot and a turnip. He had pretended to cry and in response the children had kissed him and offered him one of each of their presents. Her mother had gathered the vegetables and said she would cook them for dinner. At the happy memory, she wiped away a tear.
It was only as they were finishing breakfast that Lucia remembered about church. How could she have forgotten to take the children to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve? The family had attended that service as long as she could remember. Sh
e recalled her mother saying that was when Christmas really started. She felt as if she had failed her mother but felt certain that God would understand in the circumstances.
Once the table was cleared, the parcels from America were placed on it and the wrappings were torn off them in haste. The contents were greeted with oohs and aahhs. There was a Barbie doll for Gabrielle with a couple of sets of clothes. A dirndl skirt in pinks and mauves with a net underskirt and a knitted pink lacy top caused Theresa’s brown eyes to glow with delight. Her mother had been inclined to buy more sombre wear than clothes of a bright hue. For Joseph and James there were cowboy outfits and a couple of boys’ adventure books; Michael’s parcel contained a striped Sloppy Joe and a baseball cap, bat and ball. As for Lucia, there was a vanity case containing Max Factor cosmetics as well as toiletries.
Glancing around the table, Lucia realized how much thought her aunt had put into choosing the presents, although she must have thought James was younger than he was, and said, ‘Let’s thank God for Auntie Barbara and later we’ll write a letter thanking her for these marvellous presents.’ The children cheered and then bowed their heads and put their hands together.
Afterwards, the younger ones went into the front room, where Michael had carried a shovelful of the burning coals from the kitchen fire and placed them in the grate in the front room and built on to it, so the parlour soon warmed up.
Lucia and Theresa set about preparing dinner, which would be served around two o’clock. Lucia stuffed the turkey and placed it in the oven while her sister prepared the vegetables. She wondered what time Tim and Jerry would arrive. She hoped Tim had recovered from his fall and wondered if perhaps she should call round and see how he was doing. She would be really disappointed if he did not feel well enough to share Christmas dinner with them.
Three
As Lucia stepped outside the house, she heard the front door of the neighbouring house open. A few moments later her front gate clicked and she watched as Tim held the gate wide with one hand while he guided Jerry, astride his new bicycle, on to Lucia’s step.
‘You must have read my mind,’ said Lucia. ‘I was just coming to see if you were all right after your fall.’ Her smile faded as he drew closer and she got a good look at his bruised face.
‘I look worse than I feel,’ he said.
She did not argue with him, only staring intently as he came up to her. His nose appeared to be swollen and was cut in a couple of places.
‘Is it OK for Jerry to bring his bike inside?’ Tim asked. ‘I was going to accompany him round the block so he could have a good ride, but it’s far too slippery underfoot.’
‘Too right it is. Yes, bring the bike in. I suppose he was reluctant to let it out of his sight?’
Tim nodded as he lifted the bike and Jerry over the threshold with Lucia’s help and wished her a Happy Christmas. She wished him the same, kissing him and Jerry. She asked whether Tim had visited Bootle hospital after his accident.
He replied: ‘I know my face is a mess but it could have been worse. I don’t appear to have broken any bones or damaged any teeth.’
‘So they X-rayed you?’
He placed a hand in the region of his heart. ‘I cannot tell a lie, I didn’t go to the hospital. I had no wish to go on Christmas Eve, and with the weather the way it was! I’m OK, honest.’
‘You don’t look it.’
‘The cuts and bruises are just superficial. They don’t hurt much and I want to spend this day with Jerry, not in hospital, so please, don’t start fussing.’
She shrugged. ‘OK, it’s your life. Come through into the kitchen and I’ll make you a hot drink. Jerry can ride his bike up and down the lobby if he’s careful. I’ll get Michael to keep an eye on him.’
Tim thanked her.
She led the way into the kitchen and found Michael and Gabrielle there. She explained what she wanted Michael to do. He didn’t look too pleased.
‘I haven’t got time for this. I’m meeting someone and I have to leave now if I’m to be back in time for dinner,’ he said.
‘Who?’ asked Lucia.
‘Mind your own business,’ said Michael. ‘You don’t have to worry. I’ll be back in time for dinner.’
Lucia turned her back on him and went to put the kettle on.
Without another word, Michael lifted his coat from the newel post at the foot of the stairs and left the house, ignoring Tim who was staring at him.
‘You are a bit of a fusspot, you know,’ said Theresa.
Lucia stared up at her sister, who was leaning over the banister rail upstairs.
‘How long have you been listening?’
‘Long enough. I wish you could have heard yourself. You sounded just like Mam. It’s not just the way you order Michael around. It’s the way you spoke to Jerry’s dad. He’s a grown man, Lucia, and I believe he has a mother. I doubt he’s looking for another one.’
‘He had a bad fall and thinks he can carry on like it never happened.’
‘Well, that’s up to him. It’s really none of your business.’
‘I suppose you think what our Michael does is none of my business either?’ said Lucia, unable to conceal her annoyance.
‘I didn’t say that, but you should try trusting him. He is seventeen.’
‘I’m worried he might be seeing a girl,’ said Lucia, folding her arms and hugging herself.
‘So what if he is? He’s more likely to stay out of trouble than if he got involved with a gang that goes looking for a bit of excitement,’ said Theresa. ‘Anyway, is there anything else you want me to do?’
‘You can set the table, use the best cloth, the lace-trimmed one that was Grandma’s.’
While Theresa set the table, Lucia brewed a pot of tea and placed several of Maggie’s mince pies on a plate. Tim was seated at the table, ‘Is everything OK?’ he asked. ‘Jerry isn’t being a nuisance, is he?’
‘No, James and Joseph heard the commotion and came to see what was happening. They’re admiring the new bike,’ replied Lucia, pouring tea.
Theresa entered the kitchen, greeted Tim and sat at the table. ‘Has Lucia told you about our aunt that lives in America? She sent us some smashing presents.’
‘That was kind of her. Whereabouts does she live?’ asked Tim.
‘California,’ said Theresa. ‘Was there a letter with the presents?’ She glanced in Lucia’s direction.
Lucia nodded. ‘I was going to read it out at dinner time.’
‘Couldn’t I read it now and you can just tell the younger ones what it says?’
‘If that’s what you want.’ Lucia removed the letter from the pocket of her apron and handed it to her sister, who wasted no time in reading it and spouting out what Lucia already knew. ‘Aunt Babs is coming over next year and is bringing her mother-in-law with her. I wonder why?’
‘Her mother-in-law’s never been to Britain before and would like to explore it. It tells you that.’
‘They’re going to stay with Aunt Nellie.’
‘As I’d expect.’
‘Do you remember last time Aunt Babs came?’
‘Of course! I liked her.’
‘Mam was always critical of her.’
‘She was jealous. Aunt Babs is so glamorous. I don’t think I’ve ever known two sisters so different,’ said Lucia.
‘Tell me a bit more about her?’ Tim interrupted.
‘She’s a widow and has two sons. She met her husband over here and went back with him after the war. Both her in-laws are still alive and very fond of the boys, so she’s staying there,’ said Lucia. ‘Her father-in-law owns a canning business.’
‘So what about the rest of her family?’
‘Shall I have a look at how the turkey is doing, Lucia?’ asked Theresa.
‘Yes, do,’ replied Lucia, turning to Tim. ‘I must thank you again. It’s a smashing size.’
‘My pleasure. Would you excuse me for a short while? I need to make a phone call to Isabella. I was going to a
party this evening and was going to ask if you wouldn’t mind keeping Jerry here. But what with the weather and my face looking the way it does, I’ve changed my mind.’
‘Sounds sensible,’ said Lucia, who was pleased to be having some adult company that evening. Although, by the sound of it, Tim had had some different adult company in mind. He had made his plans for this evening without even consulting her about taking care of Jerry. However much she enjoyed his company, she must not lose sight of what Michael or Maggie had said about Tim using her. Despite his protestations to the contrary, he probably did fancy Isabella if she was the looker Chris suggested she was.
She saw Tim out, wondering if she should have offered him the use of their phone, but maybe he had not wanted anyone listening in on his conversation. She returned to the kitchen and poured herself a small sherry. A few moments later Gabrielle entered the room, clutching the Barbie doll to her flat chest and carrying the sets of clothes in her other hand. It wasn’t until she came close up to her eldest sister that Lucia noticed the tearstains on her sister’s face.
‘What’s wrong?’ Lucia asked. ‘Have the boys been teasing you?’
‘Joseph threatened to pull Barbie’s legs off. He said dolls are silly.’
‘Tell him that dressing up as a cowboy is just as silly,’ said Theresa.
‘No don’t,’ said Lucia. ‘We want him and James to dress up and go out and play later so we can have some peace.’
‘I was thinking of having a walk for some fresh air,’ said Theresa. ‘Do you want to come with me, Gabrielle?’
The younger girl nodded.
Lucia was about to say that it was freezing outside and slippery underfoot. But remembering Theresa’s accusation that she sounded just like their mother, she decided to keep her mouth shut. Theresa had plenty of sense and wouldn’t stay out too long; the cold weather and the thought of the turkey would bring her home.
So off the girls went, having changed into their wellies and muffled up to the ears in the scarves that Mrs Hudson had knitted and the pixie hoods that had been in the box from the Police Federation Fund. Gabrielle was clutching her Barbie doll and, not surprisingly, Theresa was telling her she should leave it at home in case she dropped it and it got wet and sandy if they went to the beach. Lucia was just about to close the front door when she heard her name being called. Realizing it was Tim, she waited for him to appear before going inside.