Grandma for an Hour

Grandma for an Hour

Mr. Thomas, Im so sorry to ask, but would it be alright if I left a little early today? My daughters unwell.

Lucy placed the paperwork and tomorrows meeting schedule gently on her managers desk. There was still an hour left of work, but the nursery had already phoned twice. She couldnt risk it any longer and decided to ask. Getting this job in a construction firm was nothing short of a miracleshe had no experience as a secretary, nor did she match the presentable appearance their advert had called for. Staring at herself in the mirror before that first interview, Lucy had chuckled under her breath:

Well, thats definitely not me, is it?

Her old cardigan still looked halfway decent, but skirt The skirt had seen better days. Her mum had made it years ago, picking the fabric carefully and spending evenings on her sewing machine, steeling herself before every new seam.

Itll be just as good as a shop one, trust me.

Oh, Mum, its handmade! Of course, its just as good as any shop-bought. Lucy knew it meant everything to her mum to hear that.

Thered never been any spare money for new things in their family. Lucy could still picture the days when her dad was alivechoosing an outfit was never an issue back then. But life changed when he died. Her mums wages as a nurse hadnt stretched far. Theyd managed alright until her gran fell ill. To say her mum Lydia and her mother-in-law got on would be a stretch.

Lydia! Youve got no sense of family, not a trace. Then again, with your side of the family thats not surprising, is it? But youre with us now, so you ought to get used to how a family looks after its own.

Lucy was still too young to really make sense of what Gran said. It all sounded so weighty and important. Years later, Lucy realised those words were just thatwords. In reality, life flowed just one way: Lydia would nurse her mother-in-law, sacrificing most of her pay, while Gran would receive it all like some queen and offer nothing but endless complaints in return.

Mum, why dont you ever answer back? Lucynow olderwould quiz her mother after another tirade from Gran. Lydia rarely took Lucy on these visits, but Gran demanded her granddaughter come, so sometimes there was no escaping it.

Because, darling, I know shes in the wrong. And I also know shes unwell and terribly lonely. Besides you and me, she has almost no one left. She fell out with her sister, and her nephews and nieces dont want anything to do with her. Lydia folded the freshly ironed laundry neatly. And I promised your father Id never just leave her alone. And I wont break a promise.

Lucy always felt angry with Gran and wanted to give a piece of her mind, but Lydia would gently hush her with a knowing look.

Whats the point, Lucy? Remember, none of it is about me. Let her talk. I know Im doing right, and that your Gran lacks for nothing under my care.

She wouldnt do, with or without your help! Lucy would mumble, but she understood more about the world as she grew up.

It was clear to Lucy nowher gran wasnt some poor relative. She had a big flat to herself, another one she rented out, a good pension and a tidy sum in the bank, all inherited from Granddad. She lived comfortably enoughso why take Mums money?

Why does Gran take your money, Mum? Doesnt she have enough? Lucy grumbled, scribbling out their budget in her notepad.

Lucy! Lydia snapped as she banged a tea towel on the table.

What? Im just saying.

Stop it, please. Lydia lowered her voice. Dont turn into

Into what? Who, Mum?

Never mind. Just dont take all this inside you. All that bitterness, it isnt meant for you. And, rememberwhatever belongs to Gran is hers. Not ours. Wont ever be oursbest not to even think about it. Otherwise, youll only make yourself unhappy.

Lucy only understood properly after Gran was gone. The will with a farewell letter was tucked in the old bedside table. Lydia barely breathed, crushed the thin pages in her fist and flung them aside.

Lets go.

Go where? Lucy asked, confused.

Theres nothing left to do here. I did all I could for your Gran, just as I promised.

Lucy let it be. Later on she found out everything Gran owned was left to her cousins. Lydia only mentioned it once, when Lucy wouldnt let it rest:

She left everything to them, because theyre her blood. Thats enough questions, Lucy. That messleave it behind. Well move on.

She didnt believe I was really her granddaughter? Lucy finally asked.

No,” Lydia sighed, breaking her silence. “She always said you were too much like me, and not enough like your dad. Claimed you had the wrong blood.”

Is that true, Mum? Am I not like Dad?

Lucy! Lydia bowed her head, exhausted. You take after your father in every way. Not just in looks, but who you are. He was the best person I ever knew. So Ill say one last timetake only the good from this family and leave the rest behind. Its better that way.

Lucy didnt argue. She knew it mattered to her mum.

Years passed. Lucy finished school and went to university. That famous skirt was made for her thenshe wore it at exams, lectures, even into her first job at the uni. She met the future dad of her little girl in it. That skirt became her lucky charm. When she landed the job interview at the construction firm, she wore it againwhat else was there? Hardly turn up in jeans!

People in HR giggled behind her back, but Lucy thought of her mums advice and stood tall.

Miss, really? No experience, youve a small child? Where did you work before?

I taught at the university.

So why the change?

I wanted something new. Lucy tried to hold it together, legs shaking. Theyd probably turn her down too.

But, for some reason, they didnt. The head of HR asked a few more questions, then offered her a trial run as secretary. As Lucy left, she missed the office chatter.

Why her? Mr Thomas needs someone better, surely?

He likes clever women; lets see how she manages. And she just needs a bit of looking after. Clean her up, shed outshine you lot! Anyway, stop gossiping and get to work.

Lucy got on with her new manager straight away. Watching her puzzled with the coffee machine, Richard Thomas laughed:

Never seen a woman read the instructions instead of jabbing all the buttons first! Well get on, you and I.

Her duties werent too hard. Thomas liked to check everything, but he soon realised Lucy had a great memory and could be stubborn about detail. Need to track someone down? Lucy would find a way. Arrange meetings to suit everyone or rearrange with zero fussshe had it covered. The scheduling was always spot on. The only black mark was Lucys time off for her daughter.

Lucy, I get it, I do, Thomas leaned back in his chair and rubbed his temples, but its becoming the norm. Ill be without a secretary at this rate.

Is it a headache? Painkiller? she asked.

No, noitll pass. Of course, go if you need to. But perhaps think about finding a solutionany family nearby, or a nanny?

Ive no one. Mums gone. Thats it.

Its a tough break. Well, what about a nanny?

Cant quite afford one yet. But Ill work something out, I promise. Sorry, youre rightits my problem.

Lucy nodded and left. Her mood couldnt sink any lower. Ellie was waiting at the nursery, poorly; the flat would be cold when they got home; there was washing up and a pile of chores to face. Why did everything have to be so hard? Why always on her own?

But she knew why. Her mum once said:

Not everyone meets only good people. Sometimes, in your whole life, you count those meetings on one hand. That makes them all the more preciousdont let them slip by.

And if there arent any at all?

Come on, Lucy. Youre the maths graduatewhat are the odds youll never meet a decent soul? Hardly likely! Most people arent truly badtheyve just got their own stuff going on. True monsters are rare. Some are just selfish, live for themselves, think only of themselves. Thats human. Some hide it, most dont. I just hope you meet more of the decent ones.

Lucy wished shed listened more, especially when she first met Ellies father. Tom was a bright, ambitious researchera real spark. He had drive and energyjust what Lucy thought she lacked. She dreamed of family fitting alongside her work. Tom? He saw no future here and now. When offered a post at a university abroad, he didnt think twice, even though a week earlier hed asked Lucy to marry him.

We can wait a couple of years, itll be fine.

Tom, I cant just wait anymore. Im pregnant

Lucy watched his face shift and knew it was over.

Cant it wait? Cant we put that off? Tom paced, avoiding eye contact.

Not likely. So dont worryIll sort it. All the best, Tom.

And that was that.

Ellie was born a month after Lydia died. Mum had collapsed at worka heart attack. Though she was surrounded by doctors, there was nothing they could do. Lucy held off her tears at the funeral.

Later, Mum, Ill cry. When Ellies here, Ill make time for it.

But there was never time. Her daughter was fragile, always unwell; Lucy barely paused to breathelaundry, cleaning, walks, feeding, over and over. Shed left the university, tired of the sideways glances.

Sorry, Mum, I wasnt cut out for it. I just couldnt she confessed silently to Lydias photo, whispering so as not to wake Ellie. Was it so wrong, having a baby? Not making Tom stay? Maybe I should have pushed No, youd have said to stop worrying about what people think. Keep going. Im trying, honest

Ellie soon had a nursery place. That first year was brutalconstantly ill; Lucy knew she couldnt keep applying for proper jobs. Instead, she cleaned at a beauty salon nearby in the evenings, all the while imagining a future where she could try something else.

She was lost in thoughts of the past as she went to pick up her daughter. With Ellie in her arms, Lucy stopped by the chemist, then hurried home. Unlocking the door, she nodded to her neighbour:

Evening, Kate!

Hello. Oh no, not again? Kate nodded at Ellie buried in Lucys jumper.

Yep, Lucy answered, struggling with the door. My bossll sack me at this rate. Twice this month! I thought wed made it through, tooshed been alright for ages.

Six months means nothing! Kate said on the stairs. Mine was fine for a year, then bamillness every month. Why not get a nanny? Youre earning a bit better now, arent you?

Not that much better! Lucy sighed, nudging Ellie through the doorway. Go on, shoes off.

Yeah, nannies are dear. Youd be working just for them. Shame your mums gone.

Yeah. Right, Ill see you, Kate.

As Lucy closed the door, she felt tears rise. Mum, I miss you so much.

But Ellie, sniffly and flopped on the floor, snapped her back to reality. Lucy tucked her up in bed, made her a hot drink, and pondered what to do.

There was a quiet knockLucy almost missed it. Ellie was asleep; Lucy was on her laptop, poring over nanny ads. Why wasnt the visitor using the bell? She hurried to answer.

Evening, Lucy!

It was Grace Bennett, the elderly neighbour from the next block along. Lucy barely knew her. Theyd exchanged a nod, not much more.

Hello! Is everything alright? Lucy stared at her, surprised.

Yes, Id say so. Are you going to let me in, or are we chatting here on the landing?

Oh, sorry! Lucy shuffled aside, letting Grace in.

Grace slipped off her shoes, glanced at the doors and asked: Kitchen that way?

Erm, yes

Come on then. Dont want to wake the little onesleep is the best medicine.

Still confused, Lucy followed. Grace sat down, folded her hands, and eyed Lucy.

So, do you need a Grandma for an hour or not?

What?!

Someone to look after your girla Grandma for an hour. When shes under the weather, if youve work. Thats what Grandma for an Hour is. Need one?

Lucy was floored. She barely knew the woman, and trusting her daughter to a stranger

Sorry, but how did you know I was looking for someone?

Oh, come onits no secret. Spoke to Kate earlier, she filled me in.

Oh Grace, dont take it the wrong way

Dont worry, love. Ask anything you like. If youre going to trust me with your little girl, you should. Want to know more? Or shall I explain?

Lucy weighed her up, then sat down, poured a cup of tea for each of them, pushed over the biscuit tin.

Go on then, tell me.

Graces story was simple. Born right here, grew up, left school, worked at the local factory, met her husband, married, raised two boys. Husband died young. The boys finished their national service and moved away. Four grandkids between them, but she barely saw the lot. Daughters-in-laws mums were closer, and now the grandchildren were all grown up.

So now I potter about, watch the kids in the playground, and my heart aches. I missed all thatwas too busy working to enjoy my own. Id never have thought about being a nanny, but Kate gave me the idea, and well, no harm in asking, eh? I might be handy for you, and itd do me some good as well. So what do you think? I wont charge the earth. Take your timelet me know tomorrow.

Lucy promised to think about it. After Grace left, she sat alone.

What do you think, Mum? Seems almost too good to be true. Just when I needed someone, she turns up. Is that a sign?

Lydia smiled back from the photo, silent. Lucy struggled to trust easilyespecially where Ellie was concerned. She checked on her sleeping child all night, but in the end, her gut said yes.

Next day: Grace, Id love you to help. Thank you.

And so began their partnershipexactly how Grace called it.

Were colleagues, Lucy. You work, I work. Suits us bothyou know your childs safe, and I get a bit extra to help with the bills.

Do your sons help you at all?

Oh, here and there, but I try not to take much. Theyve their own families to support. As long as Ive my health, Ill manage.

At first, Lucy watched Grace with Ellie like a hawk. She neednt have worried; from the get go, Ellie trusted her.

Not feeling well, are you, love? Grace said that first day, hand to Ellies forehead. Well fix you with some hot honey and lemon and a long storyall about pirates and treasure, if you like. Youll be right as rain. Trust me!

I havent got any honey Lucy admitted.

Dont you worry, loveI brought some. Where would you find time for honey making? Off to work with you, well be fine.

A few months later, Ellie was reading fluently at five. Lucys jaw dropped.

Shes only five! Grace, honestly

All I did was read to hershe was desperate to learn. Shes quick at draughts and already plays chess. You should put her in for a clubI can take her.

Soon enough, Ellie was swimming twice a week and playing chess with kids twice her age.

I could never do all this and work! Theres not enough hours in the day, Lucy gushed to Kate. Honestly, Im so grateful!

Dont thank me! Kate laughed. Mine grows up, Ill be borrowing Grace from youmark my words!

Time passed. Ellie started school; Grace wasnt needed every day, but she and Lucy were now family.

One day, Richard Thomas, glancing over paperwork, said: Lucy, youve been here too long. With your maths, you could do so much more. Ever considered retraining?

No, not really. Im fine where I am.

Well, Im not! We need more people like you moving up. Ill put you on a course. I reckon well find a better fit for your skills.

A new role, a better salary, a fresh startlife began to ease. Ellie grew up more independent. Lucy finally found a little peace.

See, Lucy? I told you it would work out, Grace grinned.

Theyd long since stopped treating each other as just an employer and carer. Then, one day, Grace vanished without warning.

Kate, wheres Grace gone? Nobodys seen her. She never said anything. Its not like her!

Have you tried the hospitals?

Everywhere. They wont tell me anythingIm not next of kin.

And her boys?

No idea, said theyre busy. How can they not care? She is their mother!

Who knows, Lucy. Some folk, you cant rely on.

Lucy wouldnt give up. She phoned, visited every hospital. Nurses always asked, Why are you looking if youre no relation? But Lucy kept searching.

Nearly a week later, she found her.

She was brought in without documents. Came round after two days, but cant remember a thing.

Lucy held Graces pale, tiny hands in the ward. Heart pounding.

Why didnt you answer the phone? Id have come sooner! What happened to her?

She was hit by a cara mild concussion and some memory loss. And you are?

Lucy straightened. Im her daughter. Wheres the consultant?

After hours of negotiating, Grace was transferred. Lucy sat by her side.

How are you feeling?

Who are you?

Im Lucy. Dont worry. Well remember things together. You just rest now.

Lucy phoned Graces sons again. No, they couldnt come, maybe next week, perhaps.

Fine then! Well manage. Her anger rose, but she calmed herself. Mum, you always saidsome care only for themselves. Werent you right?

Grace was discharged a week later. Lucy took her home.

Ellie, call her Grandma Graceas always. Keep things calm. Maybe then shell remember.

Is she staying with us now, Mum?

She is.

Thats right.

Now it was Ellies turn to look after Grace. Shed come home, heat up lunch, coax Grace to eat, and then settle next to her for homework:

Just two more sums, then well play draughts, Grandma. Deal?

Grace would beam. She began calling Ellie her granddaughter, Lucy her daughter. And Lucy let her. Why bother correcting her? What mattered was that Grace was alive and safe.

Half a year later, Graces son Alex turned up.

That day, Lucy was rushing homeEllies birthday, didnt want to be late. Shed picked up a cake and was just turning the corner when a tall, vaguely familiar man caught up with her.

You Lucy?

I am.

Im Alexander. Graces son.

Pleased to meet you. Lucy adjusted her grip on the box.

Could I see Mum?

Of course. Why ask?

Iermwell

Dont judge others by yourself. I need nothing from your mother. Shes helped me more than you know, and being here for her is just my way of saying thanks.

Noyou misunderstand me Alexs voice wobbled. Lucy smiled wryly.

Well let that go. One thing, though. You can sort the paperwork, take the flat, whateverbut Im not handing her over. So dont bother asking.

Why not? I was hoping shed come live with us.

Its too late for that. If you truly meant it, youd have been here months agowhen there was still hope shed recover.

And now?

Now she barely remembers. Dont be surprised if she doesnt recognise you. Come on.

Lucy opened the front door. Ellie gasped:

Oo, what a cake!

Looks good, doesnt it? Happy birthday, Ellie! she said, wrapping her up in a hug. Say hello, this is Alexander

James. Alexander James. Graces son.

Who? Ellie nearly dropped the cake, but Lucy steadied her.

Hush, remember what the doctor said?

Dont get her excited.

Thats it. Go put the cake in the kitchen, Ill be right there.

Grace barely registered her son. Alex looked at his mother and saw a stranger; the lively woman he remembered was now tiny and frail, cushioned in her chair.

Will she remember us? he asked quietly.

I honestly dont know. Doctors wont predict. I do know shes settled here. Best let her be. Dont unsettle her for no reason.

Would it be alright for us to visit?

Of courseshes your mum. Come whenever you like.

After he left, Lucy watched him go. Something told her he wouldnt be back soon, if at all. She shrugged and closed the door. Let the past stay putwhat mattered was their present, together.

Ellie! Get the kettle on! Time to celebrate.

Mum, can Grandma have cake too?

She must! The biggest slice, in fact. She needs a treatwhat did she say when she fed you spoonfuls of jam, years ago?

To sweeten up? Ellie laughed.

Thats right! And we could all do with a bit of that. Lucy turned the key in the lock and headed into the kitchen after her daughter.