Page 28 - The Spirit of Christmas 1940

Chapter 4

Everyone nearby stopped dead in their tracks at the sudden tea
announcement. She turned and walked back into the cafe without
a thought for the disruption she had just caused. Mr Crispin,
walked across to the cafe red-faced but obidient. He certainly
wasn’t going to say anything to her for her recent scream, it would
be a fate worse than death. Besides, the people in the vicinity only
found it amusing including Rose and Jimmy, who was doubled up
laughing at what had just happened. Only Sally could scream at
the great Mr Crispin and get away with it.

As Mr Crispin walked into the cafe, he saw the reason for Sally’s
indiscretion. She was flying around the cafe, clearing and taking
orders like a Blue Bottle Fly. He smiled at her and walked over to
his mug of tea on the counter. She was a hard worker, sometimes
she would take on a little too much, like now, but she wouldn’t
stop. She didn’t take any nonsense from anybody, any customer,
her dad, even the police watched their step when going in for a
brew but she was very much loved and could always be relied
upon.

Like Rose, in these times, she had no room for romance or going
out and having fun. There was a war on and everyone had to
do their bit as far as she was concerned. Any advances from the
passing servicemen were normally met with unpleasant actions
such as a quick witted and direct word or even, as in one instance,
a cup of tea over the head. She had no time for that rubbish. But
for now, she would bumble about her cafe and make sure everyone
was taken care of.

* * * * *

Out on the station, Rosie had noticed the soldier sitting on
the bench by Platform 1. He looked sad, which was how he
always seemed to her. Jimmy had closed his stall for a while and
disappeared to take advantage of another of his dodgy deals. He
would often disappear like this but nobody minded as the deals he
made eased the burden on the local community while rationing
was gripping everyone.

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