Edward Langford House - 1. Chapter 1

With trembling hands, and tears threatening, he sat in the old leather armchair and let his thoughts roam back. Back to the trauma of being disowned by his family, scratching around for food, often from restaurant bins, searching for somewhere warm and safe to sleep out on the streets. None of it had been easy and it took its toll on his sixteen year old self. That was until by chance, he met Edward.

When Michael first met Edward he had been on the streets for about five months and was hiding behind the food waste bins at the back of the hospital. It was December and the nights drew in early, and it was cold with a possibility of snow. His thinking was logical really, hunt for food scraps from the kitchen bins, then try to sneak into the boiler room for warmth, it seemed a good place to be, perfect.

As he reached for a discarded sandwich, he was bitten by a rat and cried out. It was at that moment the kitchen door opened. Trying to hide, and nursing the bite, he wasn't as quiet as he'd hoped. Edward heard the commotion as he opened the door, and decided to investigate. Thinking it was a stray dog he picked up a broom to shoo it away.

He was surprised to find a scruffy young boy, trying to hide. Trying not to frighten the boy he asked, “What are you doing out here? Shouldn't you be at home in the warm?”

Michael was transfixed, replying with fear in his eyes and uncertainty in his voice, “I'm sorry sir, I'm hungry and cold I was only looking for some scraps. I don't mean to be problem I'll just go.”

Edward stepped a little closer to get a look at the boy. Michael was a good looking lad even though he was thin and slightly built, light brown hair, blue eyes, about five feet ten in height and a bit older than Edwards first impression, maybe 15 or 16. He was nursing a wound on his hand. “Wait, it looks like you're hurt, give me a minute to look at your hand. You can come in and clean up a bit if you want and I'll find you something to eat.”

Michael was hungry and apprehensive, the hunger won. He stuttered his answer, “Th – th – thank you, I think I'd like that.” He walked over to Edward, noticing that his greying hair made him look distinguished and made his steel grey eyes soft and friendly. Only slightly taller than Michael with a slim figure he was an attractive man. He would later learn he was forty five.

Edward took Michael by the hand and led him to the staff area. On entering the staff room Michael set about cleaning himself up, then allowed his hand to be checked and bandaged. All the time thinking, 'I can't think like that about him, he's old enough to be my dad and straight'. But his body thought different.

Once Michael was cleaned up Edward checked and cleaned the wound, applying antiseptic and a bandage. His own thoughts were flying through his head, “No it's wrong, there is too much of an age gap, he's too young and probably straight. But he does need help'.

After being given a hot meal - the one Edward had saved for himself - and a sandwich to take with him, Michael tried to leave. He still needed to find somewhere warm to sleep. Edward had given Michael another hot drink and started talking to him. He guessed rightly that Michael was living rough, but Michael wouldn't admit it. Before he did leave they agreed that they would meet every night that week at the same time by the bin.

Edward was on late shift that week and wanted to change to late shift every week so that he could be there for Michael. He lived alone in a two bedroom flat and wondered if he could convince Michael to move in. He could have the spare room, it had a bed and other furniture. He would be off the streets and have a better chance in life.

His colleagues all had families, so Edward got the late shift permanently. The first week went well and Edward gave Michael some clothes. They weren't much, it was all he could manage from charity shops. That didn't matter to Michael, they were clean and fit him, and more importantly, they were warmer than what he had. Michael started to help with the kitchen clean-up to repay Edward's friendship and kindness. While working they chatted and Michael admitted that he had been thrown out by his parents, but never gave away the reason. They got on well and it was good.

Each night that week, Michael had managed to sneak into the boiler room and Edward had given him enough food to get through the weekend. The next week he wasn't so lucky. The lock on the boiler room door had been repaired and he couldn't get in. Michael remembered advice given him by the old guys he'd met. Find a secluded corner out of the wind, get a large cardboard box or preferably a tarpaulin sheet and plenty of newspaper. Use the paper as a liner between layers of clothes for warmth and the box or tarpaulin as shelter.

Michael thought he'd done well, but it was cold and he’d started to feel ill. By Wednesday he was too ill to meet Edward. This made him feel worse as now he was letting down his friend. When Michael didn't turn up at the usual time it worried Edward, he had noticed Michael getting ill and it was getting colder outside. He was a man with determination and quickly worked his way through his cleaning duties, then set out to look for Michael.

Edward guessed that Michael had probably ‘set up camp' close by and began checking the hospital grounds, not finding any trace of him there he stopped to reconsider. After a few minutes thinking while facing the park opposite it dawned on him. There are plenty of places in the park where someone could hide away overnight. After nearly an hour of searching he was starting to give up hope.

As he passed by a clump of trees and bushes he thought he heard something and stopped. Not moving he listened. Yes, in the quiet of the night he could hear movement and what sounded like muffled crying coming from the clump of trees. Quickly and quietly, but with purpose, he made his way over toward the trees, the closer he got the clearer the sounds became. He discovered a makeshift tent and inside, cold, wet and shivering was Michael curled up in ball. With no hesitation he was kneeling by Michael's side. Looking at the pale face of the boy he was growing fond of Edward made up his mind, there was only one thing to do. He scooped Michael into his arms and carried him over the road to the hospital Accident & Emergency Department.

Edward was well known and liked at the hospital so when he staggered through the doors with a boy, limp in his arms, staff came running to help. They helped him carry the boy to a cubicle, made him comfortable and called for a doctor. Edward told the doctor of the circumstances that he had found Michael in and what he knew of his background. Because of Michael's age and circumstances the hospital Social Worker was informed, who in turn informed the local Social Services Department and he told the story again. As Edward didn't know his last name and Michael wouldn't tell them, he was admitted to hospital with own first name but using Edward's last name, this seemed to please both man and boy. The doctor diagnosed a chest infection that could easily become pneumonia without treatment, and said that due to his low body temperature he would have become hypothermic if he hadn't been brought in.

During the following week while Michael was in hospital there were many hurried meetings, at Michael's insistence Edward was there for many of them. In one of these Edward offered his home and spare room to Michael if everyone was agreeable. Seeing Michael's reaction to this the social worker was happy provided that everything checked out.

Every hospital employee had to undergo a thorough background check, so, although Edward was only the kitchen porter, his background had been checked out. This made the process easier and when the social worker visited Edward's flat the living arrangements were approved. By this time Michael had given his real last name and the rest of his details which allowed contact to be made with his family. It was made clear that they would not allow him back into their house and wanted nothing more to do with him.

Everything had been agreed to and Edward became Michael's Legal Guardian before being discharged from hospital. The only thing that Michael wasn't happy about was that he couldn't legally change his name, on all official paperwork Michael had to use his full birth name. The social worker did agree that if he wanted to he could use Edward's last name for day to day living.

December 22^nd Michael was discharged from hospital and went 'home' with Edward. Later that day he had a visit from his social worker. He was given a copy of his National Insurance number, so now if he wanted to he could get a job and start to become independent. He was also given a cheque that could be cashed by Edward at the bank, so they could buy clothes and other immediate necessities.

The following day they cashed the cheque and went on a spending spree in The Manchester Arndale Centre, the huge shopping mall in the city centre. There wasn't much change left, but Edward gave the last £30 to Michael telling him he could spend it on whatever he wanted to or save it for another day. Full of excitement Michael asked if he could have some time to himself as there was something he wanted to do. Edward had done his Christmas shopping but there was one last thing he wanted to do, so they agreed to meet fifteen minutes later in the food court for lunch before going home.

With Christmas 'on the door step' Michael wanted to buy a gift for Edward. He knew it wouldn't be much, but he needed to do this. He wanted to show Edward how much he appreciated everything. In the market he spotted a stall selling leather goods, he was overwhelmed and couldn't decide on anything.

Just then the stallholder came over, “Are you looking for anything in particular?” she asked.

“U..Umm yeah I'm looking for a gift for someone who's special to me, he's done so much to help me I want him to know how much he means to me.” Michael replied.

The stallholder could tell from the look in Michael's eyes and the croak in his voice how much this meant to him. Motioning with her hand for him to follow she went to the back of the stall and pulled out two small boxes. “These were a new line this year and I'm nearly sold out of them, have a look, tell me what you think.”

Michael opened the larger of the boxes, inside was a smooth black leather wallet, it looked well-made and impressive. The smaller of the boxes contained a leather string necklace with a small silver Saint Christopher medallion, again it looked impressive. Thinking they would be too expensive he asked, “How much are they, I don't have much and may not be able to afford either of them, but they are both beautiful.”

She was a 'canny old lady' and had seen many of the lads that hung around the centre, a lot of them caused trouble. But this one was different, she could see it in his eyes. “Tell you what, it's getting close to Christmas and I don't want to be stuck with them, how about I say £15 for the two of them.”

His eyes big and wide he couldn't answer quickly enough, “What? Are you sure? Yes please I'd like them both.”

“Now remember, if you're giving a wallet it's considered bad luck if you don't put some money in before giving it. So if it's for someone special don't forget, a fiver should do it if you can, if not a couple of pounds will do.” He acknowledged her advice with a big smile as he paid her and received a bag containing both items. He vowed to put a five pound note in the wallet, which would leave him ten pounds to save. Then dashed off to the food court.

Edward had been to get a set of keys cut before making his way to the food court, buying burgers, fries and Coke's for lunch when Michael arrived. After eating they got the bus home.

That evening Edward brought out a box of decorations and an artificial tree. They had a fun time getting the flat ready for Christmas. For the first time in ten years Edward was looking forward to the festivities. That's how long he had been on his own. Now there was someone to share it with. He didn't know how long Michael would stay, but he intended to make the most of it and enjoy it while it lasted. Looking in the box Michael picked up the last item, a set of keys and went to pass them to Edward.

“No, they are yours, how else are you going to come and go when I'm at work?” Hearing those words, staring at the keys Michael’s eyes filled with tears. Not sad tears, happy tears, now he knew he had a home.

Christmas day Edward woke up, and after stretching out in bed then rubbing his eyes he noticed something different, he could smell food cooking. He got up put some clothes on and entered the kitchen just as Michael was plating up a full English breakfast.

“Wow that looks great, I didn't know you could cook.” Edward was smiling at Michael he was happy, this was a good unexpected start to the day.

“I can't cook much, but this I can do. You've done so much for me that I wanted to do something for you, I hope you like it. Merry Christmas.” Michael finished plating up the food, then brought a pot of tea and glasses of orange juice to the table.

They both enjoyed their breakfast and made quick work of the clean-up before settling down in the lounge. Michael gave Edward his Christmas presents and received a friendly light-hearted admonishment for spending his money. Edward wished Michael a merry Christmas then gave him his presents and received the same response.

Together they opened their gifts, Edward put his necklace on not wanting to ever take it off. He started using his wallet straight away but removed the crisp five pound note placing it in an envelope saying that he would never spend it, and he never did.

Michael tried protesting because he received more than he had given. Edward waved off his protests saying that it was the thought behind the gift that was more valuable than the cash cost. Michael opened his presents, a watch, clothing and an I.D bracelet.

The rest of the day was spent enjoying each other’s company, neither being aware of the others feelings or fears of rejection.

Edward’s brother, wife and nephew came to visit the following day. Young Edward was five years old and a really cute fun kid and took to Michael straight away. This was the start of a lifelong friendship. Edward's brother and his wife were a bit cold in their response, not nasty or unfriendly, just indifferent. This would never change.

After Christmas Edward had to return to work and Michael settled in becoming more comfortable. New Year’s Eve was spent quietly at home. They went to bed shortly after Big Ben struck twelve. Edward was on the rota to work throughout.

Life went on and they both enjoyed each other’s company. Michael started working part-time, for the market stallholder he met before Christmas. With Edward’s encouragement he attended night-school gaining minor qualifications in business management. Eventually, when his employer retired, he took over the market stall.

On his twenty first birthday Michael couldn't keep his feelings to himself anymore. He gritted his teeth and was prepared for rejection when he told Edward that he was gay. He couldn't continue to live a lie and needed to let it out. He closed his eyes as he said, “Edward I need to admit something to you, I'm gay and I've fallen in love with you.”

“Michael are you sure? Aren't you concerned about the age difference?” Edward was nervous himself, he'd never let his feelings be known and feared the same rejection.

“Age is just a number, the difference doesn't mean anything to me, and I love you.” At this point Michael was shaking, his knees had gone weak.

Michael felt a par of strong arms around him, pulling him into a hug as Edward kissed him gently on the lips then whispered in his ear, “I love you too, I was scared to tell you, afraid of losing you.”

Michael legally changed his name and they became Edward and Michael Langford. To all outward appearances father and son, at home they considered themselves married and were passionate lovers.

This was their life for many years, and they were happy together. The only person who saw through the facade was young Edward. This was never a problem, he was always supportive of them and guarded their secret, proving to be a good friend and ally.

Edward continued with his job in the hospital kitchen until he retired, then devoted his time to 'keeping house' and looking after Michael until his health started to fail. Then with young Edward's help, Michael looked after him till he took his final breath.

It was many years now since Edward passed away. Michael was older and retired. Young Edward was running the market stall, Michael wanted to keep it in 'the family'. He often came to visit bringing his wife and children.

Michael Langford sat in the old leather armchair, hands trembling, tears forming in his eyes, he let his thoughts roam back. Back to the trauma of being disowned by family, scratching around for food, often from restaurant bins, searching for somewhere warm and safe to sleep out on the streets. None of it had been easy and it took its toll on his sixteen year old self. That was until by chance, he met Edward.

Maybe now he could realise a dream that both he and Edward had. He looked again at the pink piece of paper in his hand and checked the numbers again, 5, 16, 21, 30, 45, 49. They all checked out. One jackpot winner, £17,500,000. He could honour Edward's memory, and hopefully with young Edward's help, maybe now he could do something to help the homeless kids on the street.

Maybe now he could build EDWARD LANGFORD HOUSE.