MY FINAL LOVE
Emily, honestly, Ive no money left! I gave my last pound to Lucy yesterday! You know shes got two kids to care for!
Utterly dejected, Anne Whitfield put down the receiver. She tried to banish from her mind all the things her daughter had just said.
Hows it come to this? Anne mused, Three children, all raised with Tom, always did our best for them. Got them all through university, each with a respectable job. And yet here I am, in my old age, with neither peace nor help.
Oh, Tom, why did you have to leave me so soon? she silently addressed her late husband. Life was easier with you here.
An unpleasant tightness gripped her heart, and her hand instinctively reached for the tablets: Only one or two left. If it gets worse, therell be nothing to help. I really ought to visit the chemist.
Anne tried to get up, but immediately slumped back into her armchair as a sharp dizziness overtook her.
Itll be fine, the pill will work and Ill feel better.
But time ticked slowly by, and there was no relief.
Anne dialled her youngest daughter: Lucy she barely managed.
Mum, Im in a meeting, Ill ring back later!
She tried her son: David, Im not feeling well. And Im all out of tablets. Could you perhaps, after work but David cut her off.
Mum, Im not a doctor, and neither are you! Call an ambulance, dont wait around!
Anne sighed heavily. Hes right, of course. If it doesnt ease up in half an hour, Ill ring for help.
She leaned back as carefully as she could and closed her eyes, trying to relax by counting up to a hundred in her mind.
From somewhere far away, she heard a noise. What was it? Oh yes, the phone!
Hello? she forced out, her lips numb.
Annie, its Peter! I just had a dreadful feeling and thought Id ring! How are you?
Peter, Im not well at all.
Im coming round now! Can you open the door?
Its always unlocked, these days, Peter.
Annes hand loosened, letting the phone fall. She didnt have the energy to pick it up.
So be it, she thought.
Like an old film reel, memories flickered before her eyes: herself as a fresh-faced girl, a first-year at the London School of Economics. Two dashing young cadets from Sandhurst, oddly enough, holding balloons.
How funny, she had thought, grown men with balloons!
Ah, yes! The ninth of MayVE Dayparades and street celebrations! There she was, clutching two balloons, between Peter and Tom.
Shed chosen Tom then. He was livelier, more outgoing. Peter had always been the quieter, more reserved one.
Life had sent them separate ways: Tom and she had moved to Surrey when he was posted there, while Peter had a posting in Germany.
They all found themselves back in their home town after retirement. Peter still lived alone, never married, never had children.
People would ask him why, and he would just wave them off with a chuckle: Just unlucky in love. Ought to have taken up poker instead!
Suddenly, Anne became aware of voices and conversation. With great effort, she opened her eyes.
Peter!
And beside him, she could just make out the figure of a paramedic.
Shell be alright. Are you her husband?
Yes, yes!
The paramedic spoke quietly to Peter, giving him instructions. Peter remained by Annes side, holding her hand until, slowly, she began to feel better.
Thank you, Peter. I really do feel much easier now.
Im glad to hear it! Here, have some tea with a slice of lemon.
Peter made himself at home, bustling gently about her modest kitchen, looking after Anne. Even when she was much improved, he appeared anxious to leave her alone.
You know, Annie, Ive loved you and only you, all my life. Thats why I never married.
Oh, Peter, Anne replied, Tom and I had a good marriage. I respected him deeply, and he loved me. You never said anything when we were young. I never quite knew how you felt. But theres no point looking back now; the past is gone, we cant turn back the years.
Annie, lets spend what time we have left together, happy! However long we may have, lets just be happy.
Anne rested her head gently on Peters shoulder and took his hand. Lets, she agreed, and laughed with quiet joy.
A week passed before Lucy finally called: Mum, what happened? You rangI couldnt get to the phone, then everythings been a whirlwind and I completely forgot
Oh, that? Never mind, its all fine now. Since you called, Id rather you didnt hear this as a surprise: Im getting married!
An extended silence filled the line; Anne could almost hear her daughters lips smacking as she searched for words.
Mum, have you lost your mind? At your age, you ought to be in the grave, not getting married! And just who is the lucky man?
Tears welled in Annes eyes, but she kept her voice level.
Thats my business, Lucy.
And she rang off.
She turned to Peter: Well, thats that. The three of them will be galloping over here any minute now. Better prepare for battle!
Peter let out a grin. Dont worry, love. Weve faced worse!
Indeed, that evening all three appeared on the doorstep: Davey, Emily and Lucy.
Well, Mum, introduce us to your Casanova! David said with a sneer.
No need for introductionsyou all know me, Peter said, stepping out. Ive loved Annie since we were young. Seeing her so ill, so recently, made me realise I cant lose her. I proposed, and she said yes.
Listen, you old clown, have you completely lost the plot? Love at your ageseriously? Emily shrieked.
And what do you mean, at our age? Peter asked, calmly. Weve just turned seventyhardly ancient! And your mums as beautiful as ever.
Is this your scheme to lay claim to the house? Lucy demanded in her lawyers tone.
Come now, children, each of you has your own home. What does it matter?
That doesnt change the fact our share is in this one! Lucy pressed.
I dont want or need anything, Peter stated. But Ill not stand for you speaking to your mum that way. Its just plain rude.
And who are you, anyway, you old playboy? Who asked your opinion?! David pushed forward, chest puffed up like a bantam cock.
Peter never budged. He straightened his back and faced the young man evenly.
Im your mothers husband, whether you accept it or not.
And were her children! Emily screamed.
Yes! And tomorrow well have her put in a home, or a mental hospital if need be! Lucy added.
No chance! Come on, Annie, love, lets get our things and be on our way!
Without looking back, they walked away together, hand in hand, caring not at all for anyones judgement. They were happy, and free. The old streetlight flickered behind them, lighting their path ahead.
And the children stood there, unable to understand: how could anyone believe in love at seventy?
Looking back now, Ive finally learnedlove doesnt keep to any timetable. Its never too late to find joy, so long as your heart remains open.
