Never Expected
Our dad, John, left for work somewhere far away and disappeared for good when I was in Year 6 and my sister, Alice, was just starting school in Year 2. Well, not just thatbefore he vanished entirely, hed disappear for months at a time. He and Mum were never married; Dad was always a free spirit, off chasing work here, there, and everywhere across England. Hed come back whenever he fancied, always bringing cash and a few gifts. Mum put up with it because she loved him beyond reason.
Johnny, do come home soon, shed plead.
Oh, dont get all teary-eyed. Wait for mewith presents.
Hed give her a quick kiss and be off before you could blink. While he was away, Dads brother, Uncle Michael, looked after us. I suppose he was fond of Mumthough he never said anything about it, nor did he ever show her any special attention. He was simply always there for us.
How are things, Theresa? Uncle Michael would say, popping in. How are the little ones?
Yay, Uncle Michaels here! Id shout, racing over to give him a hug.
Alright, David, Michael would give me a quick squeeze.
As far as I was concerned, life wouldve been simpler if he was my dad. On weekends, Uncle Michael took Alice and me out for walks while Mum had a rest. Sometimes shed tag along, but often she preferred to stay home and ponder her tough lot as a woman.
Once Id grown up a bit, Uncle Michael brought home a monkey bar set and fitted it in the hallway. By that time, Dad had been gone nearly half a year. I helped bolt on the handles. Alice stood off to the side, watching how skilfully Uncle Michael attached the chin-up bar, the rope, and the rings.
Uncle Mike, why havent you got married? Youre so good with your handsany woman would snap you up, Alice piped up, showing wisdom beyond her years, picked up from overheard conversations between Mum and her friends.
No ones caught my eye, Alice. If someone does, Ill marry.
Dont you want kids of your own?
She spread her arms in a funny way.
Uncle Michael put down his tools and said seriously, You two are enough for me. Why, do you want rid of me? he squinted at Alice.
Alice was no fool.
Me? Of course not, Uncle Mike. Im always happy youre here.
That evening I asked Alice, Why do you keep pestering him like that? He might get offended and stop coming.
But Dad always brings presents Alice replied wistfully. Hell probably be back soon, I reckon.
Idiot. Youve been bought off by his gifts. Do you know how much those monkey bars costthe ones Uncle Mike gave us?
I dont care about those. I want dresses and dolls. Im not a monkey to swing about on those bars you like.
This time, Alice waited for Dad in vain. He didnt come. One day, Uncle Michael turned up and locked himself in the kitchen with Mum. He was trying to make her see sense, but Mum cried bitterly.
Theresa, dont cry. Im not leaving you. You know what hes like always looking for greener grass.
Mum howled and sobbed, long after Uncle Michael tried to comfort her.
Uncle Michael kept coming round just as beforehelping out, fixing things, taking us for walks. Eventually, he plucked up the courage to talk to Mum about how he felt. And me, feeling no guilt, I listened in.
Mike, Im not the right one for you! Youre a good man. You deserve real happiness.
Well, I know best who I need, Uncle Mike said stubbornly.
What if he comes back?
Uncle Mike said nothing.
Im going to keep waiting for him. I love him, Mike! I just cant help it. If youre sure you still want someone like me, with no heart
I tiptoed away from the door, fuming at Mum for being so silly. Imagine loving and waiting for someone like that. Ridiculous!
Life moved on. Alice was all about Dadseeking warmth wherever she was fed. Can I blame her? By then, shed realised there was no point waiting for presents from Dad. Uncle Michael worked hard for our big family. Mum had a son with himVictor. Uncle Mike was over the moon. They registered their marriage, and things began settling down.
I finished school without ever getting a mark below a C, so I had a shot at going to university with a scholarship. Mum was glowing with pride.
Well have a scholar in the family, eh Mike?
Well, were not exactly simpletons ourselves.
Oh, stop it! A real scholar? Give me a break, I blushed, waving it off. Pour me a bit of champagne instead. To try.
Oh please, as if you never tried it before, Alice snorted, and I gave her my best scary glance.
Victor was crawling all over us, determined to climb on the table and cause chaos. Uncle Mike snatched him up and sat him on his knee.
Right, son, behave yourselfyoure not a baby anymore!
Victor instantly grabbed a spoon, pressed it to his nose and crossed his eyes, making everyone burst out laughing.
Is that the doorbell? Alice perked up.
Mum opened the door and shrank back into the sitting room. There, framed in the doorway, was Dad. Silence fell. He glanced around and remarked,
Whats wrong with you lot? Carry on with your party.
No one spoke. Victor wriggled off Uncle Mikes lap and wandered over to the unfamiliar man. Dad ignored him; Mum grabbed Victor and held him protectively, like a shield. Uncle Mike stood up, swaying on his feet.
Where are you going? Mum asked in a strange voice.
I need some fresh air.
He stepped out, nudging his brother aside as he left. I got up and moved to follow him, Alice right behind me.
Come here, AliceI bought you some trendy clothes, Dad said.
But to my surprise, Alice barely looked at him. She rushed after me and whispered into my ear, Let me go after Uncle Mike. You stay and listen in.
But
Oh, Dave! Youre much better at eavesdropping!
Fair enoughshe was right. I couldve been a spy.
Alice dashed after Uncle Mike, while I lingered in the hallway, dreading what would happen now that Mums great love had finally come back. What would happen to us?
Theresa, whats this? Youve gone and married Mike? Dad sneered.
Mum didnt reply.
Theresa what does it matter, all thats happened? Who cares about mistakes? Im here now!
There was scuffling, a slap, and Victors frightened cry.
You should just leave, John go away.
Theresa, what’s wrong with you?
I told you! Go. No one here was waiting for you.
Youre lyingI can see it in your eyes. Eyes dont lie.
Well, Ive spoken. Thats it, Mum retorted.
Dad appeared in the corridor a second later, saw me and said,
Eavesdropping? Good for you. Youll get far.
But I didnt care what he thought. I stepped back into the lounge, expecting to find Mum in pieces. But noshe was soothing Victor, tidying her hair and the table in one go. Like a regular multitasker.
Phew. Nearly ruined our celebration, didnt he? Mum smiled, a bit crookedly. Where are the others?
Victor had already forgotten about the argument, busy dragging a chair across the floor.
I went out to the street. Alice and Uncle Mike were sitting together on a bench across the park. She clung to his arm and rested her head on his shoulder, as though she was scared hed disappear if she let go. I came up quietly behind them and watched. Id been wanting to say this for ages. I walked round in front of the bench and caught Uncle Mikes lost expression.
Dad, enough sitting here. Lets go home. Mums calling.
Michaels hands shook. Alice immediately put hers on top of his. She lifted her head, looked him in the eyes.
Yes, lets go, Dad?
So off we went. After all, today was our celebration. Id finished school.
