Lucy, fetch me a glass! Blast and botheration! Yes, move your bones! Julia jumped and spun round. Whos talking? Theres not enough salt!
The parrot perched, hunched on its swing inside the cage, stared straight at her. It looked, frankly, a bit done in. What had once been a bright white coat of feathers now looked as though someone had used it to mop up the garage. Plenty had fallen out entirely. The yellow crest, proud and perky in days gone by, now rather dejectedly flopped over two beady eyes.
Hes completely lost without Paul. Refuses to say a word. He reacts to you, Julia, which is oddhe ignores me. Just sits there like a feathered grump while I clean and change his water and seed. He used to be cheerful enough, always chattering, loved his baths. Pauld plop down a washing-up bowl and hed splash about for ages. Paul told me once why they dont talk much in generalcant for the life of me remember now. But Pirate was the worstnever stopped nattering. Now just stone silence. Mrs. Thompson fiddled with the large print scarf draped over her arm and gave the parrot a despondent look. I really dont know what to do with him. I thought about donating him to the primary school menagerie, but the staff protested. Everyone knows him. They said hes got a foul mouth and the parents would raise merry hell if their little Jonny came home saying the things Pirate does… I feel so sorry for him. Id have him at mine, but my cats would sort him out in no time, so I pop round to feed him instead.
Julia stepped closer and traced her finger along the bars. Is he old?
Who knows? Paul brought him back from a voyage some… fifteen years ago, I think? Ive lost track. Back then, we were just neighbours, pre-romance. Hes lived here ever since. But how old he was when Paul got himyour guess is as good as mine. I believe parrots live a fair old while. Pauls gone and Pirates still here. Mrs. Thompson choked back a sob and Julia braced for another round of waterworks.
In the two hours Julia had known Mrs. Thompson, shed cried almost without pause. Studying her now, Julia thought the woman and the parrot shared an uncanny resemblanceboth a little scruffy, both seeming a bit lost and unhappy. Apparently, Mrs. Thompson truly cared for Julias fathernot just a relationship of convenience. Julia knew almost nothing about her, or about her father, whod been absent for… what, seventeen years? Eighteen? That was right. Mum said the last time he visited, Julia was two. After thatcomplete radio silence. Julia only found out hed wanted to see her, that he sent presents and reliably paid child support, when Mum decided to come clean a year ago.
It was my fault, Julia! He hurt me terribly. So I got him back by keeping you away. I hid you, then moved far away so hed never be tempted to visit. I knew he wouldnt chase after us. After a few years I cooled off, but then it was too late. He remarried and we were living miles apart. Couldnt keep up the visits…
What did he actually do to make you so angry?
He was a sea captain, Julia… A girl in every port, you know? I couldnt take that.
How did you know?
Oh, people are terribly helpful. Theyll tell you, theyll show you… Not that I had any hard evidence. I suppose I learned later that not everything should be believed. But there you are, its done now.
Julia felt sorry for them both in equal measureher mother and fatherbut most of all, she pitied never really knowing her own dad. After that revelation, shed tried to hunt him down, even wrote to an old address, made the journey herself. But the flat had long changed hands, and no contact details were left behind. Shed nearly filed a missing persons report when a letter from Mrs. Thompson landed on her doormat. After two days wrangling her uni schedule, Julia boarded a plane. Not to say goodbyeshed missed that chancebut to speak to at least someone whod known her father.
Sorry for calling you so late, love. He didnt want you seeing him when he wasnt himself. He said if you only remembered him healthy, you neednt see him poorly. It was a rough end, Julia. He suffered a lot. He and Pirate both would wail the place downearplugs werent enough.
What was he like? I mean, before all that?
Oh, a good man, darlinga truly good man. Id been married twice before and neither husband treated me half as well as he did. He cherished me, no matter if I was just popping out for breadhed check Id wrapped up warm… And cooking! He could whip up cakes and pastries to sink a boat. I joked Id soon outgrow the doorframe, but he always said hed love me whatever size I got. He adored making jams, preservesmy whole balconys still full of jars. I tried persuading him to slow down but he never listened. Give them away! hed say. Youve heard Pirate, havent you? Not enough salt… And he never meant Lorna, his second wife, when he called someone a wretch. It was just his way, whenever he really lost his rag. Could swear blue murder for an hour and never repeat himself, but with women, he always kept it PG. Only let rip if he burned himself or did something similar.
Can I ask…?
Of course, anything you want. I know it must be strange for you, not knowing him. He always regretted that your mum cut him off. He respected her choice, but often wished hed pressed harder to see you. Dont judge him too harshly, Julia. He came across tough but was ever so gentle really. It didnt take much to hurt him; I think he was frightened youd reject him, and then what? That would have been the end of everything for him.
Well, nothing happened, did it? Maybe he shouldve at least tried. Julias face betrayed her irritation before she could hide it.
Quite right, darling. People, eh? So many different sorts. Im not making excuses, just telling you the way he saw itor at least what he told me.
Julia traced the bars again and the parrot blinked at her, sharp-eyed. Strange, isnt it? To some, he was lovelya kind man who doted on his parrot, but with me, not even small talk.
Does it bother you? Mrs. Thompson perched on the armchair, peering up at Julia. Youre right, he was wrong. If he thought of you all the time, and wanted to see youhe shouldve done something, not just sat about hoping. I asked him that once, you know, but he never gave a real answer. Then, when he got ill, all he said on the subject was, Too late.
Better late than never. Julia scowled. But theres no undoing things now, is there? Cant be cross forever, either.
Thats my girl! Mrs. Thompson wiped a tear and nodded. I like your kind heart. I feelno idea how it worksbut I feel hed be relieved to hear you forgive him.
She walked over to the telly, pulled open a drawer, and handed Julia a small velvet box.
He told me to give this to you if you ever came.
Julia weighed it in her hand. What is it?
Look for yourself. Heres the paperwork for the flat as well. Well visit the solicitor tomorrow, sort everything out.
Solicitor? Julia blinked in surprise. I assumed he left it all to you.
No, silly. Youre his only heir. Who else would he leave it to? Anyway, he made it all very clear, just wanted it simple. Things move fast these days and you youngsters cant wait around for years.
Julia eyed the sullen parrot. It was sulking on its swing again, resembling a weather-beaten feather duster more than a bird.
What about him?
Pirate? I dont know yet. Ill try to rehome him with someone decent. Maybe someone will want him.
No, dont! Ill take him. Julia briskly opened the cage.
Careful now! Mrs. Thompson gasped, but stopped short.
Julia tucked her hand inside, gently brushing Pirates ruffled wing.
Want to come with me?
She stroked his feathers, voice soft. I know you miss himI cant replace him, but Ill do my best. I cant even make proper preserves, but I swear Ill learn, OK? Can you help?
She withdrew her hand, leaving the cage open. After some deliberation, Pirate clambered out and staggered across the table towards her.
Well, I never! I could never get him to come out, but he just came straight to you. Mrs. Thompson clapped her hands. Maybe he senses it? And its just a bird!
Hes a good bird! Julia ruffled his mangy feathers. He just needs a bit of TLC, maybe some medicine, eh?
Medicine? Off your rocker, Lucy! Pirate fanned his wings and became animated. Pour us just a drop! Just a nip pour it, and an olive, an olive for me!
Julia burst out laughing and beamed at Mrs. Thompson. Im taking him home.
With paperwork and farewells complete, Julia packed up Pirate and caught a flight back to London. Arranging his transport was a headache, but she managed.
Dad, youve left me the most entertaining inheritance imaginable, she muttered while wrestling Pirates cage and her suitcase through the terminal.
Her mother, seeing them arrive, exhaled in relief. Julia! At last! And what on earth is that?
Inheritance! Julia set down the cage and hugged her.
How are you? Rebecca searched her daughters eyes.
All right, Mum! Julia pulled the bobble from her hair and let the curls tumble. Ugh, my heads splitting. I need a proper clinic.
Whats wrong? Are you ill? Rebeccas eyes widened.
Not for me. For him I need a vet.
You frightened the life out of me! Rebecca huffed. What do we need a vet for, we havent got any animals.
We do now. Weve got a bird.
Julia uncovered the cage. Look at him real charmer, isnt he?
Pirate fluffed up, eyeing Rebecca. He looks a bit rough round the edges, darling.
Look whos talking! Not enough salt! You rascal! Pirate grumbled as Julia zipped up the cover.
Rebecca stared at the cage in disbelief. What in the world…?
A bird, Mum. Just a feathered friend.
Rebecca found a decent vet, who, after a week, was giving Julia a discountmostly from laughing so hard at Pirates antics.
Weve never had a livelier patient!
Or a more expensive one! Julia sighed. Pirate, youre costing me more than the GDP of a small island nation! Could you try getting well, please?
Pirate listened solemnly, and his crest, previously limp, now stuck up like a crown again.
Splendid bird! Clever! he muttered, pacing importantly in his cage.
No arguments here! Julia changed his water. Fancy a dip in the bath? Splish splash?
Steady on, woman! Were barely acquainted! He hopped out and strutted along Julias desk.
Life with Pirate zipped by and soon, term time returned. Now Rebecca ferried him to the vet in the morning, and Julia rushed to greet him each night.
Hello, Pirate!
Speak for yourself! Whereve you been? Pour a splash! Clever bird, good bird!
Rebecca was horrified by Pirates language when he missed Julia during the day, but Julia just laughed.
You cant be serious! Hes outrageous!
Come on, Mum, its hilarious! Listen to himhe always pipes up at just the right moment! I always thought parrots just copied words, but Pirates in a league of his own, arent you, clever bird?
Clever bird! Splendid! Pirate nodded in agreement.
Six months later, Pirate was barely recognisablea large, glossy, magnificent bird to awe all visitors. Julias friends queued up for photos with him, sharing his mug all over social media; Pirate was soon a local celebrity.
Theyve even made you your own hashtag! Popular guy, eh?
Im beautiful! declared Pirate, preening.
Quite right! Julia said, facing the mirror. I wish I had half your charm, PirateI reckon even Daniel might notice me then
Oh, women! Splendid bird! Loves needed!
Cheers! Julia flicked her curls, a cloud of dandelion puffs. Now if only I could just get him to notice me
Sing Pirate a song! Singsong for Pirate!
Hmmm. Now theres an idea!
Julia loved to sing and was good at it. As a little girl, shed won prizes for her voiceher proudest was during a hotel talent show, where shed brought the house down with a rendition of Yellow Submarine.
You belong in music school! Rebecca had mused, fingering a shell theyd won.
As it happened, music school suited Julia. She always sang solo at recitals. The teachers begged her to study further, but she surprised everyone by saying, Nope. Im going to be a doctor.
Why, Julia? Such a talent!
I believe in music, Mum, but I trust the surgeons scalpel even more.
Rebecca was surprised, but seeing Julias determination, she relented. Well, all right, lets see what we can do.
Those three years of exams, tutors, and endless study nearly did them both in. Rebecca worked herself to the bone to support Julias university goals.
I reckon I could sleep standing up! Rebecca would groan over her tea.
Me too, Mum! Julia cradled her mug. Only three hours til chemistry revision
Exhausted, over-caffeinated, but determined, Julia fought for her place and, when she got into the university of her dreams, collapsed onto the sitting room carpetlaughing and sobbing at once.
Back in the present, singing for Pirate suddenly seemed the obvious thing.
Youre not just a clever bird, Pirateyoure a genius! Say it!
Genius Pirate! Genius! Pirate nodded, puffed up with pride.
Julia fetched her battered guitar, sat cross-legged, and let her voice fill the lounge. Pirate listened at the table edge, transfixed, then hopped down to sit right opposite. By the end of the first chorus, hed spread his wings, crest raised high.
Well? she grinned. You like that, birdie?
Botheration! Pirate flapped in delight, for once lost for words.
Spot on! Thats exactly what Ill do.
And it worked. Daniel, a fellow medical student, was startled to notice the curly-haired singer taking centre stage at the next student party.
Youve got an amazing voice! What dragged you into medicine?
Julia, fingers crossed in her skirt pleats, shot him a dazzling smile.
A year went by as they tried to figure things out. Daniel was ambitious, with plans reaching the clouds, and Julia was no wilting violet herself.
Family or career… Pirate, tell mewhy are women expected to step aside?
Jam-making, thats what! Winter is coming! And marmalade! Forgot the sugar! Not enough salt! Pirate offered.
Oh, not you as well! Julia huffed.
Women! Pirate scolded, beak clacking. Love, loves needed for a parrot!
Its hardly love if my interests come second. I want to workI want to be a surgeon, not glued to casserole dishes!
Rebecca kept quiet, just peeking into Julias room and closing the door softly. Julia always made her own mind upnever rashly, always after deep thought.
Mum?
Rebecca, back to the kitchen door, tried not to let her smile show.
What is it, darling?
We need a chat.
Strong coffee, a plate of Turkish delight (Julias weakness), and Rebeccas cautious gaze.
Whats going on?
Daniels proposed.
Thats wonderful, isnt it? Rebecca watched Julias frown.
I guess.
Whats wrong? You dont look thrilled!
Nothings right. I love him, yeah. But to become his wife, Id have to give up everything Ive worked for.
Why?
He wants us to move to Manchester. He already has a job lined uphes brilliant, possibly a genius.
So whats the hitch?
Daniel doesnt want me to work. He wants methe future wife at home, running things, raising children. Hell be the acclaimed surgeon; Ill be the perfect housewife and mother. Thats how he sees it.
And what about you?
I dont know! I cant just quit on everything else. But I cant lose him either… I just cant.
Rebecca turned to the window, fighting for composure. Dear God, do things never change? This was almost word-for-word the talk shed had with her own mum years ago, on this very same table. And Paul, her one and only, had laid down his terms, and shed gone along, blinded by love, only to cry herself to sleep, lonely while he sailed the world. If only shed had her own career, maybe shed have spent less time in despair. But Julia was far more driven; never content for mediocrity, shed clawed her way to medical school just because shed set her heart on it.
Do you love him, Julia? Rebeccas voice was oddsoft, almost hollowand Julia looked up.
Yes…
Whats love, do you think? Rebecca stared into the night.
Julia pondered. The wall clock ticked on. From the next room, Pirate rustled his new toya bell ball hed become obsessed with.
Silence stretched. Finally, Julia straightened up, I always thought being in love meant putting someone else first. But now…? It seems like a one-way street. If I put him first, my own dreams vanish. If he puts me first, hed have to give up hisright?
I suppose so.
Is there a way for everyone to win?
I havent found it, love. Maybe you will.
They talked that night till the small hours, getting nowhere fast. With Daniels parents due for Sunday lunch in two days, Rebecca, glancing at the clock, shooed Julia to bed.
If you dont know what to do, take a breather. Step back. Sometimes it helps. No ones pressuring you to rush a decision. Lets see what his familys like first. Then think again, yeah?
Julia nodded wearily and went to her room. Pirate grumbled, but Julia simply lifted him into the cage and draped a scarf over him.
Good night, loudmouth.
Sunday was a whirl: shopping, cooking, the works. Julia dashed around the kitchen, barely keeping afloat, with Rebecca prepping veg in silence.
Youve raised a remarkable young woman, Rebecca! Daniels mum, Eleanor, sang Julias praisesbut Rebecca didnt quite trust her.
She clocked Eleanors appraising glance as she swept the room, and the sharp way she jerked her shoulders at her silent husband.
When they move to Manchester, well have to lend a hand. Renting isnt practical or cheapand were happy to cover most of the costs. Daniels our only son, after all. Of course, theyll be stretcheda mortgage, a baby… But thats what parents are for. Dont you agree?
Absolutely, said Rebecca, fiddling with a napkin. Anyway, theres no need for a mortgage. Julia owns a flat in Manchester. They can live there.
Really? Eleanor pressed her lips together, then smiled. Marvellous! Where did that come from, if you dont mind me asking?
No secret, its her inheritance from her father.
I was under the impression you were a single mother, Eleanor said, dabbing her mouth. Thank youthe meal was delicious. Julia, show me your room? Lets have a girly chat.
Julia, side-eyeing her mum, led Eleanor to her room.
I really like you, Julia, Eleanor looked around, gently shaking her head. Daniel adores you. Says hes never met anyone like you. Wouldnt hear of any alternatives. Which is saying something, given all the girls whove chased him. He sees you as the one wholl stand by him, make him truly successful. Its a big ask, Julia. I know. Supporting a great man is hardthe wifes the bedrock. If the family home is happy, a man can conquer the world.
And what about the woman?
Eleanor blinked, a little thrown. Well, our jobs to be there. To keep things running so they can do what they do. Daniels wellbeing is yours as well. Family, children, homethats where we come in. Career and home together? Its near impossible, Julia. Eventually, youll have to choose.
Eleanor admired a hand-painted scarf covering Pirates cage.
Lovely pattern.
Mum made it.
Really? Never would have guessed. She seemed so… grounded. This has something dreamy about it.
A shriek from Pirate made Eleanor jump back from the cage.
What was that?
Pirate. My parrot.
Julia whisked off the scarf and Pirate fixed Eleanor with a beady glare.
What… a creature… Eleanor eyed him warily. Thats…?
A cockatoo.
Pirate paused and, as if on cue, squawked, Lucy! Blast! Bring the glass!
Eleanor recoiled. Does he always…?
Dont mind him, he just natters, Julia said, recovering the cage, just as Pirate let loose a tirade that made Julias jaw drop. Pirate! Whats got into you?
After Daniels parents left, Julia exhaled with relief.
I need that break, Mum. You were right. She kissed her mothers cheek and went to let her feathered terror out.
What on earth was that about?
Love! Love required! Pirate stomped as Julia sorted her lecture notes on the floor beside him.
Right, you are…
Julia and Daniel broke up a week after the parental meet-and-greet. A job offer from a top London hospital for Julia was the final straw.
So, youd rather spend years staring at operating theatres than be my wife and the mother of our kids? This is your grand passion? Daniel raged, Julia calm as a pond.
Even if it is, Daniel, its my choice. Mine, not yours.
Fine by me! So much for loving me, eh? Mum was right.
Watching Daniel storm out, Julia just sighed.
Wish I knew what love really was…
Julia found out years later, when she met her future husband. He set her no ultimatumsafter all, it would be her hands thatd bring him back from the brink.
You saved my life, you know.
Oh, but not from the other sidehavent learned that trick yet, she replied with a grin. Julia had seen all sorts in the operating theatre but never anyone who sang under anaesthetic.
Alex first visited, limping on crutches. Pirate, eyeing this contraption, gave his head a thoughtful scratch and decided: Splendid bird! Loves needed!
Julia, meeting Rebeccas eyes, stifled a smile and took Pirates judgment on board.
Later, when Rebecca asked, Julia didnt hesitate.
I do love him. Now I can say it for certain, Mum.
And so Pirates cage, with him thriving inside, ended up in the nursery. Julias twins would drift to sleep to his gentle bedtime croonings. And if friends and guests raised their eyebrows, Julia would just say, Nopenever woke the kids up, never cursed at them. If anything, the twins will teach him some mischief! Hes ever so clever, you know.Years later, Julia watched Piratenow crested and grand as everteach her children to whistle. Sunlight spilled across the kitchen tiles where the twins, hair shining gold, chased each other between table legs, shrieking with laughter as Pirate led the chorus from his perch.
Rebecca wiped her hands, shared a wry smile with Julia, and set out fresh toast and marmaladeof the homemade variety; the recipe had survived both grief and time. Lucky bird, Rebecca said softly. He got a second chance. So did we.
Pirate bobbed his head, bright eyes glinting with approval, and let out a joyful screech: Loves needed! Splendid family!
The twins giggled. Alex grinned as he ruffled Julias curls and pulled her close for just a second, kitchen chaos and all.
Julia looked around the lively room: childrens artwork crowding the fridge, a tangle of stethoscopes and concert tickets on the corkboard, the battered guitar by the door, and Pirates cage wide open to let sunlight and music spill inside.
She knew, now, what love really was: not flawless, not tidy, but a daily act that grew richer with each mornings lighta chorus of forgiveness, laughter, and stubborn, soaring hope. Pirate, smug in the center of it all, raised his wings and sang, as if certain hed helped bring this home into being.
It never once occurred to Julia to close the cage. Some things, she realized at last, were never meant for locking up.
And Pirate, clever old soul, sang them truly awakeevery day, a new refrain.
