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.