Chapter 7
Mary walked out. "Come in Vera, come in. See our wonderful baby boy, he's a beauty and no mistake. I'm guessing he's a good ten pounder. Shirley's fine, just a bit tired." Vera hurried into the bedroom. "Shirley love, how are you? This must be little William, can I hold him Shirley?"
"Of course Vera, isn't he lovely. I think he takes after his daddy."
"I don't know, look at his dark hair. I think he looks like you." Vera cooed over the baby a while, then reluctantly handed him back to his mother. "I must not spoil him, I could do very easily. I won't though, I promise. Do you want me to prepare you a light meal Shirley? You must be hungry, having missed lunch."
"Yes if you don't mind, I do feel rather peckish."
"What about you two, you both went without lunch, can I get either of you anything?" "No thanks." Said Mary courteously. "I'll better be on my way. I will make something for us both, unless of course you wish to stay, doctor?"
"No I must be going also, I will call after surgery. Rest now Shirley, your baby should sleep for a while. See you later."
After the doctor and Mary had departed, Vera fetched in a light meal. The two of them ate in silence; Vera left with the trays. Shirley promptly fell asleep. The baby awakened her, he was just at the whimpering stage, but it was enough to rouse Shirley. Vera heard at the same time and came scurrying in. "Oh Shirley, I hoped he wouldn't have woken you. I was going to change him and give him some aired water."
"It's alright Vera, I am wide awake now and it is just as well, otherwise I'd be awake tonight." Shirley smiled. "Pinch me Vera am I dreaming. This must be the most wonderful day of my life."
Vera laughed. "You might not say that when you have had a few I can recall my mother telling me what a time I gave her, especially when I was teething."
"I shall not mind at all." Shirley replied. "Look William gave me this rattle." She shook it. "It has a teething ring on the end, the baby chews it when he's in pain. It was his very own. I didn't want to take it from him, because this is all he had left of his childhood. You know the doctor is stubborn, so it wasn't any use arguing with him."
"I'll make us a nice cup of tea, shall I? The doctor will be coming soon." Without waiting for an answer, Vera hurried off into the kitchen.
The doctor arrived back, in his arms; he was carrying a large box. "Here Shirley," he said, "I wanted to surprise you." Shirley opened the box, inside was a set of four wheels. "What?" Said Shirley.
"Hush, just watch." He went over to the cradle, lifting it gently off its base; he placed it onto the wheels, clicking a small lever. "That's it, try it for yourself Shirley." He wheeled the cradle over to the bed. "You see, Shirley now you can also wheel William outside."
"Oh thank you William, you are brilliant." Shirley pushed the cradle; it rocked gently as she pushed. The doctor stood there with a huge grin on his face. "Glad to be of service. Now let's have a little look at the young man. I did rather dash off earlier, but I had surgery." He picked up the baby. "Now then little William junior. Wow!" The doctor looked stunned. "What's a matter?" Said a near hysterical Shirley. "Is there something wrong with my baby?"
"No, no Shirley." He brought the baby over to Shirley. "Look," he said pointing to a birthmark on the baby's lower back. "That mark is identical to the one I have and it is in the exact same position as mine. What are the chances of that? I bet they are millions to one."
"Oh I see." Replied Shirley. "We seemed to be very much connected to you and I William."
"It's left me breathless, I can't quite believe it. Anyway Shirley, you have a healthy little boy. You can try to breastfeed him tonight, if he wants to feed he will let you know. How do you feel?"
"Fine, thank you again for everything."
"You're welcome, I'll be in to see you again tomorrow. I will leave you in Vera's capable hands. If you are at all worried, Vera can ring Mary. Alright?" Vera showed the doctor out.
As good as his word, he was back the next day. He had with him a Zinc bath. "This was used in the garden to collect rainwater. It is, Shirley a bath. You can bath William in it. Don't look so worried Shirley, it is perfectly clean and safe to use. Mary is coming over to show you the best way to bathe him. Apparently, it's a bit tricky at first, but no doubt you'll soon get the hang of it." Having checked everything was going well, he departed.
Mary came over every day for a week, to make sure Shirley knew everything she could teach her about rearing and caring for her child. Shirley was a natural mother and enjoyed every moment of her baby. Vera was learning a lot also, so between them all, William was not lacking care or attention. Shirley was feeling fitter and happier than ever. Winter turned into spring, William thrived. He was certainly a good-tempered baby. Shirley began to have reservations, how was it possible to keep her baby with her. She knew he would be alright for the first year or even two. Eventually however, he would need much more than she could provide for him. It would not be fair to deprive him of a normal upbringing. At least she had other girls to play with, her son wouldn't if he stayed, have any kind of childhood. She would write to her friend Kathy today and tell her about William. The doctor was going to the complex tomorrow, he would give it to her. Maybe, just maybe, Shirley thought, Kathy might be able to think of some way to help. Such was Shirley's faith in her friend's abilities. Shirley phoned the doctor. "Hello Mary, is the doctor there?"
"Yes Shirley, he is, but is it urgent? He is going out in a minute."
"Well, will you ask him if he can call on me before he goes to the complex? I have a note for him to take to my friend." Said Shirley.
"I'll do better than that Shirley. I will be over in ten minutes. It will give me a chance to see young William. Besides, I've made him a new romper suit."
"Oh thank you. He is growing so fast."
"It's alright love, I will see you in a while. Goodbye Shirley." "Goodbye Mary, I will be in the garden."
Mary walked the few yards to the little house and through the copse. There she found Shirley and the baby. "Where's Vera?" Asked Mary.
"She is still in her bedroom. She told me not to worry, she is just a little off colour and assured me it's quite natural to have off days at her age."
"Nonsense, I'm her age and I don't have off days. I might get Dr Preston to call in on her anyway, give you peace of mind Shirley. Anyway how is my little champion?" She said reaching out to the baby in the cradle. "Can I take him out?"
"Yes of course. He is getting a little big for the cradle; I only keep him in for short spells. I'm afraid he will outgrow it all together soon." Shirley looked gloomy at Mary. "Oh Mary what on earth am I to do?" She burst into tears. "There, there Shirley, don't take on so, not over a cradle anyway."
"No," sobbed Shirley. "It's not just that, it is everything else. How can I keep my baby here? Short term maybe, but long term, it is not really possible." Shirley wiped her eyes with a tissue. Continuing she explained. "You see Mary, William would not have any other children to play with. Also he wouldn't go to school. He would in fact, miss out on everything a normal little boy would have. I cannot possibly do this to my little boy. I am going to have to find a solution before very long and Mary I don't know how." Shirley began to sob uncontrollably. Mary put the baby back into the cradle. She took hold of Shirley, holding her closely to her until her tears subsided. Then she remarked. "Don't fret Shirley, I am sure if we all get together we will come up with something." She wasn't at all sure they would have an answer, but she would have to convince Shirley somehow. "Look put it out of your mind for the time being Shirley, we can sort it out when the doctor gets back from the complex."
"I know you're right." Replied Shirley. "I'm sorry Mary, I shouldn't burden you with my problems."
"What are friends for, don't forget I will always be here for you. Now cheer up, come on little William let's play." She picked up little William tickling his tummy. She was greeted with lots of gurgles from the baby. To all purposes, they then looked like a happy trio. Inside however, there was a feeling of dread, which stayed with Shirley throughout the day. When Mary left Shirley went inside. She thought she had better check on Vera. "Vera how are you?" There wasn't any answer. "Vera." She shouted, still no answer. She went over to the bed. She shook her, still she didn't respond. "Oh no please no." She cried, she ran to the phone dialling the doctor's number. "Mary, Mary get the doctor quickly. I think Vera may be dead. I cannot awaken her. Oh please hurry."
"Calm down Shirley, I will come with the doctor straight away." Shirley paced up and down. What was she going to do? Everything was going downhill rapidly. Now this, she didn't think she could survive this, if Vera was dead. "Oh please god." She begged. "Don't take her from me." The doctor and Mary hurried in. William didn't speak; he went straight upstairs to where Vera lay.
After what seemed like an eternity to Shirley, but in reality was only a minute or two, William came down the stairs. He shook his head. "Nothing I can do, she has had a massive heart attack. She must have been feeling poorly for a while. Did she say anything to you Shirley?"
"No nothing, oh poor Vera." Shirley's grief overcame her.
"Stay with her Mary." Said the doctor. "I have given her an injection, she will sleep for the rest of the day. Can you handle little William?"
"Yes doctor, just leave everything with me. I will stay with her until you get back."
"I must make arrangements for the undertaker, but first I will have to get my trusty friend, the builder to help me to move her to the big house."
"Oh yes, I'd forgotten about that. Can you trust him though?" "Oh yes for now my concern is for Shirley."
"I know, but I will cope, off you go and make the arrangement." Mary busied herself doing a little housework and tending to little William's needs. Nevertheless the time dragged by. She popped in on Shirley once or twice, each time she found her in a deep sleep. Mary was thankful for this because she felt it hard enough to come to terms with Vera's death. She had only really got to know Vera these past few months. They had become very good friends. Finding they had quite a lot in common. Mary wasn't easily reduced to tears, but she certainly felt the urge to cry right now. Silly woman she said to herself, pull yourself together. Shirley and the baby will need you more than ever now. "Fat use I will be." She said allowed. "If I am to go to pieces." She managed through the rest of the day on will power alone. However, she kept away from Vera's bedroom.
It was just as the sun faded over the horizon when the doctor arrived with, as promised the builder in tow. "Mary you and the baby stay in the lounge, we are going to move the body." Said William. The builder Arthur had a large plastic cover all in his hand. "You're not putting that around her are you?" Replied Mary indignantly.
"I'm sorry Mary we really must. We have no other way to carry her out. Don't worry we are taking her to the next village. I know the minister in charge of the church. He will arrange a decent burial, I will be there, and I shall represent us all. Unfortunately, this is the only way we can do it."
"Well Vera for one is past caring, I suppose she would have understood. She knew didn't she doctor, that we loved her?"
"Of course she did Mary. I will be back as soon as I can. Mary I know it, has been a long day for you. Can you manage?"
"I will, I must you see, for Shirley's sake. She was very down this morning, even before this. I hate to think what she will be like when she awakens. Vera has been like a mum to her since living here. How on earth will she cope?"
"Oh I think she will. There is much more to Shirley than you think, she has coped with a lot in her short life. She will come to terms with this. We will just have to be there for her, won't we? We must get on now Mary, I guess Arthur will need a hand. We will talk later." Mary fed the baby, bathed him and put him down for the night. She then checked in on Shirley. She was still sleeping soundly. Having prepared herself a light meal, Mary settled down in front of the television. She knew in her heart that she wouldn't be able to concentrate, but at least the noise of the telly was better than the silence.
Just after 10 pm. Mary heard the doctor's footsteps. She arose and went to the door to greet him. "How did it go?" She asked.
"I have arranged the funeral in two days. I didn't know too much about her beliefs, so I have organised a burial. Do you think that's alright Mary? If not I am to ring him straight back to let him know."
"I think it would be fine, doctor, whatever she believed in a burial would suffice." "Would you like to go home Mary? I would not expect you to sleep in Vera's bed and I can't ask you to sleep on the settee, not at your age. I will stay here until the morning,” He added " I've slept in worse places and situations than this." .
"I will not go home doctor, I can manage on the settee, besides I need to be here in case the baby or Shirley awakens. I know you doctor, you have a busy day ahead of you. Have you forgotten you are going to the complex in the morning." Mary handed the doctor the letter. "Shirley gave this to me this morning, she wanted you to give it to her friend Kathy. I think you ought to tell Kathy the situation here, she might write and comfort Shirley."
"Right thank you Mary, if you're sure you're alright, I'll head off home. Unless of course you would like to talk?"
"No doctor, you get off. I will manage here, will you call in on us before you go to the complex?"
"Yes, I intended to do just that. See you in the morning Mary."
Mary spent a restless night, but as luck would have it, the baby and Shirley slept throughout the night. 6 am sharp Mary went to fetch the baby having first arranged everything she needed for him. Young William dealt with, placing him safely in his cradle; she went to Shirley's room. Drawing back the curtains first, she proceeded to awaken Shirley. "Shirley, wake up love, it's Mary. I have brought you a cup of tea." Shirley opened her eyes and suddenly realisation dawned on her. "Oh Mary, Vera poor dear Vera."
"Yes I know love. For now though let us concentrate on you. How are you feeling?" "Pretty grotty, I feel as though I've had one over the eight." She said holding her head. "That will be the injection. The doctor thought you needed to sleep. Here drink this Shirley." Mary handed the tea over. "Would you like me to bring you something for your headache?"
"Yes please, oh the baby."
"It's alright Shirley, he has been washed, changed, fed and watered." Shirley smiled. "Thank you Mary, you're a brick. I can't have you running around after me, it's not fair." "Don't be silly, just you rest there. I will fetch you the tablets, and then I will get you your breakfast. You must be ravenous by now. Then we will think about you getting up, young lady. I will tell you the arrangements that have been made later."
Mary had prepared Shirley's breakfast and was just about to take it up to her, when the doctor walked in. "Ah Mary is everything alright?"
"Fine doctor, Shirley's awake. I was just about to take up her breakfast. I haven't told her anything about the arrangements. Will you tell her?"
"Yes Mary, give me the tray, I will take it up to her." The doctor knocked on the door and entered. "Hello Shirley, how are you feeling? Here's your breakfast, tuck in Shirley. We will talk afterwards." Shirley ate ravenously; when she had finished she turned to William and said. "I needed that I didn't realise just how hungry I was."
"Indeed Shirley, you must remember you didn't eat yesterday, you slept."
"I know thanks to you William. I feel more able to cope with what has happened. Poor Vera, she was just beginning to enjoy her life again. She told me, despite the fact that she hadn't as much freedom as before, she felt free for the first time since the death of her, Alan."
"At least you know you made her life worth while again Shirley."
"This is a small comfort to me. Seeing her new life has now been taken away from her." "You haven't to think like that. You must think of her having gone to a better place. I'm not deeply religious, but I do believe that it is not the end when we depart this life. It is only the beginning."
"I wish I could share your view William."
"You can Shirley, right now I guess you must grieve. Give yourself time." "You're right as usual." Shirley smiled.
"That's better, a smile from you is worth a dozen thank you's."
"Oh you flatterer." Shirley laughed. "You certainly know how to win a girl over."
"Oh by the way Shirley, I am going to the complex today. I will give Kathy your letter. I will also tell her of our loss. Talking about that, I have arranged Vera's funeral. She is to be buried tomorrow unfortunately; it is to be in the next village. I know you can't be there, but I will be. She would have understood I will go straight through on the monorail from my meeting. I won't see you until late tomorrow night. Will you be alright? Mary has promised to stay until then."
"What can I say? You have thought of everything. Have a safe journey William." When the doctor departed, Shirley quickly washed and dressed. Arriving in the kitchen, she was just in time to see Mary changing the baby. "Hello Mary, I'll take over if you like?" "No need love, I like to be useful. I can still do it you know?"
"Indeed I do Mary, better than I can. I just want you to not over do it." "Don't worry, I'm not going to drop dead on you, love. I'm as fit as a fiddle." Shirley laughed. "I've never heard that before."
"It's an old saying Shirley, anyway it's good to hear you laughing. Did the doctor tell you of the arrangements for Vera's burial?"
"Yes, I suppose it is the best under the circumstances." Replied Shirley. "Do you want to come out in the garden? I want to walk around the grounds. Get some fresh air. It will do William good."
"I won't if you don't mind Shirley, I'll tidy up here a bit, then get us both some lunch."
"I don't want you to feel as if you have to wait on me Mary, I should be waiting on you. I am much younger."
"I need to keep busy Shirley, it will keep my mind occupied, besides I like cooking and cleaning."
OK as you wish Mary."
Shirley walked out into the copse; this was her little world. The sun was shining, the birds were singing. Shirley spotted a couple of squirrels chasing each other around a tree. This was perfection; nature at its best. Shirley only wished today that she could have someone by her side to appreciate it. Of course she had her precious child, but today however, she felt very alone. Snap out of it she said to herself. This would not do. She would go on enjoying life, if only for the memory of her dear now departed friend Vera. In the last few weeks, she had become very, very close to Vera. She could not have loved her more if she had been her own mother. It was ironic, Shirley thought, every time she had gotten close to anyone, somehow they seemed to be taken from her. She picked up William, held him close to her and prayed. "Please lord, don't take my precious child away from me, not now. Not after all I have been through, I couldn't bear it." Shirley through her tears realised that she would inevitably have to be parted from her baby, for his sake. Whilst she could lead this life, it was not suitable for the growth of her child to remain in isolation. Shirley thought pull yourself together. She knew that for now William needed her. She must do her best to keep him happy and content. To stimulate him as much as she could. "See William look." She said pointing towards a tree. "Squirrels." William's eyes followed towards where Shirley was pointing, he gurgled. Shirley smiled proudly. William was going to be intelligent; he was a bright little chap. She placed William back into his cradle and walked on.
After a couple of hours had gone by, William was now sleeping soundly. Shirley arrived back. "Hello Shirley, did you have a nice walk?"
"Yes thank you, it gave me time to think. One thing for certain though Mary, I won't be able to keep little William here for much longer."
"I know Shirley, it is strange, but I was just thinking about that myself. Perhaps we should have a word with the doctor, when he comes back. He might have an answer, I certainly cannot think of a solution." Mary said candidly. "Me neither Mary. Ah well! I suppose it will have to be resolved soon. Whatever the solution Mary, I will be the sorry loser. I shouldn't complain, I knew this time would inevitably arrive. I should only count myself lucky that I had at least these precious moments with him. I have to think of what is best for him."
"Yes, of course you are right Shirley. We will all miss him though. Now would you like a cup of tea?"
"Yes please, let us take our drinks onto the patio. It's a beautiful day."
Having arrived at the patio, they both spent the next hour in deep conversation, mainly about Vera. "Oh look at the time Shirley, It's time for lunch. I'll go and prepare ours." Mary said. Just as though on cue, William let out a lusty cry. "Guess he thinks it's time too." Smiled Shirley.
After lunch Mary excused herself, saying she had some shopping to do. Once alone Shirley's mind reflected back to the last year of her life. Who would have thought so much could have happened in just one year. It was like something you would read in a book. Not at all like real life and yet it had happened to her. Jeffrey where was he? Had he got himself someone else? She knew he had stated that he never would, she guessed in reality, he probably already had. Oh how she had loved him, she longed for him right now. Shirley thought no matter what, I have a beautiful little boy to seal our union. However, this did nothing to alleviate her pain. She would inevitably lose both her loves. Left only with her memories. She wondered would she get old and sour like Vera was when they had first met. She hoped not. She should, she knew be thankful. Hadn't she got good friends all around her. A lovely little cottage, she would eventually get back to. A life she could share with these good people of the village.
She would survive; she only hoped life would be good for Jeffrey and her little boy. Oh! Shirley started; maybe it might just be possible to get her baby back in time to his father. He was, she thought conceived in Jeffrey's time. So what would be more natural than for him to be raised there. Shirley smiled to herself . This she knew was the answer. She could picture Jeffrey's face. She knew he would adore his son. That William would have a wonderful life with his father. For the first time Shirley felt at peace. Having decided now this was the way. There would, she surmised, be a lot of preparation to do first, but with Kathy's and the doctor's help, she knew they could pull it off. The only hint of sadness now was the loss of her faithful friend Vera. Tomorrow was her funeral and she would not be there. This was troublesome to her. She would just have to go into her grounds and pray for her. She did miss Vera, so too, she suspected little William. Time would heal, she thought. Shirley could not wait to see the doctor. She had thought of a plan. This time it was her idea. She knew William would agree. Shirley slept soundly despite the fact that she had insisted on Mary going back to the big house to sleep.
Next morning having dressed bathed and fed young William. As Shirley had promised herself, she went out into the copse to say a prayer for Vera. Shirley noted that William too fell silent as if in prayer. Once over, Shirley took the baby back inside to await the arrival of the doctor. She was just brewing a pot of tea, when the doctor arrived. "Hello William." Shirley said. "You are just in time. I am brewing a pot of tea. Would you like one?"
"Oh yes please Shirley." He replied, but make it two, you have a guest." Shirley looked puzzled. Then in walked Kathy.
"How did you manage that?" Shirley cried with her arms outstretched. Kathy embraced her friend. "Shirley it's good to see you, you're looking well, though I must say you have put on weight. Don't worry it suits you." She added looking at Shirley's face.
"Oh Kathy, you are like a tonic to me."
The doctor interrupted the two. "I’m sorry to intercede, but I must talk to you Shirley. I have surgery, you two can catch up when I've gone."
"Oh yes, sorry. Do tell me William." William told Shirley about the funeral and how the locals turned out for the event. "That was good of them, after all they had never met Vera." Said Shirley.
"That is where you’re wrong." The doctor replied. "Apparently, a couple who lived in the village knew her a long time ago, when she was very much younger."
"Oh I'm glad. Look William I have come to a decision. I would like to discuss it with you when you're free." The doctor stared at Shirley and said. "That sounds ominous. I will call as soon as I can. For now I will say goodbye." Shirley let the doctor out. Then turning her attention to Kathy. "How on earth did he manage to get you here? What happened to your arm?" Said Shirley noting Kathy's arm was in a sling. `
"One question at a time." Laughed “I visited the doctor. He decided that if he covered my arm with a plaster it would camouflage my number. Concealing the fact I was on the move. I am, to all intents and purposes, at home on sick leave. With that, I might add my answering machine is on the blink." Kathy turned to Shirley. "We thought of everything, don't worry. I am only here for the day; the doctor bribed the chap on the monorail to do a return, late tonight. Next month I am on holiday so I will still have my broken arm." She giggled. It was so effective that Shirley giggled too. "Oh how funny Kathy, you never fail to cheer me up. I am delighted you are here. I have really missed you."
"Come on soppy," replied Kathy. "Let's see my little nephew. Here I made him this little toy." Kathy proudly showed Shirley a little kitten; she had stuffed and sewn. "It's wonderful, William will love it. Come let's give it to him."
The two girls walked into the nursery where William lay. He was awake gurgling away. "Oh what a beautiful baby. Can I pick him up?"
"Of course you can Kathy." Kathy bent down to pick up William. William smiled up at her and proceeded to grab a handful of Kathy's hair. "Ouch." Yelled Kathy. Shirley quickly went to her rescue, gently untangled Kathy's hair from William's eager hands. "Sorry about that." Shirley said "I had forgotten to tell you, this is his latest. He seems fascinated by long hair he pulls mine regularly. I have learned to dodge his fingers." Kathy showed the baby the toy. It went straight in his mouth. Shirley took the toy away giving William the teething ring. "I'm afraid he is teething at the moment. So everything goes into his mouth. I will save this for him Kathy."
"Oh I see, I know nothing about babies." Replied Kathy.
"No neither did I, but it is amazing how quickly I learned when I needed to." She smiled at Kathy. "Let's go into the lounge, we have a lot of catching up to do." With that they went into the lounge.
Catching up on local gossip, Shirley then turned to Kathy and said. "I have come up with a plan for baby William. I have decided I must let him go."
"Oh no Shirley! You can't." Cried Kathy.
"Hush Kathy, don't take on. I don't mean to abandon him, only to try to send him back in time to his father. You see he was conceived in that time. So it seems the only natural thing to do. I don't know how to arrange it though. That is where you and the doctor come into it. I thought I might pick your brains."
"I see, let me think. I will still have my pot on then. Maybe I could sneak down to the cave. There is however, a snag. How do we get the baby over to the cave? We shall have to wait and see what the doctor has to say. He may think of a way. You will have to trust me to take young William." Kathy looked at her friend. "When you mess up, you certainly do it big time."
"I know, I am always asking you and the doctor to bail me out. It doesn't seem fair for either of you."
"Don't worry about that, I don't and I am sure the good doctor doesn't either. Come on Shirley it's time to eat. Tell me where everything is and I'll prepare it."
"Thank you Kathy, but I will wait on you. I don't do that very often, so allow me it will be my privilege." The girls ate heartily. Afterwards Shirley suggested they took the baby and went for a walk in the grounds.
"It's beautiful here Shirley, so tranquil. You are lucky, you might not be allowed into the village, but all this," she gestured. "Really make up for it. I could myself be very happy here."
"I know, I have often thought so too Kathy. Talking about the village, how did the doctor manage to smuggle you in without being seen?"
"Well, don't laugh, but he dressed me up like a working man, then when we got to the big house, I changed back into my own clothes." Shirley laughed. "Good old William, he thinks of everything." Just then the baby awoke. "I'd better get him back inside. It is his bath time. You can help me if you want Kathy?"
"I certainly do." She replied. "I will have to go back in a couple o