Ah, my boys finally home! Mabel cried, clapping her hands as Nicholas Barker pushed the front door open.
Nicholas fumbled with his flat cap at the threshold. Hey, Mum! Im not coming alone, he said, pausing, Ive got a lad with me. He gave a gentle shove, and a skinny youngster in spectacles and a backpack lurched forward.
Oh dear, is that my grandson youve brought? Is he Sherry or Alfie? I cant tell without my glasses.
Nicholas plonked himself onto a stool. Put them on, love. This is Tommy, my well, my outofwedding child. Remember when Agnes and I took a year off? Thats when I got together with Clara and Tommy was born. I signed the papers for him on a whim, he sighed.
Mabel gave him a sharp look. What are you blathering about in front of the child? Hes too young to know about your colourful life. Tommy, hop into the lounge and flick on the telly while I sort things out with your dad.
The boy slipped out silently and padded to his room. Mabel whispered, Does Agnes know about him?
She never liked my wife, always a quarrelsome sort, Nicholas muttered.
Mabel shivered. Youre a proper mess, you are. Not a man, more a tumbleweed. Youve been under Agness heel all your life, then go and have a kid on the sidehow delightfully chaotic! Why bring him here? If Agnes finds out well be in a right pickle.
Nicholas, nervous, tried to explain. Clara, that snake, decided to marry and bolted off south with a new bloke for a monthimagine that! She rang me up, said Take the kid wherever you like, even home. I told her Id lost my mind, Ive got a wife, shed throw us out. She warned me shed either fix it nicely or make a mess of it. Ill give your Agnes his birth certificate; you sort out what you will. Thats the end of it for me. She barely forgave Clara, didnt speak to me for six months. So I thought, let him stay with you a month, then Ill collect him. He didnt even look at his mother.
Mabel shook her head. You were that way as a child and you never changed. If you cause a ruckus, Ill step in. Alright, what to do with him? Leave the lad here. Is he really yours?
Nicholas waved a hand. Hes mine, no doubt. Clara isnt a saint either, but Im a loyal old chap.
They fell silent. Mabel sprang up. What am I sitting here for? Lets get him fed first.
Nicholas rose. Sorry, Mum, Ive got to dash. Agnes is waiting at home. I told her Im off to town for spares. Feed Tommy, Im off.
Mabel wrapped her arms around her wayward son and whispered, Godspeed, my dear.
Tommy wolfed down his food without taking his eyes off the plate.
Want some more? Mabel asked, watching him clean the bowl in record time.
No, thanks, he said, pushing his chair back.
Go out for a walk, then Ill finish dinner. What have you got in that backpack?
Just stuff, he muttered.
Mabel raised an eyebrow. You washing it yourself or am I on mop duty?
For the first time, Tommy looked at her with frightened eyes. I cant. Mum always did the washing.
Mabel lifted his little pack. Off you go, and Ill rinse whats dirty.
He stepped out while she sorted through his belongings: two Tshirts, a pair of shorts and a couple of briefs.
Hardly a wardrobe, she chuckled, and not a warm jumper either. Typical mumtobe. She dunked the clothes in a basin, then turned to a cherry pie she was polishing.
A shout came from the garden. Mabel bolted out, flour still on her hands.
Whats happened?
Tommy was wincing, clutching his leg. A goose pecked me! It hurts, he sobbed, tears streaming.
Why were you near them? They were out grazing while you were in the yard, she asked, eyeing the red mark.
I just wanted to watch them, he sniffed.
You never saw geese before? she asked, surprised.
Ive seen them, just never got close.
Alright, lets get you some salve, she said, taking his hand.
After dinner she laid him on the sofa, unable to drift off. What a life! Shed never have sent her own child to a strangers house. The little ones trousers were pricier than her own patience. Then she heard a soft whimper. She tiptoed over. Whats the matter, love? Not liking it here? Wait a month, and Ill bring Mum back for you.
He looked up, eyes wide. She wont. I heard her and Uncle Victor talking about sending me to a boarding school. Theyll only pick me up for holidays. I like it here with Mum. Uncle Colin doesnt even call me by name. Youre nice, Gran, but Im not wanted.
Mabels heart clenched. She pulled the thin boy into a hug. Dont cry, Tommy. I wont let anyone hurt you. Ill speak to your mother, and you can stay with me. Weve got a good school and teachers. Well go mushroompicking, berrypicking, milk the cow. Youre tiny, but a good mug of milk will make you strong. Dont believe me? Tomorrow Ill introduce you to Paul, a solid lad, as wholesome as a bun. Want that?
He hugged her neck. I want it. Will you keep your word?
Mabel planted a gentle kiss on his crown. You bet.
Years later, Valentina would pop by now and then, bearing presents, always in a hurry as Victor ushered her back to his car. Nicholas turned up now and then. Agnes, learning of Tommy, blamed Mabel, saying shed ruined her grandchildren, not needing any oddities in her line.
Mabel didnt mind. The scrawny boy had grown into a sturdy lad. Every morning she set out his favourite dishes, peeking through the window for a glimpse of him. One day a young soldier slipped into the house, calling softly, Gran, Im back, where are you?
She rushed out, clinging to his neck. Tommy, my dear grandson!
Are you going to leave? she asked. He set down his fork, surprised. Leave? To where? To the woman who abandoned me and only sends trinkets once a year? No, Im staying. Mum, thats you, and thats final, he said, calmly picking his meal again.
Mabel wiped away a tear, grateful for the grandson whod become her rock in old age. Her blood, her family, her joy.
