HOPE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER FOUR

(Continued)

Tom yawned and stretched, opening his eyes. The darkness of his room shocked him fully awake. He hadn't meant to fall asleep, but the game had been a very close-matched one, fast and fun. Then he had cried harder than he had for years. It all came back to him. He was upset all over again, but the silence unnerved him. Why were all the lights not on? He remembered his mum saying something about a storm and the car.

Perhaps he should see if she was alright. He slid off the bed, sighed, then groped for the light switch, and made for the door, grabbing his shoes on the way.

Strange. The kitchen, lounge, bathroom all were empty. His mother's bedroom door was open and he peeked round. Nothing. Boy, his mum was tidy!

"Mum," he yelled. He thought of adding "I'm hungry," but decided to be a bit more diplomatic and test the waters first. Crossing the kitchen again, he yanked open the back door, switching on the outside light as he did so.

Then he dropped his shoes in shock. Oh no! He ran out in the rain, not even noticing that his socks were soon sodden. He knelt down, shaking her slightly, calling her.

She groaned and stirred. "I feel so sick," she whispered, trying to move. "Do you want an ambulance?" The boy felt frantic, out of his depth.

"No son, run next door. I just need help to get up."

Soon he was back with the tough bloke from next door. Surprisingly gentle, he half lifted, half carried the soaked, shivering woman inside. "The kitchen chair is fine," Ayleen whispered again. "Is your mother home, Jason?"

"She said she's coming. I'll wait." He stood there, awkwardly, but obviously concerned.

There was a rush of footsteps and a tall, angular woman hustled in.

"Tom, move your boots and shoes," she commanded brusquely, "and then, go and get your mum some dry clothes. No, wait, I'll go and find a towel too. Jason, carry her into the lounge."

She waved away Ayleen's objections. "The couch will dry," was the reply. "Tom, make your mum a hot drink, son, while I see what the damage is, okay!"

Soon Ayleen was in clean, warm clothes, sipping a drink and swallowing a couple of painkillers. Her head was fairly neatly bandaged and her arm in a sling. It was not broken, but still very painful. Ayleen felt nauseous and giddy and very grateful for good neighbours.

"Thanks, Sonja. I think I can manage now."

But Jason and Sonja insisted on making some toast and helping Tom settle down. He had been shocked and frightened by the accident.

Not until both neighbours had helped some more, did they leave. Ayleen promised to call in the night and let them know if she was not well.

They would check her in the morning anyway, they promised.

"Tom, I will talk about everything tomorrow."

"That's ok, mum." He was just glad that his mum could still stay home. That was enough for now.