HERE THERE AND EVERYWHERE CHAPTER 2 BACK HOME

A couple of weeks later Lucy and Jude said goodbye to their kids, promising they would ring them every day and bring them back nice presents.

"Why can't we go and see Daddy's place?" demanded Julie.

"Because, sweetheart, school's not over yet," Lucy explained patiently, kneeling in front of her and hugging her. "We won't be gone for long and you'll have fun at Sadie and Jojo's. And Uncle Max will be visiting in a few days." Lucy smiled as Julie's face lit at the prospect of seeing her beloved uncle. "So be good," she said, kissing her daughter's cheek. "And because you're the eldest you have to look after the others, honey. We're putting you in charge."

Julie rather liked the prospect of being able to tell the twins what to do. It made the separation from her parents easier and she brightened up.

Jude didn't want to let his children out of his arms but the taxi was calling. Reluctantly he let go.

"Next time we'll all go – I promise," he whispered to Julie. With one last look he picked up the suitcases.

"They'll be fine," said Lucy, patting his hand as they sat in the taxi. "Max will find ways to keep them occupied." She paused. "I'm looking forward to seeing him when we get back."

"Me too," agreed Jude. "But I'm also looking forward to seeing the Pool again. I wonder if it's changed much," he pondered.

Jude saw some definite changes as the train from London after landing at Heathrow drew into Lime St. Some of the shops and cafes he remembered from last time were gone and new ones were in their place. Flying had been much easier than the boat crossing he and Lucy had endured when they had last come back (They hadn't been able to afford to fly) but it was late so they were both tired and jetlagged. Michelle was letting them stay at her new house where they could have some privacy and allow Michelle and the family to prepare for the wedding.

As the taxi drove through the dark streets Jude could make out many familiar landmarks. The two cathedrals, the Liver Building, St. Georges Hall, the Empire Theatre. But he also saw changes. He could make out the silhouettes of what looked like tower blocks in the distance – more than had been around since his last visit. He also noticed that the city now had an internal rail track –internal trains had been in operation the last few years, the taxi driver informed him.

Jude was looking forward to doing some serious exploring tomorrow and revisiting the places of his youth. And now he was back in Liverpool he felt a strong sense of nostalgia. Although New York was now home he had never really left his native city behind. He hadn't even lost his Scouse accent, causing the driver to ask if he had been on holiday. A part of him had always and would always remain in the 'Pool. For all its problems and limited opportunities it was a unique place which got under your skin. You could take a man from the Mersey but you could never take the Mersey from the man. Maybe that was why he was so comfortable in New York. It was a melting pot of cultures and influences which contributed to its colourful character – just like Liverpool.

"You did the right thing leaving, mate," the driver was now saying. "Things are pretty bad here now with so many workers laid off from the docks and shipyards. There's loads of people leaving. Only a couple of weeks ago me brother went down South. He'd been on the dole for six months."

Unemployment had always cast its spectre over Liverpool so it must be pretty bad if people were passing comment on it.

They were now at Michelle's house. Jude gently woke up Lucy who was dozing against his shoulder. They got out of the taxi and let themselves in. It was a bright, modern place with fitted kitchen and bathroom and indoor toilet. Quite a contrast from the house that Jude had grown up in. He remembered when he had come back for his mother's funeral and the council had allowed him to stay at the house while he saw to her estate. The first evening Lucy had wanted a bath – and he had been quite embarrassed to tell her that the "bathroom" was a tin tub filled with heated water. For a girl who had grown up in an upper-middle class American household it was bound to be a culture shock.

Jude and Lucy sat at the kitchen table eating sandwiches and drinking tea. They had briefly rang the kids, leaving the money by the phone. They were happily settled with Sadie and Jojo and were looking forward to Uncle Max's arrival.

"Tired, love?" asked Jude gently.

"I'm OK," smiled Lucy. "It sure was a better journey than last time. (On the long voyage Lucy had been constantly seasick.) "I wouldn't go through that again for anything."

"Yeah, I remember," said Jude. "I'm still knackered though. So let's some sleep, we've loads to do tomorrow. I can't wait," he added, causing Lucy to smile at her husband's enthusiasm. He had been looking forward to this for a long time.