Walking Back to Happiness by June Francis

Author:June Francis [June Francis]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Severn House Publishers
Published: 2017-02-15T05:00:00+00:00

Ten

Michael stood in the yard, gazing at the sign, leaning against a wall, on which was painted in black and red, DAVY BROOKES & SON, SERVICES & REPAIRS, BODYWORK & TYRES. He thought how proud his father would have been to see his name with that ‘& Son’, if he had still been alive, although instead of ‘Services’, etc., his father would have inscribed, ‘Garden Tidying, Weeding, Tree Felling, Bed Planting, No Job Too Small’. The board would be put up outside as soon as they were ready for business.

Michael walked up the yard to the brick building where he had left his employer in the office. Tim was sitting at a desk with a large ledger open in front of him. On the wooden floor at the side of the desk in a patch of sunlight a dog sprawled.

Michael bent and patted its head. ‘Hello, boy,’ he said.

Fang twisted his head and licked his hand.

‘He likes you,’ said Tim.

‘Just as well if I’m going to be working here.’ Michael yawned and stretched. ‘Which reminds me, when do I get started?’

‘Well, I don’t think we should wait until the customers start knocking on the gate. I’ll show you some tools and explain the kind of jobs they’re used for, and also you can read some car-maker’s manuals. We’ll also have to do some advertising to bring the customers in, so you can help me design a flyer.’

‘You mean to go in the Echo and the like?’

‘Yeah! Also to put through letterboxes. I’ve seen a second-hand car advertised in the Echo which I think I’ll go after. I’ll give it a good going over and hopefully get the price down. Then we’ll do a service when we get it back here,’ said Tim. ‘You can come with me. We’ve still some way to go before we can open for business but we’re getting there.’

Michael nodded, thinking he was going to be extremely busy over the next few weeks, but felt certain Marjorie would understand when he told her the news.

‘I presume you’re home this late because you’ve been at Marjorie’s?’ asked Lucia later that day.

Michael shrugged off his jacket and, without looking at his sister, said, ‘It’s true I’ve been to Marjorie’s, but I’ve also been working. I have an apprenticeship.’

‘That’s quick! Doing what?’

‘Working in a garage. Eventually I’ll be a qualified motor mechanic.’

‘Getting your hands dirty?’

‘What’s wrong with getting my hands dirty as long as it’s honest work? Dad got his hands dirty and he loved his job. You’re so snobby, our Lucia.’

‘No, I’m not. I just want you to have life easier than Dad.’

‘You sound like Mam, who always thought working in an office was best for me. From what I’ve heard, office work can be boring.’

‘You have the brains to be a teacher.’

‘Working with kids. No thanks! I’ve had enough helping with our lot. Besides, I’d have to go to teacher training college. I’ve got a job and so far I’m enjoying it.’

‘Where is this job?’

‘The other side of Liverpool.

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