Hit and miss
While taking one of my driving lessons, I am foolish enough to ask the driving instructor about the traffic lights being out. We’d sat there waiting for hours it seemed, and they didn’t change colour.
I asked, “Is there something wrong with the traffic lights?”
My instructor got really cross. “I’m not here to answer your questions, he grumbled.”
I wasn’t due for a good score on that occasion. I kept going until I did finally pass. I have to admit that I don’t like driving, and would sooner walk where possible.
On the day I passed, and became a legal driver, I pulled up outside of our house, but had tucked the papers I received inside my jacket pocket. I saw mum looking out of the window, with no papers on show she’d think I didn’t pass. I walked through the door and I could see she’s disappointed.
“Never mind,” mum whispered gently, “You did your best and just keep going until you pass.”
I responded, “Yes, I will, mum I’ll just keep on, until I get the papers.”
Mum’s eyes teared up and she turned her back, she didn’t want me to see that she’s disappointed. I smiled while I fished my pass papers out of my pocket.
“I know you’re sad that I haven’t passed mum, but take these as a consolation gift.”
I saw her wipe her eyes and then she turned back.
I don’t think she can see what it is that I’m handing to her.
“Oh thank you John, are you sure you don’t want to keep the gift?”
I filled a glass with water as I’m thirsty. Out of the corner of my eye I could see her looking at the papers.
There is a loud shout, “You cheeky monkey you’ve passed, oh come here let me cuddle you, and I’m so pleased!”
It’s like mum has two faces, a sad one and a joyful one. I chuckled at how quickly sadness can turn to joy. Mum picked up the phone and spoke to our pub landlord and ordered a slap-up meal for all of the family.
“Yippee!” screamed mum, and she did a little jig.
It’s dark outside and we take a torch with us in order to see where we are walking
We all arrived at the pub for a slap-up meal, mum’s face changed again as now it’s red, like the wine she’s drinking. Mum yelled as a large beetle hit her in the eye. We shone the torch down and saw it was in fact a large bumble bee.
,“Oh let’s pick it up, and put it on those flowers over there.”
Mum loves wildlife and she adores bumble bees. Mum stood looking at the bee for a while to make sure it’s okay. Blow me down if a large beetle didn’t slap me in the face! Mum is not concerned about the beetle.
Mum giggled,” Come on you lot, it’s food and drink time, let’s go.”
We all had full stomachs as we came out of the pub and we are all wobbly on our feet. There’s a full moon tonight and the stars are bright. We saw a shooting star, or we thought we did.
We all made a wish and then we sang a lot of the old songs as mum loved those golden oldies.
It’s hit and miss that we actually saw a shooting star, or was it the drink?
The Masked Dance
When John suggested that he and Jacqui should go to a masked ball at the Hall owned by the local Political Candidate she was less than enthusiastic.
“Why are you so reluctant to go there?” he asked. “It’s not long since he bought the place, and I believe he is trying to be friendly and treat everybody in the Village exactly the same. He has invited just about everyone, as far as I can tell. It could be fun...”
“He is probably securing voters, Love,”retorted Jacqui.
“Oh, you terrible cynic! This is a secure Liberal seat anyway, so he does not need to work at it. You would think, with all his money, he would be a Conservative. There is more to your antagonism than I understand, Jacqui. Have you met him before?”
Jacqui walked away without answering.
When John and Jacqui got ready to go to the Ball they decided to wear matching masks, one sad and one happy. Jacqui wore a beautiful emerald green dress that showed off her lovely figure.
When they arrived at Beaufort Hall they were greeted by Marten, the new owner, and there was something in the way he looked at Jacqui that disturbed John. He said, later, “He certainly had his eye on you!”
During the evening Jacqui found herself dancing with somebody in a horrible white mask, not unlike the one she was wearing but more opaque and sinister-looking. The person behind the mask spoke with a distinct Eastern European accent, making careful small talk. Jacqui said laughingly, “You don’t hail from these parts, do you?”
“You are quite right, pretty lady. I am from the Czech Republic, a business associate of Marten’s. My name is Tomas. May I ask yours?”
“I am Jacqui… er, and that is my husband, John,” and she nodded towards him as he smooched past with a girl that she recognised from when she went into the Village Post Office.
“Do not worry, Jacqui. I am quite a nice person behind this rather unpleasant façade. My intentions and ways are completely honourable.”
He laughed and hitched up his sleeve and Jacqui saw that he had a scarab tattoo on the inside of his forearm.
“What do you think of this beautiful house, Jacqui?”
“Personally I like something a bit more homely but it is certainly a great place for entertaining.”
She wondered why he engendered in her a slight feeling of dislike when she did not believe she had ever seen him before this occasion.
They all went into another grand room for buffet supper and a glass of champagne and everybody removed their masks to eat, although many of the elaborate masks were only around the eyes and over the hair. Jacqui acknowledged to herself that Tomas was actually quite good- looking and would, to some girls, appear handsome, but his pale blue eyes seemed to Jacqui to make him look very cold.
Suddenly there was a flash and all the lights went out.A loud “ooh” echoed around the room. Jacqui quickly picked up her bag and pulled out the tiny but powerful torch she carried ever since they had moved to the Countryside. It transpired, however, that the loss of light was just a stunt and the room was soon sparkling with multi-coloured fairy lights.
At the end of the evening, when John and Jacqui went home, he asked, “Are you going to tell me how you knew Marten previously?”
“Actually, we were at Uni. Together, although doing different degrees. He was one of the ‘in’ crowd, belonging to lots of Societies and playing cello in the Orchestra so I hardly saw him until, one day, I was sat on the green with my book and a bee stung me on my ankle as he was walking past. I shouted and jumped up. It really hurt. He insisted on escorting me to get it seen to in the pharmacy.”
“Was that all? Did you go out with him afterwards? I thought he looked at you in a rather tender way.”
“I went to a couple of gigs with him—completely straight and platonic. I think he looked on me like a little sister.”
“Are you sure that was all there was to it, Jacqui?”
John seemed quite on edge and obviously unconvinced by her explanation.
“Oh, John, you know that the rich and famous, high flyers, are not my type. I like to stick with my humble roots. By the way, I must get rid of the L-plate on my car. I know you thought leaving it on would give me confidence but now it makes me feel as if I am lying.”
John shrugged, “Whatever you say.”
Following the Ball there seemed to be an increasing tension in John and Jacqui’s relationship and when he saw her talking to a Colleague in the shopping centre he questioned her in depth.
“He patted your shoulder as you separated. Why would he do that?”
“For goodness’ sake, John. It was just a friendly gesture. I work with him. What is wrong with you?”
A fortnight later they decided to go out for a special meal to celebrate their first Anniversary.
A visit to the renowned Pork and Apple Pub was to be a treat, and after ordering their starter and a bottle of white wine, Jacqui started to relax but then, as she was savouring her avocado vinaigrette, she saw John’s expression change to one of anger. She looked round towards the door and understood the cause of his expression.
Marten and Tomas came through the door and were shown to a table opposite to John and Jacqui. The tension was palpable in John’s posture and soon he was, once more, asking about Marten.
“I told you all I know. It must be apparent I have no interest in him in any way.”
Jacqui was angry. John’s fixation was going to spoil their evening.
After a glass of wine, drunk quite quickly, John started again, going on from the Marten interrogation to asking about other boy friends she had had before him. Finally Jacqui got up to leave and John grabbed hold of her arm, firmly.
Tomas got up and came across. He moved in front of John and gently removed his hand from Jacqui’s arm.
“That is no way to treat your charming wife. I thought you were a gentleman.”
“Bastard! Come along, Jacqui.”
Once again John pulled her towards the door and she caught her shoe, tripping over. Tomas held John at bay with one hand while helping Jacqui with the other.
When Jacqui looked up at him she thought his eyes were like the blue of an azure sky.
Linda Dalzell 25/06/21
And what will happen next....? We've asked for a continuation...
The L sign
Walking down our street and picking out the houses that I like, and would love to own. As I gazed at one house I noticed two faces looking through the window. They saw me and they had a questionable expression. It’s now I notice, out of the corner of my eye, a For Sale sign. I did wonder if I should call, as it is a nice house, and I’m looking for something like this one. I hesitated, and made my mind up, Yes, let’s go in.
As I wandered up the long drive, I noticed a car with an L sign. Mmm, nice car I thought, and it might be an opener of a conversation along with the one about the house. My friend Barry is going through the motions of learning to drive, and he’s doing quite well.
There are some beautiful flowers growing in the garden, and the sound of busy bees going about their work, also the birds are harmonising. The combination of these things gave me a message and feeling of home- coming. I noticed a very large bumble bee, and it is lying on its back kicking its legs. I chuckled as she had over-filled her pockets in her legs. I bent and helped it up; it flew off after a couple of minutes. I gazed up and saw one face looking at me through the window. After I knocked the door, a pleasant looking lady answered. I introduced myself as Sue Williams and she replied with her name, and it’s Diane Baker. I also added that I live two streets away, and I’m looking to purchase a house, as long as it’s the right price.
“I’m renting at the moment, but I do want to own my own home.”
“Yes, please come in,” Diane answered, “and let me show you around.”
The inside of the house I could already see is immaculate.
“Oh, I would love you to show me around, please.”
This house is everything I’ve ever wanted, and it doesn’t look like any repairs need doing, but I suppose when we move in we will find a few bits and pieces that need work. I asked about the price, and also why she wanted to sell?
Diane teared up.
“I have to sell my home as I’ve just become a widow, and I can’t afford the mortgage. Plus Dave has left a few debts, and then funeral costs. I hate owing money to any one and Dave’s debts are a shock.”
I felt for Diane, what a horrid worry.
“Oh dear, Diane, I am so sorry. I feel awful to bring this all up at such an awful time.”
Diane wanted quite a bit of money for the house, but I love it and am not going to question this as I know she needs every penny. I didn’t hesitate and phoned my solicitor and my surveyor. They acted very quickly and the news is great, the house is sound and we can settle quickly.
It had never occurred to me about where Diane and her Son are going to live, or whether they had found somewhere. I called again at the house and went into her son Jacobs’ room. And now it’s my turn to tear up. There is a photo of his father on the wall, and nature pictures and a wonderful framed scarab beetle, along with butterflies, and other insects. Jacob is a Manchester United football fan, the same as my son Jason. I checked to see how many rooms are upstairs. I was so caught up with this great place I hadn’t noticed how many rooms there are. I sat on Jacob’s bed and decided to ask Diane where they will live? I waited for her to come home and I called my husband and asked if he would mind if Diane and her son could live with us until they find a place? He sounded a bit flat when I asked him, but then gave in as her son is the same age as ours, and hopefully the boys will get along okay.
My husband Mark said, “Well, it might be nice for our son Jason, as he doesn’t mix too well with other children, and if they have the same interests this might be a good thing. There’s enough room for them to enjoy solitude if they need it.” He went on to say, “If it were you my love, I would love someone to help you.”
Diane came in and I made a pot of tea and asked if she’d eaten, the answer is no.
“I’ve been out all day and can’t find anywhere that we can afford.” Diane is tearful, “What about my boy, I can’t sleep on the streets with him out there in the cold?”
I poured the tea and her son Jacob came home from school.
“What’s for tea mum, I’m starving?”
I told him that I will cook whatever he wants for tea. He wanted fish and chips and so that’s what they had. While they ate, I mentioned about the conversation I’d had with Mark about them staying with us until better times come along. I told our son Jason that he had the same interests as Jacob.
“Can we stay, Sue?” Diane asked. “Just until I get myself sorted out? I need for Jacob to be warm and safe.”
I answered, “That’s settled, then, now go and relax and get a good night’s sleep.”
I felt better knowing they don’t have to move out of their home just yet.
Over the next few weeks Diane isn’t having any luck on getting a reasonably priced flat for her and Jacob.
We didn’t mind having them with us, and the two lads got along really well, and are the best of friends.
Mark came home after work and he has some good news, and it’s also sad. There is a friend of his that is looking for a housekeeper and is willing for the lad to live in as he has a lot of room. Diane looked a bit shocked as she hadn’t thought of being someone’s house keeper. I felt a bit anxious for her, as this is unknown territory. His house is just at the bottom of our street, so not too far away.
I said to her on the quiet,“Diane if it doesn’t work out, you come back here. Our two lads are still living close to each other so they can visit each other at any time.”
Diane showed relief at the suggestion. Mark took Diane down to meet his friend James. Jacob is at school and so they could talk about this situation. James is extremely pleasant and he and Diane hit it off straight away. Diane did still have issues with being his housekeeper, and she knew only too well what people are like for gossiping.
Diane soon got into a routine that suited James, and Jacob, and her lad got along well with James. For James it is a new lease of life, and he loved playing games on the X-box. James wondered how he had lived on his own for so long after his wife had died five years ago. She had been ill for a long time and it was a sad, worrying, lonely time, without a nice outlet for James, and he thought he would never marry again.
People have begun to pump their gums about James living with Diane and Jacob. Saying things like it isn’t right. This brought James and Diane closer together. James wanted to ask her if she would marry him, he was hesitant as he’s afraid she will say no. Diane is out in the garden on Sunday and she stood on a wasp. Diane is rushed to hospital suffering from anaphylactic shock. James paced the hospital floor.
He mumbled, “Please, God, let her be alright, I can’t bear to lose her and Jacob. They are my family now.”
The nurses patched her up and she is still groggy. James helped Diane into his car. Diane looked at him and saw how pale he looked. Jacob quizzed, “Will mum be alright, James?”
James replied, “I certainly hope so Jacob, you two are my family, and I love you both dearly.”
Diane picked up on what he had just said.
“What a lovely thing to say, James, and thank you for looking after us, you are our kin also. And we love living with you, we feel safe.”
James saw his chance and said to Diane, “Well that’s alright, then, shall we get married and make it official?”
Jacob shouted from the back, “That’s just great, now I have a new father and a new forever home.”
Jacob then added, “Please, James, can we have a dog?”
James and Diane looked at each other and James said, “You can have whatever you want, now that you are my son.”
Diane laughed and scolded James, “Now, now, we mustn’t spoil him, James.”
James then said, “Sorry, love, but he can have a dog, can’t he?”
Diane’s answer is: “Of course he can, and it will give Jason and Jacob a hobby while walking our dog.”
When Jason and Jacob met at school, Jacob told his friend the great news about his new dad and home and added, “I’m getting a dog as well.”
Jason responded, “Right, I’ll ask mum and dad if I can have a dog and we can train our dogs together. It will be fun.”
Jason ran home to tell his parents the great news and asked if he can have a dog as Jacob is getting one. That is a yes, and the two lads meet up after tea, and take the two dogs out and train them, with Mark and James there to offer advice.
The two dogs are entered into dog shows, and they both win prizes for good behaviour, and looks.
Josie Smith
Finally, here is a link to another, longer, story based on the same cubes:
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