The Very Thought of You

Chapter 32

"Brian!" Joey said in complete astonishment.

"Hello Joey. May I talk with you for a while?" Her brother asked politely.

"You'd better come in." She said, suddenly aware that they were showing a light during blackout.

"How are you Jo?" Brian asked with real concern as her followed his sister into the kitchen.

"Well enough." She replied, not knowing if she really wanted to share too much information with him.

"I heard about what Rob Cruze did to you. I-I'm really sorry Jo. I doubted you and I feel really bad." As he spoke, Joey realised he was in earnest.

"Don't worry, Brian. What's done is done. We can't turn back the clock. Would you like a cup of tea?"

"That's very kind." He said looking about him. "You seem comfortable enough here, Jo?"

"Yes, the landlady, Mrs. Leah is a lovely person and so are the other inmates. They've been extremely kind to me." She explained as she handed him a cup.

"That's what I've come about. I'm not very good with words, Jo, you know that, but I do feel bad about what happened to you and how I behaved. It was a bad lot. I know Mum and Dad wouldn't have liked it and I want to make it up to you, Jo." Brian said, "They would've expected me to take care of you as there's only us now. We should look after each other, don't you think?"

"What are you trying to say, Brian?" Joey asked frowning.

Brian studied his tea cup for a few moments and then looked at his sister again.

"Jo, I've been thinking. I'm just a farm hand. I have no prospects and won't have the way things are going. I was wondering if we could sell the house and try and get a boat and fish. Perhaps move round to Folkestone. A fresh start. What do you reckon?"

Joey was astonished to say the least. She stared at her brother in disbelief.

"But you never liked fishing for a living, Brian! Why the sudden change of heart?"

"Well, it was Dad's game and I always felt I came a poor second to him, even to you! But the Ministry of Food says we've got to produce as much food as possible, so there's a chance they'll help us to get established. And also, old Johnny Butler wants to sell his trawler coz he's retiring, so it's up for grabs. It's a good opportunity, love and I know how you love the sea. I'm sure Mum and Dad would approve!" Brian suggested, hopefully.

Joey sat in silence for a few moments, trying to take in all her brother had said. Johnny Butler's vessel was a good, sound prospect and it would be an ideal opportunity to get started.

"You can't live here forever Jo, with strangers, taking charity!" He advised.

"They're not strangers to me, Brian. They're good, kind people. I suppose I have taken some charity, but I do my bit in other ways. Apart from that, I may have another opportunity coming my way soon. I'm not sure if it will work, but if it does... It's a lovely idea though and thank you for thinking of me."

"So, you're not interested?" He asked sadly.

"It's not that, Brian. I'm very interested. And if things don't work out here, I could be back home sooner than you think and maybe we could do it. Just give me a bit of time, eh?"

"What is this other thing you want to do?" Brian asked.

"Just give me time, Brian. That's all I ask." Joey replied, avoiding his question.