Chapter 14
Chapter Fourteen
For the first time in as long as Pauline could remember, Anthony went to bed without any tea.
After the funeral, he’d insisted on going into work.
The library had closed for the morning so the staff could attend.
Pauline said she would call Mrs Wilkinson for him so he could spend the rest of the day at home, but he was adamant he wanted to be among his colleagues.
When he arrived home at six o’clock, he had a cup of tea in the kitchen and gave monosyllabic answers to her questions, before saying he wasn’t hungry and going straight upstairs to bed.
Pauline tried, several times, to talk to him. She knocked on his bedroom door, asking if he was all right or if he wanted her to make him a sandwich. She’d even allow him to eat in bed if he was hungry. He simply ignored her.
At nine o’clock, she called Leo Mulligan and asked him to call round.
‘He’s locked his door, and he won’t talk to me,’ she said as soon as she opened the front door to him. ‘I know he’s taken Alice’s death hard, but … I’m worried,’ she said, tears pricking her eyes.
‘I’ll go up and talk to him,’ Leo said, resting a hand on her arm.
‘Thank you, Leo,’ she smiled. ‘I’ll put the kettle on.’
She watched as Leo slipped his shoes off and walked upstairs. She waited until he turned at the top on the landing and disappeared out of sight, before retreating to the kitchen. Whatever they talked about, she didn’t want to hear it.
Leo stood in front of Anthony’s bedroom door. He listened intently for any sound within but couldn’t hear anything. He licked his lips, then knocked. There was no reply.
‘Ant, it’s me, Leo. Can I come in?’
Still no reply.
‘I’m on my own. Your mum’s downstairs.’
There was a long pause before the door was opened. Anthony’s face was empty of emotion. He looked down at Leo, stepped back and allowed him to enter. Once Leo was in the room, Anthony closed the door and locked it.
Anthony’s bedroom was the same size as his mother’s.
He had a double bed with fitted wardrobes either side and cupboards along the top.
His window overlooked the front of the house.
On a clear night, he could see the sea. He wanted a telescope so he could look at the stars or watch the waves come crashing in, but his mum said the neighbours might think he was a peeping tom, so wouldn’t let him.
Anthony sat on the edge of the bed and Leo stood in front of the window. He looked at the bookshelves on the wall filled with comic books.
‘Your mum’s worried about you?’
‘Mum’s always worried about me,’ Anthony said, concentrating on his hands, picking at his nails.
‘Do I need to be worried?’
Anthony looked up at him. ‘No.’
‘It’s been a difficult day, hasn’t it?’
He nodded.
‘You liked Alice Patterson, didn’t you?’
He nodded again.
‘Do you want to talk about her?’
He shook his head.
Leo moved over to the bed and sat beside him. ‘Tell me what you’re thinking.’
‘I’m thinking about Alice’s mum and dad.’
‘What about them?’
‘I saw them in the church. They were crying. I mean, really crying their eyes out. I looked around and everyone else was crying, too. Even Mum wiped her eyes a few times. I didn’t.’
‘I didn’t cry either, Anthony. But I still felt sad. You don’t have to cry when you feel sad.’
‘But I don’t know if I felt sad or not. I just felt the same as I always do.’
‘You didn’t really know Alice, though, did you? You saw her about once a week for ten minutes or so. It’s not like seeing your mum, or me, is it? You see us all the time. I’m guessing when one of us dies, you’ll be crying buckets. At least, I hope you will,’ he said, nudging him and smiling.
Anthony smiled back. ‘Are you dying?’
‘Not for a very long time.’
‘Good. I will be sad when you die. I promise.’
‘Thank you. Why don’t you come downstairs? It’s been a busy day. I’m sure your mum will let you have a slice of cake.’
‘I’m really tired.’
‘OK. I’ll leave you to get some sleep. You are all right, aren’t you?’
‘Yes.’
‘You’d tell me if there was anything worrying you?’
‘Yes. We’re best friends,’ Anthony said with a smile. ‘And best friends always share. That’s what you told me.’
‘Exactly,’ Leo said. He stood up and went over to the door.
‘Leo, a policewoman came to the library this afternoon.’
‘Did she?’
‘Yes. She brought Alice’s books back.’
‘Oh. Did she say anything?’
‘She was asking Mrs Wilkinson about people who came into the library and if Alice ever came in with anyone.’
‘What did Mrs Wilkinson say?’
‘She just said that Alice always came on her own. Sometimes with her mum.’
‘Did this policewoman say anything else?’
‘I don’t know. I went into the back room.’
‘I see,’ Leo mused. ‘Right, well, you go to sleep, Anthony, and I’m sure you’ll feel better in the morning.’
Leo unlocked the door and left the bedroom, closing it firmly behind him. He went downstairs and into the kitchen where he found Pauline sitting at the table. The teapot was in front of her, steam coming out of the spout. She looked up with worry etched on her face.
‘How is he?’
Leo pulled out a chair and sat down. ‘He’s fine.’
‘Really?’
‘Yes. It’s been a big day for him. He’s been surrounded by so much emotion; I think it’s difficult for him to process it all. Is there a cup in there for me?’ he asked, nodding at the pot.
‘Of course.’ Pauline began to pour. ‘Did he say anything?’
‘He wanted to know what happens when we die. He’s full of questions.’
‘He hasn’t really known anyone die. He was too young to understand when his father died.’
‘I was in my thirties before I went to my first funeral,’ Leo said, taking a sip of his tea. ‘We all react to these things in different ways.’
‘I suppose. I worry about him so much, Leo.’
‘I know you do.’ He reached across the table and placed a hand over Pauline’s. ‘You don’t need to do this on your own. You’ve always got me.’
‘Thank you. We both owe you so much. Thank you doesn’t seem enough.’
Leo looked at her over the top of his mug and gave her a warm smile.