HOPE: HOPEBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER FOURDeclan and B...

HOPE: HOPE

By Tessa Harvey


CHAPTER FOUR

Declan and B...: HOPE By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER FOUR Declan and Bridie had put some spare money by and had tactfully suggested they go shopping with Hope. &quo...

HOPE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER FOUR

Declan and Bridie had put some spare money by and had tactfully suggested they go shopping with Hope.

"I need more beer," grumbled Steve, but the other adults affected not to hear. He gave up. "You getting groceries?" "Some," was the answer, "Declan don't earn much."

"Bridie needs shoes, son," Declan stated firmly. "That's a priority." Steve went out, huffing a little. Still, even some groceries bought meant a little more for him.

He needed to shout his mates a return drink now and then to keep them sweet.

The taciturn, stolid landlord allowed absolutely no credit. He had the weight and authority to back him up. But still, it was a good pub and conveniently near for Steve.

He smiled. No worries!

At that very same time, Ayleen was receiving a phone call. "Are you able to talk to me, Mrs Carter? It concerns your daughter. My name is Leaf - or rather Phyllis Reynolds. Our family has just come to live near your daughter and her father. My daughter, Maya, is friendly with Hope."

Ayleen sat down, clenching the receiver so hard her knuckles were white. "Where, where is she? Where is Hope?" The poor woman felt she could hardly breathe.

"Quite a long way away," was the answer. "We noticed a remarkable resemblance between a boy we knew, Tom, and Hope. We found you through the local church. I am sorry if we have acted presumptuously, but Hope is not a very happy child."

"Does Steve hurt her?" was the anguished reply.

"Not physically. I am afraid he is not a good father, though." They talked for a while. "Could we meet," Ayleen finally asked. "I need to explain. I will get time off work. Thank you so much."

They arranged a day, and Ayleen put down the phone and sobbed. Suddenly her son stormed in. He had just come home from a football game and heard the entire conversation.

He was horrified and yelled, "Mum, when were you going to tell me? You must have known where dad was. And I have a sister? How could you, mum? I thought you cared about me. This is horrible."

He thumped to his room, went in and slammed the door so hard the house seemed to shake.

Ayleen sighed. What a mess. She had not done well and knew it.

She made herself a warm drink and waited for a while, then gently knocked on her son's door.

"Tom, I am more sorry than I can say and you are right. It was wrong to behave the way I have. Please let me in and we can talk about this and this is when I promise to be honest."

There was no answer, so Ayleen went back to the lounge, and glancing through the window saw a storm brewing. The clouds were grey-black and a few large drops of rain spattered the window glass. The wind was rising.

"Tom," she called, going back to his door, "I am just going to put the car away." 

She raced outside and stumbled over Tom's discarded football boots, falling hard and banging her head. She fell awkwardly, her wrist bent beneath her body and lay senseless whiled the rain washed blood from her head in a widening pool.

HOPE: Tessa's Story, "HOPE" resumes TOMORROW.

HOPE: Tessa's Story, "HOPE" resumes TOMORROW.: Tessa's Story, "HOPE" resumes TOMORROW.

Tessa's Story, "HOPE" resumes TOMORROW.

HOPE: HOPEBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER THREE(Continued)...

HOPE: HOPE

By Tessa Harvey


CHAPTER THREE(Continued)

...: HOPE By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER THREE (Continued) Ester Grayson had been concerned about several of her pupils for some time. Mostly, she could...

HOPE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER THREE

(Continued)

Ester Grayson had been concerned about several of her pupils for some time. Mostly, she could do little except to encourage them. Seeing the growing friendship between the child Maya and Hope was pleasing, she thought.

She had met Maya's parents and considered them very nice people. Hope's father had come once to a parent-teacher meeting two years ago. It had been obvious to her that he drank heavily and his speech had been a little slurred. He could not seem to concentrate for long and kept meandering down irrelevant verbal pathways.

But he had made an effort to come. He had been reasonably polite and he said he wanted his daughter to do well at school and get "a proper job," as he put it. But Hope's clothes, though clean, were shabby.

She hoped there were neighbours who looked after her. There were no visible signs of abuse. The child just seemed sad. Miss Grayson knew there was no mother.

At that moment, that mother was thinking of her only daughter. Ayleen had tried so hard to blot out all the painful memories. She had fled from abuse with both her children, but not fast enough or cleverly enough. Within a few days, Steve had tracked her down with the dogged perseverance of a hunting animal.

In a nightmare scene of screaming children, and yelling adults, someone had called the police at the shabby lodgings and Steve had grabbed the nearest child, backing away, threatening to kill both the toddler and himself if she came after him.

By the time the police arrived, he had vanished. They had failed to trace him. When they finally did, he had spun such a plausible story that the authorities were completely taken in and had left the child with him.

For a while, Steve had been angry, cuffing the child to shut it up. He had wanted the boy, but it was Hope, not Tom. Daft name, Hope. Later he didn't mind. She soon began to be compliant and grew useful in the house, learning slowly to cook and clean. He encouraged the old woman's help. Free babysitting.

And the old man was a push-over (or so he thought). Anyway, he even liked the girl a little. He had gone to visit that teacher, hadn't he? Some dads were much worse.

HOPE: HOPEBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER THREE(Continued)...

HOPE: HOPE

By Tessa Harvey


CHAPTER THREE(Continued)

...: HOPE By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER THREE (Continued) Hope had been to Bridie and Declan's church once or twice. Her dad had not seemed to mind...

HOPE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER THREE

(Continued)

Hope had been to Bridie and Declan's church once or twice. Her dad had not seemed to mind. Sometimes he talked to her sensibly, but often he seemed vague and confused. It really bothered her. Slipping on a coat and shoes one Saturday morning, she went to talk to Bridie and Declan. It was a cold crisp morning and the sky was a lemony colour in the early morning.

As she neared her friends' house, she could smell cooking. She opened the back door and Smokey raced out, almost making her fall over. "Hey, Smokey," she called, "Nice day to you too!"

Bridie hugged her in the doorway, laughing. "She is probably feeling a bit desperate! Poor cat doesn't like the new cat litter. Looks awful. Made of walnut shells. We couldn't get the usual stuff."

"Let the poor girl and shut the door," yelled Declan, frying bacon and turning to smile at Hope. Hungry lass?"

"Oh boy, yes. Thanks."

Hope sat down happily. There was always a place for her here. She felt loved and cared for - and hungry! Quickly they said grace and tucked into the delicious crunchy bacon and fried eggs. Hope did not eat the added mushrooms, but Declan loved them. He always cooked extra for Hope so he could eat them. Funny man!

Steve Simpson sat nursing his drink and his grievances at his usual table at the Red Lion Pub. It had always been an escape for him. Steve saw himself as a victim since his wife turned away from him. He only liked a few pints and a little flutter on the dogs or horses now and then. What was wrong with that? The twins yelled a lot, and seemed always noisy or smelly or hungry.

Meals were seldom on time. He did all the work at the factory. Now the boss was grizzling, saying he was not as reliable. Life wasn't fair.

A couple of his cronies wandered in and offered to get him a drink.

"Thanks, mates. Great!"

All thoughts of home, of Hope, of work vanished like chimney smoke on a windy day.

His life was being stolen from him, just as ephemeral as the twisting smoke.

HOPE: HOPEBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER THREETom had ...

HOPE: HOPE

By Tessa Harvey


CHAPTER THREE




Tom had ...: HOPE By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER THREE Tom had been searching for several weeks. He did not feel he should search through his mother's cloth...

HOPE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER THREE

Tom had been searching for several weeks. He did not feel he should search through his mother's clothes drawers.

Anyway, his mum was very tidy and all personal papers were likely to be on closet shelves somewhere. As carefully as possible, he lifted up files and checked, even blowing dust off the ones on the top shelf! Nothing.

Discouraged, he did a few chores for his mother, and slumped down to do some homework.

When he heard his mum come in, he suddenly burst out "mum, where's my birth certificate? I want to find my dad and see if I have any other family!"

He could not believe he had just blurted all that out, and regarded his mother's face a little fearfully.

She went slightly pale, but then said "Tom, do you mind if I put down my bags and take off my horrible, tight stinky shoes and have some coffee?"

The boy was so surprised his mum wasn't angry and was even being a little funny, that he just nodded and hurriedly got the cups ready.

As soon as the drink was poured, his mum had a few thirsty sips then spoke to Tom solemnly. "Tom, I am Ayleen Carter as you know. I was married to your dad, Wilbur Carter for four years. Why we separated I will explain when I feel ready.

We should have talked before. I just kept putting it off and you seemed so young until just recently. You were not as careful going through my papers as you thought. I noticed."

Her son flushed."I still want to know, though I should have asked. I love you mum and didn't want to upset you. It didn't seem very important when I was little, but now it bothers me nearly all the time."

He paused, looking earnestly at his mother, noticing how tired she looked. "How about I help with tea and we can talk later - or even tomorrow, mum? I do care about you."

HOPE: HOPEBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER TWO(Continued)...

HOPE: HOPE

By Tessa Harvey


CHAPTER TWO(Continued)



...: HOPE By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER TWO (Continued) Her dad, surprisingly did not mind. He had been feeling a little guilty at the way he sometimes...

HOPE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER TWO

(Continued)

Her dad, surprisingly did not mind. He had been feeling a little guilty at the way he sometimes behaved.

As long as the house was kept in reasonable order. he said, he could get his own meals at the weekend. He was glad his daughter had a friend. The girls just seemed to want to go to town or use too much make-up and act silly, in his opinion. He realised he did not want to lose her. He did not want to be alone.

Hope was pleased, even over-joyed to spend time with Maya's family. Her parents, Leaf and Neville were kind to her and to each other. She even liked Wes, who was six or seven.

He was funny. When asked if he had washed his hands, he said it was "invisible wet."

Maya was a bright, colourful child, taking after her mother whose real name was Priscilla or something. One day, Neville looked at his wife and said "Does Hope remind you of anyone?"

"Yes," said Leaf, (whose name was really Phyllis. Her bright clothes earned her the nickname Leaf). "I think I remember a young boy shopping for his mother. We often saw him. His mother works hard, I think.

Maya heard them and the mystery puzzled her. She determined to find an answer.

One day Hope was looking at Leaf's garden. "Mrs Reynolds," she asked, a bit shy, "what are those leaves that look red and orange and the others that look like gold coins in the wind and sunshine? They are all shiny and glinting."

Leaf showed her the cherry blossom tree, the maple and also the two apricot ones in all their autumn glory, then she beckoned the girl to look at some tiny green spears just poking through the dark soil. Maya was puzzled.

"They are snowdrop and daffodil bulbs. They are a promise of spring coming after the leaves are blown away in the wind and rain and frost of winter. A promise of Hope."

And she smiled. The girl was touched.

"We don't have much garden. Maybe I could save and buy plants at the market." Maya felt excited and happy.

Maya came out and Leaf promised to pot up plant cuttings for Hope with Maya's help. "Later in the year, when the bulbs die back, you can have some of them," she promised.

"Mum," blurted out Maya, "you said that Hope looks just like a boy you know in our old town." Hope was amazed. "What boy? Is he my brother? What's his name? I lost my mother and brother. Do you know them. Please help me!"

Tears were pouring down Hope's face as she tried to explain. Fragmented memories surfaced. She felt at once hopeful and fearful. Part of her felt afraid in case this was all a mistake.

Leaf urged her to be calm. They went inside.

"There is a boy where we used to live who looks very much like you. In fact the likeness is extraordinary. Perhaps it is your brother. Were you twins?"

"I don't know," Hope answered. "How can you find out?"

She felt confused, but a small bubble of joy was growing inside. For the first time in years, she felt a flicker of hope. For eight years she had felt part of her was missing.

HOPE: HOPEBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER TWO Tom lo...

HOPE: HOPE

By Tessa Harvey


CHAPTER TWO





   Tom lo...: HOPE By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER TWO    Tom looked into the mirror appraisingly. A girl at school had said he looked "pretty cool." He...

HOPE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER TWO

   Tom looked into the mirror appraisingly. A girl at school had said he looked "pretty cool." He wasn't so sure.

A face with dark hair and eyes stared back at him. Suddenly, he seemed to see a smaller, very sad face reflected. Tom blinked, the small image vanished and he saw only himself. He didn't think he looked cool, really just average. Oh, well.

He got out his homework reluctantly, putting the jug on to boil. He was slower than usual, the key turned in the lock. "Mum!" 

Quickly he opened his maths textbook. his mum looked tired, but wasn't fooled. "Late with your work, Tom?"

It was a statement, not a question. He sighed. "Do you have super x-ray eyes, mum?" he asked. She laughed as she got herself a cup of coffee and sat facing him.

"Your exercise book is upside down!" The both smiled.

Later in bed, Tom had a sudden idea. He had asked repeatedly about his dad, only to be told "when you are older." Why couldn't he look for the birth certificate? Duh! he thought to himself. I am slow for not thinking of that before. Then he turned over and was soon asleep.

Hope was struggling with her school work also. She put her head between her hands and started to cry.

She was sure she had a brother who looked just like her, but her dad would never answer. He had been drinking more lately. Sometimes he shook her or grabbed her, but never hit her except with words. That pain lasted longer and was not visible.

Slowly Hope finished and went to bed.

Perhaps she could go to church with the Reillys on Sunday. They had asked her often enough. Perhaps it would help. Anyway, it was something to do. At the moment, she felt hopeless. not at all like Hope.

A few weeks later, Hope was nearing school when she heard running footsteps behind her. She turned. A girl of about her own age was running towards her. "Please," she gasped, "please wait. Mum can't come because of my little brother. I don't know where to go. It's my first day!" 

Hope looked at the bright eager face and smiled. "Fine! Come with me."

Hope introduced the girl, Maya to the teacher, Miss Grayson.

The class were interested to welcome someone new, and at break found all they could about Maya Reynolds, about Wes, her younger brother, where she lived and so on.

Later though, Maya came over to Hope and chatted to her.

"I live nearby. Are you allowed to come sometime after school?"

Hope looked down, hating to again explain that it was just her and her dad.

"Well, I could come for you Saturday and tell your dad where we live." Hope was doubtful, but agreed.

HOPE: HOPEBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER ONE(Continued)...

HOPE: HOPE



By Tessa Harvey


CHAPTER ONE(Continued)

...: HOPE By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER ONE (Continued) They chatted for a while as they ate the crisp cooked bacon a...

HOPE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER ONE

(Continued)

They chatted for a while as they ate the crisp cooked bacon and mashed potatoes, and more cups of tea strong and hot.

Eventually Bridie shrugged her shoes back on and helped Hope with the clearing up and dishes. "Eeh, lass. I feel much better now. Have to go and get something for our Declan. He's home soon from his shift work. Can you come to ours tomorrow? It's Saturdee and I'm baking scones. Your dad will likely not mind, will he?"

"No," admitted Hope, knowing he would not even be up until at least midday.

Bridie gave her a big hug, then picked up her bundles which had been thrust aside as they ate. She walked tiredly to her own cosy home a few doors away.

Her heart was heavy. She prayed for Hope, but had advised the youngster to put an old chair wedged under the bedroom door handle. "Help you sleep better," she had explained.

Bridie felt angry at Hope's father and also at the mother, Ayleen, who had stolen away one night, taking her three year old son with her and most of their clothes.

That child, Tom, was Hope's twin. God knew the harm that had done to the children, she thought.

Even if the father had deserved it, the children certainly did not.

She walked into her warm, cheerful home, switching on the lights and the porch light to welcome her husband, Declan. Their three children had left years ago, but were all in touch.

As she was setting out the gleaming crockery, she heard Declan call out a cheerful greeting in his deep voice. He had his main cooked meal at work, but was happy to see Bridie frying eggs on toast for him with the mushrooms he loved. 

Later, over coffee, he asked about her day, listening attentively before absorbing himself in the evening paper.

Smokey came through the cat flap, happily purring as she flopped on the hearth rug.

Declan could hear Bridie clearing the dishes and putting away her groceries. He knew she would be in soon to keep him company after she locked the cat flap and door. Then she picked up her knitting. It was a peaceful routine.

HOPE: HOPEBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER ONELeaving s...

HOPE: HOPE


By Tessa Harvey


CHAPTER ONE




Leaving s...: HOPE By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER ONE Leaving school, Hope had seen the sun setting radiantly over the town in pin...

HOPE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER ONE

Leaving school, Hope had seen the sun setting radiantly over the town in pink and gold with long wisps of glowing cloud. Now, though, as she turned into the darkening alley, she could barely see to pick her way. She clutched her bag before her like a shield. Nearly there, Hope thought, to encourage herself for the silence was eerie and unnerving.

Hurrying as quietly as she could, Hope neared the corner. Suddenly an arm shot out and grabbed her roughly. Hope struggled, too shocked to scream.

"Where you bin?" angrily demanded the man, shaking her. "S-s-sorry, dad. Someone stole something and they kept us all in for an hour. I'll get tea quick. I left it half ready."

"Don't bother now. I'm off to the Red Lion. Don't wait up."

Her dad stalked off, still annoyed.

Someone hurried up behind Hope. It was a panting older lady. "Oh hello Mrs. Riley. Want to come in for a bit?"

The older lady, Bridie was quite solidly built "comfortably made" as she put it and accompanied the young girl into the nearby door.

"Won't say no to a cuppa, lass." Bridie set down her bags on the worn table and sat down with a sigh of relief on one of the worn kitchen chairs. She slid off her half-broken shoes and rubbed her toes. Straightening, she watched Hope boil the jug and make them some tea each while she set some potatoes, already cut and peeled, soaking in the pan, on to the lit stove top.

She passed the cup that was least chipped to Bridie and took one herself, gulping the warm tea gratefully while waiting for the potatoes to boil.

Then she got out some bacon ready to fry.

"Will you stay, Mrs. Riley?" asked Hope. "I have enough to keep some for dad."

"If he eats it," she thought to herself. 

Bridie looked at her. "I saw him grab yer. He hit you much?" Her voice was warm and caring. 

"No, just gets angry and a bit mean. He was worried about me." 

The other woman doubted this, but said nothing. "He ever bother you?" she asked meaningfully.

Hope flushed. "No, except once he ended up swaying in my bedroom. He was swearing about the wrong door, saying someone moved the doorway round. Then he fell over and got up and went out. I think he is trying to give up the drink."

"Oh, aye?" said Bridie, then saw the girl's sad face. "It's ok, luv. Sorry."