A Ration Book Christmas Kiss by Jean Fullerton

Author:Jean Fullerton
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Atlantic Books

Chapter 4

Stopping on the kerb at the junction of Stepney Green and Redmans Road, Michael waited until a couple of cars had passed then quickly crossed the road.

It was Sunday, the day after he’d met Jane outside her house, and he was on his way back there again.

Before church he’d given himself a strip wash, and after polishing off his Sunday dinner in double-quick time, he’d changed into his prized pair of long grey trousers, newest white shirt and the cable-patterned cardigan his sister Mattie had knitted for his last birthday.

After adding his Shamrock League green-and-white-striped tie, he’d covered the lot with his navy overcoat. He’d ever rubbed a dollop of his father’s Brylcreem into his wayward curls in a vain attempt to get them in order but, alas, the half -hour walk from Mafeking Terrace had returned them to their wild state.

Strolling past the clock tower, Michael glanced up.

Three o’clock. Perfect.

Jane would have finished her Sunday dinner by now and if she asked him in for tea, which he hoped she might, he’d still be home before the blackout started.

Passing the end of the narrow strip of garden that ran the length of the street, Michael continued along the pavement, past the red-brick 1930s flats and in the direction of the Jewish hospital until he reached Jane’s house.

Polishing the toes of his shoes on the back of his trousers and smoothing down his hair with the flat of his hand, Michael climbed the three steps to the front door.

Grasping the lion’s-head knocker firmly, Michael took a deep breath, then thudded it against the stud beneath.

The sound echoed down the hallway for a moment then the bolt rattled, and the door opened.

Michael’s heart did a little tap dance as Jane stood on the threshold.

Today she was wearing a tartan dress with a red cardigan, long white socks and a pair of slippers with fur around them.

She looked surprised for a second then a happy smile spread across her face.

‘Michael! What are you doing here?’

‘I’ve come to see you,’ he replied, basking in her gaze. ‘The Shannon League are putting on a dance for the secondary-school children on Christmas Eve at the Catholic Club at my church. There’s a band and buffet and well …’ He swallowed. ‘I wondered if you’d like to come with me.’

She laughed. ‘Oh, Michael, I’d—’

‘Who is it, Jane?’ shouted a man’s voice from behind her.

‘It’s Michael Brogan, Dad,’ she called back over her shoulder. ‘You know. I was telling you about him yesterday.’

Her father, dressed in an oversized jumper, tweed slacks, tie and carpet slippers, appeared from the room at the end of the corridor. He spotted Michael on the doorstep and irritation flickered across his plump face.

‘He wants to take me to the Christmas Eve dance at his church,’ Jane added.

‘Does he?’ her father replied.

With his deep-set eyes fixed on Michael, he advanced towards them. Stopping behind his daughter, Mr Bamber put his pale, manicured hand on her shoulder.

‘Go inside, Jane,’ he said flatly.

She frowned. ‘But, Dad, I—’

‘Please do as you’re told, Jane,’ interrupted her father.

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