I will get married one day, but certainly not to that charming fellow. Yes, hes wonderful in every way. But hes just not for me.
Once again, Mum arrived home with her boyfriend and yet another bloke. They were already tipsyso I settled myself in the corner behind the bedside table.
Theres nowhere else to hide, and its snowing outside. Its all so tiresome. In the summer, once I finish year eleven, Ill move to the city, be accepted at the teacher training college and finally become a proper teacher. The citys only six miles away, but Ill live in halls.
Mum and her guests settled in the kitchen. I heard the familiar glug of whisky being poured into glasses, and the aroma of sausages drifted through. I caught myself swallowing as hunger crept up.
Oi, you! Come here! Mums voice rang out.
Why are you acting all prissy?
Theres two of us
Dont pretend youve never been with two, said Mums boyfriend, Stephen.
Crockery clattered. Rustling, heavy breathing. I pressed myself further into the corner, hoping not to be seen.
Shes sleeping, leave it,” Stephen said quietly.
You did say shes a nice girl. I dont know, there’s something about her…”
“Oy, her daughters about!”
“Who, her daughter?”
“Emily. Grown up now. Probably hiding in her room.”
“Drag her out,” the newcomer said gleefully.
“Emily, where are you?” Stephen entered the room; when he spotted me, he gave a nasty, crooked smile. “Come on, join us!”
Im fine here, thank you.
Dont be shy, he said, reaching out to pull me into an embrace.
Instinctively, I grabbed the vase from the bedside table and brought it down on his head. Glass shattered with a ring. I slipped out of his grasp and darted from the room.
Grab her! Stephen shouted, but I was already at the front door. No time for shoesI dashed outside in just my socks, old shorts and a football t-shirt.
Both men ran after me. The street was deserted, the snow crunching underfoot. Where could I run at this time? Shouts echoed behind me. As I passed the big house on the corner, a dog started barking and someone shouted at it.
I bolted to the gate, pounding on it until a man in his forties opened the door.
Help me! I whispered, panic and hope mixing in my voice.
Come in! He pulled me in and shut the door behind me.
Malcolm, who is it? his wife called from the hallway.
He nodded toward me. Some blokes are chasing her.
Quick, into the house! she grabbed my hand firmly. Tell us everything inside.
Emily, out you come! Stephen’s voice called from outside.
Malcolm, dont get involved! his wife shouted. Come inside!
Shouts still rang from the street, and the dog barked furiously.
Ill ring the police, she said, pulling out her mobile.
No, Caroline, Malcolm replied, Ill sort this myself. Theyre just local loudmouths.
How do you intend to sort them?
Nicely. Calm her down.
Malcolm filled a carrier bag with a bottle and half a sausage from the fridge, then walked into the garden, stroking the dogs head. Together, they headed into the street, where Stephen and the other man accosted him.
Hand over Emily!
Take this and leave!
Stephen opened the carrier, grinned, and nodded to his mate. Come on, Sam!
***
Yes, my name is Caroline Maitland, she said, popping the kettle onto the hob. Sit down, dear! Tell us who you are and whats happened.
My names Emily, my teeth chattered. I live up at the end of this lane.
Youre Kates daughter?
Yes.
We havent lived here long, but weve heard about your mum already.
I hung my head and started to cry.
There, there, dear, dont cry! Caroline came over and pressed me gently to her chest. It was such an odd comfortI clung to her and sobbed harder.
Alright now, thats enough tears. Lets have some tea.
Malcolm walked in.
All sorted.
What shall we do with our lovely guest? Caroline smiled at me.
I think well talk about that tomorrow. For now, lets just have tea and run her a bath.
Hungry? Caroline placed a steaming mug before me. She smiled knowingly. I can see you are.
Sandwiches appeared on the table, along with the last of a Victoria sponge.
Eat up! Malcolm said cheerfully, watching my eyes dance over the feast.
Nobody bombarded me with questions or drew any more attentionclearly, they could see my nerves.
After dinner, Caroline led me to the bathroom.
Heres a bathrobe. Wash up and relax!
***
I wished only for one thing: that they wouldnt throw me out into the cold tonight. How lovely the warm water feels, knowing how freezing it is outdoors. But I mustnt lingertheyre waiting.
When I came out, Malcolm and Caroline were on the sofa; I managed a sheepish smile.
Thank you.
Listen, Emily, Caroline began. No ones about to look for you, are they? And you dont want to go back home.
I kept my head bowed.
In the morning, we have to leave early
I know, I whispered, head dropping lower.
Youll be here alone. Dont open the door for anyone! Our Max wont let strangers into the yard. Is that clear?
Yes! I couldnt stop the relief flooding out.
You could rustle up some stew for us by the time were back, Malcolm grinned playfully. Can you cook?
I can! Im actually quite good. And I can tidy up too.
Give the downstairs a quick once-over if youre up for it, Caroline agreed.
***
I woke up with them as they stirred for their chores. I lay quietly, worrying Id be asked to leave.
The car engine hummed in the drive, then all was silent.
I got up, washed, and saw the hot kettle on the kitchen countersliced bread, sausage, cheese, and pork ribs waiting for breakfast.
After Id eaten, I cleared up, wiped every surface, and mopped the floor.
Spying a hoover in the hall cupboard, I ran it round, trying to be thorough.
Just as I switched it offAnd what exactly do you think youre doing? came a voice behind me.
I whirled around. A tall, handsome young man, probably eighteen, curiosity brimming in his brown eyes.
Im cleaning, I muttered. Who are you?
Well then he shook his head and pulled out his mobile.
Mum, Im home. Whos this?
Charlie, let the lass stay with us for a bit.
Alright, whatever. He pocketed his phone, sized me up with a careful glance, then strolled into the kitchen.
Would you like tea? I ventured.
Ill sort myself out.
***
Tucking away the hoover, I dusted, ears tuned to every sound from the kitchen.
Charlie had his breakfast, walked into the bathroom, then reappeared, freshly shaven and smelling of aftershave.
Oi, mate, chuck us another bottle! someone yelled from outside.
Whats this? Charlie went to the window.
“Don’t open for them!” I cried, fear sparking up.
Charlie looked at me, puzzled, then quietly headed out.
I ran to the window. At the gate, Stephen and Sam were shouting something. Terror shot through me.
Charlie strode over. They lunged at himand then, as if by magic, both collapsed into the snow. Did he trip them? I couldn’t tell. He leaned over, said something, and they slunk off back toward my mums house, heads down.
***
Charlie returned, glancing at me as I stood frozen.
Are you scared?
Unable to help myself, I buried my face in his chest and cried.
Whats your name? he asked after a moment.
Emily.
Im Charlie. Dont worry. They wont trouble you again.
***
Charlie disappeared to his room upstairs and didnt come down until evening. I made stew, sat at the kitchen table, deep in thought.
Of course I wanted to stay here with these lovely people, but I knew Id probably overstepped. I couldnt just impose.
The Maitlands came home; Caroline looked around at the gleaming house, visibly impressed, and Malcolm nodded with approval over the stew.
I suppose Id better head home now, I said, resigned. Thank you for everything!
Emily, stay a few more days with us!
Thank you, CarolineI really should get going, I repeated.
I reached for the door and stoppedrealising I was still wearing Carolines robe and slippers.
Come! Caroline gently guided me into the lounge.
Opening the wardrobe, she rummaged and pulled out jeans, a jumper, a warm sports jacket.
Put these on! Were almost the same size.
You really dont need to
You cant walk home half-dressed. Take them! Ive got plenty.
I dressed quickly. Glancing in the mirror, I barely recognised myselfthese were the nicest clothes Id ever worn.
Caroline fussed over me in the hall, insisting I wear a hat and winter boots.
Emily, wear them with my blessing!
Thank you, Caroline, I really mean it!
***
Life returned to normal, though not quite how it was before. Mum started a job at the dairy, her boyfriend vanished, taking his mate with him.
Spring came at last. One day, while poring over my revision notes at home, someone knocked at the gate. I peered out the window and couldnt believe my eyesCharlie was there. He saw me and nodded: Come out!
I didnt walkI flew.
Hey Emily, Charlie grinned.
Hello!
Mum says she wants you.
***
I came back to the house where Id once had the happiest day imaginable.
Emily, darling! Caroline greeted me at the door with a hug.
Hello, Caroline!
Come in, lets have a cuppa. She poured tea and sat at the table with me.
I have a favour to ask. Malcolm and I are flying to Turkey for a month, her face lit up wistfully. Charlie is almost never at home. Would you look after the house? Feed Max and the cat, water the plantstheres tons of them.
Of course, Caroline!
Good girl, she said, placing a wad of £200 on the table. Heres two hundred pounds.
Honestly, Caroline, you dont have to
Take it, well be fine! Now, come on, Ill show you everything.
I made mental notesplants in every nook and cranny, cat food in the cupboard, dogs meat in the freezer. Later, Caroline shouted, Charlie! He appeared immediately.
Charlie, introduce Emily to Max!
Come on. He gently rested his hand on my shoulder.
We took Max off his lead and walked him together. Charlie chatted away about university, karate, and their family business.
But my mind was elsewhere. I realised that the gap between me and Charlie was just as wide as the gap between my mother and the Maitlands. Lovely people, kind and generous. But this isnt a Cinderella storythis is real life.
In two months time, Ill take my college exams, and I will pass. Ill study, work, keep at itI will become someone. Ill get married one day, but not to this handsome fellow. Hes wonderful, but just not for me.
Im grateful to Caroline for the clothes and the two hundred pounds. At least Ill have something to get me started in the city.
Somewhere deep inside, I knew exactly what had happened. My difficult childhood ended at this moment, and adulthood beganno less tricky but wholly my own responsibility.
Back at the cottage, I gave Max a pat, smiled at Charlie, and set out for home. Tomorrow, my new job at the Maitlands cottage begins. Just the workand nothing more!
