Francesca, page 15
My house was in darkness. After all, we weren’t there. The driver of the Rolls-Royce in my driveway surveyed the scene. Tony got out of the car and knocked on the door, although he could see no one was home. He was puzzled. Today was only Christmas Eve. I had told him I wouldn’t be leaving till then. He looked through the side windows. The house was empty and in complete darkness.
Tony got back into his car and drove to Elle’s house. On entering, he simply came out with it and asked her, ‘Where is she, Elle? She wasn’t going to her mother’s until after lunch’.
Half expecting this, Elle went through to the kitchen and put the kettle on. ‘She left a day early, Tony. Didn’t she tell you?’ She knew full well I hadn’t, but she could see Mr Super Cool’s feathers were ruffled somewhat.
‘No! She bloody well didn’t tell me,’ he snapped. ‘I have brought a present for Bobby. Do you have the keys? I will leave it in the house for when he gets back.’
Elle explained that, because of the weather and that Tony hadn’t needed me until New Year, I had decided to go a day earlier than planned. Elle could see the disappointment in his face. She found that a little strange.
‘Come on, Tony. You’re putting me into a difficult situation here. It’s Francesca’s house. I can’t just hand over the keys.’ She looked up at Tony and thought again. ‘Well, under the circumstances—it’s Christmas after all.’ Elle found it strange that Tony had gone out of his way on Christmas Eve to bring a present for Bobby and even more strange that he seemed very disappointed that we weren’t there.
‘I am her husband, Elle,’ was all he said and followed her out to the car.
They went to the house and opened the door. Elle was surprised to see Tony taking a bicycle with a Batman logo on it from his car.
‘I suppose it looks good and keeps up the pretence—you buying your stepson a Christmas present,’ Elle said, not wanting to embarrass Tony any further by this impulse. She didn’t delve any further.
‘Yes, got to keep up appearances. You’re right,’ he mumbled and put the bicycle near the Christmas tree. It had a label on it, which just said, ‘To Bobby from Tony.’ For some reason, he put his hands in his pockets and looked around the house.
Even though, I didn’t feel like it was home yet, Tony could already see the difference. The hallway had an assortment of shoes and wellington boots. Bobby’s drawings were stuck on the fridge with magnets. There were photos of Bobby and I in frames. It had the usual untidiness of having a child.
Tony felt the place had changed into a home. Then he looked at the kitchen worktop. He noticed the Christmas card he had sent to me. ‘To my wife at Christmas,’ it read.
It had come through the letter box when I was rushing out of the door. I had opened it quickly and then just left it on the side for later. Then, with one thing and another, I had totally forgotten about it. Julie had telephoned and said she wanted to meet up. But I’d explained that I couldn’t and would see her in the New Year, at the party. She told me she was going away with Ralph to get some sun during the Christmas period.
Tony picked up the card, with the envelope still beside it, and threw it back down on the worktop. ‘Well, that was a bloody waste of time, wasn’t it?’ He turned around and looked at Elle.
‘Don’t worry, Tony. I will put it on the mantelpiece, and then if Julie or anyone comes, they will see it.’ Elle felt she was trying hard to appease him but couldn’t understand why. No one was coming. They all knew Francesca was going home to see her mother. So, why did Tony look so disheartened?
Elle could see he wasn’t happy, and then the worst happened. He turned to leave and noticed a ring box on the window ledge. It was the red velvet box he had given me, containing my engagement ring. He picked it up and opened it. Suddenly, Elle saw his face flush with anger, and his eyes were blazing. He looked at Elle and held up the box towards her.
‘Did you know about this? She leaves her wedding and engagement rings in a box on the bloody window ledge in the kitchen. Is that what she thinks of them?’ He walked over to the pedal bin and was about to throw them in when Elle stopped him.
‘Tony, love.’ Elle put her hand on his arm. ‘What is the point of that? People expect to see those rings when she is out with you. Yes, I have noticed them before. But she always wears them when Julie’s here or she is going out with you.’ Her voice was warm and tender, like talking to a young boy.
Tony nodded and threw the box back on the window ledge. He knew Elle was right of course, but he also felt this was some kind of insult. Francesca only wore his rings when she needed to. He had seen enough. He kissed Elle on the cheek and walked to his car. He had expected to go in and present Bobby with his bike. Now, it all felt like a waste of time. He was glad only Elle knew about this. He had heard about Bobby’s late craze for Batman, and when he had seen the bicycle, he couldn’t resist buying it. Pointless really—Francesca hadn’t even sent him a card.
Chaotic Christmas Day! At 6 a.m., the boys burst into my mam’s bedroom, which I shared with her.
‘Has he been?’ they all screamed in unison.
They all ran downstairs; it was like a stampede. They were kneeling down in front of the tree, looking at the names on the labels.
‘Wait!’ shouted my mam. ‘Before anything else, I am going to make some tea, and then we will sit down and take it in turns opening the presents. Okay?’
I had brought some of Bobby’s presents with me. That, combined with what he’d gotten off my mam, would suit him until we got home. I had explained he would have two Christmases and be able to open up the other presents at home, especially as Santa knew our new address.
The floor was covered in Christmas paper. Everyone was playing with cars and Legos. Christmas annuals were strewn on the sofa to read later. It felt good. I had been able to buy extra special presents this year. I had been able to give my mam some extra money towards all expenses. That alone made all of this worth it.
It was a great day. Christmas dinner was cooked to perfection, as always. Crackers were pulled and the table was filled with warmth and laughter.
At one point, I found myself wondering what Tony was doing today. I don’t know why. He suddenly flashed through my mind. Then I consoled myself that he would possibly be having a Christmas lunch in some post-hotel spot somewhere with one of his lady friends.
‘For God’s sake, Tony. Why do you keep looking at your mobile phone?’ Jake was puzzled. Who was going to telephone on Christmas Day? As always, Jake, Sharon, and Tony had gone to Elle’s for Christmas lunch, but Jake couldn’t help noticing Tony kept checking his mobile phone.
‘I’m just checking, Jake. Business doesn’t stop just because it’s Christmas, you know.’
Having Christmas lunch with Elle had become a ritual. Tony had thought that he might have heard from Francesca, but there was nothing.
It was Elle who broke the silence. ‘Have you sent Francesca and Bobby a message wishing them a merry Christmas, Tony?’ she asked innocently. She knew that was why he was checking his mobile.
Tony ran his hands through his hair and nonchalantly looked at them all. ‘No. I didn’t think to.’
The penny was now dropping on Jake. Tony actually liked Francesca. He knew he had liked her and tried to find her after their little rendezvous. He’d thought that was all over. Yet when Ralph had asked Tony the name of his girlfriend, he had blurted out Francesca’s name.
Elle was clever and knew Tony well. ‘You should send her a message, Tony. After all, it is Christmas.’ Saying this made it seem like sending the message was her idea. She watched him shrug his shoulders and take out his mobile phone and start texting.
‘Hope you and your family are having a wonderful Christmas Day. See you New Year’s Eve. Love, TL, x,’ he typed.
Before he sent it, he showed Elle. ‘Is that okay?’ he asked.
Very shortly after he’d sent it, his mobile made a sound indicating he had received a message. He read the message before him. ‘Thanks. Merry Christmas. F&B.’
Tony put his phone back into his pocket. He now knew what it felt like to be dismissed. Elle could see the message wasn’t what he had hoped it would be. She didn’t know what he wanted, but she could tell that wasn’t it. She made excuses about Christmas being a busy time, especially with a house full of children.
The next few days passed in a blur filled with eating and being overindulgent on everything. The snow was now turning to slush, and my mam and I discussed after five days that it was time to go home—before it got worse on the motorways.
When we arrived home, the house was cold. I put the heating on and then started unloading the car. Bobby ran indoors with one of his presents. Then I heard a loud scream. It was deafening. ‘Mammy!’
I ran indoors to see what was wrong. Panic gripped me as I heard Bobby scream out again.
My mind was in turmoil. What on earth had happened? Running into the living room, I stopped short.
Bobby was standing in the living room holding the handlebars of a black bicycle with the yellow Batman logo on it. My jaw dropped. Where on earth had that come from? My first instinct was Elle. But she had given Bobby his Christmas presents. Then I saw the label. It was from Tony. When had he been?
Instantly, Bobby wanted to take the bike onto the drive and ride it. He wobbled and fell off a few times but was determined to get the hang of it. All my presents for him were left under the tree for later while he mastered riding his bike during the course of the afternoon.
I emptied our bags and put on the washing machine, all the usual things that you do after a few days of holiday.
After a couple of hours, I could hear Bobby talking away. When I looked out of the patio doors, I saw Elle with him in the drive. She was watching him ride his bike up and down the drive and shouting encouragement.
After a while, she came in. ‘Phew! It’s cold out there. I was driving past and saw the lights on. I thought I would pop around. Is that okay?’
‘Who brought the bike around for Bobby?’ I asked her directly and poured some coffee.
She looked down at the floor and then back up at me. Tony brought it, but you had already left. I let him bring it in to save him taking it back with him. Was that okay?’ She looked a little sheepish. She was being pulled in all directions and couldn’t do right for doing wrong.
‘Well, not really, Elle. Tony should have rang if he had wanted to drop something off, and I really don’t need him involving Bobby in all of this.’ I didn’t know what to say. I hadn’t expected this. Then I looked at Elle and could see she felt uncomfortable with the situation.
‘Sorry, Francesca. I didn’t mean any harm. It’s Christmas, and I thought it would be okay to leave it here. You can have your keys back if you like.’ She held out the key ring to me.
‘No, keep them. It’s just that this is supposed to be my house, and I get to say when people walk in and out of it.’ I sat down and put my hand to my forehead. ‘Sorry, Elle. It’s been a long journey and a busy few days. I’m just a bit tired.’
Now Elle was back on home ground. ‘Why don’t you have a relaxing bath, and I will rustle up something to eat for you both. I will turn on all the driveway lights so that Bobby can have a little longer on his bike. No go on. Have a little time to yourself. She felt better now that she had something to do. And to be honest, I was grateful. The drive home had taken over an hour longer than anticipated.
Julie turned up the following day glowing with her suntan. She looked beautiful and well turned out as always. Not to break a habit of a lifetime, she opened her bag and took out two bottles of champagne, which were in cooler bags. Elle, now knowing the routine, put a glass in front of her.
She gossiped on about her trip and how exclusive it had been and how her son, Joshua, had enjoyed it. I was a little taken aback because, although I knew she had a son, he had been packed off to an exclusive boarding school. Not a lot more had been discussed, and so I never asked.
‘While we were away’—she smiled playfully— ‘I bought you this. This is definitely for you, and it will get that husband of yours gagging for it.’ She laughed at her own joke and handed me a large box.
12
New Year’s Eve
The name on the front was obviously designer. I looked at the box and then at her. She was eager for me to open it. Those brightly red painted lips of hers held a smile that seemed to cover half of her face.
‘Why do you think I need to get my husband “gagging” for it?’ I smiled back at her, all the while moving my hand towards the box.
‘Oh, Fran, love, you’re naive, and he’s just being too polite. Anyone can see he’s desperate to grab hold of you. But you’re so reserved about it all—shy, I suppose. Never really been anything I have suffered from—shyness. She was bubbling with excitement like a young girl. ‘Anyway, I have had a great idea. You never had a honeymoon, and Ralph and I have a villa in Italy. Why don’t we all go, including the boys of course? I know you wouldn’t want to go without Bobby. What about you, Elle?’ She looked up to where Elle was busying herself. ‘Are you up for it, a holiday in Italy?’
I had declined her offer of champagne and drank my usual coffee. I was about to untie the large red bow around the box when Julie took a large gulp of her drink and put her hand over mine. ‘Actually, don’t open it until you are ready to wear it at the New Year’s Eve party. I know what’s in it already, and you will lose your nerve. Let’s say it’s a little risqué.’ Again, she laughed at her own secret joke.
Now I was worried. Knowing Julie, I didn’t dare think what would be in that box. I had already bought my dress for the party. I just knew it wouldn’t be in the same league as what was in that box!
‘This isn’t some clown’s outfit or something, is it, Julie?’ I had begun to get the measure of Julie’s sense of humour, and I had seen a lot of wives being the brunt of Julie’s jokes.
Pouring yet another glass of champagne, the smile she wore became serious, and a frown crossed her brow. ‘Don’t be silly, Fran. It’s beautiful, really it is. But I know you might find it revealing. Promise me, Fran, you will wear it.’ She gave me a drunken wagging finger and, once the second bottle was empty, got up to leave. ‘Wear it, Fran. Let Tony see what a beautiful woman he has married, eh?’
She spoke with experience, like she had seen right through my sham of a marriage. Did we look so estranged to the outside world? We had been attentive and danced closely together. What did they expect? I walked her to her car, or rather, held her up as she staggered towards the poor chauffeur, who seemed used to it.
She shouted to me, ‘Think about Italy, Fran. See you tomorrow.’
‘Are you going to open it?’ Elle could see my temptation as I spied the box on the table. Julie had made it all sound very mysterious.
‘No.’ I sighed. ‘What is the point? Julie always gets what Julie wants. If I don’t wear whatever is in that box, it will upset her and then Ralph, who will complain to Tony about how ungrateful I am. And we can’t have that, can we?’ I know my voice was dripping in sarcasm. Oh to hell with it. This was part of my job—pleasing the Gold family and keeping good relations!
Elle had been helping Bobby build the track for his racing game. She stood up and put the kettle on. Then she picked up Julie’s empty bottles and started to clear away. ‘You know, Francesca’—she laughed, trying to change the subject— ‘when I was a girl, you used to get money on the bottles you took back to the shop. Maybe that’s were Ralph made his fortune.’ We both burst out laughing.
New Year’s Eve morning was snowing and blowing the usual winter gale-force wind. Bobby wanted to play out in the snow, so we donned our hats and coats and went for a long walk on the beach, which by now was covered in snow. Although it was cold, we enjoyed ourselves, drinking hot chocolate and eating doughnuts. Some people were walking their dogs along the seafront.
‘Can we have a dog, Mammy,’ Bobby suddenly asked. This was totally out of the blue.
‘Dogs are a big tie, Bobby. You can’t just come and go as you please. They have to be walked every day and looked after properly. Maybe someday, but not right now, okay?’
I saw the disappointed look on his face. I just didn’t think the time was right. Elle already looked after Bobby in my absence. I couldn’t ask her to look after a dog as well.
When we got home, Elle was still there making herself busy with the ironing. Bobby burst in and told her he wanted a dog. I stood behind Bobby looking at Elle, waving my arms, and shaking my head no. I silently mouthed, No. I needed her to agree with me now, to no avail.
‘Well, you do both go for walks on the beach every day. But dogs do need a lot of looking after, Bobby.’
That really wasn’t a lot of help. I supposed she was trying to appease him, but all she had done was raise his hopes. Elle was going to be staying over, as she was looking after Bobby while I would be at the party. It seemed she looked after Bobby even when she didn’t need to look after him. Elle was cooking dinner—fish fingers and chips, Bobby’s favourite.
I took a leisurely bath and pondered the evening ahead of me. What a difference from last year. Here I was, lying in a large Jacuzzi bubble bath in a mansion house, while the housekeeper cooked my son’s dinner. Crazy or what? The car was to pick me up around 7 p.m. I decided to put my hair up and just leave a few ringlets on the side of my shoulder. I still hadn’t seen the dress. Now it was time to open the magic box.
I pulled at the ribbon and took the lid off. Layers of tissue paper covered the material. I parted it all, and all I could see was chiffon netting.
Pulling out the dress, I had my first chance to take a proper look at it, although it just looked like thin layers of chiffon. Where was the dress? It was so oddly shaped, I couldn’t fathom what went where? I shouted for Elle. When she came up, I showed her.
