A Boy Called Jimmy Went Missing…
31st December
So, what should I wish for you in the New Year, love? Of course, good health. And may you find a decent man this year!
Oh Mum, you say that every year…, shrugged off Emily.
We didnt dress up for New Years Eve. Whats the point? Its just the two of us anyway.
Food was aplenty, as ever. Funny how you prepare and fuss, and once youre sat at the table, you wonderfor whom? And you remember, its just for you.
The candles burned gently on the table, fairy lights twinkled on our little artificial tree, and out the window, you could already hear the pop and fizz of fireworks, their glow flickering on the glass. Tinselled presents nestled under pine branches, waiting for midnight.
Mum pecked at her supper while Emily tucked in properly. She never quite liked her figure, but New Years Eve was an exception. Besides, the saladsa Dream, a Tamworth, and the good old Caesarhad turned out rather well.
Our block had sixteen storeys. Some windows glowed with fairy lights. Behind the glass, youd catch shadows, or the blue hum of TVs. Some flats stood dark, maybe their owners had gone to friends, or maybe they simply had no urge to celebrate.
Personal choices.
Some flats had lively soulsbalconies opened, doors banged, the strains of Auld Lang Syne drifted out, as did laughter and childrens voices, the sparkle of cheap Cava, rustle of party frocks, a wintry chill and the smell of hope.
But the main thing: in this building, neighbours werent familiar. You might know who lived opposite, a nod in the liftbut the floors above and below were anonymous.
One celebration, but every flat marked it alone, each in their way.
Ours was modest.
So, what shall I wish you for this year, Emily? Health, of course. And may you finally meet a good chap.
Oh Mum, same every year… Emily waved her fork.
Well, a mothers wishes are the best. Perhaps its just not your time.
Emily had another forkful, nudged the mushrooms closer…stalled for time, pretending she was absorbed in food, when really she wondered which wish worked strongerher silent stroke of midnight wish, or Mums. She had, after all, wished for exactly what Mum had said, ten minutes earlier.
Again…
All probably nonsense, she thought. If New Years wishes worked, everyone would be happy. Some folk wished for a new Jaguar, others, a mortgage break. Some wanted a fishing trip, others dreamed of a wedding or healthy grandkids. So very many hopes. And not everything comes true.
Emilys dream was to meet someone. To guess rightthe one. Ideally, to marry. It had been her annual wish for years, butah, well.
This holiday seemed designed for disappointment.
Its just not time yet… said Mum.
Oh, but it was timeEmily was twenty-seven already. Her old school friends boy was starting school, and…shed had enough. Even this New Years with Mum felt dullcooking, eating, TV, the same old toasts everyone knew before they were said. Soon after handing their agreed-upon presents, Mum would say she was tired and go to bed, while Emily would stare at the TV for a couple more hours and doze off.
As you see in the New Year, so goes the year!
Shall we go see the fireworks? Emily suggested.
Wrap up warm! Ill watch from the window. Honestly, people spend silly money on all that! Mum tutted.
Emily chucked on her padded coat and stepped out onto the flats small balconyeighth floor. Down below, a bunch of younger folks were at the entrance, a bearded chap in a Santa hat with them, much commotion. At the far end, someone set off rockets. Above, you heard music and voices from other balconies.
She watched a while, admired the silver and gold bursts across the black sky, then returned to the cosy flat.
Back in the old house, mused Mum as Emily came in, we used to have proper good parties, the whole street together. Music from open windows, even the odd accordion. Now that was a New Years. Not like this. Such a half-empty courtyard.
The night rolled on as always. Mum went off to her room, Emily promised to clear up later, and settled in with tangerines and the same mediocre stars on the telly, occasionally flicking through her phonewhat are friends up to? Holiday photos, statuses, families abroad…
Time flew by. By 2am, Emily began shifting dishes from the living room to the kitchen. She ignored the washing upMum would be up early cleaning anyway.
Carrying a stack of plates through the hall, a gentle knock came at the door.
She peered through the spyholea man stood outside, white shirt open at the throat.
Whos there? she asked, low.
Its Jimmy, he said, looking up and down the corridor. Emily kept her eye pressed to the glass.
Jimmy who? Suspicion sharpened her tone.
He bent, so only his brow was visible. His voice sounded oddly hopeful through the keyhole.
Sorry, did I see in the New Year in this flat…?
No, definitely not! Emily replied, firm. As if we need a drunk sleeping it off here, she thought.
Sorry!
But he didnt seem all that drunkhe wandered to the neighbours doors, knocked. One opened, said a few words, then closed it in Jimmys face.
The poor man hugged the wall, shivering, then started up the stairs.
Shouldnt drink so much, a line from an old film drifted through her head.
But curiosity gnawed. Emily tidied as she kept an ear out for footsteps in the stairwell, peering through the spyhole again and again.
How could it happen? Did he go out for a smoke and forget which flat was his? Without a coat in the middle of winter?
Nonsense…
Probably hed found his lot by now.
But the urge to know got stronger. Emily popped out in her slippers and quietly climbed the stairs, plate in hand.
She was about to turn back when she spotted himhunched on the landing between the twelfth and thirteenth floors, knees drawn up, hugging a shivery white shirt around his thin frame.
Still not found your friends?
He flinched, looked up from the shadows.
Me? No, cant remember where I came from.
And who are you looking for?
I dont know, he replied, searching his arms for warmth.
Er, my mate invited me tonightsorry, last nighthis work people live here, but I didnt get their surname. Saw out his friends to their car, in a rush, just nipped out in my shirt to help with the presents. By the time I turned round, theyd driven off…and now I honestly cant remember the flat or the floor. Maybe Im in the wrong block altogether? Jimmy looked at her in desperation, as if she could unravel the answer.
Ive been wandering over an hour now.
Did you try calling your mate? Dont you have his number?
No phone, left everything in my rucksack under their coats in the hall. I only remembered my mums number, but shes miles away in Yorkshire.
The first step is always a risk. Still, how could she leave him freezing on the stairs? Besides, he didnt look much like a troublemakertall, fit, decent-looking, with a naive and kind face, sharp nose, blue eyes, and a chin with a dimple.
Come in, at least warm up a bit.
Will your family mind? he asked as he followed her down.
My familys asleep, they wont even notice, she replied, pointedly using the plural for a touch of authority.
He stepped in, took off his shoes politely. On the kitchen table, salads sprawled in bowls.
Im tidying up. Hungry?
If you dont mind… he said, cheeks a bit pink. She put the kettle on.
Then it struck her.
Wait, what about your own number? Dyou remember it?
Good thinking! his face lit up.
Emily dialled it, but there was no answer.
Dead, of coursebatterys run out. Its been in my bag all evening. I forgot all about it.
Dont worry. Eat something, dont be shy.
Jimmy made short work of the food. She reheated a bit of roast duck.
How many rooms did the flat you were in have? she suddenly asked, brainstorming.
Err… three, I think. Yes, three, he replied, eating hungrily.
That helps! Only sixteen three-bed flats in our block on the left sideunless it was a different staircase?
Sorry to disturb you. I did have a bit to drink, but honestly, I sobered up thanks to the cold. I cant recall even which car park they left from. There was a little lad, Freddy, who I carried a box for… Oh, never mind, he trailed off, disheartened.
Any ideas at all? Can someone call you a taxi? Or lend you money?
No keys. Theyre in the bag. If I did get back, I’d need a locksmith tomorrow and it wouldnt be cheap… Not to mention I’m phoneless, he said, eyes a picture of despair.
Emily thought a bit. The best thing was to find his friends flat.
I know! Theres a group chat for our staircaseon my mums phone though, not mine. Maybe someones awake.
So you live with your mum?
Yep.
Ah, I thought you had a husband and kids. Was half expecting a big bloke to come barrelling out.
Im single. What about you? Not missing anyone?
He paused. Was, four years ago. We lost each otheramicably, as it happens. Here, Im just renting.
All right, keep quiet while I fetch my mums phone.
Emily slipped into her mums room, tiptoeing, but Mum stirred.
Em, you still up? Get to bed!
Soon, Mumjust going to turn the lights off, she chirruped, hiding the mobile behind her back.
Jimmy was helping wash upEmily had no choice but to stick the rest in the fridge, and then they both sat in the living room, blue light flickering from the telly.
The chat for their block was quiet. People used it sparingly. Not one New Years greeting on it tonight.
What do I even write? Emily wondered aloud.
Crikey, that your picture? Jimmy pointed at the wall.
Yeah… I suppose it is.
Youre lovely… Right, what do I put?
They started brainstorming, trying to keep it light and joking as silly suggestions spilled out.
A bloke left a party and forgot which flat it was? Jimmy suggested.
No, more like: Looking for a missing boy, aged twenty…
Twenty-nine…
Happy New Year! If anyone knows a Jimmy whos lost his party, come claim him in Flat…Hang on, can I even write our flat number?
Best not! My mums keen on reputation.
In real life? Jimmy turned to her.
Yes. Absolutely, Emily went a bit red.
How aboutMan needs help retracing steps after popping out for five minutes?
Ends up stranded! Emily giggled. Ridiculous.
They typed, tweaked, and deleted, passing the phone back and forth. And then, by accident, Emily pressed send:
Happy New Year! Attention!
A lad named Jimmy (aged 29) has lost the flat where he was celebrating. Forgot the number, doesnt have his friends numbers either. If you know who he is, help, please!
Oh heck! Jimmy yelped.
Oops, Ive sent it! Emily reached to grab the phone. It was too late.
The first reply pinged instantly:
Jimmy, its Flat 43, Block Two, Sixth Floor. Were having a girlie do here, youre very welcomeat least one Jimmy needed!
Sharing this in the main building chathang in there Jimmy! Join us!
And from the main group:
Got vodka? If so, nip up to 121.
Im on my ownno one to toast. Jimmy fancy a glass of fizz?
Its a madhouse tonight! Cant get any sleep. Even the lifts a disco. Wish someone had invited me!
Jimmy, come to Flat Four, warm up while youre at it. Granny Joyce.
Happy New Year, everyone! Long live Jimmy! Come down to the front, well help find your party!
Want help too? Flat 72.
We must, its only right! Lets help Jimmy as a community!
Its New Year’slets all pull together! See you out front, Jimmy.
Dont mind the otherscome to ours. Flat 43. Party of girls only!
Emily and Jimmy just stared at the phone in disbelief, then snorted with laughter. The messages kept coming, snowballing noweveryone keen to leap in. It was impossible to delete the original message; the friendly mob spirit had swept through the block, unstoppable now.
People called to him from balconies, from the street below, the WhatsApp group blowing up.
Look, theres people gathering out front! Emily exclaimed, peeking.
Come on, Jimmy! someone called from below.
Wed better go. What do you think? Jimmy checked with Emily.
Yes, but youre not going out without a coat. Wear Mums!
Their formality melted away. Quickly, they changedEmily in her beige anorak and black hat, Jimmy in an old bottle-green coat of her mums, a snug fit on the shoulders.
In the lift, briefly alone, their eyes met. Something danced in the airEmily quickly looked down, drew in a breath, while Jimmy gently squeezed her hand.
Then the lift doors opened.
Here to help Jimmy? beamed a jolly lady in a paper crown.
Thats methe lost lad himself, Jimmy grinned.
Oh, you should have gone to Flat 43! she winked.
Out front, the woman trumpeted his arrival.
Folks! This is the famous Jimmy. Lets spread out to search.
But sensible organisation was impossible as the gathering got more tipsy. Several set off knocking on doors, others raised a toast, someone cranked up a speaker, music filled the estate. Father Christmas and the Snow Queen made appearances.
Jimmy was promptly swept into the action. Cava flowed, kids darted round, other locals joined in.
He kept trying to get back to Emily but was always intercepted, offered drinks and dragged about. She watched from the side, an amused smile on her lips.
A quarter of an hour before, the courtyard had been empty; now there was a proper knees-up, people holding hands, marching round in conga lines. Emily got grabbed and into the whirl too.
Jimmy! Oi, Jim! called a scruffy bloke, waving a coat.
Vince, Im here!
The crowd eruptedFound him! Found him!!
Emily saw Jimmy shuck off her mums coat, swap for his, centre-stage, everyone clapping him on the back, inviting him in. Hed, as it happened, changed blocks entirelyNew Years had been in the next one.
The women from the girls flatall on the lively sidegave him a good-natured ribbing. Everyone was giddyit was New Years after all.
He handed Emily her mothers coat, tried to say something, but the crowd dragged him off, a lad with a guitar struck up a song about the walrus men.
She slipped away quietly. Her coat too thin, she was chilled. Besides, Mum might wake up.
Back home, first thing, she deleted all traces of the nights chat from her mums phoneno need to give her a fright. She tiptoed in, returned the phone, then peeked out onto the balcony. The courtyard was still full. She imagined Jimmy glancing around, searching.
For her? Unlikely. He had enough friends now.
Mum, wrapped in a tartan blanket, slid the door open.
Oh, still up?
Dont you hear the racket, Mum? Too much celebrating, as usual. Wonder who organised this?”
Emily shrugged.
No idea.
Perhaps people just needed a nudgea shared cause, an excuse for joyand so it happened. Thank goodness it all ended well. Still, she felt a flicker of sadness…
*
1st January
Emily woke at eleven, stretched, and the memories of last night swirled in. Maybe, just maybe, this New Years Eve was a little better than the last.
Mum got herself dolled up to visit her oldest friend, part of their yearly ritual. Emily found herself drawn in, offering advice on makeup tweaks and jewellery.
On the second, she popped in on her university pal Becky, who lived out by the bypass with a husband and two tiniesthe youngest just two.
Emily unearthed a Santa ornament from the bin.
Whys Santa been chucked out? she asked.
Where? Becky turned it over in her hand, puzzled. It was under the tree
Millie did it, said six-year-old Max about his baby sister.
Turns out, Millie had been to her first pantomime featuring Santa and got so upset by the real one that, once home, she binned the toy as well.
Emily always left Beckys exhausted but with a bittersweet envyBecky had the whole family bit. A house, a husband, the lot. Emily…well.
Back at home, Emily told her mum about Millie and Santa, sharing videos, then flopped on the couch for an afternoon film.
Mums phone kept pinging. She sighed.
Will this group chat ever shut up?
Still New Year wishes, Mum? Emily yawned.
No, something else. Dyou know, people cant let it lie. Apparently theres a girl missing. Someone called Jimmys looking for her, poor thing, Mum grumbled, eyes fixed to the soap.
Emilys stomach gave a jolt.
Carefully, she scrolled backwards through the group chat to the original messages:
Friends! Jimmy, who got lost on New Years Eve, has now lost the girl who rescued himhe liked her a lot. She lives in our building, a three-bed on the right, with her mum. Medium floor. Dark hair, pretty! Jimmy is lost without her. Lets help Jimmy out together!
The thread had turned into a carnivalpeople reconstructing the chat, guessing and gossiping. Mostly, neighbours joked, offering to start shouting out of windows, or hunt for a lost glass slipper.
Em, you watching the film? Mum called out, Youll miss the ending!
Im here, Mum… Just…I thinkit might be me theyre looking for, she muttered.
Dont be daft, why would they be looking for you?
Emily didnt answer. She popped into her room, phone in hand. Theyd rung his number last nighthe wouldnt have hers, but she had the last dialled call.
Heart thumping, she pressed it.
Hello?
Jimmy? Its me
You? Oh thank God. Youre the one. I was just about to start knocking on every door in the block. Whats your name, mystery girl?
Emily.
Happy New Year, Emily! And just so you know, Im not about to go missing again. Im on my way over.
To me?
Yes, to you. And, to be honest, so I can put an end to this buildings wild goose chase!
Emily beamed.
Perhaps notseems they rather like a good hunt.
They both laughed. People really did yearn for a spot of goodness, a cause to rally around.
The call ended. Jimmy was on his way.
Mum came in, shaking her head.
Films overand you missed it! Whats going on then?
Mum, Emily grinned, cheeks pink, I think your New Years wish for me might already be coming true.
My wish? Youve lost me, love…
Who can say what had really come true? Her own wish at midnight, Mums prayer, or both together. Maybe it was just time.
Orjust maybeit was simple magic. New Years: the season for wishes, and for faith that sometimes, they do come true.
***
This year, I realised something: you never know when something wonderful might upset your plans and change everything. Sometimes, letting others help you, and helping them, is the start of a very decent storymaybe even something more. Thats the lesson Ill carry into this New Year.
