A Cockney's Journey by Eddie Allen Page A

that OK?”
    “Yeah, fine,” I said. Well, I had no choice really, did I?
    “Once again, son, I am truly sorry about this incident,” he said.

    I walked out of the school gates and headed up the high street. The freezing cold wind went through me like a sharp blade, cutting me to the bone. It was cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey. It was nearly December and by the time I go back to school next week, it’ll be three weeks till Christmas. Yeah! I approached the jeweller’s and peered through the glass pane, so many to choose from and quite a few in my price range. I bent down, retrieving my two-pound notes from inside my sock and walked into the shop.
    “Can I help you, young man?” came the pleasant voice from behind the counter. An old grey-haired man with tiny spectacles resting on his nose was speaking.
    “Yes please. I’m looking for a watch,” I said excitedly.
     I explained I had two pounds to spend.
    “Really?” he smiled. He peered over the top of his spectacles “Present, or for yourself?” he asked, pulling a tray from under the counter.
    “For me, sir.”
    “Have a look at these ones, son, tell me which one catches your eye.”
    I was scanning the tray, picking up watches and checking them out when he asked me how I hurt my hand. I told him what had happened at school. Why I told him is beyond me; I just felt compelled to tell him. In any case, he was a nice old fella.
    “I like this one. How much?” I asked curiously.
    “It’s your lucky day, son,” he reckoned. Blimey! If this is a lucky day, you can shove it, I thought.
    “Why is that?”
    “It’s in the sale. Half price, in fact,” he said. “Just one pound to you son.”
    “I’ll take it, sir,” I said, feeling chuffed. I handed him a pound, asking him if he would be so kind as to put the watch on my wrist for me. Due to my current incapacity with regards to my hands, he duly obliged and I thanked him for his kindness.
    “Don’t worry, son, everything will come to you in time. Just be patient, you’ve got a long hard slog ahead, but just stay focused. You will see the light, maybe not for many years to come, but believe me son you will. Take care of yourself.” he said smiling, as if he knew something I didn’t.

    I left the shop confused. What did he mean, a long hard slog? A bit cryptic for my liking. I looked at my watch it was eleven forty-five. I felt hungry and there was no school dinner today. I couldn’t go home, there was no one in and I was never allowed a key to the house. I did ask once but that request fell on deaf ears. Right, Wimpy it is then. I walked up the high street towards the Wimpy. Most of the shops had Christmas decorations hanging in their windows. I stood at the pedestrian crossing waiting for the lights to turn red and as I glanced across the road, I noticed Ann coming out of Blueberry’s gift shop hand in hand with this blonde guy. They were laughing and joking together; my heart sank and I felt physically sick. I stood and watched them disappear into the crowd of shoppers who were marching up the high street. As the lights changed to red, I forced myself to cross the road, feeling very stressed and angry. Why did she hold my hand? She kissed me so gently and beautifully. Is this some sort of game girls play? Maybe it’s a power thing. Maybe Ann does this all the time. I felt betrayed, hurt and totally confused. I entered the Wimpy bar and sat down. My mind was still buzzing. The thought of Ann kissing him was unthinkable. Maybe he was just a friend or a relative and the thought filled me with hope. Of course! I’ve held hands with Karen and Lyn before now and we’re just mates. I convinced myself that was the case. I ordered a brunch and a bottle of Fanta. My backside was still sore and my thumb and fingers were throbbing like mad. The waiter plonked my plate