Lil's Bus Trip

by Judy Leigh

  Lil couldn’t concentrate on food; her mind was filled with choices for her future, what she might do, where she might go. Maggie, on one side of her, stole the cheese from her plate with an eager stab of a fork while Albert, on the other, kept smiling and refilling her mug with tea from the steel pot.

  Cassie watched Lil carefully from across the table, determined to ask the right questions later, when she’d had time to rest. She also decided that she’d sit near Emily today and provide a bit of emotional support; the poor girl looked as if she needed a mother at the moment and Cassie thought she might be the nearest thing.

  Once everyone was installed in the minibus and the luggage stowed in the back, Tommy turned around from the driver’s seat, Ken relaxing in the seat next to him, his face flooded with relief. Tommy coughed loudly, ready to give one of his speeches. His tone was deliberately jolly, as if he sensed the torpor around him.

  ‘Well, campers, how are we all?’

  DJ and Jake cheered, but there was little response from the others. The mood was listless and uninterested. Outside the bus, the air was cold and the sky was a swirl of pale grey, straggling clouds hanging low as if it might rain. Tommy offered everyone his most endearing smile, his belly thrust forward, full of bluster like a stand-up comedian.

  ‘Right, everyone. I want to discuss our itinerary for today.’

  Jake cheered and DJ called out, ‘Take Dunc to the nearest boozer.’ Duncan had fallen asleep again, his head on Albert’s shoulder.

  Tommy took a breath. ‘I was thinking, it’s a bit chilly today so we might want a change of plans. I was going to take us to Dunkerque first, but it’ll be freezing on the beach, so I thought we might go straight to Le Touquet, where our hotel is, and spend some time in the town there.’

  ‘What’s of interest there?’ Maggie asked.

  ‘All sorts of things: it’s a holiday resort. So, there’s a market for shopping, mini golf, an equestrian centre. There’s a beach, a nice spa, a museum of fine art…’ Tommy cast his eyes towards Sue for approval. ‘So, shall we go straight to Le Touquet?’

  Ken turned around, addressing everyone behind him. ‘I think Tommy’s idea is a good one. It’s a very French holiday centre, very charming and relaxed, so we can choose to do all sorts of different things before we set off to Honfleur tomorrow, which will be our final day.’

  Sue boomed cheerily, ‘Don’t forget, Ken, we’ve booked a dinner for everyone in Honfleur tomorrow evening, a final meal to round off the visit.’

  ‘Of course, Syoo. I’m chipping in too,’ Denise replied. ‘Ken’s arranged it already. It’s in a lovely hotel.’

  ‘I know,’ Sue retorted. ‘I helped him to choose it.’

  ‘I made the final choice,’ Denise insisted.

  Ken wiped a hand over his brow, his eyes red-rimmed. ‘So, Le Touquet it is?’

  Duncan had woken up. ‘There’s a big casino there, isn’t there? Let’s go, then, Tommy – we’ll give Dunkerque a miss and go straight to the coast and have some fun.’

  Emily gave an audible sigh and lifted her novel in front of her nose. Cassie, who was seated next to her, whispered something in her ear. Lil picked up her copy of I, Sex Robot and gazed at the photo she always kept in the crease of her book: Frankie Chapman, his cheery smile, his arm around her. She smoothed the glossy surface with a finger and stared at the book.

  In the chapter she was reading, the intrepid investigative android-journalist Roberta Bott had whizzed back in time to France in 1660, where Charles the Second, the English king-in-waiting, was lying low, living a life of debauchery. Lil had just read the chapter where Roberta accompanies Charles to his boudoir; he had removed all of his clothes, and was naked but for his long black wig.

  Lil closed her eyes and wondered about Herman: if she should go to visit him at the farm in Boom, if she would sleep in his bedroom with him. She thought about how it would be to spend time with him, not just a fleeting holiday but several weeks, months. She had to admit, it was the company, the warmth, the conversation she craved most; she relished the idea of someone who would share things, who would listen to her and enjoy her funny stories. For a moment she felt sad; her roller-coaster life had been busy and full of fun but now, having met Herman, she understood how nice it would have been to share and to enjoy another’s company. But maybe it was too late. She was used to her own space, her routine. Perhaps she couldn’t change now, even for a chance of something that might bring happiness.

  As she’d left Herman, she’d promised to send a card from Salterley and he had begged her to consider his invitation to come to the farm in September. She hadn’t said no. She could make her mind up later, when she arrived home. She might feel differently when she was back in Clover Hill.

  The hotel was welcoming and comfortable, and the sleeping arrangements were exactly as the previous evening. Cassie had wanted to keep an eye on Emily, who seemed glad to share with her. Sue and Denise were eager to grab the single rooms, although Ken offered to swap his single room with someone who hadn’t yet enjoyed the experience of their own private space and the privilege of peace and quiet. Both Denise and Sue had been quick to point out that everyone else was happy sharing with who they had shared with yesterday and that Ken should definitely have his own room. Ken had agreed, although his expression was one of tired resignation.

  In the afternoon, the weather had perked up, the skies still grey, but the air was warmer and the sunshine squeezed through gaps in the clouds. The group stood in the town centre, discussing what they would do until dinner that evening. DJ and Jake wanted to play mini golf and they insisted that Pat go with them. Pat said he’d go if Emily went. Cassie offered to accompany Emily, who was pale and had said very little all morning. Sue insisted that Ken take her to the fine art museum and Denise was adamant that she wanted to go there too, particularly with Ken, who was so knowledgeable about art and just about everything else. Lil was watching carefully and thought she detected an unfriendly glance pass between the two women. Duncan and Tommy had already left to make the most of their afternoon in the casino. Maggie wanted to try mini golf. She turned to Lil.

  ‘I’ve never played before, but I’ve always fancied myself as a golfer, with one of those hats and the bright checked trousers. Come on, Lil – let’s see if we can beat the youngsters. I’m going to play. Besides, I need someone to caddy for me. I have Brian’s present in my handbag and I need someone to keep an eye on it.’

  Lil shrugged. She wasn’t keen on the idea of hitting a tiny ball with a stick then walking after it. But there was little else on offer, and Maggie was so keen, dressed in sunglasses and a straw hat. In truth, Lil would have preferred to sit down in a café and watch the waves roll onto the sands and away again, but she was happy to support her friend. She sighed. ‘All right, Maggie.’

  She felt a pressure on her arm and noticed Albert standing next to her. His eyes sparkled and he was wearing a tie and a smart shirt beneath his coat. Lil thought he looked dapper. His voice was like the soft sound of dry leaves underfoot. ‘We’re going for a walk, Lil.’

  Lil faced him, frowning. ‘Pardon?’ She was astonished; he’d rarely spoken anything other than a few monosyllables.

  ‘Lil and I are going for a walk.’ Albert’s mouth turned up in a smile as he offered his arm. ‘No golf. Just a walk, both of us together.’

  Arm in arm, they walked slowly towards the beach. Lil wondered who was leaning on who as Albert shuffled beside her, but they were in step and he was smiling.

  Lil squeezed his arm. ‘Well, this is pleasant, Albie, me and you.’

  He nodded, offering a charming smile. ‘It is.’

  ‘So, what shall we do?’

  ‘Cup of tea? Cake? Explore?’

  ‘I like all of those,’ Lil murmured.

  They were close to the beach, the rush of the waves in their ears. Lil stopped to gaze at the flat sandy beach, the undulating scrubby grassland behind, and the deep blue line of the sea. She spotted a beach-shac
k-style café and pointed. ‘Shall we go there?’

  Albert nodded. ‘We shall. That would be lovely.’

  They sat inside the café; it was warm and smelled of brewing coffee. Lil was aware of the happy cries of two wriggling children at the table next to them and the nonchalant parents, who were oblivious, involved in a deep conversation in fast French. Lil pointed. ‘I bet Duncan was just like that.’

  ‘A cheeky little lad, Duncan was. His mother spoiled him rotten.’ Albert’s smile broadened and Lil noticed a glimmer in his eye. ‘We both did.’

  A waiter brought tall mugs of hot chocolate and a piece of apple pie for them to share. Lil muttered, ‘Merci,’ and the young man replied, ‘My pleasure,’ in perfect English. Lil reached for her drink eagerly and noticed Albert watching her, his eyes steady. He was handsome, caring; he had a ready grin, and Lil thought how easy it was just to look at him, to share his company. She wrapped her hands around the cup to warm them, enjoying the comforting burning sensation against her skin.

  ‘Albie?’

  He raised his eyebrows.

  ‘I’ve noticed – you don’t say much.’

  Albert nodded; again, the charming smile. ‘That’s right.’

  ‘Why?’

  Albert reached for his drink. Lil watched as he brought the hot chocolate to his lips, sipped slowly and replaced the mug on the table. ‘Two reasons.’

  ‘Oh?’ Lil leaned forward, intrigued, and forked a piece of pie into her mouth.

  ‘First of all, I’m an old man.’

  ‘What’s that got to do with it?’ Lil retorted.

  Albert raised his shoulders in answer. ‘I don’t have much to say. Most people are not really interested in me nowadays.’

  ‘That’s awful.’ Lil helped herself to more pie before quickly adding, ‘I’m interested.’

  ‘I know.’ Albert’s ready smile returned. ‘You’re a very special lady, Lil.’

  ‘So, what’s the other reason? Why you don’t say much?’

  Albert cupped a hand to his ear. ‘I got clouted round the head a lot as a kid. Now I’m deaf as a post in one ear.’ He appeared to find it funny, as he added, ‘And the other one’s not as good as it was.’

  Lil raised her voice. ‘I’ll have to make sure I speak up, then.’

  ‘It’s not too bad if there’s just me and you.’ Albert winked. ‘The hearing’s not so good in big crowds, with all the background noise.’

  ‘Well.’ Lil sat up in her seat. ‘It’s just me and you, then.’ She glanced at him, his smart shirt and tie, his handsome face. She was beginning to enjoy herself. ‘We’ve got time away by ourselves– I didn’t really want to play mini golf anyway– and we’ve got a few hours until we have to go back to the hotel for dinner. So, this is where we have some fun.’

  ‘Fun,’ Albert repeated. ‘I couldn’t agree more.’

  ‘So, what shall we do?’ Lil asked. ‘It’s too cold to sunbathe; I don’t do horse-riding; Ken and Sue and Denise will be up to their tricks at the museum and I’ve no intention of going to a casino – strip poker is as far as I go with gambling. So – what’s it to be?’

  ‘I have just the thing.’ Albert rubbed his hands together. ‘Perfect for two youngsters like ourselves.’

  ‘I’m intrigued.’ Lil leaned forward. ‘What do you have in mind?’

  ‘I noticed it on the way to the beach – just a few minutes’ walk from here. I haven’t been to one for years. Come on, Lil.’ He pushed away his half-filled cup. ‘Let’s show the kids how it’s done, shall we?’

  Lil guzzled the last of her hot chocolate, swung her bag onto her shoulder and eased herself upright. ‘All right.’ She clutched his arm as they walked towards the door. It felt very nice to be escorted by a good-looking man whose eyes gleamed with a sense of mischief. ‘Where are we going?’

  Albert’s face shone with delight. He had Lil on his arm and the promise of a splendid afternoon in her company. ‘We’re going to the funfair.’

  28

  The rhythmic sound of the machinery, a dull throbbing of engines, thundered in their ears as they approached the little fairground. Ahead, Lil could hear the squealing of children having fun, being spun and hurled into the air on waltzers and big dippers. A variety of smells filled her nose: the oil of moving machines, the sizzling aroma of frying onions, the sweet sugar of candy floss. Lil tucked an arm through the crook of Albert’s and offered him a questioning glance.

  ‘So, what will we do first? The dodgems? I can drive.’

  They were surrounded by brightly coloured stalls where men and women were touting for custom, calling out to attract attention, waving arms to persuade bystanders to choose a lucky dip or to hook a fish on a pole. Albert tugged Lil towards a shooting gallery, his face suddenly animated. He waved at a young man with slicked-back hair who called him ‘Monsieur’ and handed him a rifle in exchange for several euros. Lil edged behind Albert as he lined up a shot and she whispered in his stronger ear, ‘Are you any good at this?’

  She felt a movement of his shoulders, then there was a popping sound, a crack of metal against metal, then another and another. Lil watched as Albert knocked five tin cans from the shelf, each one flying backwards and disappearing into darkness.

  Lil gasped. ‘You’re very skilful at shooting.’

  Albert nodded. ‘The upside of being deaf is that your eyesight compensates.’

  The lean attendant with oiled hair approached and waved towards a shelf full of prizes. There were piles of stuffed toys: pink fluffy pigs, koalas with huge black eyes, long-legged frogs, and tangerine-billed ducks wearing red striped pyjamas. Albert waved his fingers towards a huge panda bear, nodding his head when the stall owner touched it. He passed the panda to Lil. ‘I got this just for you, dear Lil.’

  Lil clutched it in her arms. ‘Thank you, Albie. I’ll treasure it.’ She inhaled. ‘Can you smell the hot sugar? Shall we get a toffee apple?’

  ‘It’ll stick to your teeth.’ Albert raised his eyebrows.

  ‘What about candy floss?’ Lil tugged him towards a stall where a young woman was swirling a stick loaded with a cloud of pink sugar, spinning it into a ball. A bright sign nearby offered barbe à papa for three and five euros. Albert delved into his pocket, brought out a note and offered it to the young woman, who extended the sugary cotton candy stick towards Lil. She stuck her tongue into the pinkness, watching the shade deepen to a dark rose. Her tongue fizzed, the candy stuck to her lips and she sighed. ‘I haven’t had candy floss since I was a child. Have some.’

  Albert took a bite. The candy floss plastered itself to his nose. ‘I forgot just how sweet this stuff was. It’ll ruin your teeth.’

  ‘Only the few that are still my own,’ she countered and they both laughed. Lil pulled a swirl of candy floss from the stick, rolled it into a gooey ball and pushed it into her mouth, repeating the action to fill Albert’s mouth with pink sugar.

  They walked on as loud music assaulted their ears, Cyndi Lauper singing ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’. They passed the waltzer and Lil hesitated by the dodgems. ‘How about a ride on the cars?’

  Albert shrugged. ‘My bones aren’t as strong as they were. What about a ride with no impact?’

  ‘What did you have in mind?’

  The music boomed louder now with a new song, Wizzard’s ‘See My Baby Jive’. Lil pulled a face. ‘I haven’t heard that one for ages – it takes me back.’

  Albert gazed up at the Ferris wheel, the top pod scraping a low-hanging grey sky. He sighed. ‘What do you reckon? Could we see the whole of France from up there?’

  ‘There’s only one way to find out,’ Lil replied.

  ‘We might even be able to see the sea and far across the channel.’ Albert’s eyes were misty.

  ‘Come on, then.’ Lil tugged his arm, feeling like a child. She instantly recalled being seven years old at a fair in Oxfordshire, jerking her father’s arm in the same way, her eyes hopeful that he’d buy her a penny ride. With a jolt she realise
d she hadn’t thought about that moment in over seventy-five years. Lil hugged Albert, a spontaneous excited squeeze. ‘Come on, then – my treat.’

  Lil and Albert huddled together in the little pod that rocked as the Ferris wheel began to turn. Lil felt a tickle in her tummy as she was propelled upwards and she gazed at Albert, who wrapped a protective arm around her shoulders. The ground suddenly appeared a long way below them, the people small as insects. ‘Tiger Feet’ by Mud blared from speakers, then another song in French, the volume increasing as they descended past the huge loud speakers and becoming more distant as the wheel took them higher. Then, momentarily, they stopped at the top and Albert pointed a finger. Lil felt instantly giddy as she followed the line of his direction across the striped canvas tops of fairground stalls, over rooftops towards the deep blue strip of sea and the expanse of grey sky.

  Albert pointed. ‘There’s home, beyond the sea, Lil.’

  ‘And here we are in France on holiday.’ She hugged the panda, her trophy from the shooting gallery. ‘It’s wonderful.’

  ‘It is now,’ Albert muttered. ‘I was very uncomfortable during the first few days – I didn’t like the atmosphere in the battlefields. My dad was injured in the Second World War. I lost two uncles. The whole place made me feel very sad.’

  ‘It was sad – and very atmospheric. But we’ve had such a good time here, haven’t we?’

  ‘Oh, we have.’ A soft light glimmered in Albert’s eyes as he watched her. ‘And when you get back? What then? Will life be the same?’

  Lil sighed. ‘I don’t know.’ She thought for a moment ‘I hope not. This holiday has made me rethink my priorities.’