As a country girl, Alice Pullman grew up as the eldest in a bustling brood. She was a strapping lassbroad-shouldered and tall from a young age. Naturally, the village kids tried saddling her with nicknames, calling her the Lanky One or the Giant, and other less-than-complimentary monikers that were less than ideal for a girls tender sensibilities. But Alice was nobodys pushovershe could always stand up for herself.
As she and her playmates grew up, the appetite for mockery waned. Alice became valued for her steadfast loyalty, ever ready to lend a hand. She was known for her kindness and her sense of justicewhich extended to stray cats and bullied children alike. Anyone who dared act nastily was liable to get a sharp telling-off (or worse) from Alice.
Being the eldest, she didnt get much fussing or coddling from Mum and Dad. Instead, Alice was frequently called upon to look after her younger siblings, often at the expense of her own hobbies and interests. Yet she still did well at school and managed to have time for friends. Amazingly, Alice didnt get a loving word from her mother until she was sixteen. Young Nicky, her youngest brother, had fallen dreadfully ill and had been crying for three nights straight. The only place hed finally fall asleep was nestled in Alices capable arms.
You really are a treasure, love, said her mum, Nina, gazing at her with weary eyes as she stroked Alices fair hair and planted a gentle kiss on her daughters head.
Go on, Mum, get some shuteye, Alice whispered back. Ill cuddle Nicky, rock him if he wakes. Poor things worn out from being poorly. Besides, you look like you could fall over any minute.
But youve got school tomorrow! Mum protested. Exams are round the corner. Whats the good in you yawning through lessons?
Its fine, Mum. Tomorrows lessons are easy enough, and I already know it all. Honestly, I could skip school. You need the rest more; youll be on Nicky duty again tomorrow, Alice insisted.
Youre such a good girl. Im ashamed to sayalways had my head in the washing or chasing after the little ones, barely noticed you growing up. Youve done so much. Im sorry, love, Nina said, looking at her daughter with a mix of pride and regret.
Dont say that, Mum! I never once felt left out. Always knew you loved useven if you were busy. I was the eldest, so I had heaps of responsibility, but I got more freedom, too.
What freedom? Mum scoffed.
You and Dad always said, Once youre done with the housework, youre free. You let me go out, so long as I took Vicky and Seb with me. So, I always made sure to blitz through the chores to get out and play.
And Vicky and Seb didnt get in the way?
Never, Mum. Theyd fight over who got to push the pram. Ivan Petershim from the well-off familyused to bring toys from home to lure my lot over. My friends always helped; theyre good people.
No, youre good! Anyway, enough chitchat, love. Well, Im not even tired nowshall we try putting Nicky in his cot? If he wakes, Ill rock him myself.
But the moment Alice transferred her little brother to bed, he woke and started bawling. Alice shook her head and said shed hold him all night if she had to.
Not much point in me going to bed, her mum sighed. Since were up, lets talk about your studies. Youve always done your own thing. Never once did I have to check your homework. But I ran into your teacher todayand she said youre a straight-A student!
I am, Alice grinned. School has always come easy. But Auntie TessaI spoke to hershe says I do well at our village school, but things are tougher in the city.
Whats it matter what goes on in the city? Nina looked mystified.
It matters! I dont plan on staying in the village my whole life. I want to keep studyingwhich means Ill move to the city, compete with the city kids for spots.
Competitions and all that nonsense, Nina shrugged. Shed grown up locally, married young, trained as a cook, and worked in the school canteen. The idea of her eldest heading off to the city had never crossed her mind.
Neither mother nor daughter could sleepboth anxious about little Nicky and ready to swap shifts if needed. So they chatted about Alices futureAuntie Tessa (Ninas sister) had even offered Alice a place to stay while studying in the city.
Funnily enough, the sisters had taken very different paths. Nina got married at eighteen and dedicated herself to the home and kids. Tessa moved to Manchester, became an accountant, landed a smart job, and never married. No children, either.
Tessa always treated Alice warmly, often inviting her to stay for weekends that turned into true holidayswalks in the park, trips to cafés, all the sights. Now, shed even promised Alice she could live with her during her studies.
So, love, Nina said with a sigh, I wont stand in your way. Since you were little, youve been my right hand. Now its time you thought about yourself. Youre a bright girlpass your exams and go to university.
Alice smiled and nodded, relief washing over her. Shed fretted that her parents might beg her to stay, unable to run the household without her help.
Time had wingsAlice passed her exams and was accepted into university. She quickly made friends with both city slickers and rural kidsher easygoing style and sense of humour helping her get along with everyone.
Every month her family sent parcels of sausages, eggs, and farm-fresh produce. Auntie Tessa shook her headhow much food did one need? With just the two of them, they could barely get through it all.
Alice, of course, became the most popular guest at any student gathering. Shed turn up with bags full of country goodies and the other students would turn it into a proper feast.
Soon, all her friends were paired up with boyfriends. At some point, Alice realised she was the only single one leftbut she wasnt fazed. She noticed the boys liked her well enough. Alice was finishing her final year when Edward turned up.
They met at a student partyAlice, as ever, had dragged along two bags stuffed with food. Yuri, a course-mate, offered to help lug them: Do you reckon you can carry all that? Alice laughed, eyeing his scrawny frame. Im stronger than you, you know.
Joking like this had become second nature. Yuri was the skinniest in the group, while Alicethough not overweightcertainly gave the impression of big-boned.
Im not carrying them alone, he winked. Well bring along my mate.
That was the day Yuri introduced her to Ed. He had a handsome face, polite manners, and an easy way with girlsno surprise he was popular. And Alice couldnt help but like him too.
Ed was tall, good-looking, and sharply dressed. Alice herself favoured good clothes, but with her stature, classic styles suited her best. Ed liked to stand outbold shirts, trendy haircuts, the full works.
He soon became a regular in their group. He wasnt overly obvious in his interest, but Alice sensed he liked herand she wasnt alone in noticing.
Youve got your eye on Alice, havent you? Yuri grinned at Ed one day. Shes a cracking girl, and shes single, you know.
She is, isnt she? Ed agreed, but then waved off the topic.
So, what are you waiting for? Youve no girlfriend; go have a chatlike only you can.
Why dont you make a move? Ed shot back. You fancy her too.
I do. But for herIm just a mate. Besides, what am I meant to dochat up a girl whos twice my height and width?
Truth was, Yuri did have a thing for Alice, but they looked ridiculous as a coupleeven their friends gently ribbed them about it. They played up the differenceonce, Yuri hopped up trying to kiss Alice, and she played along by picking him up entirely. The crowd roared.
I can tell you like her, Yuri prodded. He cared for both of them, thinking how lovely it would be if they paired up.
Ed batted away his questions for ages, making excuses, but finally confessed quietly, Shes a country girl, mate.
So what? Its not like you have to marry her and move to Bramblewick. Chances are, shell stay here in Manchester anyway.
Thats not the point! Alice is great, but even her lookswell, theyre proper country, not exactly in vogue.
Yuri rolled his eyes. He was hardly a fashion modelskinny, not tallbut was still a hit with the girls. And Alicetall, long-legged, with a generous figure and a face like an old movie starcalm, kind, and lovely.
Ed sighed. He was drawn to her. His banter and compliments, the stuff hed say to any girlhe could tell Alice felt something deeper.
Id happily spend time with her, evenyou know. But shes not like that.
Shes just a decent person, Yuri agreed. So why not get serious?
I mix in different circles, Ed muttered, and youve seen my crowd. Their girls are all about modern art and fillerand you know Alice doesnt blend in. Even after a decade, shed still reek of the country vibe. Plus, shes massive!
Funny, that. Never seen you turn down her country cooking, Yuri snorted, and left it at that, secretly disappointed with his mate.
In the end, Eds honesty could be admiredhe never led Alice on, treating her as a friend. Yet, he eventually fell for her charm. He helped her a few times, occasionally saw her home, and oncewell, they kissed.
Neither made a big show of their connection. Alice wanted to introduce Ed to Auntie Tessa (and eventually her parents), and she couldnt fathom keeping it secret from friends. But she didnt pushshe noticed Eds fascination, and she fell hard, but resolved not to rush things. If he wasnt ready to call her his girlfriend, well, intimacy could wait.
Ed didnt know what had come over himhed never felt this drawn to someone. Alices refusal to hop into bed with him only fed his interest. Her clear blue eyes had him going all soft and warmand her skin, her fresh smell! Every touch was like an electric shock. She let him cuddle and kiss her, but refused to go further.
It wasnt all about looksEd also admired her mind. Theyd talk for hours and hed be newly impressed each time. Once in the park, his phone rang and his face turned pale.
Whats up? Alice asked.
Its Nickmy little brother. I told Mum Id stay late, and now the neighbour says hes poured something off the balcony onto a car, and blared music. When she knocked to complain, he told her to sod off.
Where are your parents?
Theyre awayleft me in charge of Nick. Sorry, Alice, Id better dash home. Shall I call you a cab?
No need! Im coming with you.
Aliceit might be terrible!
Thats why youll need me! Less talk, more actionlets go!
Ed was flustered, but Alice refused to be left behind. An hour later, he was grateful she was there. Hed never dealt with domestics or angry neighbours, but Alice handled it all as if shed been doing it all her life.
Alice smoothed things over with the furious car ownerEd didnt catch the conversation but saw neighbourly smiles at the end.
Howd you manage that? Ed was amazed.
There wasnt even a scratch on his car! I promised to give Nick a proper ticking off.
Thats my brother sorted, then, Ed grinned.
He could use itas could his mates! Alice laughed.
Ed gazed at her, utterly smitten. She was realnot like his previous girlfriends who ordered lattes and glared at a stray dumpling. They were stylish and talked modern art, cruelly clueless about resolving real-life problems. Alice didnt know a Mini from a Mustang, but she knew her rump steak from her stewing beef.
Yet those city girls seemed to fit his world better. Alice wasdifferent.
That evening, Alice even managed to win round Eds unruly brothersomething his own mother couldnt do. She handled chaos with calm and a smile, found common ground with impossible people, and soon hit it off with Eds parents too.
He found himself falling deep. But out with Alice, he was always anxious about bumping into his in crowdnever bringing her to his mates trendy gigs or parties.
As Alice came to the end of uni, she wondered aloud about her future, making it clear her next steps would hinge on Ed.
Auntie Tessa insisted Alice could stay as long as she likedeven after finishing uni. She loved having Alice around; life was brighter and easier with her.
Stay in the city, love, she urged. With your degree, dont waste it back in the sticks.
Id rather stay, Aunt Tessa, but I cant just live on your goodwill forever.
Nonsense! I like having you here. Ive got no children of my own, and youre like a daughter to me. In fact Tessa leaned closer, when Im gone, this flat is yours.
Alice was aghast and grateful, embracing her aunt. She longed to stay, but wanted a real commitment from Ed. He seemed in love, but never talked about the future.
One evening in a café, Ed finally blurted, Dont go back to Bramblewickstay here, Im begging you!
Id love to, said Alice, staring into his eyes, but Ive got to think practically. Where will I live? What about work?
Youve got me, Ed said, not sounding entirely sure. Ill help with both.
How, exactly? Alice hardly dared hope.
I justcant do without you, he murmured. I want to wake up together, think about the future together.
That night, Alice saw something deeper in Eds eyes. They ended up in a hotel together. Early next morning, a call shattered Alices blissher aunt had died suddenly from a blood clot.
The days that followed were a blurarranging the funeral, sorting everything; but through it all, Ed was by her side, holding her, drying her tears, promising theyd face it all together.
Alice inherited Auntie Tessas flat. Ed moved in straight away, caring for her and making sure she wasnt alone. Despite her heartbreak, Alice was secretly glad to have him close.
Life settled. Alice, ever practical, didnt need Eds help to find work. She snagged a respectable job and a fine salary straight out of her internship. The two lived together like a proper family.
At first, Ed was content. Alice spoiled him with delicious, hearty English foodcottage pie, bangers and mash, and the kind of stews that could resuscitate a corpse. Alice rejected anything too fancyshed rather order shepherds pie than a Greek salad, even in a café.
One night, dining out, Ed found himself a bit irritated. Hed wanted a sophisticated datesoft music, a nice bottle of wine, seafood starters.
Order your mussels, if you like, laughed Alice, but Im starving.
His eyes goggled as she called for pea soup and pickled herring! He was amazed the restaurant even served it.
Alice ate with gusto, but Eds appetite soured. Hed wanted a break from home life, something glamorousbut Alice had turned the dinner into just another night in.
That was the moment Ed recognised he wasnt living his own life. Hed been so swept along by Alices cosy country charm that hed neglected his old friendsthe ones whod drag him to a gig at the drop of a hat and meet for midnight lattes in paper cups.
He still loved Alice, but life with her had started to feel bland, too ordinary. Alice noticed something was up and tried to talk, but Ed couldnt even admit to himself what the problem was.
Alice wondered if hed found someone else, but he stayed put, seemingly stuck.
One day Alice came home early and heard voices from the kitchenEd and Yuri were talking. She recognised her name, curiosity got the better of her, and she paused to listen.
Mate, youve got a gem! Yuri said. Shes beautiful, loyal, sensible. Knows how to spend, cooks like a dream.
I know, I love herbut I miss my old crowd. I want to sit in a bar with some skinny girl, listen to musicnot have stew for tea.
Youve no idea how lucky you are.
I dobut shes not my sort. Im embarrassed, honestly. Five years shes lived in the city, and shes still a country lass. Carries shopping bags of food, cooks by the cauldron. And, honestlyshes huge. Not fatjustgiant. No way to put her in a leather jacket, or skinny jeans, or ladylike boots. I cant do it.
So go, then! Stop eating her food and feeling superior.
Ed shook his head, as lost as ever.
Alice, listening in, felt her heart ache and her legs weaken. The words country girlgiant stung more deeply than shed ever guessed possible.
Maybe she was a proper country lass, she thought bitterlybut surely she still deserved some self-respect?
She set about collecting Eds things. The voices kept rumbling through the wall, but she felt nothing by then.
Love, are you in? Ed called when he finally came in, a bewildered Yuri behind him.
Im here, Alice replied, steady as she could, pointing at the bags. But you arent anymore.
Ed made all sorts of attemptsfirst pleading, apologising, then angry and indignant. But nothing could sway her now. Quietly but firmly, she showed him out.
Alice cried for daysbut eventually, she rallied. She threw herself into work, gave the flat a thorough makeover, then headed home to see her family in the village.
When she returned, she found Ed waiting with flowers, begging her to come back. He seemed sincere, but Alice realised, to her surprise, she simply didnt care anymore.
Soon after, Alice began seeing Michaela serious, reliable man. They fell in love and built a family together. Ed tried many times to rekindle things, sincerely regretting losing a wonderful woman who didnt fit any mouldbut by then, Alice had built a life where she belonged. And her meat pies remained the toast of Manchester.
