Snow on the Cobbles. Maggie Sullivan

      ‘Would you like me to see you home?’ Bob said. ‘Then it won’t matter about the weather, I’ll keep you safe and warm.’ He reached out to put his arm round her waist.

      ‘No, thanks,’ Lizzie said. ‘I’ll be fine. I’m just tired, that’s all.’ She stepped away so that he ended up embracing the air.

      ‘Bar work can be tough going,’ he said as if nothing had happened.

      ‘It’s certainly that,’ Lizzie said. ‘So, I’ll be off home now and I’ll see you tomorrow.’ She moved quickly towards the front entrance and was relieved that he didn’t try to follow. She pulled open the doors and to her surprise found Hilda sheltering in the doorway.

      ‘What’s up with you?’ Lizzie asked. ‘I thought you’d long gone. Is anything wrong?’

      ‘Nowt’s wrong. I was waiting for you, that’s all,’ Hilda said. ‘I hope you don’t mind, but it had started to snow a bit and I know it’s not far but it’s a dark night and I thought you might like some company.’

      Lizzie looked up at the black sky where the clouds had covered what was left of the moon.

      ‘No, of course I don’t mind. I’m glad to see you. But it’s so cold you must be frozen.’ Lizzie sank her hands deep into her coat pockets.

      ‘It is a bit parky,’ Hilda admitted and almost immediately linked arms and pulled Lizzie closer to her. ‘Though I’m pleased to see the snow didn’t stick. It’s bad enough that it made the cobbles all slippery, so take care as you walk.’

      ‘Can you believe it’s the end of our first day, or should I say night, at the Pride?’ Lizzie said.

      ‘You were certainly rushed off your feet. I wonder if it will always be like that?’

      ‘I hope not,’ Lizzie said. ‘I don’t mind being busy in general but I felt as if I was stuck to the pumps all night.’

      ‘That was a shame. You looked so bonny in that lovely dress,’ Hilda said, ‘but no one could see it. You hardly had time to show it off.’

      Lizzie laughed. ‘Maybe I’ll get to wear it again another night. Just wait until I tell Ma I won the prize.’

      ‘That’s a great way to start a new job,’ Hilda said. ‘I don’t reckon it’ll feel the same when I start work first thing in the morning.’ She sighed. ‘I don’t even want to think of what I might find.’

      ‘I’m sorry I had no time to have a check round before I left,’ Lizzie said. ‘I did mean to. So I hope there won’t be too much of a disgusting mess for you to clean up.’

      Hilda’s cackling laugh pierced the gloom. ‘That’s the first time I’ve had anyone worry about that!’

      ‘Well, I’ve worked in schools so I know how unappetizing a cleaner’s job can be,’ Lizzie said with some feeling.

      ‘Was you a teacher then?’ Hilda sounded surprised. ‘I always knew you were clever, much cleverer than me at any rate.’

      ‘I went to a training college after I got my higher certificate, but I never finished,’ Lizzie said.

      ‘That’s a shame. Why was that then?’

      The question was straightforward enough but it caught Lizzie by surprise and for a moment she wasn’t sure how to answer. ‘Life got in the way, I suppose,’ she said eventually. ‘What with the war and – and all, th-things didn’t work out quite as I’d planned.’ She fumbled to find a handkerchief and wiped away the tears that were threatening to drip off the end of her nose. ‘My da was killed and I needed to find a job quickly. Once his wages stopped coming in, I had to earn some money to help support my … my ma and …’ She paused and bit her lip. ‘… And the boys.’

      ‘I bet you could’ve earned much more as a teacher than a barmaid,’ Hilda said.

      ‘Of course, if I could have seen it through, but i-it didn’t work out.’ She was caught up for a moment in her memories. ‘Maybe one day …’

      ‘I’m right sorry,’ Hilda said, her voice soft, and for the next few minutes they continued walking in silence.

      ‘Ne’er mind, eh?’ Hilda said eventually with a sigh, ‘I don’t suppose any of that will matter once you’re wed. You’ll be stopping at home to look after the babies.’

      Lizzie looked surprised. ‘Why? Will you be giving up work as soon as you’re in the family way?’

      ‘Well, once Stan finds a job, maybe I will, but we’re not in the same class as you. Besides, it could take him a while,’ Hilda said defensively. ‘Though how on earth we’ll go on once the kiddies start arriving, goodness only knows.’

      ‘I suppose things have a way of working out.’ Lizzie patted Hilda’s arm.

      ‘I suppose they do.’ Hilda sighed. ‘He’s a good man, is my husband, despite what some folk say, and I know he’ll do his best by me if he can. I do love him, you know.’

      ‘I don’t doubt it, Hilda,’ Lizzie said.

      ‘And I’m sure you’ll find someone to love soon. Once the young men start coming back from the war.’

      ‘Oh, but I don’t want anyone,’ Lizzie said quickly. ‘I’ve had my chance and there won’t be another one for me.’

      Hilda drew in her breath. ‘Don’t say that. You don’t know how you’ll feel when—’

      ‘Yes, I do,’ Lizzie cut in. ‘No one can replace Joe, I’m quite sure of that.’

      Hilda hesitated before asking. ‘Was Joe your young man?’

      Lizzie nodded.

      ‘You mean you was stepping out?’

      ‘More than that. We were going to get married.’

      ‘What happened to him?’ Hilda said. ‘If you don’t mind me asking.’

      ‘He was a pilot …’ Lizzie took a deep breath. ‘He – he got shot down. And I’ll never find anyone like Joe; he was very, very special.’ Lizzie’s voice suddenly cracked.

      ‘Oh, gosh! I’m sorry,’ Hilda said. She stopped walking and turned to give Lizzie a sudden hug. ‘I had no idea. But I’m sure you’ll find someone else.’

      Lizzie clung to her for a moment. ‘No, I shan’t,’ she whispered.

      ‘How can you be so certain?’ Hilda asked, pulling away.

      ‘Because I shan’t be looking,’ Lizzie said resolutely and she wiped her face with her handkerchief trying to wipe away the sudden smiling image of Steve Carter that flashed in front of her eyes.