Building Character

How her son managed to fit in this paper round every week, Laura hadn’t a clue!

OUCH! Laura eased her aching feet up the steps, then put her key in the front door lock. Years ago she’d tiptoed home, not wanting to wake her parents after a teenage night out.

Now, she was trying not to rouse her son, Jake, whom she hoped was still sleeping upstairs.

She walked into the kitchen and switched on the kettle.

Was it possible that just two hours ago she’d been having a cup of tea, actually looking forward to heading out and trying something new?

Laura looked at the clock and groaned. All she wanted was to go back to bed and sleep.

But, in less than an hour, she needed to be at work, bright-eyed and ready to welcome clients.

She yawned. How on earth Jake did this, week in, week out, and still managed to get such good grades at school was beyond her.

And another two weeks of early morning torture stretched before her.

****

“Two weeks!” Jake’s eyes had been big as saucers when the doctor broke the news, then they turned black with anger as he glared at the surgical boot on his foot.

“Honestly, love, the time will fly by. You’ll soon be back on the football pitch,” Laura said, helping him into the car.

She’d been so worried when the coach rang saying Jake was injured and had been rushed to Accident and Emergency.

Even though he was sixteen, he would always be her little boy.

“At least you’re not being kept in and no further treatment is needed,” she said, helping with the seat belt.

“Get off, Mum!” he growled. “I’m not a baby – it’s my ankle that’s injured. I can do everything else.” He sighed. “Except my paper round.”

“Isn’t there someone in reserve who can help out?” Laura asked as they drove home.

Jake laughed.

“It’s not like football or one of your am dram plays, Mum.

“We don’t have understudies waiting to be paper boys.

“Mr Minchin said we’re like gold dust. Hard to get anyone willing to be out that early every morning.”

Laura parked in their driveway.

“Then why don’t I do your paper round for you? I could do with a bit of early morning exercise.”

****

“Sure you’re up for this?” Bill Minchin had looked Laura up and down as she stood in the newsagent’s early the next morning.

“At least you’ve got a dry run for your first day.” He peered out of the doorway. “Where’s your bike?”

Laura winced, remembering the unsightly scrapes on her knees and elbow.

“I had a test run yesterday when I got Jake back from hospital, but decided I was a bit rusty. Anyway, I like walking.”

Bill picked up the bag of newspapers.

“You sure about this?” Laura nodded.

“Of course. The list you gave me seems really straightforward.”

Bill handed her the bag. “Right you are then. I’ll see you when you’ve finished.” He smiled.

“Not many mums would step in like this to help their son keep his job. I hope he’s letting you have his wages!”

As Laura left the shop, she consulted Bill’s list and turned right.

She could feel the strap of the bag digging into her shoulder.

Maybe tomorrow she’d swap the thin sports jacket she was wearing for one with a bit more padding.

At least the bag would become lighter the more

papers she delivered.

Checking her watch, Laura settled into a brisk walk.

When Jake first got the paper round he’d been over the moon.

Money had been tight ever since his dad and Laura divorced and she knew he hated asking for money.

He’d had such a growing spurt that he soon outgrew the football boots his grandparents had given him, and Laura had shared her son’s pride the day he’d saved enough money to pay for a bigger pair.

She turned the corner, then took the first paper from the bag.

Number 36. Quite a pretty front garden, she thought, as she made her way up the path.

The letter-box was narrow but she managed to push the paper through and heard the satisfying plop as it landing in the hall.

She smiled. One down. She’d soon have all the papers delivered and be back home.

****

“I was about to send out a search party,” Bill said as Laura handed him the empty bag. “What took you so long?”

“Well, I was walking, remember, and Sophia from the library was out with her dog, so we had a quick chat. I can’t believe how many people are up and about so early.”

“It surprised me when I started, too,” Bill said. “I like it, though, being out and about first thing. The air feels so crisp and fresh.”

Laura tried to remember the first time she’d seen him behind the counter.

“Who was it that ran the shop before you?”

“My dad,” Bill told her. “I was like you; I stepped in when he was recovering from an operation.

“He still lives in the flat above and usually appears in the afternoon for a chat with some of the regulars.

“It’s a wonder customers who actually want to buy anything can squeeze in!”

He laughed and Laura thought how it transformed his face, making him look so much younger. He was probably about her age.

“So what were you doing before you took over the shop?”

“I’m an engineer and have been on the move since I graduated. I’d just finished a two-year contract in Australia when Dad got ill.

“I came home and, well, as you can see, I’m still here.” Bill glanced at his watch.

“Looks like it’s time for my second cup of coffee. Can I get you one?”

Laura smiled. It had been a long time since she’d felt so at ease chatting with someone and she was about to accept the offer when she spotted the clock.

“Oh, I’d love to, but I’ve still got to get ready for work – I can’t go in looking like this!”

“I was just thinking how good you look after delivering all those papers,” Bill told her.

“So, has today put you off or will I expect you in the morning?”

“It was hard work, but I enjoyed it. See you tomorrow.”

As she left the shop, Laura could feel the backs of her legs aching.

Her trainers, not worn for months, had been rubbing on her heels and she knew there would be blisters.

Never mind. If it meant Jake could keep his job, it was worth it.

****

“You must have had a late night – I’ve never seen you yawn so much,” Patti, Laura’s best friend, said as they met up outside the church hall.

Usually Laura couldn’t wait for Monday nights and the drama group workshops, but tonight she’d really had to drag herself away from the settee.

“Early morning,” Laura said, then explained about Jake’s accident and the paper round.

“Gosh, Laura, that is so above and beyond the call of parenthood,” Patti said, full of admiration.

“So how long do you have to do this?”

“Two weeks.”

“And how are your feet?” Laura winced. “Covered in blister plasters and not looking forward to tomorrow.” Patti nodded.

“Well in that case, I think a glass of wine at my place after the rehearsal is what you need.” She paused.

“I could ask Andy to come round, too, if you like.”

“No, let’s just stick to the two of us.”

“Come on, Laura. I’ve seen the way he looks at you – and I know you like him, too.”

“He’s the director,” Laura said, feeling her cheeks blush. “He’s supposed to get on with everyone.” Patti grinned.

“Well, we both know that he’s looking for a leading lady.” She stared at her friend.

“Are you blushing? You are! Go on, tell me. Are you seeing him already?”

Laura shook her head, but her eyes gleamed.

“Well, he has asked me out for a meal in the Lake View Restaurant on Friday night.”

“Wow,” Patti said. “Top new restaurant and handsome director for company. Now that’s something to look forward to!”

****

“You all right? You’re looking a little, shall I say, worse for wear this morning.” Bill held out the bag of papers.

“I’m absolutely fine,” Laura said, squinting in the shop’s bright light.

It had seemed a good idea, having a glass of wine with Patti, but the problem was the number of times it had been topped up as they tried to decide what Laura would wear on Friday and discussed what the theatre group’s next production might be.

Both of them were hoping for a leading part.

Walking home, Laura had heard the town clock chime midnight and realised how few hours were left before her early morning duties would begin.

She’d dozed off again after the alarm went off and only managed a few gulps of strong coffee before leaving the house.

Now, as she got ready to deliver her first paper, Laura had to admit that every part of her longed to be back under her cosy duvet.

Even the sun was still

“Has today put you off or will I expect you in the morning?”

hiding under thick cloud and the temperature had definitely dropped.

Halfway through her deliveries, it began raining.

Laura caught a glimpse of herself in a large front window.

Because of her late start, she’d just grabbed one of Jake’s old beanies and shoved it on to hide her messy hair.

With her fringe hidden and no make-up, her reflection showed how tired she was.

Her old padded jacket, which was keeping her nice and cosy, certainly wasn’t flattering.

Thank goodness the streets were quieter today and no-one she knew could see her!

Now the last house was in sight. Just another five minutes and she’d be back at the newsagent’s, then heading home.

There would be time for a very quick shower and some breakfast before she set off for work.

Laura watched the last newspaper disappear through the letter-box and had turned to walk away when she heard the door open.

Looking round, she saw Andy standing on the doorstep, holding out the paper.

“Sorry, son,” he said. “You’ve delivered the wrong one today. Let me give this back and

I’ll just take mine.”

“But –” Laura could hardly speak. He thought she was a boy!

Well, maybe that was better than realising who she really was. She cleared her throat and tried to disguise her voice slightly.

“Sorry about that. I’ll need to get you another. Won’t be long.” And with that she ran round the corner.

Laura leaned against a wall and tried to stop the panic rising. Who had got Andy’s paper? And why on earth hadn’t she just told him who she really was?

Now she’d have to go back to the newsagent’s and get the right paper for Andy, then hope that the other person who had got the wrong order was understanding. That would take ages.

Or maybe . . .

She looked across the road at the bright petrol sign. Of course!

She could just run across and buy Andy the right one at the garage shop! Then she might still get to work on time.

Her purchase made, Laura ran back to Andy’s.

There was no way she wanted to speak to him again, so she began pushing the paper through the letter-box, only to feel the door moving away from her as it was opened from the other side.

“Ow!” She stumbled forward, losing her footing and hitting her face on the door handle.

“Are you all right?” Andy bent over her.

“My nose,” Laura mumbled, touching her face.

“Oh, no – so much blood!” Andy ran into the kitchen while Laura fumbled in her pocket trying to find a tissue. “Here.”

Andy reappeared and thrust some kitchen roll in her hand, then knelt down and began dabbing at the spots of blood on the cream carpet with a cloth.

“Don’t they say soda water stops blood from staining?”

“I’m not sure,” Laura muttered, her voice muffled as she tried to stem the bleeding.

“This is top of the range and less than a year old,” Andy said, frowning.

“Fitted across the whole of the downstairs, too . . .” He sighed and sat back on his heels. “It does seem to be coming out, don’t you think?”

“Yes,” Laura said. “You’re doing a great job. And again, I’m really sorry.”

She picked up the newspaper and put it on the table by the door.

“Thanks for getting me the right paper.” Andy glanced up. “Has your nose stopped bleeding?”

“I think so.”

A flash of recognition crossed Andy’s face as he stood up.

“Laura! Why on earth are you delivering papers?”

Laura sighed. She’d imagined telling Andy a witty account of her new delivery job over a candlelit dinner, not in his hallway, nursing a bleeding nose.

“It’s a long story,” she said.

Andy studied her face. “I’m thinking about our next production and how there’s the perfect part for you. It’s ‘Macbeth’ and –”

Laura nodded eagerly. Lady Macbeth!

She’d love that role. It must have been seeing the blood on her hands that made Andy finally realise her potential.

“I think you’d be a natural for Hecate, queen of the witches. I know it’s not a big part, but yes, you’d be perfect!” He stood back.

““Why don’t we discuss it on Friday night? Unless – do you think you’ll have any bruising?”

Laura gasped. “What I meant to say,” Andy added quickly, “is that you might not feel like going out, in public I mean . . . although I’m sure that with make-up –”

Laura’s eyes flashed with anger.

“Sorry for messing up your carpet, Andy. And thanks for your concern.

“I think it would be best for both of us if we just cancel that dinner date.”

As she walked away, Laura’s brave face disappeared and tears began to flow.

Hecate indeed!

****

“Are you all right?” Bill ran from the back of the counter and took Laura’s arm, then led her to a chair.

“What happened? Looks like you did a couple of rounds with someone a lot bigger than you.”

“Tripped,” she said, not wanting to tell him about muddling up the deliveries.

Bill disappeared into the back room and came back a moment later with two mugs.

“Coffee – hope that’s OK.”

Laura wrapped her hands round the warm mug and took a sip.

“It’s perfect,” she told him.

“Doesn’t look like anything’s broken,” Bill said, “but do you want me to take you to the walk-in centre? I can get Dad to look after the shop.”

“No, honestly. It’s fine. I’ll just drink this and then get home. Jake will be wondering what’s happened to me.”

“As I was,” Bill told her. “I was kicking myself for not getting your mobile number.

“Here was me hoping you were late because you were having a nice chat.” He sighed.

“So did the trip happen before or after you muddled up the newspapers?”

Laura blushed.

“Ah, yes. It was only two, and one of them has actually been sorted.”

“Mr Grant came in on his way to work to swap papers. But what about the other one?”

By the time Laura finished explaining what had happened with Andy, both she and Bill were doubled up laughing.

“He sounds awful!” Bill said. “I can’t believe he’d be so uncaring! And then offering you the role of the witch – how tactless could he get!”

“Well, at least I’ve seen him out of the theatre setting and realised what his true character is like.”

“Shame about missing out on dinner at the Lake View, though.”

“And have Andy scrutinise my face the whole time to make sure I’ve done a good enough job covering up any bruises?” Laura shook her head.

“I’d rather stay at home with a takeaway and watch a film on TV. That sounds like much more fun.” “Curry? Pizza? Mexican?” Laura looked puzzled. Bill smiled.

“I feel bad that all this happened just because you were trying to help out Jake – and me. I’m hoping that a takeaway on Friday might persuade you to stay on for the two weeks.

“And, of course, Jake’s included, too.”

“Mexican would be wonderful,” Laura said, as she marvelled at the difference between Bill and Andy.

“But Jake will probably have his in front of a screen, so I’ll only agree if you come round and eat with me.

“I’ll even let you choose the film.”

Bill gave a thumbs-up. “Sounds great to me. And should it be wine or beer to go with the meal?” Laura shook her head. “Let’s stick to soft drinks,” she said. “After all, we’ve both got to be up early the next morning!” ■