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.