Love Heart Lane

by Christie Barlow

  Within the hour, and with Rona still fast asleep, Felicity wrapped up warm, sank her feet inside her wellington boots and closed the front door quietly behind her. The whole of Love Heart Lane lay in complete darkness, everyone still fast asleep making the most of not going to school or work. The early morning chill instantly nipped at her face and she buried her chin under her scarf and clutched her bag against her body. Even though her thermal socks swathed her feet they instantly felt frozen. Her footsteps were small, the snow sinking halfway up her boots. It was difficult to walk in such conditions, and her legs felt heavy but she knew with each small step she was getting closer to Hamish’s shop.

  When she reached the shop the light was on and as she pushed open the door the bell tinkled above her head, alerting Hamish to her arrival. He looked up from behind the counter and smiled. ‘You made it then! There’s tea in the pot.’

  ‘Thank you,’ she answered, peeling the scarf from around her head and placing her white flaky sodden hat on top of the counter. ‘Where do we start?’ asked Felicity, skimming a glance around the shop before pouring herself a cup of tea.

  ‘I’ve moved all the perishable goods into these boxes, and somehow we need to get these up to the care home.’

  Felicity cocked an eyebrow. ‘That’s a half-mile climb up the hill.’

  Hamish blew out a breath. ‘I know – it’s going to be a struggle but they will need the food for the residents.’

  ‘We can do this, we won’t be defeated,’ answered Felicity with vigour and determination and a smile on her face.

  ‘That’s the spirit. The things over in that corner—’ Hamish pointed ‘—are the tinned and packet items that go out of date first.’

  Hamish had worked out what food was going where to keep the community fed over the next few days until the trucks could get through. All Felicity had to do was help to bag it up and get it delivered. They set to work and within thirty minutes there were carrier bags of food parcels lined up by the door ready and waiting to be delivered.

  It was just at that moment the door opened and they both looked up to see a cold, red-faced Rory staring back at them.

  ‘Good morning, how are the troops?’

  Hamish smiled. ‘Just preparing ourselves mentally and physically to begin the deliveries.’

  ‘Mrs Hughes from the care home has just logged a call at the surgery. Remy the cat is a little under the weather so I’m off up there to take a look at him.’

  ‘Does that mean what I think it means?’ chipped in Felicity with her fingers firmly crossed behind her back.

  Rory grinned. ‘I’ll take with me whatever you have.’

  ‘You, my good friend, are a life saver,’ said Hamish. ‘Can you manage three carrier bags and this box?’ Hamish looked hopeful while Rory began to juggle the food. ‘If you get the door I should be okay.’

  Hamish couldn’t thank Rory enough as he set off towards the care home through nine inches of snow, with more flakes still falling.

  ‘Are you okay delivering those bags to the residents of Love Heart Lane and I’ll start at the opposite end of the village?’

  ‘Of course,’ answered Felicity, glancing at the clock. ‘But can I use the landline before I go, I need to ring the plumber to arrange for Mum’s boiler to be fixed.’

  Hamish nodded towards the phone and while he bundled himself up in numerous layers Felicity made the call. As soon as she hung up, he noticed Felicity looked a little deflated. ‘You all right?’

  ‘I never thought, the plumber lives over the bridge in Glensheil, there’s no way he’s getting his van across the bridge and up the hill in this snow, but he’s promised as soon as he can he will.’

  ‘That’s all you can ask for at times like this.’

  Once Hamish and Felicity were ready, they each grabbed a handful of carrier bags and stepped outside into the freezing cold.

  Hamish gave Felicity a nod of his appreciation and then they both battled through the snow. Hamish had stapled the names and addresses of the deliveries on to each bag. Felicity looked at the first one labelled Mr and Mrs Smith, an elderly couple she knew had been married for nearly fifty years. From what Felicity could remember they had numerous grandchildren.

  The streets were silent and still in darkness as Felicity’s feet crunched through the snow. No doubt by lunchtime the children would be out in full force sledging and building snowmen, enjoying the freedom from school.

  As she approached the first house Felicity was relieved to see the light was on in Mr and Mrs Smith’s living room and the second she knocked on the front door she heard a dog bark followed by the sound of keys being jangled. When the door swung open Felicity was met by Mrs Smith’s rosy cheeks and beaming smile.

  ‘Come on in, out of the cold.’

  She wiped her hands down on her pinny and ushered Felicity into the warmth of the kitchen. She was amazed to find six pair of eyes sitting around the table staring back at her.

  ‘It’s lovely to see you back in Heartcross.’ Mrs Smith patted Felicity’s arm. ‘We are so sorry to hear about Bonnie.’

  ‘Thank you,’ replied Felicity, touched by Mrs Smith’s kindness. ‘And look at all these little people. You’ve got your hands full today,’ she said, changing the subject in an attempt to stop the tears instantly welling in her eyes at the mention of her grandmother.

  ‘School’s shut, which means Grandma here gets to look after all these bundles of joy today and believe me it’s like a military operation to get them all fed. It’s like my own little café,’ she chuckled. ‘But I’m not complaining, they keep me young.’

  ‘This may help, a few supplies from Hamish – eggs, bread and a few essentials.’ Felicity held up the carrier bag.

  ‘He’s a good one, that man.’ Mrs Smith smiled, taking a quick peep inside the bag before laying it on top of the worktop. ‘Please do thank him from us. Where are you off to next?’

  Felicity looked at the name attached to the next carrier bag. ‘Aggie’s,’ she said with a double take. She was sure that was one of Hamish’s deliveries; she must have picked up the wrong bag by mistake. Felicity felt her heart beat a little faster. After Aggie’s outburst in the pub last night she was sure the last person she’d want to see was Felicity, who felt the same.

  ‘That poor woman hasn’t been well,’ Mrs Smith chipped in without noticing that Felicity’s mood had suddenly slumped.

  ‘Who, Aggie?’ Felicity had noticed the cough in the pub and her wheezy chest.

  ‘Terrible chest infection, I think it’s the asthma, you see. She’s not been able to shake it off for a while.’

  ‘This weather won’t help either,’ said Felicity, making her way to the door after saying farewell to all the children who’d now finished their breakfasts and were busily putting their dirty bowls in the dishwasher.

  ‘What’s your plan of action for the rest of the day?’ asked Felicity, watching the children pile in front of the log fire with a board game in hand.

  ‘Keep warm.’ Mrs Smith smiled. ‘But I’m sure there will be an army of snowmen standing proud in the front garden by the end of the day, followed by a heap of soggy gloves and hats drying out on the Aga.’

  Felicity said goodbye and after stepping back into the cold she took a deep breath and made her way towards Fox Hollow Cottage. Aggie and her husband Glen had lived in the cottage for all their married life but sadly he’d passed away nearly ten years ago after a short battle with cancer. Aggie had never remarried and as far as Felicity knew, Fergus still lived at the cottage with his new family.

  As she trudged through the snow she saw a warm ribbon of smoke rising from the old chimney of the cottage which meant the fire was lit and someone was up. Felicity’s heart pounded a little but, knowing that Fergus would have been up and out at the crack of dawn working at the farm, she knew it was unlikely she’d see him. It would just be Aggie’s sharp tongue she’d have to deal with if last night was anything to go by. All she had to do was be polite, han
d the bag over, and get on with the next delivery. She juggled the carrier bags in her hands before opening the garden gate. The way had been cleared and gritted and as Felicity carefully manoeuvred herself up the path, she noticed a pair of bright red wellington boots abandoned under the oak beam porch. She assumed they were Esme’s.

  Feeling a little apprehensive, she blew out a breath. Last night in the pub Aggie hadn’t welcomed her home with open arms and Felicity didn’t relish seeing her again so soon, but this was in in aid of the community and she’d offered to help Hamish. Felicity rapped on the lion door knocker and waited, but there was no reply. She tried once more before bowing her head and peering through the front window of the cottage. The fire was roaring and stretched out on the rug in front was Martha, the Campbells’ black and white cat. There was no one else around but Felicity noticed the TV flickering away in the corner. Just at that second, movement caught her eye, and Felicity noticed Esme curled up on the old chesterfield. The little girl was crying, tears running down her cheeks. For a second, Felicity didn’t know what to do. In spite of the past, Felicity couldn’t leave the little girl crying. And where was Aggie? Without hesitation she turned the knob of the front door and immediately it clicked and opened.

  Felicity stood in the hallway. The last time she’d been standing in this very spot was over eight years ago and she was surprised to see that everything seemed exactly the same. The wooden beams ran the length of the ceiling, the coat stand in the corner housed numerous jackets and hats and the antique dresser was jam-packed with family photographs.

  ‘Hello,’ Felicity shouted up the hallway towards the open door of the living room. She stayed rooted to the spot and called out again, then saw two startled, teary eyes peering around the doorway at her.

  ‘Hello. It’s Esme, isn’t it? I’m Felicity.’

  The wide-eyed little girl nodded and gulped back a sob.

  ‘Hey, don’t cry,’ said Felicity softly. ‘Where’s your nana?’

  Esme didn’t say anything.

  Felicity bent down to her level, and slowly stuck out her hand. Esme reached forward and politely shook it.

  ‘I’ve brought some food for your nana from Hamish.’ She held up the carrier bag. ‘Where would you like me to put it?’

  Esme shrugged.

  ‘Is your nana here?’

  This time Esme nodded and pointed towards the stairs. Felicity couldn’t hear any movement and called out to Aggie.

  ‘Is your nana okay?’ asked Felicity, flicking a glance between the little girl and the top of the stairs.

  ‘Nana’s not well. She’s asleep in bed.’

  There was no denying the uneasy feeling in her stomach as Felicity quickly slipped off her boots and climbed the stairs. Felicity knew that Aggie’s bedroom was the first door on the right at the top of the stairs. Slowly she pushed open the bedroom door and saw Aggie lying in bed.

  ‘Aggie, it’s me, Felicity. Are you okay?’ She hovered nervously in the doorway.

  Aggie didn’t respond but Felicity could see the rise and fall of her chest. Feeling like she was intruding, she stepped into the room, not knowing how Aggie would react when she opened her eyes – but knowing there was a small child by herself it was a risk she was willing to take.

  Felicity moved closer to the bed and was aware Esme was now right behind her. She turned towards the little girl. ‘Is your daddy at work?’

  ‘Yes, he’s at the farm with Uncle Drew.’

  Felicity knew that Drew wasn’t a proper uncle, but it was lovely to hear him being referred to in that way.

  ‘I’m going to check that your nana is okay, and then I’m going to ring your dad.’

  Just at that second, Aggie’s eyes opened.

  ‘Aggie, it’s me Felicity,’ she said softly, trying not to frighten Aggie.

  She looked up at Felicity pointedly, attempted to clear her throat but began to cough.

  Immediately, Felicity grabbed the glass of water sitting on the bedside table and brought it up to her lips. Aggie took a sip and finally when she got her coughing under control, Felicity placed the drink back next to her bed.

  ‘What are you doing here? In my house?’ Aggie’s tone was bordering on aggressive. She looked dreadful and pale.

  ‘I don’t mean to intrude,’ Felicity approached with caution, ‘but I brought you food from Hamish and found Esme crying downstairs.’

  Now it was Aggie’s turn to look alarmed. ‘What time is it?’

  ‘Just before 10 a.m.’

  ‘I must have drifted back off to sleep,’ said Aggie, still spluttering.

  Felicity quickly turned towards Esme. ‘Your nana’s feeling a little unwell and I’m going to make her as comfortable as possible. Would you go and put the food on the kitchen table for me, Esme?’

  Esme nodded and Felicity could hear her footsteps echoing down the stairs and into the kitchen.

  This time Aggie coughed up thick yellow-green, blood-stained mucus into the bowl next to her. Once she stopped Felicity took the bowl from Aggie and rinsed it out in the bathroom before placing it back at the side of her bed.

  ‘You need to see a doctor. Have you rung Dr. Taylor?’

  Aggie shook her head. ‘I’m okay.’

  Felicity knew she was far from okay. Aggie’s breathing was rapid and shallow. Felicity pressed a hand to her forehead; she was burning up.

  ‘You have a fever,’ said Felicity, seeing that Aggie was sweating and shivering.

  ‘Honestly, I’m okay,’ she said in a tone that indicated she didn’t want Felicity interfering.

  Aggie began to cough again and clutched her chest.

  ‘Whether you like me or not Aggie, I can’t leave you like this – let me get help. What about Esme’s mum?’

  For a fleeting moment, Aggie looked like she was about to say something but didn’t have the strength. ‘Okay, if it’s all right with you I’m going to take Esme with me,’ said Felicity softly, not wanting to leave the little girl here by herself with Aggie in this state.

  She shook her head. ‘You can’t, Fergus won’t like that,’ she wheezed.

  ‘When he sees the bigger picture, he’ll understand. I’m going to take Esme and drop her off with my mum. You can’t look after her in this state and then I’m going to walk to the surgery to get you some help. It’s non-negotiable.’

  Aggie didn’t have the strength to fight and nodded her understanding.

  ‘Is there anything I can get you before I leave?’

  Aggie shook her head and Esme peered back around the bedroom door. Aggie reached out her hand and the little girl grabbed it. ‘Felicity is going to look after you today, Esme, while Nana has a little rest. Is that ok?’

  Esme’s eyes widened and looked towards Felicity who crouched down next to her. ‘I’m going to take you to visit my mum, Rona.’

  ‘Rona…’ Aggie coughed and took a breath. ‘Rona is the lady from Bonnie’s Teashop.’

  ‘The shop with the delicious sticky buns,’ said Esme with delight.

  ‘That’s the one, but the teashop’s been closed for a while so there won’t be any sticky buns today.’

  Esme looked a little disappointed.

  ‘Fergus … will you let Fergus know?’

  Felicity could see the worry etched on Aggie’s face.

  ‘Yes I will, don’t worry. And I’m going to leave the front door open so Dr Taylor can let himself in.’

  ‘Thank you,’ said Aggie. They locked eyes for a brief second before Felicity plumped up her pillows and made her as comfortable as possible before promising she’d be back very soon. After wrapping Esme up in her winter woollies and retrieving the wellington boots from the porch, she clutched the rest of the deliveries in one hand and firmly gripped Esme’s hand with the other as they made their way up Love Heart Lane.

  ‘The snow is coming over the top of my wellies,’ giggled Esme. ‘It’s so cold.’

  Felicity looked down. ‘You can’t walk in this. There’s only one th
ing for it – piggy back time.’

  Esme squealed with delight as Felicity hoisted her on to her back and she wrapped her arms tightly around Felicity’s neck. Felicity liked the feeling of Esme holding onto her so tightly, it was comforting. A feeling she hadn’t felt for a very long time. Her thoughts flicked back to the past and a deep sadness hit her once more.

  ‘Why did the teashop close down?’ asked Esme, trying to lean over Felicity’s shoulder to make eye contact.

  ‘Because my lovely grandmother…’

  ‘Is that Bonnie?’ interrupted Esme.

  ‘Yes, Bonnie became poorly and unfortunately she is no longer with us,’ answered Felicity, gripping Esme’s body firmly so she didn’t flail on her back.

  ‘Bonnie made the best gingerbread men and sticky buns. She told me…’ Esme stopped mid-sentence. ‘She told me all about her secret recipe book too.’ Esme’s eyes lit up and she let go of Felicity for a second, bringing her finger up to her mouth making a shushing sound.

  Felicity stood still. ‘My grandmother told you about the secret recipe book? You must have been a very special customer.’

  Esme nodded with a huge beam on her face. ‘Every Saturday morning I went to buy a gingerbread man with my pocket money.’

  ‘I used to help my grandmother in the shop when I was growing up and she let me help her bake some of those recipes from that very book.’

  ‘Wow! So, you knew about the secret recipe book too.’