Carrig Of Dromara Read online

  “This will do,” Peter said as he spread the tartan rug and opened the picnic basket for Annie.

  Carrig and Freddie fed the ducks while Annie unpacked the food and drinks. Peter tried to scoff a sandwich while Annie was looking the other way. She smacked his hand and reminded him to wait until everything was ready.

  “It’s good to see them talking more together again, rather than all the yelling that used to go on all the time.”

  “Thank God for that!” Annie said as they had their tea break next morning. “I don’t think I could have stood it much longer.”

  “Things have definitely settled down again,” Peter said. “Sometimes it takes something like that to happen to really bring it home to some people. You and I would never have allowed that to happen.”

  “No, we’d have discussed it before things got out of hand.”

  Peter drew her close and hugged her tightly. “Never in a hundred years would anything like that ever happen to us!”

  Dennis put an advert in the paper the following day for a weekend worker to help with the milking. Several people rang about the job, and Elenor just happened to be home when the first applicant called round.

  “Come in. Stewart, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, that’s right – Stewart Eder. Although I live a wee bit away, I have my own transport, so I can get here on time at the weekend.”

  “Now, you know we are looking for someone who can start immediately – that is for the coming weekend – and that is an unpaid weekend to learn the ropes. After that you would be working with my husband or Peter Anderson, who lives in the cottage just over there. I’ll just fill in your details, and if you get the job we can fill in any gaps. We have to see a few others first and then we’ll be in touch. Thank you for coming, Stewart.”

  “Thank you.”

  Elenor had so much fun interviewing the others over the next two days. They varied from floosies with high-heeled shoes to others with long fingernails smothered in red polish. The last one had backcombed hair, was wearing a miniskirt and a blouse with a very low-cut neckline and walked like Marilyn Monroe.

  Later when Elenor was telling Annie about the fun she had interviewing people they laughed hysterically when they thought of the fun Dennis would have had picking the right one.

  It was very clear which one Elenor should pick for the job, so she rang him straight away to give him the good news. The lady of the house was very pleased with her choice and also that she wouldn’t have to help with the milking one more weekend.

  “Your sow’s near her time now, Carrig,” Wally proudly told Carrig. “I reckon tomorrow or the next day.” The large white looked as if she was bursting at the seams. “I’ll put her in the crate tonight and check up on her before bedtime.”

  “Do you want me to do anything, Wally?”

  “No, no, boy – you’ve got school in the morning. I’ll keep an eye out for her. She’s a good ’un anyhow – last time she had fourteen and the time before that twelve, no bother at all.”

  Carrig and Freddie took the next bus stop on to Wally’s after school. They couldn’t wait to see what would happen. Mrs Watson met the boys in the yard with the good news. A big smile told Carrig everything was all right.

  “Congratulations, young man. Jemima has had twelve wee ones, and so far all is well.”

  “Oh, I’m so excited I could hardly wait to get away from school.”

  The boys slipped in quietly, and there before them was a sight to behold: all twelve piglets sleeping on top of Jemima, rising and falling with every breath she took. A couple of them were still attached to her teats and sound asleep.

  The boys managed to keep quiet until they were back in the yard again.

  “I can’t believe it – twelve wee ones! I’ve got to tell Dad. Thanks, Mrs Watson – and thank Wally for me. Tell him I’ll see him when I’ve changed my clothes and done my homework.”

  “Right, Carrig.”

  The boy wasted no time in changing into his pig clothes, and hurried down to see his friend at the forge.

  “Didn’t we do well, boy!”

  “I couldn’t be happier – and thanks for everything,” Carrig said.

  “Tomorrow we can let her out for a walk around the yard, and the wee ones will enjoy a gallop in the grass for a while. Just keep an eye on her, Carrig, especially when she goes to lay down. Sometimes they can get caught under her. There’s an old hoe beside the crate – I use that to pull them forward. She takes a while to lay down, and that will give you a chance to get them out before she hits the ground.”

  Saturday was a great day for the boys, watching the sow and her new litter enjoying the grass – especially Jemima.

  “I think I’ll keep her in the house one more night, Carrig, and then tomorrow she can go out for good. They’ll be snug and warm in their wee shelter.”

  The end of the year was drawing to a close fast, and with all the exams coming up there was all the usual swotting going on, sometimes under the old tree in the front garden or in the cottage with Freddie. When they had the same exams coming up, it was good to question each other, learning at the same time.

  The family took an evening off to celebrate Carrig’s birthday by having dinner at the restaurant along the road. Freddie came along, of course, as he usually helped Carrig to celebrate his birthday. They were pretty close friends, and would always be there for each other, no matter what. Freddie gave him a book voucher, and Carrig was overjoyed that now he could get that book on pig rearing that he had been wanting for so long, having seen it in the bookshop in the village.

  Elenor and Annie had got together with cake recipes for Christmas and Annie had made the sweet mincemeat for the pies.

  “I think this year we’ll have a turkey. What do you think, Peter?”

  “I’m easy, dear, really – whatever you like, chicken or turkey. Make it easy for yourself and have chicken and ham. We’ve still got one large chook in the freezer, and we can pick up a good-sized ham next week when we go to the solicitor in the city.”

  “Right, then, that’s settled.”

  Annie went into the garden to bring in the clothes, her heart singing with joy at the thought of Christmas time with all her family and friends. She had invited Margaret, Victoria and Freddie, and Wally and Mrs Watson. Bridget and her family were going into the city to spend the day with her mother-in-law. It was a while since she had visited her and thought it was time they had some time together. Now that she had some money of her own she could afford to buy the children presents and their grandma as well.

  “Don’t worry about the hens, Mrs Russel. I’ll still come in on Christmas Day as usual.”

  “No, no, Bridget, I wouldn’t hear of it. I can do that for once – it won’t kill me. You go and have a break with your mother-in-law.”

  Annie spread a large white tablecloth on the dining-room table.

  “That was a wedding present, and I’ve never used it before. It fits perfectly.”

  Peter sat listening to his wife rambling on about this and that, and his large black eyes moistened over. With his thick bush of black curls and swarthy skin he was so like Carrig; it seemed uncanny that they were so alike in looks and nature.

  On 15 December the day dawned bright and warm. Carrig and Freddie jumped on the bus as usual, Carrig knowing that his parents were leaving for the city. They had several appointments that day: Annie was getting her hair cut, and Peter was delivering his chainsaw to be repaired, and then after lunch they were going to see the solicitor.

  “We’ll not pick you up, Carrig,” Mum had said, “as we don’t know how long we’ll be with the lawyer. You know where the key is. Love you.”

  “Love you too, Mum. Bye, Dad.”

  “Bye, son, bye Freddie. See you both soon.”

  Waving from the car, they drove towards the city.


  The silence of the English class was broken as the headmaster, a short, white-haired man, beckoned the teacher towards him.

  The two were engaged in a whispered dialogue for some time before the headmaster turned to the now silent class and spoke in a subdued voice: “Carrig, will you come with me, please?”

  The pair left and soft murmurings could be heard among the boys.

  “Anderson’s in trouble now.” One boy could be heard above the others.

  The young English teacher’s face was now drained with shock at the terrible news he had just been given.

  Freddie raised his hand slowly. “Please, sir, is something wrong with Carrig?”

  There was a brief silence as the teacher moved forward towards the boys.

  “There’s been a terrible accident.”

  You could have heard a pin drop. The class waited to hear what he would say.

  “Carrig’s parents were killed this afternoon on their way home from the city.”

  Feelings of shock came over the class and Freddie cried out, covering his face with both hands. Tears flowed between his fingers.

  “I can’t believe it, sir. Can I go to him?”

  “Not just yet, Freddie. You will see him later. The headmaster is calling a special assembly. Everyone must be quiet and wait. Please continue to read chapter twelve quietly.”

  Placing his arm across the boy’s shoulders, the headmaster steered Carrig along towards his office.

  “Have I done something wrong, sir?”

  “No, no, Carrig, you’ve done nothing wrong – nothing at all.”

  When they entered the room Carrig knew instantly that all was not well. His face was now drained of colour, the black eyes now staring in bewilderment as he recognised most of the people in the room. Mrs Russel sat beside the Reverend Orr, and a policeman was seated opposite where the Reverend Orr sat quietly. Mrs Russel stood and moved closer to Carrig, taking both his hands in hers.

  “Carrig, we need you to be very strong.”

  The boy cried out, “What is it? It’s Mum – it’s Mum and Dad. Something has happened to Mum and Dad.”

  By this time they had all gathered about Carrig, each touching him gently and feeling the terrible pain he was suffering.

  The police sergeant looked straight at the boy and spoke as kindly as he could: “There’s been a terrible accident, Carrig, and your mother and father were killed instantly.”

  Pulling away from Mrs Russel’s grasp, the boy’s screams could be heard at the far end of the school.

  “No, no, it’s not true! Dad was always a careful driver – he always looked and looked at crossings. I want to see them – please can I see them now?”

  “You will see your parents, Carrig.” The Reverend Orr spoke quietly. “I will see to that.”

  Carrig nodded and sat with his head in his hands for some time before looking upwards again, his ashen face now drained, his eyes swollen with tears, for the two people he loved most in all the world were now gone from him. It was too much to bear. He felt his heart would burst with sorrow and emptiness. In all the days he would live on the earth, he should never have had to face such sorrow. A dark cloud settled around him and he felt cold.

  Then as he felt the Reverend’s hand on his left shoulder, he spoke to the Reverend Orr: “May I see them now, please?”

  “Yes, of course, Carrig.”

  Putting his arm over Carrig’s shoulder the Reverend led him towards the car park.

  “There’s always a home with us, Carrig.” Mrs Russel spoke as she opened her car door. “I’ve arranged with Reverend Orr to bring you back to the farm on your return.”

  “Thank you,” Carrig mumbled.

  “Least we can do, Carrig. You know there’s always a home for you with us as long as you need it. Andrew and Louise have always looked on you as one of the family.”

  “I know. Thank you.”

  Carrig spent a long time with his parents, sitting between them, holding their hands, now so cold and lifeless. He cried and spoke to them as though they were still with him. The Reverend Orr was so patient and understanding of the situation. He could quite easily have become emotional, but with his inner strength he held himself together for the boy’s sake.

  “Would you like it if we said the Lord’s Prayer together, Carrig?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  They began to say the words, and although Carrig was speaking through his tears it felt good to have spoken the words.

  The Reverend Orr said a special prayer, giving thanks for all that the family had shared in their lives, and saying now it was time to let them go. He led the boy back to his car and the drive back to the farm.

  Dennis Russel walked across the yard as they drove in. As Carrig stepped from the car he put his arms around him.

  “I can’t begin to tell you how sorry we all feel at this terrible loss, Carrig.” Tears streamed down his face in a genuine expression of sadness. “Will you come in, Reverend?”

  “Just for a moment, thank you.”

  The small group entered the house, and immediately Louise ran to Carrig and hugged him tightly. “I don’t know what to say. We are all heartbroken at the terrible news. Nothing will ever be the same again around here.”

  She held him for some time and then led him to a sofa at the far end of the dining room. Andrew and his mother came to him, and each, in their own way, expressed their feelings of sorrow at his loss. Elenor invited the Reverend Orr to stay for dinner, but he declined and explained that his wife would already have prepared something.

  “Oh, of course. Thank you for all you have done.”

  As they walked into the yard they spoke briefly about being in touch to make funeral arrangements. Louise asked her mother if she could show Carrig his room.

  “Come down when you’re ready and we’ll arrange food later.”

  Dennis, Elenor and Andrew sat in silence and picked at their dinner, none of them feeling much like talking. The shock was still with them. They hadn’t really taken it in completely, and then of course they had to think who was going to do the milking and the other work around the place.

  “I’ll ring Stewart and see if he can do more hours for a while, maybe until we can replace—”

  He broke down and cried bitterly, and young Andrew also dropped his head and cried with him.

  “I still can’t believe this terrible thing has happened. Should I go to him, Mum?” young Andrew asked.

  “Just leave him for a while, and then maybe talk to him later.”

  Sometime later Elenor knocked on Carrig’s bedroom door and left the tray. “I just thought you could eat something.”

  “Thanks, Mum,” replied Andrew. “We’ll be down soon.”

  Louise Russel was a soft-natured girl and had a good heart with a lot of feelings for people who needed comforting. She spoke in her own gentle way to Carrig, feeling the sadness with him and taking him through all the things that had happened over the past week.

  “Mum had made the Christmas cake,” he said. “Did you know that?”

  “Yes, you told me. Your mum was always busy making things, usually for other people. She was good at looking after other people, kind-hearted and loving, and that’s how I’ll remember her.” Louise went on: “I’m so glad Mum and your mother became friends. They had a lot of fun together, especially over the last few years. They shared a lot.”

  Carrig took Louise by the hand and held tight. “Thank you for helping me through this day.”

  “I know you would have done the same for me – that’s what friends are for, Carrig.”

  Carrig looked so drained, and completely exhausted. Louise helped him settle on top of the bed.

  “I’ll be back soon. I just have to speak to Mum.”

  “He
will need some clothing and things. Can you find out if he would like us to bring them over? Or perhaps he would prefer to go by himself.”

  “Oh, I don’t know, Mum – it might be very hard seeing all those things again.”

  “Try anyway and see how he feels.”

  When Louise returned to his room he was sound asleep. She backed out through the door, gently closing it after her.

  “We can go later, Mum, and maybe Andrew could lend him something – for the night anyway.”

  “You’re quite right, darling. Leave him alone for a while. Did he eat anything at all?”

  “Yes, he had a small part of his dinner – better than nothing. The sleep will do him more good anyway.”

  The phone never stopped ringing all evening. Dennis explained that Carrig would be stopping with them for now, until arrangements were made for the burial. Dennis was busy for several hours on the phone, answering calls from people, some familiar to him and many strangers. Also tins full of cakes were left at the door, and hundreds of cards arrived in the post. Also young Stewart agreed to help with the farm work for as long as he was needed – and what a relief that was, especially for Dennis, who didn’t know where else to turn for help.

  Carrig had slept all night, just as Louise had left him, on top of the bed. She went quietly into the room. He opened his eyes and sat up.

  “How long have I been sleeping?”

  “Most of the night, I think, Carrig, but that’s good. It’s just what you needed, a good long sleep.”

  She helped him sit up and gave him a long hug. He began to cry on her shoulder.

  “What am I going to do without them in my life? It feels so empty.”

  Louise listened quietly while he spoke of the emptiness he felt.

  “If you can just get through this day and the days to follow, the pain will become more bearable. Right now you are probably thinking you’ll never get over the pain of the loss, but in time you will become more accustomed to that and be able to deal with it again.”