A Special Bond
Tommy was certain he was about to get the hiding of his lifenot from the school bully, Jake, but from his own mum.
He walked home, whistling casually, but his stomach twisted into knots. He was in for it this time.
Aunt Sarah, his mums best mate, had caught him with a cigarette. He couldve lied, said someone had just handed it to him, but noAunt Sarah had seen it dangling from his lips. What was he supposed to say? That someone had forced it into his mouth?
Tommy pretended not to notice her, and to her credit, she didnt make a scenejust gave him a long, knowing look before walking off.
But Tommy wasnt stupid. He knew Aunt Sarah had already ratted him out. Mum was probably waiting with her slipper in hand. Hed already circled the block twice when he spotted Nan.
Oh brilliant. Heavy artillery. This was a banned moveNan would start crying, going on about how shed raised hundreds of kids as a respected teacher, yet failed her own grandson. How ashamed his granddad would be, spinning in his grave along with every ancestor before him.
Tommy used to dread this. As a kid, hed imagine the ground shifting as his ancestors tossed and turned below. Until one day, hed had enough. When Nan started on about them spinning in their graves, Tommy shrugged and said, Good. Stops em getting bedsores, like Jakes nan.
Nan clutched her chest. Mum burst out laughing, forgetting to wallop himearning herself a smack with a tea towel from Nan.
Now, Tommy watched Nan hurry toward him.
What are you doing out here? Why arent you home? Nan demanded, her eyes darting like *she* was the one caught smoking. Fallen out with your mum?
N-no I havent been home yet.
What dyou mean? Whereve you been all this time?
School, then football, then walking.
Nan narrowed her eyes. Here it camethe interrogation. Whats this, then? Why are your hands red? Where are your gloves?
Forgot em at home.
Forgot? And your mum didnt check? Whats going on? She yanked up his trouser leg, gasping. Whats this?
What, Nan? Tommy panicked.
Why are your ankles red? Where are your thermals? And your scarf?
Tommy burned with shame. Worsehe spotted Jake peering from the alley, his stupid red snapback visible. Brilliant. Thanks, Nan.
Maybe she was losing it. Shed always been sharp, but this?
Nan whats five times five?
Twenty-five, she said, puzzled.
Whats the square of the hypotenuse?
Sum of the squares of the other two sides. Tommy, have you not done your homework? She didnt even check? I wont stand for this. Come on.
Waitwas Nan on *his* side? Had he slipped into some parallel universe where robots had taken over? Was this even his nan?
Nan, which sides my appendix scar on?
Youve never had your appendix out.
Okay, definitely her.
She dragged him home, huffing and puffing.
Mum was in the kitchen, wearing her nice dress, curls pinned up, new earringsand *heels*? At home?
Tommy, love. She hugged him. Wash up, dinners nearly ready. Mum, are you staying?
Whys this child roaming the streets? Doesnt want to come home, does he? Youve done it nowtraded your own flesh and blood forwhere are his gloves? His thermals? Its freezing! But no, you dont care
Mum, *stop*. Are you eating with us or not?
No! Im done here. Tommy, love, pack your things. Youre coming with me.
Why, Nan?
To *live* with me.
But I dont *want* to
Tommy stays here, Mum said firmly.
Wheres *his* home, then? You threw it all away
Mum, if you dont stop, Ill
What? Throw your own mother out?
*Yes*!
Nan shrieked. Mum grabbed her, hauling her onto the landing and slamming the door.
Nan wailed about calling the police, demanding custody, screaming about some jailbird.
Mum pulled Tommy into the living roomwhere a strange bloke sat, eyeing him warily.
Tommy this is your dad.
Nan pounded the door. The man stoodtall, lean, with Tommys eyes. He held out a hesitant hand.
Hello son.
Tommy stumbled back. But youre *dead*.
*Tina* The man looked at Mum, heartbroken.
*Not me*, Mum snapped. *Her*. She told you he died because it was easier.
The doorbell rang. Police.
Should I go? the manhis *dad*asked.
No. No more hiding. Mum turned to Tommy. Well explain everything. Just listen
But Tommy boltedgrabbing his coat, shoes, and sprinting out.
He ran blindly, tears blurring his vision. Who could he trust? His whole family had *lied*.
*Tommy!* Mum shouted after him, but he didnt stop.
Oi, mate. Jake caught his arm. Whats the rush?
Piss off.
Its freezing. Youll catch your death. Come on.
Jakes flat was shabby but clean. Posters covered his wallsOasis, The Clash, Bowie. A dream compared to Tommys room, where Mum barely let him pin up a Beatles poster.
Fancy a brew? Jake asked.
Tommy nodded, stomach growling.
Hungry? How bout beans on toast?
Jake cookedproperly, frying onions, stirring in baked beans. Tommy devoured it.
Over tea, Jake strummed his guitar, singing Radiohead. Tommy joined in.
You should go home, Jake said finally. Theyll be worried.
Tommy shook his head.
Dont be daft. A dads *massive*. Ive never had one. Mum says mines an astronaut. He snorted. Shes a flight attendant. Raised me alone. No family. But she *kept* me. Sort your lot out, yeah? Its their mess, not yours.
Tommy hugged him. Cheers, Jake.
At home, the truth came out. Dad had left for work years ago. Nan wrote to him, lying that Mum had remarried. Dad, hurt, moved on. Mum filed for divorce.
Three years ago, they reconnected. Dad had left the other womancouldnt live a lie.
Why? Tommy asked Nan.
I wanted happiness for you both.
And *his*?
Nan wept. Forgive me.
On Tommys birthday, Jake gave him a Bowie posterMum even let him hang it.
Tommy forgave them all.
As Jake saidgrown-ups mess.
Nan, learning Jake had no family, took him under her wingfeeding him roast dinners, helping with maths.
Years later, at the family cottage, Tommy and Jake still sing Oasis, eating beans on toast like kings.
And Dad? Theyve got their own bondspecial, unbroken.
Sometimes, familys not who youre born with. Its who sticks by you.
