PORTRAIT OF A LADY

                                                       

                                                                               Chapter Three

                                                                                 Separation

 

Some said it was a miracle - that God must have been watching over them. Others, more cynically, put it down to nothing more than good fortune. And there were those who could not even go that far. Good fortune, one neighbour had said, disbelieving. Better if they had all died. And she was not alone in her thinking. Surviving the destruction of ones home, the loss of ones parents, to suffer serious injuries, and to be left alone and destitute at the tender age of four might not be everyone’s idea of good fortune. Some, less sceptical rejoiced that the children had survived.

          Without a moments hesitation Granny Wilkins took on the task of caring for the children. Christine first for though her injuries were serious they were not thought to be life threatening. She was discharged after a few weeks. Unfortunately Michael's condition was much more serious and he was quickly moved out of London to a hospital that could provide the specialist treatment he needed. Visiting was therefore difficult and infrequent, but Granny Wilkins made it clear from the start that the children would have a home with her until, as she had anticipated, a relative could be found who might claim them. But the weeks and then the months went by and no one came forward. In time the hope of a family solution faded and then to Mrs Wilkins dismay a letter arrived from the council saying that in the best interests of the children they would be put up for adoption.

          “But I will adopt them.” she had told the Children’s Officer, later that same day when she had gone to his office.

          “We know you mean well Mrs Wilkins, but we must try and find some younger couples; it will be far too hard for you as the years go by.”

           Nothing she could say would change his mind. “But they know me; they love me. How could another couple - even a young couple - be better than that?”

          “Well to start with we will be sharing the load. Two couples; one child each.”

          Mrs Wilkins stared unable to believe what she had just heard. “You cant do that,” she almost shrieked, “They’re twins; they belong together.”

          “Yes of course Mrs Wilkins. And if a suitable couple can be found they will stay together, but if that is not possible then we will have to place them with two families.

        Granny Wilkins was at her wits end, feeling that it was perhaps the worst day of her life, but the Children’s Officer, repeating his claim that it was in the interest of the children. He remained unmoved.

          Also there was some concern about Christine whose condition had shown worrying deterioration. Granny Wilkins was even more shocked when he intervened arranging for Cristine's return to hospital. He was, he had said, concerned for her well being, and was convinced that she needed specialist treatment.

          The very next day after Christine was taken away Michael finally arrived home, still suffering from his injuries but improving. Neither Michael or Granny Wilkins ever saw Christine again, and as soon as Michael was well enough he too was removed from her care forever. He too was lost to her forever.

          For the twins the separation was complete, each destined to go their separate ways. Before they left however Granny Wilkins, suspicious that Christine's removal was a ruse to rid them of her persistence, had taken the only photograph she had of the twins and tore it into two. The half showing Michael she gave to Christine.  Later, before he left her for an unknown future, she gave the other half with the picture of his sister, to Michael.