A month ago, Alans son remarried.
A month had barely passed since Alans son exchanged vows for the second time, when he arrived at Alans cottage, bringing along his new wifes daughtera strikingly pretty thirteen-year-old named Emilyfor her first visit with her new grandmother. They were leaving her there for an entire week.
Before departing, Emilys mother leaned in to whisper to Alan, with a hint of concern:
Just so you know, Emily has never been to the countryside before. And shes at that tricky ageher temperament can be a handful. So, Id recommend keeping her under a firm thumb. If need be, call me and Ill come collect her.
Whatever do you mean, if need be?Alan asked, a bit taken aback.
With nothing but a mysterious smile in response, Alans new daughter-in-law kissed him on the cheek, hopped into the car next to her husband, and they drove off down the lane, leaving Emily standing awkwardly at the garden gate.
Emily, pop out to the pump and fetch us some water, will you?Alan called, holding out an empty pail.
Go where?the girl blinked at him, confused.
To the pump, dearthe one right beyond the garden gate.
Whats a pump, exactly?
Its just a pump, love. Theres a handle to lift and water comes out. You set the pail underneath, pump, and youll have water for the house.
Granddad Alan, are you serious?Emily stared wide-eyed at her grandfather.People get water from the tap in the kitchen. Dont you have one?
Well, the taps there, all right,Alan chuckled,but theres not been a drop in a week.
Whys that?
Well, Sid, the local plumber, shut off water to our lane. Says he needs to replace some valve, you see. So, for now, weve got to fetch water from the pump. Its always running.
No wayEmily set the pail down abruptly.Im not doing that. If you have a tap, there should be water!
Suit yourself,Alan shrugged.For now, you can wash up here.He led Emily over to the huge water butt beneath the gutter.Scoop up a handful of rainwater and wash your face there.
Granddad, really?Emily looked scandalised.There are bugs swimming in there!
Thats just a bit of mosquito larvae,Alan chuckled.Wouldnt hurt a fly.
And for brushing my teeth?Emily grimaced.From here too?
Of course. No water in the bathroom basin, is there?
FineEmily grumbled. Begrudgingly, she picked up the pail and trudged towards the gate.
She came back fifteen minutes later, red-faced and sweaty, and there were barely three litres of water sloshing around in the bucket.
What kept you so long?Alan asked.
I didnt know how to work the pump. Luckily some chap showed me.
Thats grand.Alan poured the water into the washbasin and handed the pail straight back to her.Right, Emily, thatll do for washing. Now we need enough for cooking tea.
What?Emilys eyes widened in horror.You need water for that too?
Of course. Unless youd prefer a bit from the rain butt?Alan offered.
No!she cried, grabbing the pail and hurrying out again.
She made five trips in total, and, as Emily grew exhausted, Alan began making dinner.
Granddad, why havent they fixed your water? Emily suddenly asked, looking utterly worn out.Back home, if somethings broken, you phone the council and its sorted within the hour.
Round here, you have to pay a visit in personNo. 58 on the next street. But theyve still got running water, so Sid doesnt feel any urgency.
Why dont you go and insist he does it?
Ive been up there a hundred times,Alan replied, waving a dismissive hand.But Sids always off mending tractors, or fixing sheds, here, there, and everywhere. Promises every day, Ill be there tomorrow. Still waiting. Hes the only plumber for miles around.
HmmEmily pondered, then asked,Which house number, again?
Fifty-eight.
And in which direction?
That way,Alan pointed beyond the fields.What are you plotting, young lady?
Ill go speak to Sid myself.
Before Alan could stop her, Emily scurried out through the garden gate and disappeared. After half an hour, Alans nerves got the better of him and he hurried off to the plumbers house.
Has my granddaughter been here?he asked Sids wife, Barbara.
That troublemaker yours, is she?Barbara peered out at him, arms folded.
Why troublemaker?
She barged in demanding Sid come at once.Barbara snorted.Then started lecturing me about how selfish Sid was for keeping the water to himself. My Sid, whos run off his feet all day, every day! I threatened to chase her off with a broom. She only said, If Sid doesnt get you your water today, Ill set fire to your shed! Can you believe it?
Good heavens,Alan clutched his chest.You mean Emily actually said that?
Emily?Barbara gave a short laugh.Heaven only knows what youve let yourself in for with that one
Where is she now?
How should I know? Likely off trying to find Sid.
And wheres Sid?
In the field. Where else during harvest? Fixing machinery. Meanwhile, Im left being threatened by a child!
Oh dear!Alan cried, heading outside and dashing across the green towards the distant fields, where the harvesters droned on.
He never reached the field, for a tractor rumbled towards him, Sid at the wheel, and beside him sat a sullen, red-faced Emily.
Spotting Alan, Sid braked to a halt.
Yours, is she?Sid called over the roar of the engine, jerking his head towards the girl.
Alan nodded, anxiety in his eyes.Where are you taking her, Sid? Not to the police, I hope? Remember, shes underage!
Police?Sid bellowed back, incredulous.Im off to replace your valve, mate. Your lass kept chucking herself in front of the combine harvesters, threatened to stab holes in the tyres if I didnt sort your water. Silly thingtheyve not even got tyres to puncture!Sid suddenly burst into a fit of laughter.You know, if we had more fearless youngsters like her, wed turn this village upside down in no time. Life could be exciting again. Eh, you rascalwant to drive the tractor?
Yes!Emily answered eagerly.
Well, hop into my seat, grab the wheel! Well go fix your water, but only if you pass me the spanners as I need them.
Deal!Emily beamed and clambered over, hands gripping the wheel in excitement.
They didnt manage to take Emily back to the city until twenty days had gone byon the very last day of August. Even then, only just, since school beckoned the day after. Truth be told, she might have stayed longer. With autumn coming on, there was just endless work to be getting on with in the village.
