A Family’s Heartbreak

‘I see, and that’s clearly far more important than taking your brothers out today.’

‘Well, yes,’ Gloria said, ‘of course it is.’

‘But we want to go to the common,’ Peter cried.

‘I’ll have to take you, but I can only walk slowly so no running off,’ Jenny told them and as they ran around whooping with glee, she said to Gloria, ‘It’s a fair way to the common and I hope I can manage.’

‘I’m sure you’ll be fine, and a bit of fresh air will do you good.’

Jenny wasn’t surprised by her sister’s selfishness. What Gloria wanted always came first, but at least she’d taken up the reins while Jenny had been out of action. However, now that she was out of bed, it was obvious that Gloria considered her well enough to take over again.

Craig couldn’t get Jenny off his mind, but now it was because he was so worried about her. From what Pamela had said last night, things were beyond bad with their father. He sounded like a nasty piece of work, and not a man that Craig would like to go up against, but he couldn’t stand by and do nothing. Craig wasn’t a fighter, and he’d thought long and hard about what he could do, before he finally came up with what he hoped was a solution. He wasn’t sure Jenny would go for it, but he had to try. It wasn’t ideal, but at least she’d be safe and anything had to be better than living in fear for her life.

Feeling determined, he jumped out of bed and quickly washed and dressed. There was no time for breakfast; he had to act fast. Living under her father’s roof left Jenny in imminent danger. Henry had hospitalised his daughter. What if he went for her again?

As Craig marched to her house, he planned what he was going to say. By the time he arrived, he thought it was clear in his mind and knew it was the right thing to do. He’d never forgive himself if Jenny was hurt again and he hadn’t tried to protect her. He knocked and Gloria answered the door. She looked different without all her make-up on. Younger, more like a child than a woman.

‘You again,’ she said, grinning. ‘It seems you can’t stay away. I suppose you’d like to see Jenny?’

‘Yes, please.’

‘I’ll tell her you’re here. After all, who am I to stand in the way of true love?’

Though a younger sister, she seemed to Craig much bolder than Jenny, especially when she called over her shoulder, ‘Jenny, your handsome lover-boy is at the door … again.’

Craig’s brows rose as two lively boys charged out. ‘Who are you?’ the taller of them asked.

Jenny had spoken of her brothers with deep affection, but this was the first time he’d seen them. ‘I’m Craig, I live upstairs from your gran. What’s your name?’

‘Peter.’

‘Hello, Peter.’

The other boy said something, but as he was running up and down the short front path, Craig couldn’t quite get what he said.

‘Sorry, I’m deaf so I have to see your lips to know what you’re saying. Can you stand still and repeat it, please?’

‘You’re deaf?’ Timmy asked, looking astounded.

‘Yes, that’s right, but I can understand what you are saying by the way your lips move.’

‘I said, my name is Timmy.’

‘Pleased to meet you, Timmy,’ Craig said, smiling down at the lad.

‘So, you can’t hear nothing?’ Timmy asked then turned his back for a few moments before spinning round again. ‘Did you hear what I said then?’

‘Nope, afraid not.’

‘Blimey, Peter, he really is deaf!’ Then Timmy looked at Craig again, and asked, ‘But you know what I’m saying now.’

‘Yes, I do.’

‘Wow, can you teach me how to lip-read? I’d know what Terry and Bruce are saying when they’re whispering to each other.’

‘Who are they?’

‘A couple of boys in my class. Will you teach me? Will you?’

Before Craig could answer, Jenny appeared and said, ‘That’s enough, boys, go inside.’

‘But I want to talk to Craig,’ Timmy whined.

‘I said go inside. You can talk to Craig another time. Now do as you’re told or there’ll be no trip to the common.’

‘Hi, Jenny. Did you just say you’re off to the common today?’ Craig asked.

‘Hello and yes.’

‘I know you wasn’t expecting to see me today but I have to talk to you. May I join you?’

‘Go on, Jen, say yes!’ Peter and Timmy urged.

‘If you want – looks like I’m outnumbered anyway,’ Jenny answered, smiling at Craig. ‘Peter, ask Gloria to start making us some sandwiches.’

The boys skipped inside, and looking at Jenny, Craig saw she was blushing again. He found it so endearing.

‘Is everything all right? Is my gran OK?’ she whispered.

‘Yes, as far as I know. That’s not what I want to see you about.’

‘Oh, what is it then?’

‘We’ll talk at the common,’ Craig answered. He was eager to pitch his idea to her, but on the doorstep wasn’t the best place.

Jenny frowned worriedly, then said, ‘I’d invite you in, but my dad’s still in bed and I don’t want to disturb him. If you don’t mind waiting out here, I’ll get myself and the boys ready now.’

‘Of course I don’t mind,’ Craig told her, thinking it was probably just as well that they didn’t disturb her father. He wasn’t sure how he’d react to the man and though he wasn’t one for violence, he wouldn’t stand for him laying into Jenny again.

Jenny quietly closed the door and Craig meandered up the street. He tried to keep his mind focused on his proposition, but seeing her again had flustered him. She did something to him, something he couldn’t explain, but he had to admit, he liked it. Whatever it took, Craig was determined he’d protect her from her father’s brutality and now could only hope she’d allow him to.

Though still in pain, Jenny did her best to hurry up the boys. She stuffed sandwiches into a shopping bag along with some stale bread and a bottle of lemonade.

‘Calm down, Jen, it’s only a stroll on the common,’ Gloria said.

‘I know but look at the state of me, I’m a complete mess.’

‘You look fine.’

‘Where are my shoes?’ she asked frantically, her eyes darting around.

‘In your bedroom I should think.’

Jenny couldn’t run upstairs, but walked as quickly as she could, to find her father emerging from his room.

‘What’s all the fucking commotion about?’ he growled.

‘Sorry, Dad. The boys are a bit excited because I’m taking them to the common, that’s all.’

‘Good. Get a move on and get them out from under my feet then. Where’s your sister? I want some breakfast.’

‘Gloria’s downstairs, Pamela has gone to stay with Gran ’cos she had a fall.’

‘Huh, your mother should be looking after the old girl. Is your gran all right?’

‘Yes, just a bit shaky, I think.’

‘Right. I ain’t got time for your mother, but Edith’s a good woman. ’Ere, take this and get her some flowers or something … make sure you say it’s from you kids though. I don’t want her thinking I’ve gone soft in the head.’

Jenny tried not to show her astonishment as her dad fished in his trouser pocket and handed her five bob. She muttered, ‘Er, right, thanks.’

He barged past her and she stood bewildered as he stomped downstairs. This was turning into a day of surprises. Once in her room, Jenny shoved the money into her purse, put her shoes on, ran a brush through her tangled hair and grabbed a light coat. Although she was still sore, the thought of meeting Craig muffled her pain. She took a last quick glance in the mirror and decided there wasn’t any need to pinch her cheeks: they were red enough already. Too red, in fact, but there was nothing she could do about her persistent blushing.

She drew a long, deep breath, which was a mistake and she gasped at the pain in her ribs. Shallow breathing was all right, and they’d have to walk slowly, but she was thrilled that Craig was joining them. Slowly she walked downstairs, to see Timmy and Peter hovering at the street door. ‘Come on then, boys, let’s go,’ she said, and called, ‘See ya later.’

Craig was casually standing close by, and as she walked up to him, once again her stomach somersaulted. She tried to act cool, though felt sure her glowing neck and cheeks gave her away. ‘Hello again.’

‘That was quick,’ Craig said cheerfully.

‘We was ready before Jenny,’ Timmy piped up.

‘And we’ve got a picnic,’ Peter added, then they ran on ahead.

Craig took the shopping bag from her and frowned. ‘You look a bit uncomfortable. Is this walk going to be too much for you?’

‘As long as we take it slowly I’ll be fine.’

The boys were in a rush, and Jenny had to call them back a few times as they ran on ahead, but eventually they reached the common and stood by the pond.

‘Can we have some bread for the ducks now?’ Peter asked.

‘Yes, here you go,’ Jenny answered. She took the bag from Craig, fished out the stale bread and broke it in two. The boys merrily skipped off and Jenny smiled. It was nice to see them so happy and carefree, especially after how upset Peter had been earlier.

Craig removed his jacket and laid it out on the grass bank. He offered Jenny his hand and helped her to sit down. ‘Penny for them,’ he said.

‘I was just thinking how lovely it is to see the boys relaxed and having fun.’

‘I know it’s none of my business, but I can’t imagine it’s easy for any of you with your dad being the way he is.’

He sounded so sincere and sympathetic that Jenny found herself opening up to him. ‘No, it’s not easy. The boys are too young to understand why my dad behaves the way he does. When he loses his temper, it frightens them, and while my sister Pam lives on her nerves, my other sister Gloria is filled with hate. I just wish there was more I could do to protect them.’

‘Well, maybe there is.’

‘I don’t see how,’ Jenny answered. She’d thought long and hard but hadn’t come up with a solution. She couldn’t afford to rent somewhere for them all and even if she tried to squeeze them all in to her gran’s flat, she knew that would be the first place her dad would look.

‘That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. I think you should all move in with me.’

Jenny gasped. Craig’s suggestion had taken her by surprise and the idea seemed ludicrous. ‘But … but we can’t —’

‘Wait, hear me out. I realise space would be tight, but me and the boys could sleep in the lounge and you girls could have the bedroom. It would only have to be temporary. With my earnings, plus yours and Gloria’s wages, we could look for somewhere bigger.’

She gawped at Craig and spluttered, ‘No … no … we … we can’t move in with you. What would people say? I … I’d be labelled a slut.’

‘We can put them straight, tell them we aren’t a couple, and anyway, who cares what people think? This is about getting you all out of harm’s way. I can’t stand the thought of your dad hurting you again and though I know it isn’t ideal, you’d be safe. What do you think?’

Jenny didn’t know what to think. ‘It’s mad, bonkers and … and why would you do that for us?’

Craig rolled his eyes, then took Jenny’s hand. ‘Isn’t it obvious? I know we’ve only just met, but I like you, Jenny. I want to protect you, the boys and your sisters.’

Jenny gazed into Craig’s eyes and felt his offer was genuine. There was no ulterior motive, just an honest offer of help. She was worried about her dad’s increasing violence, and longed to take her siblings to safety, so Craig’s suggestion made sense. It could work, but her reputation would be in shreds. Could she stand the pointing fingers and the gossip? ‘I … I don’t know, Craig. Thank you so much for your offer, but I … I need to think about it.’

‘What’s there to think about? I don’t want to sound like I’m rushing you, but if your father kicks off again and hurts you, I’d never forgive myself for not putting pressure on you to agree.’

‘I know, but, it just doesn’t seem right. Are you sure you’ve thought this through? You’d be giving up a lot by having my family living with you.’

‘Jenny, I’ve been thinking about it all night. Like I said, it wouldn’t be for long and then we’d find somewhere bigger, more suitable, but for now, I’d know that your father couldn’t get to you and I’d sacrifice anything for that sort of peace of mind.’

Jenny was touched by Craig’s concern and had to hold back from crying. The idea was appealing, but she couldn’t shake the worry about what people would think.

Craig squeezed her hand. ‘I didn’t have any breakfast, so what have you put in those sandwiches? Let’s eat, it’ll give you a moment to think.’

Jenny pulled one out, ‘I’m afraid it’s only fish paste.’

‘That’ll do me,’ he said, biting into it with relish.

With her mind all over the place, Jenny watched the boys playing. She thought about Peter’s behaviour earlier, how he didn’t want to live with their father, and of Pamela who was so afraid of him that she constantly wet the bed. What would their father’s reaction be if they all left? He wouldn’t know they were just upstairs from Edith. Yet why was she thinking about that? It was impossible, they couldn’t all move in with Craig! Could they?

Chapter 7

‘I sure do love you, Lizzie, you’re one hell of a gal!’

Lizzie was straddled across Dwight’s naked body. She ran her finger down his bare chest. ‘Yes, I am, and don’t you forget it,’ she said before climbing off him and pulling her blouse around her chest. She walked over to the desk in his bedroom and took a cigarette from a packet. As she lit it, the smoke curled up and made hazy circles in the sunlight beaming through the window.

‘They don’t make gals like you in the US of A, not in Alabama where my momma and papa live.’

‘Yeah, I’m unique. You won’t find many like me in Balham either,’ she said, then sat on his desk with her legs slightly parted.

‘You’re such a tease. It’s only ten in the morning and you’ve already had me up twice. A man needs a bit of time to recover.’

‘If you need to keep your strength up, Dwight, how about you make us some of those delicious pancakes?’

‘I can do that … anything for my pretty gal.’

Dwight stood up and pulled on his underpants. He winked at Lizzie then sloped off to the kitchen. Lizzie threw herself down on his bed and pulled hard on her cigarette as she stared up at the ceiling. She liked being with Dwight in his small flat. She thought his strange accent made him sound a bit thick, but he treated her like a queen. From what he’d told her, she’d learned he was an American GI who’d been posted to London during the war. He’d got a British woman in the family way and had felt obliged to marry her. Lizzie thought that was typical of him, he was so polite. As it turned out, the woman wasn’t pregnant and passed away a few years later. He’d never been back to Alabama, though he said he would one day, and when he did, he’d take Lizzie with him.

She was so wrapped up in Dwight that she hadn’t given a thought to her kids in a while, but Lizzie wasn’t worried about them. They were housed and fed, which was more than she’d been at times. The smell of the sweet pancakes wafted through to the bedroom and she could hear Dwight whistling a tune she didn’t recognise. She wondered if it was one he’d written himself. He played guitar in a band. That’s how she’d met him. She’d been swaying to the jazz and had caught his eye. It had only been a week ago, but she already had her feet firmly rooted under his table.

She heard Dwight call, ‘Hey, pretty lady, your breakfast is ready.’

‘I’ll take it in bed, thanks,’ she called back, and puffed up the pillow behind her.

Dwight came in carrying a tray and asked, ‘Is there anything else you’d like?’

Lizzie eyed him up and down, from his broad, toned chest, to his long, muscular legs. ‘Yes, there is,’ she purred, ‘But after breakfast.’

After some gentle coaxing, Craig had finally persuaded Jenny that moving in with him would be for the best. She’d eventually agreed but he smiled as he recalled her firm stipulation that there was to be no funny business between them. He’d assured her that he would never take advantage of her, though how she thought that could happen with six of them crammed into his small flat was beyond him. He was just relieved that she’d no longer be subjected to her father’s sickening temper.

Since then he’d had a week of frantic activity, arranging extra beds and bedding to accommodate the impending arrival of the Lombard siblings later today. With the beds sorted, he went downstairs to give Edith an update.

‘So, they’re all moving in today? Doing a runner whilst Henry’s at work?’

‘Yes, that’s right. I reckon they’ll be here in about an hour.’

He was pacing the room and repeatedly looking out of the front window.

‘Craig, will you please sit down! It’s making me dizzy just looking at you.’

‘Sorry. I know Jenny said to wait here for them, but I really think I should go and help. What if Henry comes home and catches them? And there’s all their stuff to lug here,’ Craig said, and after only just sitting down he jumped up again, ‘Yes, I’ll go and help, just in case.’

‘Craig!’ Edith shouted, ‘I don’t know why I’m raising me voice ’cos you can’t hear me. If Jenny needed you, she would have said so, wouldn’t she?’

‘Yes, I suppose so.’

‘Right, go and make yourself useful and make us both a drink.’

Craig smiled warmly at the old woman, then said, ‘Don’t tell Jenny I got myself all worked up, will you?’

‘No, I shan’t say a word. Go on, bugger off, you silly sod. That kettle won’t boil itself.’

Craig normally felt relaxed and at home in Edith’s flat, but today he was fretting. He’d done everything he could to make his place comfortable for his new lodgers and hoped Jenny would like it. He made the tea and handed Edith a cup.

‘I know what you’re thinking, but stop worrying, young man. Jenny will be happy up there with you. You’ve assured me that there won’t be any funny business going on over my head, yet no doubt there’ll still be gossip. If I hear anything said I’ll put them in their place, but all that matters to me is that Jenny will be away from her father.’

Craig hoped he could keep them all safe but worried that once Henry found out where they were, he’d come storming round to drag them all back. The man could try, and though Craig had no doubt that Henry could flatten him, he’d still fight if he had to. He shook his head as if trying to shake some sense into himself, but it was no use. He knew, if it came to it, he’d put his life on the line for Jenny.

Jenny still had misgivings about moving in with Craig. She knew there’d be gossip, or even women spitting at her in the street. She’d probably be ostracised too, but the thought of being beaten like a dog by her father again was far worse. They’d all be safe at Craig’s, so not just for her own sake, but for the others’ too, she’d agreed.

They were moving out that day, but Gloria leaned against the kitchen table with her arms folded and lips pouting. ‘I ain’t happy about us all being crammed into Craig’s flat. I don’t see why I have to go with you … why can’t I stay here?’

Jenny looked at her sister in disbelief. The girl hated her father, so she couldn’t understand why she’d want to remain living with him.

‘Don’t look at me like that,’ Gloria snapped. ‘Once you’re gone, I’ll have my own room at last and maybe when you ain’t here he won’t be as bad.’

‘And maybe he’ll beat you up instead of me. Have you thought about that?’

‘Yeah, well, maybe he won’t!’

‘Gloria, listen to yourself. You sound really childish. Anyway, I’m not prepared to leave without you, so either we all stay, or we all go.’

‘That’s blackmail!’

‘I don’t care what it is. I’m only concerned for your safety. So, what will it be?’

Gloria stamped her foot and threw her arms around as she trudged out of the kitchen, shouting, ‘All right, you win … we all go.’

Jenny momentarily closed her eyes and sighed with relief. Gloria digging her heels in was the last thing she’d expected.

‘What’s Gloria on about?’ Timmy asked as he ran into the room with his brother.

‘Yeah, where are we all going?’ from Peter.

Jenny hadn’t told her brothers they were going to live with Craig for fear of one them accidently saying something in front of their father. She’d warned her sisters to say nothing too, but now Gloria had let the cat out of the bag. ‘Right, sit down, I’ve got something to tell you.’

The brothers exchanged a glance, then quickly sat at the table.

‘Do you remember Craig?’

‘Course we do. He’s the deaf bloke,’ answered Timmy.

‘He lives in a flat above Gran, and we’re all moving in with him. Not Dad though, he’ll be staying here.’

‘What, forever? Not just for three days or seven years? We’re going to live with Craig forever? Timmy asked.

‘Yes,’ she said, watching Peter’s face light up. ‘Eventually we’ll have to find a bigger place, but we won’t be coming back here. Craig’s flat is a bit small, and you two will have to share the front room with him while we girls have the bedroom. Hopefully it won’t be for long. I’m back at work on Monday, and I’m sure Gloria will find a job soon, so we’ll be able to find a larger flat or even a little house to rent.’

Gloria stamped back into the kitchen. ‘Are you still going on about me finding a job? I told you, Queenie said I can work part-time in her fag shop, starting next week.’

‘Yes, but I’m not happy about that. You need to be bringing in full-time wages, and that Dennis upstairs will be too much of a distraction for you.’

‘Stop telling me what I can and can’t do! It’s bad enough that you try to dictate where I work and who I see, but now you’re telling me where I’ve got to live too. You’re not my mother!’ Gloria glowered at her sister.

‘No and thank goodness for that! I’d be ashamed to have such a brat as a daughter!’ Jenny snapped. She hadn’t meant to be so harsh, but now it was said she couldn’t retract it. Her sister really was trying her patience.

Gloria threw her a vile look, but Jenny could see it was masking her hurt, then she spun on her heels and walked out.

‘Gloria … wait … I’m sorry,’ Jenny called.

Pamela then slipped into the room and asked, ‘What’s the matter with Gloria? What’s going on?’

‘I said something I shouldn’t and now she’s got a strop on,’ Jenny replied, rubbing her forehead in despair. She’d hoped this would be a happy day, but it didn’t appear to be for Gloria. ‘I’ll just have to grovel a bit and maybe she’ll come round.’

‘We’re all moving into Craig’s flat and Daddy isn’t coming,’ Peter said with gusto.

At least the boys were pleased, and though Pamela didn’t show her feelings, Jenny knew she was too. ‘Will you take your brothers upstairs and help them to pack their things?’ she asked her sister. ‘Remember, only take what they really need. There won’t be room for everything.’

The boys ran upstairs with Pamela following. Jenny relished the silence as she pulled a notepad and pencil from her pocket. She sat at the table and began to write.

Dad,

I’ve taken the boys and my sisters to live somewhere else.

I’m sure this won’t come as too much of a shock to you, and I don’t suppose you’ll be sad about it.

I know you did your best, but it wasn’t good enough.

Take care,

Jenny

The note was short, simple and to the point. She couldn’t bring herself to sign off ‘with love’ or to add any kisses. She didn’t feel the need to spell out their reasons for leaving as she figured he must be aware of the pain he’d caused her, and how much he’d scared his own children. She pushed the note to the middle of the table and took one last look around the kitchen. It was the only home she’d ever known. She and her siblings had all been born in this house, but she wasn’t sad to say goodbye to it. Any happy memories she’d once had were tarnished now by her father’s viciousness.