‘Thought you might be interested. Earn you a bit extra. Cash in hand, like.’
A headache pulses behind my eyebrow.
‘No need. Jim’s offered me a permanent job.’
‘Well that’s?—’
‘Mike!’ Mam calls from the kitchen. ‘Is that you? Give me a hand, will you, can’t get the bloody boiler to light.’
Mam is leaning forwards with a match, trying to ignite the pilot light.
She flaps her hand at it then hurries to rescue the chips. ‘Don’t know what’s wrong with it.’
I crook my head forward, turn the dial and squint. There’s no sign of the pilot light. I can’t hear the gas either. It’s no wonder, with the TV blaring from the lounge, the hiss of the chip pan and the news on the portable on the kitchen side. Changing my position, I try smelling for the gas, but there’s nothing getting through over the smell of tea cooking.
Carl comes storming into the kitchen with a towel wrapped around his skinny waist. ‘Shower isn’t bloody working!’
Mam flicks him sharply with the tea towel. ‘Language!’
‘Mike swears all the time.’
‘Your brother is a fully grown man. He’s allowed.’
‘Fully grown man living with his mam and dad,’ he grumbles as he reaches over and snatches a piece of bread and butter off the table, then heads back out of the room.
‘Mam?’ I say quietly. ‘Is there any chance the gas has been cut off?’
Her eyes widen a touch, and she opens the odds and sods drawer, pulling out a letter. ‘Those bastards.’ Her cheeks flood. ‘I told them your dad’s on industrial and I’d pay them at the end of the week when his money comes in.’
At least we’ve got Industrial Disability coming in now.
Dad ignored the cough at first, said it was just a bit of dust. Only when he couldn’t make it up the stairs without practically coughing up a lung did Mam finally manage to drag him to the doctors. They’re waiting on another payout soon, compensation from the Coal Board. Like that’ll make up for years of breathing coal dust for shit pay.
‘Thank God we’ve still got electric, eh?’ Her voice is bright, but her knuckles are white as she folds the letter, shoving it back in the drawer.
‘Jim’s offered me full-time, full pay too.’
Her whole face lifts. ‘Well, the good Lord gives when he takes away. That’s great news, son. Pleased as punch, I am. I’m not going to be coy and say a bit more coming in is needed, love. Well done.’
I smile, but I know its tight. I’ll have to move out sometime.
I boil the kettle. ‘I’m going to wash up before dinner.’ Mam puts a hand on my arm, eyes darting to the door then back again. ‘Best not mention the gas to your dad, eh? Stuck to his guns to make life better for folks around here, and this is the thanks we get.’
I empty the kettle into the bathroom sink and lather up my hands with Imperial Leather. Mam calls from downstairs telling me tea is ready. I swipe the steam from the mirror and look at my reflection. Around my eyes, fine lines are already beginning to form. My life is moving too fast. Too slow. Mam shouts again, as I rub my stubble. I don’t even have time for a shave. I turn my back on the defeated look on my face.
In the lounge, we eat our egg, chips and beans on our knees, eyes glued toCrossroads.
‘Any post?’ I ask through a mouthful of fried egg.
‘Bloody postman as well as secretary, am I?’ Dad answers shaking his head.
‘By the housekeeping, love,’ Mam answers, laughing at the telly as Benny pulls down his woolly hat, once again getting into trouble with Miss Diane.
‘Anyone call asking for me?’ I prompt.
Carl chews loudly next to me. ‘There was someone asking for you yesterday,’ he says around a mouthful of food, tomato sauce dribbling down his chin. His eyes stay fixed on the TV.
‘Who?’ I swallow and look at my brother.
