Tales of the Unknown

Episode 5

Episode 5

They ate in silence and afterwards the girl cleared the dishes and washed them. Jasnah had gone into the bed room to 'perk myself up' as she put it, and although the only thing she wanted to do was to lie down and sleep, Morla knew she had to write to Mary-Kate. From her bag she took a small notepad and an envelope and placed them on the table.

For the first time Eileen's pale eyes held a spark of interest. 'What are you doing?'

I'm writing to my sister in Liverpool, she doesn't know where I am and she'll be worried to death." She paused. Eileen, I don't want you to think that I'm going to be a burden on you. I don't want you to think I'm another stranger coming into your home and expecting to be waited on. I don't mind helping in the house, I'm used to it. I always helped at home. I'm used to shopping and cooking, cleaning, sewing and ironing. If I'm going to live here, then I'll expect to do my share of the work, too, and pay my share of the expenses.'

Eileen didn't reply and so Morla began to write, telling Mary-Kate that she was living with Jasnah and that she had a job and that she was not to worry about her, then she realized the girl was standing beside her, watching her. She looked up.

'Where do you work Eileen?'

'At Feinstein's Bakery. I scrub 'Can you read and write?'

out.'

Eileen shook her head slowly. 'Not very well. I had to look after my Mammy, I didna go to school often.' Would you like me to teach you?' It seemed a small gesture of thanks.

The ghost of a smile crossed Eileen's pale, thin face. 'Would you?'

Morla nodded. 'But not tonight, I'm too tired.'

'Don't you go fillin' her head with all kinds of nonsense,

Morla Macbeth!' They both turned. Jasnah had changed into a print dress and had brushed her hair. 'What harm is there in it?'

'She'll go gettin' grand notions, like you, that's what and no good will come of it either!'

The look Eileen directed at Jasnah was one of pure venom, but at the sound of boots on the landing she immediately went to the range and poured the remainder of the stew on to a plate and from somewhere she produced half a loaf of bread.

'Aren't you the little sneak then! You never said they'd given you any bread.' 'It's for our Archie.'

The appearance of Archie, followed by Andy MacDonald, cut short the imminent argument and Eileen set the meal on the table for him.

I thought we'd go for a stroll, it's a grand evening,' Jasnah put in, glaring at Andy. 'But obviously you've planned something else!'

Morla is going to teach me to read an' write, our Archie.' Eileen announced.

'Is she now. That's good of her.' Andy sat, uninvited, beside Morla and his presence made her uneasy. 'Who are you writing to, or is it a secret?'

He smiled at her and she hastily signed the letter, folded the sheet and put it in the envelope, sealing it firmly. There's nothing secretive about it at all. I'm writing to my sister.'

'Have you a stamp?' he asked. I have. I bought some at the station.'

"Then if you like, I'll walk you to the nearest postbox.' She looked at him, uncertain what to say or do. She was tired and she didn't feel in the mood to be sociable, but the offer was tempting. The letter would have to be posted.

'We'll all go!' Jasnah chimed in. 'Archie, finish up your meal and tidy yourself up. We'll go to the Suspension Bridge; you get a good view from there."

Jasnah had settled the matter and so Morla rose, excusing herself while she brushed her hair and changed her blouse and to her surprise she found she didn't feel quite as tired as before.

They posted the letter and walked along Carlton Place towards the Suspension Bridge and the Custom House Quay on the opposite bank of the Clyde. After a while Jasnah and Archie dropped behind a little and Morla made no attempt to slow her steps, they obviously wanted to talk. She felt a little awkward as Andy MacDonald walked beside her, pointing out the Civic Buildings in the distance.

'You don't say much, do you?'

'It's all so new and strange to me. I come from a small country town.'

You lived in Liverpool, that's a city.' 'I wasn't there very long.'

'Don't you like cities then?' 'I don't really know. I suppose I'll get used to it, but I

didn't expect all the dirt and poverty.' 'Don't they have dirt and poverty in Ireland? Jasnah tells a different tale.'

'Of course they do, but I suppose I was more fortunate

than Jasnah.'

She'd noticed the glances they had attracted, or rather he had attracted, mainly from the girls they passed and she thought about Jasnah's words. He was handsome and he was taking an interest in her. But was that just because he was Archie's friend and she was Jasnah's?

A lot depends on what you expect to gain from life in a city,' he deliberated. What did you leave Ireland for, Morla? Jasnah left because of Archie.'

'I didn't leave because of a man. I wanted a better job and I couldn't stand any more violence.'

'You've come to the wrong place to escape that, a violent city - parts of it are anyway!'

this is

She looked up at him and her expression reminded him of a picture he'd seen of a frightened roe deer. She was shy and quiet and he felt protective towards her. 'Oh, don't worry, I'll look after you, if you like.' 'What does that mean?' she heard herself say bluntly.

'You're a pretty lassie, Morla, but you need someone to look out for you.'

'I hardly know you.'

"This isn't Ireland and what's to stop you getting to know me?'

'I don't want you thinking I'm fast.'