Maggie shows the new tenants around the house, checking that everything is clean and that they haven’t forgotten anything. She tells them about the local area, the town, the school, and the neighbors and wishes them all the best. “They seem nice,” she said to Peter as they drove away from their old life, embarking on their new one.
“What was Aunt Sarah saying?”
“All sort of things.” Maggie sighed. “But nothing to worry about,” she assured. “I just need to pop into Catterick before we head off.” she told him.
He waited in the car whilst Maggie was in the solicitors… for almost half an hour he waited. “You were aged.” he moaned.
“Yes, I’m sorry.”
“Some thing’s wrong?”
“Nothing that can’t be fixed.” she smiled, clutching his hand.
His stepmother was clearly very stressed as they drove from Yorkshire, down through the Midlands, past Nottingham, Leicester and Coventry, and through miles and miles of open rolling countryside and into the picturesque Cotswold hills.
They arrive at their destination; a large detached house. Aunt Sarah is on the doorstep as the car slowly crunches over the gravel driveway. “Hello, Aunt Sarah,” Peter says, giving her a hesitant hug. His aunt sends him inside where the housekeeper has sandwiches prepared for their arrival.
Maggie and Sarah have a stern exchange outside before both enter the house. Both pretend that everything is normal for a while, but Peter knows that something is wrong. After they’ve eaten and drank some tea, Maggie says that she and Peter should have a stroll around the garden. “What were you and her arguing about?” Peter asked when they were outside and out of earshot.
Maggie doesn’t reply until they’re sat. “You know that your father and I weren’t married,” she states.
“Yes but you’re still my Mum,” he replied.
“I know… but in the eyes of the Law, it’s not quite so simple.” Maggie sighed. “I know I should have told you before now, but ever since your father died, your Aunt has been trying to apply for custody of you.”
“Why?” Peter retorted. “She doesn’t even like me.”
“She loves you very much in her own way… and she is your closest blood relative,” Maggie replied.
“Was it her on the phone this morning?” he asked. “When you were arguing.”
“Yes,” Maggie told him. “That’s why I had to go the solicitors,” she said. “I’m sorry Peter but she won…” Maggie hung her head. “You have to stay here.”
“But why?” he whined. “I don’t want to stay here!”
“She’s your legal guardian now,” Maggie told him. “I’ll do everything I can to get you back but… according to my solicitor, I’ve done everything I can do and the decision has been made.”
Maggie doesn’t stay the night as arranged, but she does have all of Peter’s things packed up in the car, which will need to be unloaded. “He has everything he needs and anything he hasn’t got I’ll provide.” Aunt Sarah sternly states. “A fresh start is best for the boy… not his old toys… and certainly not that mountain bike thing,” she says, glaring at his bike strapped to the roof rack.
They share a tearful goodbye. Maggie promises she’ll come and visit in a few months. Peter asks his aunt if he can go to stay with Maggie in Cornwall, in the summer maybe. “…you can teach me to surf as you promised.” he enthused.
“Surf?!” Aunt Sarah exclaimed. “In the sea?!” she sighed. “That’s far too dangerous. The boys much better off here where he’ll be safe and cared for.” she spat.
“I’m perfectly capable of caring for him Sarah… I’ve been his mother for five years.”
“You’ve barely been a stepmother.” Aunt Sarah retorted. “…since Robert never actually married you.” she sniped.
“Why you think he’ll be better off with such a vindictive woman like you I’ll never know!” Maggie growled.
“Because he’s my blood…. you’re just some floozy his father picked up.”
“I’d better leave before I do something you’ll regret, Sarah.” Maggie snarled. And with that, the boy and his stepmother were parted.