Ah, youre finally here, lad, I heard Evelyn exclaim as she caught sight of the car pulling up outside the modest terraced house on the outskirts of Manchester.
Nick, my son, shrugged off his flat cap as he stepped onto the porch. Hey, Mum, he said, pausing for a breath. Im not alone. He nudged forward a skinny youngster with round spectacles and a battered schoolbag slung over his shoulder.
Good heavens, a grandson! Evelyn squealed, eyes widening. Is that Tom or Charlie? I cant tell him without his glasses.
Nick eased the boy onto a chair. Put them on, love. This is Freddie, my well, my illegitimate son. Remember when I and Blythe split for a year? Thats when I got together with Molly. Freddie was the result, and I signed his birth register in a bit of a hurry.
Evelyns hand snapped at him. What are you blathering about in front of a child? Hes barely old enough to understand your muddle. She waved a finger at the boy. Freddie, why dont you pop into the lounge and have the telly on while we sort this out with your father?
The lad slipped out silently, heading for the spare room. Evelyn leaned in, voice low. Does Blythe know anything about him?
She never liked my wife, always a bit of a shrew and a nag, Nick muttered.
Evelyns eyes widened. Youre serious, son? If she found out shed have stormed out of the house barefoot. Im sorry, I built him from the ground up with my own two hands.
She sighed. Youre a proper rogue, not a man but a wisp. Always under Blythes heel. And now youve gone and fathered a child with another woman on the sidewhat a mess. Why bring him here? Blythe will find out and it wont end well for any of us.
Nick fidgeted, trying to explain. Molly was about to get hitched, then she ran off with some bloke down to the south for a month. She rang me, said, Take the boy wherever you like, even home. I told her Id lost my mind, I have a wife now, shed throw us both out. She threatened to make it a nasty affair. Ill give Blythe his birth certificate and you can sort it out. Thats the end of it for me. Molly barely forgave me; she didnt speak to me for half a year. So I thought, let him stay with you a month, then Ill collect him. He didnt even meet Evelyns eyes.
Evelyn shook her head. Youve been that way since you were a lad. If you get into trouble, Ill help. Fine, what do you want me to do with him? Hes not even our blood, she paused, Is he really yours?
Nick waved his hand. Hes mine, no doubt. Mollys no angel either, but shes a loyal sort.
They fell silent. Evelyn sprang to her feet. What am I sitting here for? Lets get him something to eat.
Nick rose, his voice flat. Sorry, Mum, Im off. Blythes waiting at home. I told her I was heading into town for spare parts. Feed Freddie and Ill be on my way.
Evelyn wrapped her arms around her wayward son and whispered, Take care, my dear.
Freddie ate quickly, eyes glued to the plate.
Want more? Evelyn asked, pitying his haste.
No, thank you, he said, pushing his chair back.
Maybe go for a walk, and Ill finish dinner. Whats in your bag, anyway? she inquired.
Just my stuff, he muttered.
Evelyn asked, Will you wash it yourself or shall I?
Freddie lifted his startled eyes to her. I cant. Mum always did the washing.
She lifted his little backpack, Off you go, Ill sort the laundry and rinse any dirty bits.
He stepped out while she began sorting through his modest belongings: two Tshirts, a pair of shorts and a couple of underpants.
Not much, she mused, shaking her head, Not even a warm jumper. Typical mumtobe. She dunked the clothes in the basin and turned to a cherry crumble she was baking.
A shout came from the street. Evelyn dropped the spoon, wiping flour from her hands.
Whats happened? she called.
Freddie yelped, clutching his leg. A goose has pecked me! Tears streamed down his face.
What were you doing out there? The geese were grazing, and you were in the yard, she asked, noting the red welt on his shin.
I just wanted to have a look at them, he sobbed.
Never seen a goose before? she asked, surprised.
I have, but I never got close, he whispered.
Alright, lets get you inside, Ill rub some salve on that wound, she said, taking his hand.
After dinner she propped him on the settee and lay awake, the house creaking in the night. She thought, What a life this has become? Id never have sent my own Billy to a strangers home. The little lads trousers cost more than a decent pair of shoes. Then she heard a whimper, sure enough, a boy crying. She tiptoed over, Whats wrong, son? Not liking me? She promised, Give it a month, Mum will bring you back.
Freddie sat up, whispering, She wont. I heard her talk with Uncle Victor that when they come, theyll send me to a boarding school. Ill only see them on holidays. I dont want that; Im happy at home with Mum. Uncle Victor never calls me by my name, and you, Grandma, though kind, Im not needed.
Evelyns heart clenched. She pulled the thin boy into her arms. Dont cry, my dear. I wont let anyone hurt you. Ill talk to your mother, and youll stay here. Our school is good, the teachers are proper. Well go berrypicking, milk the cow, and youll grow strong on fresh milk. Dont you believe me?
He hugged her neck, I want that. Will you keep your word?
She kissed his forehead, Of course I will.
Years later, Valerie would sometimes drop by with parcels, always in a rush thanks to her husband Victor hurrying her away. Nicholas turned up now and then. Blythe learned about Freddie and blamed Evelyn, saying she didnt need any of her own grandchildren, just the odd trinket. Evelyn didnt mind. The frail boy had grown into a sturdy lad. Each morning she prepared his favourite dishes, glancing out the kitchen window, hoping to catch a glimpse of the world beyond.
One afternoon a young soldier in uniform knocked on the door. Grandma, Im here. Where are you?
Evelyn sprang out, clinging to his neck. Freddie, my darling grandson!
Are you going back to mum? she asked. He set his fork down, surprised. To which mum? The one who left me and only brings me toys once a year? No, I wont go. Youre my mum, and thats final, he said calmly, resuming his meal.
Evellyn wiped away a tear, grateful for the joy of having such a grandson, a source of comfort in her later years. Her dear little boy, now a strong man, was her pride and her solace.
