Cathy Sharp - Christmas for the Halfpenny Orphans

‘I’d love to,’ Alice said and hugged her. ‘Mave might lend a hand too, if I ask her. You could both come back here afterwards for a fish and chip supper.’

‘I’ll be on duty in the evening,’ Michelle said, ‘but I’ll have supper with you another time, when I’m back on days.’ Then, after a pause, ‘You are managing all right? I mean, you’re not short of anything?’

The sudden question made Alice laugh. ‘Bob makes sure I have enough money. I’m better off now than I ever was at home, Chelle. Mave asked me the same, offered me a few bob, but I’m all right. I can cook and I’m good at managing my money – but I should like to learn to sew better. Mum couldn’t never be bothered to show us how to do it properly. I thought I might go to lessons at night – it’s two and sixpence a week, but that’s not too bad.’

‘Why don’t you let my mother teach you? She’s a trained seamstress. You could come round ours, chip in for supper – and then, if I’m home I’ll walk back with you.’

‘Would your mum teach me? I could pay her the two and sixpence …’

‘Do that and she’ll chase you off with a chopper,’ Michelle teased. ‘She might be little but she’s pretty fierce if you get on the wrong side of her. No, seriously, bring some fruit or cakes. You’re a good cook, Mave said so at the wedding; you can make cakes. Our Freddie never has enough of them.’

‘I’ll do that, then,’ Alice said. ‘You’re my best friend, Michelle. Thanks for standing by me through all this. Everyone from St Saviour’s has been so good to me. Nan has invited me for tea this Sunday.’

‘I love Nan. Everyone does, she’s like a second mother to us all – but Sister Beatrice … well, I respect her, especially the way she keeps going whatever …’ Michelle hesitated, then went on, ‘I know you won’t say anything – but I think she might be unwell.’

‘Sister Beatrice, ill? I don’t believe it – unless you mean a cold or something?’

‘No, it’s worse than that …’ Again, Michelle paused as if unsure whether to continue. ‘I’ve seen her flinch like she’s in terrible pain – and sometimes her face goes very white.’

‘Has she said anything? She ought to see a doctor if she’s in pain.’

‘I don’t know whether she has seen one or not,’ Michelle said. ‘I daren’t ask. You know what Sister Beatrice is like. And she’s so irritable lately, I’ll probably get my head snapped off.’

‘Well, she would be touchy if she’s in pain. Someone ought to say,’ Alice said. ‘Why don’t you mention it to Angela? She won’t mess about – if she thinks you’re right, she’ll go straight in and say.’

‘Yes, she would,’ Michelle agreed. ‘Where angels fear to tread, Angela charges in regardless. I’m hoping she can help my father get the job of caretaker. She hasn’t said she can for definite, but if his tests are all right, and he’s not got TB, he’s in with a chance.’

‘It’s time your family had a bit of luck, Michelle. Are you hungry? How about I put the kettle on and we’ll have a slice of my coconut cake?’

‘Good idea,’ Michelle said as Alice filled the shiny new kettle one of the girls from St Saviour’s had bought her as a wedding present; it had a whistle that let everyone know when it was boiling. Alice set it on her modern gas cooker, which Michelle envied on her mother’s behalf. ‘I like coconut cake – especially if it’s moist and chewy.’

‘It’s moist,’ Alice said, then added doubtfully, ‘but I’m not sure it’s chewy – it isn’t one of those pyramid things you make with condensed milk. It’s a proper cake with a lot of coconut. I bought a bag of the desiccated stuff at the Home and Colonial. Isn’t it lovely that things are beginning to come back into the shops again?’

‘Best not eat too many cakes, even if you can buy them,’ Michelle teased. ‘If you want your figure back …’

‘Never was as slim as you,’ Alice said and laughed. ‘I’m so glad you came round, Michelle. You’re a real tonic.’

‘That’s what friends are for. I’ll always be your friend, Alice. We have to stick together, be there for each other.’

‘I know.’ Alice embraced her. ‘Don’t worry about your dad too much, love. I’m sure he’ll be fine.’

‘I hope you’re right. He’s ever so miserable since the doctor put him on that diet.’ Michelle sighed. ‘Oh well, he’s got an appointment at the hospital tomorrow for some tests, so we should know what’s wrong in a couple of weeks …’

Leaving Alice’s house two hours later, Michelle was lost in thoughts of her father as she walked through the narrow streets towards her tram stop. She was vaguely aware that several of the streetlights weren’t working, but when the moon disappeared behind a cloud it suddenly became difficult to see. A shiver ran through her, and Michelle registered that it wasn’t so much the cold night air that had caused it as the sense that she was being followed. She glanced over her shoulder and saw a man some distance behind her. When he noticed her looking at him, he stopped walking and bent to tie his shoelace.

Michelle walked on. Determined not to let on that she was afraid, she deliberately slowed her pace. Her shadow did the same. He was following her; she wasn’t imagining it. She turned into the next street, which was busy with people and traffic, then suddenly stopped within sight of her tram stop. Once again he stopped too, loitering outside a newsagent’s and pretending to be interested in the window display. When he turned to look at her, Michelle saw that he was uncertain what to do.

‘Why are you following me? What do you want?’

‘What makes you think I’m followin’ yer?’

‘We both know you are …’ At that moment Michelle saw a police constable approaching on his bike. He was within hailing distance. ‘Tell me what you want and go or I’ll scream and tell that policeman you threatened me.’

‘Bitch!’ The man grabbed her arm, his fingers pinching her flesh. ‘I’ve been told to give yer a warnin’. We ain’t forgot yer, Alice Cobb, even if yer are married to that bloody Army boy. One of these days Mr Lee will be payin’ yer a visit and you’d best tell him what yer know or you’ll be sorry.’

‘Tell Mr Lee he should look after his own affairs instead of employing idiots who don’t even know the person they’re supposed to be following. I’m not Alice and I’m not frightened of you or your Mr Lee.’ She glared at him. ‘Now take your hand off my arm and crawl back into whatever rotten hole you came out of. If you ever come near me or my friend Alice, I’ll be talking to the police about you and your Mr Lee.’

The policeman had seen them now and he shouted something. Michelle wrenched away from the man, who glared at her but then glanced nervously in the direction of the constable and set off at a brisk pace, disappearing into a nearby alley. The constable wobbled to a stop beside her, putting his feet to the floor. His trouser legs were clamped with bicycle clips, exposing shiny, thick-soled black boots; beneath the helmet that was firmly strapped under his chin, an anxious pair of eyes peered out at Michelle. He looked so young and inexperienced, she doubted that he would have been much use against the brute who’d harassed her.