An Expensive Pleasure
“Clara, really? Again? How much longer is this going to go on? I feel like Im working just to keep your cat alive!”
The cat, whom Clara was trying to coax into his carrier, suddenly slipped free, landed with a thud, and darted to the corner of the hallway, where he began to howl mournfully. Looking at him, it was clear that Percygiven that grand name long ago by a much younger Clarawas prepared to put up a priceless fight for what Denby considered a rather pitiful existence.
That was ages ago, for Percy, or Perce as Clara fondly called her four-legged friend, had lived with her for a decade already. How old he truly was, Clara couldnt say. Shed saved him from the streets as a mysterious adult, not a kitten, but young enough, as the vet told Claras mum at the time.
On that day, Maureen, Claras mother, had rushed her daughter to the local vet in London, blanket-wrapped cat clutched to her chest.
“Please, save him!” Maureen pleaded.
“Where on earth did you find this creature?” The receptionist cringed as she took Percy. Looks like a real alley cat.
What difference does it make? Hes my cat. Please help him! Cant you see hes suffering? What are you waiting fordo my pounds not count the same as those who come here with their precious purebreds?
Maureen was fiery that day, so the vet wisely decided not to argue.
Maureen Wright was a stubborn woman. Life had moulded her that way. Try raising a child on your own, looking after two elderly parents, all on a nursery teachers salary, and see if you dont grow a backbone! She could stand up for herself, no doubt about it, but her true nature was gentle. She adored children and animals (though shed always harboured an odd fear of dogs from childhood).
She wouldnt let anyone have the upper handbe it gossipy neighbours or parents of children in her care, or random strangers who might see a frail, single woman as an easy target.
But Maureen had a knack: she never raised her voice or resorted to rudeness. She simply knew how to unearth the right argument, the point that made even an angriest adversary look at things differently. In minutes, the person shouting at her would shift from anger to pouring out lifes woes, and by the end, Maureens only job was to nod, sympathise, and wait. More often than not, theyd end up thanking her, apologising, and walking away with an unexpected sense of relief.
She never understood how or why it workedhow she could always find the place that hurt and gently press on it until everything changed. Perhaps it was because she listened, truly listened, rather than trying to out-shout her opponent.
Still, Maureens empathy worked best with strangers. When it came to family, things were different.
Her husband vanished a week after their wedding. Her own mother would joke after, Well, he lasted longer than most would.
Painful as that was, Maureen knew deep down it was partly true. She wasnt made for domestic bliss by all accountsor so she felt, especially after hearing her husbands departing words: Youd make as much of a wife as I would a ballerina.
Of course, she was hurt. But a few months later, discovering she was expecting, Maureen found peace; whatever happened, she was a woman through and through. Only women carried life.
Maureen waited for the arrival of her daughter with more excitement than for any holiday or birthday. Her life had known few celebrations, but thisthis was a miracle.
Her mother, however, offered very little support.
Why, Maureen? It will be a burden! Youre still young, quite pretty, you have prospects. But if you have this baby, youll be living off beans and cheap tea. Children cost a fortune! You dont understand that now, but you will.
Mum, didnt we live just that way?
We did, Maureen. And what good did it do?
Maureen reflected. She usually listened to her mother, but something inside her balked at this simple advice.
The mere thought of giving up her baby felt suffocating, stifling. How could she destroy what was already a part of her? It wasnt just the child itself, but everything her family said proved untrueshe could be more than just a woman, she could be a mother, and someone else wanted to take that away. She didnt realise then that the decision was hers and hers alone; she only knew she had to defend it, for the sake of the childand herself.
The final word came from her gran. Gran showed up in the city unannounced, swathed in her Sunday church scarf, bringing:
Go on, Maureen! Have the baby. Ill help!
But Gran, what about Granddad? Wont he struggle alone in the country?
Hell manage, love! Hes still hearty. If not, well bring him to us. Thats settled!
Gran placed a tidy bundle on the table, and Maureen instantly recognised her favourite tea towel, embroidered years ago for her grans birthday.
Remember? Open it!
Maureen had never seenor heldso much money at one time.
Granddads sold the old house. Theyre building a bypass through the village now, so lands not cheap. And heres all our savings too. Enough for a small flat, at least. The rest, my lovely, is up to you.
Gran, I cant
Yes, you can! Dont argue. If not for you, then for your child. Who else will look out for them, if not Mum?
This bundle became the final straw in the storm between Maureen and her mother.
Oh, I see! When I needed money, you told me there was none, no help, nothing. But now you show up with a silver platter! Fine. What else is there to say?
Gran sent Maureens mother from the room, and for a long time the two women talked in hushed tones, but Maureens mum would never quite understand why, with Maureens unexplainable behaviour, everything fell so smoothly into placehelp, support, even a flat. It was better than a lottery win.
Maureen couldnt fathom what made her mother so cold. She hadnt led a wild life, hadnt made poor choices. Her child was conceived within marriageit was normal. Gran was right: If it all goes wrong, you were both pulling the cart. Its not possible for one horse to do all the work.
And he called himself a stallion! All the more reason he should pull his weight. Dont worry, Maureen! Youve years ahead of you.
Maureen never stopped thanking her gran. The flat was bought, and she marvelled at her grans persistence and business sense. After grilling the estate agent, Gran managed to find a four-bedroom in Shepherds Bushyes, a bit rough and in need of fixing up, but a good property all the same. Gran even negotiated a tidy discount.
What are you staring at, love? Do you think selling potatoes at the market all these years was for nothing? Grown food needs to be sold wellits more difficult than growing it. Trust me.
The builders, a cheerful team led by a rather grumpy foreman under Grans supervision, worked a miracle. In only two months, the flat was transformed. Maureen tiptoed into her new room, where the cot already awaited, and burst into tears.
Oh, dont cry, silly! Its a time to celebrate, laughed Gran, wiping Maureens tears and ordering, Come on, make yourself at home in the new kitchen!
Clara arrived slightly early, but all was well. She grew up healthy and gentle. Maureen, having endured her own mothers sharp words, vowed never to treat her child the same way.
Of course, your grandmothers closest to youshe bought the flat, she helps with the baby. And what about me? You wont even let me see my own grandchild!
Mum, youre welcome anytime. Just please, dont fight. It frightens Clara.
Shes frightened? Shes a babywhat does she know? So what if I talk loudly?
Mum, you dont talkyou shout Maureen almost cried.
But her mother just didnt want to hear it.
Well see how you feel when your daughter talks to you that way!
She wont! Maureens tears dried up.
She will, youll see! Upbringings everything. I spoiled you and now Im paying for it! All: Maureen this, Maureen that! And now my beloved daughter treats me like this! Walks all over me!
Thank you, Mum, Maureen quietly said, suddenly sounding entirely calm.
For what?
For the lesson. Now I know what not to do. I appreciate you saving me from that mistake.
What are you saying?! her mother fumed, but Maureen wasnt listening. The only thought in her mind: I will be a different kind of mum.
Easier said than done.
Maureen never felt sure she was doing everything right with Clara. Clara wasnt fussy or naughty, but she had willpower to rival anyone. Even as a tiny child, she knew what she wanted and how to get it.
Mummy, may I have a sweetie?
After lunch, Clara.
Not now at all?
No.
All right, Mummy. Can I have two after lunch if I finish everything? Ill be a good girl.
Maureen laughed at her little negotiatorand rewarded her with two sweets after an empty plate.
Good girl!
It was little things like these that built Claras character. She quickly learned tantrums were pointless, and even managed to disarm her headstrong grandmother:
Granny, dont be cross! Its not pretty. Youre very pretty, and frowning gives you wrinkles. Come here!
What for? her grandmother would grumble, but she always calmed down.
Clara would plop in her lap and gently smooth her brow and eyes with her tiny finger.
There! Seemuch better. All smooth, all pretty!
Maureen chuckled watching her mother melt under Claras tiny touch, but kept quietwisely so.
In time, the family found their stride. Maureen worked, Gran and Granddad, who moved in after selling the smallholding, looked after Clara. They managed.
Things got hard when Gran fell ill. The doctors frowned, offering no real hope, but Maureen understood without words.
Gran, maybe we should try a specialist in London?
No, Maureen. No need. Ive had my life. Being parted from you and your granddad is the hardest bit. Dont leave him alone, love.
Dont talk like that!
Youre right. What am I saying? Ignore me, darling.
It was during this fraught time that Clara brought home a cat.
The day Percy entered the family was also the day Maureen nearly lost her daughter. Clara left school as usual, turned onto the street towards home, and vanished. Granddad missed her by, perhaps, two minutes.
Where could she have gonestraight road, just two hundred metres to the house? It was a mystery.
Everyone searchedschool friends and their families, older kids, Maureen rushed home from work, Granddad, and even Gran came hobbling out.
But Clara showed up on her own, just as Maureen was about to call the police; her tear-streaked face twisted in such pain and guilt that Maureen said nothing. She simply scooped up a limp, injured cat from Claras arms and asked,
Are you all right, love? Are you hurt?
No, Mummy. Hes hurt! Not me!
And Maureen ran. The vets was nearby, but it was enough time for her to realisethis cat was part of the family now, whether she wanted him or not.
The damage wasnt terrible. Builders in the basement beneath the school had rescued Percy from a dog, and he was battered and bruised but surviving. After getting checked and patched up, the vet handed the purring bundle back and said,
There you go. Make sure he gets his jabs when hes better. You say hes yours, but hes like a trampno microchip, nothing!
Maureen nodded, but nearly choked on the bill.
I could have bought a pedigree for that, she muttered, but she paid without complaint.
That night, emptying her remaining pounds from her purse, Maureen did the sums. There wasnt enough left for the month. Percy needed medicine, Gran needed prescriptions, and Claras birthday was only a week away. Birthdays mattered to Maureenshe grew up with little celebration, and was determined Clara shouldnt feel that sting.
Mummy, can I ask? Clara had crept into the kitchen for a hug, long after bedtime.
What is it, darling?
I dont need a present this year, really. May I keep him? He can be my present.
Maureen hugged her daughter and looked down at the scrappy grey bundle curled at her feet. She had tried to settle Percy in a box, but he kept climbing out and returning to her, nuzzling her slipper, purring on the fridge.
Needless to say, Percy stayed.
To everyones surprise, this once-ragged stray found a new rhythm in a warm home. He never caused trouble, quickly grew attached to the old folks, and especially shadowed Gran. And somehow, he brought about changes for them all.
Paying Percys bill, Maureen decided shed had enough. Living on her nursery salary and two pensions was a struggle. Shed never had the courage to make a leap, fearing what little she had might vanish. But Percy Percy gave her the push.
She quit her joba frightening prospectand found a nanny position with a lovely family through a friend. She chided herself for not doing it sooner.
From then on, Maureen faced no trouble finding jobs. She was passed along, adored by every family as their children grew. With each new position, her pay rose; those who entrusted their little ones to her knew what a treasure she was.
And every night, she would scratch Percys furry head, healed ear and all.
Thank you, Percy. If it hadnt been for you
Percy would purr, paw at her hand, and glance towards Clara. While Maureen was the main provider, his loyalty was to Clara. He spent all his possible time with her, except for those moments when Gran called him to her room. Otherwise, Percy was Claras shadow.
He sat with her as she did her schoolwork, pawing her notebooks and helping with homework. He sat with her when she mourned quietly at Grans door, wiping away tears as she said goodbye. He sat with her again when Granddad, only months after Gran, slipped away peacefully in his sleep.
He was there years later when Maureen met someone special andafter much thoughtfinally remarried, vowing never to let anyone belittle her again. Her new husband worshipped her, saw what shed hidden from herself, and protected her fiercely, even from her own mother, with whom he quickly made peace (her love secured by the loan of his car and driver whenever she wanted to go to her beloved allotment). Maureens mother now paraded out of her estate like a queen, seed trays in hand: My son-in-laws come to take me to the country!
Clara, now a college student, found independence. She got on well with her stepfather, but chose to remain in the flat where shed grown up. It was here she brought her boyfriend.
Blimey, Clara, this is massive!
Oh, come off it.
Theres so much space Hey, whats this?
A snarling, spitting ball of fury launched from the bedroomPercy, now old but still fiercedefending his territory. Denby leaped on a chair, shrieking as Percy tried to claw the trespasser.
Get him off! Get him away!
Clara had to restore order, but Percy and Denby remained sworn enemies; Denby took every sly chance to kick at the cat when Claras back was turned.
A year passed and the couple married, but something faltered between them. Denby started making little digs at Claracomments that would have stunned Maureen with their cruelty, for Clara was now hearing exactly what Maureen once had:
What sort of woman are you, Clara? Is that supposed to be stew? Its just brown water. Cant even cook a simple meal? What kind of wife are you?
Claras gran had taught her to cookshed made her first stew aged tenso Denby had little ground to criticise. Until Percy gave him a chance.
Whats wrong with him?! Denby gawked at the bill from the vet. Are you mad, Clara? I dont spend that much on myself! Its just a ball of fluff!
Denby, Percy is not a ball of fluffhes family!
Family? Not mine! I dont want this mangy thing anywhere near me!
What are you saying?
What you heard! If this happens again, Ill throw it out myself!
Clara, who that very morning had learned she was pregnant, stayed silent, deciding to speak to Denby later.
But Percy, now elderly, had more troubles, and by next morning, Clara was again coaxing him into his carrier. Denby caught her in the hall, home from his daily run. He was fastidious about his healthate right, jogged every morning, and forever nagged at Clara to do the same. Your health is everything!
When he heard the cat needed more treatment, Denby hurled a trainer against the wall in a rage.
Thats it! Time to get rid of the beast! Im not wasting money on an old fleabag. Out it goesout of my house!
Then Ill go, too! For once, mild-mannered Clara snapped. Maybe the hormones, maybe the stress.
Fine by me! Ive had enough! Why should I put up with this?!
Something changedthis break was permanent. The woman who once wished for a traditional family suddenly realised she did not want it with this man.
She didnt bother reminding Denby the flat was hers. Nor did she care about being thrown out, especially not with her homes most loyal guardian.
Without a word, she fished Denbys keys from his jacket and handed them back. Then she opened the door.
Im having a baby. Im not allowed to get upset or argue. Percy understands thatyou dont. Please go now. Well talk when youve calmed down, but I wont live with you anymore. If you can throw out someone whos shared most of my life with me just because hes inconvenient, what will you do with me if I become a burden? My feelings dont matter to you, do they? Well We had some good times, Denby, and Im grateful for that, but theres too much bad now. Lifes too short for thatfor both of us. Please go. You can pick up your things later. Right now, I need to take Percy to the vet. He needs me. Im responsible for him. Thats whats right.
Denby didnt fight. He tossed his bag, jacket, and car keys, and slammed the door.
Clara knew her news about the baby hadnt even registeredDenby had been too distracted by his cat vendetta.
She placed the carrier on the floor, waited for Percy to settle himselfno more fussand asked, Ready? Lets go. Time to make some changes. Lets start with your health.
Percy recovered. Of course, age would show itself, and Clara would again on occasion have to coax him into the carrier for check-ups, where one day a toddlers hand would reach in to stroke a stumpy taila privilege Percy allowed no one else but his human grandchild, the only one permitted such indignities.
And Clara would find, in Percy, a perfect childcare companion; five minutes with the old cat, a soft paw pressed to a giggling childs cheek, and bedtime was sorted. So much so that Clara nearly named her baby Maureen, but her mother gently discouraged her.
Chat to Denby. Shes your daughter, together, no matter if you dont live together any more. Youve done plenty to keep things civil. Now its time to do more. Its not easy, but for her sake, you should try.
And Clara listened, much to the astonishment of her now-ex-husband.
I never took you for wise, Clara.
Well, we grow, dont we? So what do you reckon?
I reckon thank you, Clara. Really.
What for?
For thinking more about our child than your pride. Ill help.
And Denby kept his word.
Little Alice grew up with two homes, two beds, two beloved bunniesone at Daddys, one at Mummysand all the love she could ask for. Alice knew if those who cared for her loved her, then they couldnt be strangers to each other, either. Shed quietly teach this simple but important lesson to every adult, just as her own mother had done, drawing them all together and paving over old grievances.
And only old Percy, stretched out by the fire, would know the whole truth about Alice, but hed never share itnot for want of words but because it was clear for all to see.
After all, as everyone knowsa loving mum makes for loving kittens.
And little Alice, with her familys warmth, carried that legacy forward. One day, shed cradle her own child, lean over the cot, stroke a newborns cheek, just as her mother and grandmother did before her, and softly say,
Hello, little one. Ive waited so long to meet you
Because true love, patient and persistent, is always worth the price.
