So thats how we met
Tom, whats wrong? asked Emily after several minutes of silence. You hardly seem yourself. You look so pale Is everything all right?
Yes, its fine, Tom replied, willing himself to pull it together. He set his fork down and reached for his glass of apple juice, delaying the moment hed have to respond properly.
*****
Tom approached the entrance to the block of flats, hesitated with his hand on the heavy iron door handle, and then, at the very last instant, found himself unable to pull it. He simply couldnt make himself go inside.
He knew he was expected. He remembered promising Emily hed come to hers for tea, but his nerves were absolutely frayed, and it brought out a shame in him a grown man with knees quivering like a schoolboy called to the front by a strict headmaster.
There wasnt much left to do, really open the door, go into the flats, climb to the third floor, and find number 36.
And yet, something held him back.
Some odd fear clung to him, not letting him see it through.
All he wanted to do was turn around and walk away. It didnt matter if he went home or to the other end of London as long as it was away from here.
Why on earth did I agree to this? he muttered, stepping back. Its obvious theyll decide Im not good enough.
He moved further away and glanced up at the lit window on the third floor.
It shone brighter than the rest, or so it seemed to Tom a sort of beacon to guide him and make sure he didnt miss it.
He hadnt, but the thought of actually climbing those steps was unbearable.
What really stopped him was how Emily would take it if he simply vanished now. Shed asked him to come, after all.
And hed promised he would.
*****
Tom, I have something to tell you Dont be alarmed, Emily had said the evening before. My parents want to meet you.
Emily was his girlfriend.
They were having supper at a little bistro on a cold, drizzly evening, chatting over roast chicken, discussing their plans for the weekend. Suddenly, out of nowhere, she dropped this bombshell. Hed actually stopped chewing and just stared at her, unsure if she was joking.
Nothing was all that odd about the idea. On the contrary, it was perfectly reasonable for her parents to want to size up their potential son-in-law. It would be stranger if they didnt invite him round to their place.
Only
Tom was worried stiff that they wouldnt approve of him. More precisely, that theyd decide he wasnt good enough for their daughter. There were, he felt, ample reasons for them to feel that way.
Emilys mother, Victoria Turner, had spent a lifetime working her way up the academic ladder at Oxford, from ordinary lecturer to Vice-Chancellor, and now she held a significant role in the Department for Education.
Her father, Charles Turner, had done no less started out as an engineer in a major construction firm, climbed to deputy director, and now owned his own and was on a first-name basis with the Mayor. A formidable chap.
Emily herself, in her early thirties, ran the legal team at a substantial London investment bank.
And Tom? Well, at thirty-five, he was a humble IT technician in a secondary school, without a degree to his name.
The pay was decent, but there was no prospect of climbing the ladder.
How would he look, sitting around their dinner table? What would he even say? How would he look them in the eye?
And how had he met Emily?
Ah, that was pure chance.
One autumn afternoon, Tom had wandered through Hyde Park. Emily happened to be out walking with two friends. The friends nipped off to buy some ice cream, leaving Emily to mind the bench and phone her mum.
As she chatted away, she didnt spot a drunken lad bombing towards her on an electric scooter.
Tom, quick as a flash, pulled her out of the way just as the lad flew by, crashed into a rubbish bin, and toppled off.
What do you think youre doing? Emily snapped, before realising, from the ensuing commotion, that Tom had just saved her from a nasty accident.
After that, while her friends queued for vanilla cones, Tom and Emily got talking, exchanged numbers, and arranged to meet again. That was six months ago.
Tom remembered all this now as he digested what Emily had said over supper.
Hed always dreaded meeting her parents, suspecting theyd forbid her seeing a chap like him. He knew he wasnt exactly Prince Charming just a regular fellow with no degree, no property empire, no connections. Hed already lost someone in his youth when faced with a familys disapproval.
He was terrified hed lose Emily the same way.
Tom, whats up? Emily asked again, after another pause. Youve gone so pale. Honestly, are you alright?
Its nothing, he replied, steadying himself once again. He set his cutlery down and bought himself time with a sip of apple juice.
So, will you come?
Come where?
To dinner, of course! Emily grinned. Mums fancying herself as Mary Berry lately. Dads bringing out some posh wine from his collection. You just have to say youll pop over. Seven tomorrow, yes?
I dont know Tom hedged. Your folks probably wont approve of me.
Why not?
Because Im just some ordinary chap with no fancy degree. I install printers and fix computers, Emily. Theyll want a big-shot businessman or a civil servant. Me Ive no prospects.
Theyre just regular people, Tom, Emily squeezed his hand. You dont know them yet. See you tomorrow at seven promise me youll be there.
He nodded, not knowing himself if hed go.
*****
And so tomorrow came.
Tom was outside Emilys block of flats, shivering slightly as the winter dusk fell around St Johns Wood. It was five to seven.
He knew a meeting with her parents would have to happen in the end he was properly serious about Emily, after all but tonight, he simply wasnt ready. Word was, he might get promoted to a new IT post in a couple of months; then, perhaps, he wouldnt feel so inadequate.
Just as he debated slipping away, his mobile buzzed insistently.
It was Emily.
Hello, Tom, she said, voice bright and warm. Mum and I are nearly ready. Dads running a bit late, but will be here any minute. Where are you?
Hi, Em Tom said, trying to sound normal. Er, yeah, Im almost there, just
Youre almost here, right?
Yeah, nearly. Just, well
If youre worrying about yesterdays talk, forget it, dear. Honestly all will be fine. Want me to come down and meet you?
No, no, honestly Ill be right up, Tom stammered.
Alright, well wait. Both of us.
Tom hung up, stuffed his phone into his jacket, and tried rubbing his temple for inspiration desperate for an excuse, any excuse, not to face Emilys parents.
Nothing came to mind.
And heaven help me if I bump into Mr Turner at the front of the flats Tom fretted, heading for a wander round the back to collect his thoughts. Meeting her father here, on top of everything else, would be the last straw.
As he passed the corner, he borrowed a cigarette from a passing stranger even though he hadnt smoked in months and huddled in the shadow, breathing out nervous clouds into the freezing night air.
There was nothing much to see: a skip on one side, an empty patch of hard-frosted grass on the other. Emily had told him a block of garages used to stand there, until they were cleared to make room for new flats.
As Tom scanned the emptiness, his eye caught a dog lying in the frost a forlorn-looking creature, curled up tight.
He tensed. Stray dogs were unpredictable, especially with strangers.
Yet, looking more closely, Tom realised this dog was no threat. It seemed not to notice him at all it just lay there, alone, on the hard, cold ground.
*****
Jack (as hed later learn the dogs name was) hadnt eaten in days.
Hed once lived on another estate, loved and occasionally given leftovers, but
one day a resident started a campaign to be rid of him. She wrote to the council, rallied for Jacks removal, and soon the tenants divided into let him stay versus hes a menace.
That strays always hanging round the playground! the woman exclaimed. What if it bites someone, or worse? Those wild, hungry eyes itll be a disaster!
In truth, Jacks eyes werent wild, just sad. His first owner had been a boy named Charlie.
Theyd met on a country lane when Charlies family stopped their car and the small pup came bounding over, delighted. Can we keep him for the summer holidays, Mum? Please? pleaded Charlie. His parents, happy to indulge their son, took him to the cottage.
But when the family returned to the city, they left Jack behind. We cant keep a big dog in the flat, said Charlies mum. Wholl take it for walks? Charlie, naturally, said nothing.
Jack was left, alone and confused. He couldnt understand why.
Luckily, a kind woman found him a month later, took him to town, and tried for weeks at the local market to find him a home or, perhaps, even sell him.
Finally, an elderly couple took Jack, reassured by wild tales of his pedigree.
Of course, as Jack grew, it became obvious he was no blue-blood, but a plain Jack-of-all-trades. The couple sent him packing, driving out to the citys edge and leaving him there.
It was spring, at least, and the weather was kind.
Jack wandered for months, ending up on a quiet council estate. No large, aggressive dogs. No threats. So he stayed.
He usually watched the children from a distance, thinking of Charlie.
Deep down, he never lost hope that Charlie might find him again one day.
But luck didnt return. Recently, the opposition had grown stronger. People glared at Jack, some threw sticks, and the campaign to move him on grew fierce.
Not wanting to cause trouble, Jack left for good.
And now he lay, spent and weak, on that empty plot, hungry and cold. He saw Tom, but knew better than to expect kindness. Hell finish his cigarette and walk away, Jack thought sadly.
*****
Tom finished his cigarette, looked around, and found a nearby bin for the butt. His mother used to say, If you want the world to be a better place, start small. Start with yourself.
Just as Tom turned away, headlights flashed, dazzling him. A black Jaguar eased into the drive around the back of the flats. Startled, Tom thought it might be Emilys father and quickly decided to walk further round, right past the dog.
But as he hurried past, he remembered the dog and glanced over.
If only the mutt wouldnt bark, he worried; the last thing he needed was to draw attention.
But Jack neither barked nor stirred. For a moment, Tom thought he might be dead.
Oi, pal, you alright? Tom asked, unsure why he said it aloud.
No response.
Summoning courage, Tom went closer. He shone his phones torch over the animal, crouched, and touched him gently.
The dog didnt even twitch but he was alive and breathing, just doubled over with cold and exhaustion.
If I dont help him now, he wont last until morning, Tom thought. He scooped the dog up awkwardly and headed for the nearest block. Maybe someone would let him in, or he could thaw the animal near a radiator and call a cab for the vet.
Every entryway was locked. Tom marched to the next block, dog in arms, his phone buzzing repeatedly. He couldnt answer, hands full. Passing Emilys flat, he briefly considered asking for her help. Her parents, though
Theyd hardly welcome a stray, half-frozen mongrel into their home.
As Tom reached the street, the Jaguar pulled up beside him. The window rolled down.
Need a hand, lad? a kindly male voice asked.
Um this dog found him out on the grass, half dead, Tom stammered. Do you know if theres a vet around here open late?
No, not nearby, the man thought aloud, but I know just the place. My mate works there. Get in, Ill drive you both.
You? Really? Tom was stunned. Whod expect a stranger in a smart car to offer a lift for a stray?
Hop in, quick! You said theres not much time. This poor creature needs help.
Tom didnt argue. By the time hed settled on the back seat, the car was roaring down the street.
As they drove, the man called someone. Darling, sorry work emergency. Might be late. Youre still waiting for Tom? Oh, I havent seen him about. Ill call if I find him. Whats his car look like again? Yes, yes right. Love you. Back soon.
When he hung up, Tom murmured, Sorry, have I caused trouble for you?
Dont be daft, the man said. Hows your dog? Still breathing? Any change?
Still breathing, Tom said, stroking the dogs thin fur.
Good, said the man, and pressed down the accelerator.
Within ten minutes, they pulled up at the animal hospital. The mans friend the night vet took the dog straight from Toms arms and disappeared inside.
Tom sat in the waiting area, hands shaking, staring at his phone. There were messages and missed calls from Emily: Tom, are you ok? Where are you? He knew he ought to reply, but he couldnt bring himself to explain it all now.
His thoughts were only of the dog.
He forgot even to thank his chauffeur. When he dashed onto the street to look for the Jaguar, it was gone. So he returned inside, where he told himself when all this was done, hed adopt Jack. If things went wrong with Emily, at least hed have a faithful companion.
*****
Forty minutes crawled by, every second marking the lengthening of Toms shadow beneath the corridor lights. The vets door stayed firmly closed.
Suddenly, there was a burst of voices by reception. One familiar, one less so, and then of all things the bloke with the Jaguar.
He grinned broadly on spotting Tom.
There you are, son. Didnt I say hed be here, waiting? Worrying to death about that dog of his, he announced cheerfully.
Tom clocked immediately that these were Emilys parents, and felt his ears burn.
Tom, why didnt you call? Emily ran over. We were worried!
Sorry, Em. Tom hung his head. I only thought your parents wouldnt exactly want some stray dog brought into their flat.
You silly thing! Emily laughed. We love animals. Mums already adopted three stray cats, you know.
Truly?
Truly. Come on, lets meet them.
Victoria reached out and shook Toms hand. Im terribly grateful for what you did tonight. It takes a proper man to show such kindness. Emily was right youd have been more than welcome in our home, dog and all. But lets hope your four-legged friend will pull through.
Oh, hell live, said the vet, poking his head out the door. Hes not going anywhere.
They let Tom take Jack home that very night. All he needed, the vet said, was warmth and care and, most importantly, love.
Love works miracles, the vet reminded them as they left. It can bring even the weakest creature back from the edge.
Tom wanted to head straight home.
But Emily and her parents bundled him, and Jack, straight back to theirs. Our cats will watch over him better than any nurse, Victoria declared. And anyway, we should celebrate for Jack, and for finally meeting at last.
While Jack flanked by three cats and awash with warmth and food lay blinking on the sitting room sofa, barely able to believe his luck, Tom sat beside Emily in the kitchen, chatting with her parents well into the night.
Hed worried needlessly. They were genuinely lovely. Kind, down-to-earth, real people.
In a few days, Jack had perked up. He followed Tom everywhere, tail wagging, alive once more.
When Tom came to collect him, Emily waited at the door, overnight bag slung over her shoulder.
Are you planning to take me along as well? she teased.
You? Really?
I am. Just my parents have told me Im not allowed to stay at theirs.
What? Tom was baffled.
They want grandchildren, Tom. They say its time to increase the population.
Tom burst out laughing, and so did Emily. Jack wagged so hard he nearly knocked over a chair.
He didnt understand all the words, but he knew just as clearly as any dog ever could that something wonderful had happened, for all of them.
And that is how the story goes.
