Carnival
Sitting back in her chair, ankles aligned side-by-side, elbows tucked in, Mary Poppins daintily sipped her soup. She had insisted the jacket potato was not necessary. Besides, she liked soup, ignoring the disgusted faces of the children as she said so. Less disgusted to hear they were receiving a slice of Parkin cake- a treat they had waited all year for.
It was always the same. Every year, the children would become frantic with excitement. Remember, remember; the fifth of November, she would say. Well, they did. But not for the same reasons. Who didn't love the fireworks?
"Ello, 'ello, 'ello. Look 'oo it is!"
Hearing that familiar voice, Mary felt an eyeroll arising, although she was amused by the camaraderie.
"Hello, Bert. What are you doing today?"
"'Elping with the fireworks, I am." He nudged his shoulder where a large rocket was neatly resting. "It's all a bit o' fun."
Jane and Michael were beside themselves, pleading that they go with him. So excited that she naturally said no. Though she did allow them some change to purchase sparklers. As soon as they had left, Bert turned to her with a grin.
"O' course, it doesn't matter much. I always see fireworks when I'm with you…"
"Go help them, Bert."
"Right you are."
Doffing his cap, he gave her one last cheeky wink before going on his way. She watched him till he disappeared down the field. Settling back into her seat, she watched the large fire in the middle of the grass, crackling and spitting. Making the whole air smell of nothing but smoke- nothing new for London.
Mary took another careful sip of her soup, thinking that the night hardly mattered much. She always felt a fire deep within her whenever she saw Bert.
"Silly woman," she told herself. That was more than enough thinking for one night.