For the last 2 hours Aaron had endured the noise of 3 small boys and older twin girls constant arguing. Their mother seemed to have given up trying to control her brood, apart from an occasional glance she seemed disinterested. To start Aaron was annoyed but as he watched the women it was obvious she was feeling the strain of 5 kids, the eldest was probably 8 or 9, the youngest maybe 3.
As the train rattled through Flitwick, Aaron pulled the heavy NATO style bag from the overhead rack and put his tunic on. Seeing the women struggling to reach her bags, he reached over and lifted them down for her. As the women thanked him, Aaron noticed her ice blue eyes, pretty face and greasy blonde hair.
Feeling a tug on his arm, he saw the 3 boys lined up, standing to attention and saluting him. Grinning, he returned their salute, turning to pack his magazine he felt the young boy tugging at his tunic.
"Sarge, we would like to thank you for your service" the eldest boy said.
"Idiot, he's a Sergeant Major, you can't call him Sarge," chortled the middle kid.
Aaron had spent 32 years in the Royal Marines and could deal with just about anything, looking at the wide eyed kids he had no idea how to respond. Smiling Aaron looked at the middle kid.
"Well spotted kid, yes I am a Sergeant Major."
"You been in the Gulf?" The youngster persisted.
"Yes, I have been to Iraq and Afghanistan," he said grimly.
"Did you kill many Rag heads?"
Grimacing at the youngsters choice of words, Aaron picked his heavy bag up and crossed to the door as the train slowed into Bedford Station. Getting onto the platform he was about to walk away, thinking better of it he turned and helped the young women unload her buggy and luggage. Flashing him a huge smile, she extended her hand.
"Thank you so much, I'm Pauline."
"That's ok Ma'am I'm Aaron."
"Why is an American wearing a British uniform?"
"Canadian, came to UK when I was 14, became a British citizen when I joined up."
Helping Pauline lift her cases and buggy up the steps and over the bridge they continued to chat.
"So what brings you to a god forsaken place like Bedford?"
"Well dad died a few months ago, mums on her own, I'm done with the military so........."
"Wow a brand new start, where's your mum live?"
"Right here in Bedford, someplace called Wooton"
"Oh yes, I know it, not far from us. We live in Kempston."
"I have never been there, they moved here from Biggleswade couple of years ago."
Getting through the station, Pauline thanked Aaron again and started to walk towards the taxi rank. Thinking of the big Marine, she shyly asked if he wanted to share the cost of a cab.
"No, I need to get to the Ford dealer for 1500 hours."
Seeing her confused look he smiled.
"Sorry, meant 3pm. Do you know where the dealership is?"
"Yes, it's on the other side of town, 15 minute car ride."
Aaron looked at his watch, 11.30,
"Pauline, have you and the kids eaten?"
"Not yet, will make them lunch when we get home."
"Well can I buy you lunch? Then I will give you a lift home if you want."
Pauline was about to decline, thinking of the £15 taxi ride and wondering how much food her cupboard had, she accepted.
"Great, lets go eat, I am starving. Can you recommend some where? A steak house or good Chinese."
Over lunch the kids were well behaved, the twins helping the youngest one cut his dinner up. Aaron really enjoyed chatting with Pauline, he started to understand her appearance as he learnt her husband had left a few months ago, leaving her with 5 kids and a stack of bills. After lunch they got a cab to the dealership. Aaron completed the paperwork and inspected the new Mondeo they all climbed in and headed for Kempston.
"You will have to excuse my driving, it's been a while since I drove a car."
Following Pauline's directions he parked outside her home in a quiet side street. Letting the kids out, they all thanked Aaron as they excitedly scampered into the house. Unloading all of Pauline's stuff he helped her to the front door.
"Come in, would you like coffee?"
"Sorry, haven't got time, told mum I would pick her up at 16.30 to do her shopping, have put her post code in sat nav, says 12 minutes."
"Grinning at his punctuality, she scribbled her mobile and landline number on a piece of paper."
Slightly embarrassed.
"Give me a call, will cook a meal for you, really enjoyed this afternoon, thank you."
Assuring her he would, he got in the car and drove to his mum's house. He hadn't seen her in almost 3 years and had never been to her new home. Pulling into her road he was amazed, he had assumed his dad had sold the house in Biggleswade and moved here to finance another of his half baked projects. Number 24 was a smart 3 bedroom detached house with a double garage. Parking on the drive, he was barely out of the car as his mother nearly knocked him off his feet as she hugged him.