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The next morning came too soon. Once the noise of the men heading to work filled my ears, my brain immediately woke. I followed the same morning routine I had done since I turned fifteen and the headed down into the kitchen. I quickly prepared a kettle for tea while starting a light breakfast for mum.
Time passed slowly as I heard the tell-tale sign of mother descending the squeaky steps. "Tally? Is that you? It's quite early."
"It's not Tally, Mum," I stated as I slipped a pair of eggs onto a plate for her to eat. "I made breakfast."
"Oh my! Evelyn, I thought you weren't arriving until Thursday?" Mum asked as came over to give me a tight cuddle.
Immediately, I could feel my body relax. I had not seen her in over five years, but her arms wrapped around me settled something inside me. "It's Friday."
"Really?" She asked as she pulled away. Her face gave way to how confused she felt. I had read a few of the remedies the doctor had prescribed and they were quite strong. "I have just felt tired lately. I am sorry I missed your homecoming. Did Tally let you in?"
"Yes, the baby and she were my welcome party." I paused for a moment while I pulled out the chair for her to rest in. I moved to take a seat next to her and asked, "How are you feeling?"
"I have good days and bad days. It's gotten worse though but I am happy that you are home." Her hand lifted off the table and rested on my cheek and whispered, "Have you seen him yet?"
"No, I came here as soon as I arrived. I am sure one of his runners saw me though. Won't be long now." I state before motioning for her to eat the food on the plate.
I grimaced slightly as her slim arm picked up a piece of toast. Her hands had swollen with age and I could see how painful small tasks must feel. She gave me a light smile as she slowly chewed. Our matching blue eyes met for a second and I made sure to give her a wide smile in return.
"He has changed, just so you know. Like most of the men, he came back broken. Women down in the factory used to talk about the symptoms. How memories of the war haunted them. Some even said the ghost of the ones lost grabbed ahold of soldiers so they could return home." Mum rattled off lightly. She always enjoyed a bit of storytelling and I felt a tightness grow inside my chest at the act. Her mind hadn't gone yet and that is all we could hope for.
"I think the war affected everyone but he is a subject for another time. Tell me all the of gossip running around town. Your letters have been lacking severely. I must know everything." I grab my own piece of toast and settle in for a story.
"I don't even know where to start..." And then she had gone off. Her eyes sparkling as she told me stories of all genres. Happy, sad, funny, and devastating events that took place during my absence. My emotions followed along.
"I have missed this place. Soot and all." Mum could only smile but that soon fell into a grim face.
"Did you ever tell him?" She asked and immediately I placed a placid face on. It had been a protective instinct that I still used on occasion.
"I wrote him a letter while he was in France. I doubt he even received it and if he had, I would bet he burned it before reading it." My voice dropped in tone and I could feel the emotions rising.
"I doubt he would have done that." Her hand moved across the table to grab ahold of my own. "He really did love you. It broke my heart seeing his face when I told him you left."
"That is all in the past now. I am here for only one reason. To make sure you get better." I gave her a smile before standing up and realizing the time. "Are you going to be okay if I head out to run a few errands?"
"Yes, I will be fine. Where do you have to go?" She asked as I went to pull on my coat and hat.
"I am going to go ask for a job and then I am picking up some items for dinner. Show you what I have learned these past five years." She nodded before moving slowly back to the sink to rinse the dishes. "Please leave those for me to do later. Go into the sitting room and read the novel I know you are in the middle of reading."
"Oh no, it's fine. I will take care of these. Go ahead!" She shooed me away and I followed the orders given.
"Alright fine but if you need anything go to Mrs. Jefferson." I point a strict finger at her and then head out the door.
Back onto the street of Small Heath created a shiver that ran down my spine. I kept my head down hoping to keep my arrival private for as long as possible. I took the turns at a presentable but quick pace wanting to reach my destination as soon as possible. The door swung open to the establishment and I couldn't stop the smile that graced my face. The Garrison Pub had not changed since my last visit. Harry still stood behind the bar speaking softly with a patron. A few men littered the seating area.
"Well, I never thought I would see your face again." Harry's voice filled the almost silent room as I made my way to the bar.
"Hello Harry, you look exactly the same as always," I reply back as I take a seat in front of him.
"You, Love, have changed. I heard about your mother. I am sorry." I nod in thanks for his sympathy and watch as he pulls a glass from below while saying, "What do you want? It's on the house."
"How about a job?" I ask hopeful to take over my previous position. I had worked at the pub since I had turned sixteen. My skills as a barmaid had come in handy a few times while I had been gone.
"I don't know if that is a great idea. The Blinders still come around. Would you really want to be working when they do?" His concern is understandable. He had to no way of kicking the Blinders out of his pub. That would only cause trouble and this is the last thing anyone needed.
"I don't mind. I just need a job with flexible hours in case something comes up with my Mum." I plead with him knowing exactly which string to pull to make this happen. "Besides I know the men and I know how to handle them."
"I don't know Evelyn, these aren't the men you left. Tommy and the rest of the men seem to have no fear anymore. I think they are trying to go big time." His voice lowers to ensure that no one else would be listening. "Tommy's taken over."
"I promise Harry, I am fine with the job. I just need to be making cash to keep Mum and me above water for as long as we need." I pause to give him my biggest smile and then continue, "When do I start?"
"Tonight at 6. It's payday and most of them men will be stopping in for a drink." I nod in agreement as I stood.
"Thank you, Harry. I really appreciate it." I comment before moving towards the door.