The Uncertain Years Read Online Free Page A

sign of Bob?’ Bill asked, as his son disappeared.
    ‘No, but he might still turn up.’ Mavis poured the tea. ‘Even Jim didn’t know he was coming until the last moment.’
    ‘It would be lovely if we could all be together.’ Becky’s expression was wistful, and then she brightened again. ‘But we can still celebrate Jim’s leave and my birthday, can’t we?’
    Before anyone could answer, the back door swung open and the two boys came in, laughing and obviously happy to see each other again.
    Bill smiled. ‘It’s good to see you, Jim. You look well. How’s army life treating you?’
    ‘Tough.’ He grimaced as he sat down and accepted a cup of tea from Mavis. ‘Dad said we should all go to the pub tonight and sink a few pints of beer.’
    ‘Only lemonade for Becky.’
    There was a stunned silence for a few seconds as alleyes turned to the tall sailor standing in the doorway. Then pandemonium broke out.
    ‘Bob! Now we really can have a party!’ After hugging her friend, Becky gave him a playful punch. ‘And I’ll have something stronger than lemonade. I’m almost twenty.’
    ‘Well, seeing as you’re soon going to be a soldier we might let you have a shandy.’
    They all laughed at the usual teasing between the two of them, and they all had to squash up as the boys’ parents also crowded into the small kitchen. Happiness glowed on every face. Whatever happened in the future they would all be together this Christmas.
    ‘Right, all the men in the front room.’ Mavis began to organise the milling crowd of neighbours. ‘You’ve got to make room for us women to get you something to eat, then we’ll go to the pub and have a night to remember.’
    The boys’ mothers hurried off to find contributions to the tea and Mavis began slicing bread. She caught hold of her daughter’s arm to stop her following the men. ‘You’ll have plenty of time to talk to them later, Becky. We need your help here.’
    ‘Of course.’ She was longing to ask the boys a million questions, but it would have to wait. She was so happy she couldn’t stop smiling. ‘Shall I butter the bread? Isn’t it wonderful to have them home, and don’t they look smart in their uniforms?’
    Her mother nodded. ‘Brings home just how grown-up they are now. They’re not boys any longer.’
    ‘No, they’re not, and our carefree days are over.’ Becky had to swallow hard as the reality of what was happeningswept away her happiness for a moment. But her smile was back in place when the others returned with armfuls of food.
    ‘My goodness!’ Mavis exclaimed as they put tins, biscuits and other items on the kitchen table. ‘Where did you get all that?’
    ‘Bob and Jim came home with their bags full of tins.’ Sally Walker grinned. ‘Bob’s kitbag must have weighed a ton.’
    They all set to work and soon had plates piled high with ham, cheese and salmon sandwiches.
    There were roars of laughter coming from the men, and Jim’s mother, Pat, grinned. ‘Sounds like they’re telling tales not fit for our ears.’
    Once several pots of tea were ready, it was all put on trays and taken into the front room.
    When the debris was cleared away, they grabbed coats, eager to get to the Red Lion for a celebration.
    The place was packed and they had to push their way in. Becky’s father made straight for a corner of the saloon bar and started gathering enough chairs for them all, but progress over to him was slow. The boys were instantly welcomed, with neighbours wanting to buy them a drink. There were plenty of others there in uniform as well, all intent on having a riotous evening.
    They finally made their way over to Bill. ‘How did you manage to get here so quick?’ Jim gasped. ‘This place is heaving!’
    Bill grinned. ‘I’m too big for them to argue with.’
    In no time the table in front of them was full of drinks.The noise was deafening, and it was almost impossible to hold a conversation. By the time someone began pounding on