Mum Kate

Mum Kate

Whats all this sniffling about? Youre making a right mess! As if its not damp enough outside, and now youre making it all worse in here!

A large, stately woman, with the size and presence of a cottage, plonked herself down on the bench next to Keira.

Its stifling today! And that rain this morning, just when you dont need it. Now its like a steam room in here! Its barely midday and Im soaked through, honestly, you could wring me out.

She rummaged in her bag for a water bottle and, after a little struggle, unscrewed the top.

Want some? she offered the bottle to Keira. They say a little water helps calm your nerves. Doesnt help me though. I could drink a bucket and still be all wound up.

Keira eyed the odd woman warily, wondering what shed done to deserve this. Hadnt she suffered enough, and now, on top of everything else, she had to deal with this? Or rather, her.

She had never liked overweight people. They made her feel bleak. How could anyone not care for themselves like that? Was it really that hard to do a few exercises, eat a bit less, and remember others exist? It just wasnt appealingthe folds, the baggy clothes, the sweat, the smell Ugh! Keira remembered when she and her friends went to a spa and spotted a similar woman in the pool.

Im not getting in that pool, girls! Thats enough for today, Lisa, Keiras best friend, announced, stretching her tanned, toned body, which was immaculateno wonder, after all those hours in the gym with a personal trainer.

Why not? We were planning to spend all day here.

With her? Lisa jerked a thumb over her shoulder, her nose wrinkling. Cant even look at that, let alone be near it. Disgusts me!

And off she went on a rant best left forgotten. Keira had been slightly embarrassed, but shed never been a hypocrite, and had to admit she agreed, at least in part. This sort of thing, it just shouldnt happen. If you cant sort yourself out, best stay at home; her friend was quite right.

And here she was, sitting next to a woman at least twice the size of the one at the pool. And not just sitting! The woman simply wouldnt stop talking! Keira, however, was simply too tired to move. She had been here for hours, crying at first, then just staring blankly ahead. With nowhere to go but the station, she found herself half-listening to the odd remarks of her bench companion.

So beautiful! No suitcase, not even a handbag. That means youre not travelling. Waiting for someone? Or maybe youve nowhere else to go?

Keira shifted her gaze from the wall and finally looked at the woman.

Her face was round and rosy, almost like a painted wooden doll, radiating a smile that instantly vanished the moment Keira let out a sob and, surprisingly, began to weep aloud. Why she clung to this womanwho held her close and comforted herKeira could never explain. She pressed her messy, stylishly-cut head against the soft fabric of the womans blouse, soaking it with tears, and for the first time realised there was no smell of sweatonly a gentle scent of flowers. What was it, she wonderedwashing powder or real herbs? The scent was both strong and gentle. She sniffed again, but then drew back sharply, startledshe remembered now: her mothers hands had smelled just like this womans. Her mother, who had died in a car crash when Keira was five. All she had left was a memory of a meadow filled with flowers, and the scent of her mothers hands weaving floral wreaths.

Whats made you jump like that? Has someone upset you?

Keira shook her head at first, but then nodded.

Bloody idiots, upsetting a child like you, the woman said, pulling out a bundle of sandwiches and a shiny apple from her bag. Go on, then. Here!

She unwrapped a sandwich, and the aroma hit Keiras empty stomach hard, making her realise she hadnt eaten all day. What little cash shed had was long gone.

Here you are! Thats chicken. Good for you. I made it myself. Eat up! So skinny you can barely look at yourself.

I dont eat meat Keira managed, but her stomach betrayed her.

What was that? The woman ignored her protest and stuffed the sandwich into her hands, splitting the apple in half with a practiced twist.

Nothing Keira watched those strong, work-worn hands and realised that her plan to take a train had been a fantasy. She bit into the sandwich and groaned with relief.

Tasty? I should say so! The rest is all nonsense.

The woman shuffled around a bit to settle herself in, glancing over at Keira, whod finished the first sandwich and eyed the second hungrily.

Go on, tuck in! And tell me, whats happened to have you here, at the station alone, no bag, and, let me guess, no money?

Keira nodded silently, wiping away fresh tears.

Hold off on the tears! Start from the beginningitll be easier if you share. Well laugh or cry together later, if we must.

Keira didnt want to talk, but it seemed there was little choice. Mundane as it sounded, it was her life, and it was all she had.

Shed left home yesterday, or rather, run away after her father declared she was not his daughterand that he and his wife were expecting a baby. She still couldnt process his words. The man who had raised her, whom she called Dad, was not her father at all? Enough to make anyone lose their mind. Hed never given her a hint. And her stepmother? No, she and Emma had never got on. Emma was only a few years older than Keira herself. Shed put on a show of politeness at first, but Keira knewfrom the pursing of those thin lipsher peaceful life was over.

Little digs, teary accusations to Dad Just like a bad cheap novel. Keira understood it but couldnt do anything about iteven if shed wanted to. Dad had always been there for her. It was too late, she realised, and things would never be the same.

The final blow came in their last conversation. Her father had left documents on the study table for her to read, then told her she was adopted. Hed adopted her when she was three months old. Keira never found out who her birth father was. Maybe Dad didnt know or just never wanted to say. And Mum, well, she was long gone

Shed sat for half the night, staring at the wall of her room, before finally grabbing a jacket and walking outno plan, nowhere to go. By sunrise she realised the only place was the train station. Her phone was out of charge. She didnt want to speak to anyone. Shed never had close friends; her parents frequent moves had put a stop to that. Those she knew now wouldnt lift a finger to help. Their motto, she remembered from some old cartoon: Love yourself, ignore everyone else, and youll be a success! Shed even had a keyring with the characterlost long ago.

The woman listened intently with no interruptionsreaching for a packet of tissues as Keira finished.

Here, wipe your face.

She then delved into her enormous tote and pulled out a large purse.

Well, love. Youll have to talk to your father at some point, but it can wait. Is your phone working?

Its dead.

Right. Take this. The woman handed her an old, simple mobile phone. Dont like the look? Too basic? I like itmy daughter gave it to me. The buttons are big and its easy to use. Give him a call or at least send a message, let him know youre all right. Hes not the best parent, but theres no need to worry him more than necessary.

She watched Keira type the message, then stood up, straightening her now wrinkled, tear-soaked blouse.

My names Aunt Kate. I live outside town, on a small holding. Fancy coming with me? If youve got nowhere else to go, its not the worst option, is it?

Why?

Pardon?

Why would you do that? Keira asked, perplexed. Im a stranger to you. Why help me?

Aunt Kate smiled and gently touched Keiras chin with tender fingers. Theres no such thing as other peoples children, love. And a child should never be left alone.

But Im not a child anymore

Youre still a child in many ways! Come on. Lets get you a ticket, or well miss the train.

And so, Keira found herself, quite unexpectedly, on her way to Kate Mathews house.

Aunt Kate didnt interrogate her on the journey; later on, shed explain that she was waiting for Keira to open up in her own time.

Youve got to be careful with peoples feelings, love. Some are ready to talk, some not, or only when theyre ready. Pick the right moment, and theyll tell you everythingtruthfully.

Keira, exhausted, slept on the train and only woke when Aunt Kate nudged her gently. Wake up, love, were here!

On the platform, Aunt Kate waved someone over, and Keira jumped a little as a tall, slim woman rushed up and nearly bowled her over.

Mum Kate! This is the second train Ive missed! I was convinced youd never turn up. Hows Nina?

All well. Sorted things with Yarik. Ill check in again in a few days.

Did you see the doctor?

Said hed do what he could. Young, but knows his stuff.

And this is? The woman glanced at Keira, raising an eyebrow.

Fewer questions, Sophie. Were tired and hungry.

All right! Lets get going then!

The battered old Vauxhall made Keira chuckle.

What? Thats airbrushed art, my brother Alex did it.

Its airbrushed, not airbrafic, Keira corrected absentmindedly, eyeing the painted Felix the Cat.

Mum Kate, where did you find such a clever one? Sophie grinned, helping Aunt Kate into the car.

At the station.

Same as me, Sophie said, looking more closely at Keira and the drawing under her finger. You any good at drawing?

I am. Finished art school.

Really? Alex will love that! He taught himself, never had lessons.

Impressivethats a pros job.

Hell want to hear that himself. Hop in, everyones waiting.

Waiting?

Youll see!

Sophies driving had Keira shutting her eyes around corners.

Dont rush, Sophie, weve plenty of time, Kate laughed, glancing at Keira. Im used to it, but our girl isnt yet.

She will be! Were here!

A crowd of children ran to meet them, making Keira gasp.

All mine, love, Kate managed as she hauled herself out of the car. But dont worry, I live alone. Theyre all just here for me. Most live close by, so my house is always full. Come along, dont be shy!

The children gathered round, receiving hugs and pats on the head.

My darlings!

Keira spent nearly a week getting to know Kates sprawling family. It took Sophie bringing her youngest around and giving a thorough tour before Keira really grasped who was who.

Look, along this street, Sophie explained. Three of ours live hereZena, Michael, Ann. All grown with kids of their own. You saw them earlier. Across the way are two moreOlivia and Vera. Olivias got two, Vera got married last month. At the far end are me, my brother Alex, and NinaMum Kate was in town with her. Shes got Yarik, whose heart is poorly, waiting on surgery. Might get it, might not.

Im a bit lost, Sophie.

Youll get used to ittheres a lot of us.

Aunt Kates amazing, having so many children!

Sophie burst out laughing.

She didnt give birth to us. Were all foundlings, just like you.

Keira nearly tripped. Foundlings?

Yep. Long story, come inside!

Sophies home was modest but homely. In the kitchen, she shooed a tabby from the sofa and nodded at Keira to sit.

Make yourself comfortable. Ill put Vanya down for a nap and be right back.

Keira admired the crisp, clean kitchen and the white curtains embroidered with forget-me-nots.

Like them? Vickys handy-work.

Whose?

My daughters. While I was expecting, all I did was embroideryhad to stay in hospital with all three, bored out my mind. Vickys got forget-me-nots, Vanyas got poppies, Lizzies got daisies.

Theyre beautiful, Keira said, running a finger across the stitches.

Mum taught me. I couldnt do a thing when she took me in.

Took you in?

Just like you. My parents drank too much. Even now, I hardly remember my childhood. Mum said when lifes all pain, your mind erases bits to survive.

Dissociative amnesia.

Whats that?

Memory loss. I wanted to study psychologyread lots about it.

So why not?

I was ill my last two years at schoolback problems, surgery. Dad paid for my studies but wont any more. Ill have to switch courses and find a job.

I see. But tell me your story! Im curious!

Well, after so many beatings, Id spend a week lying in bed.

Why didnt social services take you out?

Whod want me? Neighbours complained, but nothing got done. At thirteen, I ran away. Had nowhere at all to go. Barely any friends, and the few I had were in the same boat.

Keira gasped.

Where did you go?

Nowhere. Two quid in my pocket, thats all. Mum Kate found me at the station. Shed come in for the market. Fed me and took me home.

Just like me Keira smiled for the first time.

Shes got a knack for finding strays, does Mum Kate. She adopted me in the end. Then Alex, who was just a baby. Id already left home by then. She spent years and all her health raising us. But look at Alex now!

Sophie, does she have any children of her own?

No. Youve seen her. Shes the size she is not from over-eating but diabetes, had it for years. Her hearts dodgy tooall kept quiet because otherwise shed never have been allowed to foster us. Only when she got very sick did she get treatedher sisters a nurse. Its complicated, but youll find out. Just keep that between us, mind.

Keira nodded.

She was beautiful when she was younga proper looker. Got top marks in school, wanted to become a doctor but didnt quite make the grades. Came home, fell in love with a stranger who whisked her away. She never says much about it, but I found out from her sister, Val, that he beat her terribly. She had old breaks all overribs, fingers. Still aches now. He went to prison for it. She escaped, looked after her parents till they died, and was left all alone. She couldnt have children after what happened, so when I showed up She always says she wasnt looking for us; we found her. Each of us came with our own storyenough for a whole librarys worth. But she never turned anyone away. Even more, she helped us stand on our own two feetlegal stuff, money, housing. The neighbours would always come to her first if they were selling up.

But where did she get the money? Keira blurted out.

Sophie gave an approving nod. Smart one, you! The state helps a bit, but most is down to Paul.

Whos he?

Paul. Mum found him after Zena, picked him up on the street in townrun away, starving, ill. People avoided him. He has special needs, you see. Had been on the streets a week. They were looking for him, but only Mum found him. He clung to her and wouldnt let go. Next day, his father turned upa wealthy man, owns several businesses. Paul lives with him now, with care staff and security, but he still remembers Mum Kate. His dad helps us loadsadvice, money, whatever. Mum jokes hes a proper king, not just a prince, but a king with a big heart.

This is like a soap opera, Keira laughed.

It is. And were all here because of her. Without Mum Kate, most of us wouldnt be. Where she found us, not even angels could have rescued us Sophie glanced at the clock. Oh! Ive gone on too long. Alex and my husband Russ will be round soon.

Ill go

Where do you think youre going? Sophie pulled a pot of cold summer soup from the fridge. Get the bowlstheyre just there. You stay and eat. Mums round Zenas making clothes for the kidsno point sitting alone!

Keira felt she was living in some strange dream. Family round the table, laughing children, tired but happy men swept home and kissed Sophie, who playfully attacked them with a tea towel. Shed never sat at a family tabletheir meal schedule at home was so fractured she and her dad rarely ate together, and once Emma arrived, Keira ate alone or out to avoid tension. She realised acutely how much she wanted thishome, children, loving people around. Tears trickled into her soup before she realised.

Hey, I pre-salted that! Sophie grinned, dabbing Keiras cheeks with a cloth. Come on now, its all all right. Youre home now, and no one will hurt you.

That day, for the first time, Keira told someone everythingabout her mother, father, Emmanot just as shed told Aunt Kate before, in summary, but all of it. Each word lifted another weight off her. Sophie listened closely, only asking when needed.

I see, Sophie said when Keira finished. Dont hold your dads words against himhe raised you and loved you. Some people cant cope well with good news. He must have thought for years he couldnt have kids?

Keira nodded silently.

There you go. Now, I bet hes done a paternity test, hasnt he?

How did you guess?

Hes a businessman, isnt he? And such folk dont often let feelings get in the way. Suppose he just went ahead. Sorry for saying that about your dad

Why do you say not everyone handles good news well?

Sophie put another bowl away as she spoke. Sometimes joy is overwhelmingit can make people go a bit mad. Like our Nina, when Pauls dad helped her buy a house, she celebrated for weeksproper wild. Mum Kate tried to calm her, but there was no stopping her. Then she found out she was pregnant with Yarik and stopped, but it was tough going. Drank too much, had a rough pregnancy, and now poor Yariks paying for it. Doctors say only surgery will help.

But why did she?

She didnt get rid of him, if thats what youre asking. Wouldnt let anyone nearlived with dogs in a shed till Mum Kate took her and the dog in together. Couldnt separate them; the dog protected her.

The kitchen door burst open and a young girl entered.

Sophie! Keiras ride is here! Gran says its time to go home!

The girl gasped, realising her mistake.

Sorry, did I wake anyone?

No, Irene, hes with Dad. Go in if you wantthanks!

Irene ran off, and Sophie nodded to the door.

Ninas eldest. Lovely girl. Go on, Keira. Or shall I walk you?

No, Im all right. Keira surprised herself, hugging Sophie. Thank you!

No need for that! Sophie hugged her back. Just rememberthis is your home. If things are tough, you know where to come.

Its strange, Sophieall these people, not blood, living as family

Family isnt always blood. Its sometimes about the soul, too. Sometimes, thats stronger.

Keiras father, when he arrived, didnt know where to look. She never learned how Kate had come to London, found him, and spoken at length. Now here he was, asking her to come homeor at least let him help.

No, Dad. Im sorry. But I dont want to. Its better this way.

What if I get you a flat?

Keira looked at Kate and nodded.

That would help, at first. Ill work, move to part-time uni, look after myself.

Ill sort it out.

Its my turn to take responsibility, Dad, like you always taught meto rely on myself.

Is it because you dont trust me now? He looked pained.

No. Its just right. You always taught me that lesson. Now Im just putting it into practice.

Her father would pay for her university. She would qualify and become one of the citys best child psychologists, appointments booked weeks ahead. Emma would have a boy, and Keira would be genuinely happy for them, even if they only spoke rarelynot from resentment, but because the family shed found with Kate was now much closer. When Kate, whom everyone called Mum, would someday fall ill, Keira would drop everything and return to the village to care for her. The six months after Kates stroke would be the hardest and happiest of her lifefull of people who needed her, who accepted her as she was. Keira would finally understand what Sophie had meant.

The family would rally; Kate would get back on her feet, though shed never walk far or speak fully clearly again. Alex and Russ would build a grand bench for her by the garden gate, where children would crowd and play around her, teasing:

Nice throne! Good one! Madam, might you fancy some tea?

And the kids would dash about, demanding her judgement in playground disputes.

Granny, did you see? How high did I swing? Fred scored his first goal! It was a beauty! He ought to be in the England squadthen wed win everything!

Keira would go back to the city only when she knew Kate was as all right as possible.

And, six months later, shed make sure the first person she invited to her wedding was Kate.

Mum Kate, will you be here?

Always, my dearalwaysKate smiled, eyes brightlips struggling with speech but warmth radiating clear as sunlight. She trapped Keiras fingers in her good hand and nodded, squeezing three times: Yes, yes, always.

On her wedding day, among a throng of laughing children and grown-up foundlings, Keira helped Kate settle onto her bench under a wild cherry tree. Petals rained on Kates silver-streaked hair. Keira crouched beside her, taking in the facesSophies kids clinging to her veil, Alex fussing with the camera. Her father, awkward and older, stood close, Emma by his side with her red-haired toddler. Keira caught her dads eye, smiled, and he smiled backtentative, but no longer lost.

As Keira rose, her dress swirling and her face glowing, she watched everyone she loved gatheringby chance, by fate, by the gentle hand of one woman whod never turned away a child in need. All her life, shed wondered where she belonged. Here, in laughter and sunlight and the sticky hug of children, she finally knew.

Kates hand found hers, and she squeezed againthree times.

Keira squeezed back.

And as the bell tower sang out, echoing above the cherry trees and through all the years ahead, Keira understood: family was not the people who gave you lifebut the people who made you whole.