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."