"Thats my girl.
Tanya and Andrew were waiting in the foyer, arguing about which film to watch.
"Jenny? said Russell. "Its your night, you choose.
I chose the Chain Saw/Zombie/etc. film to the instant approbation of Thomas, Russell, and Tanya. Andrew wanted to see something with sub-t.i.tles. We stared at him in disbelief.
"What? he said, "Unlike you troglodytes I have intellectual depth.
"No you dont, said Russell. "You have the intellectual capacity of a small rock. Youre a Checkland. I wont have you sullying the family name like that.
Russell bought the tickets, Andrew bought the popcorn and in we went. I sat on the end, next to the aisle. Thomas stood next to me. I watched his face in the flickering light. He thoroughly enjoyed every minute. I occasionally felt guilty about him. I didnt get out much, so neither did he.
Russell ate all his popcorn and most of mine.
I stared at the screen and worried.
Chapter Four.
Russell was hungry again after the film. We stood and they argued over Indian or Chinese, settling on Chinese, which had the advantage of being just around the corner. They bickered amiably amongst themselves as we ate. I nibbled bits of this and that. Thomas wandered around looking at the decor and the other diners, obviously determined to extract maximum enjoyment from our night out. The most exciting bit however, was yet to come.
There was a toast to our future happiness. Tanya wanted to see the ring. Andrew wanted to know when. And where. We were obliged to disappoint both of them.
Andrew sighed and pulled out a notebook. "Well make a list.
"I am very sorry, said Tanya. "I have told him this is not acceptable behaviour in public. Usually he only does this in the privacy of our home. I am mortified.
"So, said Andrew, unheeding. "Rings. Register Office. Flowers. Guest list. Reception. Honeymoon. Pay your vet. How much of this have you actually already organised, Russ?
The silence spoke for itself.
Russell roused himself to sudden activity. "Right. Jenny. You, me, tomorrow, buy rings, make an appointment at the Register Office we both have to go. Do you want flowers? Im a bit skint at the moment.
I opened my mouth.
"No, its a generous offer, but Ill pay for our wedding. If you want to, you can buy your wedding dress, but thats it. OK?
"I was going to say I dont want flowers.
"Oh. Well. Thats OK, then.
"I have a very good idea, Jenny. said Tanya. "On Friday, my day is free. If yours is too, would you like to shop for your dress? We can make a day of it with lunch as well. There will be no men. It will be a very nice day.
"Can I come?
"Of course you can.
"Yes, I said gratefully to Tanya. "That is a very good idea.
"How can it be a very nice day, objected Andrew, "if I wont be there? On the other hand, of course, Jenny sensible girl is obviously tired of you already, Russ. Im only amazed it took her so long. He tore the page out of his notebook. "There you go, mate, Wedding 101. Youll live to be grateful to me yet.
I leaned over to look. "Does it have sub-t.i.tles?
Andrew regarded me severely. "I used to think you were too good for Russell but now I think you deserve each other.
We split up outside, going our separate ways. I got a hug from Tanya and a peck on the cheek from Andrew.
Russell and I set off for his Land Rover. The rain had finally let up, but it was cold and we walked briskly.
"Down here, said Thomas indicating the alley behind the post office. "Its much quicker.
I automatically turned off and Russell, in the middle of telling me how hed come to buy that collection of rust known as his Land Rover, turned with me. Ten paces in, a dark shadow slipped out from behind a wheelie bin.
It wasnt that dark; there was a lamppost at each end and they easily gave out enough light to make out the knife being waved in a curiously non-threatening manner. A slightly squeaky voice said, "Give me your bag, lady.
Russell pulled me behind him. Thomas stepped forward. I really should have been scared, but everything happened so quickly. I peered out to see what was going on.
"Give me your bag.
I said, "I havent got one.
"What?
"Its true, said Russell calmly. "She doesnt carry one. She expects me to pay for everything.
The knife now pointed at Russell.
"Then give me your money.
"All right. Im going to reach for my wallet now. Ill do it slowly so dont be alarmed.
"Just do it, mister.
Russell pulled out his wallet and offered it up, deceptively casual. The next second, hed knocked the knife away with one hand and punched our a.s.sailant on the nose with the other.
The knife fell to the ground with a clatter and he kicked it away under the wheelie bin. The figure took two quick steps backwards, sat down hard and burst into tears. I picked up his wallet.
"Jenny, would you go and stand over there, please.
I did take two paces to the side, but no further, because I wanted to see what would happen next.
"Did you see that? said Thomas. "Pretty cool. You can tell hes been in the army.
Id forgotten that.
For a long time there was silence in the alley apart from the distant swish of traffic in the still wet streets and the odd gulping sob.
Russell stood with his hands on his hips, quietly waiting. For what, I dont know, but Thomas and I stood quietly too.
Finally, he said, "Come on, lad, dont sit there in the wet. Stand up now.
The figure shambled to its feet and unfolded. I caught just a glimpse of a frightened, white face, covered in dark blotches, a thin, stick-like body and big hands and feet. He must still be growing because his wrists and ankles stuck out from his clothing and his ears stuck out from his head like wing mirrors. His hair was just a dark, clogged, dirty ma.s.s. Not designer dirt, just ordinary, sleeping in an alley dirt. He was a pitiful sight, shaking with fear and cold. Blood trickled from his nose.
"Oh, dear, said Thomas in distress, and went to do what he did best. The lad had no idea he was there, but something must have got through, because the gulping slowed to just the occasional sniff.
"Well? said Russell. "What have you got to say for yourself?
He just shook his head, staring at his feet. I knew that feeling.
"Come on, you were full of it five minutes ago. Whats this all about, then?
There was no reply.
"Last chance before I hand you over.
He muttered something.
"What? What did you say? I havent got all night and this ladys cold.
"I was hungry.
He was too. I could see it in his hollow eyes and cheeks. I know most teenage boys look like toast racks, but this was a different kind of hunger. A desperate kind of hunger. And there was a really bad smell. Not just stale body and dirty clothes, but a sharp tang of urine, as well. I wondered if hed wet himself when Russell hit him.
"So whats the story here?
He sighed and knuckled his eyes, like a child. He looked exhausted too. And now that I could see him more clearly, those dark blotches were bruises. Hed been pretty well knocked about even before Russell had a go at him.
"You on the streets?
He nodded.
"So whats the money for? Drugs? Booze?
He shook his head. "Food.
"Theres shelters. I think theres one near St Stephens Clinic.
He nodded. "I went.
"And?
"I was too late for that night. When I went outside they were waiting.
I grew suddenly fearful. Thomas looked at me, but I nodded for him to stay where he was.
"Who was waiting?
"Some men. I didnt really see. They hang around to have fun with ... When I came out they pushed me over. Grabbed my things what I had. Kicked me around a bit. Then they p.i.s.sed on me and walked off.
More silence. Thomas moved a little closer. Unconsciously, the boy leaned towards him. I looked at Russell to see what he would do. It never occurred to me that he would hand the boy over as he threatened. I dont think it occurred to him either.
I shivered again and that broke the spell.
"Come on.
"What? Where? Where are you taking me? Im not going anywhere with you. He started to back away and collided with the wheelie bin.
Russell sighed. "Relax, will you. Jenny, tell him.
I did my best. "Hes OK. A ... bit odd. Noisy. Shouts a lot. Dont worry.
He turned to me. "A bit odd? You describe me as a bit odd?
"It sounds better than totally ... bizarre. I was trying to rea.s.sure him.
"By telling him Im odd?
"You want me to lie? Fine. I turned to the boy. "Hes completely ... normal.
Thomas was laughing. "Just offer him a meal and h.e.l.l go anywhere.
I struggled a bit. It had been a long day and it wasnt getting any shorter. "Well ... give you ... food.
"What?
"Shes tired and sometimes words arent easy for her. Shes saying come with us and well give you a hot meal.
"Can I get my stuff?
"I thought it was all stolen.
"It was. This is other stuff I need.
He disappeared behind the wheelie bin and came back with a large flattened cardboard box and a carrier bag full of what looked like damp rags.
"Whats that?
"Whats left. They didnt want this "You dont need the cardboard box.
"Yes, I do. Its hard to get one this size.
That was wet too. He struggled to get it under his arm. Russell told him he wouldnt need it, but he wouldnt let it go, so off we set.