‘Yes, I’m certain David won’t be coming back, and you’ve done far too much for me already. Besides, I’ve got Liffey, haven’t I?’
CHAPTER 21
Rosie insisted on a trip to the Trafford Centre to take Hannah’s mind off the divorce proceedings Mike had so hastily set in motion.
The vast shopping mall was busy, as it usually was on Sundays, and they’d planned which shops they wanted to visit, so that Hannah wouldn’t tire too quickly. The walking would be punctuated by a coffee stop and a lunch stop, so it wouldn’t be too onerous.
As they approached the central area, they could see a small crowd gathering at what appeared to be a makeshift animal pen which was attracting the attention of several children. Rosie, always curious, dragged her friend closer to have a look at what was going on. A tall man was supervising a group of children who were petting a lively pygmy goat in the pen. Other children sat on chairs, nursing rabbits and guinea pigs, fascinated with finding furry, living things in a boring shopping centre, their huge smiles showing their delight at the welcome interlude.
‘Don’t forget to wash your hands before you go,’ a pretty young woman reminded a brother and sister who at their mother’s insistence reluctantly passed a couple of rabbits to another two children who were waiting in line.
‘I wonder what this is all about.’ Rosie moved to a display board to read the information posted on it. ‘Look, Hannah! They’re raising money to start a farm for abused and abandoned animals.’ As she read more her eyes widened and she reached for Hannah’s arm to pull her closer. ‘I think you should read this.’
At the beginning of this year, our son, Timothy, was tragically killed in a road traffic accident. Timothy loved life and had a passion for animals, particularly any in need of care. To celebrate our son’s life we are working towards opening ‘Timmy’s Farm’, a centre to care for animals in need and to educate children in the care of the creatures for whom we, as human beings, have a responsibility.
Timothy was born nearly sixteen years ago, with Down’s syndrome, but during his short life he taught us so much about love and caring for others. Our only child left us far too soon, when we were not ready to let him go, but we know that he would be the first to want to make his life count for something, to build something positive from such a tragedy.
‘Timmy’s Farm’ is an ambitious project but Timothy always dreamed ‘big’ and we’re learning to do the same. We’ve already been overwhelmed by the generosity and support of many who wish to assist us in the setting up and running of this venture. Links with the Down’s Syndrome Association and several children’s groups have already been established and many have expressed an interest in using ‘Timmy’s Farm’ to help their members interact with, and learn about our animals. Initially we plan to offer four full time jobs to young people with learning disabilities and our dream is that this number will grow and we can offer animal therapy sessions to as many children who need them.
We already have a number of animals, many of which Timmy had ‘collected’ and cared for himself. Today we have George, the pygmy goat with us, as well as several of Timmy’s chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs. We also care for two elderly donkeys and a Shetland pony, and we receive requests to house other animals in need every week. Please feel free to talk to us about our plans and any help you are able to offer will be gratefully appreciated. Our intention is to have an open day in the autumn. We will be announcing the date in the local press and on social media.
Thank you for showing an interest in our plans.
Alan & Cassie Jones
‘I thought that man looked familiar. I remember him from the inquest! Come on, let’s go and talk to him.’ Rosie began to steer Hannah towards Alan Jones.
‘No, I can’t!’ Hannah pulled away, turning to move in the opposite direction.
Rosie noticed Hannah’s distress and she quickly changed direction, hurrying Hannah into a coffee shop.
‘I’m so sorry,’ Rosie said, once they were seated. ‘That was totally crass of me — as usual I stupidly didn’t think.’
‘No, it’s just me being silly. They’re doing something so wonderful, but I simply couldn’t face them.’
‘But why? Did it bring it all back to you, a kind of flashback or something?’
‘I don’t have flashbacks, I still can’t remember anything about that day, it’s just...’ Hannah found it hard to express her feelings but in halting words it all came tumbling out. She admitted to her friend how she was constantly troubled with feelings of guilt, wondering if she was somehow to blame, if she’d done something wrong and inadvertently caused the accident. Then she shared her concerns about driving again, whether she’d have the confidence, or even if she was safe to drive at all. She remained dry-eyed as she spoke but her face was pale and her eyes dull and distant. When she finally ran out of words, Rosie reached out and covered her friend’s hand with her own, squeezing it gently.
‘Hannah, the police investigated the accident thoroughly and the coroner ruled that no one was to blame. I know it’s easy for me to say, but I also know you. You wouldn’t have done anything stupid; you’re the most sensible person I know! I’ve heard you telling people what you think of using a mobile when driving, and drink driving, you’re one of the most fastidious drivers I know. And I’m sorry for almost dragging you into a situation where you’d be uncomfortable. I thought you might be interested, that’s all.’
‘Actually, I am interested, it’s simply that I couldn’t face them, thinking that their son might have died because of me!’
‘No, he didn’t! He died because of an accident, which by definition is no one’s fault. Anyway, I picked up a leaflet about their plans if you are interested?’
Hannah took the leaflet. She might not have felt comfortable talking to the boy’s parents but she was certainly curious to see what they had planned in his memory. As she read through hit, she smiled. ‘Timmy’s Farm’ sounded like a wonderful idea and she resolved to send them a donation, anonymously of course.
CHAPTER 22
After his shocking confrontation with David, Joe was stunned by a second event later that evening. Juliet had replied to his email. He opened up her message and read through it quickly.
My dear Joe,
Your email came as such a shock and I am so terribly saddened to hear of Alison’s death. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time and I’m only sorry I’m not able to offer my help in any tangible way. What I can do, however, is to tell you what happened to Alison in the hope that you’ll understand why she never told you about the baby. As far as I know she only ever told her mother and myself, and I have to say that Ethel is (and in my opinion always has been) a bitter twisted old woman who didn’t deserve such a caring daughter. I was sworn to secrecy by Alison, but as she is no longer with us I feel certain that she would want you to know the truth, rather than Ethel’s distorted version of it, designed no doubt to repay you for whatever wrong she imagines you have done her.
It happened in about the third month of our first year at uni. Alison and I had rooms next to each other in the halls of residence and we became great friends. As with all the other students, we were enjoying our newfound freedom away from the constraints of home, and there were so many new experiences to enjoy which we threw ourselves into. Alison had been kept very much under Ethel’s thumb at home and was in many ways quite naive, which sadly made her rather vulnerable. I don’t think she’d ever had a boyfriend, so when she was invited out by a third-year student it seemed so exciting. Neither of us knew the boy in question but a date at the cinema seemed innocuous enough and I remember helping her get ready and her anticipation of what was really her very first date. The boy concerned had a car and picked her up from the halls as arranged. I almost envied her, he was rather good looking and confident, quite a catch it seemed, but three hours later a very different Alison was banging on my door. I was horrified to find her bruised and scratched and in a dreadful state. Her ‘date’ had taken her to the cinema and then driven out into the country, where it seemed he expected ‘favours’ for his trouble. When Alison resisted, he raped her, quite violently, then drove her back to the halls and dropped her off outside as if nothing had happened. As you can imagine, she was in an appalling state, but when I suggested we went to the police she became almost hysterical. In those days rape wasn’t always taken seriously by the police, especially what’s now termed ‘date rape’ and Alison was terrified that she wouldn’t be believed, and that telling the police would be like being violated all over again.