June 18th
I never expected my father to come back. When I was in Year 5 and my little sister Alice in her first year at primary, our dad left for work somewherejust upped and vanished. Hed disappear for months at a time before that, always coming and going as he pleased. Mum and Dad had never been married. Dad was a free spirit, travelling around the country for odd jobs, always returning with cash and flashy gifts. Mum put up with it because she loved him dearly.
Michael, please come back soon, shed beg.
Oh, stop it, love, dont get all weepy, he’d reply with a grin, planting a quick kiss before heading out. No one ever knew where hed gone until he eventually just stopped coming home.
While he was gone, Dads brotherUncle Richardlooked after us. Maybe Mum fancied him, though he never made much of it. He never showered her with affection but was always there to help.
Hows things here, Sarah? Uncle Richard would say, poking his head in. How are the little ones?
Uncle Richards here! Id yell, running up to hug him.
Alright, Daniel, hed say, giving me a quick squeeze.
Honestly, I always wished he was our real father. At weekends, Uncle Rich would take Alice and me out so Mum could relax. Sometimes shed join us, but mostly she stayed home, lost in her thoughts about how tough her life was.
As I got older, Uncle Rich set up a climbing wall and bars in our hallway. Dad hadnt been home for months. I helped screw in the fixtures while Alice watched, fascinated by how deftly he put up ropes and rings.
Uncle Rich, why arent you married? A pair of hands like yoursany woman would snap you up, Alice piped up, showing surprising insight for her age.
Shed picked it up from Mum’s chats with her friends.
Just havent met the right one, Alice, he replied. I will if I do, though.
Dont you want your own kids? she asked, stretching out her arms in that silly way of hers.
He paused and then said, Ive got you two for now. Why, trying to get rid of me?
Alice rolled her eyes wide. Me? I love having you here, Uncle Rich!
Later, I asked Alice, Why do you always question him? He might get upset and stop coming around.
Dad always brings presents she whispered dreamily. I bet hell be home soon.
You daft thing! So what if he brings gifts? Do you know what those sports bars cost? Uncle Rich sorted all that.
Doesnt matter to me, she said. Id rather have dresses and dolls. Barbiesnot monkey bars!
This time, her waiting was pointless. Dad never came back. One day, Uncle Rich locked himself away with Mum in the kitchen. He talked quietly; Mum sobbed bitterly.
Sarah, dont cry. I wont leave you, Uncle Rich promised. Hes always chasing something sweeter, something softer.
Mum howled, properly, wailing Oh-oh-oh! and cried for ages.
Uncle Rich still visited, fixing things and keeping us company. One day, he finally worked up the nerve to talk to Mum about how he felt. I admitI eavesdropped.
Rich, you dont need a mess like me, Mum said. You deserve real happiness.
I know what I want, he said firmly.
What if he comes back?
Uncle Richard was silent.
Im still going to wait for him. I love him, Rich. Cant help it. If youre sure you want someone like mea woman with no heart.
I crept away, furious with Mum. Why on earth keep hoping? Sheesh.
Anyway, life went on. Alice was all her fatheralways drawn to wherever there was something to gain. I couldnt blame her; she understood now that Dad wasnt likely to return with gifts. Uncle Rich worked hard for usa proper family man. Mum had a baby with him, a boy they named Sam. Uncle Rich was thrilled, couldnt have been happier. Eventually, they got married and life settled down.
I finished secondary school with good marks and was set to go to uni on a scholarship. Mum glowed with pride.
Well have a scholar in the family, eh Rich?
Well, were not daft, love, he joked.
Oh, give over! I groaned. Let me try the Prosecco instead.
As if you havent snuck a sip before, Alice scoffed, and I shot her a warning look.
Sam crawled all over us, trying to climb onto the table, scattering everything. Uncle Rich plucked him up and settled him on his lap.
There now, son, mind yourself. Youre not a baby now.
Sam grabbed a spoon, pressed it to his nose, and crossed his eyesmaking everyone laugh.
Is that the doorbell? Alice perked up.
Mum opened the door and stepped back. There was Dad, suddenly back in the doorway. Silence fell. He glanced around and said,
Why so quiet? Go on enjoying yourselves.
We all stared. Sam scrambled off Uncle Richs lap towards the new man. Dad ignored him; Mum swept Sam up and held him tight like a shield. Uncle Rich stood, swaying.
Where are you going? Mum asked, sounding nothing like herself.
I need I need to get some air.
He left, gently nudging his brother aside. I jumped up to follow him, Alice right behind.
Darling, look what fashionable clothes Ive brought you, Dad said to Alice.
To my surprise, Alice didnt even look at him. She raced after me into the hall and whispered,
Let me go after Uncle Rich. You stay and listen to what goes on in there.
But
Oh Dan, you always manage to eavesdrop best!
Well she was right. I really ought to be a spy.
Alice dashed after Uncle Rich, and I listened in, dreading what might happen now Mums true love had returned. What would happen to our family?
So, Sarah, you married Rich, eh? Dad sneered.
Mum didnt answer.
Sarah its all over now. Doesnt matter who did what, right? Im home!
There was a struggle, the sound of a slap, Sams frightened cries.
Just leave, Michael Get out.
Sarah, what are you doing?
I mean it! Get out. Youre not welcome here.
Lies. I can read it in your eyes. Eyes never lie.
I said what I said, Mum snapped.
Dad left; a moment later, he saw me lingering in the hall.
Eavesdropping, are you? Thatll take you far.
I didnt care. I walked back in, expecting to find Mum gutted and defeated. Instead, she calmed Sam, tidied her hair, set the table to rightsmulti-tasking like a pro.
Whew. Nearly spoiled our celebration, didnt he? Mum smiled, crookedly. Now, wheres everyone got to?
Sam had already forgotten the row, happily pushing a chair across the kitchen.
I stepped outside. Alice and Uncle Rich were sitting together in the park across the street. She clung to his arm, her little head on his shoulder, as if afraid he might vanish if she let go. I approached them quietly and finally said what Id wanted to for ages. I sat down, looked Uncle Rich in the eyes.
Come on, Dad. Lets go home. Mums calling.
Uncle Richs hands trembled; Alice put her warm little palms on his, lifting her head.
Please, lets go, Dad?
And we walked back. It was still a celebration after allId finished school.
