Ian woke early. The events of the night that had so disturbed him were still filling his mind. He still had to get away. He would go to Harrogate to see Janice and Phil. He knew they would be surprised to see him; they might be annoyed at first. But Janice would understand – he felt sure of that.
He got out of bed and after a quick wash he shoved a few things into his travel bag: socks, underwear, pyjamas, shirts, jumper, toothbrush… then, knowing he must act as normally as possible, he went downstairs. His dad and Norma were sitting at the kitchen table eating their breakfast.
‘By ’eck! You’re up early,’ remarked Alec. ‘I thought you’d have a lie-in this morning.’
‘Er… no. I was awake so thought I might as well get up,’ said Ian.
‘There’s some tea in the pot that’s still warm,’ said Norma. ‘You can make yourself some toast, can’t you? Your dad and I will have to be off soon. They want me to work longer hours today as it’s Christmas Eve. There are sure to be women wanting a dress at the last minute or changing their mind about the one they’ve bought.’
‘I’ll probably finish a bit early,’ said Alec. ‘There won’t be much work today. What about you, Ian? Have you any plans?’
‘Er… sort of. I said I might go round to Gary’s this morning.’
‘You were there last night, weren’t you?’
‘Yes, but we said we’d have another game of chess. I beat him last night and he wants to get his own back.’ The lie tripped easily from his tongue although he felt bad, deep down, at his deceit.
‘Will you have some lunch there?’ asked Norma.
‘Dunno… perhaps. We didn’t talk about it.’
‘Well, you can make yourself a sandwich,’ said Norma, ‘and I’ll cook something when I get in from work. I’ll wash these pots then we’d better be off, Alec.’
‘Leave them… I’ll do them,’ said Ian, feeling a stab of guilt but still determined to carry on with his plan.
‘Thank you,’ said Norma. ‘Are you sure?’
‘Yes, ’course I am.’
‘By ’eck! That’s a first,’ said Alec. ‘Come on then, Norma, love. See you later, son.’
‘Yes… see you…’
He made two slices of toast, liberally covered with butter and marmalade, then cleared away and washed up, leaving the pots draining as he had seen Norma do. He decided not to leave a note as he didn’t know what to say. It was almost half past nine when he boarded the bus to town, dressed in a warm coat – it would be cold in Yorkshire – and carrying his bag filled with clothes and presents. The thought of seeing Sophie again gave him a feeling of happiness for a moment although he was, in truth, a little scared.
Central Station was crowded as he had guessed it might be. He looked at the timetable and worked out that there was a train to Leeds quite soon, and he could change there to get the one to Harrogate. Fortunately he was not short of money. He was quite a thrifty lad and had saved up quite a bit from pocket money and his summer job. He bought a single ticket to Harrogate – he had not thought about the return journey – and joined the crowds of people boarding the train.
He managed to squeeze into a corner seat in a compartment with an elderly couple and a family of four, mother, father and two children – a boy and a girl – wearing Santa Claus hats and talking excitedly. Ian kept himself to himself, reading his Eagle comic which he still bought every week; a vestige of his childhood.
The station at Leeds was even more crowded than the Blackpool one had been. It seemed that everyone in Yorkshire was on the move, swarming up and down stairs and escalators with cases, bags and boxes, Christmas trees and bunches of holly. In desperation Ian asked a porter for directions and found the platform where the Harrogate train would leave. He caught it with just a couple of minutes to spare. To his relief it was not quite so crowded as the previous one and he sat collecting his thoughts, trying to decide what to do when he arrived.
It was only a short journey and quite soon he found himself standing in the entrance hall of Harrogate station wondering what to do next. The station was on the perimeter of the town, a fair distance from where Janice and Phil lived. He could get a bus but he was not sure where to find one going in the right direction and he was, by now, feeling rather lost and unsure of himself. He had wanted to be brave and independent but he knew that the best thing to do was to ring his sister to see if he could be picked up at the station.
He found the nearest phone, put in the coins and dialled the number for Grundy’s, hoping against hope that someone would answer. To his relief the phone was picked up almost at once. He heard Phil’s voice. ‘Hello, Grundy’s restaurant. How can I help you?’
He wished it had been Janice but at least they were there at home. ‘Hello,’ he said. ‘It’s me, Ian… I’m at Harrogate station…’
‘Ian? What on earth…? Are Alec and Norma with you? Is something wrong?’
‘Er… not exactly. I’m on my own. I decided… I wanted to come and see you. Can you come and pick me up… please, Phil?’
‘Yes, of course, but you’ll have to tell me what’s going on.’ The pips sounded, indicating that time was running out. ‘I’ll be with you as soon as I can. Wait outside, Ian…’
Ian knew he would have a lot of explaining to do. He was hungry, too. It had now turned two o’clock and he had not thought about getting anything to eat. And he needed the toilet… He bought a Kit-Kat at the kiosk to fortify himself and stood outside on the forecourt to wait for Phil.
He arrived in about ten minutes. He did not say anything at first, just gave Ian a brotherly hug and glanced at his travel bag. ‘Looks as though you’ve come to stay a while?’
‘Er… I suppose so. I don’t know. It’s a long story.’
‘OK, you can tell us later. Let’s get back, eh?’
They set off, driving along the Stray. ‘We’ve more or less finished now,’ said Phil. ‘There were only a few in this lunchtime and Janice is opening for the afternoon teas. Then we’re closed until Monday.’ He glanced inquiringly at Ian, but he just nodded.
Then Ian said diffidently, ‘I hope I’m not putting you to any trouble. I just had to… to get away.’
‘Tell us later,’ said Phil kindly, aware that his young brother-in-law was quite distressed. ‘I told Janice you were here. She was very surprised but she’ll be pleased to see you.’
They were back in less than ten minutes. Janice was in the cafe getting ready to open for the tea session. She hugged her brother. ‘Now, what’s all this about?’ Then she noticed his woebegone face and the hint of a tear.
‘It’s hard to explain…’ he began.
‘Tell us later then. Dad and Norma are OK, aren’t they? No one is ill?’
‘No, they’re fine…’
She assumed there had been some sort of a row but it could wait. ‘Go up to your usual room, Ian, and get sorted out. Then you can choose some of these sandwiches and cakes. I expect you’re hungry?’
Ian nodded, smiling a little. ‘Yes, thanks, I am.’
‘I shall be busy, even though we’re not expecting a crowd today. Oh… by the way, Sophie’s coming in to help. She’ll be busy, too, but you’ll be able to see her when we’ve finished.’ Ian smiled a little more on hearing that. ‘Yes, she’s a grand girl,’ Janice went on. ‘We thought she could do with a little extra money so she’s been helping out since school finished. Off you go then, Ian. I’ll see you later.’
Ian went upstairs to the room where he had slept during the summer. He unpacked his few belongings and the Christmas presents he had brought. He was relieved to be there – and he would see Sophie again very soon – but he was also feeling rather foolish and embarrassed; guilty too, about what he had done and the explanation he would have to give to Janice and Phil. How could he tell them about what had really made him decide to leave and come to Yorkshire? And what could he say to his dad and Norma? Quite soon they would realise he was not there and he knew that Dad would start to worry. He had given no thought to that in his hurry to get away.
But now his immediate need was his feeling of hunger. He would sample some of the food on offer in the cafe and try to push his worries, temporarily, to the back of his mind. What was done was done and he would have to give an account of his actions.
When he went downstairs the cafe had opened. There were a few ladies sitting at the round tables and his sister and Sophie were waiting on them. Sophie turned round and smiled at him.
‘Hello, Ian. What a surprise! Janice told me you had arrived out of the blue.’ She looked at him questioningly.
‘Well, yes… I’ll tell you about it later. You’re busy now so I’ll get out of your way.’
He filled a plate with ham sandwiches, a cheese scone with butter and a slice of Christmas cake which Janice had made.
‘Get yourself a mug of tea,’ said his sister. ‘It’ll hold more than these china cups. We’ll probably close early unless there’s a sudden rush of customers, which I doubt.’ She sounded a little harassed and Ian hoped he was not adding to her problems. Phil was busy in the kitchen so Ian quickly crept back upstairs. He made short work of the food then settled down to read a favourite book he had shoved into his bag – a Biggles story, another memory of his early teenage years.
He managed to engross himself in the adventures of the flying ace until there was a knock on his door an hour or so later. He called, ‘Come in,’ and was surprised to see it was Sophie who entered.
‘Janice has decided to close,’ she said. ‘There’s not much trade today. So you’d better go down, hadn’t you, and talk to them?’ She gave him a quizzical look.
‘Yeah… I’d better go and get the twenty questions over with, I suppose.’ He gave a rueful grin.
‘Have you had a row with your dad?’ asked Sophie.
‘No… not exactly. Well, no, not at all. But things were getting a bit out of hand – in my mind, at any rate. I felt sad and all mixed up… and I was missing Mum.’
‘Yes, I can imagine you would,’ said Sophie, as though she understood. ‘How long are you staying here?’
‘I don’t know. A few days, maybe… Can I see you sometime?’
‘Yes, I’d like to but it might be a bit difficult tomorrow, of course. Mum will want me to be there all Christmas Day. We’ve some relations coming and it’ll all be quite chaotic. I’m not sure what I’ll be doing on Boxing Day. I tell you what, I’ll ring you that morning. You’ll still be here, won’t you?’
‘Yes, I shall be here for quite a few days… at least, I hope so. Anyway, happy Christmas, Sophie.’ He handed her the little gift, wrapped in shiny red paper with a silver bow. Then, very shyly, he leaned forward and kissed her cheek.
‘Oh… thank you, Ian.’ She looked a little embarrassed. ‘I haven’t… I mean… I didn’t know I’d be seeing you, did I?’
‘No, of course you didn’t. I came on the spur of the moment. I just hope Janice and Phil are not too cross with me.’
‘They won’t be. It’s Christmas, the season of goodwill and all that. See you soon, Ian.’ She kissed his cheek. ‘Cheer up! I’m sure you’ll have a lovely day tomorrow. Your sister’s a very understanding person, you know.’ She gave a cheery wave as she left the room.
Ian decided it was time he faced the music. He took a deep breath to steady the churned-up feeling in the pit of his stomach and went downstairs.
‘Hi, there,’ said Janice in a casual tone. ‘Come and make yourself useful while you’re here. We’re just getting this place ship-shape, then we’ll have seen the last of it till next week.’
The three of them set to work in the cafe, stacking the pots in the dishwasher, folding the tablecloths and checking to see if any needed laundering, then putting the remaining scones and cakes into tins for their own use.
‘Well, that’s that,’ said Janice when they had finished. ‘We can start to think about our own Christmas now.’
They went upstairs to the family quarters where they had their own private rooms and a kitchen, quite separate from the restaurant.
‘I’ll make us a cup of tea then you can tell us what this is all about… little brother!’
‘It’s difficult to explain,’ Ian began when they were all sitting with mugs of tea in their laps.
‘Well, just try,’ said Phil encouragingly.
‘For a start, do Dad and Norma know that you’re here?’ asked Janice.
‘Er… no, they don’t. I said I was going to Gary’s, then I went to the station and caught a train. They went to work early, Dad and Norma, and left me having my breakfast.’ Ian was talking quickly, his words falling over one another. ‘I had to get away. It was all so… different, and I got upset.’
‘Well, the first thing we must do is ring and tell them you’re here,’ said Janice, sounding a little vexed. ‘Didn’t you realise they would worry? It’s very thoughtless, Ian.’
‘Yes, I know, but I suppose I wasn’t thinking straight. They won’t be worried yet – it’s only six o’clock. They’ll be getting the tea ready and…’
‘And they’ll be wondering where you are, especially if they think you’re out on your bike. I’m going to ring them now to let them know you’re safe.’
‘What will you say?’
‘What can I say?’ Janice answered abruptly. ‘I suppose I’ll say that you felt a bit miserable, missing Mum and all that. Oh, I don’t know, Ian! I’ll think of something, but I’ll say you’re all right and they mustn’t worry. Actually, Phil and I have decided to go to Blackpool on Sunday so you can go back with us then. OK?’
Ian nodded. ‘Yes… OK.’
Janice was away for several minutes, talking on the phone. Ian could not hear what she was saying. Phil smiled at him in a friendly way.
‘Your sister will calm down. She’s rather uptight with being so busy lately. Well, we’ve both been busy. That’s why we planned a nice, quiet Christmas.’
‘And now I’ve come to spoil it…’
‘No, of course you haven’t. We’re always pleased to see you. But you must tell us what’s going on. OK?’
Ian nodded. ‘OK…’
‘Well, that’s all sorted,’ said Janice as she came back. ‘Dad was quite shocked that you’d come here but very relieved, of course. He’d rung Gary’s home and learnt that you hadn’t been there at all. Anyway, I tried to make him understand that you were feeling rather sad, and he knows that you miss Mum… But I thought you were settling down to the idea of Norma being there? She’s very tolerant, from what I see, although I know she’s different from Mum.’
Ian shook his head. ‘It was all so… awful.’
‘What was?’ asked Phil gently. ‘Try to tell us about it. We know there’s something bothering you.’
Ian took a deep breath. ‘I heard them,’ he said, speaking almost in a whisper. ‘Late last night. I went downstairs ’cause I couldn’t sleep and… and they were… you know… in bed, and I could hear all sorts of things. And he told Norma that he loved her very much, and he didn’t know it could be like that… And it sounded as though he loved her more than he’d loved Mum, that he wasn’t thinking about Mum at all.’
He saw Phil and Janice exchange glances, and possibly a hint of a smile on Phil’s lips.
‘I do know about it… about that!’ he retorted. ‘Not very much, but I know what happens, sort of. And… well, it upset me.’
Janice looked thoughtful but it was Phil who spoke, quite jovially. ‘Well, Ian, I hope you won’t listen outside our bedroom door!’
Janice gave him a warning glance. ‘Phil… honestly!’
‘’Course I won’t,’ said Ian. ‘I didn’t want to listen to them but I couldn’t help it. It’s different with you, you’re young, but they’re old!’
‘Not all that old,’ said Phil. ‘Not quite in their fifties and they’re newly married. Alec is probably still quite… well, virile, and Norma’s a very lively lady.’
‘I can understand how Ian feels,’ said Janice. ‘It’s something you don’t think about with your parents, although you know it must take place. I expect Mum and Dad had a mutual understanding as they got older, more about deep friendship than passionate love. They’d been married a long time. But with Norma, well, maybe it’s more exciting. But you can be sure, Ian, that he loved our mum very much and he’ll never forget her.’ Her eyes were starting to fill up with tears. She blinked and tried to smile. ‘I understand just how you feel, Ian, but try to put it to the back of your mind. You’re very welcome here and I’m glad you felt you could come to us. We’ll have a nice Christmas together, the three of us.’
‘I don’t want to mess up your plans,’ said Ian. ‘I suppose I wasn’t thinking about that.’
‘Don’t worry. We haven’t many plans, have we, Phil? Our own Christmas dinner tomorrow, then we’re going to Ilkley on Boxing Day to see Phil’s parents, and you’re very welcome to come along with us.’
‘But they won’t be expecting me…’
Phil laughed. ‘One more won’t make any difference to my mum and dad, they’re used to catering for large numbers. And they’re not serving meals on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, just opening the bar for a while as some of the locals like to get together. Mum said we’d dine mid-afternoon when the rush is over so I’ll ring and tell her there’ll be one more. You’ll be very welcome, I can assure you, and you’ve met them before, haven’t you?’
Ian nodded. ‘Yes, thank you for everything. Actually, Sophie said she’d ring on Boxing Day morning. We want to spend some time together. Probably Saturday will be the best day.’
‘That’s nice,’ said Janice. ‘She’s a lovely girl and sensible, too.’
Ian blushed a little. ‘Yes, she is. We’re just friends, you know.’
‘Of course.’ Janice smiled. ‘And I’m sure she’ll be a very good friend.’
They had a simple evening meal of sausage and mash with onion gravy, prepared by Phil to give Janice a break. Then a quiet evening watching a variety show and a carol service on the television. Ian’s eyes started closing by ten thirty, despite his desire to keep awake, and he retired to bed.
‘So… what do you make of all that?’ said Janice. ‘He’s got himself in a real old pickle, poor lad!’
‘He’s quite naive,’ said Phil. ‘Maybe I was the same when I was his age. It’s hard to remember.’
‘I know I most certainly was,’ replied Janice. ‘Some of the other girls seemed to know much more than I did. Mum never told me anything about… you know… the birds and the bees.’
‘You mean sex!’ said Phil with a grin.
‘OK, then – sex! She only told me about periods and the rest I picked up from schoolgirl gossip. And being at an all girls’ school didn’t help.’
‘I suppose it was the same with me,’ agreed Phil, ‘but being in the RAF opened my eyes quite a bit.’
Janice half grinned and half frowned at him. ‘I don’t really want to know about that! And then you met me, didn’t you?’
‘As you say, I met you. And I think we know enough to be going on with, don’t we?’ He smiled enticingly. ‘Come along, darling. Let’s call it a day, shall we?’
They had an enjoyable Christmas and Ian was able to put his worries to the back of his mind. They unwrapped presents which had been waiting under the Christmas tree – a real one – in the living room. Ian was delighted with his new football sweater and a stylish bag in which to carry his kit. They dined soon after midday on turkey with all the trimmings and pudding with brandy sauce, then were too full to eat again until late evening, when Janice made turkey sandwiches and cut her special Christmas cake.
Boxing Day at the Coach and Horses followed a similar pattern. Succulent roast pork, as a change from turkey, was the midday meal, followed by sherry trifle. Ian was made very welcome and enjoyed a happy day, especially as he had spoken with Sophie in the morning and was looking forward to seeing her the following day.
They had arranged to meet mid-morning, and at half past ten Sophie arrived at Grundy’s. She looked bright and cheerful, dressed in a warm tweed coat with a red bobble hat and matching scarf.
‘A present from my aunt who likes knitting!’ she replied when Janice remarked how colourful she looked on a wintry day.
Her cheeks were glowing after her walk from home and her eyes shone at the pleasure of seeing Ian again. He was equally delighted and felt a warm glow inside as they smiled at each other.
‘Where are you off to, then?’ asked Janice. ‘It’s a nice crisp morning for a long walk.’
‘Just what I had in mind,’ said Sophie. ‘A good chance to walk off some of the extra pounds I’ve put on over Christmas. OK with you, Ian?’
‘Yes, fine,’ he replied. ‘You lead the way. You know the area better than I do.’
‘I thought we could get a bus to Knaresborough and have a walk by the river – maybe have some lunch there. My mum and Graham are seeing some friends today, so they’re not expecting me back till later in the day.’
‘Well, come back and have some tea with us,’ said Janice. ‘When you’ve finished your exploring.’
‘Thanks, Janice,’ said Sophie. ‘That would be lovely… This is your Christmas present, Ian. Happy Christmas, even if it’s a bit late.’
‘Gosh, thanks!’ he said, colouring a little. He could tell that it was a book. ‘I’ll open it later when we get back.’ He felt embarrassed with Janice and Phil there.
‘That’s OK,’ said Sophie. ‘I loved the brooch, Ian. I’ve had it pinned to my sweater since Christmas.’
‘Well, let’s get moving,’ said Ian. ‘Bye, Janice, Phil…’
They set off walking along the street to the town centre. ‘Have you had a good Christmas?’ asked Sophie.
‘Yes, it was OK,’ said Ian. ‘Just the three of us, then we went to see Phil’s parents on Boxing Day. What about you?’
‘Yes, it was quite nice, I suppose. Too much food, too much sitting around not doing very much. It’s nice to get out today… Why did you decide to come here so suddenly, Ian? I know you said you were feeling sad and fed up but there’s something else, isn’t there?’
‘I came to see you!’ he answered, a trifle too quickly.
She laughed. ‘Well, that’s very nice but that’s not all, is it?’
‘Not really. I did want to see you but it was all to do with my dad and Norma. I’ll try to explain later.’
They had arrived at the bus station and there was a bus ready to depart for Knaresborough. They sat on the top deck, saying very little as Ian looked out at the passing scenery; mainly rows of houses with stretches of moorland between as the towns were not far apart.
They alighted at the stand which served as the bus station, then Sophie led the way through the narrow cobbled streets to the castle area. They stood and admired the view across to the viaduct, with the River Nidd below and the hills a background to the rooftops of the town.
‘Gosh! That’s the scene you see on railway posters,’ said Ian. ‘Smashing view, isn’t it?’
‘Yes, I remember coming here with my dad when I was little,’ said Sophie. ‘I haven’t been here for ages. You don’t often bother to visit your own beauty spots. Come on, let’s go down to the river.’
They went down the path, crossing the railway line then taking the steeper path to the river. The trees were bare and lifeless but there was a quiet beauty to the riverside walk. Sophie told him about Mother Shipton and her predictions as they passed by the cavern.
Ian knew that Sophie was curious about what had really happened at home to make him come away so suddenly. He knew she would understand as she had been in a similar position with her mother and stepfather, but how could he explain it to her?
As if aware of his thoughts, she suddenly asked, ‘What went wrong, Ian?’
‘Nothing really. No rows or anything like that. Dad and Norma… they go out partying a lot, something he and Mum never used to do. And Norma’s not like Mum. She’s jolly and likes a laugh and a joke, and I know they drink quite a lot. I’m not saying that Mum was prudish or miserable. She was a happy person but she was quieter, like, and gentle, and I thought Dad liked her that way. But he’s different now, with Norma. I heard them one night – the night before I came away – when they’d come back from the club. I went downstairs because I couldn’t sleep, and I could hear them… in bed,’ he added rather diffidently, looking sideways at Sophie. ‘You know what I mean… and it upset me. I started thinking about Mum and I felt as though Dad had forgotten her very quickly. I had to get away from them. Do you know what I mean?’
‘And they didn’t know you were there?’
‘No, of course not. I was just passing the room and I couldn’t help hearing… And the next morning I felt awkward being with them so I got a train and came over here.’
‘I suppose I can understand,’ said Sophie. ‘It will be the same with my mum and Graham, but it’s something I’ve tried not to think about. My parents divorced so I knew things weren’t so good between them. But it’s different with your mum and dad… I’m sure he loved her very much. But time goes on and things change. You’d rather he was happy than looking back and feeling miserable, wouldn’t you?’
‘Yes, I suppose so, but I’m still sad when I think about Mum.’
‘I’m glad you’ve told me. It helps, doesn’t it, to get things out in the open? You didn’t let on to them about… what you heard?’
‘Don’t be daft! Janice rang up and told them I was feeling sad, it being Christmas and all that, and missing Mum. I feel a bit rotten about it now and embarrassed, like, but I dare say it will blow over. I’m supposed to be going back tomorrow. Janice and Phil are paying their Christmas visit to Blackpool.’
‘Well, you will be going back, won’t you? There’s no “supposed” about it.’
‘Yes, you’re right. I’m glad I’ve been able to see you, Sophie. We can go on being friends, can’t we?’
‘Yes, of course we can. You’ll be coming to help again during the holidays, won’t you?’
‘Yes, if I can wangle it. The next time would be Easter…’ He was quiet for a moment, thinking carefully what to say. ‘Er… you know what I said about Dad and Norma? Well, about you and me… I’m not really ready for all that sort of thing yet. I know you’re older than me, but I just like being with you and being close to you.’ They had been walking hand in hand, and now he hesitantly put an arm around her. ‘Do you know what I mean, Sophie?’
‘Yes, I know exactly what you mean.’ She leaned across and kissed his cheek. ‘It’s just the same with me. Some girls at school like to boast about what they get up to with their boyfriends. I don’t believe half of it, but even if it’s true… it’s not time for any of that, not for me. We’re both still at school, then there’s sixth form and college or uni. Who knows? Let’s just enjoy being together when we can… I tell you what, I’m feeling hungry. Let’s get back to the town, shall we?’
They went the long way back, following the road that led up from the river then the main road to town. They found a little inexpensive cafe and dined on cheese and pickle sandwiches, sticky cream doughnuts and cups of hot, strong tea.
The shops along the high street were very mundane so there was little else to do there. They took the bus back to Harrogate then walked the couple of miles through the town and along the Stray. Dusk was falling by the time they drew near to Grundy’s. They stopped in a secluded spot and Ian put his arms around Sophie. Gently, and a little timidly at first, he kissed her lips. He felt her respond to him, then she pulled away.
‘Come along, let’s get inside. I don’t want your sister worrying about us.’
‘Hello, have you had a good day?’ Janice greeted them from the upstairs living room, which was a haven of warmth after the chill of the winter’s afternoon. They had not realised how cold it was until they were inside.
‘Yes, lovely, thanks,’ said Sophie. ‘We went to Knaresborough and we walked for miles.’
‘Oh, how nice. That’s become one of my favourite places since Phil first took me there. Come and get warm by the fire and I’ll make a pot of tea.’
It was good to see a coal fire, although the rooms were centrally heated as well.
‘Open your present now,’ said Sophie. Janice was busy in the kitchen and Phil was elsewhere.
Ian tore off the holly-patterned wrapping paper to reveal a book. ‘Inheritance by Phyllis Bentley,’ he read. ‘Thanks, Sophie… I’m not sure I’ve heard of her.’
‘Well, you’re not a Yorkshire lad, are you? Our English teacher recommended it to us. She gave us a list of books she thought we’d enjoy – not the usual Dickens and Brontë ones, rather more modern. And I really loved this one. It’s about the start of the woollen industry in Yorkshire. I thought you might like to know something about us Yorkshire folk and our roots.’
He grinned. ‘Yes, I’m sure it’ll be great.’
They chatted over a cup of tea, and a little later enjoyed a hearty meal of steak and kidney pie and chips, a change from eating up cold turkey.
Sophie said she must go home quite soon as she had been out all day. Ian walked her back to her house and they said goodbye at the gate.
‘Don’t worry about going home,’ said Sophie. ‘I’m sure it will be all right. Try to get along with Norma and don’t go listening outside doors!’
He smiled ruefully. ‘No, I won’t! You’ll write to me, won’t you, and I’ll see you at Easter time, I hope. Bye, Sophie. We’ve had a smashing time today.’
‘Yes, so we have. See you quite soon, Ian.’ They kissed, just once; a warm, friendly embrace.
They set off early the next morning on their journey to Blackpool. There was a slight fall of snow on the moorland roads but they made good time and arrived soon after eleven o’clock. Ian was quiet throughout the journey, feeling apprehensive and more than a little regretful about what he had done.
He did not need to have worried. His dad gave him a bear hug and Norma kissed his cheek.
‘Good to see you back, son,’ said Alec.
‘I’m sorry, Dad,’ he mumbled. ‘I felt sad and sort of… all mixed up.’
‘If you’d said you wanted to go to Yorkshire for Christmas we would have understood,’ said Alec. ‘I know you miss your sister.’
‘I didn’t,’ said Ian. ‘I mean… it was just an impulse… sort of…’
‘Well, let’s say no more about it,’ said Norma cheerfully. ‘It’s lovely to see you all. I’m cooking a leg of lamb. A change from turkey! And we’ll have a good chat and catch up with all the news.’
Ian tried not to think of times gone by and did his best to join in the joviality: the giving of presents, the eating and drinking and the continual chatter.
Janice and Phil stayed until early evening, hoping that the snow which was threatening would keep off until they were safely home. They phoned at eleven o’clock to say that all was well.
Ian said goodnight and went to bed in a more contented state of mind. He tried to read his new book but after half a page realised he was too tired. He turned out the light and thought about Sophie. She was such a good friend…