A Family's Heartbreak

by Kitty Neale

  ‘Shut the fuck up!’ Henry shouted, though he doubted Audrey could hear him downstairs over the noise of the hoover. He now regretted bringing home the carpet that someone had thrown out.

  With a sore head and feeling angry, he gave up trying to get any more sleep and climbed out of bed. In just his underpants he stomped downstairs and into the front room to see Audrey vacuuming while humming a tune. She had her back to him and hadn’t seen him, so Henry yanked the plug from the wall.

  Audrey spun around and when she saw the disgruntled expression on his face, her own paled. ‘I’m sorry, Henry, I didn’t mean to disturb you.’

  ‘Did you really think I could sleep through that racket? Are you thick or something?’

  ‘I just wanted the place to be nice and clean for when you woke up.’

  ‘You hoover this fucking carpet every day, woman, so it can’t be dirty.’ Henry took a deep breath in an endeavour to calm down and then hissed, ‘Just make me some breakfast.’

  He went back upstairs to his room, exasperated with Audrey. He knew she tried her best, but everything she did lately irritated him. Henry sat on the edge of the bed and pulled his trousers on, going over a conversation he’d had in the pub the night before with a mate he hadn’t seen for a while, Micky Mallen. The man had said he’d seen Gloria working in Queenie’s fag shop and she’d told him that Jenny was getting married. It had floored him and once again he’d realised that at times he missed his children.

  When they’d first left, he’d expected that without his money to support them, Jenny would soon come running back, but that hadn’t happened. It had been so long that he now realised they weren’t going to return. If he wanted to see his kids, he’d have to go to them. He knew where Jenny worked, and now Gloria too, so it wouldn’t be hard to find out where they were living.

  As Henry stood up, his head pounded. He wasn’t up to looking for them today, but he’d get round to it eventually. For now he just wanted an aspirin, and some food in his stomach.

  Chapter 17

  Jenny opened her eyes and looked around expecting to see Pamela and Gloria still asleep. To her surprise, their beds were empty. They’d been living in their new home for two weeks now, yet she noticed Gloria’s bag remained mostly unpacked.

  She stretched her arms and yawned, then remembered today was Saturday, September the 23rd, her birthday. There’d been no mention of it, so she doubted anyone had remembered, but it didn’t matter. She was so happy, happier than she’d ever been, and was looking forward to being Craig’s wife.

  As she walked down the stairs, Jenny could hear her brothers giggling in the kitchen and thought it was unusual for everyone to be up before her. She hoped they weren’t up to mischief but trusted Pamela to be keeping an eye on them. She opened the kitchen door and was astounded to be greeted with a united ‘SURPRISE’.

  Her brothers, sisters and Craig were standing around the kitchen table. In the centre she saw a big iced cake, and balloons were strung to the backs of the chairs.

  ‘Happy birthday, Jen,’ Timmy piped.

  ‘Yeah, happy birthday,’ Peter repeated.

  ‘We wanted to surprise you with a birthday breakfast,’ Craig said, and walked over to kiss her cheek. ‘Happy birthday, darling.’

  ‘I helped Pamela make the cake,’ Timmy said, then Peter added, ‘Me too. I helped an’ all, didn’t I, Pam?’

  ‘Yes, and I couldn’t have done it without you both,’ Pamela said, and ruffled Timmy’s hair.

  ‘Sit down,’ Gloria instructed. ‘We’ve already eaten, there’s tea in the pot and I’m the one who is going to cook your breakfast, the full works.’

  Jenny wasn’t feeling hungry, but as they’d all made such an effort, she didn’t like to say no. She took a seat whilst Craig poured her a cup of tea. She wasn’t used to so much fuss and attention and it felt quite overwhelming. It was nice, though, as she hadn’t realised how much her family appreciated her.

  ‘Can I give Jenny her present now?’ Peter asked.

  ‘Yes, of course you can,’ Pamela agreed.

  Peter and Timmy ran from the kitchen then quickly returned with a gift wrapped in pretty floral paper which they shoved into her hands.

  ‘We made it, didn’t we, Peter?’ Timmy said.

  As she tore the paper away, Jenny saw a hand-painted picture that she recognised as their new house, and standing in front of it the boys had painted all of them including Craig. They were holding hands and every person, though not really recognisable, wore a big smile.

  ‘It’s us, and our house,’ Timmy said.

  ‘Do you like it, Jen?’ Peter asked.

  Jenny felt a lump in her throat and found it difficult to speak, but managed to say, ‘It’s beautiful.’

  Timmy came to stand by her side. ‘Craig made the frame for it. Where are you going to put it?’

  She dashed away a tear and put an arm around her brother’s waist. ‘This is going to take pride of place above the fireplace. Thank you, I love it.’

  Timmy and Peter exchanged smiles and it warmed Jenny’s heart to see them looking so joyful. She looked at the painting again, and thought they’d captured their happy family brilliantly.

  Pamela whispered, ‘Happy birthday,’ and handed her a small package in brown paper.

  ‘Thank you,’ Jenny said as she opened the gift to reveal a small bottle of Evette perfume. ‘Oh, Pamela, you shouldn’t have spent so much on me,’ she cried, taking off the cap to sniff the contents. ‘It smells gorgeous.’

  ‘I saved some of my wage from Woolworth’s, and I got a staff discount.’

  ‘I like Pam working there. She always brings home bags of broken biscuits,’ Timmy chirped.

  ‘Yes, but as I don’t get them for nothing it would be nice if you didn’t scoff them so quickly.’

  ‘Here you are, happy birthday, Sis,’ Gloria said and handed Jenny an unwrapped lipstick. ‘It’s a deep red and will look smashing with your colouring. Honest, it’ll look so much better than that pale pink you wear.’

  Jenny doubted she’d have the nerve to wear anything so bold. ‘Thank you, it’s lovely,’ she fibbed, not wanting to hurt Gloria’s feelings.

  ‘And finally, this is from me,’ Craig said, handing her an intricately carved wooden box. ‘I made it in my workshop. I thought you could use it for jewellery and keepsakes.’

  Jenny peered at the lid, noticing the small love hearts and delicate flowers. It was the most stunning piece of woodwork she’d ever seen.

  ‘Open it then,’ Craig added.

  She lifted the lid to see a small black velvet pouch inside. She undid the white ribbon that fastened it, then gasped when she tipped out an engagement ring.

  ‘Well, are you going to put it on?’ Craig asked.

  Jenny nodded, unable to speak for fear of bursting into tears.

  ‘Give it here,’ Craig said, and slipped the ring onto her finger. ‘Now it’s official. You are the future Mrs Brice.’

  Full of emotion, Jenny was still unable to speak. She jumped up from her seat and threw her arms around Craig.

  ‘I love you, Jenny. Happy birthday, sweetheart.’

  ‘Unhand your man,’ Gloria said dramatically as though in a play, ‘and let me have a look at that ring.’

  Jenny pulled away from Craig and held out her hand.

  ‘Nice,’ Gloria said shortly.

  Pamela was more forthcoming, ‘It’s lovely, Jenny, really lovely.’

  The ring was a small cluster of diamonds set in gold, but if Craig had carved her a wooden one, she’d have cherished it just as much. ‘Thank you, all of you. This is the best birthday I’ve ever had,’ Jenny said as tears slipped from her eyes.

  ‘Why are you crying then?’ Timmy asked, sounding concerned.

  ‘These are not sad tears, darling. They’re tears of happiness.’

  ‘Girls are weird,’ he answered then lightly punched Peter’s arm, saying to him, ‘Come on, I’ll race you upstairs.’

  As Jenny
sat down, Craig pulled out a chair opposite her. ‘Your birthday hasn’t finished yet. Pamela is taking the boys to see your gran later for their tea, and I’m going to cook you a slap-up meal while you put your feet up and relax.’

  ‘Another meal being cooked for me. Oh, that’s lovely.’

  ‘You’ll have the place to yourselves too,’ Gloria said as she turned sausages over in the pan. ‘I’m going out on a date with Hughie Halbert. He’s taking me to the cinema.’

  ‘Hughie Halbert … where do I know that name from?’ Jenny asked.

  ‘You were in the same class at school as Deirdre, his sister,’ Gloria replied.

  ‘Oh yes, I know who you mean. Isn’t he Deirdre’s older brother?’

  ‘Yes, he’s twenty-five, and before you say anything else, unlike Dennis he works, and no, I won’t do anything I shouldn’t. He’s got his own car, you know,’ Gloria said, then placed the cooked meal on the table.

  ‘Thanks, this looks smashing,’ Jenny said, deciding that though she thought Hughie was too old for her sister, she was better off keeping her thoughts to herself.

  ‘Enjoy,’ Gloria said, ‘I’m going for a bath.’ She flounced towards the door.

  Pamela scraped her chair back and said, ‘Wait, can I use the bathroom first? I have to get ready for work and I’m already running late.’

  ‘Go on then but hurry up. I suppose I can do my nails while I’m waiting,’ Gloria answered and followed Pamela upstairs.

  ‘I feel ever so spoiled,’ Jenny said to Craig.

  ‘You deserve to be. The way you’ve kept this family together and looked after everyone is amazing. It’s about time we did something nice for you in return.’

  Jenny could feel her emotions rising to the surface again and fought to hold back the tears. This really was the best birthday she’d ever woken up to and so different from the year before when she’d been sporting a cut cheek thanks to her father. Those days of fear and abuse seemed a long way behind her and, as she looked at her ring again, Jenny knew she’d never forget how special this birthday was.

  Henry hadn’t eaten the eggs and bacon that Audrey had prepared for him. One look at her despondent face had put him right off his food. Instead, he’d thrown some clothes on, walked out without a word, and was now sitting reading the paper over a cup of tea and a bacon sandwich in Bernie’s Café.

  Bernie, the owner, came over to Henry’s table and picked up his empty plate. ‘Do you want anything else, mate?’

  Henry looked over the top of his newspaper. The skinny man had a dirty white apron on. His thin, dark grey hair was greased back and from where Henry was sitting he could see bunches of hair sticking out of his nose. He grimaced, but even the sight of Bernie was more welcoming than having to look at Audrey. ‘No thanks, Bernie. That sandwich was spot on.’

  ‘Glad you enjoyed it. How’s your lot? I ain’t seen them in a while.’

  ‘I dunno, mate. They’ve all left home.’

  ‘I’m sorry to hear that, Henry. It must be hard for you.’

  ‘Nah, not really. At least I can get some peace and quiet now. What about your missus, she all right?’

  ‘No, she’s coughing her bleedin’ lungs up day and night, but the stubborn old bat won’t go to the doctor’s. That’s why I’m here by myself, doing the cooking and seeing to the tables too. I could do with a hand so if one of your girls is up for it, tell ’em there’s a job going.’

  Henry didn’t want to admit that he hadn’t seen his daughters. ‘Yeah, when I see them, I’ll let them know.’

  ‘Ta, do you want another cuppa?’

  ‘No, thanks, mate,’ Henry said and as he folded his newspaper, his eyes suddenly locked on the date. Jenny would be twenty-three today and an idea struck him. With it being her birthday, it could be the perfect opportunity to make an inroad back into his kids’ lives. Firstly, he needed to buy a birthday card, then he’d drop into Queenie’s and if Gloria was working he’d wheedle their address out of her. If Gloria wasn’t there, it would have to wait until Monday, but one way or the other he’d find out where they were living.

  A short while later, Henry walked into Queenie’s but was disappointed to see an old woman behind the counter instead of his daughter.

  ‘What can I get you?’ she asked.

  ‘I was hoping to have a word with my daughter, Gloria.’

  ‘She doesn’t work on Saturdays. She’ll be here on Monday morning … I hope.’

  ‘Can I leave this for her?’ Henry asked and held out the card.

  ‘What do you think I am, a bloody postwoman?’ the woman retorted.

  ‘No, but it’s a birthday card for my other daughter. I’d like Gloria to pass it on to her.’

  ‘Why don’t you give it to her yourself?’

  ‘I would, but I’m not sure where they’re living.’

  ‘If you’re her father, that’s a bit odd, but it’s none of my business. You’ll find them on Osward Road. I don’t know what number, though Gloria did mention that they’ve got a big red rosebush in the front garden.’

  ‘Thank you. Give me a box of them chocolates and keep the change,’ Henry said, handing the woman some coins.

  He placed the chocolates and the card inside his folded newspaper and headed for Osward Road. He didn’t know what sort of welcome he’d get, but he was their father and surely they’d at least be a bit pleased to see him.

  Dwight had his back to Lizzie in bed, so she rolled over and snuggled up behind him. She began to rub her hand over his chest and nuzzled his neck, but to her disappointment Dwight responded by climbing out of the bed.

  She didn’t know what was wrong with him lately but felt he was slipping away from her. He’d become distant, their daily lovemaking was now weekly, and the luxury gifts were no longer forthcoming. ‘What’s wrong, Dwight? Something seems to be bothering you,’ Lizzie asked, wanting her man to open up and share whatever was troubling him.

  Dwight ran a hand through his hair, then blurted, ‘You! It’s you that’s bothering me.’

  ‘Why? What have I done wrong?’

  ‘Nothing, Lizzie, but I think it’s time you moved on.’

  ‘What? Are you kidding me? I thought we had a good thing going on.’

  ‘Yes … had. It was good, but it’s run its course. You’re a great gal, but it’s over. I’ve got to work tonight, and when I get home I’d like to find you gone.’

  ‘Gone! But where am I supposed to go?’

  ‘I’m sure you’ll work something out, you’re a bright woman,’ Dwight drawled as he walked to the bathroom.

  Lizzie rolled over onto her back, staring at the ceiling as her mind reeled. Dwight sounded so cold and detached, but surely she could persuade him to change his mind. She reached over to the bedside table and took a cigarette out of the packet. After lighting it, she took a long drag and considered her options. She wouldn’t beg, but she knew how to turn him on. She’d lie low today, but when he returned from work later she’d show him exactly what he’d be missing.

  Gloria padded down the stairs with a towel wrapped around her as Jenny walked out of the lounge. Her sister gave her a stern look, then told her to get back upstairs and put some clothes on.

  ‘But I need my hairbrush and it’s on the sofa.’

  ‘I’ll get it for you, and in future please don’t walk around the house half-naked.’

  Gloria rolled her eyes and tutted. She didn’t see what all the fuss was about. She was covered up and it wasn’t as if Craig ever took any notice of her in that way. Still, she turned around and went back upstairs. Once in her bedroom, she pulled a crumpled skirt from her bag which she thought would look nice with Jenny’s pink blouse. She knew her sister wouldn’t mind her borrowing her clothes, so after rummaging in Jenny’s wardrobe she found the blouse and put in on, whilst looking out of the bedroom window. The room was at the rear of the house and overlooked the small back garden. Timmy and Peter were playing on a seesaw that Craig had made for them and Gloria smiled.
Jenny had found herself a decent man and she hoped she’d have the same luck with Hughie.

  She gave her skirt a shake, but as it still needed ironing she went through Jenny’s wardrobe again. She considered most of her sister’s skirts to be too long but found a pair of slacks which she’d never seen Jenny wear. She tried them on and decided they looked elegant on her and showed her shapely figure. As Gloria admired her outfit in the mirror, she heard a knock on the street door, but left one of the others to answer it.

  Jenny still hadn’t turned up with her hairbrush, so, now dressed, Gloria went back downstairs. She stopped in her tracks midway, staring in disbelief when she saw her father at the front door. Jenny had opened it, but she couldn’t see her sister’s face and could only guess her reaction.

  ‘So ain’t you gonna invite your old man in?’ he asked.

  Gloria suddenly recovered her wits and dashed down the rest of the stairs to stand by her sister’s side.

  ‘Hello, love, you look well,’ her dad said cheerily when he saw her.

  ‘What are you doing here?’ Gloria asked suspiciously.

  ‘It’s Jenny’s birthday so I’ve brought her a card, look, and some chocolates.’

  Her father held out the gift to Jenny who seemed reluctant to take it.

  ‘How did you know where to find us?’ Gloria asked.

  ‘The old bird in the fag shop told me. It’s a bit of a walk up the hill to get here and I’m parched. Any chance of a cuppa?’

  Gloria looked at Jenny. Though their dad sounded affable, she could see her sister was nervous, and noticed small beads of sweat glistening on her forehead. She wanted to tell her dad to go away and leave them alone, but it might arouse his temper.

  It was Jenny who managed to stutter, ‘I … er … d-don’t think it’s a good idea. It … it would upset the boys to see you.’