HOPE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER THREE

(Continued)

Hope had been to Bridie and Declan's church once or twice. Her dad had not seemed to mind. Sometimes he talked to her sensibly, but often he seemed vague and confused. It really bothered her. Slipping on a coat and shoes one Saturday morning, she went to talk to Bridie and Declan. It was a cold crisp morning and the sky was a lemony colour in the early morning.

As she neared her friends' house, she could smell cooking. She opened the back door and Smokey raced out, almost making her fall over. "Hey, Smokey," she called, "Nice day to you too!"

Bridie hugged her in the doorway, laughing. "She is probably feeling a bit desperate! Poor cat doesn't like the new cat litter. Looks awful. Made of walnut shells. We couldn't get the usual stuff."

"Let the poor girl and shut the door," yelled Declan, frying bacon and turning to smile at Hope. Hungry lass?"

"Oh boy, yes. Thanks."

Hope sat down happily. There was always a place for her here. She felt loved and cared for - and hungry! Quickly they said grace and tucked into the delicious crunchy bacon and fried eggs. Hope did not eat the added mushrooms, but Declan loved them. He always cooked extra for Hope so he could eat them. Funny man!

Steve Simpson sat nursing his drink and his grievances at his usual table at the Red Lion Pub. It had always been an escape for him. Steve saw himself as a victim since his wife turned away from him. He only liked a few pints and a little flutter on the dogs or horses now and then. What was wrong with that? The twins yelled a lot, and seemed always noisy or smelly or hungry.

Meals were seldom on time. He did all the work at the factory. Now the boss was grizzling, saying he was not as reliable. Life wasn't fair.

A couple of his cronies wandered in and offered to get him a drink.

"Thanks, mates. Great!"

All thoughts of home, of Hope, of work vanished like chimney smoke on a windy day.

His life was being stolen from him, just as ephemeral as the twisting smoke.

HOPE: HOPEBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER THREETom had ...

HOPE: HOPE

By Tessa Harvey


CHAPTER THREE




Tom had ...: HOPE By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER THREE Tom had been searching for several weeks. He did not feel he should search through his mother's cloth...

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."

HOPE: HOPEBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER TWO(Continued)...

HOPE: HOPE

By Tessa Harvey


CHAPTER TWO(Continued)



...: 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...

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.

HOPE: HOPEBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER TWO Tom lo...

HOPE: HOPE

By Tessa Harvey


CHAPTER TWO





   Tom lo...: HOPE By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER TWO    Tom looked into the mirror appraisingly. A girl at school had said he looked "pretty cool." He...

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.