by Joan Jonker
‘I shouldn’t think so, but that depends upon the specialist.’ The doctor allowed a small smile to appear. ‘It also depends upon how stubborn your baby is.’
‘But how could it have happened? I didn’t do anything to cause it, I’m very careful about lifting and stretching.’
‘It’s nothing you’ve done, my dear, it’s one of those things that nobody can explain. Now, if you’ll excuse me a minute, I’ll ring the hospital and arrange an appointment.’
After he’d left the room, Doreen turned to her mother. ‘I’m frightened, Mam! What will they do to me? I don’t understand how it’s happened ’cos I’ve been so careful and really looked after meself.’
‘There’s no need to worry, sunshine, yer’ll be fine. I’ve often heard of babies having to be turned, it’s not something new.’ Molly was trying to reassure her daughter, but she couldn’t reassure herself. She had heard of cases where a baby has been turned to avoid a breech delivery but Doreen still had a few months to go. ‘Don’t start getting yerself all upset ’cos that could upset the baby. They can sense these things, yer know.’
The door opened and Doctor Greenshields came in. ‘Eleven o’clock tomorrow morning, Mrs Bradley. If you go through the main hospital doors, you’ll see an enquiry window on your left. If you give your name in there, they’ll tell you where to go and who to ask for. I visit the hospital nearly every day to see patients of mine so I’ll find out how you got on. And I think it would be wise if you came to me for an examination every two weeks now so I can keep an eye on you.’ He saw Doreen’s eyes widen with fear. ‘That is quite normal and has nothing to do with the present situation. Once an expectant mother gets to six months I ask them to come every fortnight, then at eight months I like to see them every week until the baby is born.’
‘But what for?’ Doreen’s voice was shrill. ‘I’m going to be all right, aren’t I? And the baby?’
‘Of course you are! You and the baby are perfectly healthy and you can assure your husband there is absolutely no need to worry. It will not be a pleasant experience for you tomorrow, but if it’s any consolation you’ll feel much better afterwards.’
‘Thanks, Doctor.’ Molly handed Doreen her coat. ‘I’ll go with her to the hospital tomorrow, she’ll be all right.’
He nodded. ‘And please see she comes to the surgery every fortnight from now on.’
‘I’ll bring her meself.’ Molly cupped her daughter’s elbow. ‘Come on, sunshine, let’s get yer home, Miss Clegg will be worried about yer.’
‘Oh, how is Miss Clegg?’ The doctor showed interest. ‘It’s a long time since I’ve seen her so I hope that means all is well?’
‘For a woman of her age, she’s amazing, Doctor. She can’t do what she used to do, and she seldom goes over the door, but she has all her faculties about her. Her hearing and sight are fine, and she’s got enough on top to beat us all at cards.’
‘Give her my warm regards.’ Doctor Greenshields opened the door for them then went back to the papers on his desk. He had about twelve calls to make, some of them urgent, which meant he’d be out for most of the day. His evening surgery started again at five o’clock so chances are he wouldn’t have a proper meal until supper. Still, he was doing the only job he’d ever wanted, helping the sick and needy. A strictly religious man, he believed that is what he was put on earth to do.
‘Where the hell have yer been to all this time?’ Nellie demanded when she opened the door. ‘Me and Victoria have been worried sick about yer.’
‘Well, for your information, sunshine, we haven’t been on a ruddy picnic! Where the hell d’yer think we’ve been?’
‘Don’t bite me head off, girl, I only asked. I’ve worn Victoria’s lino out walking to the window and back, looking for yer.’
Molly looked fondly at the old lady who was leaning forward, her eyes filled with anxiety. ‘We had to wait our turn, and then Doctor Greenshields examined Doreen. And, by the way, he sent yer his warm regards.’
Victoria waved this aside, more important things on her mind. ‘What did he have to say after he’d examined her?’
‘Yer can ask me, Aunt Vicky,’ Doreen said. ‘I’m the one what had to get undressed behind the screen and I have got a tongue in me head.’
‘I’m sorry, sweetheart, but I’ve been so worried about yer. Sit down and tell me what he had to say.’
‘I’ll make a pot of tea,’ Nellie said, heading for the kitchen and muttering, ‘the kettle’s been boiled that many times it’s got no backside left.’
Molly grinned. Knowing how much her friend hated to miss anything, she said, ‘We’ll hang on and wait for yer, sunshine, we wouldn’t leave yer out.’
So, while they were having a cup of tea, Molly sat back and let her daughter do the talking. And it turned out to be a good thing because as she spoke Doreen seemed to gain more confidence and understanding of what the doctor had told her. ‘So I’ve got to go to Walton Hospital in the morning. Me mam said she’ll come with me.’
Throughout the explanations, Nellie’s eyes had been narrowed. Now she asked, ‘So the baby has turned upside down?’ She waited for Doreen’s nod, then asked, ‘Eh, yer haven’t been doing handstands, have yer, girl?’
This brought the first smile of the day to the girl’s face. ‘Hardly, Auntie Nellie. I was never good at that when I was at school, so I’d definitely not make it in my condition.’
Nellie thought on this for a while. ‘Well, after yer get sorted out tomorrow, and the baby is where it should be, would yer mind having a word with her? Just say that in future, if she feels like moving house, would she wait until me and yer Mam have got our shopping in. To choose a more convenient time, like?’
‘Ye’re saying “she”, Auntie Nellie, but it could be a “he”.’
‘Nah, it won’t be a boy, ’cos boys are too lazy to move around. It’s girls what have got more go about them. They’ll have something done while the boys are still thinking about it. Mind you, my old ma, God rest her soul, used to say girls were too bossy and had too much to say for themselves.’
‘Your ma said that, did she, sunshine?’ Molly raised her brows. ‘I wonder who she had in mind when she said it? I mean, you were the only daughter she had!’
Nellie chuckled, the chair groaned and the three onlookers waited for it. ‘Yeah, she said I was enough to put her off having any more. She said when I was born, the midwife handed me to her so she could have a little cuddle before they washed me down.’ The chair was being put under more pressure now. ‘Now I never believed this, ’cos me ma was fond of pulling me leg. But she said as soon as she looked down at me, I opened me eyes and said, “It’s about time yer let me out of there, I’m starving and I want me dinner.”’
‘Why didn’t yer believe her? From what I know, yer haven’t changed a bit from the minute yer were born, sunshine! Yer mouth is still an ever-open door.’
‘That’s charming, that is! Ye’re supposed to be me best friend!’
Doreen had her eyes on the cup and saucer Nellie was holding on her lap. There wasn’t a lot of space on her lap because her tummy took most of it up, and the last thing Doreen wanted was to have part of her wedding present tea-set chipped or broken. ‘If yer’ve finished with yer cups, I’ll take them out.’
‘You stay where yer are, I’ll take them out and rinse them. And ye’re to take it easy for the rest of the day, sunshine, d’yer hear? Don’t bother making a dinner, it won’t hurt to have fish and chips from the chippy for once. Ruthie will run down for them when Phil’s due home.’ Molly collected Nellie’s cup and saucer and took it out to the kitchen with her own. ‘And I happen to know that Victoria is very partial to fish and chips, so that’s one worry less for yer.’
‘Leave those few dishes, Mam, I’ll wash them. I’m not an invalid, it’s better if I keep on the go. Sitting on me backside won’t do me any good. You and Auntie Nellie go and get yer shopping done.’
She’s right, Molly thought. It’s best if she keeps active, as
long as she doesn’t overdo it. ‘Okay, sunshine, we’ll leave yer to get on with it. Apart from yer usual loaf, d’yer want any other bits and pieces from the shops.’
Doreen nodded. After the frightening morning she’d had, she decided she deserved a treat. ‘Yeah, yer can get us two cream cakes. Me and Aunt Vicky will go mad and spoil ourselves. It doesn’t matter what they are, ’cos there won’t be much selection left at this time, as long as they’re nice and gooey.’
Nellie licked her lips and rubbed her tummy. ‘Sounds just the job to me. Shall we mug ourselves, girl?’
Molly clicked her tongue. ‘See what I mean about believing what yer ma told yer? Yer were hungry the minute yer were born and yer’ve been hungry ever since.’
‘This day seems never-ending,’ Molly said as she and Nellie walked back from the shops. ‘I feel as though I’ve been on the go for twenty-four hours.’
‘And yer’ve got another long day ahead of yer tomorrow, girl. Sometimes yer can be hours in the hospital before yer get seen to.’
Molly could see the distance between herself and the gutter becoming narrower. ‘Nellie, will yer stop pushing me towards the kerb, sunshine? I’ve got half a dozen eggs in me basket and if I trip and break them, I’ll break your ruddy neck.’
‘Honest to God, ye’re not half a moaner. Let’s swap places and then yer’ll have nothing to cry about. Unless, of course, yer decide to clean the window sills of the houses we pass with the sleeve of yer coat.’ Nellie came to a halt to allow her mate to pass in front of her. ‘Ay, girl, was it this year yer cleaned those window sills or was it last year? The time’s going so quick I can’t keep up with it.’
‘It was last year, sunshine, and that was only ’cos yer will insist on pushing me. On me own I can walk a straight line, but not with you on me arm.’
‘It’s not as though I mean to, girl! I can’t help it if I’ve got sexy hips what like to sway from side to side. They go with me voluptuous body, yer see. Yer can’t blame me for being built to attract the opposite sex. I mean, yer must have noticed how that man in the sweet shop couldn’t keep his eyes off me, and how he wouldn’t move away from me. I was drawing him like a magnet.’
‘Yer know why that was, don’t yer?’ Molly quipped. ‘Yer were standing on his ruddy foot and he was too much of a gentleman to say anything.’
‘When I tell George tonight, it’ll be my version he hears ’cos . . .’ Nellie turned her head when she heard a shout. ‘Ooh, it’s Corker!’
Molly’s face lit up when she saw the giant of a man walking towards them. His peaked cap was set at a jaunty angle, his seaman’s bag slung over his shoulder, and his weatherbeaten face, behind the beard and moustache, was beaming. ‘Good morning, ladies.’ He swung the bag from his shoulder and put it on the ground. ‘It’s good to see yer.’
‘And it’s lovely to see you, Corker.’ Molly lifted her face for a kiss. ‘Don’t be picking me up and twirling me round like yer usually do, ’cos I’ve got eggs in me basket.’
Nellie gave him a cheeky grin. ‘I haven’t got no eggs in me basket, Corker, if yer feel in the mood for twirling someone round.’
‘I’ll settle for a kiss, Nellie, I know me limits.’
‘We were in the butcher’s shop not long ago, Ellen never mentioned yer were coming home today. Have yer seen her?’
‘Yeah, I’ve just come from there. She said yer’d not long been in. And she told me Doreen was poorly. What’s wrong with the lass?’
‘Nothing serious, according to the doctor, but I’m to take her to hospital in the morning so we’ll know more then.’
‘D’yer want me to come with yer, me darlin’, for some moral support?’
Molly looked at him and chuckled. ‘You in a maternity clinic? It’s hardly the place for men, Corker, but thanks for offering, I appreciate it. I don’t think Doreen would, though, she’d be very embarrassed.’
‘Well, if there’s anything yer think I can help with, yer know yer only have to ask.’ He turned his eyes to Nellie. ‘I believe your son and my daughter have had a falling out?’
‘Yeah, pair of silly buggers.’ Nellie’s disgusted shake of the head set her chins swaying in agreement. ‘They passed each other in the street last night and didn’t even let on. Passed each other like strangers when they’ve known each other all their lives. I’ve told our Paul, they both want their bumps feeling.’
‘And neither of them will say what brought this about?’
‘No, they won’t even talk about it. I think our Lily knows more than she’s letting on, but all she’ll say is that she believes that Joanne Mowbray’s got something to do with it.’
Corker picked up the ropes of his seaman’s bag and tossed it over his shoulder. ‘I’ll see if I can get anything out of Phoebe. If I have any luck I’ll let yer know.’ The three of them began to walk up the street. ‘I’ll give Jack and George a knock about half-eight, to see if they fancy a pint or two.’
‘Have you ever known a time when they didn’t fancy a pint?’ Molly asked. ‘Every night they ask if there’s any word when yer’ll be home.’
‘It’s good to be home, Molly, I’ve got to say. I’m getting to the stage now where I think I’ve had enough of a life on the ocean wave. I want to settle down and be with me family more. Every time I leave home it gets harder, ’cos I miss them so much when I’m away.’
They came to a halt outside Molly’s door. ‘Ellen and the kids would be delighted if yer packed in the sea. Not that anything’s ever been said, but I know they miss yer a lot.’
‘I’ll have to give it some serious thought. Anyway, I’ll see you two ladies tonight when I call to take yer husbands off yer hands.’
‘Go on, sunshine, walk with Corker!’
Nellie’s mouth dropped. ‘He only lives next door!’
‘I know that, soft girl, and you only live another two doors away. But if yer don’t go at the same time as Corker, I’ll be lumbered with yer and I can’t have that, I’ve got work to do.’
The big man bent his elbow. ‘Come, Mrs McDonough, I’ll see yer to yer door.’
Nellie stuck her tongue out at her friend. ‘See, I told yer, didn’t I? I’m a ruddy magnet to men, they can’t resist me swaying hips and voluptuous body.’
Corker waited for the right moment to speak to Phoebe. The other three children had gone out and Ellen was rinsing a few clothes through in the kitchen. After lighting one of his Capstan Full Strength cigarettes, he sat back on the couch. ‘What’s this I’m hearing about you and Paul falling out, sweetheart? D’yer want to tell me about it?’
Phoebe’s shoulder-length hair swung about her face as she shook her head. ‘There’s nothing to talk about, Dad. We’ve agreed to disagree and that’s about it.’
Corker watched the smoke ring rise to the ceiling then asked in a low voice, ‘And did yer agree that yer were not even going to be friends? That yer would pass each other in the street without a second glance?’
‘They don’t miss much around here, do they? It’s a pity they’ve not got more important things to do than jangle about me. I wish they’d all mind their own business.’
‘Does that include me, me darlin’, and yer Mam?’
‘No, of course not! But there’s nothing to tell, except that we’re not going out with each other any more. We’re just not suited, that’s all.’
‘Yer looked very suited to me last time I was home. I would have said yer were made for each other. So something must have happened to change yer feelings, Phoebe, and I’d very much like to know what it was.’ When his daughter lowered her head and didn’t answer, he went on, ‘Did Joanne Mowbray have anything to do with it?’
‘No, of course not!’ But the tell-tale blush belied her words.
Corker patted the empty space beside him. ‘Come and sit here, sweetheart, and tell yer dad exactly what’s gone on. I’m not being nosy, but ye’re my daughter and I want to know about the things that happen in yer life.’
Phoebe loved
the gentle giant so much she couldn’t refuse. So as he held her hand, she poured out her heart. And when she’d finished, she wiped away a tear and gulped, ‘Yer won’t say anything to Paul, will yer? I know I shouldn’t have called him a liar, that wasn’t very nice of me. But he didn’t deny he’d danced with the girl, or that he’d walked her home. And I’m not ever going to chase after a boy, Dad, I’ll never do that.’
There was such feeling in her voice, Corker knew she was remembering how Nobby Clarke had treated his wife and children like slaves. She didn’t want that sort of a life for herself. ‘No, I wouldn’t want yer to chase after a boy. You keep yer pride, sweetheart, that’s very important. But I think yer should have given Paul the benefit of the doubt. Still, it’s your life and yer must do as yer see fit. I’ll not interfere.’
And when he was sitting in the pub later with Jack and George, he didn’t intend to interfere as such. It was just a friendly conversation with two of his oldest mates, and it was only natural to ask how their families were.
‘Yer don’t have to ask how Jill and Steve are, does he, Jack?’ George put his glass down before wiping the froth from his mouth with the back of his hand. ‘They are the perfect couple and always will be.’
‘George is right, they are perfect.’ Jack felt his heart surge with pride. ‘So are Doreen and Phil, I’m dead proud of them. My girls have turned out like their mother, very sensible and good housewives. And they’re pretty like their mother, too.’
Not to be outdone, George had to do his share of bragging. ‘The way things are going, Corker, it won’t be long before Lily and Archie get engaged. I’m glad about that ’cos he’s a fine bloke and will make her a good husband.’
Corker stroked his beard. ‘And Paul?’
‘Ah, well, he’s a mystery, doesn’t say very much. Him and Phoebe pack in and neither of them will say why! I can’t fathom them out.’
‘I had a word with Phoebe, and although I didn’t get it word for word, she did admit she was feeling under the weather and harsh words were spoken. As far as I can gather, that young Joanne Mowbray told her things to cause trouble between her and Paul. They were probably lies but Phoebe was understandably upset. I’ve got a sneaking suspicion she regrets being so hasty but it’s no good closing the stable door after the horse has bolted. She’ll not be the one to give in, she’s got her pride, has my daughter.’ Corker pushed his chair back and reached for the glasses. ‘Anyway, whatever will be will be. If there’s still feelings between them, it won’t be long before they’re back together again.’ With the three pint glasses in one of his huge hands, he made for the bar. ‘Same again, eh?’