EPISODE SIXTY-THREE
While Mike helped Chloe’s boyfriend to load up the car for their holiday at a
Christian festival campsite in the midlands, Claire had a last minute word with
her daughter in the kitchen.
‘I haven’t had a chance to speak to you since you’ve come home,’ she said
hurriedly, glancing towards the door in case Mark came in. ‘I wanted to ask you a few things.’
‘What about?’
‘Well, you seem to be serious about Mark...’
‘I told you: in a few years’ time we’ll be getting married.’
‘Yes but...’ Claire frowned as if she was struggling to work something
out. ‘He’s very religious.’
‘I know. So am I.’
‘And does he know? About the abortion?’
Chloe chewed her lip nervously and nodded slightly.
‘And how does he feel about it?’
‘At first he was devastated. But Mark’s
very strong; it would take a great deal to shake his belief.’
‘I’m glad you told him.’
‘You didn’t think I’d...’ Chloe was shocked her mother thought she might
contemplate marrying Mark deceitfully.
Did her mother think so little of her?
‘Of course not,’ Claire said hastily.
‘I’m just glad he’s so understanding.’
‘It took a long time. A lot of soul
searching and a lot of prayer. You see,
Mark believes God knows everyone; even before they’re born.’
Claire felt embarrassed and irritated, wanting to say what she really thought
of that concept. ‘So now what?’ she
said, unable to conceal her annoyance.
‘What d’you mean?’
‘What about your career? I mean, you had
your heart set on something in the media.
Television journalism.’
‘Well...’ Chloe shrugged, pursing her lips.
‘It doesn’t seem quite so important.
I suppose I really want to spread the word. There’s always Christian cable television.’
‘Oh, Chloe! I’m sure once you’re over
this religious phase...’
‘It’s not a phase, Mum.’
‘I know, but people – once something bad happens to them – they often turn to
religion. The affluent and healthy
really don’t need it.’
Chloe looked annoyed, and was about to answer her mother when Mike entered, and
told them the car was all packed up.
Andrew was summonsed from his bedroom, and they all went out to watch
the young couple depart. As they waved
them off, Mike noticed Claire wiping
away a tear.
‘What’s wrong?’
She shrugged. ‘I don’t know. Just a bit disappointed with the way it’s
worked out, I suppose.’
Mike turned to Andrew and asked him, ‘What was Chloe talking to you about in
your bedroom? Not trying to convert you,
was she?’
‘No, she was giving me advice. She’s
right. I might study; take a few
exams. See if I can get into college and
do computer studies.’
Mike beamed. ‘That’s great, Andy!’
‘Wonderful, sweetheart,’ added Claire, and stroked his hair, noticing that for
the first time he didn’t seem to resent it.
Perhaps, she thought, he’s coming out of his Kevin phase.
*
At just gone nine-thirty that night, having spent some time with her boyfriend
at his flat, Savita left to catch the bus back to her place in Rusthall. She dashed up Goods
Station Road, and was just about to turn into
Meadow
Road when she saw her bus go by. She cursed, knowing that at this time of night
there wouldn’t be another one for about an hour. She thought she might walk to the station and
get a taxi, but it was a warm night and she thought the exercise would do her
good. It was only about a mile and a
half from the station, and she knew she could be home before ten fifteen.
As she began walking up Major York’s Road, with the dark common to her right,
she suddenly began to feel nervous. She
knew it was irrational, having walked along the road many times before, often
later than this. Occasional cars drove
by, and the road was well lit. But she
couldn’t help feeling anxious. It was
instinctive. A feeling that she was
being followed or watched.
A car cruised slowly by, and she saw the shadow of the driver’s face staring
out at her. She slowed down, wondering
if she should turn round and run back towards the Pantiles, go into the nearest
pub and call for a taxi. But the car
continued slowly up Major York’s Road.
Perhaps the driver had just been curious, wondering what a young woman was doing walking alone by the
common late in the evening.
She decided to ignore her fears and put on a spurt. Then she saw the car turn
right into Fir Tree Road,
which was a dead end. It led towards the
cricket ground and car park, an odd place for someone to be going at this time
of night.
As she got closer to Fir Tree Road, the car reappeared, turned into Major
York’s Road, coming in her direction.
The driver parked in one of the vacant parking spaces and the headlights
faded. Then the driver got out of the
car and crossed the road and began walking along the path towards her. She froze.
He was probably less than twenty yards away. She hesitated, turning to see if there were
any cars coming along the road. There
was nothing. The road was deserted. And when she turned back she saw that the
figure heading perilously close to her was Malcolm.
‘You bitch!’ he shouted. ‘I’m going to
destroy you, like you destroyed me...fucking little bitch.’
She turned and ran. But it was too late,
and Malcolm’s full force hit her in the back and she crashed to the ground,
hitting her head on the hard surface. She tried to open her mouth to scream for
help, but the fall and Malcolm’s weight had winded her.
She felt him grab her hair and one of her wrists and pull her towards the
bushes on the common.
‘No!’ she pleaded. ‘Please,
Malcolm. No!’
She struggled to at least cling to the path, where perhaps a passing car might
see her. But Malcolm overpowered her and
soon she was in the pitch black of the trees.
She felt him tearing and tugging at her trousers. She opened her mouth to scream and his fist
smacked her hard across the mouth, then his other hand tightened around her
throat.
‘I’m sorry,’ she cried. ‘Malcolm, I’m
sorry.’
But she knew it was useless. It was too
late for that.
IN EPISODE SIXTY FOUR
Nicky has an unexpected visit.