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

HOPE: HOPE



By Tessa Harvey


CHAPTER ONE(Continued)

...: HOPE By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER ONE (Continued) They chatted for a while as they ate the crisp cooked bacon a...

HOPE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER ONE

(Continued)

They chatted for a while as they ate the crisp cooked bacon and mashed potatoes, and more cups of tea strong and hot.

Eventually Bridie shrugged her shoes back on and helped Hope with the clearing up and dishes. "Eeh, lass. I feel much better now. Have to go and get something for our Declan. He's home soon from his shift work. Can you come to ours tomorrow? It's Saturdee and I'm baking scones. Your dad will likely not mind, will he?"

"No," admitted Hope, knowing he would not even be up until at least midday.

Bridie gave her a big hug, then picked up her bundles which had been thrust aside as they ate. She walked tiredly to her own cosy home a few doors away.

Her heart was heavy. She prayed for Hope, but had advised the youngster to put an old chair wedged under the bedroom door handle. "Help you sleep better," she had explained.

Bridie felt angry at Hope's father and also at the mother, Ayleen, who had stolen away one night, taking her three year old son with her and most of their clothes.

That child, Tom, was Hope's twin. God knew the harm that had done to the children, she thought.

Even if the father had deserved it, the children certainly did not.

She walked into her warm, cheerful home, switching on the lights and the porch light to welcome her husband, Declan. Their three children had left years ago, but were all in touch.

As she was setting out the gleaming crockery, she heard Declan call out a cheerful greeting in his deep voice. He had his main cooked meal at work, but was happy to see Bridie frying eggs on toast for him with the mushrooms he loved. 

Later, over coffee, he asked about her day, listening attentively before absorbing himself in the evening paper.

Smokey came through the cat flap, happily purring as she flopped on the hearth rug.

Declan could hear Bridie clearing the dishes and putting away her groceries. He knew she would be in soon to keep him company after she locked the cat flap and door. Then she picked up her knitting. It was a peaceful routine.

HOPE: HOPEBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER ONELeaving s...

HOPE: HOPE


By Tessa Harvey


CHAPTER ONE




Leaving s...: HOPE By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER ONE Leaving school, Hope had seen the sun setting radiantly over the town in pin...

HOPE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER ONE

Leaving school, Hope had seen the sun setting radiantly over the town in pink and gold with long wisps of glowing cloud. Now, though, as she turned into the darkening alley, she could barely see to pick her way. She clutched her bag before her like a shield. Nearly there, Hope thought, to encourage herself for the silence was eerie and unnerving.

Hurrying as quietly as she could, Hope neared the corner. Suddenly an arm shot out and grabbed her roughly. Hope struggled, too shocked to scream.

"Where you bin?" angrily demanded the man, shaking her. "S-s-sorry, dad. Someone stole something and they kept us all in for an hour. I'll get tea quick. I left it half ready."

"Don't bother now. I'm off to the Red Lion. Don't wait up."

Her dad stalked off, still annoyed.

Someone hurried up behind Hope. It was a panting older lady. "Oh hello Mrs. Riley. Want to come in for a bit?"

The older lady, Bridie was quite solidly built "comfortably made" as she put it and accompanied the young girl into the nearby door.

"Won't say no to a cuppa, lass." Bridie set down her bags on the worn table and sat down with a sigh of relief on one of the worn kitchen chairs. She slid off her half-broken shoes and rubbed her toes. Straightening, she watched Hope boil the jug and make them some tea each while she set some potatoes, already cut and peeled, soaking in the pan, on to the lit stove top.

She passed the cup that was least chipped to Bridie and took one herself, gulping the warm tea gratefully while waiting for the potatoes to boil.

Then she got out some bacon ready to fry.

"Will you stay, Mrs. Riley?" asked Hope. "I have enough to keep some for dad."

"If he eats it," she thought to herself. 

Bridie looked at her. "I saw him grab yer. He hit you much?" Her voice was warm and caring. 

"No, just gets angry and a bit mean. He was worried about me." 

The other woman doubted this, but said nothing. "He ever bother you?" she asked meaningfully.

Hope flushed. "No, except once he ended up swaying in my bedroom. He was swearing about the wrong door, saying someone moved the doorway round. Then he fell over and got up and went out. I think he is trying to give up the drink."

"Oh, aye?" said Bridie, then saw the girl's sad face. "It's ok, luv. Sorry."