HOPE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER FIVE

(Continued)

Leaf simmered with resentment and anger. Why God? she argued as she  tried to freshen up in an unfamiliar bathroom. Her frazzled appearance did not bolster her spirits. Why should she be here and not with her family? So many of her friends lived near. They could have helped.

This woman had deserted her very own daughter. Reeling at such a terrible thought made her feel bitter and then she thought to be still and know God. The eternal, enduring, infinitely patient and understanding God who loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, Jesus to die a horrible death to save people, including Steve and Ayleen, and even herself. "Oh God, I am sorry. I need Your Love, Your Wisdom, You never change. Your Love endures forever.

Bowing her head, Leaf felt peace enfolding her and her mind cleared, her heart stilled. Straightening her shoulders, she left the bathroom and phoned Nev, to pray just to talk, just to catch up, just to be loved.

Then she went to Ayleen and Tom.

CHAPTER SIX

Steve staggered from the Red Lion. He had been there a long time, angry and upset. Hope had been late with his tea again, playing with that girl Maura, Mary? Anyway Hope should be home where she belonged.

He fed and clothed her, he thought belligerently. Steve swore, his head hurt so bad. His vision blurred. Shouldn't have had so much to drink. Just one or two or three... he couldn't think, his mind swirled round like beer foaming, swirling in a glass. Where was he? He couldn't remember. He felt funny. Just tired, thass all.

Steve slumped against a wall. He heard voices, but they made no sense. Why didn't they speak properly? He only had pins and needles.

Hey, where was he going? I wanna go home, he tried to say, but his tongue wouldn't work. So tired... He was on a bed. Where? What? Blurred faces. Home, he tried to think or say and turned over, but he couldn't move. His body would not work. 

Steve began to panic, then fell asleep.