Chapter 3

The long, hot summer waxed into autumn and then, in turn, into winter. Both Robert and Abby celebrated birthdays with the passing of gifts and then more gifts as Christmas came and went.

Abby was cast as a shepherd in the nativity play at school. Jean and Robert laughed with the rest of the audience when baby Jesus landed on his head with a loud thud, and Mary wore a mortified expression that was a classic picture, and then again, when one of the wise men forgot his lines, only to be reminded by a rather loud stage whisper from the wings.

Christmas had been hard for Abby. Her father might have left home, but it seemed that he had also left her as well as her mother. His card had a cheque for one hundred pounds, but nothing else. No words of love or that he was missing her, or even an invitation to come and see him in his new house. In her mind and with the astuteness of a young girl, the money was by way of absolution for his conscience. In that one thoughtless act, he had alienated his daughter beyond repair. She was not likely to forgive the latest and greatest betrayal.

Jean had noticed a change in Abby. She had always been a little dizzy and somewhat clumsy and loud, but she had suddenly become much more self-assured, displaying a certain quietude of manner, as if she were carrying a secret. Abby also displayed rather more affection toward Jean with impromptu hugs and consideration of her space. Jean found herself liking Abby more; she loved her, of course, as a mother does her child, but at another level, they were becoming friends who shared little moments, a kindred closeness. Jean thought that it might be the result of her father leaving home, perhaps a basic need to know that at least one of her parents was a constant in her life. So, she didn’t question it, just enjoyed the bond they were developing.

Abby herself was quite content. She had achieved her goal in seducing Robert. She would have liked to visit that special place again, but it pleased her that her mother and Robert were involved. She liked how her mum bounced around and became more like a girl. She liked that Robert was around occasionally and thought that perhaps she might get another chance with him sometime, but was in no hurry and didn’t want to spoil her mother’s secret or happiness. In seducing Robert, she had stepped over a threshold, had experienced that which her fantasies had promoted to an elevation far beyond the event, and, in a moment of maturity, way beyond her years, knew that she would one day, reach that goal of sexual summit again, but only when she was ready and rather more well equipped to handle it.

Robert’s exam result arrived. They were not brilliant, but good enough to get him into university, where he wanted to study physical education. He was better than okay at most sports, but liked the idea of teaching it. To do that, he needed to obtain at least a degree in sports science. He also needed to take higher exams in English and Math. September saw him embark on a path that he hoped would shape his future career and lead to a teaching degree.

Jean was also progressing in her job. The chance to increase her hours had come at just the right time, allowing for a better Christmas with the extra income. It suited her needs and still allowed her to be home in time for Abby’s return from school. Her revenge on David came from an unexpected quarter. Imelda, a new receptionist, very publicly and very loudly announced that it would be a cold day in hell before she went out with such an animal like him. Then, went on to inform everyone interested that he had left a defenceless woman in the middle of London when she refused him sex. Although she didn’t mention Jean by name, it was common knowledge, at least amongst the women in the office and then by most everyone else. Many eyes turned to Jean, who was sitting quietly, watching the interaction. By implication, it was accepted that she had been the victim of this predator. David’s humiliation was total and complete. Wordlessly, his face florid in embarrassment, he fled the office and found another job a week or two later.

Time and circumstance conspired to keep Robert and Jean apart. They managed an occasional secret coupling, usually frenzied and hurried, taking the infrequent opportunities when Abby was visiting friends after school. By tacit agreement, they hid their romance from everyone, preferring that things not be public, at least for the time being.

Spring came with melting snow and a gradual rise in the ambient temperature. The days grew longer and warmer. Then, in turn, came Easter as a celebration of the end of the harsh, cold weather. It was also Jean’s birthday.

Abby had baked a cake. Secretly, she had been preparing it at her best friend, Alice’s, house with the help of Alice’s mother. The finished article was very good. The icing over the rich cake was quite artistic, and the writing in fluorescent green, spelling out,” The best Mum in the world”, was neatly done.

Abby called Robert to come over, conspiring with him that she had baked a cake as a surprise. She let him in through the back door. They waited side by side in the living room. Both were bearing gifts while Jean finished her shower. Abby’s cake sat on the table, candles ready to be lit, and her handmade card alongside.