Full Circle Read online

  “Oh boy, oh boy, thank you Bob. You know I love the water and being around boats. I would really like to meet him.”

  “Okay then, we’ll do it tomorrow; Amy do you have a minute?”

  Amy came out of the kitchen and Bob continued.

  “Listen Amy, Alex and I have to discuss some business tomorrow with one of my mates. We’ll only be a few hours. Can you amuse yourself while we’re gone?”

  “Of course I can,” she said indignantly. “I’ll wash my hair, do my nails and stuff when you’re gone, and I’ll be company for Bruno. Do you have anything you want me to do for you?”

  That settled Amy and Alex made ready to leave.

  “I just have to stop off at the bank.” Alex said importantly.

  “And then I’ll take you to my country residence.”

  Amy raised her eyebrows.

  “Is there no end to you and your box of tricks?”

  The air rang with the sheer joy of their laughter and youth.

  ****

  Once again Amy was impressed having slid easily behind the bush at the back of the old building and now stood in the basement.

  “Well what do you think of the place?” Alex asked her later.

  “Not as upmarket as your town residence but very impressive, not so keen about the lack of mod cons though.”

  “Never mind, you’ll enjoy your dip in the ice cold water of the stream at 5:00 tomorrow.”

  He was laughing again.

  “Can’t wait,” she was already drifting off to sleep.

  ****

  The next morning brought them a warm and loving welcome from Sid and Elsie, particularly the latter who fussed around the young woman and whisked her away to talk girl talk.

  “Oh well done lad, well done. What a little gem,” was all Sid kept saying.

  Alex did a few jobs for Sid while Elsie sorted through some clothes with Amy, looking for a silk scarf she wanted the girl to have.

  “Amy, are you ready? We have to get going. Don’t want to keep Bob waiting.”

  Alex was moving towards the door and following hugs all round and admiration for the new scarf Amy was sporting, they were on their way.

  Amy got the usual welcome from Bruno.

  “He’s obviously been around men too much,” said Bob. “The hound is very obviously in love with the little lady.”

  Both men noticed Bruno went a little easier on Amy now and contented himself with trying to lick her to death.

  “Boy, don’t need a bath when I come here,” she said squealing with delight. Of course when the dog tried to sit with her on the sofa, that was a bit much and Bob had to intervene again.

  ****

  Harry shook hands warmly with Alex as Bob introduced them and Alex felt the sheer strength of the man. His grip was enough to break a man’s hand with one squeeze. He gave them a good tour of the vessel and explained the functions as he went along. Alex was hanging onto every word interjecting periodically with some very intelligent comments and questions. Harry was impressed, so much so that at the end of the tour he felt very comfortable with the youth.

  “Do you think you would like to put in some time with me this year then?”

  “That I would, sir.”

  Alex was over the hill with excitement.

  “We’ll see how you do lad and take it one step at a time. Now do you want to give us a few minutes, Bob and I have some things to discuss?”

  After Alex had gone off to examine some life-saving equipment, Harry got down to it with Bob.

  “He’ll do very nicely Bob, it would be a pleasure to bring the boy up to speed. Did you hear his questions and comments? He’s a smart one, real quick learner. I’d find him very useful and when he turns sixteen, he can come on-board officially.”

  ****

  It was 2nd June, 1953. Approximately three million people jostled and pushed each other to get a better view as they lined the streets of London. Alex, Amy, Dan and his girlfriend Rosalind were in amongst them. The king was dead and it was the day of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. What a magnificent procession of horses, coaches and Royals. The pomp and grandeur surpassed all other. The excitement bordered on hysteria as the crowds pressed against the police barriers to get closer. Everybody was in awe and talked about it for months to come. The four teenagers had the time of their lives and concluded their day in a little café in Clapham before Amy and Alex took off back to town.

  Alex and Dan had been basically joined at the hip since their first meeting, they were so close and the two girls hit it off from the time they were first introduced, even though there was mounting racialism in London at this time centred on the Caribbean immigrants. More than once Amy and Alex had borne the brunt of it when they were out with the two Jamaicans but this day had proved to be perfect and had gone smoothly without incident; a memorable occasion for all.

  The friends got together as often as they could after that day; usually meeting up in coffee bars. Cappuccino had made its appearance at war’s end and London’s Soho became a mecca for coffee houses and bars providing forums for young enthusiasts to get together and air their views. From the artsy crowd to anti-nuclear activists, from the jazzers and budding rock and rollers to the beatniks, they were all ‘soaking up the atmosphere’ of youthful exuberance and opinions to share with would be supporters of their causes. The four fit right in offering their wholehearted support to the nuclear disarmament issue. Amy and Alex meshed particularly well with the beatniks sporting their bohemian style attire. Created more from necessity, their hit and miss style was as patrons of the second hand shop, rather than from calculated fashion sense of being right ‘out there’ and up to the minute when it came to the latest fashions.

  ****

  Each exhilarating day rolled into the next. Alex became completely bowled over by Amy, believing himself to be in love. They still hadn’t told anyone they were living on the streets and their biggest worry was to make sure their clothes were in good order. The owner of the second hand shop got to know them well and always held back the better clothes, giving them first option. So the two were able to keep themselves pretty well set up, in fact became quite stylish, which was just as well as they were moving in quite a social set with Dan and Rosalind whenever they had free time.

  Alex wondered if Bob knew their situation, he came pretty close to the mark sometimes with his comments; a smart man but he never questioned them or got into their business until that fateful day.

  Chapter 8

  Confessions

  “So what are we going to do Alex?”

  Amy’s face was pale and strained as they sat in the old theatre having just finished some of Frank’s treats.

  “How far along are you?”

  “The doctor says about four months, the baby will be born in about five months, could be less.”

  Alex was silent as his brain tried to digest what she had just told him. She started crying. He couldn’t bear it when she cried. His heart felt as if it was being ripped out of his chest.

  “Don’t cry Amy, I can’t stand it, please don’t cry. Let’s just think this through and we’ll decide what to do in the morning.”

  Alex was pleased to see that she was able to get some sleep that night, although he never closed his eyes. Finally throwing in the towel at 4:45, he got up and made a start on the day moving about quietly so as not to disturb Amy. Picking up the pitcher, he went for fresh water. She was up and readying herself when he got back but she remained silent and unapproachable.

  Alex finally broke the silence when they had finished their meal.

  “Amy, I propose that we throw ourselves on Bob’s mercy. I’m sure he has an idea of how we are living and the sooner we get it all out in the open, the better.”

  Amy fiddled around with a paper napkin on the table, refusing to look at Alex.

  Frustrated, he made a move to clear things away.

  “So that’s settled then. We’ll get our stuff together and head out. Yo
u’ll not be staying here anymore; it’s not fit for you in your condition. Bob will know what’s best.”

  ****

  Bob was surprised to see them so early. They weren’t expected until later in the day and judging by Amy’s pale face and the obvious atmosphere, his chest tightened, fearing the worst.

  “Right then,” he said shoving the ghastly thought out of his mind.

  “I’ll get something for us to eat and you two can tell me what’s going on.”

  Amy’s eyes were downcast and Alex was sullenly shuffling his feet around. Even Bruno sensed something was brewing.

  Going off to the kitchen, Bob was glad of a few minutes to collect himself.

  Alex left nothing out from the time he had found his mum dead. How he had been living, how he had met Amy, leaving the latest development to last as Bob interjected.

  “Why in God’s name didn’t you tell me? You know you could live with me anytime. There’s that huge loft just going to waste.”

  “I was afraid to put you on a spot with the authorities. It’s been my biggest dread that they’ll catch me and ship me off to God knows where.”

  His voice petered out to just a squeak.

  “Well by God, things are going to be different from now on.”

  Alex looked as if he were about to vomit.

  “But that’s not all is it?” Bob knew his fears were coming to fruition.

  “No, it isn’t and yes things are different. Amy’s having a baby in about five months.”

  “Bloody hell; well you’ve really dumped yourselves in it now, haven’t you?”

  Bob turned towards the door groping for one of his rare cigarettes.

  “You two don’t move, I’ve got to get some air and my thoughts around this.”

  Amy remained unmoving, except to snatch her hand away from Alex when he tried to hold it.

  Upon his return, Bob’s heart went out to the teens. A spectre of hopelessness hung over their bowed heads; both just about as wretched as they could be.

  “The first thing we’re going to do is get in touch with Amy’s mother and tell her the situation. You will both stay here for the time being and assuming she’s prepared to help, we’ll get Amy back down to Southampton a little later on, say a couple of months from now, that will give her mother a chance to get used to the idea.”

  Both of them nodded in agreement.

  “Now about the sleeping arrangement, Alex you take the loft, and if I catch you trying to get into that girl’s knickers again, you’re out on your ear. Is that clear?”

  Alex nodded not daring to open his mouth.

  “Amy I’ll make up the little room at the back for you for a few days. We’ll go to Frank and put him in the picture so that you can continue to work in the bakery and it’ll be better for you to live on the job, not so taxing for you until you’re due to go south. A little work will help you stay focussed. Mark my words, the same thing applies to you though, they’ll be no more hanky panky, got it?”

  Amy nodded her agreement and like Alex, afraid to speak, averted her eyes while Bob continued, “And as we all need a little time to digest this, I’ll contact your mother in the morning.”

  Following the initial shock, Amy’s mother agreed to come up to London under the guise of a shopping spree as she didn’t want her partner involved at this point, particularly as there was no love lost between him and her daughter.

  ****

  The day of her mother’s visit saw Amy in a state of rising hysteria.

  “Don’t worry I’ll be there as referee. It’ll be alright.”

  Bob had fully recovered and was thinking clearly. The young woman clung to his arm; he had been so good to them now that the shock waves had died down a bit.

  They had arranged to meet Sylvia, Amy’s mother, in a neutral spot, her hotel. Bob thought they would all be a little more at ease in new surroundings.

  As they approached the hotel, Amy pointed out her mother sitting in the lounge. In spite of the situation, the older woman’s smile was friendly as she extended her hand.

  “Hello I’m Sylvia, Amy’s mother and you must be Alex and Bob. I’m pleased to meet you both and Bob thank you for all your help.”

  Once they were settled at their table, Sylvia spoke quietly.

  "So Amy, I have had a chance to think about this dilemma. There’s a nice private facility not too far from the house where I think you should have the baby. I took the liberty of booking you in tentatively based on the timing Bob gave me. It’s a lovely old rambling building, set in beautiful grounds. Your last few weeks before the baby comes should be calm and tranquil without any confrontation. I’ll work on Bill in the meantime. He’s not a bad man, you know it’s just that you two don’t see eye to eye.

  Now the hard part, I’m sure both of you realise that you are ill-equipped to handle a baby; you are almost children yourselves which means that somebody has to step in. I won’t see one of the family farmed out so the only solution is for me to adopt the child or at least be its legal guardian. Now should that be the case both of you would have to be out of the picture. We can’t have a ‘tug of war’ situation and a child needs a controlled, secure environment to grow up in. Bob, what’s your viewpoint?"

  Bob was impressed with Sylvia’s pragmatic approach to these dire circumstances and chose his own words carefully.

  “I totally agree. These two have made a huge mistake but they need to get on with their lives. I have to say to both of you at this time that you’re very fortunate to have this lady prepared to take the load.”

  Their eyes were fastened on the young pair.

  “Perhaps you both want to take a walk and mull things over. Sylvia and I will get some refreshments ordered up while we’re waiting for your comments and any questions.”

  ****

  The arrangements were put in place as outlined by Sylvia. Amy was to present herself one month before the baby was due, all being well and she would be placed in the facility. When the baby was born, the paperwork would be completed and Amy would leave as soon as she was fit.

  Bob shook Sylvia’s hand firmly as they readied themselves to leave.

  “We’ll stay in touch, and Alex and I will bring Amy down south when the time comes. Don’t worry I’ll see that everything is under control and that she is well looked after.”

  Sylvia had a tight rein on herself, appearing calm, collected and on top of events but they did see her reach for her handkerchief as she ascended the stairs to her hotel room.

  ****

  In the weeks that followed, Alex resumed his work on the tugs and Amy returned to Frank’s. It had been more than a little tense following the initial meeting with Frank but he thought the world of Amy, and was prepared to give her a leg up and keep an eye on her. Bob breathed a sigh of relief because he knew the kids would be vulnerable before and after the birth and at least Amy had some kind of a routine in the offing, with the added advantage that it gave her and Alex their sorely needed space from each other.

  ****

  The weeks sped by and before they knew it, they were celebrating both Amy’s and Alex’s sixteenth birthdays. They didn’t have a big bash in view of the circumstances but marked the occasion by going to Frank’s who was finding it more difficult to get around and definitely beginning to show signs of wear. He did manage to put up the most splendid cake for both of them; however and for a time, happiness permeated the air again with much lip smacking of pure joy at the sheer indulgence of the occasion. It was just like old times.

  Shortly after Alex entered his sixteenth year, Bob assisted him in getting his National Insurance Card and number, and he was all set for a seafaring career. At the same time, he got Amy signed up in readiness for taking up her formal bakery apprenticeship with Frank.

  Harry took Alex on the payroll as a full-time permanent staff member and he commenced his training immediately. Bob was relieved, particularly as he knew Alex would be fully occupied working, learning and taking exams, and gen
erally moving towards his goal. That’s one hurdle out of the way, he thought, and who knows this might be the making of the boy. Bob was absolutely right.

  Chapter 9

  The Birth

  The three travelled by road to Southampton. The train trip was approximately two and a half hours but they thought Amy would be more comfortable in the car as she would be able to stretch out in the back and they would be making frequent stops along the way. Bob phoned Sylvia as they were nearing their destination and she met them at the nursing home. Amy’s room was bright and sunny, overlooking the gardens. The house exuded former opulence being set in formal lawns and rose gardens. Enormous oak trees bordered the acreage; they must have been over one hundred years old. There was an air of quietude throughout the property which regal trees of such an age seemed to promote. Even Amy appeared to show enthusiasm which had not been evident in her for some time.

  Saying goodbye was hard. Her eyes sought Alex’s and they held each other, obviously neither wanted to let the other go. Finally, she turned and one of the nursing staff took over.

  Bob and Alex had decided to stay for a few days; they wanted to see some of the New Forest where the horses and ponies roamed freely. Since the 1800s landowners in the forest, referred to as commoners had been granted free grazing rights for their livestock. This practice not only maintained the ecology and character of the area but also prevented it from overgrowing and becoming a dense and mature forest once again.

  They had also heard much about the local so-called witch who, in fact, was a legend in her own time running a shop in one of the New Forest villages. Her reputation was that of a psychic and expert in esoteric matters and having lived with the gypsies, was well versed in the ways of the forest. Alex and Bob were fascinated with the whole subject and hoped they too would get a chance to see her with her pet jackdaw on her shoulder.