The Secret Cave by Ruth Reins - HTML preview

Chapter 9

Shirley awoke at 6am. Why wasn't William letting her know he was ready for his breakfast? Then it dawned on her, oh yes she was now at the cottage. Her baby, her darling child, she surmised he was safe and sound with his daddy. She hoped Jeffrey had found another to take her place and only prayed it was not Jayne Hudson. She wouldn't make a good mummy to her son William. Oh how would she survive without him? She knew she must put on a happy face, at least for going back to the surgery. She realised Maggie would want a detailed account of her life in these last few months. Shirley ran a bath and lingered in the warmth of the water. Just as leisurely, she had breakfast. No more hurried breakfasts she thought. Looking at the time, 8 am. Another forty-five minutes before she needed to be at the centre. Shirley would have liked to have taken a walk.  She knew however, she wouldn't have gone very far before being confronted.  Well wishers they might be, today Shirley just couldn't face it. It would be bad enough facing them at the clinic this morning. She switched on the television and tried to concentrate on it. After ten minutes she gave up and went into her little garden. She was amazed; it was an array of colours. Someone she knew must have looked after it for her. She wandered around the garden, pulling out an odd weed or two on the way. Shirley  was delighted with the overall look of it. The colours just blended together beautifully. She didn't know an awful lot about gardens or flowers for that matter. She certainly intended to learn in the future. Shirley looked once more at her watch and it was time to leave, then going inside to quickly wash her soiled hands, picking up her bag she left for the surgery.

"Oh Shirley good to see 'yer lass, 'yer been solely missed. How're you been? 'You look well, something has been suiting you and no mistaking.

"Fine Maggie, I have missed you too. I have managed to catch up with old times and old friends. I stayed longer than I intended, because my friend Kathy was really ill. It was quite a time, she's alright now, thank goodness. I am glad to be back though."

"Oh I see, nice when 'yer can afford to stay off work so long ain't it?" Maggie chuckled. "Got to tell 'yer Shirley, there's lots of filing to do.  I haven't been so good my sel' lately.  I was saying to our Fred an' Sal. It's time I was retiring myself. Fred is 'yer know, he's asked if he can move to next village with his old pal Dougie. I'll surely miss 'em both." "Yes, I bet you will Maggie, are you really going to retire?"

"Na not as long as I have me strength. I'll stay, can't get rid of me that easy. We must get on Shirley."

"Yes I will get on with the filing Maggie, if you like?" Replied Shirley.

"I, but make tea first lass." People came throughout the morning, some Shirley knew had come in just to see her. They hadn't got an appointment, some didn't even pretend to  have one. Such was the people of the village Shirley thought.

Later Maggie remarked to Shirley, how the people of the village had taken a shine to her. "'Yer know lass that if it were anyone else people wouldn't have bothered to call on them." Shirley thought maybe she should be pleased, but at the moment, she found it really trying. She hated all of the lies she was forced to tell.  She missed Vera, she  missed the house in the copse, but most of all she missed her child. There was a longing in her breast. She knew eventually it would dim, but right now she was hurting. She hoped she could carry on without breaking down. Shirley got through the day regardless of her pain. She was ready however, for the sanctuary of her little cottage. William having finished with his surgery turned to Shirley and said. "How has your first day been? I noticed the surgery was very full this morning. I wager it was because of your return. Still it's good to see you back Shirley."

Shirley smiled. "It's nice to be back doctor. I missed you all too." William smiled at Maggie. "Will you be staying late tonight, or will it be Shirley? I need help with my  files; I really need to update my system. Maybe I should use the computer, but I guess I am an old fashioned man at heart."

Shirley interrupted him at this point. "I could show you how to set up your computer doctor, also teach you how to use it. It would save you an awful lot of time and paperwork."

"I would be worried Shirley, what if I pressed the wrong button. I would lose all my patients' notes."

"No you wouldn't, you can back up all your work, keep everything on disks. It's easy, I will teach you. You will pick it up in a jiffy."

"Well if you’re sure you don't mind Shirley?"

"Of course not, we could start right now doctor, that is if you have nothing else to do?" Shirley added. "I have the time to spare."

"I haven't any patients to visit, so yes thank you Shirley."

Where does that leave me doctor? I can't fathom that lot out it flummoxes me. 'Yer don't want me to learn it do 'yer?"

"No, don't worry Maggie, I will do that, you will still be needed for the patients files here. They will remain the same."

“‘Am glad about that Shirley, I'm too old to change me ways. Tell 'yer what, if 'yer don't need me now, I'll be off." Maggie picked up her bag and grabbed her coat, she was gone without waiting for a reply. William laughed. "She's an old dear. She has been hard pushed these last few months. She wouldn't let me replace you. "What would lass think  if she came an' you'd let some other in her place." He mimicked Maggie.

Shirley laughed. "Oh William, you know how to cheer me up don't you?"

"I'm glad Shirley, how are you bearing up? I realise what you are going through. If I can help in any way, you have just to ask me."

"You have helped me William, I can never repay you for all what you have done for me. I am sad, yes, but also glad. My child, I know, will have a good life. I trust Jeffrey; he will cherish little William. I just hope Kathy will come and let me know when she is  able. I can' help worrying”

"Oh she will, you know Kathy, she is very resourceful. She will find a way."

Shirley began feeding in information, explaining to William everything she was doing. They worked for a while. William turned to Shirley. "You need a rest, I know I have evening surgery, but you young lady, go home now. I will cope with my evening  surgery. I will see you tomorrow. I won't take no for an answer."

"Alright you win, I am ready for home." Shirley gathered up her belongings and headed for the door. She bumped into Sally. "Oh Shirley, glad you're back, got my Fred to tend the garden, hope 'yer like it?"

"Oh yes, was it Fred? I noticed how lovely it was looking. Thank him very much for me won't you?" Shirley tried to pass by; Sally was not having any of it. She blocked off the way and continued. "I was just saying' to Maggie, that we haven't seen 'owt of Vera a late. Don't know where she’s gotten. Fred goes that way, past her place, he asn't seen 'er either. Someone said thought 'yer knew."

"Me, why should I know? I have only just arrived back. I only spoke to her once or  twice. I am sure you know more about her than I do." Shirley replied, with just enough edge in her voice to let Sally know she wasn't pleased. "Oh right then, see 'yer later. I'll be sure to thank Fred for 'yer." Shirley quickly slipped by her.

Once in her own cottage, Shirley prepared herself a meal and settled in for the night, at least, she thought, the worst was over. She had seen most of the villagers and listened to their gossiping. Now she could settle down again. Shirley began to sob; she had held tears at bay all day, now she could no longer control them. Shirley cried until she no longer had any more tears to shed. Going into the bathroom, she glanced at herself in the mirror. Ugh, she looked awful. What a sight she looked. Red rimmed eyes, she really would have to pull herself together or else, and she would be the talk of the village. She felt angry with herself, after all she knew that having William was one thing, keeping him was impossibility. She should think herself lucky. She had given Jeffrey what he had always wanted, knowing that he would receive William with open arms. Then having deliberated with herself, Shirley thought, I really feel better for it. She walked into her lounge switching on the television Shirley began to relax.

The days went by slowly, Shirley began to tick them off in anticipation. She had circled the day William would be going to the complex. There he would see Kathy, and then she would get back the information she was seeking. The day dawned at last; Shirley awaited William's return. It was a very slow day, because with the doctor away Shirley hadn't enough at the clinic to occupy her mind. She visited Mary, went shopping, and watched  a little television. Most of the time she spent watching the clock.  Maybe, she thought,  the doctor might even be able to smuggle Kathy back, like he did last time. Though, if he did, he would have to be very careful. She secretly hoped he would. She certainly could do with Kathy's company right now, even if only for a brief time. Shirley walked down  to the station; she felt she couldn't wait much longer.

William stepped down from the carriage. She waved and stepped forward to meet him. William waved back, but Shirley noted he was frowning. "What's up doc?" She said laughingly.

"Quite a lot Shirley." He said seriously.

Shirley immediately became alarmed. "What William? Please tell me, is it Kathy?" "Look Shirley, come up to the house with me, I will explain then. I don't really want to tell you here and now. Come on." William began to stride out. Shirley had to nearly run to keep up.

Mary met them in the hall. Taking the doctor's coat, she said. "Oh I see you have Shirley with you. Shall I set supper for two?"

"Yes please Mary, will you bring it into my study?" Once inside the study, Shirley sitting comfortably, William began. "Kathy has gone missing Shirley, I think she must still be with Jeffrey in his time."

"Oh dear, what if the machine malfunctioned? What if they aren't safe? My poor baby, my poor friend."

"No, no, don't worry about that. It seems as though the controller thought she might have tried to escape in the time machine. It was checked out. The machine is in fact there. Kathy must have either sent it back or come back with it. This is the worrying part we don't know which. What do you think?"

"I think Kathy will have found a way to stay, she was careful. I doubt that anything has happened in the short distance from the cave to the complex. She would make certain  she wasn't seen. I am worried though William, what does the controller intend to do  about it?"

"I am afraid she is coming to search our village first. She feels this is the obvious place  to look. However, she is baffled by the fact that the computer doesn't register her number anymore." He smiled. "At least we have the cast to thank for that, even then though, I would have guessed she would have needed it removed at this stage."

"Jeffrey may have thought of a way, but I really don't know why she didn't come back first to tell us everything was fine. She is usually considerate. She could escape another time, she has proven she can do it."

"Yes, I agree with you, most baffling. I don't understand it myself. Still Shirley, there isn't a lot we can do, only hope all is well. By the way Shirley, we must not let the controller find any baby things. No good giving her fresh ideas."

"You're right William, I shall make sure she doesn't see anything untoward." Mary walked in with a trolley ladened with food.

"Ah Mary, thank you. You are a treasure; mmm I'm certainly ready for this." William said, turning to Shirley for confirmation.

"Me too." She said with a smile. Shirley however, was far from hungry, but she knew  she would have to make an effort if only to satisfy Mary, who had obviously gone to a lot of trouble to prepare the food. Having done her best with the meal, Shirley excused herself.  Mary showed her to the door.  "Thank you Mary, for the delicious meal." "You're welcome Shirley, see you soon."

For the next day or two Shirley could think of nothing else. She went over it in her mind, each time coming up with a different solution. This was driving her mad. She had to accept the situation as it was. No good keep trying to come up with an answer. She must settle for not knowing the truth. Once her mind was made up, She knew she must get on with her own life. One couldn't live their life in the past. Shirley laughed out loud, how ludicrous was that, probably Kathy was doing just that.

The days rolled on; Shirley was more settled, even quite happy. She loved the village life, her little cottage and even just sitting in her quaint little garden. Time was a healer, She felt as though this was a new beginning, a new chapter. Her social life was improving, each day she would receive a new invitation. She was even learning to dance. Her and William were very close; she was often to be found in his company. Mary  would always remark. "You two should be married." Shirley would always laugh it off. She knew she couldn't bear it, if William were to go out of her life. However, she loved William; she realised not in a sexual way and not how a bride should feel.

Shirley was just tidying away her files, when William called to her. "Shirley would you come into my office please? I would like a word." Maggie looked at her and said. "Sounds ominous, what 'yer been up to lass?"

Shirley laughed. "I'm going to find out in a minute, can I leave you to replace this Maggie?" Shirley handed over the files.

"Yea, I'll have it done in a jiffy. If 'yer still wi' doctor I'll drop latch on me way out." "Thank you Maggie." Shirley walked into the doctor's office. "What's wrong William?" "Nothing Shirley, sit down I want to ask you a favour. My father's companion wrote to me. I received this letter today. She said my father was not too well. (He is well into his seventies now.) She thought he needed constant supervision, even suggested that I might want to have him with me. Also stating she herself was not so young anymore. I have been thinking about nothing else all day. Now I think I have a solution, but it is entirely up to you Shirley."

"What is it William? You know I will do anything within my power to help you.  Just  ask me."

"Yes, I know, that is the problem, I don't want you to feel obliged to me. I want you to make a decision purely on the merits of the task. If you feel you can handle it."

Shirley laughed. "William stop beating around the bush, just tell me what you want from me?"

"Yes, sorry Shirley, I want to know if you would like to become my housekeeper? Don't answer yet think about it. It will mean looking after not only my needs, but also those of my father, maybe even his companion. Mary would show you the ropes, but would then move on. She wants to go and stay with her niece. She is ready for retirement. What do you think? Could you maybe consider it? I would like you to give me a decision quite soon." Shirley looked across at William's anxious face. How could she refuse him, he never thought twice about helping her. Even at times putting his career on the line for  her. "William, I don't need time to think, I have decided. Go ahead with your arrangements, you will of course need someone else here, someone who is proficient with computers."

"Yes, if I find someone suitable, perhaps you could train them before leaving. I will advertise tomorrow. Thank you Shirley."

Shirley walked home slowly, she thought, I must leave my little cottage yet again. It seems I'm doomed to keep moving. Still cannot let William down. I get on well with older people, aren't they all heading for middle age or beyond in the entire village. She really didn't have a lot of choices. Anyway, Shirley reflected back. Anything was better than the archives, the life she lived in the complex. How did she stand it? Maybe it was because she hadn't known any better. Shirley vowed she would look after the old dears to the best of her abilities.

Over the next few weeks, Shirley had her work cut out. William had not chosen wisely  in selecting her substitute. The first woman was pleasant enough, but very  stupid.  Shirley could not manage to get through to her. The second one didn't have a pleasing nature at all. However, third time lucky, Shirley was managing to teach Susan the basics. She was proving to have an aptitude for computers, learning very quickly. Maggie approved of her that helped Shirley to ease Susan into place. "This Maggie will be my last day with you. Susan is doing very well don't you think?"

"'Yer she's a good sort, I'll miss you though, but still 'yer want to be miles away this time will 'yer? You'll bob in on us from time to time. Don't be a stranger lass."

"I won't be, I will miss you too. The doctor is going to fetch the couple, I believe that they come from Lincolnshire."

"That's away an' all. I went there once to a Butlins holiday camp." Shirley looked puzzled. She didn't know anything about holiday camps. "Oh good." was all she could think of to say.

William called in on Shirley at the cottage. "I am going to collect my dad and his friend on Friday night. I'll be staying over, I expect to be home around lunchtime. I won't impose on you over the weekend; Mary assures me she will manage. I would however, like you at the house sometime on Sunday, to meet them and to arrange with Mary what your duties are. I'll leave that to the pair of you to sort that out." He grinned. "I must say it will be nice to see your pretty face first thing in the morning."

Shirley grinned back. "Flattery will work every time."

Friday night came; Shirley handed over her keys to Susan, wishing her all the best. Turning to Maggie she said. "What about that farewell drink, shall I meet you down at the Swan?"

"Oh 'yer, but not 'til half eight, call for Sal' on 'yer way." Shirley promised. Walking on from the surgery, she then looked back, another door closed and yet another fresh start.

Shirley glanced at the clock, nearly 12 pm. The monorail was about due into the station. She peeped through the curtains. Oh lord, she thought, I am getting just as nosey has the neighbours, heaven help me. She forced herself away, crossing the room; she switched  on the television. After a time, Shirley thought she heard a noise, going into the hallway she noticed an envelope on the doormat. Quickly Shirley picked it up, then looking out seeing no one around; she locked the door behind her. Shirley placed herself on the sofa, taking the envelope she studied it carefully. It said to Shirley on the front. The writing  she knew was familiar to her, but for the moment she couldn't place it. Opening the envelope she discovered it contained a diary, also a note. The note read:

Dear Shirley

This letter will come as a shock to you. I hope you are sitting down when you read it. I have arrived here from Lincolnshire with Jeffrey. You will have guessed by now, I am your friend Kathy and that William the doctor is in fact your very own dear son. This diary is a record of his very early life, as you will see, his first steps, words, and birthday. I tried to keep this record for you. I cannot tell you all now, but I promise I will come  and see you hopefully tonight. I will tell you then.

Your faithful friend

Kathy.

Shirley was stunned, how could this be? William her son, Jeffrey her Jeffrey here. She couldn't get her head around this concept. What on earth would William make of it all? Did he know? Was he being told right now? What would happen? She picked up the diary, glancing through it, she could see indeed; it contained all the important events in young William's life. This she was grateful for. She held it close to her chest. Tears  began to spill down her cheeks. She sat there for what must have been an hour. She was brought back to reality by an urgent rap at the door. Shirley looked at the clock at 1 pm.  It must be Kathy. She ran to the door throwing it open, this stranger confronted her.

There stood this grey haired woman who Shirley did not know at all. "Who are you?"  She asked.

"Shirley it's me, Kathy! I'm sorry, I should have prepared you." "Kathy, is it really you? I wasn't expecting."

Kathy finished the sentence. "An old lady. Don't worry, I am, but I have lived my life to the full. Don't pity me. Look Shirley, I have not time to talk to you now, but I must, before you see Jeffrey and William. Look, I have just said I was nipping out for some  air. If I don't go straight back they will worry."

"Look, Kathy, you know the little house in the copse. I will meet you there tomorrow. I still have a key. I will be there from 7 am. I don't want to be seen. Come as soon as you can, we will talk then." Shirley put her arms around the now frail shoulders of her friend. "Do you want me to escort you back Kathy?"

"No, I can manage, see you tomorrow."

Shirley closed the door, bolting it. She walked back into the lounge, she guessed there would be no sleeping for her tonight. She had too much on her mind. This proved to be the case.

After a restless night Shirley had an early breakfast. Then she stepped outside making sure no one was around. She quickly headed for the little house. Passing the big house,  on hearing a noise, she ducked into a nearby hedge. She smiled to herself; it was only a squirrel. Arising, Shirley then hurried on once inside the woodland she relaxed in the knowledge that this was a perfectly safe haven. Producing the key from her pocket, Shirley quickly unlocked the door. Once inside drawing the curtains in the lounge and switching on the lights. Shirley settles down to await the arrival of Kathy.

Kathy was beginning to get impatient now. She had been trying to make her escape for the last thirty minutes. It was nearly 8 am, what must Shirley think. This Mary was alright, but she could talk. Finding a lull in Mary's conversation at last Kathy said. "I'm sorry, but do you mind if I excuse myself? I would like to walk around your splendid grounds."

"Oh yes, they really are lovely this time of year. Shirley loved to walk around them." Mary went on. "I remember once."

"I don't mean to be rude Mary, but I would like to go now."

"Oh sorry." Mary walked away.  Oh dear Kathy thought, I have alienated her.  I will  have to make it up to her. Hurrying as fast as her legs would carry her. Kathy paused for breath. This is old age; my friend is still young and active. Look at me, she thought, out of breath could I expect Shirley to look after me now.  She should be out there, living  this wasn't good enough for her.  Kathy realised poor Shirley just hasn't had a life.  Maybe she should go back in time, live a little. Kathy's mind was still in full flow that's when she realised she had arrived at the house.

Kathy knocked once, before she had time to knock again, the door was thrown open. "Oh Kathy, there you are, I thought you were never coming. Come in."  She led Kathy into  the lounge, taking her coat from her Shirley flung it carelessly over the back of a chair. "Sit here Kathy."

Kathy took a deep breath and then began her story. "When I first arrived with baby William, the first person I saw was Fred the postman. He looked at me as if he had seen a ghost. Shirley, he told me everyone thought you were dead. It turned out that Jeffrey not being able to convince them you had gone away, was arrested and convicted of your murder."

"Oh dear why hadn't we thought about that?" Cried Shirley.

"It seems that no-one would believe him, to make matters worse, he was badly beaten while in prison."

"Oh my poor Jeffrey, Sorry I keep interrupting, go on."

“Well, he was taken to hospital, his injuries were very severe. I won't go into the gory details. Only to tell you Shirley, he was placed on a life support machine.  Apparently,  he was unconscious for quite a while. When he did come around, he had lost all hope. His prison guard Amanda was the one who gave him strength to carry on." Kathy  paused, looking across at Shirley, she added. "They fell very much in love.  This is when I came on the scene; you can imagine the it. There were reporters everywhere. I had to make a statement, Jack's wife Eileen, she wrote it for me. It seems the story was I had  run away to a commune. There I was being held against my will. I had escaped with Jeffrey's baby. This would also explain my broken arm."

"Oh I see, what did Jeffrey say?"

"I told him who I was, I knew I must tell him the truth. Amanda and Jeffrey decided that when he was fit enough, we, all three of us, would leave the area. Amanda was to go to a new position. Jeffrey and myself, were to go away with the baby to start a new life." "You mean you and Jeffrey!"

"No." Kathy interrupted her. "It was for the benefit of all you friends. In fact, they  needed me to go along. I was to be William's nanny." Shirley smiled at that thought. "I know what you are thinking Shirley, but I did learn. I did look after William and I love him."

"Oh I'm sorry Kathy, that was silly of me to think even for a moment you wouldn't be up to the task. When have you ever let me down? Go on please."

"Well, first Amanda arranged for me to have my chip removed by her cousin. He also altered my nose, see." Kathy said, wiggling her nose. Shirley looked across inspecting Kathy's nose. "Ah very cute, it turns up."

"Exactly, I had my hair cut short and dyed blonde." Kathy smiled.  "Honestly Shirley, you would not have recognised me, I looked terrific. Anyway to get on with the story. I divorced Jeffrey, then after a decent interval, he married Amanda using her maiden name Preston. Yes they had William's name changed to Preston. Shall I continue?" Shirley nodded. "Amanda had a little boy two years later called Richard.  Then after another three years she had a little girl, she called her Kathleen, Kathy for short. Honestly Shirley, you would have loved Amanda, she was lovely."

"What happened to her?" Shirley asked.

"I was just coming to that. I carried on looking after the children. Then one day when William was ten, Kathleen had just started full time schooling. I usually took the  children to school. I had learned to drive a car by then. In fact I had only just received  my license. This day however, William had become feverish. I felt sure he was coming down with something. Amanda decided she would drop off the other two youngsters to school on her way to work. This is when disaster struck.  It seemed a lorry careered out  of control, smashing into their car. They didn't stand a chance. The only consolation was they all died instantly on impact. The police assured us they would not have felt any  pain. Jeffrey was inconsolable.  I tried to help, but all I could do was be there for him  and of course young William. As time went by, his pain was less; I stayed with them until William entered medical school. Then I got a little place nearby. The last year or two though, I moved back in with Jeffrey. He was getting a bit doddery I guess that attack he underwent in prison was the reason why. I felt in the end Shirley, he needed to be back with his son."

"I agree Kathy, tell me do you love Jeffrey? If so, why did you not marry him? All those wasted years, you obviously never found anyone else."

"I had my chances, Shirley, both Jeffrey and myself did discuss the possibility. I always felt that I would be betraying your trust. So it never happened."

"Oh you goose Kathy, I would have liked that for you both."

"Look Shirley, have you any further questions for me? I dare not go missing for too long."

"Alright Kathy, I will see you this afternoon." Then giving the house a last minute inspection and making sure everything was as she had found it she then departed.

She bumped into Sally outside the cottage. "Ha Shirley 'yer  bright  and early.  I see yer've come from the big house. I saw doctor's old folk arrive, bet he's glad."

"No Sally, I have not in fact, come from the doctor's house. I have however, been for a walk. I'm afraid I am now pushed for time Sally, if you will excuse me. I have a lot of tasks to complete."

"I must say Shirley, 'yer al'us in a hurry. 'Yer wear 'yer sel' out if 'yer not careful."  Shirley laughed despite Sally's nosiness she really was nice. She smiled. "I know as  usual you are right, I will, I promise slow down, but for now I must dash." Shirley quickly hurried down the path.

Once alone in her little cottage, Shirley had time to think. Take in all what her friend had related to her. It took some sinking in.  If she thought about it, it really did sound bizarre. I wonder what Jeffrey will think? How will he react, when he sees me? Did he want to keep William in the dark? Did William know it was Kathy? If he did, he would surely suspect. Was she to deny knowing Kathy? Shirley went over and over it again in her mind. In the end all she managed was a giant headache. Taking some tablets to ease it, Shirley then prepared herself a light lunch. This she thought would be the last time she would make a meal here. In fact, from now on, she would be making meals