“It does, but you will make the right one for you, darling.” She squeezes my hand and picks up the pile of clothes she had folded.
“Right, I am going to get these in the wash because they smell terribly of onion and grease. What did you eat last night?” She pulls a funny face making me feel a little lighter inside.
“A kebab.” I laugh.
“Kebab? Exotic.” She smiles and leaves the room.
I hate that she is so wise. Whatever I decide to do, someoneis going to get hurt. Me, Greg, my mother, Granny, Aradia, Sam. Oh God, Sam. What a mess. I need to produce a plan, I know I do, but right now toast and tea and a shower call, followed by doing something productive with my time. Maybe that’ll clear my head.
When I finally get myself out of the pit I have made, I finish my breakfast and head for the shower. The warm water in the cosy bathroom fills the room with steam. I can see out of the window into the garden where Aradia is feeding her chickens. The trees tower the surrounding area for miles and miles making the cottage feel completely enclosed and safe.
After the shower I get myself dried and dressed and head downstairs to wash up my pots from breakfast. Aradia comes in the back door shaking her wellies on the patio.
“Freezing out there!” She hugs her own arms and shivers.
“Is it? I best get a warmer coat soon!”
“I’ve got loads. Just take one of mine from under the stairs.”
“Thanks, Aradia.”
“No worries. Hey, how was last night? I saw two mugs in the sink this morning, eh!” She raises her eyebrow.
“Oh God, first Granny and now you! He just walked me home and we had a tea. That is all!” And he gave me the most electrifying kiss of my life, but you know, I am not sharing that with my aunt.
She laughs. “OK, OK, just a tea.” She winks and heads towards the front room. “I’m going to do some work on my laptop for a bit before yoga, so I’ll be in here if you need anything.”
“I’m heading into the village, so won’t be here. Can I pick anything up?”
“Ah, you could get some chops for dinner from the butcher’s.”
I put my hand on my hip. “Is this forcing me to see Sam?”
She crosses her heart and smiles. “I promise it’s just becauseI fancy a lamp chop. Oh, and do not forget a warmer coat! It is really cold.”
She heads off into the front room and I find my way to the under the stairs cupboard. It’s deceivingly big. I open the small wooden door to a Narnia of coats and boots and a hoover. I pick out a dark green wax jacket which is lined with thick sheep skin. I put it over the top of my many layers of tops and jumpers and slip on my adopted wellies. Snug as a bug.
I shout bye to my aunt and granny who has joined Aradia in the front room to watchCountdown.
I make my way down the muddy drive. The frosty air stings the tip of my nose. The trees blow lightly sending some of their orange leaves to the ground. I enjoy the peace and quiet as I walk along the thicket towards the village, the smoke from the chimneys bellowing out in the distance. I love the image of everyone snuggled around their fire on a lazy Sunday.
I approach the grocer’s which has a small display out the front with seasonal vegetables stacked neatly on it. I walk inside and a small plump older man is stood stacking milk into a small commercial fridge at the side. He is holding his back struggling to pick them up.
“Here, let me help.” I grab the remaining milk and stack them into the fridge.
He cracks his back as he stands up and looks at me, his face deep set with wrinkles and his flat cap nestled on top of his grey hair. “Ah, thank you, young lady.”
“You’re welcome. Are you Jim by any chance?” I question, hoping I am right.
“The one and only. Ah, you must be Cerci’s granddaughter. Harriet? I spoke to your grandmother this morning! So, kind of you to offer to help!” His eyes light up and his smile is warm and kind.
I nod. “It’s no problem. I’m looking forward to it.”
“Ah, lovely. Well, it’s quiet here, you will not have any trouble. I stock the veg you see out the front from your aunt and Pete. Some seasonal fruit which comes on a Friday. Bit of bread and tins and snacks that come in when we need to order them. Milk on a Sunday and a Tuesday. I stock enough for the village, but also we get passers-by on the way to villages that do not have any amenities or just people passing by on a drive out in the country. I cannot pay much but it will be something. I am needed more with Fi, my wife. She’s poorly, you see. I am sure Cerci told you. But the village needs the shop. So, any help is appreciated.”
This sweet old man in front of me looks tired. I could use this opportunity to really give something back to the village that has welcomed me with open arms.
“Well, how about I take over for a few weeks? Give you some time with your wife and for you to have a break?”
