Dear Diary,
This morning my mother, Ethel, burst into the hallway with the joy of a child spotting a new biscuit tin. My boys home! she exclaimed. I was still tugging my flat cap off the sideboard when I shouted, Hey, Mum, Im not alone. I nudged the thin lad with spectacles and a battered knapsack forward. Good heavens, is that my grandson? Is that Tommy or Jack? I cant tell without his glasses.
I took a seat and told Ethel, Put that on, love. This is Billy, my son by another woman. Remember when I was apart from my wife Agnes for a year? I fell in with Vicky then, and Billy was the result. I foolishly registered him under my name. I sighed.
Ethel snapped, What are you blathering about in front of a child? Hes too young to know about your messy past. Billy, go to the sittingroom and have the telly on while we sort things out with your father. The lad slipped out without a word.
Quietly, Ethel asked, Does Agnes know anything about him? Shed never liked my wife, calling her a shrew and a gossip.
I flinched. Mum, if she found out shed have thrown me out of the house long ago. Im sorry, but I built him from the ground up with my own hands.
Ethel huffed, Youre a right scoundrel, not a proper man. Youve been under Agness heel all your life, yet youve still managed to sire a child on the side. Why bring him here? If Agnes discovers him, Ill be in a right pickle.
I tried to explain, Vicky, that snake, decided to get married and ran off to the south with a new bloke for a month. She called me, begging me to take the boy wherever I could. I told her Id go mad, that my own wife would throw us both out. She threatened me, said shed make my life miserable if I didnt comply. Ill hand you the birth certificate, and youll sort it out. Thats all there is to it. Its the end of me. Vicky barely forgave me; she didnt speak to me for six months. So I thought Id let him stay with you a month, then Ill collect him. I could barely lift my eyes to my mother.
Ethel shook her head, You were the same naughty boy you were as a child, and youve never changed. Do what you must, but leave the lad with me. Hes not ours, is he?
I waved my hand, Hes mine, no doubt. Vickys a piece of work, but Im a loyal old soul.
Silence fell. Ethel sprang up, Enough standing about! Lets get him something to eat.
I rose, Sorry, Mum, Ive got to be off. Agnes is waiting at home. Ill tell her Im off to London for car parts. Feed Billy and Ill be back.
Ethel embraced me, whispering, God be with you, my dear son.
Billy ate quickly, eyes glued to his plate. Want more? Ethel asked, pitying his speed.
No, thank you, he replied, standing.
Go out for a walk while I finish dinner. Whats in your bag? she asked.
Just my things, he muttered.
Will you wash them yourself, or shall I?
He looked up, terrified, I cant. Mum always did the washing.
Ethel lifted his small knapsack, Off you go, Ill rinse whats dirty. He stepped out while she sorted two shirts, a pair of shorts and some underpants. Not much, not even a proper sweater. Typical mothers lot. She soaked the clothes in a basin and turned to bake a cherry tart.
A shout came from the street. Ethel rushed out, flour still on her hands. Whats happened?
Billy wailed, clutching his leg, A goose pecked me! It hurts! Tears streamed down his face.
Why were you near the geese? she asked, noting a red welt.
I just wanted to watch them, he sniffed.
Never have you seen geese before? she exclaimed.
I have, but I never got close.
Alright, lets get you some ointment, she said, guiding him inside.
After supper she laid him on the sofa, unable to sleep, musing how life had twisted so. Shed never have sent her own daughter to a strangers house. Now the boys trousers were more valuable than gold. She heard a faint sob and leaned close, Whats wrong, love? Not happy with me?
He whispered, Theyll send me to a boarding school when Aunt Vicky and Uncle Victor get here. I dont want that; Im fine at home with Mum. Uncle Victor never calls me by name. Grandmother, youre kind but Im not needed.
Ethels heart clenched. She hugged his frail frame, Dont cry, Billy. I wont let anyone hurt you. Ill speak to your mother and you can stay with me. We have a good school here and teachers. Well go mushroompicking, berrypicking, milk the cow. Youll grow strong on fresh milk. Ill introduce you to Peter tomorrow; hes a solid lad, as sturdy as a biscuit. Will you trust me?
He hugged her neck, I want that. Will you keep your promise?
She kissed his forehead, Surely.
Years later, Valerie would visit now and then, bringing parcels, but always hurried away by Victor. Nicholas appeared seldom. Agnes eventually blamed me, not her husband, for the boy, saying she didnt need grandchildren, only a tidy house. I cared little. Billy, once a skinny whelp, grew into a sturdy lad. One morning, while I prepared his favourite roast, I glanced out the window and saw a young soldier step into the garden, calling, Grandma, Im here, where are you?
I rushed out, clinging his neck, Billy, my dear grandson!
He asked, Will we go back to Mum?
He set his fork down, puzzled, Which mum? The one who left me and only sent trinkets once a year?
No, Im your mum now, and thats final, he said, calmly taking his seat.
A single tear escaped my eye, grateful for the grandson who gave my old years meaning.
Lesson: No matter how tangled the past, a bit of love and honesty can turn a stray lad into a blessing.
