The Apple Doesnt Fall Far
Youre just like your mother!
Hows that, Gran? Katie automatically took up a defensive stance, then stopped, wondering who she thought she was going to fend off.
Always off in your own world! Never listened to anyone! And you seem ready to do the same!
What exactly am I supposed to hear?
Me! Youre supposed to listen to me! And respect me! Because Im older and Ive seen more of life! You understand?
Katie stared in amazement at her slightly disheveled and red-faced grandmother, who shook her finger right in front of Katies nose.
Well, thats interesting! Why on earth did Gran think everyone should hang on her every word? She popped up like a stubborn stainimpossible to scrub out!
Katie wiggled her fingers, feeling for an imaginary rubber eraser. If only she could tidy up this daylighten some shadows here, brighten things there. She disliked gloom, never had much appetite for drama, bickering, and being yelled at. Her mum had never talked to her like that. Mum always said sensible people could actually hear things, not just listen.
Alright, ears open, Katie dear, and listen well! Just like bunnies! You know why a bunny listens so closely? Because the fox creeps upsoft as you please. If that bunny daydreams and doesnt listen… snap! Fox supper.
Dont! little Katie sat motionless, staring intently at her mum.
No, of course, we dont want that! Thats why the bunnys clever. Listens, and sprints faster than any fox. No fox is ever catching that bunny.
Those were old lessons, but Katie still remembered them all. Funny how when she was younger, she thought her mum exaggerated or muddled things. Turns out, as shed gotten older, Mum had been painfully rightwasnt she always?
Take Gran, for instance. Katie hadnt even met her until last year. Shed lived with Mum in a little seaside town, gone to nursery, played with Hannah and Jenny, made up over ice cream on the promenade, then school, then Tom, and her very first seaside sunset kisses. Mum was always there.
Katie squeezed the chunky bead of fake turquoise on her braceletone of Mums little creationswith her thumb and forefinger.
Who cares if its fake? Look how lovely it is! Thing is, sweetheart, sometimes the real thing is too heavy and sour. No matter how you twist it, it wont warm you or make you happy. A substitute isnt always bad.
How do you mean?
Well, remember what you and Hannah fell out over?
She said we were poor because you bought me knockoff trainers, not the real thing. She said shed know proper ones if she saw them.
She was right, really. Uncle Steve made those trainers for you. No one ever said they were designer. Did they?
No.
But theyre quality leather, pretty, and made with love. You know Steve cant make things any other way. Do you like them?
Yeah.
So whats the big deal? People invent all sorts of nonsense just to make themselves feel superior. Look, I have this little bit of cloth, and you dontso Im better! But is that true?
No.
Of course not. What matters is being true inside. The rest… some fixate over labels. Others love and appreciate what they have. I know for certain the happiest people arent measuring life by the label.
Katie thought a long time about that. She even managed to clean her whole roomand Mums too. Then she went to the kitchen, where Mum was making her favourite apricot jam, and said:
Mum, does that mean Hannahs not a good friend? Shes nice to me usually, but then she blurts out something nasty. I know she likes my trainersJenny said she kicked up a fuss and begged her mum for better ones than mine.
Oh, Katie! Mum put down her wooden spoon, wiped her hands, and hugged Katie. Dont be hasty. Hannahs just a kid, same as you, really
I am not a kid!
Katie twisted out of her mothers arms and glared, her eyes fierce, but Mum knew she was really cross with herself for doubting a friend.
Youll always be my small one, Mum said gently. You, Hannah, all those I watched growalways my little ones. Theres nothing wrong with that, is there? My mums been gone for ages, and sometimes Id give anything to be little again, to be fussed over and cuddled. But thats not possible.
Mum frowned slightly, planting a kiss on Katies crown.
Anyway! What were we saying? About you and Hannah… Katie, give her time. Remember how she carted you home when you fell off the swings? She was more scared for you than herself, even though shed scraped her knees too when jumping after you. She howled so much at hospital the nurse wanted to give her a jab just for company. Remember?
Yeah
And gave you those new markers her dad brought backjust handed them over because you were poorly and I wouldnt let her visit. Asked you to draw a gorgeous picture for her wall and wait till you were better. Remember?
I do
So, never mind trainersthats small stuff! When youre grown, youll know how little those things matter. Just dont lose the good bits you have now.
Shes been here already.
What for?
To make up. She apologised.
And you?
I told her I never wanted to see her again and were NOT poor!
Were you angry?
Furious!
And now?
Still a bit miffed but not much.
Then wait till your angers lost its bite. Then you can make friends again properly. If you go now, youll just stay cross, and then maybe youll stop being friends for good.
Katie missed her Mum horribly now. Mum wouldve known just what to say and doespecially since Gran was around
Grans arrival was a bolt from the blue.
Katie hadnt got a clue about Mum not feeling well or reconnecting with her ex-mother-in-law and asking her to visit.
Well, hallo, Irene! Never thought Id set eyes on you again! boomed a large, ruddy-cheeked woman, fanning herself at the garden gate. Its absolutely sweltering! Really dont know how Ill stand it!
Hello, Mrs Weston.
Katie glanced at Mum, hearing something odd in her tone.
So, this is Katie? Mrs Weston sighed, inspecting the girl up and down. No resemblance at all! You sure shes Simons child?
You havent changed a bit!
There was mischief in Mums voice now, which eased Katies nerves. Maybe things werent so bad. Well see how it pans out, Mum always said.
Katie didnt warm to Gran. Gran was loud, jumpy, impossible to please, and brought chaos with her.
Complete shambles as ever, Irene! Is it so hard to tidy up? You have a child! A girl, no less! Hows she supposed to learn to be a woman? Her husband will throw her out on day one, and hed be right!
Katie couldnt see why Mum didnt answer back. She hid a smile but gave no arguments. She let Gran bluster about with her broom and bucket, bossing everyone and everything, but said nothing and didnt try to stop her.
The cats, stunned by the tumult, scarpered to the corners, and GreyKaties mongrel, a present from Uncle Stevesloped off outside to sleep in the shade, rumbling in protest whenever Grans voice reached thunderous levels.
There! The only sensible thing in this place is the dog! Animals inside, honestly. Ludicrous!”
The cats, catching wind of a broom and detecting possible danger, bolted out into the garden.
That was the first time Katie stood her ground. She scooped up her favourite catDoughnutand stalked off with him under her arm to her room.
Whats this, then? Katie! Gran thundered, making Grey growl outside.
Im taking him with me! Katie turned lazily and glared at her grandmother. The cats stay, and so does Grey! They were here long before you arrived. If you want order so much, stick to it yourself! This is our houseand youre a guest. Do what you like in your own, but not here!
Katie! Irene gasped and clapped her hand over her mouth. Shed never imagined her daughter speaking to anyone like that, let alone an elder.
To everyones surprise, Mrs Weston wasnt offended. She squinted, grinned, and muttered, Our family through and through. Good stock, you are! The apple doesnt fall far Irene! You might have raised her a touch better, you know.
After that, the cats were left alone. Gran would toe them aside with distaste but no longer chased them out.
Not that anyone had much peace. Events tumbled ahead so quickly that Katie found herself staring at the old grandfather clock in the living room, wishing the hands would freeze.
Why was time in such a rush? Mum was so youngKatie still needed her! This couldnt be right, not fair at all
But time didnt consult Katie. It inched on with no hint of mercy or delay.
Doctors. Medicine. Hospital.
Irene passed away early one fresh spring morning.
The day before, Katie had flung the windows wide, letting in a gust of sea air after the long winter.
Mum, your cherrys going to blossom soon! Really soon!
Ill try, Katie I do want to see it.
When Katie heard her mother was gone, she broke off the branch reaching for the bedroom window. What was the point? There was no one left to look at it.
Gran didnt fuss. She pulled Katie into a powerful hug, fished out a hankybig enough for a bedsheetand commanded, Cry! Scream! Give me whats in there. You dont need it! None of this was your fault. We all get our own time.
Where did Gran get the words? How did she know what was churning in Katies chest? But Gran was rightKatie handed herself the blame. Mum had worked too hard, never rested, did everything for Katie Shed wanted her girl to go to university, to get an education
And what had Katie done? Mucked about with Tom and her mates, instead of poring over textbooks and filling her sketchbook. Her marks had slippedonly a bit of school left and shed blown it. Shed tried getting back on track, but kept it from Mum, not wanting to worry her
Irene had written a letter, which Gran only gave to Katie on the fortieth day.
Here. Now you can have it. Read carefullyyour mother left you instructions.
But whys it open? Katie turned the plain white envelope over in her hands. No stamp, no address. Just For Katie in Mums bold, looping handwriting.
You think Id read your post? I know you probably dont like me much, but Im not a monster. Now, off you go! Ive work to battle through, and if you want to help, you know where the mop lives.
Gran was hurt, Katie realised, shocked by the way Gran had huffed and couldnt meet her eyes. Gran closed the kitchen door firmly, and Katie pressed her forehead against the doorframestill marked with Mums pencil as shed grown.
Well look at you! Havent you shot up, love! So grown-up now!
Mums voice was so strong in Katies memory she flinched.
Oh yesgrown up! If only shed been wise with it, not gone about hurting the people left to care.
Katie closed her bedroom door, parked herself on the floor and put the letter on her knees, not daring to open it. So many things unsaid, so many things she wished shed heard from Mum
The envelope was thick, full of pages torn from a common notebook, covered in Mums restless handwriting. Katie cuddled Doughnut, her cat, and began reading.
Katie-girl! Stop crying, right now! Youre my strong one! Life is wonderfulits bursting with good things! Treasure it. Dont waste your days grieving for what might have been. Youll think we didnt have much time together, but I say we had agesmore than most! You probably dont understand, but let me tell the story, you deserve thatits yours too.
Where to begin Meeting your father, perhaps. He was extraordinary. I fell for him on the spot. My friends shook their heads. Hes ginger! they said, not seeing how beautiful he waslike the sun, warm and bright. Youve inherited much of him, though you dont look all that much alike. Not sure how, but you got his freckles, eyes, and nose. The rest is all me. When you were born, he inspected you for ages, dreaming of you having curls like your granhis mum, Mrs Weston.
Katie! Shes a good woman. Dont mind her blustershes always been direct, sometimes rough, but ultimately kind and solid as an oak.
Wondering why you never met her before? Thats my fault. I was young, stubborn, and too blinkered to see her decency. Im sorry.
We had a huge row when you were little. Things were good with your fatheruntil he fell in love elsewhere. It happens, Katie. Not because he didnt love me or you, he just found another universe. What about the people he left? Sometimes thats how it goes. I loved him more than he loved me, I think. He stayed for your sake, but honesty won out in the end. He was always truthful
I see that now, but back then it was agony. And Mrs Weston, she turned up because she wanted Simon to stay, couldnt understand what had gone wrongand led with her famous, Wheres the order? So I snapped. We said terrible things to each other, words I wish I could take back, includingHeaven help me!telling her you werent her grandchild.
How foolish was I? Easy to make a mistake, hard to admit it after.
I should have remembered how, when doctors warned you might not even survive pregnancy, she dropped everything, stayed with us a month, cooked me steamed fish cakes, scrubbed the flat so thoroughly I couldnt find my knickers for ages. Didnt leave until she knew youd be alright.
I didnt know shed spoken to the Other Woman, tried to reason with her, nearly cursed her out but then accepted her. And she loved the stepchildren tooyes Katie, you have a brother and sister. If you want, Gran will introduce you to them. I spoke to her about it. You shouldnt be alone. The more family, the better.
Now, about your future. Katie, study! I want more than anything for you to have choices. Just one thingmake them YOURSELF. Dont let anyone push you around. Remember what we said about your talent? Use it! Not everyone gets such a gift. Ive left you some savingsnot much, but enough to start. And youve done odd jobs beforepeople always bought your hand-painted bags and tourist paintings. Im certain theyll do even better if you try your luck in London or Manchester! Dont give up your dream. You never knowa big gallery might one day hold your exhibition. Ill be so proudeven if I wont see it myself, Ill know.
I love you. I do worry. But I know youre strong enough.
Now, dry your tears! Thats an order!
Mum.
Katie put down the letter and sat for a long time, chin on her chest, tears slipping down. Mum said: no crying!
Doughnut the cat was fast asleep beside her, twitching in his dreams, while Katie sat there, trying to work out what to do next.
Her answer arrived as Gran poked her head round the door, clicked on the light, and commanded, Up you get! Enough moping! Tea and a chatthings wont get done by blubbing!
Gran didnt take to the artist idea. She scolded Katie, tried to convince her that a proper job was much more sensible, but Katie wasnt listening. Then Gran told her she was as stubborn as a donkey, just like her mum, whod spent years refusing to see how one word could break a family apart for decades.
Years of silence! Not a peep, not a line! I did look, you know! Sent letters all over the place! As if Id ever guess your mother changed your name and gave you a new surname altogether? Not even her old onejust made-up! How did she manage that?
Uncle Steve helped.
Ill have a word with him! Snatched away all my hope, that manhes in line for a good earful!
Dont you dare! He was lovely to us! Always supported Mum, tried persuading her to marry him!
And she?
Refused. Said she still loved Dad. I never even knew there was a chance! If Id known, Id have talked her round!
Poor thing, honestly, Gran shoved a plate in front of Katie. Eat, and think about what Ive said! How is artist even a job? Now, accountant, thats a different kettle of fish! Youd never go hungry, and always have a bit on the side.
Gran, not in front of other people!
And? First count other peoples money, then youll have your own!
No thanks! Its not for me, cant you see?
Oh, what do I know?!
Its not that I want to upset you! But I want to do what I love! Did Mum give you money for me? Ill be eighteen next month. Please give it to me, and Ill go. You wont have to worry anymore. Ill manage.
Gran puffed with outrage, waggled her famous fingerbut then stopped mid-rant. She looked Katie up and down, smirked, and made a familiar rude signone known from nursery days.
There! So there! Im coming with you. Ill make sure you do it right. Promised your mother I wouldnt let you down. End of discussion.
Gran huffed, shoved the plate closer, and barked, Eat, I said! Its all gone cold anyway!
And some years later, in a small private gallery in central London, a bizarre little group would be seen wandering the halls.
A redheaded, slightly untidy, plump lady, a tall, gawky chap in designer specs, and Katiewith her year-old son in her arms.
Well, what do you think? Katie would manage to ask, even though shed promised herself she wouldnt, not until Gran delivered her verdict.
Gran would glance at her granddaughter, snort, and wrestle the baby away. Shed wipe his nose, shift him onto her hip, and only then nod grudging approval.
Not bad! Lovely frames, too! Though youre still wasting paint, arent you? Couldve been a tad smaller, couldnt they? And for goodness sake, tidy your workshop! I was there this morningits enough to give you nightmares! Ben! shed snap at Mr. Specs. Arent you watching out for her?
Whats wrong, Mrs Weston?
Have you SEEN those bags under her eyes? She never sleeps! Right! Im off with Sam today. You two get some rest, have a proper sleep, and come round after the weekend. Alright? Good. Off we go then, little man!
And as she passed Katie, Gran would pause, stroke her cheek, and whisper,
Your mum would be so proud of you. So am I. You know that, dont you? Good girl. My little apple…”
