The Fairy Godmother Part 125

 

“Tell me you think this is a good idea?” asked James.

“We are going to see your twin brother and his wife,” said Myrtle. “What can go wrong?”

“I don’t know, but things do tend to turn out differently to what we thought,” said James, checking the twins for the umpteenth time.

“I think we had better go before they start to think we aren’t coming,” said Myrtle.

“Just as long as you don’t think this is a mistake,” said James.

“Of course I don’t think it is a mistake,” said Myrtle. “If I did I’d have said something before getting us and the twins ready.”

“You are sure, you’re not just saying you are?” he asked. Myrtle waved her wand and they were standing outside a small detached house in a leafy looking suburb.

“Are you sure we have the right place?” asked James looking at the front door which was flung open by his identical twin.

“James!” said Mark and looked back into the house.

“If it’s a bad time,” said James.

“It, my wife Rose,” said Mark. “She’s gone into labour.”

“How are you going to get her to the hospital?” asked Myrtle.

“I don’t know, the car went into the garage this morning, I was hoping I’d have it back before this, she isn’t due for a fortnight, but they need to send away for parts, so it could be a while,” said Mark, following Myrtle into the house to find Rose leaning against the sofa and standing in a puddle.

“Have you got your bag ready?” asked Myrtle.

“It’s there,” said Rose, pointing to a bag by the front door and then grabbing at her stomach as another contraction hit.

“How long is it between contractions?” asked Myrtle as another hit.

“Does that answer your question?” gasped Rose.

“I think we need to get you to the hospital,” said Myrtle giving her wand a quick twitch. A second later they were standing outside the maternity hospital and Myrtle was waving to a porter to bring over a wheel chair to help Rose get into the hospital.

“Thank-you,” said Rose as the porter pushed the chair into the lift and everyone else followed. “I don’t know how we would’ve got here without you.

“It’s OK,” smiled Myrtle. “I’m a Fairy Godmother, it’s what we do.”

“A Fairy Godmother! Like in the pantomimes?” Rose asked.

“Yes,” smiled Myrtle as the lift stopped on the right floor and they followed her through to the delivery ward.

“I don’t think it would be a good idea for all of you to come in,” said the midwife. “I think we need to limit this to the husband.”

“If you’re sure,” sighed Rose.

“We’ll just be out here,” said Myrtle. “If you need us just call.”

“Nothing ever goes as planned,” said James, pacing the floor outside the delivery room.

“Hello, James,” said Myrtle.

“What are you doing?” snapped her James, pausing for a moment in his pacing.

“I’m ringing your Father,” said Myrtle, turning back to the phone. “Hello James, it’s Myrtle here. James and I came to visit Mark and Rose, but she went into labour, so we are now at the maternity hospital.”

“You are there now?” James senior asked.

“Yes,” said Myrtle.

“Mary, Rose has gone into labour,” James senior said to his wife.

“But she isn’t due yet,” Myrtle heard Mary say. “Are they sure?”

“The waters broke and we took her to the maternity hospital, she’s in one of the delivery rooms now,” said Myrtle. “I just thought you aught to know.”

“We’ll contact her Mother and then we’ll get over there,” said James.

“I can get you here quicker than any car,” said Myrtle.

“But how would we get home?” asked Mary.

“I can sort that out as well,” said Myrtle. “There seems to be a lot of coming and going, I think you need to be here.”

“Thank-you,” said Mary and with a whisk of her wand they were there.

“Can you get Rose’s Mother here with that thing as well?” asked Mary as soon as she had got her balance back.

“You give her a ring and check that she’s OK with it and I can have her here in a blink of an eye,” said Myrtle as Mary pulled out her phone.

All three grandparents were gathered in the corridor when a rather shell shocked Mark walked out of the delivery room.

“There were three of them,” he stuttered.

“What do you mean were?” asked Mary.

“Were, are,” said Mark. “We thought we were going to have twins and there was a third one in there.”

“How are they and Rose?” asked Myrtle.

“They are all fine and healthy,” said Mark. “It’s just, there are three of them!”

“Can I see Rose?” asked her Mother.

Mark looked at the midwife and she smiled at the assembled crowd.

“Mother and babies are ready for visitors,” the midwife said, standing to one side to let everyone in. “Just remember not to crowd them out,” she added when she realised quite how many people were going into the delivery room.

“Three! We’ve got our hands full with just two,” said James junior to his brother.

“Thank-you for getting us here,” Rose said to Myrtle. “I don’t know what we would have done without you.”

“Glad to be able to help,” said Myrtle.

“Mary said something about you being a Fairy Godmother,” said Rose’s Mum. “She said you could get me here quickly, I didn’t realise quite how quickly.”

“It’s one of the most useful aspects of a wand,” said Myrtle. “Moving people from place to place, quickly.”

“Thank-you,” said Rose’s Mum. “Who’s Fairy Godmother are you?”

“I’m not really here as anyone’s Fairy Godmother, I’m on maternity leave at the moment,” said Myrtle. “My husband, James, is Mark’s twin brother. Mark and Rose invited us to tea.”

“Like two peas in a pod,” said Rose’s Mother looking from Mark to James and back again. “Maternity leave?”

“We did bring our two with us, but we sent them back for my Mother to look after when all this started. You can’t expect them to sleep for ever and there’s enough scope for chaos here without adding two babies in,” Myrtle explained.

“Is your Mum good with babies?” asked Rose’s Mum.

“Not really,” said Myrtle. “I’d better just give her a ring to check up on them.”

“Hello Enid,” said Myrtle.

“This had better be an emergency,” said Enid. “I was just going to meet your Aunty Ivy.”

“It is, or was,” said Myrtle, wanding her babies back to her. “I’ll take care of them now.”

“Right,” said Enid. “I’ll let you know how things go with your Aunty Ivy.”

Mum’s busy,” said Myrtle putting the phone back in her pocket.

“And these are your two little ones,” said Rose’s Mum smiling at them. “It can’t be that long since they were born. Tell me, did us use one surrogate or two and did the poor unfortunate women know anything about it.”

“They are my babies, I carried them for nine months and I gave birth to them,” said Myrtle. “I think we shall go now before I say something that someone might regret,” she added, waving her wand.

“She didn’t mean it like that,” said James as they appeared in their living room.

“How would you know, you don’t even know the woman’s name,” snapped Myrtle.

“There was no need to be rude to her,” shouted James.

“Well, thank-you for your support,” said Myrtle. “She started it, she was rude about our babies and rude to me, suggesting I would do such a thing.”

“It’s the normal way for Fairies,” muttered James.

“And you stood there saying nothing,” said Myrtle.

“What was I to say?” he asked.

“That I wouldn’t do something like that,” Myrtle suggested. “Or do you think I did?”

“No,” said James, a little too slowly for Myrtle. “I was with you for the whole of the pregnancy, I’d have know.”

“So, do you want to go back there?” Myrtle asked.

“I would be nice to see the babies,” said James.

“Right, let me know if you want to come back,” said Myrtle waving her wand.

By Janice Nye © 2021

The Fairy Godmother Part 124

“Did I do the right thing?” asked James as they materialised back in their flat.

“How can you doubt it?” asked Myrtle. “You saw the looks on their faces, they couldn’t have been happier to see you.”

“I know, but,” he said and stopped.

“I’m sorry we had to come back,” said Myrtle looking round. “But Ethel did sound to be out of her depth.”

“And now she is nowhere to be seen,” said James looking round a strangely quiet living room.

“No need to panic,” said Enid.

“She’s not answering her phone,” said Myrtle. “Yes she is,” she added.

“No she isn’t,” said James. “It was on the kitchen work surface.”

“She might have gone out and forgotten it,” Enid suggested.

“Gone out without the changing bag!” said Myrtle.

“She can’t have gone far,” said Enid. “Probably thought the nappies would hold till they got back.”

“Our two can fill a nappy in seconds,” said James. “She’d have been back by know if it was going to be that quick.”

“There was wand activity, just after Ethel rang,” said Myrtle. “I’ve got a trace.”

“Let’s go,” said James and Enid together.

“You have no right to do this,” shouted Myrtle, before checking that the twins were OK.

“You are getting slow,” said Ivy. “I thought you’d be here a good two minutes ago.”

“What the hell have you done this for,” shouted Enid.

“I have been waiting for an invite to meet you new Grandchildren,” said Ivy.

“Like that was ever going to happen,” said Enid.

“OK, so we haven’t exactly been close, in the past,” said Ivy. “But I’ve changed and I’d like to meet the family and that includes these two little lovelies.”

“In what way have you changed?” asked Myrtle. “You wanted something and you took. I don’t see any change there.”

“We need to talk, like a family,” said Ivy.

“Families don’t go round kidnapping babies,” said Myrtle.

“Some do,” said James.

“Unfortunately, he’s right,” said Enid.

“Happy families don’t go round kidnapping babies, they talk to each other and come to visit, they don’t wait for an invitation that will never arrive, especially not now,” said Myrtle, waving her wand and taking them, Ethel and the twins back home.

“Perhaps I should talk to her,” said Enid thoughtfully.

“That is up to you,” said Myrtle. “But if you do, tell her that I never want to see her ever again and that if she comes anywhere near my two she will turn into something unpleasant.”

“I think she is that already,” said Ethel. “I’m really sorry. One second I was in the kitchen with the twins, next I was there and I didn’t have my phone or my wand with me.”

“How many times have you been told to always keep one or both on your person at all times,” snapped Myrtle.

“Never,” said Enid.

“Well take this as a first, and never make me have to remind you, with either of those we can trace you easily,” Myrtle snapped.

“You were pretty quick as it was,” said Ethel. “Ivy may have said she wasn’t impressed, but I was.”

“I’m sorry,” said Myrtle. “This must have been frightening for you.”

“But not as frightening as it was for you,” said Ethel. “I think you need a more experienced baby sitter. I’d better go.”

“No, you were fine as a baby sitter, right to the point that Ivy stuck her oar in,” said Myrtle. “And there was nothing you or anyone else could have done when that happened. You should stay and we can look after them together.”

“If you’re sure,” said Ethel.

“Of course she is sure,” said Enid. “Meanwhile, I shall go and talk to that sister of mine.”

“You couldn’t have just sent me a text or something,” Enid said to Ivy.

“I didn’t think you’d answer,” said Ivy.

“You could have tried,” Enid replied.

“My phone’s been on the blink, I send a text and it doesn’t go to the right place,” said Ivy.

“Give that thing to me,” said Enid, holding out her hand for the phone. To her surprise Ivy handed it over to her. “You’ve got my number and Natasha's swapped.”

“Does that matter?” asked Ivy.

“It means any text you think you are sending to me is actually going to Natasha and visa versa,” Enid explained.

“I thought it was a smart phone,” Ivy muttered.

“Doesn’t mean that it will send it to the right number when you tell it to send it to the wrong one,” said Enid, correcting the numbers on the phone.

“Thank-you,” said Ivy.

“If you want to see them again, send me a text and I will see what can be organised,” said Enid.

“It shouldn’t be like this, I shouldn’t have to make an appointment to see my, great nephew and niece, I think that is what they are,” said Ivy.

“You’re the one who muddied the waters by kidnapping her babies and their baby sitter,” said Enid. “It’s going to take a lot of persuasion before she even lets you in the same room as them.”

“They’re ever so lovely, almost makes you wish for some more yourself,” said Ivy. “I could quite see me with a baby bump, couldn’t you.”

“Grow up and act your age,” snapped Enid. “A baby is for life, it isn’t a fashion accessory to be taken to the charity shop when the fashions change.”

“That’s what you did with Myrtle,” said Ivy.

“I’ve grown up since then,” said Enid. “And it’s about time you did as well.”

“Yes Granny,” said Ivy.

“You are impossible,” said Enid.

“And you are being so serious,” said Ivy.

“Well, when you are serious about connecting with the family, send me a text and I’ll see what I can organise,” said Enid. “In the meantime, stay clear because I have never seen Myrtle that angry.”

“You think her being angry is going to stop me doing anything?” asked Ivy.

“It should do, remember, she is related to you, you do share some genetic material, what you did might unlock something that you wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of,” said Enid.

“Hadn’t thought of that,” said Ivy.

“And she’s cleaver enough to use her mobile phone to track her babies down,” said Enid.

“OK, I’ll back off, but I give you a month to sort out a meeting for me with Myrtle and the twins,” said Ivy.

“I’ll do my best,” said Enid.

“You have a month, if I haven’t seen them by then, then I shall take things into my hands,” said Ivy.

By Janice Nye © 2021

The Fairy Godmother Part 123

 

“So, could you run through exactly what we are doing?” asked James.

“It’s very simple,” said Enid. “We are going to see your parents.”

“Will I be introduced to them or is it just pointing them out in the street or something in between?” James asked.

“They own a small art gallery,” Enid explained. “When I saw them, I walked in and started talking to them about an artist I know asking if they ever got anything by him, that sort of thing.”

“Was that Dad you were asking about?” asked Myrtle.

“I don’t know many artists,” said Enid. “And it’s always been easy to talk about his work.”

“So we are going to their gallery with you?” asked James. “I don’t know anything about art!”

“You know what you like,” said Myrtle.

“Yes, but what if I like all the wrong things?” snapped James.

“If they are the wrong things, then they wont be in their art gallery,” said Enid. “So you wont be asking questions about them.”

“I just don’t want them to think that I am a complete idiot,” said James.

“They wont,” said Myrtle. “Perhaps it would be an idea to go now,” she added to Enid.

“Of course,” smiled Enid, giving her wand a quick twitch.

“Where are we?” asked James.

“A small alley just opposite the art gallery,” said Enid. “I didn’t think it would be a good idea to just materialize in there, it can confuse people.”

“Yes, but which town are we in, I don’t recognise this place at all,” said James.

“Of course you don’t, it’s about five hundred miles from the hospital, highly unlikely that you would ever bump into them by accident,” Enid explained.

“Shall we go in,” said Myrtle. “It’s a bit colder here than it was back home and Ethel may be good with the kids, but I’d rather not push it.”

“Ethel will be fine,” said Enid. “She can always ring Velvet if she has any problems.”

“I think it might have been better to leave them with her, at least she knows what she’s doing,” said Myrtle.

“And she happens to be very busy,” said Enid. “I know that she’d drop everything to help you, but you shouldn’t take advantage of that.”

“You aren’t jealous of Velvet?” asked James.

“Why on earth would I be jealous of her?” asked Enid.

“Because we are more likely to turn to her for childcare advice,” said Myrtle.

“She has more hands on experience of children than I do,” said Enid. “She would be the one I would turn to for advice, if I needed any.”

“I think we should go to the gallery,” said James. “Before I loose my nerve.”

“Follow me, I’ll show you round,” said Enid, heading towards the gallery.

“Hello,” said a woman. “We were just opening up, would you like to come in.”

“That would be good,” said Myrtle, trying not to shiver.

“It is a bit chilly out there,” said the woman, trying to pretend she hadn’t noticed that their clothes were not quite suitable for the time of year.

“We are on holiday,” said Enid.

“And packed the wrong clothes,” said Myrtle.

“You said it would be sunny,” said James.

“The sun is shining,” said Enid.

“But it isn’t warm,” said Myrtle. “More crisp and frosty, than anything else.”

“My husband is laying a fire in the grate,” said the woman. “You could warm up by that as soon as it catches.”

“That is very kind of you,” said Myrtle. “Do you think he would mind if we watched. I think it is magical when the fire takes hold.”

“To see the little spark expand and take hold,” said the woman. “Of course he wouldn’t mind, follow me,” she added. Soon they were standing round, handing things to him and generally making encouraging noises, whilst Myrtle put a little bit of magic towards getting the fire lit.

“It’s taken much quicker than usual and it’s really putting out some heat,” said the man standing back and looking at it.

“Does it usually take longer?” asked James.

“I’m not the best fire starter in the world,” the man laughed and then paused for a moment. “You’re not from round here are you?” he added.

“No, why?” asked James.

“You could pass as a double for our eldest son,” the woman sighed.

“Everyone has a double,” said the man rather quickly. “There’s no reason why Mark’s double wont walk in here.”

“Of course not,” said the woman. “I’m sure you came here for more than a fire lighting demo and a warm hearth. Is there anything in particular that you would like to see, or would you just like to look around and see what takes your eye.”

“I think if we just wander round,” said Myrtle.

“If there’s anything you want to ask,” said the man. “Don’t hesitate.”

“Is everything on the ground floor or are there others?” asked James.

“We have two floors of gallery space,” said the woman. “It might be an idea to start at the top and work down,” she added pointing to the stairs.

“Come on dearest,” said Myrtle, taking hold of James’s hand and leading the way up the stairs, with Enid bringing up the rear.

“I’m sure I remember the elder lady,” said the woman.

“She was here about a year ago asking about, I’ve forgotten what the artist was called. It’s so annoying when I can’t remember things,” he said.

“It’s alright James, you remember most things,” said his wife.

“I know Mary, but for a moment I thought it was Mark in the shop,” he sighed. “Then I remembered his twin.”

“I know they told us that he was dead,” sighed Mary. “But I miss him so every day.”

“I know what you mean,” sighed James. “They said we would forget.”

“I never have,” said Mary. “I can see him, in my minds eye.”

“Still, we have to remember, this isn’t him, it’s just a chance that they look the same, nothing more than that,” said James.

“We shouldn’t be eves dropping like this,” James hissed to Myrtle.

“It tells you all you want to know, I would have thought,” said Enid. “Without actually asking them.”

“It tells me that I was stolen from them, probably at birth, and that I have a twin brother who looks just like me,” said James.

“Except they named you after your father and not him,” said Enid.

“Just being here has raked up memories of loosing me,” said James. “I didn’t want to hurt them.”

“We could just tell them who you are,” said Myrtle. “They obviously miss you.”

“I don’t know if I can do this to them,” said James.

“What answer their questions or leave them in the lurch?” asked Enid.

“There’s something about this painting,” said Myrtle, pointing to one that she was standing next to. “Something about the way that the artist has captured the light and the expression on the peoples face, like they’ve lost something they can’t talk about.”

“That’s one of our son Mark’s paintings,” said the man.

“I told him not to put that one up, but he insisted,” said the woman, looking flustered.

“It’s a lovely painting,” said Myrtle. “It’s of you, isn’t it?”

“I think he’s been very flattering,” said the woman. “I didn’t think anyone would recognise us from it.”

“He has a good eye for detail,” said Enid.

“Is this a self portrait?” asked James, pointing to the picture next to it.

“Yes,” said a voice from the stairs. “Though you could tell people that it was of you and no one would be any the wiser.”

“Mark!” said his Mum. “What are you doing here?”

“I got the strange feeling that you would want me here,” Mark smiled, his eyes on Myrtle’s James. “What are you doing here?”

“I came here looking for my birth parents,” said James. “I think that would be you two. I hope you don’t mind.”

“I would have known you anywhere,” said Mark, giving him a big hug.

“My baby,” sobbed Mary.

“Son!” said James, senior.

“I think that’s my phone,” said Myrtle, answering her phone.

“I’m not sure what’s wrong with the twins,” said Ethel. “They wont stop laughing. I rang Velvet, but she just said to enjoy the fact that they aren’t crying.”

“Is it the twins?” her husband asked.

“They are laughing, Ethel is confused,” said Myrtle.

“You have twins?” asked Mark.

“Yes, it’s the first time we’ve left them with a baby sitter,” said Myrtle. “Ethel is more used to working with computers than babies,” she added glaring at Enid.

“My wife and I are expecting twins soon!” said Mark.

“We should all meet up and talk babies,” said Myrtle. “But, if you don’t mind, I’d like to get back and check up on my two.”

“We should swap phone numbers and addresses,” said James. “I don’t want to loose touch with you ever again.”

“Of course,” said Enid. “I’ll forward all the contact details to you,” she added looking at her phone as if the intensity of her look would said the information on to them.

“I think you tap that,” said Mary.

“Look at your Mother, she knows how to do something with the phone,” laughed James senior.

“There, I’ve got them,” said Mary looking at her phone. “There’s something else come through.”

“I thought I’d include some photos of the babies,” said Enid. “From one Granny to another.”

“They are totally adorable,” said Mary.

“We’d better get back,” said Myrtle as she got another call from Ethel.

By Janice Nye © 2021

The Fairy Godmother Part 122

“I am stunned,” said James.

“Sorry about that,” said Myrtle. “I would like to say that you caught them on a bad day, but,” she shrugged her shoulders.

“That’s them on a good day,” sighed Enid. “I think they must be moderating in their old age.”

“Moderating!” stuttered James.

“Why do you think we went off to get married without them?” asked Myrtle. “They didn’t even want me there when they planned my wedding.”

“I thought you were exaggerating it a little,” he said.

“At least you just got Natasha and Malcolm,” Myrtle replied. “I got all the women on Natasha’s side of the family, at least I think it was all, hard to tell with them, I don’t think even Natasha and Malcolm know how many descendent they have.”

“That wouldn’t surprise me, I wasn’t in contact with them for several years after you were born and they wouldn’t know if I’d had any other children in that time and there may be some siblings I don’t know about,” said Enid.

“And then you think I should try and find my family,” said James, slowly shaking his head.

“It wouldn’t take much doing,” said Enid.

“I don’t even have their names on my birth certificate,” said James.

“Have you seen it?” asked Enid.

“No, but the people at the orphanage said there were no names on it,” he replied.

“They lied,” said Enid. “I’ve seen it and their names are on it.”

“Why would they lie?” asked James.

“Because the policy was that when a child was taken for adoption, all ties between the child and birth parents would be cut,” said Enid.

“So how come I found you?” asked Myrtle.

“I suppose I wanted you to find me,” said Enid.

“That’s nice to know,” Myrtle stuttered.

“You’ve seen my birth certificate?” James asked Enid.

“I had to check that you weren’t a relation,” said Enid. “You know what our family is like.”

“You were checking up on James?” asked Myrtle. “And what would you have done if you had found out that he was related.”

“I’d have told you,” said Enid.

“You know who my parents are?” asked James.

“Yes,” said Enid. “I went to see them, they are a really nice couple.”

“Did you mention me!” asked James.

“No, I didn’t think that would be acceptable, not before I spoke to you,” said Enid.

“And when were you going to do that?” asked Myrtle.

“I was looking for a suitable time,” said Enid. “Today seemed to be that time.”

“Could you take me to see them?” asked James.

“Any time,” said Enid. “But today may not be the time. I think you need to talk this through, yourselves.”

“That’s very thoughtful of you,” said Myrtle.

“I do my best,” smiled Enid.

“You usually decide what is best and do it, regardless of what anyone else thinks,” said Myrtle.

“So, I’ve learnt a few things from you,” said Enid. “Let me know when you’ve talked this through,” she added, slowly fading away.

“That was strange,” said James. “Nearly as strange as that smell.”

“We’ll take one each,” said Myrtle. “Then, perhaps a cup of tea and a talk.”

“I didn’t think a nappy could hold that much!” said James as they sat down with their cups of tea.

“They couldn’t,” said Myrtle. “Or at least Catherine’s couldn’t. It was coming out at the legs. Good job we didn’t stay at Natasha and Malcolm’s to change them, God knows what they would have said.”

“Do you really think she’ll put him in a home if he gets incontinent?” asked James.

“Probably before, if she suspects something,” said Myrtle. “Natasha doesn’t like her home messed up.”

“But what about his home?” asked James.

“As far as I know he lives with her, it is her home,” said Myrtle. “She is the one with the big career, I don’t know what he does.”

“I see,” said James.

“What’s wrong?” asked Myrtle.

“Well, this is your home,” said James.

“You moved in here with me because it was sensible,” said Myrtle. “The rooms you had near the hospital wouldn’t have been big enough to put a double bed in, let alone house the twins and there was a strict rule about only one occupant.”

“Yes,” said James. “But it is just in your name.”

“There are two options,” said Myrtle. “We could put it in joint names or we could move somewhere else and have that in joint names.”

“Moving house is difficult,” said James.

“Changing to joint ownership would be simpler,” said Myrtle. “Next question, your parents, have you thought about them?”

“I’ve only just found out that it would be possible to find them,” he said.

“And?” asked Myrtle. “Haven’t you ever been the least bit curious about them?”

“I used to dream of them turning up at the orphanage, telling me it was all one great big mistake and then taking me home,” he sighed.

“But?” Myrtle asked.

“The sun would rise on another day, just like the last, and nothing changed,” he sighed.

“You could ask them what happened,” said Myrtle.

“But what if I don’t like what they say?” he replied. “What if they just didn’t want me.”

“At least you’d know,” said Myrtle. “And you could decide if you want them.”

“You don’t understand,” said James.

“It took ages for Enid to admit to being my Mother,” Myrtle replied. “She banned my Father from having any contact and as for the rest of the family. You know what they are like.”

“So why do you want to know them?” he asked.

“Because they are family and this way I can keep an eye on what they are up to. Not knowing who they were didn’t stop me from ending up in hospital thanks to them, perhaps if I know who they are I’ll be more alert for traps,” said Myrtle. “You could start of by just seeing them, then you can decide if you want to be introduced to them.”

“Perhaps it would be nice to see them,” said James.

“You can find out if you have any brothers or sisters,” said Myrtle.

“OK,” said James. “Tell your Mother tomorrow and we will see what happens.”

by Janice Nye © 2021

The Fairy Godmother Part 121

“My side of the family,” sighed James. “That could prove to be difficult.”

“They can’t possibly be worse than my lot,” said Myrtle.

“Difficult to say,” said James. “They have never been around.”

“Your birth certificate?” asked Myrtle.

“Says unknown for both parents,” said James.

“So you’ve seen it?” asked Myrtle.

“That’s what they told me at the orphanage,” said James.

“So you haven’t actually seen it,” said Myrtle.

“Well, no, there didn’t seem to be much point. How about you?” James asked.

“They told me it had been lost, I think the office caught fire or something,” said Myrtle. “Do you want to look into it?”

“I’m not sure,” said James.

“The alternative is that we choose names we like or friends names,” said Myrtle. “But we do need to choose names soon just so they can go on their birth certificates.”

“I hadn’t thought of that,” said James sighing.

“Let me know when you think of something,” said Enid. “Then we can go tell the Great Grandparents.”

“OK Granny,” said Myrtle.

“Granny! couldn’t you think of something a little less old sounding than that whilst you’re at it,” said Enid, slowly fading away.

“I don’t know which is worse, the slow fade out or the sudden vanish,” said James, staring at the space Enid had been in.

“I think it is the sudden appearance that’s worst,” said Myrtle, as the twins started to cry. “That sounds like a nappy to me,” she added.

“How can you tell?” James asked.

“Something about the tone of the cry, it sort of says yuck, I’ve done something, take it away,” said Myrtle.

“I’m not sure I wanted to know that,” said James as they each picked up a baby. “But I think you are right, something very smelly.”

“If we each do one, they will be happy sooner,” said Myrtle.

“But you are so much better at it than me,” said James.

“The smell will go sooner,” Myrtle added. “Also, you wont improve your nappy skills without practice.”

“OK,” he said not sounding all that sure of it, but getting the changing bag.

An hour later, with the babies cleaned, fed and once more fast asleep they were sitting relaxing on the sofa.

“I was thinking Christopher would be a good name,” said Myrtle.

“I was thinking Catherine,” said James.

“Am I right in assuming that Christopher is for the boy and Catherine for the girl?” asked Enid appearing in front of them.

“I think you were right,” James said to Myrtle.

“Of course she was right,” said Enid. “Right about what?” she added.

“Christopher for the boy and Catherine for the girl,” said Myrtle.

“Right, I’m glad that’s cleared up,” said Enid. “If we nip over now, your Grandparents are in, we can introduce them to Christopher and Catherine.”

“You just want to rattle Natasha’s cage,” Myrtle smiled.

“Of course,” smiled Enid. “It has to be one of the plus sides of being a Granny.”

“May as well get it over with,” said James. “It would be interesting to meet them.”

“You want to come as well?” asked Enid.

“They are our children,” said James. “I am a part of this family.”

“He should meet them,” said Myrtle.

“I suppose so,” said Enid, waving her wand.

“Enid!” said Natasha.

“I thought I’d bring my two Grandchildren to see two of their Great Grandparents,” smiled Enid.

“Do you mind, it makes us sound old,” snapped Natasha.

“Maybe that’s because you are old,” said Enid. “Christopher and Catherine, meet the oldies,” said Enid smiling at the two babies.

“Christopher and Catherine?” said Natasha.

“Yes,” said Myrtle.

“I think one of my Uncles was called Christopher,” said Malcolm .

“Was that the one we don’t talk about?” asked Natasha.

“No, his name was Nigel,” said Malcolm. “Christopher was the one who ran a donkey sanctuary.”

“I remember visiting it,” said Enid. “They didn’t let anyone ride on the donkey’s.”

“Maybe the donkey’s didn’t like people riding on them,” said James.

“Maybe they didn’t have any saddles,” suggested Myrtle.

“No saddles,” said Enid. “I think that was the reason.”

“Nothing wrong with running a donkey sanctuary,” said Myrtle.

“I think you had a cousin called Catherine as well,” said Natasha.

“Yes,” said Malcolm. “She was very kind, we kept getting left with her when the parents got busy.”

“That would be most of the time,” said Enid.

“Yes,” said Malcolm, looking surprised.

“Well, they look to be healthy,” said Natasha, looking at the babies and trying to think of something to say.

“Very healthy,” said James smiling.

“Who are you?” asked Natasha.

“This is James, my husband,” said Myrtle.

“So why did you bring him here?” asked Malcolm.

“Because he is part of the family,” snapped Myrtle. “I shouldn’t have to explain that.”

“Look, it’s very simple,” said Malcolm to James. “You get married, they have the babies and you carry on with your life and leave the little ones to them,” he added nodding towards the women.

“It doesn’t work that way, not now,” said James. “You miss out on so much if you aren’t part of bringing up the kids.”

“You mean like mucky nappies,” he laughed. “I think I was dodging a bullet missing out on those.”

“There’s more to babies than nappies,” said James.

“Then there’s the sleepless nights,” Malcolm continued.

“They soon get to sleep through the night,” said James. “Anyway, working as a Doctor, I’m used to having my sleep patterns messed up.”

“It’s your choice,” said Natasha. “Personally I’d put them in a nursery and pick them up when they are more coherent or get a Nanny if you must have them in your home.”

“Yes well, some people have paternal instincts,” said Enid.

“We always made sure you were cared for,” said Natasha, smiling at Enid.

“Yes, but always by someone else,” said Enid.

“We wanted the best person for the job,” said Malcolm. “It just didn’t happen to be either of us.”

“You didn’t even try,” Enid snapped.

“There was work to be done and children did rather get in the way,” said Natasha.

“Why did you bother to have us, if we were that much of an inconvenience?” asked Enid.

“Everyone I knew was having babies,” said Natasha. “It seemed like a good idea, shame the reality feel a bit short.”

“I think we had better get back,” said Myrtle, as one of the babies and then the other farted.

“Don’t tell me, it’s a nappy change,” said Malcolm.

“Yes, we had better go before they remember how messy children can be,” said Enid. “We wouldn’t want to stink out their house.”

“I was thinking there was a bit of an odd smell,” said James.

“It’s that dog of yours again,” said Natasha, glaring at her husband.

“He can’t help it, he’s getting a bit old,” he replied. “I’ll get the maid to deal with it.”

“You do that,” said Enid. “Don’t ever think of cleaning anything up yourself,” she added waving her wand.

“Shame we can’t get someone else to look after that thing,” Natasha said to her husband as they slowly vanished.

“Will you do that to me, when I get old?” he asked her.

“Yes, I have a place picked out for you,” said Natasha. “Your first mess will be your last here.”

By Janice Nye © 2021

The Fairy Godmother Part 120

 

It was the fifth bar that I looked in that I found him sitting by himself on a bar stool.

“I wouldn’t talk to him,” said one woman who saw me looking at him. “Not unless you want to hear about how his wife thinks he’s useless and that now she’s got the kids she doesn’t want to know him.”

“I am his wife,” I sighed. “And this is the fifth pub I’ve looked in to find him.”

“He’s got you wrong then, if you didn’t want to know you wouldn’t leave the house to find him,” she said and walked off.

“Hello James,” I said pulling up a bar stool and sitting next to him.

“You still want to sit with your looser of a husband?” he asked trying to get the attention of the man behind the bar.

“You’ve had enough to drink already,” said the bar tender.

“I don’t need you to tell me when I’ve had enough to drink,” he shouted.

“I’ll get the security to tell you if you ask again,” the bar tender replied. “Why don’t you just go home.”

“Because my wife threw me out,” he said glaring at Myrtle.

“I did not throw you out,” said Myrtle. “You walked out on me and the twins.”

“You made it pretty clear that I was a waste of space and you didn’t want me there,” said James. “It isn’t like you dashed out after me is it.”

“You set the babies of crying and then walked out leaving me alone to sort it,” said Myrtle.

“You haven’t left them alone have you?” asked the bar tender.

“No, I got their Nana round to hold the fort whilst I looked for their Father,” said Myrtle.

“I don’t know why you bothered,” said the bar tender and then went to serve another customer.

“You left them with Enid!” he stuttered. “What if they need a nappy or something?”

“I’ve seen her change a nappy, just before I left, quiet impressive, if I say so myself,” said Myrtle. “Also, she’s got a mobile phone, if she starts getting out of her depth she’ll ring.”

“Well, if you think our children are safe with her,” said James.

“You thought they would be earlier on this evening,” Myrtle reminded him.

“Why are you here?” he asked.

“Not to carry on arguing with you,” said Myrtle.

“So why?” he asked again.

“I need you,” Myrtle said.

“Why do you need me, you’ve got the twins, or aren’t two enough for you?” he asked.

“I didn’t marry you to have children, I married you because I love you and I want us to spend the rest of our lives together. I thought you felt the same way,” said Myrtle.

“But I’m useless to you,” said James. “I can’t feed them, I am useless at changing nappies, I can’t stop them crying, they don’t want me.”

“They need you, I need you,” said Myrtle.

“But you are so much better at this than I am. I thought I could do it. I thought I could do the Father bit, but I can’t,” shouted James.

“Could you kindly take this discussion somewhere else,” said the bar tender. “I shall have to call security if you don’t leave now.”

“We aught to go,” said Myrtle.

“You go home, you’re better off without me,” said James.

“I think that is for me to decide,” said Myrtle.

“I can’t help you with the twins, everything I do is wrong,” said James.

“We are new to the job of being parents,” said Myrtle. “It takes a while to get used to this. I thought that all my experience with looking after children of all ages , that I would know what to do, but it’s different when it’s you own child that’s crying.”

“But what if I never get used to it?” shouted James.

“You wont if you don’t try,” said Myrtle.

“My Father never got used to the job,” said James. “He was never around when we needed him.”

“You are not your Father, just as I am not my Mother,” said Myrtle.

“You are not Enid, I’ll agree with that,” said James.

“And you are not your Father,” said Myrtle. “You are our babies Father, it would be very helpful if we could come up with names for them.”

“And what sort of name can we give our son, I can’t think of any flowers that have boys names,” said James.

“There is a grass called Timothy,” said Myrtle. “Anyway, even Mother doesn’t think a flower name is essential. Like she said, there are no flowers called Enid.”

“It’s a big responsibility thinking of a name for someone,” said James.

“We could give them a few names each and they can choose the one they want people to call them by,” Myrtle suggested.

“But what if we get it wrong,” said James.

“If they don’t like what we’ve chosen then they can always change it,” said Myrtle. “But we need to talk about it.”

“There are so many ways in which we could get things wrong,” said James. “I don’t know if I’m up to it.”

“Neither do I, it’s a learning curve,” said Myrtle. “But I think our kids are worth the effort of trying.”

“I want them to have the best,” said James.

“And they want you, for them you are the best,” said Myrtle.

“I wish I believed that,” said James, pausing as the walked.

“We are a team,” said Myrtle. “We work best together.”

“I just don’t know any more,” said James.

“I do,” said Myrtle. “And I need you with me.”

“But,” said James.

“Come home with me,” said Myrtle. “I need you, the twins need you. How this works is something we will work out as we go along.”

“And if I can’t get it right?” asked James.

“There is no saying that you wont get it right, it might take a bit of work, but we are a team and we will do this together,” said Myrtle.

“Don’t you ever doubt yourself?” asked James.

“Frequently,” said Myrtle. “But as a Fairy Godmother I have to project an image of certainty, it’s difficult to drop out of that habit when I come home from work.”

“OK,” said James. “I suppose I’m just afraid of failing.”

“So am I, but I’m going to give it my best shot and with you by my side, I think we can do this,” said Myrtle.

“What will your Mother say?” James asked.

“Nothing if she has any sense,” thought Myrtle.

“We’ll find that out when we get home,” Myrtle replied.

“Have you two come up with any names yet?” asked Myrtle as they walked in through the door.

“Timothy is a possibility,” said James.

“We might go with family names,” said Myrtle.

“Please, not Enid,” said Enid. “I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”

“There could only ever be one Enid,” said Myrtle.

“And not Natasha,” Enid added. “My Mother is conceited enough without naming a baby after her.

“It might be one way of getting her to talk to us,” said James.

“You want her to talk to us!” asked Myrtle. “She hasn’t even accepted that we are married yet.”

“It took her long enough to accept she was a Grandmother,” said Enid.

“How long?” asked James.

“When I told her the babies had been born she said she might get used to being a Grandmother, but only if they were good babies,” said Enid.

“I could always tell her she’s a Great Grandmother,” said Myrtle.

“Only if I am there to see her face,” said Enid.

“Deal,” laughed Myrtle.

“That leaves us with the problem of names,” said James.

“There’s your side of the family,” said Myrtle.

By Janice Nye © 2021

The Fairy Godmother Part 119

“And now we sit back and admire my beautiful babies,” whispered James as the babies finally went to sleep in their cots.

“No,” smiled Velvet. “Now you clean up the mess.”

“What mess?” asked James, looking round the room. “Ah! That mess!”

“When you change a nappy, you can’t just leave it on the floor,” said Velvet, picking up the nearest one. The carpet was no longer white underneath it.

“I hadn’t thought about that,” said James, as Myrtle walked out of the bedroom.

“You were supposed to be having a good long sleep,” Velvet reminded her.

“A bit difficult with all the noise,” Myrtle yawned, her eyes going to the carpet.

“It isn’t what you think it is,” said James quickly.

“He’s just about to clean it up,” said Velvet. “And I was just going to take a few things things to the laundry with me.”

“I don’t suppose you have anything that he could clean that up with?” asked Myrtle.

“It’s OK, I can sort it,” said James, looking round for the dusters.

“I’ll send something over as soon as I get this stuff to the laundry,” said Velvet gathering up the nappies and several changes of baby clothes.

“I’ll wand you there,” said Myrtle, picking up her wand.

“I don’t suppose you could,” asked James looking at the stain on the carpet.

“There are those who would say I’ve overstepped things sending the laundry,” said Myrtle.

“It’s just rather difficult,” said James. “Especially with two.”

“The dusters are in that cupboard,” said Myrtle pointing to a door which opened obediently just as a container of cleaner appeared next to the stain.

“I’ll get on with it,” said James.

“It shouldn’t take long,” said Myrtle. “If you follow the instructions.”

“I always follow the instructions,” said James, quickly reading them after he’d sprayed the carpet with it and before he’d got the dusters.

“I’ll go and make us a cup of tea, that is if you want one,” said Myrtle, heading for the kitchen. “This was clean when I went to bed?” she said looking round at sink piled high with dishes and cups, with packets and tins on all the surfaces.

“We got some shopping delivered,” he said. “I wasn’t sure where everything went.”

“Did you at least put the frozen stuff in the freezer and the the chilled in the fridge?” asked Myrtle, checking to see.

“Velvet helped with that,” said James.

“Looks like we are having pizza for tea,” said Myrtle.

“Why?” he asked.

“These ones should have gone in the freezer, not the fridge,” said Myrtle.

“But,” said James. “I was convinced they went in the fridge.”

“And what did Velvet say?” asked Myrtle.

“That they should go in the freezer,” James admitted.

“She was right,” said Myrtle. “But it wont matter if we eat them tonight.”

“I was thinking of taking you out somewhere,” said James.

“I’m still tired, and you must be too, you’ve spent most of the morning trying to get these two off to sleep,” said Myrtle.

“The lads said it would be good to have a night out,” said James.

“A night out with the boys, hardly something I’d be welcome at,” said Myrtle.

“They wouldn’t mind you tagging along,” said James.

“I don’t do, being tolerated and tagging along,” said Myrtle. “However, if you want a night out with the boys.”

“I just thought, you could do with a change and Enid would baby sit,” said James, his words petering out as Myrtle looked at him.

“Enid is probably looking up which end of the baby you put a nappy on,” said Myrtle. “She was talking of helping after you have finished you paternity leave, so I wouldn’t look to her as a baby sitter till then.

“I’ll put the boys off till later,” said James.

“I think that would be a good idea,” said Myrtle. “I also think we need to talk things through.”

“What do you mean?” asked James.

“You need to work out how to look after the twins whilst keeping the place reasonably tidy,” sighed Myrtle. “I shouldn’t be expected to clean up after you.”

“At least I got them to sleep,” said James.

“It would have been easier to sort out if you’d left the tins in the bags,” said Myrtle. “That way it is easier to take them to the cupboard.”

“I didn’t know,” snapped James.

“You will do next time,” said Myrtle, opening the cupboard door and moving the tins over. James walked into the living room and threw himself down on the sofa. “It would be quicker if you helped,” said Myrtle.

“It would be a lot quicker if you just waved your wand,” shouted James.

“You know the Council aren’t happy about the excessive use of the wand, they would not see this as a good reason,” said Myrtle, as first one and then the other baby started crying.

“You can sort them this time, I’m going out,” shouted James. The flat door slammed shut as Myrtle walked back into the living room.

“That went well,” sighed Myrtle leaning over the babies. A quick sniff told her that it was nappy time again.

It was nearly midnight when James came back.

“Looks like you’ve done a perfectly good job without me,” he said to Myrtle, sitting on the sofa listening out for the babies. “The babies aren’t crying and I didn’t trip up over any nappies on the way in.”

“You don’t have to shout, I’m not deaf and neither are the twins,” said Myrtle.

“I agree with you about the twins,” said James. “But, sleeping through the racket they made this morning, like you did, I wouldn’t be so sure about your hearing.”

“We could have a row, if that is what you want, or we could try and learn from today,” said Myrtle.

“That’s right, talk it through like adults,” said James. “That’s how you solve all your problems. Thing is, I’m tired and I feel like I’m useless and I don’t want to talk things through like a grown up, I just want to get some sleep.”

“You know where the bed is,” said Myrtle.

“And when will you be coming to bed,” asked James as the babies started to yell.

“Good question,” said Myrtle. “I’ll let you know when I have an answer.”

“You’ve got what you wanted,” he shouted. “I suppose I’m out on my ear now.”

“Whatever gave you that idea,” shouted Myrtle.

“Enid,” said James. “She said you wouldn’t have any use for me once the babies were born.”

“This is the first time you have listened to her,” said Myrtle.

“Fairies are all the same,” shouted James. “You aren’t any different to any of the others.”

“We will talk this through in the morning, when you have rested,” said Myrtle. “In the meantime I would appreciate it if you stopped shouting.”

“Don’t worry, I know when I’m not wanted,” shouted James, storming out of the flat.

“Brilliant!” thought Myrtle. “I can’t chase after him, I’ve got the babies to look after.”

“I’d offer to look after them, but I know you don’t rate my childcare abilities,” said Enid.

“Have you worked out which end the nappy goes on?” asked Myrtle.

“It’s not really an end though, is it,” said Enid. “It’s more just below the middle.”

“Is this you saying that you aren’t as hopeless with babies as you’ve lead everyone to believe all these years?” asked Myrtle.

“If you mean, do I know how to change a nappy. Of course I do, I just find it easier to hand the baby over to someone else,” said Enid. “If you hold the baby by the ankles and lift the little bottom off the mucky nappy, it’s hard for said baby to struggle.”

“Thanks Mum,” said Myrtle.

“Also, the nappy changing is best done quickly, have everything to hand before you start,” said Enid bringing over the changing bag. “These bags are very useful, if you keep them stocked, then everything is on hand.”

“Thanks Mum,” said Myrtle, finishing the first nappy change.

“If I do the other,” said Enid. “Perhaps you will believe me.”

“OK,” said Myrtle, sitting back and watching her so the quickest nappy change she’d ever seen, without a wand.

“Now,” said Enid. “You feed them and then I’ll look after them whilst you go and find that Father of theirs.”

“What am I going to say to him?” asked Myrtle.

“That’s the fist time you’ve ever asked my advice,” said Enid.

“You were never around when I needed it,” said Myrtle.

“I think it was more that you never needed any,” said Enid.

“So, what do I say?” Myrtle asked.

“First you need to work out what you want of him,” said Enid.

“I want him here, helping me with our children,” said Myrtle.

“Then tell him that,” said Enid as the two babies dropped off to sleep and they managed to get them into their cots without waking them. “Don’t you think they would be better in the same cot?” she asked. “They’ve spent so long together, it can’t be easy or them to be apart.”

“There is room,” said Myrtle, moving the daughter over.

“When are you going to give them names?” asked Enid.

“Haven’t come up with any ideas yet,” said Myrtle.

“Go and ask James,” said Enid. “He might have some thoughts on the matter. They don’t have to be flowers, I wasn’t.”

By Janice Nye © 2021