Lost & Found (14 page)

‘I know you did, love, but you hardly see her now.’

‘That isn’t my fault, Mum. I know we used to be good friends, but when I went to grammar school, Mavis sort of drifted away. I don’t think she’s backward, but she is sort of, oh, I don’t know, unworldly, I suppose.’

‘She’s too much on her own, that’s the trouble. All right, she drifted away from you, but why hasn’t she got other friends?’

‘Maybe she had a hard time of it at secondary school too, and she might have been made to feel the odd one out again. If that’s the case I think Mavis would have put up a defensive wall, pretended she doesn’t care, and cut herself off from the other girls.’

‘Gawd, the poor cow. She hasn’t had much of a life, and Lily just uses her as a workhorse.’

‘Mum, you’re making me feel so guilty. Maybe I should have tried harder to keep up our friendship.’

‘Oh, love, I’m not having a go at you. You’ve got your own life to lead and Mavis isn’t your responsibility. It’s Lily who’s got my back up. Like I said, she’s moving and I reckon she was hoping to sneak off without telling me. Yeah, and wait till Olive Wilson hears about this too.’

‘Mum, maybe you should keep out of it.’

‘That’s what your dad said,’ Kate mused as she looked at the clock, ‘but no way, and I’m popping over to Olive’s. Your dad won’t be home for about
fifteen minutes, but keep an eye on those spuds for me.’

‘Mum, wait,’ Sandra called, to no avail. Her mother was already hurrying out of the door.

Tommy Wilson opened the front door and sighed. He hadn’t been home from work for long, but now Kate flaming Truman was at the door. She and his mother were as thick as thieves, a right pair of gossips, and he’d already heard all the talk about Lily Jackson. No doubt Kate was here to spread a bit more and, trying not to scowl, Tommy did his best to put her off. ‘Mum’s busy cooking our dinner.’

‘It’s all right, I only want a quick word,’ Kate said as she pushed past him to walk inside.

Shaking his head, Tommy walked behind Kate into the kitchen, the woman saying as soon as she saw his mother, ‘Olive, you’re not going to believe this.’

‘Go on, tell me,’ Olive said, her expression avid.

‘Lily’s moving.’

‘What? Blimey, did she say when?’

‘Oh, I haven’t spoken to her, but you know how thin our walls are. She was yelling her head off at Mavis and I couldn’t fail to hear. Apparently she’s moving in with that bloke, but from what I heard Mavis doesn’t want to go with them.’

‘You can’t blame the girl for that. Her mother will be living in sin, and it’s bloody disgusting. Still, I won’t be sorry to see the back of Lily, or her daft daughter.’

‘Mavis isn’t daft, Olive.’

‘Yeah, so you’ve said before, but if she isn’t, how come she’s only fit for cleaning jobs? Oh, bugger, me spuds are boiling over,’ Olive said as she hurried over to the stove.

‘I’d better go. Our dinner’s cooking too.’

‘Righto, but if you hear any more, like when Lily’s moving, let me know.’

‘Of course I will,’ Kate said, ‘but, like I said to my Sandra, I reckon she’s gonna try to sneak off without a word. We’ve been friends for years and I ain’t too happy about it.’

‘Huh, who needs friends like that! Lily Jackson is nothing but a strumpet. It’s good riddance to bad rubbish, as far as I’m concerned. We don’t need tarts like her in Cullen Street.’

‘Yeah, I suppose you’re right. Bye for now, Olive, and don’t worry, I’ll see myself out.’

‘Yeah, see you, Kate.’

Tommy had listened to this exchange, and once again it had emphasised how much his mother had changed. Yes, she had always liked a bit of gossip, but it had once been harmless chatter and not judgemental. All right, Lily Jackson was going to shack up with another bloke, but as her old
man had left her what did his mother expect—that the woman would live like a nun for the rest of her life? Yes, probably, and it gave his mother an excuse to become all high and mighty, something she probably loved. She spoke, her voice softer now.

‘Are you off out again tonight, Tommy?’

‘Yeah, I’ve got a date with Connie.’

‘You’ve been seeing her for a while now and it’s about time you brought her home.’

‘Leave it out, Mum. I’ve only been going out with her for about a month and it ain’t as if I’m gonna marry the girl.’

‘I should think not. You’re far too young to think about marriage, but I’d still like to meet her.’

‘No way, Mum. If I bring her home it might give her ideas. I don’t want her thinking that it’s anything serious. We just date, that’s all.’

‘You see her at least three times a week, so it must be more than casual. Where did you say she works? Woolworths, wasn’t it?’

‘Yeah, that’s right.’

‘What counter is she on?’

Tommy hid a smile. His mother wanted to take a look at Connie. She was a wily old bird, but he was wise to her. He hated being an only child—hated that his mother wanted to know his every move. ‘She hasn’t got a set counter. They move her about.’

‘Oh, yeah?’ she said sceptically, but then began to carve the cold meat left over from the Sunday joint.

With his mother intent on her task, Tommy was finally left in peace while his thoughts went back to when his mother had become so bitter. It had started after Lily Jackson, followed by Kate Truman, had accused him and Larry of trying it on with their girls. He’d thought it had been nothing really, just a bit of fun, but it wasn’t how his mother saw it. She hated it when the gossip in the street had turned on him and, by extension, on her too. When it finally died down, as though frightened to become the focus of talk again, she went out of her way to find other people to pull apart. Larry’s father had been the first of her witch hunts when he had nicked a few bits from his employer, so much so that Tommy still felt his mother had been instrumental in the family leaving the street, taking his mate Larry with them.

Now the Jacksons were going too, and maybe it was for the best. He knew it didn’t help that his mother saw Mavis all the time, and it might make a difference now that she was leaving, but, unlike his mother, Tommy found that he wasn’t pleased. It was daft really, he knew that, but somehow Mavis had got under his skin. He would never forget her anguished face when he destroyed her painting, and perhaps his attraction to her now
was tied up with feelings of guilt. Yet somehow he felt there was more to it than that. He fought it, of course. His mother was right. If Mavis had half a brain, she’d find a decent job. With the way she was, there could never be anything between them, yet even so he couldn’t help wondering where Mavis was going. Or if he’d ever see her again.

Mavis had lain awake for hours, stomach rumbling with hunger until sure that her mother had gone to bed, she had sneaked downstairs to grab a couple of slices of bread. Yet still she hadn’t been able to sleep, her mind twisting and turning. She didn’t want to move away. She wanted to stay close by where she could wait for her father to come home. Yet would he? Her mother’s words had played over and over until she couldn’t think straight. Was she telling the truth? Either way, no matter what, she didn’t want to move in with her and Pete.

When she awoke on Tuesday morning Mavis had no memory of falling asleep. Yawning, she got up, but almost immediately her mind returned to her problem. Mrs Pugh had given her a way out, a chance to remain in this area, but she just couldn’t face the thought of marrying Alec. When Mavis went downstairs she ignored her mother as
she walked through to the outhouse, but shortly afterwards she heard someone knocking on the door, followed by Pete’s voice. For once her wash was perfunctory, and, ears pricked, Mavis stood just behind the door, listening.

‘You shouldn’t have come round, Pete. There’s enough gossip as it is.’

‘Sod the gossip. What does it matter anyway? I’ve found us a place, Lily, and we can move in on Saturday.’

‘What? How did you find it so quickly? And where is it?’

‘It was a bit of a fluke, word of mouth really, through a bloke on the site. It’s in Peckham Rye, well away from here, and I reckon you’ll love it, Lily.’

‘What’s it like?’

‘There’s two bedrooms and a bit of a garden, but best of all it’s got a bathroom. No more going to an outside lavvy for you, Lily.’

‘A bathroom. Oh…oh, Pete.’

‘I’ve got to go, Lily. I’ll be late for work but I had to pop round to tell you. Start packing, girl, and don’t worry about furniture. It comes fully furnished and it’s decent stuff too.’

‘Pete, come round again this evening and you can tell me more about it.’

‘Are you sure?’

‘Yes, it’s as you said. Sod the neighbours.’

‘What about Mavis? Have you told her about us and that we’re moving?’

‘Yeah, I told her.’

‘How did she take it?’

‘Not very well, but don’t worry, she’ll come round. After all, she ain’t got any choice. Now come on, give me a cuddle and then bugger off. I’ve got a lot to do before Saturday and loads of stuff to get rid of.’

There was a pause, one in which Mavis could picture her mother in Pete’s arms, and then his voice called out, ‘See you later, love,’ followed by the sound of the front door closing.

For a moment Mavis remained where she was. Her mother had told Pete that she’d go with them, that she had no choice. It wasn’t true, there was an alternative, one her mother knew nothing about, but could she take it?

‘I suppose you heard all that, Mavis?’ her mother said as she walked into the outhouse.

Lips tight, Mavis nodded.

‘Yeah, well, this means you’ll have to tell Mrs Pugh that Friday will be your last day. I’ll give you notes to leave for the jobs in Chelsea. I know it’s short notice, but they should still pay you for the hours you put in until then.’

Mavis didn’t care about the jobs in Chelsea, but found that she dreaded the thought of leaving Mrs Pugh. Not only had her house become a
sanctuary, Mrs Pugh was the only person who made her feel of any worth. The thought of never seeing her again, of giving up the reading lessons, her one chance to prove that she wasn’t stupid, was too much. ‘Please, Mum, can’t we stay here?’ she begged.

‘No, and don’t start whinging again. I’ll make you a bit of toast and while you’re eating it I’ll get on with writing those notes.’

‘But…’

‘Mavis, I’m warning you, I’ve just about had enough. Now I don’t want to hear another word about it. We’re going. You’re coming with us. And that’s that!’

Mavis ate the toast that was put in front of her automatically, her thoughts still all over the place. When the notes were ready she put on her coat and then stuffed them into her pocket, saying not a word to her mother as she walked out. She was going to Mrs Pugh’s, was supposed to tell her that she was leaving, but the thought was almost too much to bear. There was another way. She could marry Alec—but could she take it?

Undecided, Mavis found that for once, she wasn’t hurrying to Ellington Avenue.

Kate saw Mavis as she passed her window, and, satisfied that Lily was now alone, her back rigid, she walked next door. Lifting a hand she thumped
on Lily’s door, and when it was opened she stomped inside. ‘I saw that bloke leaving this morning. I suppose he stayed the night.’

‘No, he didn’t. Not that it’s anything to do with you.’

‘You told me that he was just a friend, but you’ve forgotten how thin these walls are. It’s bloody disgusting what the pair of you have been up to. It’s no wonder you’re the talk of the street.’

Lily flushed, but then she seemed to grow in stature as she shouted, ‘Yeah, and now I know who spread the gossip. Get out of my house, you two-faced bitch. Go on, get out!’

‘Me! You’ve got the cheek to call me two-faced. You’re the one who lied to me,
and
the one who was gonna sneak off without a word.’

‘My, my, you have been busy,’ Lily said, her voice ringing with disgust. ‘To know that I’m moving, you must have spent hours with your ear pressed to the wall.’

‘I didn’t need to. You were shouting so loud the whole bloody street must have heard.’

‘And just in case they didn’t, you’ll make sure they find out. Huh, some friend you turned out to be.’

‘I’m no friend of yours, not now I know you’re nothing but a tart.’

Lily’s face darkened with fury and before Kate had time to react, Lily slapped her hard across her cheek, screeching, ‘Get out!’

‘Why…you…you…’ Kate ground out, but then Lily shoved her over the threshold, slamming the door so loud that the windows rattled.

For a moment Kate just stood on the pavement, but then stomped across the road to Olive’s house, stiff with indignation, and still in shock that Lily had actually slapped her.

In Southampton, Pat Higgins was worried. Ron’s skin looked yellow, and even the whites of his eyes were tinged with the same hue. ‘Ron, you look funny. I think you should see a doctor.’

‘There’s nothing wrong with me that a whisky won’t put right.’

‘You haven’t been right for weeks and you hardly get out of bed.’

‘I’m tired, that’s all.’

‘What about those pains in your tummy?’

‘It’s nothing. I’m fine.’

Pat grabbed the mirror from her dressing table set and held it up in front of Ron’s face. ‘Do you call that fine?’

‘Blimey, I’m a bit yellow.’

‘I think it’s jaundice, Ron. You’ve
got
to see a doctor.’

‘Yeah, yeah, all right, but can I have a drink first? Please, love.’

‘Just the one,’ Pat said, ‘but then I want you up and dressed.’

Ron gulped whisky and then with a bit more urging he got up, staggering a little as he went through to the tiny kitchen to wash at the sink. When he returned to get dressed, Pat saw his bloated stomach and swollen legs. She had to help him with his shoes, but finally he was ready for the short walk to the surgery.

They sat in the waiting room, thankfully with only a couple of people ahead of them, but when Pat looked at Ron she saw that his eyes were closed. ‘Don’t go to sleep,’ she hissed, ‘it’ll be your turn soon.’

‘Yeah, yeah, don’t nag.’

When Ron’s name was called, Pat urged him to his feet, the doctor’s eyebrows shooting up as they walked in. ‘Sit down,’ he ordered.

After only a few questions, it was established neither were registered with the doctor. They gave their details, and, once the doctor knew they were unrelated, Pat was ordered to wait outside. She was fuming as she walked out, leaving Ron to be examined by the doctor.

As the door closed behind Pat, the questions began, but Ron was evasive. ‘No,’ he said, ‘I’m not a heavy drinker.’

‘Mr Jackson, it’s obvious that you are jaundiced,’ the doctor said, then taking Ron’s blood pressure. ‘The readings are high, and I’d like to take a look at you now. Get undressed, please.’

With reluctance Ron did as he was told, and when lying on the bed the doctor came around the tattered curtain to look at him. It was obvious that he wasn’t happy with the examination, his lips pursed as he asked yet more questions.

‘Yes, I’ve been a bit tired,’ Ron answered, flushing when the doctor finally asked if he was impotent.

‘Right, you can get dressed, Mr Jackson.’

Ron sat facing the man across his desk again, watching as he scribbled a letter before he looked up, his expression grim as he said, ‘You have an enlarged liver, I suspect cirrhosis, and it needs further investigation immediately. I want you to take this letter along to the Southampton Infirmary, and don’t be surprised if you’re admitted.’

‘Leave it out. I just need a bit of something for this jaundice.’

‘Mr Jackson, if it were only a mild case of jaundice I would advise you best rest and to avoid any fatty foods. However, your symptoms indicate that you may have chronic liver disease and for that you need to be hospitalised.’

Ron avoided the man’s eyes and, as he was handed the letter, he stuffed it into his pocket, murmuring his thanks as he walked out.

‘Well, what did he say?’ Pat asked anxiously as she hurried to his side.

‘It’s nothing,’ Ron lied, ‘just a bit of jaundice. I’ve just got to rest and keep off fatty food.’

‘Gawd, that’s a relief,’ Pat said, tucking her hand through his arm as they walked home.

All Ron wanted was to get back into bed. The pain over his liver was excruciating and it was a bit of a job to hide it from Pat, but once he’d had a few more drinks he’d be all right.

Hospital. There was no way he was going into hospital. Unlike Pat, the nurses wouldn’t keep him supplied with whisky.