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."