Thursday 14th August 2025
When I got in last night mum was in the kitchen just getting the drinks ready for supper. I went over and gave her a hug and a kiss.
"Dad wants a word, he's in the study."
"What about?"
She hesitate just a little, "He'll explain, just pop through and have a word with him. Don't be long mind."
I didn't like the sound of this. It reminded me of the time I had to go and see the headmaster for cheating on my homework. I ended up with detention that time. The door was open so it was okay just to walk in. Dad was sitting at his desk and was facing towards the window and the darkness of the night beyond.
"Mum say's you want to see me."
"I always want to see you my dear, sit down a minute will you."
I chose a place on the couch just behind him whereupon he turned the chair round to face me. He leaned forward in his chair, his forearms resting on his thighs so that his face was roughly the level of mine.
"What's been going off with young Nigel then?"
Of course I knew to what he was referring, and wasn't going to treat dad like a fool.
"It was nothing, he had a go at me so I had a go back at him. You know what he's like."
I didn't mention Eric or Steve's contribution.
"I'm going to be straight with you Katie, he's come to me complaining that all three of you were getting on at him. He's pretty upset about it."
"That's hardly fair dad, and he did start it. We just had a bit of a laugh that's all. It was nothing."
"I realise it's not easy for you Katie, and I'm certainly not getting on at you now. But you are have to adopt a different position to the others. When I'm not round you have to be the one to avert problems when you see them arising, not add to it. I rely on you for that."
"Honest dad, it was nothing, There was no problem - except he couldn't get backed in the shed because of Mr Booths car parked in the way."
"I know what you're saying, and of course I know you well enough by now to know that you meant no mallice. Unfortunately Nigel doesn't see it like that, so as soon as you can I want you to take it upon yourself to sort this out for me."
I thought now that he was asking me to apologise and I didn't like that idea as it was nothing that I needed to be sorry about as far as I could see. Eric should have bought Nigel a dummy when he bought him the nappies is my view point on the matter.
"Oh come on dad, I'm not apologising to him." I never question my dad or mum if I can help it but I didn't feel this was right.
"I'm not asking that of you. Just do what you are brilliant at and sort him and the situation out. Take him under your wing a bit if you have to. Look at what you did for young Peter that time."
"Peter was different, he liked me, Nigel hates me."
"Well, at least that's a start, you've identified the problem. It needs doing though dear because if he walks you're going to end up doing his work as I won't be able to get a replacement at this late stage. I'm not getting on at you, and it's certainly not a punishment in any way. Look on it was a lesson in management that will add to your experience for the future."
Seen as he put it like that I sort of got a bit enthused about the proposal. I wasn't sure how, or even if I was going to achieve anything the way Nigel is. I guess the incentive is that I don't want to end up doing his work. But more importantly to my mind is the lesson aspect of it. Dad is right, I should have bossed the situation more at the time, that's my roll that I took on when they took me on as their own. There are things that I could have done that would have avoided the whole debacle. Instead I was to busy enjoying putting one over on him.
"Okay, I'll see what I can do." I promised.
"Good girl, you're sure a treasure, and so mature for your age."
He came and sat beside me and we had a nice cuddle and a chat about how I'd got on and said that I needed to take the baler off in the morning and put the other trailer on my tractor. Apparently Eric and Steve cleaned it out for me the other day so it just needs attaching to my tractor, so not to much to do before breakfast.
"I might have bloomin' well known! Come on and get your suppers." Said mum from he doorway as she interrupted our snuggles.
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