Everyday is a Sunday Evening
Margaret gave an irritated sigh as she drummed her fingers impatiently on the steering wheel. Molly's train was due any minute and she was nowhere near Bath Spa station. Recent road works, coupled with the usual Friday rush hour traffic, had turned a relatively easy journey into a commuter's nightmare. "Stupid bloody traffic!" she grumbled as she beeped her horn at a driver as they cut her up at the roundabout. "Grandma are you swearing again? Are we nearly there? Should we phone Molly?" called a voice from the back, tinged with exasperation. Margaret glanced in the rear view mirror and couldn't help but smile at Sam's disgruntled face as he stared miserably out the window. "Sorry, Sorry! We're two minutes away darling, I promise." After spending the morning of her birthday with her family in Newham, Molly was catching the train to Bath to spend the remainder of her birthday weekend with the James clan.
Since her promotion to Lance Corporal, Molly had taken every opportunity to further develop her medical knowledge as well as the added responsibility of looking after a section. As her deployment drew nearer, Molly had spent an increasing amount of time undergoing specialist training with her section out on exercise. Margaret knew that Molly's first deployment had been daunting and traumatic and she hadn't wanted her team to feel as unprepared as she had. She had been working extensively alongside her section to ensure they had the knowledge and skills they needed to ensure they were mentally and physically prepared to deal with whatever was thrown at them. The last time Margaret had seen Molly, she had appeared in Bath on a weekend pass looking absolutely shattered. From what Charles had said it sounded as though things hadn't gotten any better. Although Molly had been delighted to be assigned to the same platoon as her favourite group of Cockwombles, the new additions to her section had failed to make a good first impression with the young medic.
Margaret had been extremely glad when Charles had let slip that Molly's birthday was approaching. At least now she had an excuse to organise a weekend that guaranteed Molly a few days of R and R to help her recharge her batteries. Judging by how exhausted Molly looked as she pulled into the drop off zone Margaret knew they had made the right choice regarding Molly's presents. Watching in concern as Molly approached the car, Margaret swore she had lost weight, though she wasn't sure if that was down to her being on exercise or the fact that she had been back and forth to London to see her family for her birthday.
Molly was stood on the curb dressed in civilian clothing and carrying her pack. Winding down the window Margaret called out, "need a lift birthday girl?" Molly laughed as she slid into the passenger seat and reached over to hug Margaret hello.
"Thanks for picking me up, I'd have been happy getting a taxi you know."
"Nonsense sweetheart, it's no trouble. Besides somebody couldn't wait any longer to see you." Before Molly could respond Sam shouted from the back,
"Happy Birthday Molly!"
Molly turned to greet a beaming Sam. "Cheers Sammy! Did ya miss me? I sure missed you lot. This training lark ain't much fun I can tell you." Margaret chuckled as she watched Molly drink in the familiar darkening streets of Bath as the last rays of the day's sun faded below the buildings.
"How is the training going?" Molly groaned and rested her head against the window.
"I'm glad to be back with my boys but the newbies are a bunch of muppets. Most are full of that first tour bravado and think they are better than each other. Charles used to call it early tour dick waving." Out of the corner of her eye Margaret saw a small hand appear between the seats, waiting patiently. Margaret chuckled as Molly sighed and reached into her pocket, pulling out a pound coin. After a pause she placed the coin back in her pocked and handed Sam a five pound note only to pull it back before he could take it.
"Just in case Sammie. Though if I hear you repeat any of these words I'll have your dad wash your mouth out with soap. Then, I'll get your mum to do it Ok?" At Sam's frantic nod Molly handed over the note. Oh dear, things must be bad. It was rare that Molly had to pull out a note around Sam; that was usually left to Margaret. At this rate, he'd have enough to pay for Uni before he'd even sat his A levels. Throwing an amused look at her Grandson's shell-shocked expression Margaret nodded for Molly to continue.
"You'd think they'd be falling over themselves to make a good impression but nooo! All they are interested in is outdoing each other to see who can do everything best. It's like they're all involved in one giant pissing contest. I swear they're like a bunch of kids. They don't listen to each other, refuse to learn from the experiences of the boys and barely listen to what I tell them half the time. They've got their heads so far up their own arses that they fail to see what it's all about. Too busy looking after number one. It ain't like that. They need to look out for each other. Trust one another to have each other's backs. Can't they see that it's not about looking out for number one but numbers two to twelve in their section? They become a team. A family. If they don't work together they've got no chanced out in Africa."
Margaret didn't say anything as they pulled into Royal Crescent, giving Molly time to simmer down. Turning off the ignition Margaret turned to face Molly. "Maybe you ought to tell them that. Don't forget that what you and the boys experienced out in Afghanistan counts for a hell of a lot. You need to make them see how important it is for the section to work as a whole, not as individuals. I know it'd harder now you're of a higher rank. But it' like Charles told you. You are there to be their boss, not their friend. You can do this Molly, you just have to believe in yourself a bit more. failing that, just flash them your MC, that ought to shut them up. Now lets concentrate on celebrating your birthday alright?"
Margaret tried not to laugh as Sam struggled to lift Molly's pack on his own. Ever the gentleman, he offered to help carry Molly's bag on his own, not quite grasped the fact that the burgen weighed nearly as much as he did. Taking pity on him, Molly offered to help him lift it up the steps to where Charles was stood waiting for them. Arms crossed, he lent casually against the doorway eyes alight with mischief. Margaret watched Molly's face light up as he swept her off her feet into a hug.
"There she is. We were worried you'd got lost." Placing her down gently Charles pulled Molly's face towards his in a gentle kiss. "Happy Birthday Dawesy." Molly smiled as she rested her head against his chest, her shoulders finally dropped, releasing all the tension of the last few weeks. "How was exercise? The lads coping alright?"
"ahh the boys are the same as ever. Missing their boss but enjoyin takin the piss out of the newbies and not in a good way."
"Are they not getting on?" Ah so the Captain is still in there somewhere. It was times like this, when Molly would talk about something as simple as how her day went, where Margret could see that Charles still missed the Army. Although he had decided to resign is commission, he still struggled to let that part of his life go. He had lived and breathed the army for nearly a decade and Margaret could see that even now, over two years later, Charles was still finding his old army habits hard to break.
"Are they heck Bossman! Someone needs to give them a swift kick up the arse and remind them there is no I in team." Charles wrapped an arm around Molly's shoulders and gave her a sympathetic squeeze. "I'm sure you an the lads wil be fine. just make sure you tell the CO your concerns. Dont let it slide Dawesy." with that he drew her in for another kiss.
"Yuck Daddy!" Margaret laughed as Charles pulled back, raising an eyebrow at the look of disgust on Sam's face. "This'll be you in a few years Sammie." Margaret wished she had a camera to capture the look on Sam's face. Charles might as well have told him that Christmas, Easter and his birthday had all been cancelled. As they walk into the house Molly automatically started towards the dining room to dump her kit in her usual spot when Sam comes charging past her and plants himself squarely in front the dining room door. With his feet planted wide, arms folded and a stern look on his face, Margaret couldn't help but think he looked like a mini Charles.
"Wait!" Caught off guard by Sam's sudden change in behaviour, Molly failed to see Charles sneak behind her and cover her eyes with his hands.
"Oi! What's goin on? Bossman!" At Charles' nod Margaret and Sam slip past them into the dining room where Richard stood waiting, a bottle of champagne in hand. At Margaret's signal Charles guides Molly slowly into the room, careful to avoid the door frame and chairs, as Margaret dims the lights. She signs to three with her fingers and everyone yells "Surprise!"
As Charles takes his hands away from Molly's eyes she gazes around the room in shock. Her mouth drops as she takes in the dining table beautifully laid out with cutlery, candles and champagne glasses. Happy birthday banners hand from the walls and a bunch of balloons have been tied to Molly's usual chair. At the centre of the table is a chocolate cake lit with candles and sparklers. On the sideboard a small pile of neatly wrapped gifts and cards await to be opened. As Molly registers the delicious smell of roast beef, fresh vegetables and potatoes her stomach starts to rumble.
"Happy Birthday Molly," Richard pops the cork and Margaret jumped forward to catch the champagne in a glass which she hands to a dazed looking Molly. She blushes as the James' break out into a rendition of Happy Birthday and cheer as Molly blows her candles out, though not before making a wish at Sam's insistence. "You didn't have to do all this. I'd have been happy with a take away and a few beers." Margaret shakes her head as Molly looks at the faces around her, still overwhelmed at how much trouble they had gone to just for her. "We wanted to do something special for your birthday, especially after all you've been through the last few weeks. You deserve to be spoiled today young lady, no arguments. Though don't think we haven't forgiven you for keeping it quiet." Molly smiled and gave a mock salute as Charles holds out her chair for her to sit down. Once everyone is settled with a glass of champagne Richard stands and raises his glass in a toast, "To Molly. We hope you have a very Happy Birthday, you deserve it." Everyone cheered and clinked glasses. "Right tuck in everyone."
After dinner Margaret and the rest of the family were gathered in the living room eating cake as they watched Molly open her presents. So far she had received a hilarious birthday video filled with messages from the boys in Two Section, along with a bottle of wine and some flowers. Charles and Sam had given her a gorgeous charm bracelet with several charms already attached. Sam had been particularly keen for Molly to know that he had had some input into the present. Margaret knew he had thought long and hard about his choices of charms as he eagerly explained to Molly. "I chose the heart charm because when you're away It'll remind you that everyone back home loves you and misses you. The rucksack is to represent your travels so far and your job as a medic. The tower bridge charm is to remind you that London is your home and it's where you came from. Was that ok? Don't you like it?" Sam sent a panicked glance at Charles as Molly's eyes welled with tears.
"Oh mate it's the best present. I love it, thank you." Margaret couldn't help but chuckle at the look of sheer relief on Sam's face as Charles carefully placed the bracelet around Molly's wrist. "Right it's our turn Molly." Molly took the envelope Margaret handed her and eyed it curiously. She watched as Molly opened the envelope, and eagerly read the card inside, her eyes widening the further down the page she read. When she finished she looked back and forth between Margaret and Richard as she struggled to find the words. "This is for me?" Reaching out for Molly's hand, Margaret gave it a gentle squeeze.
"We thought you were in need of a bit of retail therapy so we've booked you both into the spa tomorrow for a day of pampering and treatments. You have full access to the pool, steam rooms and sauna and you can choose the treatments you want. I'd definitely recommend the hot stone massage and I know how much you enjoy having your nails done. Though seeing as they aren't regulation, you might want to try a pedicure instead." Molly stared at Margaret for a few seconds without saying anything. She shot Charles a concerned look. "If you don't like it I'm sure we could find something else we just thought….." Margaret didn't get to finish her sentence as a tearful Molly launched herself into her arms.
"Thank you so much. I don't know what to say, it's too much. I really can't wait. I've never been to a spa before. It all sounds well nice." Margaret laughed as she smoothed Molly's hair back from her face. "You're very welcome sweetheart. It's our pleasure." When Molly's face suddenly fell Margaret gave her a gentle nudge to get her to speak.
"Well I ain't got me swimming costume with me." Margaret smirked as she answered.
"Don't worry we've thought of that. Charles sent a text to your mum. She should have snuck your bikini into your kit." Molly's jaw dropped.
"Wow! Charles was right. You really do plan for all scenarios don't ya!" At that Margaret could only laugh.
On Sunday evening, Margaret walked into the living room and handed Charles a cup of coffee. Richard was in his study and Rebecca had collected an exhausted Sam a while ago. Charles smiled gratefully as he took the steaming cup of Rosabya, careful not to disturb a sleeping Molly, who lay curled up against his chest. Since she had returned home from the spa earlier in the afternoon, she felt like a new woman, at least, that was what she had told Margaret when they arrived. Margaret was glad. She couldn't remember the last time she had seen Molly so relaxed and content.
"Do you think she enjoyed it?" Margaret asked quietly as she sat near the fire and watched as Charles gazes lovingly at Molly as she slept.
"Yeah, I've a lovely weekend thank you. That spa was amazing." a voice whispered causing Margaret jump. Looking at Molly she noticed her eyes were open and she was smirking. Margaret sent Molly a mock glare as she burst into giggles. "How long have you been awake?" Molly sat up and stretched leisurely as she sank back against the pillows.
"I could smell the Rosabaya. Besides I wasn't asleep, just resting me eyes." Margaret noticed Molly's good mood seem to diminish as she stared thoughtfully at the flames.
"What's on your mind sweetheart? You're not worried about your section are you? I'm sure it will all come together."
'Oh ignore me. I'm just bein' a bit of a prannit. I've just got that Sunday feeling is all."
Charles looked down at Molly in amusement, "The what? That another of your weird cockney saying Dawesy?"
"No you muppet. You know that feeling you get on a Sunday where you just have the whole day to yourself, and it's been great, and then you remember you have to leave tomorrow, so it ruins the rest of the night? I have to go home tomorrow, and so I've got that feeling. It's like Sunday night."
"It is a Sunday night Dawes." Charles joked. Margaret reached for a magazine on the coffee table, rolled it and proceeded to whack Charles around the head. "Ow! What?" Margaret pointed an accusing finger at her son. "You! Just like your father you are. No tack. Zip! Nada! Niente!" Insensitive prat. Charles shot a glare at Margaret. "It was a joke mother. Having said that, I understand what you mean Molls. I hate that you have to leave too. Which is why we've got you something."
"What is it? Not another present Boss. You've all done enough. More than enough." Margaret couldn't help but intervene as she saw Molly begin to get worked up.
"Sweetheart relax. It isn't a present as such. So you shouldn't worry." With an encouraging nod from Margaret, Charles handed Molly a small rectangular shape, neatly wrapped. Eying it sceptically Molly couldn't help but joke." You ain't proposing are ya Charles, Caz I expect you ta do it proper like. Down on bended knee an' everything." Margaret shot Charles a sideways look. Was that a flash of panic there? Hummm this could be Interesting. Rubbing his neck, Charles gave an embarrassed cough. "Just bloody open it Dawes." Oh so he's now on the defensive is he. Curiouser and curiouser. With an uncertain look, Molly carefully unwrapped a small box and opened the lid. Margaret smiled at the confused look on her face at the boxes contents.
"A key?" Margaret nodded at Charles to explain.
"Well you aren't the only one who gets the Sunday feeling every time you leave Dawes. We've talked about it and we all agree that we want you to think of this place as your home. Before you say anything I know you're very close to your family and might not be ready to move away completely and that's fine. There's no pressure for you to move in if you aren't ready. Just know that you can come and go anytime." Margaret watched as Molly seemed to contemplate her choices. "Don't worry about me and Richard. The house is big enough that you'll both have plenty of space. Not to mention, we're hardly here." With that Molly couldn't help but laugh.
"I don't mind. Honest." Turning to Charles she asked cheekily, "Does that mean you're finally gunna clear me some wardrobe space Bossman? Caz I don't think all me kit will fit in that poxy drawer you gave me." Margaret shook her head as Charles gave a yell and picked her up, dancing her around the room like a rag doll. Honestly those two. At least there will be no more Sunday night mope fests. Well at least not until Molly leaves for Africa. Now all Margaret had to do was corner her son and get to the bottom of his sudden shifty behaviour. Bless the boy for trying to get one past his mother. Too bad he failed.
A/N: All rights belong to Tony Grounds and the BBC. As always, thank you for the continuing support for this story.