by Joan Jonker
‘Yes, an’ I’ve made an appointment for the three of us to be there tomorrow at half-past four. It’ll be a rush, I know, but it’s the only time they can fit us in.’ It had been a good day all round and Ada was in a very happy frame of mind. ‘The photographs will be ready for me to pick up on Monday afternoon, so I’ll have them to take in to yer dad before Christmas. And,’ she smiled, ‘it’s only one and ninepence for three photographs.’
‘Three? Ooh, can I have one, Mam?’
‘Of course yer can, seeing as how you’re paying towards them. One for yer dad, one for you and the other I’d like to buy a frame for an’ put it on the mantelpiece. I was lookin’ at the ones they had on show in the window an’ they’re a decent size, not like the ones yer get with an ordinary camera.’
‘Ooh, I wish it was next Monday. I can’t wait to see them.’
‘Don’t be wishin’ yer life away, sunshine, it’ll go over quick enough. But I’ve got to admit I can’t wait to see them meself.’ Ada glanced towards the kitchen. ‘Have yer got the kettle on, Polly?’
‘Yeah, it’s nearly on the boil.’ Polly tilted her head and gazed at her mother. ‘Yer look happy tonight, Mam. Have yer had a good day?’
‘From five o’clock on it’s been nothing but one big laugh. I’ll tell yer about it while we’re having a cup of tea.’
The tea appeared in no time. ‘That was quick! Are yer sure the water was boiled?’
‘Yes, an’ I stirred it with a spoon.’ Polly pulled the chair around to face her mother. ‘What was the one big laugh?’
Ada pulled a face when describing the interviews with the first two. ‘I couldn’t have worked with either of them. I’d have been terrified of the first one, she looked as though she could floor yer with one finger. And I’d have been sick every time I looked at the second one – her teeth were as green as grass.’
‘Yuk!’ Polly shivered at the thought. ‘There’s no need for that!’
‘That’s what I thought. If she couldn’t afford toothpaste she could do what we sometimes have to do – use salt! Anyway, the third one was just what the doctor ordered.’ Ada repeated the interview word for word, and when she came to, ‘not one swearword has ever left me bleedin’ lips’, Polly went into hysterics.
‘Oh Mam, that’s not half funny. She sounds like Sarah Jane.’
‘Yer should have heard her when Aggie arrived an’ we were standing in the kitchen. The two of them got on like a house on fire an’ they had me in a pleat.’ Ada looked smug. ‘What with gettin’ the photographs sorted out and then finding a cleaner that I know I’m goin’ to like, I’d say, all in all, it’s been a good day.’
‘What’s her name, Mam?’
Ada chuckled at the memory. ‘“Mrs Frances Delaney, but yer can call me Fanny”.’
Chapter Fifteen
‘Ay, that’s a good photo, girl, if ever I saw one. Good of all three of yer.’ Aggie held the sepia-coloured photograph at arm’s-length to study it from all angles. ‘Your Polly’s the spittin’ image of you.’ She turned her head to where Fanny was standing by the sink waiting for the bucket to fill with water. ‘Come an’ have a gander at this, Fanny. They look like ruddy film stars.’
Fanny rubbed her hands down the side of her overall as she peered over Aggie’s arm. ‘Ooh, the state of them an’ the price of fish! It looks real good, an’ I bet it would look even better if I could see the bleedin’ thing! Hold it a bit nearer, Aggie, the people at the Pier Head can see it better than me. Mind you, me eyesight’s not as good as it used to be.’
It was a very good photograph and Ada was thrilled with it. She was surprised it had turned out so well because they’d never been in a studio before and had been so apprehensive they’d been terrified to move. Their bodies and faces were so still they must have looked like dummies. But with infinite patience born from experience, the man had got it right in the end. He’d sat Ada between the two children, said something to amuse them, clicked the camera and caught all three with smiles on their faces.
‘I can’t wait to see Tommy’s face when he sets eyes on that. He’ll be delighted. I’m goin’ to try and get a cheap frame for it so he can stand it on his locker. They were definitely worth the money – one and ninepence for three isn’t bad at all. And I’ve ordered an extra copy for our Polly. She wants to give it to a friend as a Christmas present. The man in the shop promised to have it ready the day after tomorrow.’
‘If I’d known that, girl, I’d have asked yer to order one for me,’ Aggie said. ‘I’d like to put one on me sideboard.’
Ada felt a pang of sadness for the old woman who had no family of her own. ‘Oh Aggie, if I’d been thinkin’ straight I’d have got one for yer. See if Mr John will ring Jerome’s and ask them to make it two copies. There’s a number on the back of these so they’d know which ones he meant. If he rings now he might catch them before they close.’
Aggie’s face brightened. ‘Yeah, I’ll do that. Mr John won’t mind.’
Fanny was still studying the photograph. ‘Is the little feller like his dad? Yer can tell the girl’s yours, but he’s not a bit like you.’
‘Ay, Fanny Delaney, what are yer trying to suggest? That I had a fling with the ruddy milkman?’ Ada gave her a playful push. ‘He takes after his dad – fair, with blue eyes. He’s got his dad’s disposition, too – very quiet and easygoing.’
‘We’ll be easygoin’ out of the door if we don’t get started on some work,’ Aggie said. ‘With three of us, Mr John will expect the place to be shining.’ She held up the photograph. ‘Can I take this to him? I won’t let it get dirty.’
‘Yer’d better not or I’ll flop yer one! And don’t bend it, either, or yer’ll crack it.’ Ada put the bag containing the two photographs in her shopping bag and placed it at the side of the sink. ‘I’ll get started upstairs.’
John held the photograph between his two hands. ‘They’re a fine-looking family, aren’t they, Agnes?’
‘And nice with it, Mr John. From what Ada’s told me about her Tommy, he’s a good husband and father. If the kids grow up to be like him they won’t go far wrong.’ Aggie took the photograph from between his hands and turned it over. ‘That’s the number so they’ll know which one yer talkin’ about. Just make the order two instead of one.’
‘I’ll do that, Agnes, and you can tell Ada I’ll collect them when they’re ready, save her the trouble.’ He looked at the woman who’d been part of his life for as long as he could remember. ‘Your last week, Agnes.’
‘Don’t remind me.’ The sigh was long and deep. ‘I feel sad about goin’. I won’t half miss it. But I can’t go on for ever, no one can. When yer time’s up there’s nowt yer can do about it. The only consolation is that it happens to everyone eventually.’
‘You’ve still got a good few years to go, Agnes, so just sit back and enjoy them. I’ll visit you often to make sure you’ve got everything you need and to bring you up-to-date with all the news. In fact, you’ll probably get sick of the sight of me.’
‘I’d never get sick of the sight of you, Mr John, an’ you know it. Yer just like me own flesh an’ blood.’ A broad grin suddenly appeared on her face and she said, ‘Yer’ll have fun an’ games with that Fanny – she’s a caution if ever there was one. Yer should hear some of the tales she comes out with! Half the time I don’t know whether to believe her or not. She can have yer splittin’ yer sides laughin’ one minute, then yer hair standin’ on end the next. She loves goin’ to the pictures to see horror films an’ she gives yer all the gory details. According to her, there’s blood and guts everywhere, even in the front stalls! Wouldn’t be my idea of a nice night out, but there yer go, it wouldn’t do for everyone to be the same. And for all that she’s a good soul an’ a ruddy good worker. Ada won’t have no problems with her.’
‘Yes, I think we got lucky with her.’ John took the earpiece off the hook at the side of the telephone. ‘I’d better ring this shop before it gets too late. It’s almost six
o’clock now and most shops close at six.’
‘Ada said they’re mad busy with people wantin’ their photo took before Christmas,’ Aggie said over her shoulder as she crossed the room. ‘So they might be workin’ late to get all the orders done in time.’
She was halfway down the hall when she remembered that she wanted him to ask how much her copy would be, so she could pay Ada, and she did an about-turn. Mr John was talking as she neared the door and she heard him saying he wanted to change the order to three copies. Oh lord, she thought as she went to quicken her step, he’s got it wrong. Then like a flash of lightning she knew who the extra copy was for. And shaking her head with sadness she turned and walked away.
Ada was happy when she walked into the hospital two days before Christmas and saw the corridors and wards had been decorated with bunting and Christmas greetings. It didn’t half make a difference – the place looked more cheerful. And what she had in her bag for Tommy would cheer him up even more. He’d been in hospital nearly a year now and had only seen the children once, and that through the window. But now he’d be able to look at them all day and every day.
Tommy was watching the ward door when Ada walked in and his face lit up. ‘Yer a sight for sore eyes, love.’
‘And you, sweetheart.’ She bent to kiss his forehead. ‘I think the nurses have done a good job with the decorations. The place looks a lot brighter.’
‘Ay, credit where it’s due! Some of the patients helped as well!’ Tommy pointed to a paper chain hanging near the window. ‘That was made by me own fair hands an’ I’m dead proud of it.’
‘You look much better today,’ Ada said, pulling a chair to the side of his bed. ‘Yer’ve got more colour in yer cheeks.’
‘I’m just about the same, love, no better no worse. But I can’t complain – at least I’m alive.’
‘Don’t start gettin’ downhearted, Tommy, ’cos yer were told at the beginning it was going to be a long job. Yer’ve just got to be patient, we all have.’ Ada sat down and opened the clip on her bag. ‘I’ve got somethin’ that’ll cheer yer up.’ She brought out a package wrapped in red and white Christ-massy paper and handed it to him. ‘It’s yer present from me an’ the children. An’ I’m to tell yer it comes with all our love and kisses.’
Tommy took the parcel from her and turned it over before running his hand around the edges. ‘It feels hard.’ He looked puzzled. ‘What is it?’
‘Now there’s not much point in Polly wrappin’ it up all nice so yer’ll get a surprise when yer open it, if I’m goin’ to tell yer what it is. She spent ages on it – with the help of Joey, of course. He wouldn’t be left out.’
Tommy’s eyes and face became eager. And Ada could see him as the young man she’d fallen head over heels in love with the first time they’d met. ‘Can I open it now?’ he asked, ‘or do I have to wait until Father Christmas comes down the chimney?’
‘You’re opening it right now, love, ’cos I’ve been waiting for this moment. And I’ve got strict instructions from the kids that I’ve got to remember every word yer say when yer see it. And what yer face looks like.’
Tommy tried to be patient and not tear the wrapping paper, but he was so excited he was all fingers and thumbs. In the end he ripped the paper off in one go and found himself staring down at the faces of the three people he loved more than anything in the world. He didn’t move, didn’t even blink, as he drank in the sight of the two children he hadn’t been able to touch, whose voices he hadn’t heard, in almost a year.
Ada waited with her heart in her mouth. She’d imagined what his reaction would be … joy, happiness and laughter. But never this long silence. She couldn’t bear the suspense any longer. ‘Don’t yer like the present, Tommy?’
When he turned his head, tears were brimming from his eyes and running down his cheeks. He tried to speak but was too choked with emotion.
‘Oh, Tommy, love, don’t get upset.’ Ada reached for his hand. ‘Look, don’t cry, love, or yer’ll start me off.’
Tommy pulled the end of the sheet up to his face and wiped his eyes. ‘I’m sorry, love, but I can’t help it. They’ve grown so much since I’ve been stuck in here, and it grieves me to know I’ve missed a year of seeing them grow. A year without their hugs and kisses, givin’ young Joey a piggyback or pulling Polly’s curls.’ He stared down at the photograph. ‘By the time I get out of here they’ll have forgotten me. I’ll be a stranger to them.’
‘Of course they won’t have forgotten yer, yer daft nit! They talk about yer all the time! Never a day goes by that they don’t ask when yer comin’ home.’ Ada shook her head. ‘I shouldn’t have brought the photograph, it’s only upset yer.’
‘Oh no, love! It’s the best present yer could have given me. I’m sorry for being so miserable, but seeing their faces after so long … well, it really got to me. But don’t tell them I cried, will yer? Say I’m over the moon ’cos I can see them every day now. And tell them I’ll kiss them good night every single night.’
‘Ay, an’ what about the one in the middle?’ Ada knew she’d break her heart when she got outside, but right now she had to cheer him up. So she told him about the hamper Mr John was giving all the staff. ‘Aggie said there’s always a bottle of port or sherry in the hampers, so I’ll be askin’ Dolly an’ Les in for a drink. I’ll have to invite Steve and Clare, too, ’cos our Polly would have a right cob on if I left Steve out. Even though he’s startin’ work soon, he’s still her best mate.’
This brought a smile to Tommy’s face. ‘I’ve always had the feeling that those two would end up gettin’ married, yer know. They’ve been inseparable since they were toddlers.’
‘She could do worse than marry Steve, he’s a good lad. But she’s only thirteen, there’s a lot of water to flow under the bridge before she thinks of gettin’ wed.’ Ada pressed his hand and smiled into his face. ‘She’s a good girl, that daughter of ours – a real grafter, if ever there was one. Hail rain or snow she’s out on a Saturday an’ Sunday with the flowers. I used to worry about her bein’ out in bad weather but she never comes to no harm, she seems to thrive on it. And she looks so proud when she hands over her few bob every week. Honest to God, Tommy, it brings a lump to me throat.’
‘That’s why she’s doin’ it, love, to help yer out. I bet her few bob comes in handy.’
‘I’ll say it does!’ Ada thought before she said any more. She didn’t want to set him off worrying. She relied on the three shillings her daughter turned up every week; without it she’d be back getting tick from the corner shop. And once you started that, your money was spoken for before you got it. ‘It means I’m not scrimping from day to day. I manage fine on what comes in and I’m glad to say I owe no one a farthing.’
‘I think you’ve done wonders, Ada, an’ I’m proud of yer. But I’ll be glad when I’m able to work again and you can take life a bit easier.’
Ada was pleased he was taking an interest, and wanting to leave him in a cheerful frame of mind, she went on to tell him about the antics of Aggie and the new cleaner, Fanny. What harm did it do if she did exaggerate? If it made her Tommy happy, Ada would gladly have stood on her head. In no time Tommy’s smile turned into a full-blown laugh. And he was still chuckling when it was time for her to leave and they wished each other a Merry Christmas, both saying he’d be at home for the next one.
When Ada looked round before going through the ward door, Tommy was putting the photograph on the locker at the side of his bed. Sympathy welled up inside her as she watched him turn it until he had it at an angle where he could see his family without moving his head.
‘Ada, can you spare a moment, please?’ John caught her eye as she was passing his office. When she entered the room he motioned for her to sit on the chair he had placed on the opposite side of his desk, then he strode across the floor and closed the office door. ‘Don’t worry, Ada, there’s nothing sinister in my motives.’
‘Mr John, I never thought there would be.’
>
John sank into his chair. ‘So you’re not afraid of me ravaging you?’
Ada laughed. ‘Oh no, Mr John! Anyway, I haven’t half got a loud scream – they’d hear me in New Brighton.’
He smiled. ‘I told Aggie I’d be asking you in here, so she’ll be listening out, no doubt.’
‘But why did yer do that?’ Ada looked puzzled. ‘I won’t be more than a few minutes, will I?’
‘That’s entirely up to you. You can leave any time you wish. But first things first.’ His smile was both shy and sad. ‘I’m delivering Aggie’s hamper to her house tomorrow because it’ll be far too heavy for her to carry. While I’m out in the car I’ll drop yours off for the same reason.’
‘What time will it be? I’ll have to make sure someone’s in to take it off you.’
‘I thought I could leave it at your neighbour’s … Mrs Mitchell, isn’t it?’
Ada didn’t like that idea. She knew Dolly was struggling for money and intended giving her some things from the hamper to help her out. But to have it delivered there looked as though she was bragging. ‘I wouldn’t want yer to do that, Mr John. Yer see, Dolly’s …’ Ada stopped when he held up his hand.
‘I know what’s in your mind, Ada, and I wouldn’t be so insensitive. I have a hamper for Mrs Mitchell as well.’
Ada gasped. ‘Oh, Mr John! It’s goin’ to cost you a fortune buying these hampers for everyone. Fanny said she’s gettin’ one too.’
John rubbed a finger over an ink-stain on the desk. ‘Now we come to the serious part, the reason I asked you in.’ When he raised his head his eyes met hers. ‘Can I talk to you as a friend, Ada?’
‘Of course yer can, Mr John.’
‘Before I start, I want you to know I’m not looking for sympathy, but a little understanding. You see, in two days it’ll be Christmas, when families get together to celebrate. I don’t have a family, Ada, no one to exchange presents with. Since my parents died I’ve never had a real Christmas, with presents under the tree and everyone excited and happy. You have probably realised by now that my wife and I don’t have an ideal marriage. Her idea of Christmas is to invite her own circle of friends around, all of whom are extremely well-off. They exchange expensive presents, each trying to outdo the others. It doesn’t, and never has appealed to me, so this year I will not be spending the festive season at home. Nor will I be forking out for expensive gifts for people whose lifestyle I don’t particularly like.’