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.