Chapter 35: Chapter 5
“I’m sorry Amy, I didn’t think they’d react like that.”
“But why did that even happen? What’s going on?”
“It’s my fault, I should never have invited you tonight. It was a stupid thing to do. I just thought that because you were new …” His voice trailed off.
I was totally confused. “I don’t understand.”
“Let me walk you home and I can tell you about it on the way.” We started off up the hill and, as we did so, Oliver told me a story. It was completely unbelievable, like something out of fiction rather than real life, and if it hadn’t been for seeing the way people had looked at me back in the hall I would have thought he was making it up.
“So you’re telling me that neither side of the village talks to each other? Like, they’re at war or something?”
Oliver nodded.
“But what about the school? And the garage. Oh, and even the village hall. Surely people speak to each other there?”
“Nope, we have two schools, I’m surprised you didn’t see the other one yet, it’s further up from your place, and yes the garage serves both sides, but only because it must.”
“And the hall?”
“There’s a strict rota. It took thirteen meetings to agree a timetable and even then there are still some groups who aren’t happy and say that the other half is having special favours.”
“But that’s ridiculous!”
“I know, that’s what I said, I mean, after all those meetings, and with representatives from both sides present …”
“I meant this whole war thing is ridiculous! How can people live like that?”
“It’s just how it’s always been. Things have eased up a little over the years. Most of the staff in the schools come from outside the village which has helped a lot, but these things run deep. Nothing’s going to change that. Never has, never will.”
“But why?”
Oliver shrugged. “Family stuff from years ago, I don’t remember the specifics. Anyway, no need to let it worry you, most people are pretty okay with it all.”
Remembering something Oliver had said earlier, I stopped and looked him straight in the eye. “Tell me the truth, is that why Judith doesn’t like you?”
“It’s not that she doesn’t like me, she just doesn’t really know me, and with things how they are it’s easier if I keep myself to myself, you know?”
With what I’d left behind in Southampton I most definitely did know, but I hadn’t expected to move from one drama slap bang into the middle of another one. All I’d wanted was a quiet life, cosy village life, maybe get a dog and a part time job, get fit with brisk walks. This was something else entirely and I wasn’t sure I was ready for more heartache.
“So now what?”
It was Oliver's turn to look confused. “What do you mean?”
“Well if you’re their golden boy and I’m public enemy number one from the sunny side, how’s this going to work?” I gestured to us. I didn’t even know what us was yet, it almost certainly wasn’t anything, but I liked Oliver, he seemed to have a good heart, and he’d made me feel really welcome, until now at least, and whatever us was or wasn’t, I knew I didn’t want him as an enemy. Damn it! There was those tears again.
The following morning dawned bright and crisp. After Oliver had walked me home I’d fallen asleep almost immediately and slept soundly. Lying in bed in that half asleep daze with the sun streaming through the curtains, I found myself marvelling at just how well I’d slept. Must be all that country air. I’d not taken Oliver up on his kind offer of helping me unpack so I was yet again faced with another caffeine-free start to the morning. But a glass of water was no way to start the day so I threw myself at the boxes in the kitchen with wild abandon and finally came up triumphant, kettle in hand. Hooray! With the kettle on I felt ready to take on anything so I took advantage of my new found energy and went in search of clothes.
Thirty minutes later, having found not just clothes but a towel as well, I was washed, dressed and ready to face the day. Maybe today would be the day I finally gave the house a little festive cheer. There was nothing like a little sparkle to distract yourself from your worries. Yes, when it came to last night’s events I was totally burying my head in the sand. I wondered if the little shop might have at least some tinsel and some lights plus, this was the countryside, there had to be a spare tree knocking around somewhere, didn’t there? Mission accepted I decided that first I needed to reunite Judith from across the road with her glasses. My tummy growled. Despite my mission, if she invited me in for another slice of her cake, I definitely wouldn’t say no.
As I walked across the road I realised that there was only one flaw in my plan, I didn’t know which was Judith’s house. I wracked my brain trying to remember if she’d told me a number or house name but came up blank. She’d said that she had a handful of kids though so I looked for a house that looked big enough to home all her tearaways. Barbarella Place? Hmmm, maybe. I walked up to the sturdy looking house and pressed the button for the bell. It was one of those buttons that makes no noise so you’re not sure if it’s even working, forcing me to wait, hand ready to go to work on the door knocker instead. I strained my ears, listening for movement inside but heard nothing.
Eventually, after what felt like an eternity, I saw a movement behind the glass door, the approaching silhouette growing larger as the occupant shuffled toward me. The door opened and a tiny lady with white hair appeared, smiling.
“Hello dear, can I help you?”
“Uh hi, I’m Amy, from over the road. I’m your new neighbour.”
“Amy? Oh how lovely to meet you! I’m Ella. Would you like to come in? Meet my sister? She’s just put the kettle on.”
This would ordinarily be music to my ears but this funny old lady was a stranger. I didn’t want to be rude though so I made an excuse. “I’d love to but I’m on a bit of an explore. I’m trying to find Judith.” I held up the two glasses by way of explanation.
“Judith? Ah yes, she lives two doors down, in the green house.”
“Three.” A voice came from somewhere behind the old lady and I looked over Ella’s shoulder and saw an equally small lady walking toward the door. “Judith’s three down, not two. I’m Barbara, nice to meet you.” Barbara shook my hand firmly.
“You too Barbara. And, thanks!”
I walked past a couple more houses before spotting what had to be Judith’s house. I was walking up the path when I heard shouting and then a door slammed at the side of the house. A teenage girl stomped down the path, ignoring me completely. When she got to the bottom of the path she turned in the direction of the garage and broke into a run.