I taught them to cook vidya4 - Flipbook - Page 39
Autumn Term
37
is keeping order in the classroom. Then finally, it’s managing
the food and ingredients that arrive daily in my room, cleaning
the ovens, equipment, and washing tea towels, dishcloths and
aprons.
Now, after all this time running things on my own, Cynthia
is here. The marvellous, energetic, nothing-is-too-much-trouble,
laughing Cynthia.
As the students begin to leave, Cynthia helps them pack up
their cooking and sees a dirty baking tray lurking in a butler’s
sink.
‘Do you want Len and his friend to clear this up, Jenny? I
think they must have forgotten.’
Len glances at Cynthia and returns to the sink to complete
his washing up. As soon as the room is empty we sit down, and
as I unbutton my overall and crumple it onto a stool, I feel my
responsibilities peel away.
Cynthia is here. Help is at hand.
‘Cynthia, you seem to know some of the boys, like Len.’
‘Oh, Jenny, I know lots of them. They’ve probably been round
my house for tea. One of my children is at this school, and me girl
is coming next year. We’ve lived round here for years. Me mother
and father moved here from the east end. They’re nice kids in
this area. You won’t get any stick from them. Any trouble, then
just have a word with their parents. But I really came to ask
what would you like me to bring to wear for this job.’
She glances at my tired, discarded overall.
‘I think an apron and some rubber gloves will be fine.’
Before leaving, Cynthia washes and puts away our teacups. I
shake her hand warmly.
My weekend stretches ahead and a walk on Hampstead Heath
in the autumn sunshine with Mark will be perfect. Then back to
our cosy flat for roast dinner.
Cynthia is coming on Monday, and I won’t be alone.