The Year Of New Beginnings

Chapter Two

Chapter TwoFour weeks later…

Will glanced at his watch. He was already half an hour late and the traffic going into the city was at a complete standstill.

“Bloody roadworks,” he thumped the dashboard, “come on!”

Next to him, Flora shook her head and tutted, “you are just like your father – no patience.”

“Sorry Mum,” Will replied with a sheepish look at Flora, “I just hate being late.”

“I'll have you there in no time,” Flora pulled out of the line of traffic, slammed her foot on the accelerator and sped up the bus lane.

“Woah! You little rebel.” He grinned, as his mum nervously checked her mirrors.

“Just hope there's no police about,” she slowed down, slotting her car into a space at the top of the lights, “can you hop out here love?

As a reply Will unbuckled his seatbelt and sprang from the car, “ta-ra!” he dashed onto the pavement, waving at Flora, who was soon swallowed up behind a vast haulage truck.

Will weaved around the pedestrians making their way into the city centre. Then out of nowhere he heard his name being shouted and turned to see his mate Jimmy, hanging out the passenger side of a white van. He jogged back down the street, noting the sign on the work van now read Mitchell & Son.

“Alright?” Will gasped, pointing to the lettering, “I'm impressed.”

“You're looking at a fully trained plumber mate. None of this university bollocks for me, I'm earning Will, mega bucks.”

“I'm just off to work myself,” Will said with a grimace.

“Oh yes,” Jimmy chuckled, “you still working in a wine bar?”

“It's the student union bar actually,” Will corrected.

“How's it going?” Jimmy pulled a cigarette out of its pack and tapped the edge of it, “haven't seen much of you over the summer.”

“I've been busy with Esme.”

“You been away?” Jimmy lit the cigarette, taking a deep drag, “me and Sadie went to Ibiza. It was rocking, non-stop partying. Hey maybe next year you and Hema could come?”

Will baulked at the thought of his reserved girlfriend living it large in Ibiza, “nah, we've got Esme to think of now. Somehow I don't think she'd enjoy the foam parties and the beach raves.”

“Suppose not,” Jimmy grinned, “I still can't believe that my best mate is all settled down. You're not even twenty man.”

“Well I am settled down and a fully functioning mature adult, so you better accept it.”

“Just kidding,” Jimmy slapped Will's upper arm, “how much longer you got left at uni then?”

“Last year,” Will replied, kicking at a ketchup-smeared chip wrapper which was trying to wind itself around his ankles.

“So what will you do? When you've finally graduated and grown up?”

“Journalism.”

Jimmy coughed, “as in working for a newspaper?”

“Yep.”

“That would be cool, especially if you covered sports news. Does your dad know?”

“Not yet,” Will replied.

“Are you sure about journalism?” Jimmy frowned, “Dad would give you a job tomorrow as an apprentice if you wanted it Will.”

“I'm sure,” Will said with determination, “I've been thinking about it all summer. Thanks anyway, but I'm not wasting my degree on something completely unrelated. Plumbing's not for me.”

Jimmy nodded, a look of respect flickering over his features, “you were always different, even at school. I knew you'd do something awesome with your life. Maybe I should go to uni, huh?”

“Why not?” Will replied, “it's not too late mate. You're going to be working for the rest of your life – do something you love Jimmy, don't settle, don't just exist.”

“What could I do?” Jimmy laughed, “I'm a manual worker Will, it runs in the family, it's what I'm used to.”

“You wanted to join the police,” Will reminded him with his eyebrows arched, “can't you remember when we were little, playing cops and robbers, and you always had to be the big powerful detective.”

Jimmy threw back his head and guffawed, “it wasn't real Will. It was just a dream.”

“Then why don't you make your dreams come true for a change,” Will shrugged, “just saying.”

There elapsed a moment of silence between them, which was broken by the thundering of a motorbike whizzing past.

“I really have to go,” Will backed away, “but Esme's one today, we're having a party, nothing fancy, just a little celebration, come and see her, bring Sadie too.”

Jimmy lifted up his hand, “we'll be there buddy, see you later?”

“You betcha!”

Will ran the rest of the way. Past the row of banks and trendy wine bars, through the church grounds until he finally reached the university. There were a lot of people milling about, come to visit on one of the universities many open days. A plastic sheet declaring welcome flapped high above the entrance. Will slowed to a quick gait, nodding at the staff he had come to recognise over the last two years of being here. One of the librarians accosted him; asking him to help push a crate full of books to the learning centre.

“Thank you,” she said gratefully, tucking behind a damp tendril of hair which had escaped from its high bun, “erm … what was your name?”

“Will,” he grinned, “do you need me to put these on some of the shelves?”

“Oh no. They have to be checked in, logged onto the system, coded and sorted into topics,” she blushed, “but thank you for the offer.”

“No probs,” Will was off again, down a steep flight of stairs into the student union bar.

Gladys the cleaner was sprawled across the bar, gazing at the manager's derriere with a lascivious gleam in her eye. Will crept up behind her and grabbed hold of her waist, “caught ya!”

Up went her tin of polish and duster as she yelled out in surprise. The tin of polish landed on Will's head.

“Serves ya right,” she blustered, “you coulda' given me a coronary.”

“Ah Gladys, but Mick would have given you the kiss of life,” Will laughed, ducking away from her.

“Eh! You daft bugger.”

Mick stretched up to his full height of six foot four, “alright our Will? How's your summer been?”

“Great ta,” Will replied, looking around the deserted room, “where is everyone?”

Mick shrugged with an air of resigned nonchalance, “seems like the prospective students don't want Mum and Dad knowing about this place.”

“This is the hub of the university,” Will declared, “don't worry, this bar will soon be buzzing, especially when news gets around what brilliant cocktail makers the bar staff are.”

“Let's hope so,” Mick said sourly, “or you'll be outta a job. Now Gladys, stop fawning all over my clean bar, go and clean out the lavs or someut.”

“I don't have to put with that kind of chat,” Gladys threw Mick a stern look, “there's rules about bullying in the workplace.” She ambled off, chuntering under her breath.

“Are you sure you need me in today?” Will glanced around.

“Yep,” Mick emitted a huge sigh, “we had a delivery late last night that still needs organising, the stockroom looks like a bomb's exploded in it and I've got that much paperwork I feel like I'm the one doing an English degree, not you!”

Will picked up a crate, “I'll start with the alco-pops then shall I?”

* * *

Later that afternoon, Will walked into the city centre, heading for the toy stores. Hema had already spent a fortune on birthday presents, but Will had some extra cash burning a hole in his pocket, so maybe one or two more gifts added to the pile wouldn't hurt. Will caught the bus back with his hands full of carriers; a giant teddy for Esme to clamber all over, a complex looking bath toy which promised to provide hours of fun, and an electronic book for parent and child to read together.

`Where are you?' Hema's text pinged into his message box.

`Coming babe,' Will's succinct reply seemed to appease his girlfriend as he heard no more from her. He settled back with his iPod blaring popular indie music and hopped off twenty minutes later. Will was strolling casually down the street, when Ruby the family border collie shot towards him, tail wagging frantically.

“Who let you out?” Will grabbed hold of her collar and watched bemused as Hema hurried towards him, clad in her furry slippers and a cotton playsuit which revealed a considerable amount of thigh.

“What took you so long?” Hema berated, looking hot and frazzled.

“What's up?”

“Our mothers are what's up!” Hema puffed her cheeks out theatrically, “they're taking over Will, butting in and bossing.”

“My mum?” Will was surprised to hear Hema talking negatively of Flora; they were usually so close. Shivani on the other hand…

“Yes even Flora! It's like it's a competition; see who can organise the most elaborate first birthday party ever,” Hema sighed, “Mum seems to think that Indian food is going to be more popular than Flora's jam sandwiches and teacakes. I just had to get out of there.”

“Where's Dad?”

“He's sloped off to the pool again, leaving me to deal with them. Oh and guess what? Uncle Evan is on his way.”

“That's all we need,” Will mumbled, “hey, I saw Jimmy. I've invited him and Sadie.” Will paused as Hema's mouth turned into a sulky pout, “that is okay isn't it?”

“I suppose so!” Hema's tone was lifting higher and higher, “but I hope you told them there's no alcohol Will. That's all those two seem to think about now-a-days.”

“They're young and have no responsibilities,” Will shrugged, “we'd be the same.”

“Would we?” Hema looked sceptical, “do we really want Esme seeing their drunken behaviour? They're not good role models Will, fawning over each other, swigging from bottles of vodka, smoking wacky backy!”

“So you won't be coming to Ibiza then?”

“What?!”

Will pulled her into his arms, “just joking. Leave it to me, I'll sort out the interfering Grannies.”

“Good,” Hema sniffed, “what have you got there?”

“More awesome presents!”

“Will, our daughter is going to be so spoilt.”

“It's her first birthday – we're allowed to spoil her, it's not like we splash out on toys all year round.”

“I suppose so,” Hema replied with a sniff, “my hay fever has been horrendous today, I feel ill.”

“Take a tablet,” Will advised, “go and have a lie down and I'll finish off the arrangements.”

Hema looked like the weight of the world had been removed from her shoulders, “thank you,” she said, her voice back to being girly and breathless, “love you.”

“Love you too.”

* * *

“This book is so romantic,” Juliette relaxed back on the swinging sun lounger with a dreamy sigh.

“Is it on the university's year three reading list?” Ben was standing at the other end of the garden, hosepipe in hand, regarding her with amused eyes.

“Erm, are Mills and Boon indicative reading for an English degree now-a-days?”

Ben laughed, “what's it about?”

“Well basically a devoted caring nurse falls for a gorgeous powerful doctor. There are lots of obstacles in their way; an irate ex, a vicious mother-in-law, the poor / rich scenario which always causes problems. But…”

“Yes?” Ben squirted his bedding plants.

“Of course, true love prevails.”

“Soppy fairy-tale ending?”

“Bound to be,” Juliette sucked her ice lolly, aware that Ben's attention was firmly on her mouth.

“Any s*x?” He asked, casually.

“Dr Rivers really!” Juliette gave him a disapproving glance.

“So there's none then?” Ben looked disappointed.

“Just a little,” Juliette smiled widely, “in fact I'm getting to a rather saucy scene. Boy this doctor is hot…arghhh,” Juliette screamed as a jet of freezing cold water drenched her, almost tipping her from her seat.

“Oops sorry, thought you needed cooling down.”

“Right!” Juliette sprang up, dashing into the utility she picked up a bowl of water and ran towards Ben, ejecting it in a wave over him. It covered his head and torso, dripped from his stubbly chin.

“Oh you are a bad, bad girl, Juliette,” Ben was chuckling as he waved the streaming hosepipe in his hand, “I think you need punishing.”

“Who do you think you are?” Juliette taunted, “Christian Gray?”

She was cut off by a stream of water which hit her face and neck, “okay sorry,” she spluttered, “you are way nicer than him,”

“Better looking?” Ben aimed the nozzle at her bare thighs.

“YES!!!” She screamed, “sexy as…”

“I don't believe you Juliette,” Ben directed the water at her blouse, making it stick to her skin provocatively, “you're going to have to show me.”

“Stop! Stop! Please stop,” Juliette danced as the water hit her feet, “I'll do anything you want.”

“Anything?” Ben chucked the hosepipe down. In two strides he had reached her, lifting her into his arms, he carried her into the house.

“Ben your carpet,” Juliette clung onto him, burying his face into his neck.

“It will dry.”

“You really want to do this now?”

“Now Juliette!” He bounded up the stairs with her in his arms, into the bathroom where he set her down and banged the door shut.

“You're covered in grass,” Ben chuckled, pulling off her sopping wet t-shirt.

“I wonder why,” Juliette's hands went underneath his t-shirt, curling into the hair on his chest. She stepped out of her shorts and underwear, shivering at the wanton lust evident on his face. He pushed her back into the shower cubicle, opening her lips with his own, “I love you,” he said urgently, lifting her arms up so her erect n*****s squashed against his bare skin.

“Oh,” Juliette gasped as a stream of warm water covered them both.

“Do you love me?” He rasped.

“So much,” Juliette nodded fervently, “I love you so much.”

Then she wrapped herself around him, clinging to him as he nipped at her throat and made passionate love to her, steaming the mirrors with their heat and their chemistry, until they both found their release and, sated, sank down onto the floor of the shower, wrapped in each other's arms.

“Ben,” Juliette said sleepily, “I think you left the hosepipe on.”

* * *

Three weeks prior to her first birthday Esme Bentley decided she had spent far too much time on her hands and knees crawling, so on a warm Sunday afternoon, when the entire family were lolling in armchairs snoozing, she grabbed hold of the chair leg and with all her might pulled herself into a standing position. This elicited a happy cry from Esme and made Will open one sleepy eye. He watched fascinated as she let go of the armchair and took a total of ten wobbly steps before falling back on her padded behind.

“Jesus!” He sprang to his feet, searching frantically for his phone, which had become wedged down the side of the cushion.

Flora stretched her tingling toes, gazed at her son and was just about to chastise him for taking the Lord's name in vain when Esme grabbed hold of her leg and pulled herself to her feet again. This time she managed to cross the entire sitting room floor on shaky ballerina tiptoes. At the other end she clung onto the coffee table and chuckled at her new found sense of freedom. Then everyone was wide awake and a plethora of camera clicking ensued.

“You clever, clever girl,” Hema called to her daughter with exaggerated pride. Esme blew a raspberry in return and was off again, trotting to the fireplace, which had been covered with a metal fireguard which she clung onto. That's when the fun for Esme really started and the worry for all the adults in the house intensified.

So, on her first birthday, Hema had spent most of the day running around after her energetic daughter. Flora had been vacuuming and polishing in preparation for the tea party. Then Shivani and Daljeet arrived an hour early, carrying foil trays laden with Indian delicacies.

“Are those jam sandwiches, Flora?” Shivani asked with evident disbelief in her voice.

“Yes,” Flora smiled brightly, “I've made strawberry and damson jelly, Esme loves them.”

“But what are there for the adults?” Shivani wrapped her gossamer scarlet shawl across her shoulder, casting a critical eye over the table of food.

“Oh we all love them too,” Flora replied, “especially Max.”

Shivani's eyebrows shot up, “a headteacher eats jam sandwiches?”

“Yes,” Flora was perplexed by the ridicule emanating from Shivani, “but I've also made banana butties too, so people have a choice.”

“Banana,” Shivani shook her head, “well maybe it's good that I thought to make some bhajis and samosas, so the guests will have some adult variety.”

Flora's bottom lip trembled and Hema jumped to her defence, “Will and I wanted a traditional tea party, Flora's done a grand job and I've even made fairy cakes.”

“You used to prefer sultana cake,” Shivani stared at her pointedly. Then Hema disappeared in a desperate attempt to find Will, before things became a little too heated in Flora's kitchen.

Will sauntered in with Esme in his arms, hair sticking up and an air of chilled out ambience surrounding him.

“My granddaughter is walking!” Shivani clapped her hands, “and what smart shoes she has on. They are Clarks?”

“Of course,” Will replied smoothly, “only the best for princess.” He omitted the fact that Hema had purchased them from a local car boot sale, never been worn, box included. `Probably nicked' had been Will's satisfied verdict at the time.

He passed his daughter into Shivani's outstretched arms and ambled over to Flora, who was stirring jelly into small ramekin pots, “you okay?” He whispered. Flora bit her lip, gave a small nod.

“Stay sweet,” Will advised, “leave the monster-in-law to me. Shivani,” he turned with a bright smile, “is Daljeet not here?”

“Yes,” Shivani looked surprised, “he's sitting in the garden I think.”

“He is,” Flora confirmed, peering above the half netting, “Will, take Daljeet a beer. There are cool ones in the chiller box.”

Will grabbed two, snapping the caps off, “would you like wine Shivani? And maybe we can sit outside too, leave Mum to organise everything.”

Shivani looked around doubtfully, “well I suppose so, if Flora's sure she's okay?”

Flora wiped her hands on her pinafore and beamed at her guest, “you go with Will Shivani, I'm almost finished up here and I'm sure Esme will want to show her nanna how she can toddle around the garden.”

Shivani followed Will outside, with a keenness to explore Esme wriggling in her arms.

“Ah Will, you are looking well!” Daljeet rose to his feet as Will set the bottles down on the glass garden table.

“And my poti - she is on the move!” Daljeet laughed heartily at the sight of Shivani tripping over her sari as she scurried after Esme.

“Yes. Now the fun begins.”

The conversation turned to football. As they were debating Chattlesbury Football Club's chance in the Premiership, Max joined them on the patio, looking relaxed and ultra-cool in a pair of expensive designer sunglasses. He shook hands with Daljeet before reclining on top of Flora's cushioned sun lounger.

“You okay there, Dad?”

“Never better,” Max replied, leaning back with his arms raised above his head.

“I hear that you have resigned! Is that true?” Daljeet surveyed Max with a look of horror and shock.

“It is,” Max flicked back his wet hair and smiled, showing pearly white straight teeth.

“But why?!” Daljeet looked aghast with what he perceived to be Max's impulsive and irresponsible behaviour.

“To live Daljeet, to be happy.”

“But … but,” Daljeet's lips were flapping wildly, “how on earth are you going to cope?”

“My sentiments exactly,” Uncle Evan boomed, plodding towards them, “the daft bugger must be going through the male menopause. He'll be dying his hair and taking up golf next!”

Will sniggered, casting a look at his dad who looked completely unperturbed by this attack on his character.

Uncle Evan's rant continued, “how the devil will you cope financially, old boy? And further still, how is my poor sister going to cope with you moping about the house day and night? She told Grace you've informed the governors of St Mary's that there's no chance that you'll be returning in September? Utterly preposterous behaviour!”

Daljeet nodded in agreement, then Shivani piped up, “a man's place is to be the breadwinner. No wonder Flora is stressed, what with her job and a house to run. If you're not careful Max, your wife will be ill.”

“Here, here,” Evan clapped along boisterously.

Max popped a stick of gum in his mouth and chewed it thoughtfully, “Flora's right – I'm done with the world of education and I'm never setting foot in a school again!”

Up went Evan's hands, “now you sound like Will! I expect that kind of tantrum talk off my almost grown nephew.”

Will stopped laughing, “now hang on.” His eyes narrowed, as he regarded his red-faced uncle.

“Leave Max alone,” Flora tutted, as she surveyed them all from the kitchen doorway, “I can hear you upstairs – what must the neighbours think?”

“Well it's damned irresponsible,” Evan blustered, “you shouldn't have to bear the financial brunt of Max's mid-life crisis, Flora.”

“Max is going to get a part time job and, in the meantime,, we have enough savings to live off comfortably for quite a fair bit, so everybody needs to stop…worrying.”

“My sister…the eternal optimist,” Evan countered, drily.

“Let's not forget,” Flora continued, throwing her brother a stern look, “this is Esme's first birthday, I really can't understand why you're all so preoccupied with mine and Max's affairs. So why don't we all go on inside and watch her open her presents, before the friends and neighbours arrive.”

As they all trooped back into the house, Max pulled Flora aside, sliding one arm around her waist, “thank you for your support love. Thank you.”

Behind them, Will pulled a party popper, “let this party officially commence.”