This story is a complete fantasy and no association with real life whatsoever. No one is under the age of 20 and there is no physical hurt or pain.
*
When I moved back into my mother's tiny flat I knew I couldn't really expect to stay for long. My parents were at the age where they needed the space for themselves. I felt guilty.
I looked back over the last 6 years and realised that I had made a bit of a mess of my life. To marry Derek had been a mistake. He had been quite a nice lad but he was so laid back and placid. He was just too boring. I remember my mother asking me seriously a few days before I went up the alter "Are you sure that Derek will make you happy Wendy?"
I had been so full of myself in those days that I didn't want to listen to others. I knew then that I could get Derek to do practically anything and I had thought that it would make my life even easier. He was so easy going like my father. I hadn't realised that life can be so boring when it is that easy.
I was now 29 and when I just walked out on Derek I came straight home to my parents. I had forgotten how small the flat was. My mother shook her head sadly "There just isn't enough room here, Wendy."
I nodded but didn't really know what else to do and simply asked her "I know that Mum, but I don't have anywhere else to go and I only have a small part time job so I don't have much money. What can I do?"
I was in a hopeless situation, but my mother must have been thinking about it as she came straight out with it "You could ask your Uncle Charles, Wendy."
That startled me a bit. Uncle Charles was almost 70 now, and although he was very nice, did have a bit of a reputation in his earlier days. When I was younger, my sister and I used to laugh a bit at the various stories although we had never been sure. He always seemed to be hanging around our house a lot and we had wondered about him and my mother.
I remember telling Sally "I don't think so, Sal. He is Mummy's brother and he is such a good friend to Daddy."
My sister wasn't so sure "You are probably right Wendy, but you know that Daddy will do anything that Uncle Charles tells him. Perhaps he just lets him."
She was right about my father as anyone could walk over him. Nevertheless the thought of my mother with her brother was just too outrageous to contemplate.
We never actually saw him do anything with my mother but we really did have our suspicions. When we got older we did tease my mother about Uncle Charles and although she used to laugh a bit she never really admitted anything. Actually when I thought about it later she never denied anything either.
Now here she was actually suggesting that I go and live with him as a lodger. I felt a bit apprehensive and said "But Mum, you know he has a bit of a reputation for being naughty."
My mother didn't deny anything or try to defend him. Neither did she explain but simply nodded "Well you are 29 now Wendy and you can look after yourself. It is too small here living with your father and I. You have to decide."
I did murmur "Uncle Charles does have a lovely cottage, and it is so comfortable."
Mother nodded encouragingly "I think you will enjoy it there and you know he makes you laugh."
I nodded. It was becoming more attractive. I did say "I only have a part time job and I wont be able to give him very much rent."
She smiled "That is something you will have to sort out with Uncle Charles. He is a kind man and if you are nice to him, then he will probably help you."
I asked her "What do you mean by being nice to him, Mum?"
She didn't really answer my question but just said "You will have to settle that with Uncle Charles."
There was an undercurrent of double meaning. We were both aware of it but she wasn't going to say any more.
I went to bed that night in the tiny box room which was very uncomfortable. As I tossed and turned in the tiny bed I made my mind up. I hoped so much that Uncle Charles would let me stay in his house. I remembered my mothers words about being nice to him. Although I wasn't sure exactly what that meant I felt that I would be as nice to him as he wanted.
In the morning I told my mother how I felt and she smiled. "I think it is the best way forward for all of us Wendy. I did talk to your father last night and he agreed this flat is too small for you to be living with us."
I telephoned my Uncle straight away. He was so lovely to talk to and made me laugh straight away.
When I got around to explaining what I wanted he seemed more dubious. I felt very nervous and apprehensive but could understand his doubts. I handed the phone over to my mother so that she could explain my difficulties and plead my case.
I heard my mother explaining how small the flat was and it really was too cramped. Her voice went a bit lower as she told him about my failed marriage and that I would look up to him as an older man and respect him.
He must have said something meaningful as her voice went even lower and very husky as she murmured "She is 29 now Charles and a nice big girl."
He must have said something funny as my mother giggled. "She said she will be nice to you Charles."
The conversation was taking a lighter tone now and I was becoming optimistic as she giggled some more and asked me "Uncle Charles wants to know if you will be a nice big plump girl for him Wendy?"
It was suggestive but I was so relieved that it all seemed more positive I laughed "Tell him I will be a nice big 29 year old girl for him."
The conversation sort of drifted on in the same mood without anything specific and although it was suggestive I was unsure what it all meant. When my mother had finished she put the phone down with a smile and said "I will help you to pack your things Wendy. Its really up to you now."
My mother and father drove me down to the cottage and Uncle Charles made us all a nice cup of tea before my parents left. When we were alone we chatted about old times and my sister and little holidays we had all been on.
Although he was about 70 he looked quite well and his eyes sparkled as he chatted. He asked me about my marriage and I told him all about Derek and that he had been a bit too quiet and a bit dopey really.