Her house was in a terrace
near the lovely Stanley park, two up and two down, with a small garden at the back which had many plants in pots.
We both entered nervously as she was a bit of an odd ball to us. She made my Grandad a cup of tea and my sister and I two glasses of orange squash, which she brought to us on a silver tray with a doily on. 'Drink up' she urged rubbing her hands together with glee. We did as we were told and drank it one, replacing the glass back on the tray. She never took her eyes off us, watching our movements like a hawk.
My sister who is younger than me and easily distracted, spotted an unusual ornament on a sideboard nearby. Her tiny hand moved slowly towards it, but before she could reach it Auny Betty bellowed 'DON'T TOUCH.' My sisters hand shot back into her lap and she gave me a look, rolling her eyes in fear.
'Victoria' she said, your Grandfather tells me you have a lovely voice and can sing like an angel. 'Please sing for me' she demanded. My Grandad patted her arm in encouragement and she stood up promptly.
'Fiona' she croaked. ' You can go outside and water my plants, whilst your sister sings.' 'Don't touch anything you are not supposed to.' 'The watering can is in the sink ready for you.'
So off I went as commanded by Aunty Betty. As I was watering away, I could hear my sister singing in the background. I didn't mind though, it was peaceful in the garden and no more commands from Betty.
From that day onwards my sister and I call Betty Aunty Don't touch. A strange odd lady, but she always pressed a shiny 50p in our hands, when we were leaving, so we did as we were told to get our reward.
No comments:
Post a Comment