Short Story
By Jackie Brewster
Borrowing Berkley
“If you want my advice on how to impress girls,” Mabel declared, “you’ve got to show a bit of chivalry.” Even though Lewis desperately needed advice on how to impress girls, his Aunt Mabel would be the last person he’d ask. “She’s a nice young lady.” Mabel pointed at the girl jogging across the park. “She would be just right for you.” “Keep your voice down,” Lewis blushed. “She’ll hear you.” Lewis had volunteered to walk Mabel’s dog, Berkley, round the park. Unfortunately, he hadn’t planned on Mabel coming too. She wore mismatched wellies and a hat that looked as though it was part of a jester costume. “You just need to get her to notice you,” Mabel said. Being noticed was certainly something Mabel was an expert on, Lewis thought ruefully. “She’s called Becky,” Lewis muttered under his breath. “She’s at my school.” Becky trained on the park every day after school. Lewis desperately wanted Becky to notice him, but he wasn’t about to tell Mabel that. In class that morning he’d overheard Becky telling her friend how much she loved dogs and would always stop to pet them. He hatched a plan to borrow Berkeley, stroll casually past Becky and strike up a conversation. Keep it simple. His aunt had other ideas. “She’s not seen us yet has she?” She glanced over her shoulder at Becky, who had paused to do some stretches. “She doesn’t know we’re together?” “Whatever you’re planning,” Lewis panicked, “don’t do it.” But Mabel wasn’t listening.
66
“You take Berkley over to the swings and wait.” She handed him the dog’s lead. “When I give the signal come running over and give me assistance.” “Assistance with what?” Lewis was alarmed. “What are you going to do?” “Just pretend we don’t know each other, and it’ll look like you’re helping a lady in distress.” Mabel adjusted her hat. “That’ll impress her. You’ll be the talk of the school playground.” “We don’t call it a playground,” Lewis protested. “I’m in the sixth form you know, we don’t play.” Mabel was already walking away from him, her wellies squelching as she went. Berkley sniffed a tree and Lewis watched his aunt warily. As she reached the edge of the path she deliberately sat down on the ground. “Help, I’ve fallen!” she called out. Lewis was mortified. Presumably this was his cue to go dashing over and rescue her. However, Becky was closer and reached Mabel first. “Are you hurt?” Becky sounded concerned. “Can I help?” “Not you!” Mabel protested. “I need that young man to help me.” “What young man?” Becky looked around. “That chivalrous young man.” Mabel pointed at Lewis. “Who I’ve never met before in my life.” Lewis dithered. His aunt’s plan was ludicrous, but it might just work. Pulling Berkeley, he ran over, reached for Mabel’s hand and hauled her to her feet. “There you go, Madam,” he said stiffly, “I hope you’re alright.” Berkeley yapped excitedly and licked Mabel’s face. “Aww Berkeley,” Mable laughed. “Were you worried about Mummy?” Becky scowled at Lewis. “Were you trying to steal this lady’s dog?” She turned to Mabel. “Should I call the police?” “Don’t worry,” Mabel said, cuddling Berkley, “I’m sure he was just borrowing him.” “Alright,” Becky nodded, looking at her watch. “I’ve got to go but shout if he gives you any more trouble.” “Why did you say that?” Lewis cried, as soon as Becky left them. “She thinks I’m a dog thief now.” “Say what?” Mabel dusted herself down. “It was a complete success. She’s definitely noticed you now.”
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts
