by Atonia
Day 6
I didn’t expect to see another day but here it is breaking across my bed, and sun too; I think it’s come to guide my way. Molly, I know you’re tired of waitin’ and I’ve done all I can here. I know you would have wanted Roger to have the house, so that’s the way I’ve left it. It don’t matter does it what he does with it or what’s in it. I reckon by now Tommy’s got his boy. James is asleep in Jimmy’s old bed on the bottom bunk just like his dad used to be. Peg’s with her Jason and I feel good about that.
Ah, Molly you’re beautiful you are, just like the day I married you. Remember the church, Molly? It was filled with flowers and smelled of roses and you were the prettiest rose of all. Your cheeks were bloomin’ pink that day. Oh, Molly if we could only start it all over again…
Jimmy hung up the phone, “Cilla’s fine and the bairn is a robust healthy boy born at 4:30 this morning. Tommy’ll be by later he says.”
“I guess I should start breakfast…”
“Have your coffee first, Peg…there’s no hurry wait for Jason and James to get back from the corner.”
“Auntie May is coming round.”
“Aye I expected that.”
“What time are they coming for him?”
Jimmy checked his watch, “Should be anytime now. Did you notice how peaceful he was, and smiling. God, he looked twenty years younger.”
“I hope it was painless in his sleep.”
“I don’t think he was in pain, Peg.”
“Where’s Roger?”
“Went for a walk…want some more coffee?”
“Yes please…Jimmy, will James be alright with this; should you take him to Barbara?”
“He’s fine…all life ends in death…the sooner he understands that the sooner he’ll get his feet on the ground and his head going in the right direction.”
“I’m glad he had the party, he was so happy last night.”
“Yeah he was, but he was also missing something…Mum.”
“I’d like to think he’s with her now.”
“Of course he is…she was waiting for him…that’s what he told me, Peg.”
“I wish Roger would come back. I…just want us all to be together…close…you know? Oh...the door.”
“It’s only Auntie May sit down, Peg,” Jimmy said softly.
Jimmy left the kitchen to Peg and Auntie May, there were going to be tears and he didn’t want to see them. He stood in the lounge and took a deep breath…they would be coming soon to take his father away, it was over now. Outside on the walkway James and Jason were returning from the corner shop with the milk and papers. He opened the door for them.
“No trouble finding everything?”
“None at all mate, James led me right to it.”
“Auntie May is in kitchen with Peg…she’s just come…do ye want me to take the milk through?”
Jason could hear sounds from the kitchen, “No mate I’ll take it…see to James.”
“Right…you got the papers…good, James find the puzzles and we’ll work ‘em out.”
Roger, having seen his father for the last time that morning, left the house and began to walk. He paid no attention to where he was walking; head down and hands in pockets the sun warming his back. He felt a stranger in his hometown when he stopped at a street corner and turned trying to get his bearings. He had another week to find them. He looked up at the English sky and the sun that had followed him from the house. The sky bright azure blue with only a few clouds white and puffy contrasting with the green rolling hills he could see in the distance. The air was crisp and cool and clean. He closed his eyes a moment and turned the corner.
“Our Tommy’s on his way, Peg,” Jimmy called out from the lounge. The van was waiting outside to take his father away but he’d not let them touch him until Tommy had seen him. It wouldn’t be fair to him.
“Hey would you mind going around the block or something, my brother is on his way…I’d hate to…you know.” Jimmy said.
“Sure we’ll go have a coffee...about thirty minutes?”
“Good…ta.” Jimmy waited on the walkway until he saw Tommy’s car coming up the street. He also saw Roger walking from the opposite direction.
Tommy parked and came up the walkway. “I’m glad you’re here to go up with me, Roge…Jimmy.”
“Let’s go, Tommy,” said Jimmy.
Peg, with May’s help, turned out a large breakfast for the family. Peg glad to have something to do handed the plates to Jason.
“Have you called the vicar, Jimmy?”
“No, Auntie May not yet…I thought to spare us that for awhile.”
“He should be called there’ll be the service to arrange.”
“I’m sure he can pull one out of his pocket, there’s no hurry. Dad never liked him you know?” Jimmy said raking the last of his egg onto a piece of toast.
“I’ll be bringing Cilla home from hospital tomorrow.” Tommy said.
“Little Tommy…he’s all right?” Asked Auntie May.
“Oh yes, he’s got a pair o’lungs on him,” he smiled.
“Jason will you be stayin’ for the service?”
“Yes I will, mate…stay till it’s over then I must get back to London.” He looked at Peg.
Peg smiled, “I’ll stay the week…there may be things to see to.”
“If you want to go with Jason, Peg…I’ll be here.” Roger said quietly.
Jimmy looked across the table at Roger, “There will be a reading of the will.”
“Yes, I know.”
“Have you made up your mind, Roge?”
“About what, I don’t have to make any decisions right now.” He answered.
“He’s right, Jimmy, what’s the rush?” asked Peg.
Jimmy sat back in his chair, “I just thought with the house an all, he might be staying.”
“I’m not staying, Jimmy, I have a job and responsibilities to it in the States. “
“Leave ‘im alone, Jimmy.” Tommy said
“Am I pressurin’ you, Roge, I’m sorry.” Jimmy became contrite.
Roger sighed, “Just because Dad’s left me the house doesn’t mean I have to take up immediate residence in it does it? I’d like to keep it, I may put in for a transfer to London but I don’t know yet, and don’t know how long it would take for that to happen. I just need some time.”
“That’s a sensible lad, Roger,” Auntie May said nodding her head.
“Ah well then you’ll not be selling it then, that’s good.” Jimmy said relaxing a bit.
“I never thought to sell the home place.” Roger replied tired of the conversation.
“I’m going on along home, get a bath and catch a little kip, I’ll see ya later,” Tommy got up wearily from the table.
“Ya got to choose a box,” said Auntie May.
“Wot?” Tommy turned and asked.
“A box er a casket that’s what it is.”
“Ah well do I have to go?”
“No, Tommy you get along we’ll take care of it.” Jimmy said rising from the table and walking out with him.
Auntie May began clearing the table, “We’d best get on with it.”