Chapter 3
Two days after arriving in Hamblehurst, Gaby woke to the sound of pans clattering in the kitchen downstairs and the smell of coffee brewing. Her Aunt Jill was already up and about apparently, and that thought filled Gaby with relief.
The post-surgery recovery was going better than Gaby had expected.
While she understood that moving around and staying active were crucial to Jill’s recuperation, she also knew that the magnitude of the procedure she’d endured would mean inevitable pain and discomfort.
Jill’s determination not to let the surgery weaken her was inspiring.
There was still plenty Jill couldn’t do and wouldn’t be able to do for some time yet.
But knowing she was up already and busy in the kitchen was a sign that things were moving in the right direction.
It was still dark outside as Gaby rose from bed and pulled on her dressing gown.
Outside the window the street was quieter this morning as it was Saturday and there wasn’t the busy rush of commuters and pedestrians and children walking to school that there’d been the past couple of mornings.
Soft rain was falling and an autumnal wind moved through the bare trees and trembling shrubs.
Downstairs, she found Jill at the hob scrambling eggs as she balanced on her crutches.
“Good morning, Aunt Jill,” Gaby said. “Can I take over with those eggs?”
Jill turned and smiled. “Good morning, Gaby. I can manage just fine, thanks. I wanted to make breakfast for you because you’ve been doing it for me these past mornings.”
“That’s what I’m here for, Aunt Jill.”
“I also wanted to see if I was up to the challenge of moving around the kitchen on the crutches long enough to put together a basic breakfast. So far so good. When I heard your footsteps on the stairs, I got the eggs cooking and they won’t take long.
The coffee’s already in the pot if you’d like to pour us some. ”
Gaby dealt with the coffee and finished setting cutlery on the kitchen table.
When the toast popped up, she plated it and carried it to the hob where Jill spooned scrambled eggs on the side.
To save her aunt any unnecessary trips to the sink, she dealt with the egg pan and the other dishes used to prepare the breakfast and then joined Jill at the table.
“Well, I’m pleased I managed to move around for long enough to cook a simple meal,” Jill said as she spread marmalade on her toast.
“Did you sleep okay last night?”
“Not too bad, although I woke around four o’clock with some discomfort. I tried to get back to sleep but when it didn’t happen I knew it was better to get up and moving. I can nap later if I need to.”
“I’m sorry you’re having disturbed sleep, just when you need it the most.”
“Once the surgical wound has healed a little more I’m sure things will improve.
And the stitches will be taken out on Monday, fingers crossed, which will make it feel much better too.
” Jill scooped up some eggs and then waved a hand in the air, her sign that she wanted to change the topic.
“Enough of my whining. What’s on the agenda for you today, dear?
I don’t expect you to sit around with me each and every day you spend here.
Perhaps you ought to get out and about for a while? ”
“Do you think you’ll be okay if I left you on your own for an hour or so?”
Jill gave her a look of mock indignation. “Of course I’ll be okay.”
“I thought I might pop round to the shops and stock up on some groceries. Milk, fruit, some fresh veggies, that sort of thing. You laid in plenty of stores before you went into the hospital, but we’re running low now on a few items.”
“Good idea. Get us stocked up on the essentials and get yourself some fresh air while you’re at it.”
“Only if you’re sure you’ll be okay while I’m gone?”
Jill set down her coffee cup. “I’ll be fine. I’ll phone if I need you in an emergency, but I promise you I won’t. Chances are by the time you’re heading out to the shops, I’ll be ready for a nap anyway after waking up so early.”
“If you want anything in particular while I’m out, just let me know.”
“I’m sure there are a few extra bits and pieces you can pick up.
I’ll make a list. I know I’ve said this before but I’ll say it again.
It’s very helpful having you here, Gaby.
The things you’re doing around the house, and now offering to run errands, it’s all so helpful and so appreciated.
If you weren’t here, I’d have to rely on my friends and neighbours and while I know they’d all muck in and help, they also have lives of their own to get on with and I’d feel bad for inconveniencing them. ”
“I doubt they’d feel inconvenienced, Aunt Jill. They’d just be glad to help, the same way I’m glad to help.” Gaby ate her last piece of toast before giving her aunt a serious look. “There’s just one thing I need to ask you to do, though, Aunt Jill.”
“What’s that?”
“Stop thanking me all the time. I’m happy to be here and I want to be here. No thanks required.”
Jill patted her hand across the table. “Thanks are always required. It’s just good manners.”
“You know what I mean.”
“Yes, I admit it, I do know what you mean. I just want you to know that what you’re doing for me means a great deal and isn’t being taken for granted.”
“I know all that. Now, finish your eggs. You need to keep your energy up.”
Jill laughed and cleared her plate. While Gaby loaded the dishwasher, Jill got herself moving again on her crutches.
“I shall get myself washed and dressed and ready to face the day,” Jill said. “And then I’ll make a quick shopping list for you.”
“Sounds good.”
“And I know something else that sounds good, too. Cake. I have a real hankering for some good old-fashioned home-baked cake.”
Gaby wilted a little at this news. While she could put together a decent and tasty meal, she’d never baked a thing in her life. Jill let out a burst of laughter when she caught the look on her face.
“Don’t worry, I’m not about to ask you to bake for me. That really would be taking liberties. What I actually had in mind is that you buy some good homemade cake while you’re out at the shops.”
Gaby let out a breath of relief. “Thanks goodness. You had me worried there.”
“We’re spoiled in Hamblehurst when it comes to bakeries.
There’s the corner bakery on the high street, which is superb and where you might like to stop off for a good loaf of bread.
But there’s also a new place that opened only very recently.
It’s called Sweet Treats and if you didn’t mind the longer walk to reach it, you’ll find the most amazing goodies there. ”
“Then that’s where I’ll go.”
“Good. I’ve only visited once since it opened, what with the trouble this knee was giving me before I went in for surgery, but it is the most beautiful little place.
In fact, the girl who owns it, Mel, lives right here on Foxglove Street.
It’s not easy getting a new business up off the ground and I’m keen to send a bit of custom her way.
You won’t believe the cakes she bakes, Gaby. They are literally divine.”
“I’ll make sure we get stocked up in that case.”
“Oh, and it’s not only a bakery but also a lovely little café, too. You should stop off and buy yourself a coffee while you’re there. In fact, I insist. And it will be my treat, too.”
“I can buy my own coffee, Aunt Jill. And I’ll buy our cakes and whatnot, too.”
“Nonsense. I won’t hear of it. I’ll fetch my bank card and you can use it for whatever we need. I insist.”
Her aunt was determined and Gaby wasn’t about to argue the point because she could see the hint of fatigue already etched on her face following her disturbed sleep and her efforts in the kitchen to prepare breakfast.
“Fine, I’ll take your bank card with me,” Gaby said to placate her, fully intending to pay for the groceries herself. She wasn’t about to freeload on her aunt just because she was staying here and helping her around the house.
“Good, that’s settled,” Jill said. “I shall go and make myself look decent for the day.”
Gaby finished tidying the kitchen after breakfast, then lingered in the living room while her aunt washed up in the small downstairs shower room, just in case she needed any assistance.
Once Jill reappeared, dressed and tidied up and wearing her signature swipe of lipstick, Gaby settled her in her favourite armchair with a cup of tea and then went upstairs to get washed and dressed herself.
By the time she was ready to leave the house, Jill had prepared a short shopping list. Her aunt’s eyes were already closing when Gaby said goodbye and set off on her expedition and she hoped Jill would sink into a good long nap while she was gone.
Outside on Foxglove Street, the rain had stopped but the sky was grey and brooding.
Birds chattered and bickered at the feeders hanging from the cherry tree and Gaby made a mental note to refill the containers when she returned.
The greedy birds clearly made the most out of the free buffet her aunt put on for them.
She set off along Foxglove Street, enjoying the cold damp air and the chill of autumn.
The new warmer clothes she’d ordered online in response to the season had arrived yesterday and she was glad of the cosy fleece sweater she wore beneath her coat.
As she walked along the street, passersby said hello and good morning, children raced by on scooters, and a friendly cat accompanied her for part of the journey, meowing and purring when she stopped to pet it before dashing into a nearby garden and curling up on the mat outside the front door.
It was a lovely street to walk along, Gaby decided. There was just something sort of… sweetly whimsical about it.