Clown Wolf
Neil Stuart Morton
Clown Wolf
Neil Stuart Morton
Copyright 2011 Neil Stuart Morton
Copyright and Disclaimer
Copyright Neil Stuart Morton. All rights reserved.
This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author.
This story is fiction and any resemblance to actual persons (living or dead) or events is entirely coincidental.
Neil Stuart Morton may be contacted at
[email protected].
Cover art by the brilliant A4PS.com
All rights reserved © 2012.
Dedication
I should walk out to the trees,
And wait with them for the wind.
Blow away this cloying clutter,
Strip away this injured skin.
Shed the battles that still bind me,
For no one else remembers them.
I should walk out to the trees…
And wait with them for the wind.
Clown Wolf is for Reece and Janie Morton.
Clown Wolf
Staring into the coals my Nana would sing.
Nodding gently while the rain lashed the panes.
Come out to the circus... come dance with the clowns.
But see you are home... before darkness comes down.
Don’t tarry the back roads... my Darling beware.
For they follow the white wolf...
And will find you there.
Menace prowled the empty lanes.
But we were warm and safe inside.
How young was I then... if I am this old now.
Birthday
I woke up to the hammering in the field outside my window.
The pinging of steel mells pounding rusty iron stakes.
Driven in at angles to hold fast within black earth.
The rigging ropes un-spooling then pulled down and clove hitched tight.
The billows of the canvas...
There’s a giant in there breathing…
But he’s more breathless every year.
I traipsed from my bedroom…
Smiling at the chaos as the carnival was built.
Two good things today...
I smelt the burning toast and padded down.
Nana hugged me…
Happy Birthday Sleepy Head!
I settled by the stove with my Marmite and my toast.
Nana brushed Bella from the table and replaced her with my presents.
She curled between my feet and I stroked her with my toes.
That night we went to the circus.
Circus
The ring master was shouting at the clowns because they had driven over his hat in their car…
And then tried to mend it by setting it on fire.
The ring master said they would have to drive him to the hat shop to get a new one...
But then the car blew up and the doors fell off.
The clowns fell over and couldn’t get back up because of their shoes.
I’m a little bit scared of clowns…
But my Dad used to tell me that if someone falls over you should try and help them up…
No matter who they are.
So that is what I did.
The clowns said Thank You and the ring master gave me three beans.
The beans were red and gold and green.
On our way home I put the red and green beans beside my Dad’s tree in the field…
And told him I still loved him.
I kept the gold one.
Bubble Wrap
Pop! Pop! Pop!
But faster and lots of times…
Like twisting bubble wrap.
I opened my eyes and there he was...
In the corner of my room.
Who are you I said.
I’m Jumbo he said.
You’re a clown I said.
I know he said.
What do you want I said.
Your help he said.
Why I said.
Because you can he said.
What do you want me to do I said.
To come and meet my friends he said.
Where are they I said.
In the field beside your Dad’s tree he said.
Why are they there I said.
They are waiting he said.
Waiting for what I said.
Waiting for you he said.
Waiting for you...
And the white wolf.
Good Doggy
We walked across the field.
The grass was wet and glistened green.
I held Jumbo’s hand.
His shoes were like big toffee apples.
Joey and George were beside the tree.
George was patting a cow.
Good Doggy Good Doggy he said.
They ran to Jumbo and nuzzled inside his coat.
After a while they popped their heads out and said Hello.
I said Hello back.
Have you come to help us said Joey.
Yes I said.
Do you like dogs said George.
Yes I said.
That’s my dog George said and pointed at the cow.
That’s a cow I said.
You can pat him if you want said George.
That’s a cow I said.
He likes soup said George.
That’s a cow I said.
Do you like soup said George.
Yes I like soup I said.
Do you have any soup said Joey.
No I don’t have any soup I said.
What colour soup do you like said George.
You mean what kind of soup I said.
He likes red soup said Joey.
I like red soup said George.
You mean tomato soup I said.
That’s my dog said George and pointed at the cow again.
It’s a nice dog I said.
You can pat him if you want said Joey.
Soup
Joey and George sat cross-legged beside the tree eating their soup.
It was red soup.
They used big wooden spoons from inside their patchwork jackets.
Jumbo watched them.
Are they from the circus I said.
No he said. They are new.
Where are they from I said.
From your beans he said.
How did you know about my beans I said.
I was the one who gave them to you he said.
You looked different I said.
Yes he said. I sometimes do.
George and Joey finished their soup and put the bowls on their heads and began hitting them with their spoons.
They’ve finished I said.
Yes I see that said Jumbo.
George’s Trumpet
Joey and George had finished their soup.
George said he was still hungry.
Joey said he wasn’t and then George decided he wasn’t either.
Can we play our trumpet said George.
Jumbo said he could.
But where is it said George.
Jumbo told him it was inside his coat.
George asked if I had his trumpet.
I think it’s in your coat I said.
Do you have George’s trumpet asked Joey.
I think it’s in his coat I said.
Has he got my trumpet George asked Joey.
I think it’s in your coat I said and pointed at his coat.
George and Joey went quiet…
Then began pointing at each other’s coats.
Do you want to see my trumpet said George.
Yes I said.
Well
where is it asked George.
Yes where is it asked Joey.
It’s in your coat… I sort of shouted.
That soup was lovely said George.
Very lovely said Joey and looked up at the sky.
I’m going to play my trumpet now said George and got it out from inside his coat.
So that’s your trumpet I said.
What is said George.
Oh never mind I said.
Please shush said Joey… George is going to play his trumpet.
Yes please shush said George… I’m going to play my trumpet.
I wish you would I said.
You wish me wood said George.
Please don’t wish George wood said Joey.
Oh please just play your trumpet I said.
I can’t said George.
He can’t said Joey.
Why not I said.
Why not what said Joey.
I looked up at the sky and counted to five.
Why can’t you play your trumpet George I said.
I can play it said George… I’m an excellent trumpetist.
A very excellent trumpetist said Joey.
Then please. PLEASE. Will you play it I said.
Play what said George.
This time I counted to ten.
Okay said George... I am going to play my trumpet.
But before I do...
I sat down.
That’s a good idea said Joey and sat down beside me.
Then George sat down too.
What’s happening now said George.
We are waiting to hear you play your trumpet I said s l o w l y.
Oh good said George... I love trumpets.
What time does it start.
Joey got out a big alarm clock and held it up for George.
There was no glass in the front.
He moved the pointers randomly.
This is the time yesterday said Joey.
George studied the pointers.
And this is the time tomorrow said Joey moving them again.
Yes I see… I see said George and nodded.
And this is the time now said Joey spinning them once more.
Oh that’s excellent news said George.
Yes it is said Joey… very excellent news.
I decided I wasn’t too bothered whether George played his trumpet or not.
Okey Dokey said George… it’s trumpet time.
And jumped to his feet.
Or is it he said.
I’ll check said Joey and looked at his clock.
I can’t tell the time he said sadly and handed it to me.
Its trumpet time I said and smiled.
Excellent said George. Now if we just had a trumpet.
I decided to go for a short walk.
When I came back George was playing his trumpet and Joey was dancing and shaking his alarm clock.
George’s trumpet playing was indeed very excellent.
The White Wolf
After the trumpet playing George and Joey said they were tired and fell asleep beside the tree.
What happens now I said.
We wait for the white wolf said Jumbo.
What will happen then I said.
He will lead us to the spinning field he said.
And what will happen there I said.
You will see he said.
You will see said George and Joey together.
I thought you were asleep I said.
We are they said and made snoring noises.
I should go and tell my Nana where I am I said.
Your Nana knows said Jumbo.
Yes Nana knows said George and Joey with their eyes shut.
How does my Nana know I said.
Because Nanas always know said Jumbo… smiling.
I looked into his eyes.
They were ancient and very kind.
How old are you I said.
Older than your Dad’s tree he said... still smiling.
He’s here shouted George and Joey… jumping to their feet.
I turned and saw the white wolf.
Lijah
I am Lijah said the white wolf.
He was beautiful with green eyes that shone…
Like a brighter planet’s moons.
I am pleased to meet you I said.
Good Doggy Good Doggy said George and patted Lijah’s neck.
We must quicken said Lijah… before they come.
Who is coming I said.
Those who have always come said Lijah.
The Gassers.
Over the Fields
We walked across the fields.
Lijah led us… stopping at times to sniff the air.
Jumbo walked beside me while George and Joey trailed behind.
George tried to pat each cow he saw until Jumbo told him to stop.
Good Doggy Good Doggy he said as he passed them.
Who are the Gassers I said.
They are the ones who will come to stop us said Jumbo.
But why I said.
Because they do not want us to spin he said.
What happens when you spin I said.
Old things must pass away he said simply and walked on.
George and Joey had found a bird’s nest so had stopped.
In the nest were two chicks and an egg.
Teddy Bear Children shouted George.
That’s a bird’s nest I said…
Please don’t disturb it or their mother won’t come back.
Their mother is too fat repeated Joey… laughing.
No Joey I said.
You will scare her away… and her chicks won’t get any food.
And that egg won’t hatch.
Should we give them some pop said George… rummaging inside his coat.
Yes… I think the scruffy one’s thirsty said Joey.
Teddy Bear Children have very pointy faces observed George…becoming distracted with his wooden spoon.
Jumbo came over and moved them on.
We must keep going he said.
Bye Bye Teddy Bear Children shouted George.
Yes Bye Bye Pointy Faces shouted Joey… we will bring you back some pop.
Lijah led us on.
We still have far to go he said.
Shush
We came to a pine wood.
It was dark and warm inside.
The fingers of the trees stroked us as we passed.
Their smell was soft and clean.
This is where the Doggies live shouted George.
Shishhhh George said Joey... loudly.
We have to use our hidey voices… otherwise the Pant Pants won’t come.
That’s right isn’t it Jumbo.
George looked crest fallen.
Jumbo pulled them in.
This is a beautiful place he said… and our friends live here who will help us.
But we have to be very quiet.
Well I’m as quiet as a little mouse said George…
And began to creep around the trees.
That’s good George said Jumbo.
Joey looked dumbstruck.
And I know that you can be very quiet too Joey said Jumbo.
Joey brightened up considerably.
Oh Yes he blurted... before slapping his hand to his mouth.
I’m as quiet as a great big sleeping lion.
He collapsed in hibernation and squinted up.
George saw this and hurried back.
He began tip toeing around dramatically.
Oh I’m such a quiet little mouse he said...
And then stood on Joey’s head.
YOWOOOOO shouted Joey…
YOU CLUMSY CLUMSY CLOT.
You squashed my furry face.
He jumped to his feet.
But I’m a tiny little mouse said George… with tiny mouse mouse feet.
He heft
ed up one of his bulbous clodhoppers for inspection.
How could my tiny little foot hurt a great big sleeping lion.
Oh yes remembered Joey… I’m a great big sleeping lion.
Your little scratchy foot could never hurt me.
However I’m awake now… so what should we do.
Look for cheese suggested George… sniffing the air.
Joey didn’t seem too keen.
You’re not really a mouse he said quietly.
George looked glum.
And I’m not really a lion… am I.
George considered…
And then shook his head sadly at his friend.
I’m sorry I stood on your face said George.
It’s alright said Joey.
It hurt a bit… but it was my own fault.
I should have slept in a tree.
I’m a bit hungry said George.
So am I said Joey… what shall we have.
I like red soup said George.
I like red soup too said Joey… and reached for George’s hand.
Hunting horns shrieked through the forest…
The ground trembling as an exodus began.
From the burrows boughs and bank-sides the living things tipped out.
Fleeing for somewhere else…
For anywhere but here.
They are at the forest edge said Lijah.
They will try to drive us out.
Stay low and follow me.
Stay low and follow us.
All around us now where white wolves.
They jammed us in their tide.
Purple
The white wolves drove us…
The forest erupting as animals fled.
I glanced back.
Swirling clouds of gas whispered low and slow behind…
Like a poisoned purple sigh.
We splashed through a brook...
The wolves arcing over as we crunched across.
Jumbo steered George and Joey...
His big hands pressed against their flapping coats.
They ran splay-footed… Jumbo pushing them along.
The white wolves were a river…
A sleek white arrow tip.
We ran into exhaustion.
On and on and on.
The sound receded.
I stole a glance and saw the gas was gone.
We slowed beneath a pine…
The wolves eddying around it.
George and Joey collapsed.
I leant against Jumbo and tried to catch my breath.
He took my weight and helped me stand.
With Jumbo’s help George and Joey clambered to their feet.
They were very agitated.
Jumbo brushed them down and shushed them still.
From his coat he took out three cups.
They were already full.
Joey and George snatched and drank.
He offered me the third.
I took it in both hands and gulped it down.
It was crisp and clean.
The sides of the cup were rough.
It felt heavy in my hands.
The rim was worn and smooth.
It felt good against my lips.
I offered him it back and saw it was still full.
He drank... then placed it back inside his coat.
George and Joey continued to slurp.
They seemed calmer.
Joey smacked his lips and made an Argggh sound.
George watched then did the same.
Then Joey did it again…
Back and forth until they were snorting.
Jumbo took their cups.
They didn’t notice… and continued to make smacking noises.
We must wait now said Lijah.
But the Gassers I said.
The stream we crossed is a Ley said Lijah.
They cannot bridge it.
But their gas I said.
Nothing of them can find us here he said.
Nothing of them can cross.
Then he is not with them said Jumbo.
Not yet said Lijah.
Who I said...
Who is not with them.
Lijah looked to Jumbo.
That does not matter now he said.
We will wait until tonight said Lijah…
And then move on.
But the Gassers I said… once we leave the forest...
We walk paths they do not know said Lijah…
But we need our Brother’s light… we must wait for him to rise.
I looked to Jumbo.
Lijah is our Guide he said.
He walked away and stood alone.
The wolves spread out and lay down.
Lijah wound amongst them.
I went to George and Joey.
They were sitting down.
Back to back with their legs stretched out…
And cuddling their spoons.
Guess what I’ve got Joey said George.
A titchy cat said Joey.
No giggled George.
Joey frowned.
Well guess what I’ve got he said.
A sausage said George.
Non said Joey.
George was in hysterics.
Well guess what I’ve got he managed to stutter out.
A currant bunion said Joey… from that cake shop… and nodded like the game was over.
Noooooo squeaked back George.
Noooooo… said Joey
George stopped jiggling and began to inspect his spoon uncertainly.
He looked up for re-assurance.
I nodded back... confirming it was a spoon.
I’ll have another guess said Joey… straining to peek over his shoulder.
George pulled his spoon in tighter.
It’s said Joey...
George’s head began to shake.
It’s a said Joey...
George’s head shaking increased.
It’s aa said Joey...
George’s head shaking increased some more.
It’s aaa said Joey...
George’s head became a blur.
It’s aaaa said Joey...
George’s feet began to drum.
It’s aaaaa said Joey...
George’s feet became a blur.
It’s aaaaaa said Joey...
Oooooooh squealed George… now at take off speed.
So it’s definitely NOT a titchy cat or a currant bunion said Joey.
George had lost the power of speech… and there was a heat haze around his shoes.
Joey deduced it still probably wasn’t a titchy cat or a currant bunion.
That wasn’t my guess by the way he continued quickly.
However I do know exactly what it is.
It’s a little mouse... a little mouse with clogs on.
There. I win. Please help me up.
He beckoned me over… and I helped haul him to his feet.
He immediately zipped round to see what George was holding.
Paaaah he snorted.
You were nearly right said George.
Yes I was… wasn’t I said Joey… and ambled off to tell Jumbo he’d won.
Are we not playing anymore said George quietly.
I think it’s time to have a rest now I said.
Can you help me up too please said George… I want to go with Joey.
I helped George to his feet…
And he ran off after his friend.
Moonlit
We waited beneath the trees until the sun went down.
George and Joey had some soup then went to sleep under Jumbo’s coat.
It turned colder.
The moon rose and turned the world to black and white.
The wolves began to stir.
With us now said Lijah.
J
umbo woke George and Joey.
He whispered to them as he helped them up.
I couldn’t hear what he was saying.
George got upset.
He shook his head and kept touching Jumbo’s face.
Jumbo took their hands and stood with them.
No one spoke.
The wolves led us out into the silver… and we walked another world.
I saw with different eyes.
The subtle lines of shimmer...
And the living glow of things.
The wolves pulsated…
Leading us down the hidden paths traced in their Brother’s beams.
Still inside the nighttime we left the woods.
We climbed a sepia hill.
Before the summit the wolves halted.
Lijah sniffed the air.
He spoke softly.
Down now he said.
We lay down.
Come with me he said.
I crept with him towards the brow… and edged over.
In the center of the hilltop was a dark lake…
Its wide waters dull and cold.
It undulated strangely in the moonlight...
And then rose up.
From the outside in it came to life…
Like dominoes falling in reverse.
It hissssed...
Gas Gas Gas it said.
Gas Gas Gas.
Them
Beneath the stars they stared…
Hissing out across the void.
Black rings decreasing in rippling mass.
In regiment they turned.
Silence again.
Within their midst a shrouded figure rose.
Arms outstretched and clawing at the night.
They hissed back to crescendo.
Remember Him said Lijah.
But it was hard to see his face.
Lijah pressed me back to where the others lay.
Jumbo came to him.
He is raising said Lijah.
We skirted the edge of the hillside.
Descending...
Far off in the distance lights twinkled.
Unseen paths led us down… into the valley.
A moaning wind rose and began to move the empty air.
Grey clouds came and ghosted past our light.
It grew darker and began to rain.
George told Jumbo he was frightened…
And Jumbo held his hand.
Rice Pudding
We came upon a derelict railway station…
Hidden in trees at the head of the valley.
Carriages and coal tubs that had long since rolled their last.
They stood rusting over useless points.
We climbed inside a carriage of frayed luggage racks and torn velvet.
A tattered relic of steamier days.
Beneath the trees the wolves lay down…
Unnoticing of the downpour.
I was anxious of the Gassers.
We have time said Lijah…
And George and Joey need to rest if they are to spin.
Joey and George fell asleep across a table.
Their heads touching.
They puttered as they snored.
Jumbo sat beside them looking out into the rain.
I eased onto a bench.
Who is that man with the Gassers I said… as George and Joey squeaked out their Yip Yip Yips.
We smiled.
You must be tired too said Jumbo.
But who is he I said… as my eyes grew heavy.
Rest now said Jumbo.
I could hear his voice… but my eyes had closed.
I curled up and followed George and Joey down.
When I woke it was light…
And George and Joey were discussing rice pudding.
I could eat a hundred said Joey.
I could too said George… although didn’t seem so sure.
Actually said Joey... now I come to think of it…
I could eat a hundred hundred… and have.
When said George…obviously impressed.
Oh that time when you weren’t there said Joey…
And I ate all the rice puddings.
Buuuut said George…I’m always with you.
Well you weren’t this time said Joey.
There was just me… and a hundred hundred rice puddings.
And I ate them all. Easy.
Did you use your spoon said George… with reverence.
Yes said Joey and got it out.
What I did was...
He proceeded to demonstrate to Joey how he’d eaten several ton of rice pudding in one sitting.
The crux of this being him flailing his spoon about in a series of manic scooping motions…
Interspersed with shouting… Yum! Yum! Yum! Yum! Yum!
George watched in awe.
Was Jumbo there said George.
He looked across at Jumbo.
Where you there Jumbo when...
Joey banged his spoon on the table. Err No… he said quickly.
He pulled George in and lowered his voice.
It was a special mission George and only I could go.
So I went… and Jumbo didn’t.
And you mustn’t say anything because it’s top secret…and...err…um…errr…
Panic seemed to be setting in.
George considered…
Buuuuuuut he said.
Joey headed him off at the pass.
But the next time I go George he said…
I’m going to take you with me.
Oooooo said George.
Yes said Joey.
I’m going to take you with me and you can help.
Oooooo said George again.
But said Joey… rubbing his nose slyly... you mustn’t tell him.
Who… said George.
Him said Joey… using his nose rub to point at Jumbo.
George stared fascinated by Joey’s nose rubbing.
Who… he said again.
Himmm shouted Joey… grabbing George’s head and twisting it to Jumbo.
Jumbo sat oblivious… the trace of a smirk playing on his lips.
Why not said George.
Because said Joey…because…
Just don’t… okay.
Okay said George.
Joey puffed… and finally relaxed.
He began smacking his lips and looking around.
I’m hungry by the way he said.
Will I need to bring my spoon said George.
What… said Joey.
Will I need to bring my spoon repeated George.
When… said Joey.
You know whispered George… and tried to do the nose rubbing point at Jumbo.
Eh… said Joey.
You know said George… creating more friction.
What are you on about said Joey.
You know said George… Yum! Yum! Yum! Yum! Yum!
Yum Yum Yum Yum Yum repeated Joey.
The secret mission said George.
The secret what said Joey.
The secret mission said George… the secret mission that we can’t tell Jumbo about.
The secret mission that we can’t tell Jumbo about repeated Joey… bemused.
The secret mission that we can’t tell Jumbo about…To Eat All The Rice Pudding said George.
Joey looked more confused than ever... and then remembered.
Oh he said.
The secret mission that we can’t tell Jumbo about… to eat all the rice pudding.
Oh yes that.
What about it.
Do I need to bring my spoon said George desperately.
Errr yes said Joey…
Probably...
Err... I don’t know.
I’ll let you know.
I’m hungry by the way he said again…and looked around hopefully.
George
checked that his spoon was where it should be for when he got the call.
Errr... said Joey… tapping the table for attention.
I said… I’m hungry...
Oh right said George...
I’m hungry too.
Hungry
Listening to George and Joey made me feel hungry too.
How long do we have to wait here I said.
We will leave soon said Jumbo.
He took out his cups and we drank.
The water filled me.
I’m still hungry said Joey and nudged George.
So am I said George.
Shall we have some soup said George.
No said Joey… actually I’d like a cake.
You will have to wait for cake said Jumbo… we will be going soon.
Or one of those buns said Joey… with the icing on the top and the cream inside.
Or the flakey ones with custard in the middle offered George.
They’re called custard trumpets said Joey… I’ve eaten loads of them.
There was this one time George… when you weren’t with me…
Joey began to tell George about another secret mission.
Lijah came to Jumbo.
The scouts have returned he said. He is complete.
Then we must leave now said Jumbo.
No said Lijah. We must wait.
Jumbo looked uncertain.
This village is crossed by many Leys said Lijah…
And we are safe within its edge.
But back out in the fields we are again outside the lines...
We will need our Brother’s light.
You are our Guide said Jumbo.
I listened to Joey entertaining George with his record breaking feats of cake eating.
He was now describing a particularly difficult mission concerning a giant trifle.
I looked out at the sky.
There were still several hours till sunset.
I left the carriage and wandered across to the station.
Pigeons fluttered as I kicked through the rubble.
Below the platform the twisted line wound out.
I stared out along its length… down the hill towards the village.
Lijah came beside me.
How far is there still to go I said.
We will be there by tomorrow he said. Try and rest.
I’m not tired now I said.
Then do not wander far he said… slinking back into the trees.
I watched him disappear.
Then began to walk towards the village.
The Village
I followed the velvet path between the broken rails.
The village was small.
An old mining town.
But now the mine was gone.
Drab houses bunched.
Some in rows…
Some in crescents…
But none of them new.
The rain drizzled.
It felt like it would always rain here.
A road ran through…
I wondered where it led.
Cars past… but none of them stopped.
A few shops spattered the roadside.
The bottom half of terraced houses:
A launderette with dirty windows.
A funeral parlour with plastic flowers.
A green-grocers with bags of carrots outside that a dog was weeing on.
Bargain booze and a bookies.
I crossed over to the last shop in the row.
Gable ended and painted nicely... like it hadn’t given up.
I skipped to it.
A christening cake stood in the window…cut through to show its center.
But all I saw was what lay beneath.
Cup cakes.
Rows and rows of cup cakes.
Iced in swirls of coloured cream… or smoothed flat with lovely sprinkles.
Chocolate browns with button flakes.
Strawberry pinks with white mice buried deep.
Some had smiley faces…happy little piggies with marzipan snouts.
Some even had candles…
Like mini birthday cakes.
I felt down into my pocket for my birthday money.
Five pounds.
How many could I get with that...
I ding-a-ling-ed and went inside.
Cake Shop
Hello Stranger said the shopkeeper.
He was bringing through a tray of iced buns from the back.
I said Hello.
Fresh out the oven he said. Wanna try...
I looked at the tray… at the buns… at the icing...
I knew they would be good.
Yes please I said.
He handed one across and I tucked in.
Lovely sweet icing that was somehow cold against the warm chewiness of the marzipan dough.
Mmmm!
I rummaged for my money.
The shopkeeper held up his hand.
On the house he said.
I nodded Thanks and chomped down.
He smiled.
Warm enough he said.
I nodded again and chomped on.
His smile broadened.
I took a breath from the sugar rush.
These are lovely I said.
That’s what I like to hear he said…and busied himself with putting the rest on shelves.
I looked around the shop.
It smelt great… warm and doughy.
Horrible day he said... his back to me.
Seems like all it does is rain.
It’s nice in here I said. Nice and warm.
He turned and pretended to shiver.
Oh it’s always warm in here… he said.
I liked him.
Have you been here a long time I said
He looked s l o w l y round the shop.
Sometimes he said.
It feels like I’ve been here forever.
I’ve watched the others come and go…
But I’ve always been here.
Maybe one day... I’ll be all that’s left.
Do people buy many cakes I said.
Oh they luuuuuuv my cakes round here he said.
The ones in the window look lovely I said.
Oh my cup cakes he said.
Verrry tempting.
Is that what you’re after.
I’ve got some birthday money I said… I’d like to get my friends some.
That’s kind he said… where are they.
Oh... I said…they’re... err… back at my house.
He nodded and smiled… in the village.
Err... no I said. I don’t live here. I live... er...
Thought I hadn’t seen you around he said.
I get it… just passing through.
Well let’s see what we can get you.
He went over to the window and hunched behind the trays.
Go outside he said… and show me what you want.
I went outside and looked back in.
The shopkeeper was smiling... his face big in the glass.
He moved his finger slowly above the cup cakes... his eyes wide.
I picked four different ones.
One each for Joey George and Jumbo…
And another one for me.
I came back inside.
The shopkeeper placed them carefully in a box… and tied it with red ribbon.
All in the presentation he said...
That’s what people see.
Oh I said. I forgot to ask how much they were.
He stopped.
Then looked up and winked.
Don’t worry he said.
We can always work something out…for a Birthday Boy.
He slid the box towards me.
So how much have you got he said.
I’ve got five pounds I said.
Ooooh he said… five pounds.
Well let me see.
He pretended to do some complicated adding up that made me laugh.
Two pounds he said.
I don’t have enough I said… if they’re two pounds each.
He shook his head.
Two pounds the lot he said.
How does that sound.
Great I said… and got out my five pound note.
He straightened it out and held it up to the light.
Is this definitely reeeeal he said.
He licked it and rubbed it on his teeth.
He was funny.
It’s real I said.
My Nana gave it to me.
He stopped.
Your Nana he said.
Well well well.
How is the old clo… girl.
My Nana I said.
It seemed a strange question.
She’s okay I said.
Oh Gooooooooood… he said.
We need to look after our Nanas.
He walked over to the till… still pretending to check the note.
He struck the ornate levers… and the draw shot out with a CHING!
Soooooo he said.
That was four cakes… at one hundred pounds each.
That makes...
No I giggled.
It was two pounds the lot.
Oh Yes he said... placing the note inside and scooping out the change.
I’m afraid all I have are Ten Pence Pieces he said.
Business is a little slow today.
Is that okay.
Its fine I said.
It will make it seem like more he said... pouring the silver into my cupped hands.
I put the coins into my pocket as he stood and watched.
Ahem… he coughed.
I looked up.
He indicated with his finger to the sign on his golden till.
Check Your Change it said.
I giggled.
It’s alright I said… I trust you.
He beamed.
I better be off I said… as he came around the counter to see me out.
Your three friends are going to love those he said.
I thought of Joey George and Jumbo tucking in.
I know they are I said.
He held the door for me.
Thanks I said… see you later.
See You Later…
He sang back.
Bill
I followed the old line back…
Happy in myself.
It had stopped raining.
I saw Lijah through the trees.
Before he came I put the cake box down behind me...
I don’t know why.
Where have you been he said.
I wanted to see the village I said…
So I...
Do not go there he said.
I didn’t I said.
I just went for a walk.
The words felt bad and my face felt red.
He looked through me with green eyes.
We will be leaving soon he said and looked to the west.
I noticed the sun was sinking.
He moved away… back into the trees.
I watched him go then picked up the box.
It felt heavy.
I walked over to the carriage.
Joey and George were outside playing trains.
George had found a chair and was sitting on it on the platform.
Joey was standing in front of him with a battered suitcase.
I have a very important business meeting to get to he was saying…
Where is that train.
There aren’t any said George.
Look... there’s not even a proper track anymore.
And I don’t know if you’ve noticed...
But the station’s fell down.
I know that said Joey. We’re pretending.
Oh right said George…
Erm…oh…here it comes now.
Finally said Joey.
Would you like a ticket said George.
Yes I would said Joey.
One Super Saver Return to Africa please.
That will be one pot of strawberry jam said George.
Do you take bricks said Joey… picking one up from the rubble.
Not today said George.
Well what about a slate said Joey.
Afraid not said George.
One Super Saviour Return is either…
Five pots of strawberry jam seven bananas or a dog.
What kind of dog said Joey.
A hairy one said George.
I’ve got a dog said Joey…his name’s Bill.
But I’m not really sure where he is at the minute.
Give me the ticket and you can have him when he comes back.
Is he hairy said George.
Very said Joey.
And gruff said George.
What does that mean said Joey.
I don’t know said George.
I’m going to miss my train at this rate said Joey.
Don’t worry said George it can’t go… I’m the driver.
No you’re not said Joey… you’re the ticket man.
And the driver said George.
I want to be the driver said Joey.
You’re the
