Come What May

Chapter13

Jane and Michael managed to beam up at their nanny.

"One last adventure? Do you mean it, Mary Poppins?" Jane asked gleefully.

"Of course! Bert and I wanted to do something special with you since it's my last day, so he's drawn another special picture for us all"

"But you said that Bert doesn't draw at the park anymore" Michael commented.

"That's true, but he's drawn this picture on a canvas" Mary informed them, "So hurry along and get your coats, spit-spot!"

Mary could've sworn that she would've missed them putting on their coats if she had blinked – but it made her smile, she was glad that she could fill her final day with as much positivity as possible. She led them out of the house and they were greeted by a few golden rays and a flurry of cherry blossom petals. Mary adored spring time. The petals wisped through the air like art and the few rays of warmth felt soothing on her skin. It made her think back to the cherry blossom drawing Bert drew for them a few months ago – it felt like so long ago. But she recalled how beautiful everything was in that moment and how she still felt like that now. A strong smile tugged at the corner of her lips and she let it rest on her expression as they approached Bert – who was waiting patiently in his old drawing spot. A canvas – wrapped in brown paper – was tucked cosily underneath his arm. He gave them all a big smile.

"Mornin'!" he greeted with a tip of his cap, "Are you all ready?"

"Where are we going, Bert?" Jane asked excitedly – and probably for the final time.

"I think you're really gonna like this 'un!"

He took the canvas from his arm, removed the paper and revealed what he had drawn for them – and it wasn't what they had expected. Poking up from the bottom of the canvas was an array of aged buildings that towered like giants – it was London. Every detail was on point, every window, door, chimney and loose brick was completely accurate. But they were not the prominent feature of Bert's creation; In fact, that majority of the drawing simply showed a dazzling blue sky that was littered with a sea of clouds – like the busy shipping lanes of the Thames. Mary raised an eyebrow at him.

"I'm quite intrigued" she said – almost humorously.

"You've drawn the sky…" Michael observed with confusion, "…how are we meant to go there?"

"Just you wait an' see!" Bert chuckled as he placed the canvas neatly on the ground, "Would you do the honours, Mary?"

She smiled at him and held out her hand. She took Jane's too and began her all too familiar countdown. Jumping proved to be a challenge for her, but before she knew it they were all stood upon a large fluffy cloud that was gliding through the air. They felt weightless. The powder-blue sky seemed infinite – as did the gathering of clouds; there were different shapes and sizes and they all floated past leisurely like calm sailboats. Mary found herself wearing a lacy dress made of a deep purple material and the bodice accommodated her pregnancy beautifully; she looked over at Bert – who wore beige trousers, a white shirt and a purple waistcoat and tie that matched her frock. They smiled at each other with adoring eyes. Jane and Michael looked around with amazement.

"Are we really in the sky?" Michael gasped.

"Not really, Michael" Mary explained.