Lucy is absolutely beaming with happinesshow could she not be? She finally has her own flat, a place all to herself, without some grumpy landlady switching off the lights at eleven, hovering around while shes cooking, or turning off the gas right under her bubbling pot. No more being told she can’t use her hairdryer or straighteners in case they wrap around something. Showers only, of course, and baths are forbidden; youre allowed one shower per day, morning or eveningdoesnt matter, Mrs. Bingham would still be standing at the bathroom door, rapping away, telling her to turn the water down.
Lucy endured a whole year under Mrs. Bingham’s reign, who fancied herself a mentor of sorts, always telling Lucy how to live. So, as soon as she turned eighteen, Lucy pleaded with her parents to let her move into student halls. That wasnt exactly an upgradebedbugs, cockroaches, and the odd missing frying pan while your chips were still sizzling. Her flatmates having boyfriends over at all hours, that was a test as well.
She put up with it until her dad paid a visit, horrified by the chaos in the halls. Safe to say, she was never allowed another night there. For the next five years, Lucy rented a room from dear old Mrs. Dorseybit eccentric but genuinely kind.
After graduation, Lucy took a job and stayed with Mrs. Dorsey while saving for a deposit. Her dream was to buy a place, no matter how tiny, as long as it was hers. While other girls splurged on dates and the latest handbags, Lucy worked and saved. Even Mrs. Dorsey would tell her to relax, but Lucy doggedly chased her dream.
One day, her parents announced they wanted to help, along with Aunt Moiraa distant relative on her dads side. Aunt Moira had never married, spent her life teaching, and didnt mind keeping to herself. She was a bit brisk, had fallen out with nearly every family member except Lucys dad, who she respected a bit. She adored Lucys mum too, also a teacher.
Sometimes, when Lucys parents visited Aunt Moira with groceries, shed quietly ask if theyd help move her into a care home. Her dad never agreed. On one visit, he and Mum rearranged the spare room for Aunt Moira insteadmuch nicer, they thought, than a care home, and anyway, Lucys living in another city.
Aunt Moira, even in her later years, was sharp as ever and told her nephew not to feel guilty; she knew she was a prickly sort and that her reputation rested mostly on years of being the good old aunt. But her dad and mum assured her it would be a comfort for them, too; no more running around organising pet-sitters for their cat and the parrot, Jasper, whenever they went away. Aunt Moira would keep an eye on the place, and Mum wouldn’t get lonely when Dad went fishing.
After some hesitation, Aunt Moira agreed and ended up enjoying several lovely years with family. When she passed peacefully, she left everything to her nephew, Lucys dad. Shed also given Lucy a cherished necklace, inherited from her own grandmothersomething Aunt Moira had kept safe through all her hardest times.
Lucy was overjoyedthe necklace felt like a treasure. Her dad suggested selling Aunt Moiras flat in Lincoln and buying Lucy a place in Oxford, since shed grown to love living there. And just like that, Lucy became the proud owner of a cosy two-bedroom flat. The previous owner wished her luck and said she was sure the flat would bring her happiness. Lucy threw herself into decorating, with her parents helping out.
Lucy always had fresh ideas, and her dad patiently made them reality. In the end, the place looked transformed, and Mum decided shed renovate their house, too, with Lucy promising to design it.
Lucy felt truly at home, growing to love her now not-so-strange city. At the office, she met Kate, and the two became good friends. Kate was often round for tea.
One day, Lucy confided how she, as a child, used to sneak onto her blocks roof to sunbathe with her friend, Jenny. How brilliant, Kate grinned, we should do that
They burst out laughing. Lets just not get locked up there. Jenny and I got stuck once until eveningold cleaner Mr. Smith, half-deaf, decided to lock the roof door while we were up there. We shouted and shouted, but he didnt hear us and put the padlock on. Only when Dad finished work earlyhe mustve had a hunchdid he find and free us. We were terrified.
Did you get in much trouble? Kate asked.
Nah, Lucy said, unworried. Dad doted on me. Mum was strict, but Dad always shielded me from her. She still doesnt know half the things I got up to.
Wish Id been that luckyI was always getting scolded. Suppose we could just ask the caretaker for the key, sunbathe properly? Kate suggested.
Lets give it a go.
The caretaker, Mr. Raymond, was reluctantrules are rules, safety and all thatbut the girls promised to be responsible, so he agreed (with a stern warning about not messing about).
They spent half the weekend lying in the sun up on the roof. They borrowed Mr. Raymonds key a few more times.
One afternoon, as they were packing up, Lucy and Kate heard a faint creakthought someone was coming, but no one was there. As they rounded the corner, they spotted a smartly dressed older woman, eating a sandwich, sitting with her back to the pipes.
Excuse me, who are you? both asked together.
Oh, ImJulia Richards, the lady replied, slightly embarrassed. Lucy thought she recognised her.
Wait, youre the previous owner of my flat, arent you? Lucy gawked.
Yes, thats meand you must be Lucy, the sweet girl who bought it off me, replied Julia, blushing. Its just well, girls
The older woman suddenly cried, and began to tell her story.
I raised my son, David, alone. My husband lefttypical storyran off with someone else. David was always a delicate boy, so I put everything into him. He did brilliantly: university, postgrad, landed a good job, rose quickly. Just never lucky in love.
Five years ago, David started working late. Then he introduced me to his girlfriend, Alice. She moved in almost straight awayshe was a hard worker, always cleaning, ironing, after David.
I thought, maybe now I could finally relax. David had already bought a big flat, but it suited him to live with me. Eventually, he and Alice moved into their own place, and I began trying to live for myself.
It didnt last. Alice had our grandson, Toby. I was besotted. The next year, little William arrived. Then Sophie. After Sophie was born, they suggested I sell my flat. After all, I was living with them and helping outwhat was the point of it just sitting there?
And so, I moved in with themstraight into what became my own little hell as I call it.
When Alice returned to work, guess who was in charge of three lively grandchildren? I suffered from high blood pressure; the doctors told me I needed peace and quiet. But how could I get a moments rest, with three children to look after all day?
They wouldnt let me discipline them, only feed, dress and entertain them, take them out for walks, keep the flat tidy, and have dinner cooked for when they came home. As soon as the children were in bed and Id read them a storyevery gran reads storiesthen, and only then, was I allowed a minute to myself.
Whenever I said how tired I was, even David would brush me off. Mum, you know you do all these things so well! The children are happy, our family works together, and we can all save a bit.
In early summer, the parents left for a seaside holiday, leaving me with the kidsI thought I wouldnt make it. I do love my grandchildren, honestly, but I was so exhausted. So I told David Id visit a friend in the countrybut in truth, I just wandered around town, popped into galleries and museums, sat by the Thames.
Where do I sleep, you ask? I dont! Its summer; I sit on a bench by the river. Today, I came to see my old building, went up, saw the roof was open. David loved hiding up here as a child. I briefly thought of spending the night here instead.
Thats mad! said the girls, clearly shocked.
Lucy and Kate insisted that Julia come home with them for tea.
Goodness, Lucy, youve done wonders with the place! Julia exclaimed. Its lovely. Oh, how I regret ever listening to David and Alice. Please, dont misunderstand
Ive got an idea! Lucy interrupted. Why not stay with me?
Oh, I couldn’t possibly.
Yes, you absolutely could, Lucy replied.
Hold on, Kate interjected. After you sold the flat, where did the money go, if you dont mind me asking?
Dont worry, Julia, Lucy reassured her, Kates a cracking solicitorand very direct.
I gave it all to David, Julia said, with the promise hed invest half for me, the other for himself.
With that, you could buy a one-bedroom flat of your own, mused Kate.
And we’ll help with decorating! Lucy added enthusiastically.
Butbut how
Leave it with us; itll all work out.
Within a month, Julia moved into a one-bedroom flat in her old building. No one really knows what Kate said to David at his work, but he seemed awkward with his mother afterwardsinsisting she could have said something if life was so hard. Alice simply stopped speaking to Julia altogether. The grandchildren, though, arranged sleepovers at their grannys, and eventually, even Alice became reconciled, sending them to nursery where they were happy as can be.
Julia and Lucy made a habit of visiting each other, going to exhibitions and museums together. I tell you, Kate declared once, when Im old, I’m staying in my own place. Never mind any persuasion, Im not risking being benched in the park at night or having to scramble over rooftops for peace!
Youre right about that, Lucy agreed.
Good morning, my darlings!
Thank you for keeping me company.
Sending you all the biggest hugs!
