Plumbing
We all headed into the kitchen. Mr. and Mrs. Robbins were already there, deep in preparation for lunch and dinner and doing whatever work needed to be done. "Mr. Robbins," said Phoebe, "Has the grocery order gone out for the day?" "I'm just ready to call it in, Ms. Phoebe," he replied. She drew him into a corner and secretly whispered something to him. He smiled and said, "I was wondering about that too. I'll add it to the order, no problem." I had no idea what they were talking about but it wasn't any of my business anyway. Little Thomas was looking in my bag of tools and I told him to try out anything he wanted. There wasn't much danger in a bag of plumbing tools. "You are really pretty, Miss," he declared. Phoebe stepped in. "Thomas, Cathy and Uncle Thomas are getting married soon. She is going to be your Auntie Cathy and you can call her that now. "You are really pretty, Auntie Cathy." He said soon after. "Thank you Thomas," I replied. There came a point where I needed a wrench to be held while I unscrewed a pipe. I sized the wrench and put it over the joint. I could have managed it myself but I remembered my Dad showing me how and how good it felt to be important. "Ok, my nephew Thomas…that's what you are, you know. I'm Auntie Cathy and you are my nephew Thomas," I explained. He had such a happy smile and hung on to every word. Phoebe interrupted, "Psst, Cathy, any chance of you watching Thomas for a half an hour or so. Tarquin and I love to stay here because we always get the room with, shall we say, the unusual shower. He's waiting for me upstairs." "Oh, that is a good shower." I said, "Thomas, would you like to help me for a little bit while Mummy takes a shower?" "Yes, Auntie Cathy, I would love to help you." He replied. "Alright, sweetie, I'll be back soon." Phoebe told him. "Take your time," he replied with the confidence of a twenty year old. It was hilarious. Everyone was laughing. She smiled and waved and headed up the stairs.
"Mrs. Robbins," I said, "I know this young man had breakfast a while ago, but before we do serious plumbing I think he may need a snack." "Oh yes," she replied, "I have some biscuits and milk set aside." Thomas and I sat next to each other on the floor and had a biscuit like real plumbers did. He had another one and a glass of milk. I couldn't help looking at this little crooked child and not thinking that this was exactly as Thomas had been, curious and loving, without a hint of what deformity he had. Only later in life had damage been done.
"Ok, partner, this is what we need to do. I will put this tool…this wrench…right here for you to hold. Hold it the best you can. If water comes out you close your eyes and laugh…hahaha," I explained. "Hahaha," he repeated. He held that wrench so still. I knew there may be some leakage, and sure enough a small arc of water emerged wetting his play clothes. "Hahaha," he shouted. It started as fast as it stopped, and I pulled the old pipe loose and out of the array. I continued my work and blimey, if this little tot wasn't the best plumber's helper I had in a long time. I was falling in love with being an Auntie very quickly. It wasn't soon before we were hugging and little Thomas was totally full of himself.
In what seemed like minutes, but was more like an hour, Tarquin and Phoebe returned, showered up, rosy and fragrant. "Oh Cathy," said Phoebe, "Thank you for helping with him." Tarquin added, "This has been a good holiday." putting his arms around Phoebe's shoulders. The same thing that happened with my Thomas was happening again. In the midst of these inbred, strange-looking people one stopped noticing when you figured out what was going on inside. The only thorn left was Auntie Glynis. She was a difficult nut to crack.