Gemstone
Here for the Journey
Winifred, Bronwen and Alwyn Jones lived in the house up on the corner. They always went around together and the two younger girls did pretty much what Winifred, the elder of the three told them to do. Mr Jones went off to work each morning in a buff coloured trench coat with a white muffler around his neck. He rode an old bicycle which looked as though it had seen better days and could be seen above the hedge if you looked out of the window when he was passing by.
Like the rest of his family, Mr Jones was tall and thin but unlike the others he was very pleasant to everyone he met and rarely got involved in the arguments caused by his girls in the area. Everyone liked and respected Mr Jones, almost as much as they disliked his wife.
Looking back I think everyone was a little intimidated by Blodwyn Jones. She always fiercely defended her girls whether they were right or wrong and had no problem whatsoever chasing those who offended her or her family in any way from her garden with a broom.
When the invitation came to Winifred’s birthday party, I was at a loss to know what to do. Should I politely decline the offer and risk offending the Jones family or should I accept and walk into the lion’s den? I decided that I would have to go, although the thought of entering THAT house with all its pitfalls was terrifying!
On the day of the party I arrived complete with card and birthday present. I was under instruction to mind my Ps and Qs at this party and be nice to the Jones girls whatever they did.
The birthday tea went well and there were no incidents. During the games Mr Jones operated the old gramophone, taking the needle up as the parcel went round while Mrs Jones made sure her girls all got presents at the end. “Musical chairs” was the next game and I was out in the first round. Sitting and watching the game I realised there would only be one outcome – Winifred would of course win.
With another prize to her name Winifred announced that the next game would be “musical bumps”. As everyone got ready to dance around and sit down quickly when the music stopped, Winifred’s eyes rested on me. She gave me that triumphant look I have seen many times before. I held my breath not daring to look at her as she said,
“Perhaps Gemma’s had enough energetic games for one day. She might want to sit and eat another plate of food”.
The laughter echoed around the room and I really struggled with my resolve not to say anything to upset Winifred on her Birthday..........
As I ran from the garden with Mrs Jones’ broom only inches from my back and a smile on my face I heard Mr Jones calling,
“Blodwyn, I'm sure young Gemma didn't mean to upset Winifred. Come inside and light the candles”
© July 2008
Like the rest of his family, Mr Jones was tall and thin but unlike the others he was very pleasant to everyone he met and rarely got involved in the arguments caused by his girls in the area. Everyone liked and respected Mr Jones, almost as much as they disliked his wife.
Looking back I think everyone was a little intimidated by Blodwyn Jones. She always fiercely defended her girls whether they were right or wrong and had no problem whatsoever chasing those who offended her or her family in any way from her garden with a broom.
When the invitation came to Winifred’s birthday party, I was at a loss to know what to do. Should I politely decline the offer and risk offending the Jones family or should I accept and walk into the lion’s den? I decided that I would have to go, although the thought of entering THAT house with all its pitfalls was terrifying!
On the day of the party I arrived complete with card and birthday present. I was under instruction to mind my Ps and Qs at this party and be nice to the Jones girls whatever they did.
The birthday tea went well and there were no incidents. During the games Mr Jones operated the old gramophone, taking the needle up as the parcel went round while Mrs Jones made sure her girls all got presents at the end. “Musical chairs” was the next game and I was out in the first round. Sitting and watching the game I realised there would only be one outcome – Winifred would of course win.
With another prize to her name Winifred announced that the next game would be “musical bumps”. As everyone got ready to dance around and sit down quickly when the music stopped, Winifred’s eyes rested on me. She gave me that triumphant look I have seen many times before. I held my breath not daring to look at her as she said,
“Perhaps Gemma’s had enough energetic games for one day. She might want to sit and eat another plate of food”.
The laughter echoed around the room and I really struggled with my resolve not to say anything to upset Winifred on her Birthday..........
As I ran from the garden with Mrs Jones’ broom only inches from my back and a smile on my face I heard Mr Jones calling,
“Blodwyn, I'm sure young Gemma didn't mean to upset Winifred. Come inside and light the candles”
© July 2008
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