Desperate Measures (28 page)
Betty began to cry in earnest now, and Val jumped to her feet, saying, ‘I think she’s had enough, Cheryl. I’m going to give her a pill.’
‘Yes, all right, but please, all of you, give my offer some thought. I know it’s been a bit of a shock, but it could be perfect. We’d all be together, like a family, like the residents’ family. Look, I know you need time to think about it. I’ll go now and we’ll talk again tomorrow.’
Betty found that she didn’t want to take the pill. She wanted to be alert, to be aware of Val and Paula’s decision. If they accepted Cheryl’s offer, then she would too, the thought of life without her friends unbearable.
It was Paula’s last day at work. She was on Keith’s machine, unable as she fed paper to resist stealing glances at him. There was no getting away from the fact that he was nothing to look at, or that the attraction had been physical, but now Paula longed to know how it felt to be held in his arms. What an idiot she’d been, what a fool to miss what had been right under her nose. She had feared dating; feared being alone with a man, of what he might try, but knew now that she’d have felt safe with Keith. He was a cheeky bugger, but there was kindness, caring in his nature too, and if she’d had the courage to tell him why she’d been afraid to go out with him, surely he’d have understood.
He wandered up to Paula now, but there was no cheeky remark, just sadness in his tone. ‘So, this is your last day. I’m sorry you’re leaving, Paula.’
‘I should think you’ll be glad to see the back of me.’
‘You might have given me a hard time now and then, but it was a laugh sparring with you.’
‘I see Maureen isn’t in today. Is she off sick?’
‘Yeah, bit of a tummy upset.’
‘Tell her goodbye for me.’
‘I’ll do that,’ he said, but as the bell sounded for lunch break, he moved to switch off the machine.
Paula climbed from her stool, finding it hard to hide her feelings as she headed outside. A few of the girls were already there, Greta saying, ‘In case I don’t see you later, I’ll say goodbye now. Good luck, Paula, and I hope your new job works out.’
‘Yuk, I wouldn’t fancy wiping old men’s bottoms,’ Doreen said, ‘but like Greta, I wish you luck.’
Paula grimaced. She didn’t fancy wiping anyone’s bottom either, and hoped the task wasn’t going to be part of the job. Maybe she’d been mad in agreeing to take it on, but anything was better than seeing Keith with Maureen every day. Not only that, she really was sick of working in factories. She’d wanted to do something worthwhile, and caring for elderly people gave her the opportunity to do just that. All right, a few things might make her feel queasy, but as Cheryl had said, she’d harden to that. Earlier that week, Cheryl had taken her to see the house and she’d been amazed at how spacious it was. Her bedroom in the basement was much larger than the bedsit she had now. Even better, it was only a room to sleep in!
‘Hello, Paula.’
‘Watcha, Lucy. If you’re going to the canteen I’ll join you.’
‘I’m just off.’
Paula stubbed out her cigarette, impervious to the looks from the other girls as they walked away. She knew how they felt about Lucy, but refused to join in their gossip and suspected that she was also a part of it now. If they wanted to think that she too was a lesbian, so what? They were a narrow–minded lot, giving Lucy a hard time just because of her preferences, and Paula was glad that she was leaving–glad to be away from the lot of them.
‘So, it’s your last afternoon,’ Lucy said when they were sitting at a table.
‘And
the last night in me bedsit. I’m moving into the nursing home tomorrow.’
‘I’ll miss you. It’s been nice having your company during lunch breaks, and I can’t see anyone else joining me.’
‘Do you know what? I’ll miss you too.’
‘Wow, are you flirting with me? If you are, let me tell you I’m already spoken for.’
Paula giggled. ‘Shut up, you silly cow.’
Lucy pretended to pout unhappily. ‘I think you’ll miss Keith more than me.’
‘No I won’t, and anyway, he’s well happy with Maureen now.’
‘Joking aside, Paula, I’d like to stay in touch. It’d be nice to hear how you’re getting on with your new job. Have you got an address?’
‘I can’t remember it off the top of my head, but I’ve got it in my handbag. Remind me to pass it on before I leave at the end of the shift.’
‘Will do,’ Lucy agreed.
By eight that evening, Mel and Richard were all packed. John was taking them to the dockside in the morning. Richard knew he’d been a bit extravagant when he chose a last–minute cruise. At first Mel protested, saying she didn’t fancy being on board a ship full of other passengers, but he’d convinced her that it would be fine, that there’d be plenty of places where they could secrete themselves away. He was a little unsure about whether he might have misled her; but anyway, even if seclusion were difficult, surely meeting new people and seeing new places was just what Mel needed?
He watched as she now closed the suitcase, hoping that it wouldn’t be much longer before she could also bring closure to the past. As soon as she was ready, they could try for another baby, and maybe this holiday would see a resumption of their sex life. When the telephone rang, Richard hurried downstairs to answer it, finding his daughter on the line.
‘Hello, Dad, I’ve just called to wish you and Mel bon voyage.’
‘Thanks, darling. I’ll give her a shout.’
‘Wait, Dad, there’s something else. I’ve had a letter from Mum. I haven’t opened it, in fact it’s in the bin, but I wondered if she’d written to you too.’
‘No, she hasn’t, and before you speak to Mel, I’d rather you didn’t mention it to her. She seems a little better and the last thing she needs is another reminder of your mother.’
‘All right, I won’t say anything.’
‘Good girl. I’ll give Mel a call now, and see you when we get back.’
‘You’ll only just be in time for John’s wedding.’
‘Don’t exaggerate, darling. We dock in Southampton four days before the event.’
‘I’m still surprised you can afford a cruise, especially as you said business is slow.’
‘I got a last–minute deal and, anyway, after what we’ve been through, I think Mel and I deserve a break.’
‘Oh, I’m sorry, Dad, of course you do. It’s just that I’m going to miss you both.’
‘You’ll be busy helping Ulrika with last–minute wedding plans–the time will pass in a blink of an eye.’
‘Yes, I suppose you’re right. She’s already starting to panic.’
‘You’ll be able to calm her down, but bye now, sweetheart. I’ll fetch Mel to talk to you.’
‘Don’t get seasick.’
Richard called Mel, and then left her to speak to Anne. No doubt Betty had sent John a letter too, one probably full of apologies and excuses. Unlike Anne, perhaps John would read it, but Richard doubted it would make any difference. Oh, what did it matter? All he wanted now was to get Mel away from everything, and maybe, just maybe, make a fresh start. In fact, if he never heard another word about Betty, it would suit him just fine.
‘Are you all done?’ Val asked as she looked at Betty’s empty wardrobe.
‘Yes, I’m ready. Instead of ringing them, I wrote to John and Anne. They have my new address now, but I doubt they’ll get in touch.’
‘Given time, I’m sure they will,’ Val said, her advice always the same.
‘I can’t believe we’ll all be living in the same house.’
‘I know, but I’m sure we made the right decision.’
‘I hope my cooking will be up to scratch.’
‘You’ll be fine, we’ll all be fine,’ Val said. ‘Well, except for Treacle. He’s going to find it a bit strange.’
‘He’ll probably lick all the residents to death. Oh, dear, that didn’t come out right. I don’t mean death, but you know what I mean.’
Val smiled. It was lovely to see Betty a little more like her old self. She still had some way to go and still took medication, but the awful depression was lifting. Val hoped she was right, that given time both John and Anne would forgive their mother. In the meantime, she had the three of them, and with a new home, along with a new job, there’d be plenty of other things to fill her mind.
They had all been to see the residential home, impressed not only by the size of the house, but by the area too. Wimbledon Common was a short walk away, perfect for Treacle, but the house also had a large, mature garden for him to explore. Paula would be sleeping in the basement along with Betty, and Val knew they were both thrilled with that. She and Cheryl had bedrooms on the ground floor, and they would all share the communal areas. It was going to take a lot of adjustment and, as she had found it difficult to give up the privacy of her own flat, Val hoped it would work out.
‘Do you know, I once thought it would be lovely if we could all share a house, but it’s taken Cheryl to make it possible,’ Betty now said.
‘You should have mentioned it.’
‘Maybe, but it wouldn’t have included new jobs for all of us.’
‘That’s true, but the pay’s rubbish,’ Val quipped, a grin taking any sting out of her words.
‘Yes, but with no rent and food thrown in, I’m sure we’ll manage. What time is the removal van coming in the morning?’
‘I told you, nine o’clock.’
‘I’m glad we can take our things with us.’
‘Yes, and it makes you realise how the residents will feel. Cheryl’s right, it’ll be nice for them to have a few of their own bits and pieces around them.’
‘So we’re all set?’
‘We are, but come on, let’s finish the last of the sherry. I think after all this packing, we deserve it.’
‘Val, you know I can’t drink while I’m on medication.’
‘Well then, how about doing without your pill? We should share a toast. A new home, new job, and a fresh start for all of us.’
‘Right, you’re on,’ Betty said, and for the first time in ages, she seemed to have a genuine smile on her face.
What followed were months of hard work. When she had first taken on the job and seen the expenses, Val had feared that Cheryl would fail–that the costs of running the home would outweigh any profits. Thankfully she’d been proved wrong, and for the first time in six months the residential home was showing a profit. Cheryl would never be rich, but Val knew that money wasn’t her goal.
Val closed the account book and sat back in her chair. This office had become her sanctuary, a place where she could sit alone, undisturbed for most of the day. Any capable residents were free to use the sitting room, the conservatory, or to wander in the garden, but by eight in the evening Cheryl insisted they were in their rooms.
At first, Val thought this a bit harsh, but with a few pieces of their own furniture, and a television in each room, she’d soon come to appreciate why this rule was in place. With a nurse employed to cover the night shift, her job would have been impossible if the residents weren’t settled, and when she came on duty, the rest of them would finish work to gather in the small basement sitting room.
Val and the others had their weekends free too, with staff employed to cover their shifts. It had surprised her how well they all got on, staff and residents, and though a couple of the old folks were proving to be a little difficult, Cheryl had a marvellous way with them that was rubbing off on Paula.
Betty had proved herself a godsend in her ability to make cheap yet nourishing meals–as did the weekend cook–and this went a long way to counter balance the other costs. Betty had stopped taking any medication now, but still wasn’t her old self. It hadn’t helped that before her son’s wedding she had sent another letter, along with a present, only to be devastated when it had been returned unopened.
When the wedding day arrived, Betty had fretted dreadfully, wanting to be there, yet afraid of wrath and rejection if she turned up. They had done all they could to keep her mind off it, trying to keep her occupied, but nothing had worked.
That had been in March, but it was now July, the summer day warm as Val rose to throw open a window. A couple of residents were sitting in the garden, Paula bending to talk to them. The change in her since becoming a trained auxiliary was amazing. She had blossomed, and the residents seemed to love her chirpy nature. Treacle had become a firm favourite too, spending most of his time being fussed over by the residents, with Val beginning to wonder who he belonged to. Look at him now, the little rascal, sitting on the bench between Elizabeth and Alicia, getting attention from both of them.
Paula wasn’t immune to his charms either, and her laugh reached Val’s ears, but then as her office door opened, Val turned to see who was coming in.
‘Sorry to disturb you,’ Cheryl said, ‘but can we have a word?’
‘Yes of course. I just opened my window to see Paula in the garden with a couple of residents. She’s certainly got a way with them.’
‘Despite her fears, she took to the job like a duck to water. I only wish the other day–shift auxiliary I took on was doing such a good job. I know she doesn’t live in, and the pay isn’t great, but I’ve seen how she leaves most of the unpleasant tasks to Paula. She’ll have to go, Val, but I’m not looking forward to sacking her.’
‘Leave it to me. I’ll do it.’
‘Will you? Oh, thanks, Val. I don’t know what I’d do without you, and now you’ll have to advertise for a replacement too.’
‘No problem. Was that what you wanted to talk to me about? Or is there something else?’
Cheryl sat down. ‘Yes, there is. I wanted a word about Betty. I’m worried about her, Val. She’s a marvellous cook, but she spends all her time in the basement, only mixing with us. We need to think of a way to draw her out, encourage her to become more a part of the residential home.’
Val had to agree, and then struck by an idea she said, ‘Unless we find an immediate replacement, we’re going to be short of an auxiliary. Paula will be rushed off her feet, and if this is pointed out to Betty, maybe we can persuade her to help with serving the meals.’
‘Val, she has to cook the meals; she certainly doesn’t have time to serve them too.’
‘You have a point, but once the food has been dished up, Betty only has to wait until the plates are returned to the kitchen.’
‘She hasn’t got Paula’s young legs, and it’s a bit much to ask of her. Oh, but wait, once the meals have been served, they’re followed by cups of tea. If we could get Betty to take that on, she’d come into contact with the residents.’
‘Good idea. It would only be until we find another auxiliary, yet maybe it will be enough time for her to get to know them and come out of her shell a bit.’
‘All right, we’ll give it a try.’ She rose to her feet. ‘I must go. As you know, Alicia’s son rang to say he’s coming to visit her today and I want to pass on the good news.’
‘It’s about time. He hasn’t been for over a month.’ ‘I know, but last time he came she barely recognised him. Her dementia is getting worse, but as Doctor Harman said when I last asked him to call in, there isn’t much we can do. See you later, Val.’
Yes, Doctor Harman, Val thought. He was a nice man, around Cheryl’s age, and he always came quickly when called out. He and Cheryl got on well, both showing great concern for the residents. Taking care of the elderly was something they had in common. Val smiled inwardly, wondering if anything would come of it–if Cheryl and Doctor Harman realised they were the perfect match.
An hour later, in the basement, Betty tested the lemon jelly, pleased to find that it had set. When Paula ran lightly down the stairs, she forced a smile, saying, ‘Just in time. Lunch is ready.’
‘I can’t find Tina. Have you seen her?’
‘No, love.’
‘Well she’d better turn up soon. I’m sick of the way she disappears every time there’s work to be done.’
‘You should have a word with Cheryl.’
‘Yeah, I think I will.’
Betty changed the subject. ‘I see you got a letter this morning.’
‘It’s from Lucy, a girl I used to work with in the laminating factory.’
‘That’s nice.’
‘I didn’t know the telephone number here then, so could only give her the address. It’s been ages since I left the factory and I’d given up on hearing from her. Now she’s written to say she’d like to see me, asking when I’m free.’
‘That’s nice,’ Betty said again as she dished up, then placed a food cover over the plates. She yearned for the postman to bring her a letter too, and it was a struggle to hide her feelings. It was all right for Val and the others to say that, given time, John and Anne would come round, but repeated letters to them remained unanswered. Her son had been married for nearly four months now, but she hadn’t even seen a photograph of the wedding. In one of her letters she’d begged John to send her at least one, but yet again, he hadn’t responded. Oh, it was cruel, unkind, yet Betty couldn’t blame him. He wanted nothing more to do with her, and once again she thought it no more than she deserved.
Paula picked up a laden tray, saying as she walked out, ‘If Tina thinks I’m going to serve this lot on my own, she’s got another think coming. They’ll want tea too, but I’ve only got one pair of hands.’
Moments later, Betty could hear Paula yelling Tina’s name, and wished her luck. She was right, Tina was lazy, and it was unfair that the greatest share of the work fell to Paula.
At last, five minutes later, Tina appeared, a scowl on her face as she said, ‘Thanks to that bitch I got a rollicking from Cheryl.’
Betty bristled. ‘If you’re referring to Paula, I won’t have you calling her that. She works twice as hard as you. If you ask me, you deserve a ticking off.’
‘I didn’t ask you. What would be the point? You always take Paula’s side.’
‘Sides have nothing to do with it. I speak as I find.’
‘Leave it out. Miss Goody Two Shoes can do no wrong in your eyes.’
‘That’s enough! Now I suggest you get on with your work. That tray is waiting to go upstairs.’
Tina’s face flushed with annoyance. ‘Who are you to give me orders? I’m an experienced auxiliary, but you’re just the cook and a right miserable old cow too.’
‘How dare you speak to Betty like that?’ Val spat, neither of them aware until then that both she and Paula had walked into the kitchen. ‘Get out, Tina. You’re fired.’
‘That suits me fine, but I’m not going anywhere until I get my wages.’
‘You’ll get what’s due to you, and your cards, in the post. Now go!’
Tina ripped off her overall, hurled it on the floor, grabbed her handbag, then flung open the basement door, pausing to shout, ‘I was going to tell you to stick the job anyway.’
The door slammed, reverberating in the room, followed by a short silence before Betty said, ‘Oh, Val, you’ve done it now.’
‘I know, but she was going to be given notice anyway.’
‘I can’t say I’m not glad to see the back of her, but until you find someone else, how is Paula going to cope?’
Val’s temper had flared when she heard the way Tina had spoken to Betty and she had sacked her without thought. It may have been the wrong thing to do, but at least she could make the most of this opportunity. ‘Oh dear, I don’t know,’ she said, feigning worry. ‘I’m sorry, Betty. I suppose I can give you a hand with the rest of the trays, but that’s about all. I’ve got someone coming in half an hour to view the home. There’s one place left and I know Cheryl needs to fill it. She’s busy too…Oh,’ she cried, ‘I really have put my foot in it, haven’t I?’
‘Calm down,’ Betty urged. ‘It’s not like you to get in a state. Don’t worry, we’ll think of something.’
‘Like what?’
Betty pursed her lips. ‘I’ll just have to give Paula a hand for now. If you help with the trays, I’ll follow on with the tea.’
‘I can’t ask you to do that. You’ve got enough to do down here and you’ll be worn out.’
‘It won’t be for long, and if we all muck in until you find another auxiliary, I’ll be fine.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Yes,’ Betty said as she prepared another tray. ‘There, one each. That’ll be three served and only leaves two more. I’ll get them ready for you, and then follow on with the tea.’
‘Betty, you’re an absolute treasure,’ Val said, smiling with delight.
‘It takes one to know one,’ she quipped. ‘Now come on, get moving.’
‘Yes, sir,’ said Paula, jokingly offering up a salute before picking up the tray and hurrying out.
Betty had to smile, but it was brief. She had offered to help out, but was now regretting it. The basement was a hideaway, a place where she didn’t have to put on a front. It was hard to give up the reins when Janet came in to do the cooking at weekends, but by then she was worn out and needed a break. They would walk Treacle on the common, or take a drive to explore the area, but Anne and John were never far from her mind. It had been six months now, six months since she had seen them, and their estrangement still tore her apart. Sometimes she longed for the cushion of medication again, but knew it would make her incapable of doing her work. At least she now felt needed, a part of a team, and though she was without her children, she wasn’t alone any more.