THE OTHER SIDE

PART 4

Beth’s days were filled with the endless pursuit of her father’s survival.

Dr. Foster’s visits did little to cheer her.  He shook his head, “If he recovers it will be a slow process. His immune system is low; often the case when they live on the streets. We can only keep him stable. I’ll call in tomorrow”. He raised his hat, “Good day to you”.

She returned to the kitchen, boiled the kettle and made tea. The warmth and smell of the brew soothed her.  In the quietness she could asses the situation for she was sure he would have family. They should be informed yet for her this was a dangerous liaison and it couldn’t fall upon her shoulders to do so.

Milly frequently returned home late from the Centre. She had undertaken Beth’s senior responsibilities and hired extra staff to cope with the excess visitors brought in by the bitterly cold winter. One evening Milly looked pale, tiredness was taking its toll. Beth noticed and began to worry. “Aunt Milly, you are tired. After supper retire straight to bed and tomorrow we will have to re-assess the situation”.

Beth had a restless night and a secret she dare not share yet Milly was carrying a far too heavy burden. Perhaps she could undertake some days at the Centre to allow Milly some time at home. Tom slept most of the time and Beth could take over when she got home.

As the dawn came in Beth got dressed. She laid a tray and took Milly’s breakfast to her. Milly sat up, “You needn’t do that lass, you’ve got yourself and Tom to see to”. “No”

replied Beth. “I should have realized, you are taking on far too much. Stay home with Tom today and I’ll go to the Centre. Dr. Forster will call and  give you instruction on his medication. I did a new Broth yesterday. It’s all he can manage but good nourishment”.

The weeks passed and Tom was gaining strength. Indeed he would now survive  the near fatal  odds which had taken hold.  Beth looked into her father’s eyes. No longer dull and tired but clear and bright. She made her way down to the kitchen and found Milly  

preparing his breakfast tray. “Milly, Tom is doing well; for sure he’ll make a full recovery. I’m so thankful and I am much in your debt”. Milly took hold of the tray, “Actually lass I’ve grown quite attached to him. He is quiet and gentlemanly but never gives any indication as to his situation. God forbid he’ll go back on the streets. There are sheltered accommodations for the homeless. That’s a thought. Beth can you bring some donated clothes home at lunchtime. It’s time he got out of bed and sit down here by the fire for afternoon tea”. Beth was enlightened by his steady recovery but knew she would have to ‘way lay’ his final departure. She couldn’t let him walk away back into depravity. “Yes I’ll fetch some clothes back during the lunch break; it’ll be a rush but good thinking Milly, see you later”. 

Beth kept to her word. Milly heard her key in the front door and boiled he kettle. “Sit yourself down and have a bite to eat. I’ve baked some fresh rolls and scones”. Beth passed across a large bag of clothing. “Second hand and donated but freshly laundered, something should fit Tom”.

As always  afternoon tea was four o’clock. Milly made her way up to the bedroom and found him stirring. She gently placed her hand on his, “Tom, I believe now is the time you should start to dress and move around. It will further aid your recovery and bring some normality and routine. Why don’t you go through these clothes and come downstairs for afternoon tea by the fire”.  He gently smiled, “Thank you, how kind to invite me to your parlour for tea dear lady. I will find something to wear and though a tad shaky on my feet will be down.

As he stood on the landing she noticed how dapper he looked in a smart navy blue blazer and beige trousers. She helped him down to the parlour and sat him by the fireside. Afternoon tea was an enjoyable experience. General pleasantries were exchanged and Milly enjoyed Tom’s tales of his travels years ago. She gathered he had been an ordinary adventurous young man.

He began to look tired. Milly took his arm and helped him back to the bedroom to rest.

As she went to close the door she noticed a familiar photo on the floor: Beth as a young baby with her mother. Beth had cleared out the wardrobe earlier that day to make space for items of clothing he may wish to keep.

Beth arrived home tired yet excited to learn if Tom had made it downstairs. Milly smiled, “Yes it was a good exercise. He is still unsteady but the strength is there, He enlightened me about his travels as a young man; quite a character once I’d say. However he tired quickly so he is back resting. Oh by the way I found this photo of yours. You must have dropped it from the wardrobe whilst clearing It at lunchtime. Beth became flustered for she knew her own copy was safely in a box with a key. She thought Milly had known that. The same photo on the floor must have dropped out of Tom’s tatty wallet. Somehow

she had to get the photo back in to his wallet before he missed it and enquired if it had been found. Milly mustn’t know nor must he; not yet.

Tom enjoyed afternoon tea in the parlour. The routine was good for his well being.

Milly had undertaken responsibility of he Center’s ministration paperwork at home. It would take he strain off Beth. She preferred the quietness and always completed it by midday. Beth insisted she kept it tucked away out of sight for confidentiality business reasons even though she had her own reasons. Tom may know the name Potterton which would be on it.

Millie was preparing afternoon tea when the doorbell rang. Tom was warming his hands by the fireside; “I’ll get the door” he called out. As he opened it a gruff voice took him aback. “Excuse me mate, I have a large packet for a Miss Beth Potterton . Tom had never enquired as to Beth or Millie’s surnames. He thought it too intrusive being he would only be there a short time. He stammered, “Can you repeat the name again?.” “Beth Potterton mate”, came the reply. Millie emerged from the kitchen, ” Oh, it’s only stationery, Yes I need It here, where do I sign?”.

Tom ate very little tea. “Are you feeling all right” Milly quipped. Yes I am fine thank you,I  just feel a little peaky, would you excuse me if I retired?”

He lay on the bed. Potterton!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Could these people be related to my beloved Beattie. Can I find her?

….

When Beth came home she knocked on his door and entered the room. He looked into her eyes, her strong cheekbones and thick wavy hair looked strangely familiar.

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