The Bonus
Jack, but shes got baggage! Or is that alright with you? Doreen leaned against the fence, smirking at her neighbour. Couldnt find anyone better? Youre perfectly decent, and theres no shortage of girls round here, but you had to go and pick her, didnt you?
Gillian sighed, refusing to admitat least to herselfthat her sons choice didnt sit right with her. Hearing it voiced by her so-called best friend stung twice as much.
We love kids, Doreen! Honestly, whats wrong with her? Young, pretty, not stroppy, and decent, Ill vouch for that. So, shes got a child. Is that a crime? She didnt just pick him up from the market; she was married, wasnt she? Widowed young! Were all under Gods thumb, arent we? Well raise the boy togetheranother grandchild for me. And if youve got nothing better to say, do keep your gossipy tongue to yourself!
Gillian pursed her lips before shooing away the tabby cat making its way along the fence in her direction.
That tomcat of yours again! Hes had three of my chicks already, Doreen. Keep an eye on him or Ill let Sherlock out and then you can deal with the consequences.
Ooh, youve frightened me now! Doreen gave the portly stripy cat a gentle nudge further down the fence. Well see who ends up chasing whom. Ill lock him inside. He was after my own chicks last year. If he wasnt such a good mouser, Id have got rid long ago. But what can you do with instincts?
Let your instincts keep to your own house, please! snapped Gillian.
Oh, that reminds me! The jars! The jams probably done by now, Doreen exclaimed.
Youre here nattering, but whos doing the hard work?
Olive is. She only arrived yesterday to lend a hand with the vegetables.
But I thought Olive was due to pop any day?
Thats why the rest are in the garden and shes left stirring jam. Cant bear to sit idle. More precious than gold, that one!
So why sing her praises here but boss her about at home?
Discipline, my dear! Doreen grinned. Take note for when youre a mother-in-law yourself. If youre too soft, theyll walk all over you in no time!
Ill manage, Gillian replied with a wave of her hand. Now, do you need those jars or not? I cant stand here chatting all day. Things to do.
Once Doreen had gone, Gillian got back to kneading dough. Her son would be round tomorrow to introduce the fiancée. The fiancée Gillian paused, leaning on the table and gazing out the window. What in the world awaited her?
Shed never actually met Annabel, only heard mentions and seen her in the distance, when visiting her sister in another village. Nothing remarkable, just your average girl. Fair hair, big eyes. Tall enough for Jack. But really, not a girlyoung woman, actually. Widow, with a young child. Boy. Must be about three. Life had handled Annabel with all the softness of a washboard. Lost her parents as a nipper, raised by her gran and granddad. They fed her, clothed her, got her married. And just when theyd settled in to enjoy a great-grandson, Annabels husband got in a crash. Left her a widow with a little lad. How could Gillian not feel for her? Still… shed rather keep her sympathy at arms length. Her own heart ached for her son, Jack, her one pillar since her husband died. Good lad, but dragging his feet with marriage, claiming he was waiting for the One. And now he reckons hes found herAnnabel. So Gillian dashed to her sister. Had to check up, didnt she? Only to be told off by Lydia. Shes the elder, so she gets away with it.
Oh, stop flapping around like a hen, will you?
Well, whats she like? Hell bring her here, then what?
To meet you, yes, but not for long.
What do you mean? Gillian gaped.
Jack didnt tell you? Ive signed Granddads house over to him. Mind you, its not liveable, but the plots good. Theyll build something.
Gillians thoughts raced about like rabbits. So Jack would move out, and her? Hardly a hike between the villages and the bus comes regular, but its another thing entirely when your sons under your roof, helping about the place. If hes gone, shell see him at Christmas and birthdays.
Lydia softened, putting a hand on her sisters. You look glum. Not pleased?
Youre right, Lydia. Its just… Im afraid. What if it doesnt work out? Theres a child, too.
Listen, love. There are plenty of girls in our village. But I wouldnt say half as many nice things about any of them as I would Annabel.
Thats what frightens me! Shes too perfect.
Youre impossible! Lydia gave her a stern look. If she were trouble, youd still be anxious. Let them be happy. Dont make a mistake youll regret.
What mistake? Gillian whispered.
If you dont accept Annabel, youll lose your son. Believe me. Ive seen how he looks at her. Love, Gillian.
Afterwards, Gillian felt something prickly settle in her chest, tossing and turning, keeping her awake at night. She wasnt quite sure where it came from, but there it stayed.
She straightened, shook her aching hands out, and got back to rolling dough. Shed make sure her future daughter-in-law felt welcome. As Lydia said, dont show your cards. Thered be time enough for that later.
She lined the little pasties up neatly on a plate, sighing as she remembered how her late husband had loved them.
Nothing like your pasties, Gill! hed said, pinching one and kissing her hand. Gillian chuckled, blinking away a tear. Oh, how she missed Richard. Hed know what to do, how to comfort her.
She barely slept a wink. May as well have stayed up. Roll on tomorrow…
Annabel stood behind Jack, nervous as anything about facing her future mother-in-law. Little Jamie squirmed on her arm, fascinated by everything new. A great big dog sat on a lead. Bit oddit didnt bark. Grans dog at home always barked. There was a cat strutting off, tail erect. Jamie wriggled, glancing at his mum.
Sit yourself down quietly now.
Oh, let him go. Ill put Sherlock insideyou can see him from here. Nothing else to worry about. Gillian watched Annabel curiously.
What was this girl? Fragile, pale, but the lad on her arm looked a sturdy handful, so she must have something about her. Something shifted inside Gillian, easing the old tension just a tad. When Jamie toddled up to Gillian and peered up at her with big eyes, she melted further.
Whered the cat go? he asked.
Which cat? said Gillian, eyes narrowing. I havent got a cat. Whered you see one?
Jamie pointed away from the porch, making Gillian gasp.
Come on then! Before it gets at the chicks again!
He chased after her, bemused, as they found the feline at the chicken run.
Oh, you menace! said Gillian, promptly removing her slipper and shooing it away.
As Jamie burst out laughing, Gillian couldnt help but smile. What a sweet ladquick off the mark, gentle too. She handed him a chick to pet, and he stroked it with care.
Hes little! he giggled.
Soon enough Jamie was sitting on Gillians knee, wolfing pasties. When Annabel glanced at Jack, Gillian gave a conspiratorial smile:
Lovely boy, your Jamie! Clever and eats wella grannys dream!
She saw Annabel exhale with relief, and the knot in her own chest slackened a little more. Annabel was so cautious, so anxious for her child. A good, proper mother, Gillian realisedher own anxiety shrinking, though not quite vanishing.
Jack was chatting merrily about the wedding while Annabel quietly eyed her plate. When Jack left the room, Gillian turned to her.
Whats up, love? Here you go, some more cherries for Jamie. He loves the sweet ones.
Oh, nothing. Just told Jack I dont fancy a big fuss for the wedding. Just a quiet register do.
He wont have it?
No. Says it looks bad. The family expects a proper wedding. Dont want to offend them.
Hes got a point. But you mustnt keep quiet either. Why dont you want a big do?
Annabel lifted her grey eyes and hesitated before answering.
Im scared. Ive had a happy wedding before. Didnt end well…
Dont say that, Annabel. I know you lost your husband, love, and its a heavy thing. But if he did love you, hed be pleased to see you happy again, not mourning him forever. We cant know whats measured out for ussorrow or joy. Youve got to take what comes, make the best of it. Fates not something you can sidestep.
I was afraid
Afraid of what?
That youd judge me. Marrying Jack. He could have had anyoneyet lucks favoured me.
Jamie wriggled off Gillians lap to the floor and surveyed her with eyes like his mums.
Who are you? he asked, suspicious.
Im your granny now, Jamie. Call me Granny Gill.
All right! Jamie nodded solemnly.
They had the big wedding Jack wanted, and the family couldnt resist a gossip, but seeing Gillian purse her lips at every jibe, they soon piped down.
Jack and Annabel lived with Gillian for nearly a year. The prickly feeling in Gillians heart faded. She watched Annabel care so sweetly for Jack, and realised maybe it was time to worry a little less. Easier said than done, but Annabel, bless her, had the knack of diffusing Gillians grumbling with grace and calm. Never a harsh word, just solutions and smiles.
Why so quiet, Annabel? Loosen up, have a cry with your husband for a change! Gillian might even give up nagging! said Doreen one morning, waving a twig as she shooed her cow through the gate.
And have the mother and son at war? Great advice, Doreen. Marvellous, Annabel said, giving her a withering look.
Youre too proud, Annie. Not good for a quiet life.
Its good enough for meand better than listening to neighbours like you, Annabel retorted, slipping indoors.
Doreen snorted, carrying the tale off into the village.
A year after the wedding, the house Jack had been building was finished and they moved in. There was plenty to do, the days whizzed by. When Annabel didnt feel quite right, she went to see the doctor.
Pregnant? Really? Annabel blinked in surprise.
Is that unusual? Not wanted?
No, no! Of course I want it. But is it bad news? Its so different from last time.
Well, therell be a few hurdles. Youll need bed rest, but well do everything to keep you and the baby healthy.
Gillian came that very afternoon to help with Jamie. When Annabel opened the door, she took a step back.
What is it? Gillian asked.
Its nothing. Annabel watched Gillian emptying her bag of new toys for Jamie.
Thank you, Granny Gill! Jamie was already busy rolling his new car along the floor.
Youre welcome, sweetheart! Annabel, you looked a bit startled when I walked in. Did I frighten you?
Gillian raised an eyebrow. Well, it was Doreens doing, undoubtedly. Shed put Gillian in a foul mood that morning, so much so her heart ached all the way over.
Not onlys she got a kid in tow, but shes all delicate! Are you sure you want to risk it, Gill? Before its too late
Whats the matter with you, Doreen? Didnt your mother hug you enough as a child or what? Where does all this nastiness come from? Whats Annabel ever done to you?
Im not bothered about her! Doreen backed away, seeing Gillian darken. Joking, I was! Wish her all the best!
Gillian turned away and stormed to the bus stop, doing her best to calm down. Annabel clocked her mood at once.
Dont mind me, Annabel. Just had a rough bus journey, some numpties arguing, thats all. Cant people just live and let live?
Annabel shook her head and smiled. She knew her mother-in-law didnt have the guile to lie. If she was trying to spare her feelings, then she wasnt really annoyed at her.
Come on then, shall I help you pack?
No, Ive done it. I just hate hospitals.
Gillian frowned. If it means your baby will be all right, then thats where you need to be. Dont worry about Jamie. Ill keep an eye on him. Everything will be just fine!
Jack drove Annabel to the hospital. Days passed. A week, then another, and the doctors were soon nodding approvingly at incomprehensible charts.
Nearly ready to send you home. Not for long, mind, and you must have help. Do you?
Absolutely. My mother-in-laws over at ours, watching my boy.
Mother-in-law? Are you sure thats a wise idea?
Oh, not you as well! Annabel laughed. Shes wonderfulnot the butt of any mother-in-law jokes.
Thats rare. Hardly ever hear that.
While Annabel was getting ready to come home, her wonderful mother-in-law was running around like a headless chicken.
Oh, Lord! What do I tell Annabel?!
Jamie had vanished that morning. He was normally so good, never out of the gate without permission, so Gillian let him out to play while she cooked. Annabel would be home, and needed a proper cooked meal. Hospital fare was nothing but a damp squib. Having checked on Jamie in the sandpit, Gillian got distracted by the compote on the stove. One glance out the window and Jamie was gone.
Wheres he got to? she muttered, drying her hands on her apron.
Out on the porch, she scanned the garden. Nowhere to hide. And the gate wide open. The street was empty. How long had she taken her eyes off the lad? Not long at all! Where could he be?
Unbeknownst to Gillian, Jamie had heard a commotion by the fence and dashed to investigate. A black-and-white puppy was screeching, caught in a slipknot some older boys had put round his neck.
Let him go! Youre hurting him! Jamie rattled the gate until it opened.
The boys just laughed and carried on. Jamie darted between them, desperate to free the dog. Eventually, under the glare of an irate woman, the lads scarpered, leaving the lead behind. Jamie realised, all of a sudden, that hed no idea where he was.
Whats wrong with kids nowadays? Tormenting an animal! You need a proper hiding! the woman told the retreating troublemakers, then rounded on Jamie. And what about you? Gonna torment him as well?
No! Hes little. Hes scared.
Quite right.
With that, the woman walked off. Jamie, cuddling the now-quiet puppy, stayed put. Mum always said If you get lost, stay in one place. You’ll be found sooner. If he remembered, hed be safe.
He sat on a bench by someones gate, waiting for rescue. Meanwhile, Gillian was searching every nearby street. It didnt occur to her Jamie might have wandered quite as far.
When Jack pulled up, he found the gate wide, wife in the car looking exhausted.
Just wait here. Ill get the gates. Then you can come in.
Annabel, pale and sickly still, just sank back.
Jack found Gillian on a parallel street.
Mum! she gasped, out of breath. Jamie!
What about Jamie? Jacks face turned grey.
Hes gone! Vanished! One second hes there, and then hes not!
Calm down. Tell me properlyhow long?
Between tears, Gillian explained.
Ill keep looking close by; you try the wider streets. And dont tell Annabelnot now!
Jack found Jamie an hour later. The boy had fallen asleep on a bench, arms wrapped round the puppy, who barked at Jacks approach.
Youll make a fine guard dog, Jack said, scratching the pups ears and ruffling Jamies hair. Wake up, son.
Dad… Jamie rubbed his eyes and grinned. I stayed put, like you said.
Good lad. Thats why I found you. Whos this, then? Jack motioned to the puppy.
He looks like SherlockGranny Gills dog.
Hes more of a Watson. Look at that belly! Want to keep him?
Can I? Jamies eyes were wide as saucers.
Absolutely. Whats a home without a dog? Well see how big you get, eh? Jack scooped up both boy and dog, heading home.
Gillian was sat at the start of the street, wringing her hands. On seeing them, she all but collapsed onto someones garden bench.
Mum, alls well. Weve got him. Hes safe.
She grabbed Jamie and hugged him close.
Oh, darling, you gave me such a fright!
Sorry, Granny! I promise, Ill never do it again!
Who said he wasnt hers? Let Doreen talk. Where could you find a grandchild more precious?
Annabel didn’t learn the whole story straight away. Jamie kept quiet, knowing his mum didnt need anything else on her mind. They all laughed while giving the puppy a bathso riddled with fleas, he needed more than a scrub. Hugs all round, wet clothes forgotten.
I missed you!
No, I missed you more!
Little Daisy arrived bang on timea noisy bundle of joy, named for Granny Gill. Gillian bloomed with pride, visiting every chance she got. At first she worried Annabel might hold a grudge over Jamie wandering off. But Annabel never blamed her.
He couldve wandered away under my watch too, you know. Please dont torment yourself over it. Hed save a ladybird from the pavement if it crossed his path. For him, everythings precious.
Hes growing up kind. Thats all you want.
Gillian didn’t meddle or give unwanted advice, just pitched in wherever helpful. Seeing Annabel so grateful, Gillian wouldve moved mountains to hear her quietly say:
Thank you… Mum.
She watched Jamie running to hug her, Annabel glowing as she placed Daisy in her arms, and Gillian knew shed done something right.
Oh, off to see your granddaughter again? Doreen called from her garden gate, watching Gillian lock her own.
My grandchildren, Doreen. I have two.
But only ones really yours
Theyre both mine, Doreen. Grandson and granddaughter. Not sure youd understand. Let me share a secret with you.
Go on thensurprise me.
Loves a two-way street, you know. If you want to be loved, better put in some effort yourself. Im luckymy kids and grandkids love me. What about you?
They respect me!
Thats something. But Id rather be loved, to be honest. Wouldnt you? Gillian winked, glanced at her watch, and hurried to catch the bus to where she was needed most.
