Tim and Amy

Tim and I kept in touch by text message, though I also called on their home phone every couple of weeks, and Tim dutifully obeyed Pam's injunction to 'talk to your niece, dear.'

Then, nearly at the end of summer, I called Tim at work.

"I'm at college for the exam results," I said excitedly. "Guess what?"

I was sure that Tim could guess the reason for my excitement, but he let me tell him my 'surprise'.

"I got all my grades," I said. "I got in to uni."

I could hear the delight and anticipation in his voice. "Congratulations, and I'll see you in the autumn... dearest Amy."

***

We pulled up outside Tim and Pam's house. The weeks between my visit in the summer, and the start of my first term at uni, had gone more quickly than either of us had expected.

I was first out of the car and up the path. "Hi, Aunty Pam," I said, "Hi, Tim."

I gave Pam a hug first, then squeezed Tim as hard as I could.

"Oof," he said, grinning. "Don't break me."

"She's been talking about nothing else since she got her results," said Mum, walking up the path with a large rucksack. "Going to uni, staying with her aunt and uncle, getting to see where Tim works."

"I'm sure she'll miss us when the excitement's worn off a little," said Dad. He took my suitcase out of the boot.

Tim tried the handle. "Goodness, Amy, what have you got in here?" he teased. "If you want some bricks to make bookshelves, I've got some in the garage – you didn't need to bring your own."

I stuck my tongue out at him, and he pretended to be shocked. "Now see here, young lady."

I feigned a chastened look, and remembered all over again why being with Tim was such fun.

Mum and Dad made their farewells, hugging me. "Call us when you get back from registration day," said Mum, as they drove off.

I waved at them as the car disappeared down the road, then turned back to Tim and Pam.

"Here's your house key," said Pam.

I took the offered keyring and said, "Thanks, Aunty Pam. I promise I'll take care of it."

"I have a key for you too," Tim said. He looked across at Pam and she smiled. I took the key he held out, puzzled.

"Look in the garage," said Tim.

I went round the corner of the house and lifted the garage door, then squealed with delight at what I saw.

I raced back round and stood on tiptoe to kiss Tim right on the lips. His look of dazed confusion wasn't in the least feigned; he looked over at Pam, but she just raised her eyebrows, as if to say, 'What can you expect? She's young.'

"A Mini! Uncle Tim! They're my favourite – thank you so much."

"Well, you have to get to and from the campus somehow," he said. "At least this way we know you're not going to be hassled by some stranger on the bus, or get lifts from older students with less than honourable intentions."

"Come on in," said Pam. "Tim will take your things up to your room and we'll leave you alone to settle in."

Tim hauled my luggage up to my room, and stood there getting his breath back. I came up the stairs and into the room, standing out of sight of the landing. Tim put his arms around me and squeezed, and I felt all of my affection for him come flooding up out of my heart.

I buried my head in my shoulder for a few seconds, then he loosened his hold on me.

"Later," he said. I nodded.

Tim went back down the stairs to the kitchen, where Pam was making dinner, while I quickly unpacked.

I came down the stairs. "I've got most of it sorted out," I said. "Mmm, that smells good."

"Come and sit down, dinner's ready," said Pam. We went into the dining room, and Pam served.

"We should probably talk a bit about how things are going to work," Tim said. I nodded.

"You can come and go as you please," Tim said. "But we'll assume you're coming in for dinner unless you call us to say otherwise. There's no curfew, and we won't wait up for you to come home, though if you plan to stay out late – or all night – we'd prefer it if you mentioned it beforehand."

Pam chipped in, "It'd be nice to have some help with washing up, and you can cook if you like, but I won't expect you to do any other housework, or food shopping, or your laundry – I'm used to sorting clothes. We don't mind you bringing people back, and you can use any room, including your bedroom –" at this my face went pink – "but I think we'd prefer you didn't have anyone to stay overnight – that can wait until you get a flat on campus next year or the year after, if you want to. Of course you can stay with us the whole three years if you like."

"Does that sound OK?" Tim said.

I grinned. "More than OK – you two are the best! Now, where do I sign up to do these dishes?" I practically skipped into the kitchen.

When the clearing up was done, we all sat in the living room and talked for a while longer, then I said, "Well, it's registration day and freshers' fair tomorrow, big day. I'd better get some sleep."

I went upstairs and closed the door. After a few minutes I heard Tim and Pam coming up to bed, then I drifted off to sleep.

The next morning I woke early, and went downstairs. Pam was already up, and Tim came down a few minutes later to find us sitting at the breakfast table.

"My two favourite girls," he said, kissing Pam on the lips, then ruffling my hair with his hand. I pretended to look annoyed.

"What?" he said. "You were going to do something with it before you went out anyway, weren't you?"

I stuck out my tongue, and Tim winked at me.

"Anyway, I have to go to work," Tim said, gulping down half a cup of coffee rather too hot.

Pam leaned over for another kiss, and Tim patted my shoulder.

"Good luck with registration day," he said. "Don't join too many societies at the freshers' fair." And he headed for his car. I was already looking forward to recounting all the events of my first day at college over dinner that night.

The next few days seemed to race by; I started on all my classes, and spent a lot of time at the study desk Tim had set up for me at one end of the dining room, chewing on the end of a pen and absent-mindedly tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear. Tim had long days at work, and Pam took on the extra effort of having a third person in the house. I helped as much as I could, but I knew Pam had deliberately held off asking me to do more so that I could spend my time studying. All in all, the household worked, though I did begin to wonder when Tim and I would get to spend time alone, and enjoy more than our occasional moments when Pam was elsewhere.

Then almost at the end of my first term, Pam said, "I have to go on a training course, and it means staying away, just one night next week."

"Ok," Tim said. "I think we can manage to cope for one night without you."

I chipped in, "I'll cook something for Uncle Tim."

I thought back to last Christmas when I'd cooked; the scent of my perfume, mingled with the herbs I'd been using in the cooking, came sharply into my memory.

The morning of Pam's trip came, and Tim and I saw Pam off, then went back into the house.

"I've booked today and tomorrow off," said Tim, "so we can do what we like."

"Well, actually I have one lecture today I can't miss," I said, "so how about we go up to campus? You can have a coffee while I'm in my lecture, then we can have some lunch, and decide what to do next."

I got ready, and we went out. "I'll drive," I said, and Tim had his first experience as a passenger in my Mini as I drove it up to the campus.

"Actually you're not such a bad passenger," I teased. "I was expecting you to be a terrible back-seat driver."

I parked outside the Student Union building, and we walked in. Quite a few people waved at me, and I waved back.

"That'll get them wondering," I grinned.

Tim settled down in the cafeteria with a coffee and that day's paper, while I went off to my lecture. I listened carefully as usual, making plenty of notes.

On the way back, I ran into my friend Laura, a petite blonde art student.

"Hi, Laura," I said. "Are you free now? Want a coffee? My uncle's come up to campus to have a look around – I'm staying with him and his wife, remember."

Laura grinned. "Sure, why not."

We went back to the cafeteria, and I waved at Tim. He waved back, glancing at my companion. When we reached him, I said, "Hi, Tim. This is Laura."

"Hi, Laura," he said. "Are you a business student too?"

She laughed, and replied, "Not me! I'm doing art." She indicated the portfolio case she carried. "I've been trying to persuade Amy to sit for me, but she seems a little reluctant."

"Well, I'll see what I can do to persuade her," Tim said. "Are you ready for lunch, Amy?"

"Sure thing. You want something, Laura? Tim's buying."

"Ok – I have no problem hanging out with your generous uncle," grinned Laura.

We queued up with trays, and Tim paid for our meal. We sat down at a table by the window and began to eat.

I went to get a drink of water, and when I returned, Laura said "Tim says I can come to his place with you if I'd like."

I grinned. "Sure," I said. "They have a pool and everything."

"Well," said Laura, "this sounds better and better. I have life class today, but could I come over tomorrow morning?"

"Sure," I said. "That's all right, isn't it, Tim?"

"Definitely," he replied.

Laura headed off to her class, and when she'd gone Tim said to me, "That's OK, isn't it? It'll be great to get to know some of your friends."

I put my hand on his. "That's fine," I said. "If Laura is a little surprised by how affectionate I am with my uncle when we're at home, I'm not going to worry about it."

We went back to the car and I drove us home.

"What would you like to do this afternoon?" Tim asked.

"How about we have a bonfire?" I suggested. "You swept up all those leaves last week."

"Great idea," grinned Tim. We went into the back garden, and Tim piled up the leaves and some branches he'd trimmed from the trees, then lit the pile.

We stood looking into the flames, and I reached for Tim's hand. "Soon be Christmas again," I said.

"Wishing your life away?" he teased.

"No," I smiled. "Just remembering all the wonderful things that happened last year."

Tim squeezed my hand. "We'll see what we can do to make it just as special," he promised.

"Well, talking of promises, I promised you dinner," I said, as the fire slowly collapsed into a pile of glowing ash.

"Guess so," Tim said. We went back inside and into the kitchen, and I started to pull pans and other utensils from the shelves.

"Oho," Tim said, "I can see I'm going to have my work cut out cleaning up after you've had a session in the kitchen."

I grinned, and said, "It'll be worth it." And I started a blitz of peeling, chopping, frying, simmering.

"Can I do anything?" Tim asked.

"Well, set the table, and you could open a bottle of wine."

He went into the dining room, seeming to take a long time just to lay out cutlery and open a bottle.

"Won't be long now," I said.

"Why don't I watch and stir, while you change into something a bit more dressy," he suggested.

"OK. Just don't get anything burn," I said, feigning a threatening expression.

"More than my life's worth."

I returned after a few minutes in a simple black dress, with my hair up, a few stray strands escaping.

"Wow," said Tim. "Why don't you sit down, and I'll serve."

He led me into the dining room and I gasped. Tim had set the table with the best china, silverware, crystal; in the centre was a candlestick with gently flickering candles, and next to it a vase of flowers. He turned the lights down low.

"Tim, this is perfect – thanks for setting everything so beautifully."

He held my chair for me to sit down, then fetched the food from the kitchen and served. "This smells amazing," he said.

"I think you'll enjoy it," I said, already reaching for my own fork.

He poured wine for us, and we ate without talking, savouring each bite.

When we'd finished the main course, he cleared the plates away, and said, "I already have dessert sorted – it's not exactly sophisticated, but I know you'll like it."

He returned from the kitchen with two heaped bowls of chocolate ice cream.

"Mmm," I said, "just what I had in mind."

We finished the meal and sat talking for a while about how my first term was going.

"I'm getting really good marks in my coursework, and I have one final paper to submit before Christmas," I said. "Then in the New Year I need to do my first placement."

"Already arranged," Tim replied. "You'll have four weeks with my team – I organised it that way so I can give you a really thorough induction into the company, so you know who's who and how everything really works, before you spend time in any of the other departments."

"Thanks, Tim. Or will I have to call you 'Mr Smith' at work?"

"Actually these days in the business world, everyone is more or less on first name terms – the whole power and deference thing just shows up in different ways."

I looked thoughtful. "I'll remember that – it's not something any of my tutors have mentioned."

"See – there's the first thing you've learned from your placement, and you haven't even set foot through the door yet."

I leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. "Thanks – it's not the first new thing I've learned from my big-shot manager uncle, though."

He grinned. "True – but some of that isn't the sort of thing you'd put in a business book. Now, I think I'd better go and restore some kind of order to the kitchen. How about I make coffee, and you sit at the kitchen table and talk to me while I wash up?"

"Great idea," I said, and we went through to the kitchen.

He made the coffee, and I sipped while he clattered in the sink. When everything was washed and dried and back in its place, I said, "That was pretty efficient."

"Long practice," he replied. "Now, how about another coffee back in the living room?"

We took our drinks and sat together on the couch, with just a lamp for illumination. I settled my head on his shoulder, and we sat in comfortable silence for a while.

"So, how are we going to entertain Laura tomorrow?" I mused aloud.

"I think she was looking forward to using the pool," he replied. "And she did hint that she'd like you to sit for her; perhaps she'll bring her art materials."

"Hmm," I said. "You know when she says 'sit' she means nude, don't you?"

"Ah," said Tim. "I thought she just meant a portrait, or 'Girl at a Window', or something. I see now why you had some reservations."

"Well," I said, "we'll see how it goes. At least if it's here, it'd only be Laura – no risk of any other would-be 'artists' barging in because they've heard there's a girl modelling."

"So if you did it, you'd have no problem with me being around?"

I shifted position to face him. "It would be a bit silly if I did, given how close we already are."

Tim smiled. "I can still hardly believe it," he said. "I have to keep pinching myself. Believe me, I never take you for granted."

I reached out and squeezed his hand. "Me neither."

"So, shall we go to bed?" he said. "I haven't forgotten our routine."

***

In the morning, I looked in on Tim. He was still dozing, so I went downstairs and made bacon sandwiches and coffee. As I brought the tray in and set it down, Tim stirred.

"Mmm," he said, "that smells great. There's an old saying, 'Never ask a man anything important in the morning till he's had coffee and bacon. After that he'll give you anything you ask'." He started to eat.

"That has distinct possibilities," I grinned. "Anything? Really? Here, have another sandwich. Take the whole plate."

When we'd finished breakfast, Tim asked, "What time is Laura coming?"

"I said I'd pick her up at ten," I said.

He glanced at the clock on the bedside table. It was just after nine.

"We should shower before we go," he said. "Your turn first?"

I nodded, and went into the bathroom. When I'd showered, I went back to my bedroom, and put on my jeans and t-shirt while Tim had his shower and shaved. He went into the master bedroom to dress, then came back to my room.

"No point in dressing up," I said, "I'll be in my bikini as soon as we get back here with Laura."

Tim nodded. "Shall I drive this time?" he asked.

"OK," I replied. "Got to let you show off a bit, haven't I."

We went out of the house and he held the door of his car for me as I got in, then went round to the driver's side. He pulled smoothly away from the kerb, and we drove the few minutes to the university campus. I directed him to the hall of residence where Laura had her room.

She was waiting outside carrying her portfolio and a small rucksack.

"Wow," she said as Tim got out and helped her put her things in the boot, "a Mercedes. Nice to be picked up in style."

She slid in to the back seat behind Tim, and settled back, enjoying the feel of the leather, while he drove us home.

I opened the front door, and said, "Laura, why don't you come up to my room to change. Tim, we'll meet you by the pool."

By the time we reached the extension, chatting and giggling, Tim was sitting in one of the loungers by the pool with a long cold drink.

"Margarita?" he offered.

"Who's she?" quipped Laura, "I thought it was just the three of us."

She slipped into the pool and gracefully swam a couple of lengths, her blonde hair streaming out behind her. I followed her in, supporting myself on my elbows at the edge of the pool and watching.

"Aren't you coming in, Tim?" asked Laura.

"OK," he said. He dived in and swam over to us. "I have an idea for a game. Let's all start at one end and see who can get to the other end quickest, but walking, not swimming."

"OK," I said. We lined up, and Tim said "Go."

We started pushing through the water, and Tim soon drew ahead, getting to the other end first. I was next, and Laura last.

"That's not fair," panted Laura, smiling. "I'm the lightest, so I've got the least weight to push with."

"I know what would make it fairer," I said. "Tim has to carry one of us while he races against the other one."

Laura grinned. "OK," she said. "You go first."

I moved behind Tim and put my arms round his neck. I lifted my legs and he put his arms through them, just in the same way as he used to give me piggy-backs when I was much younger.

"Ready?" I said to Laura.

"Go!" she replied. Tim set off, moving more slowly with my weight on his back, and Laura quickly outpaced us, looking back with a triumphant expression on her face as she touched the end of the pool first.

"Nice one!" I said, sliding down from Tim's back. "Now, do you want a turn at being carried?"

Laura nodded eagerly. "This is fun!" she said. "I haven't played around in a pool like this for years."

She swam up to Tim and put her arms round his neck as I had done. She lifted her legs up and Tim took her weight.

"Three, two, one, go!" I intoned, and we set off down the pool again, less competitively this time, turning to splash water at one another, Laura and I squealing as the spray hit our faces.

We reached the other end, all out of breath, laughing.

"I'd love that drink now," said Laura. "Me too," I chipped in.

We got out and Tim poured drinks for all of us. Laura and I shared one of the loungers, facing Tim.

We chatted for a while, Laura telling us about the different pieces she was working on for her next show.

"I'd really like to do a piece featuring you, Amy," she said. "You'd make an amazing subject."

I looked serious. "I'd love to," I said, "but I'm not sure I could cope with walking around campus and people wondering if I really did look like my picture under my clothes."

Laura looked crestfallen. Then her face brightened again.

"Easy," she said. "I just don't show your face. And if we come here to work, nobody will even know it's you who sat for the picture. That'd be OK, wouldn't it, Tim?"