by Kitty Neale
‘This is Pamela, another of my granddaughters,’ Edith told Craig as they walked into the lounge.
‘Hello, Pamela,’ said Craig, smiling warmly.
Pamela managed to stammer hello, and then Craig rose to his feet. ‘I’d best be off, but before I go, is it all right if I pick you up next Saturday, Jenny, or I could meet you here?’
‘You can meet her here,’ Edith said quickly.
‘Right, see you next week. Nice meeting you, Pamela, and see you soon, Edith. Don’t worry, I’ll see myself out.’
Pamela waved in slow motion, seemingly fascinated and in awe at meeting a deaf man. As the front door closed, she asked, ‘What did he mean about next week?’
Jenny let out a long-held breath, and slumped onto a chair, and her gran chipped in before she could answer. ‘Your sister’s got a date.’
‘With Craig? But … he … he’s …’
‘Deaf, Pamela, yes,’ Jenny told her. ‘Craig can’t hear, but as you just saw for yourself, it doesn’t hold him back.’
‘Where’s he taking you?’
‘To the cinema,’ Jenny replied coyly.
‘That’s nice. What are you going to see? What will you wear? Do you want me to help you with your hair?’
‘Whoa, slow down, Pamela,’ Edith urged. ‘Give your sister a chance to breathe! But you’re right about her needing some help with her hair.’
Jenny patted her frizzy ginger curls. Her hair was unruly and could do with some taming, but the hot blower or curling tongs could do nothing to style it. Instead they made it look even wilder than normal, so now Jenny normally tied it back. She doubted her thirteen-year-old sister could do anything with it either, but it was nice to see her looking animated and, for now, not looking nervous.
‘I don’t know where you get that red hair from,’ Edith mused. ‘Must be from your father’s side.’
On many occasions, Jenny had heard her dad ask her mother the same question. She’d overheard his accusations and wondered if that was the reason he always seemed to beat her so severely. He didn’t believe he was really her father. And on days like today, when her head still pounded from the force of his fists, she wished he wasn’t.
Chapter 3
The following week, Craig looked out of the window and caught a glimpse of Jenny arriving at her gran’s. He thought she looked stunning and quickly checked his own reflection. ‘Who are you trying to kid?’ he asked himself. ‘A woman like her would never be interested in a bloke like you.’
Though Craig thought Jenny was accompanying him to the cinema out of sympathy, he still intended to make the most of the evening. It was only the second occasion he’d taken a woman out and he cringed at the memory of the first time. It had ended in disaster when he’d misread her words so when she’d said she played the guitar, he’d thought she said she peed in a jar. When he’d realised his mistake, he had roared with laughter, but unfortunately his date didn’t seem to have a sense of humour or the patience to understand the limitations of lip-reading.
Craig hoped this evening would go more smoothly. He’d been looking forward to this all week, but once again he reminded himself not to get his hopes up. Jenny could have the pick of blokes in Balham so was unlikely to choose him. He’d discovered that once women found out about his inability to hear, they normally did a runner. Granted, Jenny already knew he was deaf and had still agreed to go out with him, but he had to admit to himself that she hadn’t seemed very enthusiastic and he guessed she’d only said yes because she felt sorry for him. Still, it was nice to have someone to go to the cinema with for a change. At least he wouldn’t be sitting there alone, surrounded by couples. In fact, he’d have the best-looking girl on his arm, and even if they just became friends, it was better than being lonely.
‘Oh, Jen, you look a picture,’ Edith said when Jenny walked in.
‘Pamela helped with my hair. I’m amazed at how she’s styled it. Perhaps she could get a job as an apprentice hairdresser when she leaves school.’
‘You scrub up smashing. It’s nice to see you dolled up for a change. Are you looking forward to tonight?’
‘To be honest, Gran, I’ve been having second thoughts,’ Jenny answered, omitting that her stomach was in knots with nerves and she’d hardly slept because of worrying about it.
‘Why? Craig’s ever so nice. Yes, he’s deaf but you could do a lot worse, you know!’
‘It’s not him. I’m sure he’s great.’
‘So, what is it then? First date nerves?’
‘I suppose so. I’m not very good at talking to men.’
‘Don’t worry, sweetheart, everyone gets butterflies at first. You’ll soon relax, and then I’m sure you’ll have a lovely time. I reckon Craig will be feeling just as nervous.’
‘Do you think so? I wasn’t even sure he really wanted to take me out.’
‘Oh, he’s keen on you, I could tell. He couldn’t take his eyes off you and when I suggested the dance, he was quick to invite you to the cinema instead. Now stop worrying and just enjoy yourself.’
Jenny heard a light tap on the front door and her stomach flipped.
‘Go and answer it then,’ her gran urged.
She took a deep breath to compose herself but could feel her cheeks burning. Her pale skin made blushes really stand out, and she guessed her neck and chest would be red too. She opened the door but could hardly bring herself to look at Craig.
His voice upbeat, he said, ‘Hiya, Jenny. You look fantastic. Are you going somewhere nice?’
Jenny panicked. Had he forgotten about their date? She looked at him now, her eyes wide.
‘Only kidding,’ he said, grinning. ‘You do look fantastic though.’
‘Thanks,’ she muttered. ‘Come in.’
Craig followed her through to the lounge and stood by her side as he said hello to Edith.
‘Well, I say,’ her gran said proudly as she eyed them, ‘don’t you make a handsome couple.’
Jenny’s cheeks were already flushed and the last thing she needed was her gran making remarks like that. ‘We’d better go. We don’t want to be late,’ she said, trying to get them out of the door before her gran said anything else to embarrass her.
‘Righto. See you later, Edith. Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of Jenny and make sure she’s home at a sensible time.’
‘I’m sure you will, young man,’ Edith called, though Jenny knew Craig couldn’t have heard her.
Lizzie shoved her arm through Roy’s and reached up to kiss him on the cheek.
‘What was that for?’ Roy asked.
‘Do you really want to see this poxy film? I could think of better things to do than queuing up outside the Ritz.’
‘Oh yeah, like what?’
Lizzie stood on tiptoes and whispered in his ear, ‘Let’s go back home and I’ll show you. We can have an early night.’
‘You saucy little minx,’ Roy said, beaming. ‘Come on then.’
Lizzie knew how to twist Roy around her little finger, and the suggestion of going to bed always worked when she wanted to get her own way. She wasn’t interested in seeing a film about a girls’ school. It sounded daft to her, so with an arm still hooked through Roy’s, they left the queue. To Lizzie’s horror, she spotted a familiar face in the line of people, and her eldest daughter had seen her too.
‘Mum, hello. I … I didn’t expect to see you here.’
Lizzie flashed a quick look at Roy. The man looked confused, but it wasn’t any wonder considering she still hadn’t mentioned any of her five children.
‘We’re not stopping. Gotta dash, see ya. Hope you enjoy the film,’ Lizzie said quickly and pulled on Roy’s arm, dragging him down the street and away from the awkward situation.
‘Did she just call you Mum?’ he asked, clearly perplexed.
‘Yes, but it’s not what you think,’ Lizzie answered, trying to buy some time to think of a good get-out.
‘So, she’s not your daughter?’
‘Well … she is �
� but—’ she stammered, unusually lost for words.
Roy tugged himself away from her grip, then angrily said, ‘For Christ’s sake, Liz, why didn’t you tell me?’
‘Don’t be like that, Roy. It’s not like I lied to you or anything. I just haven’t got around to mentioning it to you.’
‘You’ve got a grown-up daughter who doesn’t look that much younger than me and you didn’t think to say something? As for not lying to me, how old are you really?’
‘For goodness sake, a lot of women tell fibs about their age, and anyway, what does it matter?’
‘It matters to me. I don’t want to be lumbered with some washed-up old tart! What are you, thirty-five … forty?’
Lizzie bristled, her temper rising, ‘I’m forty-two, as it happens,’ she snapped, ‘and I’ve got five kids who live with their father. You’ve just met my eldest, Jenny. She’s twenty-two, and yes, that’s right, just a few years younger than you.’
Roy fell silent, but Lizzie could see he was shocked by her revelations. She didn’t want to lose him and kicked herself for losing her rag. ‘Look, it’s not the end of the world. All right, I’ve got kids, but it doesn’t mean anything has to change between us. Come on, let’s go home and have that early night,’ she suggested, licking her lips suggestively.
‘You deceitful bitch!’ he growled, his eyes cold and hard. ‘What makes you think I want to be with a grandmother, eh?’
‘Leave it out. I ain’t a grandmother!’
‘Maybe not, but you soon could be. Blimey, it won’t be long before you’re tucking your tits into your knickers and walking with a stick! Nah, Liz, this ain’t on. You duped me into sleeping with you, but now you can get your stuff out of my flat and sling your fucking hook.’
Roy stomped on ahead, leaving Lizzie reeling. She hadn’t expected him to take it so badly and quickened her pace to catch up with him. ‘Roy … wait … Roy,’ she called, but he carried on marching ahead of her.
Finally, as he opened his front door, she caught up with him. ‘Please, Roy, let’s not be hasty. Come on, let’s go to bed,’ she purred, confident that she’d be able to seduce him, and he’d forget about her age. ‘We can talk about this again later.’
‘Ugh, no thanks. The thought of sleeping with you turns my stomach now. Bloody hell, Liz, it’d be like sleeping with my mother! You’re a looker, but I need a girl of my own age. Sorry, but we’re finished.’
Lizzie’s heart sank as she realised she wouldn’t be able to persuade him to change his mind. Worse still, she’d be homeless again. ‘Please, Roy. I understand but give me a chance to get myself sorted. I can’t go tonight. I haven’t got anywhere to go.’
Roy looked her up and down with disgust, then spat, ‘Tough. That ain’t my problem. Go back to your old man and look after your children – like a proper mother!’
He opened his door, walked in and then slammed it shut behind him, leaving Lizzie dumbfounded on the doorstep. She slowly lowered herself and sat on the cold concrete step as Roy’s words spun in her head. She couldn’t go back to Henry. Roy didn’t understand what her husband was like. Of course, she would have liked to take her children with her when she left, but where could she have gone with five kids in tow? Lesley hadn’t wanted them. Anyway, she reasoned, they were better off in their own home, and whatever Henry was or wasn’t, he was at least a good provider. But that didn’t mean she’d put up with his punches again. No, she would never go back to him, never. Though she might try and cadge a few quid out of him now.
Gloria had tucked the boys into bed, and when her dad had come home from the pub she’d warmed his dinner through. He hadn’t eaten it, but she was thankful that he was in a mellow mood. He’d stumbled up the stairs to his room, and now Pamela had taken herself off to bed too.
Gloria sat alone in the front room, listening to the radio whilst waiting for Jenny to come home. She couldn’t wait to hear all the details of how her older sister’s date had gone. Before long, she heard the front door quietly close and Jenny breezed into the room. From the look on her face, Gloria could tell it had gone well. ‘Someone looks happy! Tell me all about it, I’ve been dying to know.’
‘Oh, Gloria, it was amazing! We held hands watching the film. I was a bit worried because I thought my palm might have been all sweaty, but he didn’t let it go. Then after the film he took me to the coffee bar and we talked and talked and talked some more. He insisted on walking me home, then out there, in the street, he kissed me! Just a little peck but it was on the lips. Honestly, it feels like I’ve known him forever! And you’ll never guess who we bumped into?’
‘No, go on, tell me.’
‘Mum. She was there with a bloke who looked young enough to be her son. You know her though, she hardly said two words to me and didn’t hang about.’
‘Nothing that woman does surprises me any more. Enough about her, you’ll be seeing Craig again then?’
‘Yes, and I can’t wait. I said I’d call in to see Gran on Tuesday after work, so he said he’ll take me out for something to eat. Do you mind cooking dinner for you all that night and keeping an eye on the boys?’
‘I suppose so, but don’t make it too often, they ain’t my responsibility.’
‘How have the boys and Pamela been?’
‘Don’t worry about them, they’re fine. Timmy had a bit of a bellyache, but I reckon he was swinging the lead ’cos he wanted to wait up for you to come home. Dad’s upstairs, probably passed out by now. Anyway, what did it feel like to be kissed?’
Jenny threw herself back on the sofa and sighed deeply before answering, ‘Dreamy.’
‘Blimey, ’ark at you, you’re swooning,’ Gloria chuckled. She would never admit it, but there was a part of her that was jealous. Yes, she was happy for Jenny, but she wished it was she who had a boyfriend. Someone, anyone, who could take her away from the hell of living with their father. She had someone in mind, but so far she hadn’t attracted his attention.
Chapter 4
Craig awoke to his silent world, but he felt as if a rapturous riot was occurring in his head. He’d fallen asleep with a smile on his face and now, as his eyes opened, his first thought was of Jenny and he smiled again.
Their date couldn’t have gone any better; it had been the best night of his life. Once Jenny had overcome her shyness, they’d chatted like old friends, and the more he got to know her, the more he found he liked her. They’d arranged to see each other again on Tuesday, but today was Sunday and their next date felt a lifetime away. He wished now that he’d invited her to lunch today, but he hadn’t wanted his keenness to frighten her off.
Craig almost skipped out of bed, then put the kettle on. As he stood waiting for the water to come to the boil, his mind filled with images and thoughts of Jenny. He found it sweet when she’d tap her fingers on her cheek when thinking, and tuck imaginary strands of hair behind her ear when being serious. He liked how her nose would wrinkle, like a mouse’s, when she sniffed, and he adored the dimples that showed when she smiled.
‘Get a grip of yourself, man,’ Craig said out loud as he poured hot water onto tea leaves. ‘You’re acting like a schoolboy with a crush!’ He tried to contain himself, but found he was overwhelmed with feelings for Jenny. He’d never felt like this before about anyone, and hoped she felt the same.
A short while later, Craig decided to head for his workshop. There wasn’t much else to do alone on a Sunday, other than take a walk or go to church. As he trotted downstairs, Edith’s door opened and the woman stepped out with her arms folded across her chest and a mischievous grin on her face.
‘Well then, how was your date?’ she asked.
‘Morning, Edith. Have you been standing behind your door waiting to accost me?’
‘You cheeky bugger, but yes, as it happens, I have.’
‘I’m surprised you weren’t waiting up for me to come home last night.’
‘I was, but I must have nodded off. Well?’
‘Well what?’ Craig
asked, enjoying teasing the old woman.
‘Don’t make me drag it out of you,’ Edith warned and wagged her finger.
‘It was very … pleasant.’
‘Pleasant, is that it, pleasant?’
‘Actually, it was better than pleasant.’
‘The kettle’s just boiled, do you want to come in and tell me all about it?’
Yes, Craig wanted to. He couldn’t stop thinking about Jenny and would like nothing better than to talk about her too. As he followed Edith into her cosy home, he announced, ‘Do you know what, I’m absolutely smitten.’
Edith turned and smiled warmly. ‘Good. You’ve made an old woman very happy. Jenny deserves a bit of happiness and it’s about time she met a nice, decent man.’
Craig sat down and made no secret of his feelings. His cheeks ached from grinning so much, but he couldn’t help himself. ‘She’s lovely, Edith, really lovely.’
‘I know, she’s a good girl, you won’t find kinder.’
‘I won’t be looking! Honestly, Edith, call me soft if you want, but she’s bowled me over. I hope she likes me too.’
‘Tell me to mind me own business, but did you give her a kiss goodnight?’
‘Edith! You can’t ask me something like that,’ Craig answered, pretending to be shocked.
‘Don’t be bleedin’ daft. Did you or didn’t you?’
‘Yes, I did, but don’t you go giving me an ear-bashing. I swear, I was every ounce the gentleman.’
‘I’m sure you was and I’d expect nothing less, but my point is, if Jenny allowed you to give her a kiss, then I guarantee she likes you too. I know my Jen. Trust me, the feelings are mutual.’
‘Thanks, Edith, it’s nice to hear. I feel a bit stupid, and to be honest, I don’t know what’s come over me.’
‘It’s called love, Craig. Me and my husband were just the same when we first met. When you meet the one, you know it.’
Craig sat back in the armchair and sighed. He’d known immediately that Jenny was ‘the one’, but had told himself it was too soon. Of course, he wouldn’t reveal his feelings to Jenny just yet, but now that Edith confirmed it, he knew he was falling head over heels.