Short Story

by DIANA ELVIN

Jenny couldn’t get comfy in the rumpled bed. She worried about what was happening downstairs. Michael was a wonderful husband in many ways, but the schools were closed and he was trying to work from home. The phone rang, Michael shouted upstairs. “Your aunts are coming.” “Oh no! Didn’t you tell them I had covid?” “Try stopping Aunt Agatha. They’ve had their two jabs and they’ll be wearing masks. Said they would love to help. I’ll go and tidy up.” At the thought of Michael’s usual attempts to ‘tidy-up’ and her aunts’ unfailing criticism, Jenny moaned. Suddenly her headache was a lot worse. Outside the door, Bobby was jumping up and down with all the exuberance of a five-yearold.

“Aunt Yes-yes coming.” “Aunt Alice,” Michael corrected, but it fell on deaf ears. Alice was so determined to avoid a difference of opinion with her strong-minded sister that she answered all Agatha’s remarks with “Yes, yes, of course dear,” or, when prompted by Agatha, “No dear, indeed no.” Over the years Michael and Jenny had fallen into the habit of referring to her as “Aunt Yes-yes” in her absence. When, to their consternation, Bobby innocently addressed her that way his great-aunt thought he was trying to say “Alice” - and smiled indulgently. She was always pleased to see the children.

Alice alone probably wouldn’t have been too bad, but she was always accompanied by her elder sister Agatha who had once held a very responsible job. Now she had no one to supervise but the pliable Alice. The aunts were coming again at the worst possible time. Jenny did not doubt that the whole place was in chaos, but she really didn’t feel able to do anything about it. Usually she rushed round, frantically trying to create an impression of order and cleanliness. Today they would have to take things as they found them. She must have dozed off because the next thing she was aware of was hearing voices in the hall, then the dreaded footsteps advancing upstairs. But today the aunts did not criticise. Agatha handed Jenny a mask then helped her into a chair, made the bed and put her carefully back into it. What bliss it was to sink into the plumped-up pillows with clean sheets smooth around her. Then Claire came storming in. “I want to go to brownies. It’s toosday.” How to explain to a seven-year-old that ALL meetings were cancelled?

“We’ll take you to the swings. Special treat.” “Oh, but…” Jenny wondered how the aunts, both well over 80, would manage. Then, seeing her aunt’s face said nothing. Alice said, “I’m relying on Bobby to show me the way. Unless he looks after us we’ll probably get lost.” Bobby put his hand reassuringly in hers. “I’ll look after you,” he promised. “I’ll be EVER so good.” When, later, Jenny groped her way downstairs, she found the house tidy. The children had been exercised, fed and washed. Looking at them all, Jenny realised that the two old ladies shared the children’s excitement. They had really enjoyed being useful for once, and the children had been happy and safe with them. When they hesitantly offered to come each day to look after the children until she was really well again Jenny accepted with relief and gratitude. “You’re absolute angels.” Her mind was full of kind and affectionate thoughts. Being needed and useful had made such a difference to them.

As they went through the front door, Agatha studied the glass in it. Clearly it hadn’t been cleaned for ages. But she managed to say nothing. It was the muddy front step which proved her undoing. “With a family,” she said, “A step needs washing frequently. We’ll do it for you tomorrow, won’t we Alice.” “I don’t think,” said Alice, “that the state of the step matters much one way or the other.” They all looked at her in surprise. Agatha found her voice at last. “You’re right Alice,” she said, “Quite right. We’ll play with the children instead.”

“Goodee” shouted Bobby. I like playing with you.” “So do I,” piped up Claire. “I’m so glad you came today,” said Jenny. “So are we,” Agatha said. “We’ve really enjoyed helping haven’t we Alice?”

“Yes, yes dear.” said Alice, and for once she really meant it.

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