Easy As Falling Off A Bike pt 838.

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Wuthering Dormice
(aka Bike)
Part 838
by Angharad
  
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The next morning I was up early and couldn’t wait to get the girls to school so I could get over to the children’s home and begin my exploration of the attics. I was there at nine and by ten thirty I was pretty sure there were no bats roosting in the attics nor were there more than a few signs of droppings. Any that went there were very occasional.

I sat with Nora drinking a coffee, “So there is no sign of bats?”

“I wouldn’t say no sign, because there were one or two droppings but they could be years old and in no quantity.”

“We don’t have bats in the belfry, then.”

“I don’t know about belfry, but attics–no.”

“Oh well, I suppose it was worth a try.”

“If we’d found any, yes–smooth snakes in the garden or great crested newts in the pond would have been good too.”

“I’d have thought only nesting ospreys would have done to save us.”

“You’d need quite a garden pond to feed a pair of ospreys, and I suspect the RSPB would have forced you out even sooner to protect their rare predators–besides, they breed in summer not winter–they’ll be in Africa by now.”

“Couldn’t we get some stuffed ones and pretend?”

“Natural England aren’t quite that stupid and the average birdwatcher would be able to spot something wrong if the bird didn’t move for a few seconds. Then there is the problem that protected species are protected live or dead, so a dead, stuffed osprey is still protected.”

“From what–moths?”

“That as well I’d hope; no, the two legged rats which pervade this planet.”

“I thought all rats had four legs?”

“No, Nora, the most flourishing variety has two legs and far too much influence upon this miserable little planet.”

“Ah that sort of rat–I’ve dated a few in my time.” I sniggered and she began to do the same, in a few minutes we were laughing like drains–not that I’ve seen too many of those laugh. Come to think about it, I’ve never seen a drain laugh–English is a silly language at times.

I had to get home, tomorrow was Saturday and Leon would be around to repair the shed. I half expected him to moan the whole time–if he did, I’d call him Mona. That’ll shut him up.

“What about the two kids I might need to temporarily accommodate?”

“Oh yes, I have to sort that out with them and the charity.”

“What are they girls or boys?”

“Two boys, is that a problem?”

“Boys, oh,” I felt my heart sink a little.

“Is that a problem, Cathy?”

“I hope not.”

“Maybe I can sweet-talk them into coming to Wantage.”

“If you can’t, I’ll take them, but it’s likely to be temporary only.”

“Of course.”

I left and went home worrying about my big mouth and the fact that I needed to keep it under more control. Why did I need to save the world all the time? Me and my big mouth, but having made the offer I had to honour it. My discussion with Tom had raised no objections–his response, “There’s plenty o’space, if ye’re happy, sae am I.”

I suggested that I would have to set clear boundaries and they would have to understand that if they breached them, they could be out. Tom emphasised, “It widnae be maybe, they’d be oot.” We’d have to see, we’d have to see.

The rest of the day went quickly as I caught up on some housework and cooking. I made some cakes, I was sure that Leon would help us eat some tomorrow, so would Simon. I just made simple sponge-cakes which I’d turn into Victoria sponges with some jam. I missed not having a child getting under my feet wanting to help.

What was I thinking about, they hadn’t been with me that long? I’d had Spike with me longer than I’d been playing mothers. I wondered if the two boys would want to come to me? Did they know Trish in her previous life? If so were they going to cause troubles? Would this all act as an obstacle to my adoption application?

I called Rushton Henstridge, he reassured me that this could only reflect well upon me as a responsible parent. I hoped he was right, but I felt less certain of my desire to have two boys living in the house. I’d not got their ages–oh what a mess I was making–they might be five or ten or fifteen. Oh hell–I hope not fifteen–Simon will be the only one who’ll be able to control them, they’ll be bigger than I am and possibly terrify me and the girls. What if they were Trish’s tormentors? Oh hells bells, my big gob.

At one point I was tempted to get Simon to bid for the site but then remembered it had been sold. I was tempted then to get Simon to create havoc for them, and maybe they’d need to sell it on–but that would be misconduct and he wouldn’t do it anyway.

Simon was due back on Saturday, I was glad he’d be here, I felt in need of my hubby’s support–goodness, am just a wee wifey after all? I needed to talk things over with him and I’d be pleased if he were here when Leon was, just so he’d know there was someone here who could kick his bum if required. I suppose I could do, but seeing as I had a muckle lump of a man, as Tom once described him–or something like that, I might as well use him. I mean he’ll eat his share and more of my cakes if I let him.

“Ooh, we having cake tonight?” asked Stella coming into the kitchen.

“No they’re for tomorrow.”

“Why? What’s happening tomorrow?”

“Our new gardener starts.”

“Oh that kid you cornered.”

“Yes, him.”

“Do you honestly think he will?”

“He’d better.”

“Why, what’re you gonna do if he doesn’t?”

“Send Simon to get him.”

“Is all this legal–I mean slave labour?”

“It isn’t slave labour, I’m going to pay him quite well.”

“Oh, I thought he had to work for nowt.”

“No, I’m paying him fifty quid.”

“Cor, that’s quite a lot for a yoof.”

“The two kids we could be putting up are boys.” I said breaking the bad news.

“Oh, that’ll make a change then.”

“I don’t know if I can look after boys.”

“Now’s your chance to find out.”

“What if they were tormenting Trish?”

“We tie ‘em up and let her loose with a carpet knife.”

“To do what?” I was horrified at the prospect of that scenario.

“Join a soprano choir–poetic justice?”

“Wouldn’t that be operatic justice?”

“Two little maids from school are we...” she sang in a silly voice while she went back upstairs to her decorating.

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Comments

Nice interlude.

I see things shaping up for some more fun. Two boys and we don't know who yet. It will be fun. I want to see where you are taking this.

Did I make vote 1?

Hugs,
Trish-Ann
~There is no reality, only perception~

Hugs,
Trish Ann
~There is no reality, only perception~

"laughing like drains"

I can honestly say I've never, ever, come across that particular simile. Admit it, you just made that up!

It's a vivid one, though the mental image is not very complimentary :). If brooks can babble, I suppose drains can have a laugh.

"laughing like drains"

Greetings

I can assure you, that "laughing like drains" is not a figment of Angharads mind. It is a genuine saying in England. She does indeed come up with many figments to keep the story flowing.

Thank you A'

Brian

Always enjoy

conversation between Stella and Cathy when they are both healthy and in good spirits.

Castrati!

Interesting mental image, but I somehow doubt castration is on Cathy's agenda!

Besides which, if they misbehave, just give them an audience with Mima - one dose of her banshee act and they'll quickly realise toeing the line might be a good idea...especially as Tom is usually the only male in the house.
 
 
--Ben


This space intentionally left blank.

As the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body, then only left-handers are in their right mind!

Cathy's

Big heart just may cause a problem for Trish, then again, TRish just might overcome her fear.

    Stanman
May Your Light Forever Shine
    Stanman
May Your Light Forever Shine

You could almost

feel sorry for the two boys when they arrive at Cameron Towers, If they only knew half of what has happened over the last few months, They would be begging Nora to take them to Wantage and away from the trouble magnet called Cathy!!!

Kirri

Perhaps these two boys even

Perhaps these two boys even if they see Trish might not recognize her as the boy they harassed at the home. Was Trish ever in a dress or skirts there? Also it seems like some time has gone by since Trish left there. Then the other issue is the boys best not go after Trish, because they will have two other girls, Oliva and Meems, after them big time. Jan

Mixed feelings

I socialized with boys in my neighborhood as a kid. It was better than being lonely. I did not enjoy how boys interacted at times though. Reality though is that girls can be just as mean and some ways meaner than boys as I've discovered as an adult. In a way the rules of the road so to speak socially for boys are simpler than for girls as girls and women can be so much more socially and physically vicious.

Anyway, I wonder how old these orphaned boys are ? Age makes a lot of difference in how she will need to interact with them. I cannot imagine her adopting these boys though. Her life is complicated enough without a herd of kids. Three is more than enough. However, I can see Simon coming into play more when those kids come a calling.

Kim