The Mysterious Lud's Church

By Peter M Lockley

Thomas Travis, a brilliant local surgeon, is a single father of a very troubled teenage daughter, Ruby.
Ruby is being bullied at school and cyber bullied. This is causing her to self-harm and even attempt suicide.
On one summer Sunday, her father persuades Ruby to accompany him on a long hike across The Roaches in the Staffordshire Peak District.
Towards the end of the walk, by the side of a forest they come across a spectacular 60ft chasm in the hillside known as Lud's Church.
From that point on, both of their lives will never be the same again.

A story of mystery, romance and adventure.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Dec 25, 2018
• ISBN: 9780244444518

Book preview

The Mysterious Lud's Church

The Mysterious Lud’s Church

The Mysterious Lud’s Church

© Peter M. Lockley 2018

First Printing: 2018

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review or scholarly journal.

ISBN #978-0-244-44451-8

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Preface

Thomas Travis, a brilliant local surgeon, is a single father of a very troubled teenage daughter Ruby.

Ruby is being bullied at school and cyber bullied.  This is causing her to self-harm and even attempt suicide.

On one summer Sunday her father persuades Ruby to accompany him on a long hike across The Roaches in the Staffordshire Peak District.

Towards the end of the walk, by the side of a forest they come across a spectacular 60ft chasm in the hillside known as Lud’s Church.

From that point on both their lives will never be the same again.

A story of mystery, romance and adventure.

Lud’s Church History

Although described as a cave, Lud’s Church is really a large landslip lost among trees of forest wood.  It is a spectacular rift and one of the most evocative places in the Peak District.  The chasm is around sixty feet deep and dog legs into the hillside, dripping with ferns and mosses, usually very dull, damp and muddy. This was at one time a safe haven for the Lollards who worshipped here.

It is no surprise that this awesome ravine should attract legends, the oldest of which associates it with the Green Chapel in the medieval Arthurian poem, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. It has been suggested that this is where Gawain meets up with the knight to perform a beheading ritual, which has Celtic echoes and may even predate the late fourteenth century poem.

The name of the chasm is said to come from Walter de Lud Auk, a fourteenth century supporter of Wycliffe, who held secret services in this place far away from the eyes of the authorities.

John Wycliffe was a theologian and Bible translator.

Chapter 1

Tom Travis sat looking at his daughter Ruby stretched across their living room settee, as her fingers danced across the keyboard of her latest iPhone.  Her thumbs moved at lighting speed, so fast in fact that they were a mere blur in her father’s eyes. Tom marvelled at how much like her mother she had become.  Her long legs, that seemed to go on for ever, were stretched across the sofa. One leg of her shorts was pushed up, revealing the lower half of the tattoo on her thigh, which he knew from memory was a heart with the word Mum in the centre.

Her mother, Tom’s wife Kath, had died when Ruby was just two years old.  He wondered if that was why she had had the tattoo done, over eighteen months ago now, when she had reached sixteen.  Tom had refused to let her have a tattoo before that, and even then, only very reluctantly.  He also knew that just above the tattoo there were two ugly strips of brown plasters, hiding two deep cuts on her thigh that were self-inflicted.  When he had asked her about them she had insisted she had tried to jump over a barbed wire fence and one of the barbs had cut her as she straggled the fence, but Tom knew the signs of self-harming only two well.  Ruby of course had fervently denied she had done it to herself, and that had led to one of their many rows, where both had said things that should have remained unsaid.

Ruby was now reading her mobile phone screen with a very intent look on her face, scowling at the content.  Her auburn hair fell over her shoulders, covering part of the dark T shirt she was wearing. Her hair held just a hint of waves, giving it a more interesting look and her beautiful hazel eyes flashed as she stared at the content she was reading on the screen.  Tom was shocked as he lip-read her words formed without sound, ‘you fucking little twat’ he was sure she had mouthed, accompanied by a scowl now darker than ever.

Ruby I can lip read you know, please do not use that language in this house, you make me feel ashamed. Tom could not help himself saying to her.

Oh, for God’s sake Dad, how do you know what I’m thinking?  Stop watching me so intently, it feels like I’m in prison or something, you’re always watching everything I do. I’m only reading my messages that’s all, do you want me to go up to my bedroom and out of sight, is that it?

You know I don’t want that Ruby, why are you so hostile and why does everything I say have to turn into an argument?

Ok, if that’s how you feel, I will go up to my room she said, and then I’ll be out of your hair.

For God’s sake Ruby, you know I did not mean it like that, you don’t have to go up to your room again.  Tom said to her back, just before the door slammed and heavy footsteps receded up to the landing, followed by another door slamming, this one to Ruby’s bedroom.

Where had it all gone wrong Tom wondered?  His mind drifted back fifteen years, he had sat holding his dying wife’s hand as she had whispered to him ‘Promise me Tom, you’ll look after our baby, make sure she has a happy life.’ Kath’s soul had left her body that very night. Tom had been sitting with her, holding on to her as if trying to stop the inevitable.  He had drifted into an exhausted sleep, only to wake still holding on to a now stone-cold hand.  He couldn’t believe he would never see, talk to, hold or make love to that beautiful creature again.

Kath Travis had contracted a very aggressive form of cervical cancer; she had lived for only three months from diagnosis.  At first, he had wanted to die himself, he felt he could not live without her, but he had remembered her last words to him, look after Ruby.  He had to become a father and mother to his baby daughter. He had to find the strength from somewhere to carry on.  As the lonely years had passed he did find strength though, with the help of family members, especially Kath’s younger sister Jayne.

Tom walked into the kitchen, filling the kettle before switching it on, he put a tea bag into the cup he had reached out of one of the white pristine kitchen cupboards.  He sat on a breakfast bar stool looking out of the window, his eyes scanning the neatly trimmed but now sodden lawn. The afternoon rain was leaving rivulets, as it ran down the triple glazed window above the sink. This dull, wet Saturday afternoon matched his mood as his thoughts swarmed around in his head.  He remembered the sounds of laughter and excited chatter in this same kitchen.  Ruby and her best friend Joanna had just collected their GCSE results from school and had both done better than expected with a good sprinkling of A and B grades.

Then there were the long discussions over dinner, with Ruby and her Aunt Jayne both putting the world to rights with their opinions.  Those were special times thought Tom.  Maybe he should ask Jayne’s advice again on how he could move forward with his daughter and her problems.  Jayne and Ruby had always had a special bond, probably because Ruby looked upon her as a surrogate mother.  She had been the one Ruby would turn to when she needed advice, which only another female could give. He had asked Jayne if she had known what was going on with his daughter, but all Jayne had said was boy trouble, and that Ruby would get over it, but she obviously wasn’t getting over it, in fact the problems were getting worse. 

The kettle clicked off as the water came to the boil, jarring Tom out of his thoughts, and he poured the boiling liquid on to the waiting tea bag.  For a moment he had considered having a whisky, but then he remembered he was actually on call, and the hospital would be bound to contact him just as he had downed a double scotch. 

He stirred the tea bag absentmindedly, turning the boiling water to deep amber. Maybe he had spoilt Ruby, he had tried to compensate for her being motherless.  He had given her everything she had wanted, including all his love and attention. As far as possessions were concerned, every electrical gadget that appeared on the market was hers, no matter what the cost.  Her bedroom looked like something one would see in Cheshire Life, king size bed, luxury en-suite bathroom, all the latest fixtures and fittings holding her massive wardrobe of designer clothing.  The life they both lived was almost luxurious.  The modern three bed detached house was set in two acres of splendid gardens, looked after by their own gardener.  The furniture was modern and up to date. The large flat screen TV was the latest model with more channels than you could count. If one could find nothing of interest on them, multi-channel recorder, games console, DVD library and subscription channel would satisfy her boredom. Tom wondered, maybe they were both spoiled by the semi luxurious life they were living,

Tom and his daughter lived in a very upmarket part of Cheshire and Ruby had attended the best schools, without the need for a private education.  She had never had to come home from school to an empty house, as they employed a housekeeper come cook by the name of Rose who worked six days a week and kept the house pristine; she also cooked all their meals for them.  She was a lot older than Tom, in her late fifties and Ruby always described her as ancient, out of Rose’s earshot of course, but she got on with her very well.  Rose had taught Ruby to cook, and they always planned the meals together, leaving Tom out of the equation altogether. This of course Tom did not mind in the least, as long as his food was good. 

As Tom stirred sugar and milk into his tea he decided he would go up to Ruby’s room and enquire if she would like a drink.  Standing outside her room he could hear her gently sobbing.  His heart felt as if it was breaking as he witnessed the unhappiness of his lovely daughter.

Ruby darling, are you okay, can I come in?  I know you’re upset, please talk to me and tell me what is wrong.  The answer that came from the closed door wounded him with its ferocity.

Shit dad, for God’s sake leave me alone, can’t I have any privacy, even in my own room?

Okay okay, I’ve only come to see if you are alright and if you want a drink, why do you have to be like this all the time, I feel you have no respect for me at all.  If only you would tell me what is troubling you, perhaps I could help. Tom pleaded but to no avail."

Dad, just leave me alone please, I’m alright I promise, and no thanks I don’t want a drink.

Tom walked back down the stairs to finish his cup of tea that was now cooling on the breakfast bar. He felt the tears welling up in his eyes. Where had he gone wrong with his daughter, had he let down his late wife by not being able to keep his promise to her? He had tried so hard, but felt he was failing miserably. He drank his tea as he drifted back into his reverie. 

Ruby had passed through her childhood, seemingly with no ill effect from growing up without a mother.  She had always given off the impression of being older than her years compared with her contemporaries. Tom had always put this down to Rose’s influence, making Ruby in effect the lady of the household. Ruby had only ever had one best friend, and that was Joanna.  They had been very close since infant school.  Even when Tom and Ruby had gone on holiday together Jo had always been invited and had usually accepted. The three of them had had some good holidays, mainly abroad, enjoying some sunny island or other. Jo and Ruby had rarely been out of one another’s company, Jo regularly slept over at theirs or Ruby would stay over at Jo’s house. That had been the routine

for so many years, but all of a sudden it had come to an abrupt end, Tom had no idea why, trying to talk about this with his daughter would start another of their not uncommon rows.

Often when Tom had arrived home, following a hard and stressful day, the house would have been full of teenage laughter and giggling.  The stress and fatigue would instantly fall away from him.  That beautiful smile of his daughter’s as she greeted him was like the sun appearing from behind storm clouds.  He had feared it all might end when Jo got a regular boyfriend; Tom dug into his memory for a name, ah yes, he remembered, Craig, that was it.  A nice lad, well-mannered he had thought.  Ruby’s friendship with Joanna hadn't ended though, the three of them had just enjoyed each other’s company; but he had not seen any of them around for weeks now.  He did not know why, and Ruby had refused to discuss it with him, saying he should just butt out of her business.

A loud ring tone and vibration on the worktop shocked Tom out of his thoughts. Picking up his mobile he recognised the number of the hospital. 

Hi Tom, sorry to disturb you on your rest day said the cheery voice of staff nurse Carol Tinsley.  There’s been a pile up on the motorway; don’t know how bad yet, may need you to come in, all hands-on deck as it were. Can you stay by your phone, are you at home?

Yes Carol, I’m just a phone call away if you need me.

Thanks Tom, ring you back if I do, bye for now.  He was left listening to a dial tone.  Tom’s booming voice carried up the quiet stairwell aiming for Ruby’s closed bedroom door.

Rube, might have to go back to work, been a bad accident on the motorway. If I get another call I’ll just go, okay.

Okay, whatever, a distant voice replied, discouraging further conversation.

Tom went back to the still warm stool and nearly finished mug of tea. The rain was lighter now but the sky was still slate grey.  He wondered if anyone had been killed in the accident, and what kind of surgery he would be faced with later, if any.  This weather always ended with accidents on busy roads, what with the bad visibility and heavy spray.

Ruby had started to talk about driving lessons herself, he was quite happy to pay for them, but then she would want her own car and he dreaded the thought of his little girl speeding around, after some of the sights he had seen following bad accidents.  He and his team worked miracles, putting people back together again, but there were also the ones he couldn’t help, and he was the one who had to talk to heartbroken families. 

Maybe he should encourage his daughter to start driving lessons; at least it would give her something to think about. Perhaps after her A levels he thought.  That reminded him of another problem; at the last parent’s evening her teacher had said her work had deteriorated, Ruby’s mock exam results were very poor and she would fail all her A levels unless there was a dramatic improvement.  That evening had also ended in a blazing row between father and daughter.

Tom Travis had been 20 when he married Kath Sanders and Ruby had come along after just a year.  Now, at 38, he was a very eligible widower.  Over the years many lovers had admired his tall stature, dark curly hair and long slender fingers which were always perfectly manicured. The same fingers that performed delicate operations had also caressed many female bodies, and were ideal for finding sensitive spots on a woman’s body, leading to induced and longing sighs; fingers that explored delicious curves, smooth bare skin, leading to lovemaking which had always ended in satisfaction for both participants. 

Emma O’Brian was new to Cheshire General Hospital, a junior doctor ten years younger than Tom, but he was smitten.  He made any excuse to visit her department just to chat to her, giving him a wonderful exciting feeling.  The problem was Tom felt very self-conscious regarding the age difference between them, and he held back from asking her out for that reason.  This had never been a problem with his other conquests, but he had never had any thoughts of a permanent relationship before and with Emma he held dreams of something more than just a casual fling.

Doctor O’Brian had realised the eminent surgeon’s visits were just an excuse to chat to her, and she was very flattered; after all, she was just a junior doctor and he was a surgeon of some repute.  When he had visited there was always a legitimate reason, but a phone call would have sufficed, or he could have sent one of his many underlings.  Emma tied back her long jet-black hair before scrubbing up, ready to assist wherever she was needed. There were two patients on their way in who needed urgent surgery following the major road accident on the motorway.  She had just been informed she was to assist Doctor Travis, who would be contacted urgently.

Emma had butterflies in her stomach, not because she was to assist in surgery, she had done that many times before but not with Tom Travis in charge.  She remembered his deep blue eyes that held a hint of sadness, but could penetrate her very soul, she was also slightly afraid of him, perhaps because of his senior position.  Was all this the reason for her butterflies and increased heart rate she wondered?  She looked at herself in the mirror as she scrubbed up.

Her green eyes held a hint of mischief; she smiled to herself displaying perfect white teeth as she wondered what Tom would be like in bed?  Her colleagues had been only too pleased to gossip about Doctor Travis and his past conquests.

All he wants is to get you into bed, and then that’s it. some had said.  He could never start a serious relationship with another woman because he has never got over his wife’s death.  He has a teenage daughter who causes him such a lot of worry so he won’t let himself get into serious relationships, so keep away, don’t get involved unless you want a load of hassle and heartache.

Emma wondered how many of these women had been rejected by the good doctor and it was all just sour grapes on their part.  The cloakroom door opened abruptly.

Doctor O’Brian, are you assisting Doctor Travis in surgery this afternoon? The question was posed by the hospital administrator.

Yes, I am, has he been contacted, asked Emma, and how long will he be do you think?

I’ve contacted him, he’s on his way in, and he will be about fifteen minutes. the administrator answered, turning to leave the cloakroom.

Emma grabbed a new plastic gown and face mask before making her way to theatre.

Chapter 2

The front door slammed making Ruby jump as she scanned her Facebook page on her laptop. It was all the usual stuff, a cartoon of her winking as a couple of unrecognisable boys took turns on top of her. The caption read ‘the school whore, anybody can fuck her, just take your turn’, then another from some unknown girl suggesting ‘you should kill yourself and give us all a break.’  She closed down the page, taking up her phone, not daring to open her texts and e-mails knowing they would contain only more of the same.

She thought of her dad leaving for the hospital on some emergency or other; the front door had slammed, but you had to slam it to make sure it closed properly. One thing she knew for sure, her dad had not slammed it in temper, he was the most even-tempered person she had ever known.  She wondered how that was possible, having her for a daughter.  She felt the self-loathing wash over her again, why was she like this with her father?  He loved her so much, and she loved him as well, but she could not show it and didn’t understand why?

It must have been so hard for him, bringing up a daughter on his own since mum had died and she had lacked for nothing, apart from a mother’s love, which of course he could not supply.  In the early years Rose, the housekeeper, had been part nanny, taking her to nursery school, then infants, followed by middle school. Her dad had done the school run when he could of course, though that had not been possible on many days. Aunt Jayne had also acted as a part time mother whenever Ruby needed to talk to an older female.

Aunt Jayne had been her hero. She had been in the forces during Ruby’s early years, a medic and Red Cap in the army. Jayne had travelled all over the world, including a long stint in Australia.  She had told Ruby of the many adventures she had experienced, and also about her many liaisons over the years.  However, Jayne had now settled down in her own place, deciding that permanent long-term relationships were not for her.  Ruby was able to talk to her about the many problems she had been unable to discuss with her Dad.  It was a pity, she thought, that she could not talk over her current situation with her aunt, but she felt unable to discuss those problems with anybody, certainly not family.

As she adjusted her position while lying on the bed, her shorts rode up to reveal the plasters just above her mother’s tattoo, as Ruby called it. The corner of one of the brown strips was sticking up, Ruby took it between her fingers, yanking the plaster off causing her to yelp with the pain. The scar underneath was beginning to bleed again, following the rough treatment. She then did the same with the second plaster, that’s for being such a cow, she said to herself, in fact that’s not punishment enough she thought.  She got out of bed, taking the razor blade out from the special place where she had kept it hidden, just behind a loose bath panel in the en-suite.  She made another bloody line just above the others. The sting of the blade as it cut into pure white skin made her cry, the blood started to form and drip down her leg. 

She looked at the tattoo again as the self-loathing began to overwhelm her once more.  Maybe she had enough pills to end it all now, and then she would not have to experience any of these feelings ever again. After the last time she had tried to commit suicide her father had locked away the medication, only letting her have a maximum of two pills at a time, and only when she really needed them so she had regularly feigned a headache, putting the pills under her tongue while pretending to swallow, but instead hiding them away in her special place.  She took them out now; she had a total of six.  On the internet she had learned that she needed at least ten pills, she would have to collect more.  She had visited plenty of suicide sights on the web in the past few weeks, so she was quite sure of her facts. 

The last time she had taken only four of the pills, after three Alcopops. Her dad had found her very quickly and rushed her to A&E where she had had her stomach pumped, saving her from any serious damage.  They had said that attempt was just attention seeking, so she had decided that next time would be for real.  Perhaps she would have enough pills next week. 

Ruby looked out of the window; the clouds were beginning to break up with just a hint of brightness showing through.  The small copse of trees at the bottom of the garden looked sad, branches hanging low, still dripping wet.  In the middle was the small pond which the trees kept hidden, as if it belonged to them only, and no one could disturb.  She and her best friend Joanna had disturbed it enough in the past, collecting frog spawn and taking samples of the water to examine in Ruby’s microscope which her dad had bought her one Christmas. 

Where had it all gone wrong, wondered Ruby? She and Jo had been best friends for ever.  She had been on holiday with them, always in one another’s houses, sharing birthdays and Christmases together. Ruby had not had other close friends at school apart from Joanna.  Even when Jo had got together with Craig they had still remained best friends.  Ruby had started dating Simon, Craig’s friend; it had all seemed so perfect for a time.

Had it all started to unravel the night of Simon’s birthday party, wondered Ruby, thinking back? All four of them had decided to go back to Ruby’s after the party. The house had been empty; Dad was on a late shift, not expected home until midnight. Jo and Craig had stayed downstairs, whilst Ruby and Simon had gone up to Ruby’s room to listen to some of her music.  It had started harmlessly enough with some snogging, then petting, followed by heavy petting.  It had all become frantic and before long they were both minus pants, playing around, fumbling, laughing, and then they had gone too far, Ruby had thought what a painful experience and all over in seconds. The biggest disappointing anti-climax she had ever experienced.

The next two months were hell for her, she was late with her period, one month, then two, and she was convinced she was pregnant.  Ruby was so frightened. What would she do, how she could tell her dad? Everyone would know at school, and then to her great relief her period had come, she was so thankful.  Simon, on the other hand, had vanished as though by magic.  She had seen him around of course, but they were no longer a couple.  Nothing was said, they did not break up, they just did not go out together again.  Neither of them was bothered and Jo just assumed they had had a row and finished.

Very soon after Simon had vanished from the scene, the thing with Craig had started.  Ruby remembered how suddenly he had begun to come on to her, quite strongly.  He even flirted with her in Joanna’s presence but Jo either did not notice or decided to ignore it.  Ruby had concluded, as it turned out unwisely, that Jo was cooling off in her relationship with her boyfriend.  Consequently, when Craig had asked her to accompany him to a cricket match she had readily accepted.  Ruby thought about the sunny hot Saturday afternoon of the cricket match.  She had dressed in tight white shorts and a crop top before going on the date. She recalled admiring herself in the full-length bathroom mirror, thinking she had looked very sexy.  The cricket match had been great fun, Craig knew some of the players so they had stayed behind a while after the match had ended for a drink; she had just drunk coke, but Craig had had several beers.  She knew she was on show as Craig’s new girl and had enjoyed all the admiration from his mates. While walking home later though, just the two of them going through the woods, something had felt not quite right to Ruby.  Craig was tipsy; the kissing was slobbery and too urgent.  Then he was trying unsuccessfully to unclasp her bra.  His alcoholic state, coupled with too much eagerness, meant his brain was unable to coordinate with his fingers.  Unsuccessful in that particular area, his hands moved south, and were now down her shorts.  They were both lying on the soft yielding grass and leaf mould and adding to Ruby’s discomfort, a large tree root was pushing right into the centre of her back causing her more irritation.  It was at this precise moment that Ruby realised all Craig wanted was sex, and she certainly did not. 

Craig no, get off me, this is not what I want, she had stated very forcefully. Craig seemed surprised as he replied.

What’s up with you, you let Simon shag you.  What’s wrong with me, not good enough for you is that it?

Ruby was furious for two reasons, first to think that Simon had blabbed to his mates, probably all of them that he had had her and secondly, that Craig thought she was that easy.  After all the worry she had had last time, it was not going to happen again.

Craig, take me home right now, she ordered, as she pulled his hand out of her shorts and off her bottom. 

Come off it, you stuck up little cow, you know you want me and I’m having you, whether you want it or not. 

Ruby knew it was mainly the drink talking, but she was now becoming frightened of Craig. This was a side of him she had not expected. She tried to fight him off but he was a lot stronger than her, and he was getting the better of the skirmish.  Luckily, some advice her Aunt Jayne had given her came into her mind.  If a guy gets to amorous with you, knee him as hard as you can in his balls, that’s guaranteed to cool his ardour.  She remembered they had both laughed about it, but she now

put it into action.  Her knee came up hard, finding just the right spot.  Craig squealed like a girl, tears filling his eyes, and the shock leaving him unable to speak for a second, however, when he did, his words were foul.

You fucking bitch, I’ll bloody kill you for that.

Ruby didn’t wait to hear more; she just got up and started to run. He tried to follow, but the pain in his crutch disabled all his running skills to just a fast and painful walk.  When Ruby reached the path, she slowed down to a jog, realising that she had been a victim of attempted rape.  It was then the tears came and lasted until she reached the safety of home.

Rose the housekeeper had just finished preparing an evening meal when Ruby burst through the door, crying and looking very dishevelled.

Whatever is the matter Ruby? Rose asked, feeling concerned.

Please Rose don’t tell Daddy, I’ve just been very stupid and led a boy on, but he tried to go too far with me.

Rose was tall and thin, with a kind and caring face, she always seemed to be wearing an apron as if perpetually cooking Ruby thought.  She also wore a severe hair style tied back in a bun, which only added to that assertion.

Come here and give me a hug, you’re ok now, he can’t get at you while I’m here, I’ll stay with you until your dad gets home.

He did not get what he wanted Rose, I kneed him in a very tender place. Ruby said, with a hint of a smile as she snuggled into the warm embrace that was so familiar to her, and had been throughout her growing years.

Rose laughed.

Good for you my girl, that's the way to treat men who think that they can have whatever they want from the fairer sex whenever they want it. Listen, why don’t you go up and take a warm shower and then get changed, I’ll have a hot meal ready for you.

With that Ruby did exactly as Rose had suggested, staying in the hot shower longer than usual, letting the water metaphorically wash away the painful events of that day.

The banging of an open window in one of the upstairs rooms jilted Ruby out of her reverie. The rain had stopped but the wind was getting up.  Ruby found the open window and closing it, she looked out.  The grey clouds were moving across the sky as if in a race, and the branches on the trees shook, disgusted by the cloud’s performance.  Ruby decided to make herself something to eat, it was now after five and she could feel the pangs of hunger beginning.

The kitchen was quiet and very empty, seemingly cold on a summer’s day thought Ruby, but perhaps it was just her mood. The white units sparkled, looking clean, even clinical. She had always felt this was her father’s influence, after all, he had decided on the design with the fitter. There was a note on one of the worktops, it read;

There is pizza in the fridge if you get peckish, probably won’t be home until late, love you darling, dad.

The note made Ruby’s eyes fill with tears again. Why was she so horrible to him, she wondered once more?  She remembered the first time he had spotted the healing cuts on her leg.  He had accused her of self-harming but she had denied it of course, but the look on his face was of sadness and disappointment, never anger, he had been close to tears.  This had hurt her more than all of the cutting she had inflicted on herself.

She turned on the top of the range oven, setting the timer before placing the pizza inside along with some oven ready potato wedges that she had found in the freezer, placing them carefully on a special cooking plate.  A machine automatically made coffee to suit any taste so after choosing her favourite setting, she sat and waited for her meal to be prepared by the machines.

Ruby was a first class cook; she had been taught by the best, the housekeeper Rose, but most of the time she just couldn’t be bothered to cook, she wanted something as near to instant as possible.

As she sat waiting for the various dings and beeps which would announce that her meal was ready, her eyes found the large oak table that stood in the oversize kitchen. Far too big for just the two of them she had always thought.  She remembered Joanna and herself sitting at each end, pretending to be lords of the manor, eating fish and chips out of newspapers. Why did those days have to end so acrimoniously?  It was all her fault, she could not blame anyone else.

The day after the ill-fated cricket match, which was a Sunday, Jo had come around to see Ruby, who was still in her bedroom.  Ruby knew things were different between them as she heard Jo at the door when opened by her father.

Hello Mr Travis, can I see Ruby please? Jo had always called Ruby’s dad, Tom. Ruby remembered this was the first sign of trouble.

Jo had been sent up to Ruby’s bedroom and entered with eyes red from crying.  She came over to Ruby and without a word slapped her across the face. The