Page 65 of Merrily Ever After
“A big one, then.” And she shuts the door in my face before I can say thank you.
Chapter Three
The following Saturday, I finish my farm work early and head to the grocer. Mam’s worked there for as long as I can remember, even when we were little. I don’t know how she did it all, juggling a job with two kids and a house that’s always falling apart. As I got older, I tried to make it easier for her where I could, and even Rachel, who would much rather be off daydreaming, always does what she’s told without complaint. And I know Dad tries. He can’t take her out to dinner or buy her a new car, but every now and then I’ll catch him putting small gifts on the kitchen table or in the pocket of her coat. Some spring flowers. A pastry from the market. They’re a team, and they’re a good one, and I can only hope I get to experience something just like it.
This morning Mam looks frazzled, though, and doesn’t even give me time to say hello before she starts talking.
“You’ve terrible luck,” she says. “Sharon couldn’t find the keys this morning so it was forty minutes before we could open. We’ve been running behind ever since, and wouldn’t you know that today’s the day one of the pipes decides to start leaking. I’ve got to drop these off to Geraldine and Mrs Fallon. Your sister has choir, but she should be back straight after, so I’m going to need you to meet her and run to the butcher before your father—”
“I can bring Mrs Fallon her shopping.”
Mam stops, looking confused.
“And Geraldine,” I add. “If that’s easier for you.”
“You don’t have to, love. It’s a long enough walk.”
“I don’t mind.” Mam usually likes to be in charge of the food shopping. The last time Rachel was, she came back with amonth’s worth of pork and an empty purse because Phil Murphy was behind the counter and she was trying to flirt with him.
I can tell that’s what she’s thinking now as she hesitates, her hand on her hips.
“It’d be a big help,” she says finally. “If you’re sure.”
I nod, grabbing the bag before she can change her mind. “I’ll be home for dinner,” I say and, just like that, I’m out the door.
It’s hard not to feel like the stars are aligning. I’d been trying to think of a good excuse to visit Mrs Fallon again, knowing I’d only raise eyebrows if I did it out of the blue. Before the other week, I don’t think I’ve even said three words to the woman, but I haven’t been able to shake those photographs of her from my mind, and despite the many,manyreasons I can think of not to, there’s something I want to ask her.
Last night, I took Rachel to the disco as usual and watched Colleen dance with her friends. I tried to think of something to say to her. I even brought some money to buy raffle tickets, but no one seemed to be selling them. I knew I was doing myself no favors by not putting myself out there, by not going up to her and justtrying, but I didn’t want to make a mistake. I didn’t want her to be disappointed in me.
It wasn’t until the night was coming to an end and half the crowd was tipsy on smuggled alcohol from their parents’ cabinets that I made up my mind. If I couldn’t talk to her like the others could, I’d have to do something else. Something just for her.
And right now, this is the only thing I can think of.
Mrs Fallon’s front door is open when I arrive and the woman herself stands outside, watering the flowerpots.
She doesn’t look surprised to see me.
“You can leave that in the kitchen down the hall,” is all she says, and I step inside with no hesitation this time, heading to a big, bright room at the back of the house.
I put the bag on the table and turn to see she’s followed me.
“You’ll be wanting a cup of tea, I suppose.” The words are a grumble, but she heads straight to the kettle without waiting for an answer.
A minute later, I’m standing in the front room holding an extremely expensive-looking cup and saucer that would probably give my mother a heart attack just by me being near the thing.
“Sit,” Mrs Fallon says briskly, so I do, placing my drink carefully on a side table as she settles into a chair opposite.
I wait for it to cool as she watches me. She does this for a while. As the seconds tick by, I’m not sure she even blinks, and I almost smile when I realize she probably wants to make me uncomfortable. Little does she know I could easily go several days without talking to anyone, so I’m not surprised when she’s the first to crack.
“You’re still in school?” she asks abruptly.
“Agricultural college,” I tell her. “But I help my dad on the farm most days.”
“You’re going to take it over?” Her eyes narrow when I nod. “That what you want to do?”
I nod again.
She still looks like she doesn’t believe me. “And what about that sister of yours? The loud one.”
