Chapter two Saying Goodbye

Chapter two Saying Goodbye
Michael's house was one of 20 cottages that formed a hamlet.All had thatched roofs, whitewashed with osk beams running across the front of cottages. All the residents kept their gardens looking good they took pride in their work.All the cottages had small front gardens but at the back they had loyts of space..Their back gardens nestled next to a small copse with horsechestnut trees. The inside of the cottages were small but cosy.. Michaels room was in the attic. He could look out his window and see clear across to Upper Strepton.
His telescope nestled in a nook by his window, he loved hoilidays and winter as the nights drew in he could get more time and see more in the night skies.
His walls were covered with his cricket heros and posters with galaxies and constellations.
His fishing rods had there own rack. His fly's were kept in a glass cabinet. His bookcase had all sorts of books. he kept his comic collection in two boxes next to his bookcase.
Hi room had sloping eves that seemed to cuddle you embracing and warm.
he kept his room tidy.
Many generations of village children got their prize conkers from the majestic trees.
Lynsey's parents and his parents had been friends for as long as Michael could remember.
Lynsey's dad Derek was an architect. Lynsey took her curls from her dad. He was of average height 5ft 6ins. blond curly hair and was always drawing sketches of houses or animals he was a good artist.
He had painted a portrait of Kerry and Lynsey when she was a baby.
He had captured his wives beautiful face, her hair was shining the sunlight bouncing off her golden brown hair, her soft blues eyes and her skin looked so soft it made you want to touch the painting.
Lynsey looked like an angel her curls framed her baby face giving an air of innocence.
He had sketched and drawn them both through the years but that one painting remained his favourite and Kerry's
Kerry was small; she would say petite, with a warm smile for all she met.
She gave private piano lessons to anyone who wanted to learn. She had 10 pupils and she was happy in her life and it showed.

Michael remembered all the talks his parents had together about building an eco friendly community, and how one day they'd be able to live of the land and nature and not pay bills.
There would be a wind turbine for electricity and they would be drawing heat from underground and air filters for fresh air to let the building breath. The adults where like kids with a new toy!
Michael and his friends thought a straw house would fall down, and the thought of living in one made Michael uneasy, but he never told his parents how he really felt about the move, Lynsey was the only one and he had sworn her to secrecy.

It seemed to the children their parents were always talking about schemes and plans, if it wasn't houses it was the arrival of the new baby; Michael was going to be a big brother soon.
Derek was a keen fisherman just like Ian, Michael’s dad.
They were members of the local fishing club and on special occasions Michael, Lynsey, Matthew, Davy and Harry, Michaels other friends got to go fishing with their dad's.
Michael had heard the ladies saying "It's great to have a day to ourselves." "The longer the better." And they'd all laugh. He wasn't sure what they meant but it didn't matter everyone was happy...

Kerry and Sandra were best friends. They shopped together, tried out recipes on each other.
They were best friends just like Lynsey and Michael. Kerry and Sandra were both the same height and up until Sandra's pregnancy had the same dress size handy when shopping and swoping clothes
Kerry had short bobbed brown hair with a hint of blonde she often regretted getting her hair cut but what's done is done no need crying over spilled milk.
Sandra's hair was long it went down past her shoulders and was a deep brown with a hint of chestnut running through it.
Ian said she had a touch of the Irish in her.

Two months ago Michael’s mum and dad told him they had to move house, they were going to Scotland to live.
Michael's dad came from Scotland... Michael was brought up with the stories of the Glens,
A big forest so dense it was like night-time in daytime the Monarch of the Glen was the stags...
He had heard his mum and dad talking about the new home. Michael remembered how mum’s face is shone when she spoke of their new e co friendly home.
One day coming in from school he saw his dad try to lift his mum and swing her around but he only managed a small half turn. She was too big around the tummy.
"Sandra it's our dream come true". I saw mum was happy her face was shining. "I know Ian." And then her face changed a sad worried look covered her once smiling face. Ian never saw the look he was to excited.

“We have to tell Michael the good news." Ian was so excited “Derek has designed and is helping to build our new home". Sandra knew Derek and Ian had plans to build an eco friendly village one day.
"Ian that's wonderful it means Michael will see Lynsey at holidays and weekends". Ian laughed "Those two are so close." Ian turned to his wife and saw the frown on her face "Come on Michael will adapt".
He’ll make new friends besides guess who is thinking of moving." Sarah was not surprised. I knew before you." She giggled as Ian snuggled into her neck. He smiled at his beautiful wife her long brown hair shone in the sunlight and her green eyes were like emeralds. Being six foot 5 inches Ian was tall Sarah came up to his shoulder he would tease her saying she was just the right height to lean on.
Michael took his height and colouring after his father he was a good four inches taller than anyone in his class his red hair and freckles gave a healthy glow to his face. A few folk would tease him and call him ginger it never bothered Michael after all his hair was a gingery colour.
Sandra hadn't told Ian about Michael's nightmares she was about to tell him when Michael came in the back door.

Michael didn't want his mum to worry; he had overheard his mum telling auntie Kerry the doctors had told her to slow down and not to worry or work too hard especially in her condition... A new baby was due soon, in four weeks time. So he put on a brave face and helped with the packing.

It wasn't that Michael disliked Scotland his grandparents the Mackenzie’s lived their and a lot of his dad's relations.
Sometimes they were very noisy especially when night came and they all had a wee snifter. He still didn't know what a wee snifter was, he knew it made the men and some of the ladies merrier than usual mum said it was high spirits. Christmas and New Year everyone was in high spirits.

Michaels parents, felt sorry for him, they tried to reassure him, and told him he'd make new friends.....
That this was too good an opportunity to miss out on'
The only good thing about the move was the fact that Michael's grandparents lived just 2 miles away... Where he lived he only saw his grandparents a few times a year. Dad said it was too far to travel....And getting time off work was hard.
Grandma and Grandpa Mackenzie... Mum said dad was just like his father happier when he could be outdoors. And Michael had the same love of the outdoors.

Michael's mum's parents where in heaven. He never knew them. There where photo's of them and they looked nice.
They didn't have white hair like his other grandparents; their hair was brown like mums. Mum said that's because they died young and that most people when they get old their hair either falls out or it goes white or a silver Gray.
Mum would tell Michael stories of them how good they where and how sad she was that they where taken away in a plane accident...

It had happened two yr s before Michael was born. They had been on holiday; a safari in Africa. The plane they where travelling home in crashed into the sea. Michael would see the tears in his mum’s eyes when she spoke of them.
Michael had never really known what it was to be sad and to lose someone close, now he knew what sadness meant, he was feeling so sad that sometimes the tears just flowed from his eyes when he thought of his home and his friends and everything he was leaving behind.

Michael's new house was to be much bigger than his old one and there was a nursery for the new baby, which according to mum and dad was in a hurry to get out of mum's tummy...
Mum let Michael hear the baby's heartbeat through a stethoscope she had bought especially for him. She didn't want him to feel left out and wanted him to love his new baby...
Michael loved to listen to the baby's heartbeat and sometimes he'd feel the baby kick... One day he felt the baby kick harder than usual "It's a boy! I'm going to have a brother; a girl can't kick as hard as this." Michael rubbed his mum’s tummy and whispered into her belly,” When you come out one day you and I will play football, cricket, fishing in fact there's lots you and I can do together." He kissed his mum's tummy.
Ian and Sandra smiled at each other they knew it was going to be a boy but kept it a secret from Michael... "And if it's a boy what's his name to be?" Asked dad, Sandra frowned at him she was a bit afraid Michael would come out with a name like Egbert which he called his hamster...
Michael thought for a minute “Well as he's always jumping around mum's tummy, we'll call him Jack, Jumping Jack Flash.” Dad laughed out loud "I like the Jack not too sure about the jumping and flash." Michael giggled at the idea.
Sandra liked the name in fact she had been leaning towards Jack or Douglas for a name
Jack Mackenzie it had a ring to it .It was settled. Unbeknown to Michael, one of his great great-grandparents was called Jack.
So it was settled Jack was to be the baby's name if it was a boy....


Michael had never had a nightmare, but now it seemed that every night he was being chased by monsters, some had big teeth and red eyes and the witch had a broomstick and she flew over him trying to snatch him away. Michael was so scared because now in his nightmares his legs were feeling heavier he was finding it harder to run away from the monsters and the witch.
When Michael and his friends played games he was the fastest runner he could run faster than any of them.
His mum had tried her best to reassure him that the monsters were not real.
That's OK for them to say thought Michael they're not the ones being chased.
His mum knew the nightmares were related to moving away from everything he knew and loved, but they had to take this offer.

Lynsey had tried to Help Michael she told him not to run away but face and fight the monsters. Stand up to them as they were just bullies, trying to frighten him. Michael had tried but when the monster opened its mouth and the big teeth were ready to chomp him up he ran away again...Every night it seemed the witch was getting closer to catching him.
Michael was looking tired and had circles under his eyes His sleep time was no longer restful. His parents were so worried.
And did not know how to help their son.

Ian had been up to Scotland to make the final arrangements he took lots of photos of the hose they would live in. Well the one they would live in until their e co house was built.
The new house was much bigger than the old one it had four bedrooms and two bathrooms, mum loved it. It had a front and back garden with lots of raspberry and blackberry bushes, there was a huge plum tree, mum was already thinking how many pots of jam she would get from them... Dad said the back gardens grass was so long they two could hide in it and mum would never find them, so they could sneak out the back garden and go fishing...
Dad had promised them it would be all neat and tidy for them moving in...

The time had come, all the boxes where ladled and packed up in the huge van dad had hired... It seemed to Michael the entire village had come to help them on their way... They all said how much they'd miss them but it was for the best...The sun was out and the village was awash with it's rays. A crisp clean winters day.

Michaels friends turned up to say goodbye, Jessica,Harry, Matthew and David, Harry with his huge owl eyes and small face sniffed as he shook hands and wished Michael good luck. Harry wasn't one for saying much, they had been friends for so long, and life would not be the same without his mate Mickey.
Michael had decided to give each of them a keepsake so they would always remember each other.
Michael had overheard one of the neighbours saying "He's young he'll soon forget all of us." He did not want to forget his friends or his friends to forget him. So they arranged to give each other a gift. Something they would keep and look at and remember each other by.
Jessica gave Michael a scrabble board it was a special board she had helped her uncle Anthony carve it from wood. The tiles were polished granite.
Jessica had tears in her eyes as she handed Michael his going away gift.She was remembering all the good times they had shared ."Thanks Jess I promise to keep playing. Jessica had helped Michael with his words and how to play strategicaly.
Michaels ratings had gone up because of her help. She gave him a big hug "Now Mich monsta (her pet name for him) I want a letter every week and when you get hooked up we'll play online scrabble I've found a great site it's called ISC." Jessica felt a lump rise she gave Micahel a hug and he gave a promise to keep playing and practising. "Give Shadowmage a carrot for me". "I will."

Harry gave Michael his lucky charm, it was an old brass button, it looked like it had come off a Calvary jacket, and it had a horseman on his horse holding his sword above his head... Harry had found it when they were fishing; he said it was his lucky charm because after he cleaned the button he caught three fish... Michael remembered that day well, the sun had been high in the blue sky, everyone was happy. The dads were all laughing and talking about sports and who would win the ashes or the league...A huge picnic basket filled with every delight for man and boy...
Sandwiches, chicken, cream, cakes, chocolate cakes, pies, cheese, biscuits, juices, everything they needed
The wives always contributed to the picnic hamper glad to be rid of the boys for a few hrs.
It was a father, son and daughter counting Lynsey outing, that's how the four boys became friends, through their parents and all the mums became friends... They all caught fish that day except David he looked miserable. Harry gave him one of his...

Michael gave Harry his signed poster of Freddie Flintoff, and his cricket manual books. Michael knew how much Harry loved cricket.
When Harry came to play he would stare at the poster and practice his stance in the mirror, standing just like Freddie waiting for the ball. Harry wanted to play cricket for England one day. Everyone said he had a gift for it. And who knows maybe one day Harry will fulfil his dream.

...David who was the strongest of them said it was helping out on his grandfather’s farm, gave him muscles. Lifting and carrying the bails and helping with cattle. David had a thick head of black hair and dark brown eyes he looked like a wild gypsy at times especially when his hair got over his ears.
They shook hands; David gave Michael a box of fish-hooks for fishing, Michael’s dad was always forgetting to replenish the fish-hooks. Michael gave David his favourite spin rod, David’s face was beaming he’d admired the rod ever since Michael’s grandfather had bought him it. Michael hoped his granddad would understand David' couldn't afford a rod like this one Michael knew he loved it. And he had his new rod.
"I'm sure to catch one now eh Mick." They all laughed.

Matthew was next. A lot of folk thought they were brothers.
Mathews mum said he was a big boned boy... he was not over weight. He was slightly plump but not fat.
They had the same colour of hair though Michaels had more curls they had the same dark green eyes.

Sometimes they'd pretend to be brothers it was fun..... They shook hands.
Matthew handed Michael a parcel "Open it just now Mick I want to see your face." said.
As Michael opened it he saw a football strip it was the rovers strip Matthew had got the team to sign it... Michael was speechless all the team had signed it. He looked at all the names, Big John Adams, Davie green and his favourite Jon Joe his name was Joe Johnson the fans turned his name round, he was their top goal scorer...
Michael handed Matthew a box "Go on open it." Matthew opened the box and inside was Michael’s collection of the famous five comics.

Matthew loved reading them, when he stayed over at Michaels he had read them many times and still found them exciting.
Super heroes with difference theses superheroes were children four boys and a girl, just like the five of them.
Matthew would fantasise and get them all to play pretend super heroes.
Matthew was the leader. He was the biggest he was Dynamo D He could smash through anything, Harry was X Ray eyes, on account of his big eyes, Davy was Elastic man who could stretch further than anything. Lynsey was Miss minimize she could become so small she could fit through the smallest crack. She didn't like it at first but then Matthew told her she could also grow taller than a building so she was happier being miss mini she shortened the name, the boys let her .
Michael was Captain Quicksilver, the fastest person in the whole world and he was so strong he could lift a mountain if he wanted to...
They had lots of good times playing their games.

Deep down Matthew felt a little guilty because he told his mum how much he'd miss the comics and here they where... A tear formed in Matthews’s eye as he realised he was losing a dear friend one who he'd known all his short life... For the first time all the boys knew what it felt like the sadness of losing someone.
Matthew wiped his eyes and sniffed, they all sniffed and made a group hug and promised never to forget each other.
Michael looked around for Lynsey she was always late for things.

Mum was hugging their neighbours and dad was shaking hands with everyone, promising to write and let them all know how they where doing and mum promising to send photo's of the new baby and the house...
Michael bit his lip to stop himself from crying...Just then Lynsey came running up and thrust a box into Michael’s hands and before he knew it she was hugging him and kissing his cheeks... "I had to double wrap it." Don't open it here wait till you get to your new house." Michael smiled him gave Lynsey a musical box... Lynsey loved it. It was Michael’s mums. Michael told her how much Lynsey loved it.
Sandra gave it willingly.
Lynsey loved to dance like the ballerina in the box
"I'll always be you pal Michael and remember don't open the box until you reach your new home." She pulled him aside and whispered into his ear so the other boys wouldn't hear.” Michael please doesn’t run away from the monsters fight them." "Remember we're the fantastic 5 and magical things happen." "Remember Merlin was a real wizard we got that in history so magic is real please please Michael believes."
Michael knew Lynsey meant well but she would never know what it was like. Michael didn't want the other boys to know about his nightmares and how scared he was of the monsters he thought they'd laugh at him.
Tears were rolling down her cheeks... Lynsey would miss Michael so much...


Michael felt his tummy turn over it. Lynsey was crying and it seemed she wouldn't stop. They all hugged her...
Aunt Kerry was hugging mum, tears flowing as they said their goodbyes.
"I promise to keep in touch Kerry, Scotland isn't the end of the earth and there is the internet we can chat and gossip."
"I Know Sandra, and I am so glad for you but this place will never be the same without you and Ian and Michael."
Lynsey squeezed between them "I'm coming to stay at holiday’s auntie Sandra remembers you said I could."
Sandra smiled at Lynsey her golden curls framed an angelic face how she'd miss this little angel.

"And so you will. All of you will be staying there will always be a place for you at our home." With that she kissed and cuddled Lynsey... "See you all at Christmas." Lynsey tugged Auntie Sandra’s sleeve “Danny said Hubert can't come.” Sandra smiled “Of course he can't this is home and besides Danny would miss him.” Lynsey agreed.
Hubert was a huge St Bernard dog that followed the children everywhere.
Danny. Took such pride in his work, you the village children all loved it when his fruit trees were ripe,
he always had a wee parcel for each of them, strawberries,plums,blackberries and rhubarb.
Every year at the garden fete he was awarded a special gift. For his good work in keeping the village clean.
Everyday Herbert accompanied Danny on his rounds, he especially liked going past the butchers he always got a nice juicy bone.


Hubert lay down at Michaels feet, he knew something was wrong he saw all the sad faces and tears.
His huge brown eyes looked up to him Michael bent down and Hubert started licking Michaels face it was his way of saying goodbye to Michael .
Michael hugged Hubert and again felt the sting of tears in his eyes. Mum had promised Michael could get a dog of their own when they moved to their new home Michael was looking forward to that but how he would miss Hubert
"Right that's us packed up and ready to go, thanks to our good neighbours and friends. Dad turned to thank everyone again and thanked everyone for their help.

The van lurched forward and they were moving away dad was waving and shouting goodbyes. Michael and his mum watched as Lynsey and all their friends became dots and then they were gone..
Michael felt so sad he turned away so his mum wouldn't see his tears, they rolled silently down his face..... He was trying had to be brave he had heard the grown ups talking and mum was told not to stress or get worried as it might affect the baby.


Sandra knew her son was crying. It broke her heart to see her little boy so afraid when he’d awaken trembling and crying that the monsters nearly caught him again he'd cling onto her. The only thing she could do was to bring him into their bed... Ian didn't mind sharing the bed he even drew a cartoon of the three of them in bed... Two big pair of feet sticking out the blanket and a pair of small feet in between them...Michaels dad could've been an artist but he said their was to much competition and not enough money to support a family and what passed as modern art was a joke..
Mum encouraged him to draw she had his drawings and paintings all around the house as did all their family and friends.
Michael liked to draw but lately he just didn't want to...

It was a long journey to Scotland miles and miles of motorways. Michael had tried to stay awake but he was so tired