James Kelman - A Chancer

Vi smiled at him for a moment then she looked at the fire.

He put the toast back down. He stepped towards her and he took both of her hands in his and leaned to her but she rose from the settee. They put their arms round each other, clinging together, then he kissed her neck, and upwards to the lobe of her ear, and she moved her head a little, till they were kissing each other’s lips; then they broke away and clung with their arms round each other again and Vi chuckled.

Vi, he said. He sighed and lifted her up off the floor, walked forwards still holding her.

Put me down, she said and she had to raise her feet to avoid kicking something.

He laughed but continued towards the recess and as she toppled onto the bed he went with her, landing almost on top of her and they were kissing again. She arched her back from him when he attempted to unloosen the strap of her bra but tugged her jumper back down when he pulled it up. She pushed him from her and he stood down. It’s okay, she said. Just. . we’ll go into bed first.

Aw, Christ. He shook his head and turned away. She had begun to tug the jumper over her head, the bra cups lying half off her breasts.

I dont mind you looking, she muttered.

He shook his head. Then he glanced at her.

•••

The Art Gallery & Museum would not be opening for another hour. They walked on round the building and along behind the bowling green, across Kelvin Way and into the park. They walked down by the river. The trees were bare and the river was quite swollen. Keeps the smell down, said Tammas. Gets hell of a pongy in the summer. Hey, come on up the duck pond and I’ll show you the rats!

Vi laughed.

The child’s name was Kirsty. When they arrived at the pond Tammas lifted her down from Vi’s arms and he held her so that she was sitting on the bevelled railing surrounding the bank of the pond. He squatted next to her, pointing at the island: Under the bushes there Kirsty, just watch under the bushes, just at the edge. You as well Vi.

I cant see a thing. Apart from the ducks!

Patience, patience. . He continued to squat, balancing the girl with one hand while pointing out to the bushes. Then there was movement and he whispered, See it? the bush shaking. .

Where?

At the edge, just keep watching.

I cant see anything. Eh Kirsty? can you? Can you see anything?

The girl made no response, but she gazed in the direction of the island.

Definitely rats there, said Tammas.

At that moment about half a dozen birds flew down to settle on the pond.

Tammas said, Should’ve brought some bread with us Vi, the wee lassie would’ve liked to feed them. And the ducks as well right enough. Hey. . Look. . Now, the bushes.

Vi moved closer to him, her gaze going with the direction he was pointing in. She shook her head.

O Christ, he said, Vi — you cant miss it! Biggest I’ve seen for years! Big grey yin! See it? Look! Kirsty, Kirsty, can you see it? Can you see it? the big rat? O Christ, a beauty.

I cant see a thing. .

After a moment Tammas said, It’s away. He stood up, lifted the girl from the railing and returned her to Vi.

I think you were seeing things.

Naw, you kidding! You wouldnt’ve missed it either if you’d been looking properly.

What d’you mean looking properly? I was looking properly. I was looking properly for the past ten minutes and I’m bloody freezing!

Ach. . Doesnt matter. Come on, we’ll go to the swing park — eh Kirsty? want a shot on the swings? He lifted her back from Vi again and attempted to raise her so that she could sit on his shoulders but she kicked with her feet and he had to duck and then land her on the ground.

Vi took the girl by the hand. Sometimes she’s a bit funny. And I dont think she likes being up high either.

Tammas nodded. Okay Kirsty? He winked at her, stepped round the way so that he was walking with the girl inbetween himself and Vi; and gradually he took her by the hand. When they reached the swing park he stood behind one of the swings while Vi sat the girl down on it, fixing her hands to grip onto the iron chains which were attached from the swing to the cross section above. He lighted a cigarette and gave it to Vi, lighted one for himself. This is great, he said.

She raised her eyebrows at him.

Naw, honest.

Dont be daft.

Naw, I mean it Vi; it’s the best day I’ve had for years.

She looked at him.

He smiled briefly. If you had seen the rat right enough, that would’ve topped it. He shook his head and glanced away from her, inhaled deeply and blew the smoke away over his shoulder.

Kirsty said: Mum. . And she withdrew her hands from the chains, holding them out to Vi who lifted her off immediately.

The shute, said Tammas. Fancy it?

Vi shrugged, she was holding the girl so that her back was to him.

Think she fancies it?

Ask her and see.

Tammas walked round the back of Vi and he winked at Kirsty. Fancy a shot on the shute?

I think it’ll be too damp, said Vi, after a moment.

Mm.

No think so yourself?

He shrugged. Suppose it will be.

Vi smiled. We’ll go to the Art Gallery. She cuddled the girl and murmured. Eh Kirsty? will we go to the Art Gallery? get nice and warm!

You’d think it was cold to hear you.

Cold! God! It’s bloody December! And I dont know how you survive with just that daft jacket! Vi shook her head and she turned and walked off in the direction of the Art Gallery.

Naw, he said, hey! Hey Vi — mon we’ll go to the cafe across the road!

As long as it’s warm.

Course it’s warm. He put his arm round her waist but she twisted to settle Kirsty more comfortably in her arms, and he stepped aside, put his hands in his trouser pockets.

Tammas. . do you mind if we just went home?

Naw. He shrugged.

D’you mind?

He looked at her. Me as well like? I mean have I to come with you?

She raised her eyebrows.

He grinned; he took her by the elbow.

I’d rather you didnt — it makes it hard for me to carry Kirsty.

Sorry.

It’s okay. There’s bacon and eggs in the house. And I can put out some chips.

He shook his head.

Is that alright?

Aye. Aye. It’s great. God, great.

During the early part of the evening, after they had eaten, Vi was washing clothes at the sink and Tammas was sitting to one side of the settee, gazing at the television. Kirsty was sound asleep, outstretched on the other side of the settee. Every so often he turned to watch Vi, smiling when she became aware of him. She placed her hands on her hips and said: I hope you’re satisfied!

Tell you something Vi, that was the best meal I’ve had in years.

O I know, bacon egg and chips — very unusual.

Aye fair enough but it was really good, I mean really.

Shut up! She turned back to the sink, immersing her hands in the washbasin, wringing an article of clothing. Tammas had got off the settee making very little noise and he came round behind her, encircled her waist with his arms, placing his chin on her right shoulder and his cheek to her cheek.

You’re putting me off.

Sorry. He moved his head round and kissed her on the mouth. Salt, he said, licking his lips.

O thanks! It’s probably yours anyhow.

He grinned, put his arms round her again, and she turned to face him. They kissed, clinging to each other. Then she broke from him: We better put the cot up. . She nodded at Kirsty and at the space between the side of the fireplace and the bed-recess. It goes in there.

Once they had done so Vi began getting the girl ready for bed. She did it very gently and very carefully and Kirsty seemed hardly to know what was happening; and she was back sleeping again when Vi laid her inside on the cot. She pulled over the blankets and stared at her. Then she bent and kissed her on the forehead. Kirsty smiled.