Ill marry one day, but not to this charming lad. Sure, hes wonderful in every way, but not for me.
Mums come home again, bringing along her boyfriend and yet another man, both of them already a bit tipsy. I tucked myself tightly into the corner behind the old cabinet.
Nowhere to hide its snowing outside already. Im truly sick of it all. When summer comes, Ill finish my GSCEs and head off to the city. Ill apply to a teacher training college and become a teacher. The citys not far, ten miles maybe, but Ill be living in lodgings.
Mum and her guests settled in the kitchen, pouring cheap gin by the glass, the aroma of ham filling the air. I couldnt help swallowing.
Oy, you! Come here! Mums voice echoed.
Whats with you, playing hard to get?
There are two of you
Not as if its the first time with two, said her boyfriend, Mike.
There was a crash crockery clattering, a shuffle, heavy breathing. I shrank further into my corner. Suddenly it quieted.
Shes asleep, Gavin, Mike slurred.
You said shes a decent lass, but something about her
Shes got a daughter, mate.
Who?
Ivy, shes grown now. Probably hiding in the bedroom.
Drag her in here! Gavins voice rang with a nasty cheer.
Ivy, where are you? Mums boyfriend entered, grinning unpleasantly as he spotted me. Come on, come sit with us!
Im fine here, thanks.
What are you shy for? Mike tried to throw a greasy arm around me.
My survival instinct kicked in. I grabbed the flower vase from the cabinet and smashed it over his head.
Glass shattered. I pulled myself free and darted for the hallway.
Get her! Mike hollered.
But I was already at the front door. No time for shoes out I went, in threadbare socks, old jogging shorts, and a t-shirt, right into the frosty street.
Both men tore out after me. There wasnt a soul about an empty evening road dusted in snow. The yelling chased me down the lane. Near a large house, a dog started barking and then I heard a mans voice scolding it.
I raced to the gate and banged frantically. A man in his forties answered.
Please, help me, I whispered, pleading with my eyes.
Come in! he pulled me inside and locked the door behind us.
Who is it, Tom? a woman appeared on the porch.
Here, he nodded toward me, Some strange men after her.
Quick, get inside! She gripped my cold hand tight. Tell us all about it.
Ivy, come out calmly! Mikes voice echoed, muffled by the door.
Tom, dont get involved! the woman snapped, Get inside, please!
Outside, the shouting grew, the dogs barking muffled it a bit.
Best call the police, the woman said, pulling out her phone.
Polly, no need. Ill sort it myself. Theyre locals, by the sound of it.
How exactly?
Ill talk nice. You calm the girl.
Tom packed up a carrier bag a bottle and a chunk of ham from the fridge. In the yard, he stroked the dog, then they both went outside.
Mike came at him. Hand over Ivy!
Take this and just go, pal!
Mike opened the bag, looked pleased with the bottle inside, nodded to his mate. Together, they slunk off.
***
My names Polly Stevens, the woman introduced herself, popping the kettle onto the hob. Sit down, dear. Tell us who you are, whats happened.
My names Ivy, I stammered, teeth chattering. I live on this road, right at the end.
Youre Kyras girl, arent you?
Yes.
Weve not been here long, but your mums well known.
I dropped my head, tears streaming uncontrollably.
There now, dont cry. Polly gave me a gentle hug. Id rarely felt a motherly touch like that, so I clung to her, sobbing harder.
There now, there now lets have some tea. Tom returned from outside.
All sorted, he announced.
What shall we do with this lovely girl? Polly beamed kindly at me.
Lets decide in the morning. First, some tea and a bath.
Polly handed me a steaming mug of tea, grinning softly. Are you hungry?
Eat, love! she laughed, loading the table with sandwiches and leftover cake.
Tom watched me devour the food, smiling himself. They asked nothing more, sensing I was lost in embarrassment.
Afterwards, Polly led me to the bathroom.
Have a wash, love, and wear my dressing gown, itll warm you up.
***
All I wished was not to be turfed out tonight. It was bliss, soaking in the warm bath, imaging the bitterness lurking outside. But I couldnt dawdle; the hosts were waiting.
I stepped out. Tom and Polly were sitting together. Ashamed, I managed a small smile. Thank you.
Listen, Ivy, Polly began, no ones looking for you, from what I gather. And you dont want to go home.
I nodded miserably.
In the morning, were off early
I understand, I whispered, head hung lower.
Youll be alone here. Dont answer the door for anyone. Our Jack wont let anyone into the yard. Understood?
Yes! I cried involuntarily.
If you fancy, you could make us a nice stew, Tom winked slyly. Can you cook?
I can, I hurriedly replied, terrified Id be forced out. Im good in the kitchen. I can tidy too.
The downstairs could use a quick clean, Polly agreed with a gentle nod.
***
I woke with the hosts. Stayed quiet in bed, dreading being sent away. Eventually, the yard fell silent as their car drove off.
I got up, washed, and spotted a full kettle in the kitchen, bread, ham, and cheese laid out, pork chops set aside. Ate, cleared up, scrubbed the counters, mopped the floors.
Noticing the hoover in the hall, I set to cleaning carpets.
Then, suddenlyAnd whats all this? a voice behind startled me.
Whipping round, I saw a tall, handsome lad of about eighteen, his hazel eyes full of curiosity.
Im just tidying, I mumbled. And who are you?
He gave me a bit of a side-eye and pulled out his mobile.
Mum, Im home. Whos the girl?
Son, let her stay with us for a bit, Polly replied over speaker.
Doesnt bother me. He slid the phone away, looked me up and down, then wandered into the kitchen.
Would you like some tea? I offered.
Ill sort myself, thanks.
***
I tucked away the hoover and started dusting, listening closely to every kitchen sound.
He had breakfast, hit the shower, and soon returned cleaned up, smelling of aftershave.
Oy, mate, throw us another bottle! a voice yelled from outside.
Whats that about? The lad peered out the window.
Dont open for them! I urged, panic rising.
He eyed me curiously, flashed a quick grin, and went to the door. I darted to the window sure enough, Mike and Gavin were at the gate, shouting. I felt sick.
Then out strode the hosts son. They ran at him, but suddenly collapsed face-first in the snow. I swear they both fell at once. He leaned down, said something, and then both men slunk off, heads hanging, back toward my mums place.
***
He returned, fixing his gaze on my frozen stance.
Bit frightened, are you?
Instinctively, I clung to his chest and cried.
Whats your name? he asked.
Ivy.
Im Harry. Shh, dont cry. They wont be back.
***
Harry went up to his room and didnt come down again that day. I made the stew, sat by the table, lost in my own thoughts.
Of course, I wanted to stay here, with these kind people, but deep down I knew Id crossed a line.
The hosts came back. Polly shook her head in amazement at my cleaning, Tom tucked heartily into the food.
I suppose I had better go home now, I said bleakly. Thank you for everything!
Ivy, stay with us a few more days! Polly pleaded.
Thank you, Polly Stevens, but I really should go, I replied again, standing awkwardly.
But I hesitated Id been in their borrowed dressing gown and slippers since last night.
Come along! Polly nudged me to the hall, opening a wardrobe and rummaging. She pulled out a pair of jeans, a jumper, and a warm winter jacket.
Try these. Were much the same size.
Youre too kind, I cant
Cant send you home bare, love! Put them on, go on!
I changed, catching my reflection. Id never owned clothes so nice.
She made me wear a woolly hat and her best winter boots.
Ivy, theyre yours, I hope they serve you well.
Thank you, Polly.
***
Life slipped back into routine. Well, almost. Mum found a job at the farm. Her boyfriend vanished with his dodgy friend.
Spring arrived. On one quiet afternoon, I was at home, revising for my exams, when someone knocked the side gate. I peeked out, and nearly dropped my pen Harry stood by the fence. He nodded, inviting me out.
I didnt walk; I practically flew.
Morning, Ivy! Harry grinned.
Hello!
Mums been asking after you.
***
Once again, I stepped into the home where Id had the happiest and safest day of my life.
Polly met us at the door and gave me the warmest hug ever.
Come in, Ivy, have a cuppa!
She poured tea and sat across from me.
Ive a favour to ask. Tom and I are off to Turkey for a month, she smiled with excitement. Harrys hardly at home. Would you look after the house for us? Feed Jack and Mo, the cat. Water my plants theres dozens!
Of course, Polly Stevens!
Wonderful, she handed me cash. Here £200.
But Polly, I cant accept
Take it, love. Well not miss it. Come on, Ill show you everything!
I listened closely to Pollys explanations, noting where every flowerpot and tub was, where the dog food and cat treats were kept. Soon, she called out,
Harry! Come show Ivy around with Jack!
Come on, Harry said softly, placing his hand on my shoulder.
We wandered the garden with Jack. All the while, Harry rattled on about uni, karate, and his dads business.
But my mind was elsewhere. It was clear there was a chasm between Harry and me. His world was one I could never truly join. Hes a good lad, kindhearted, but thats no fairytale.
Give me two more months Ill pass my college exams, I know I will. Ill study, work, hustle if I must, but Ill become someone. Someday Ill marry, just not to this dashing boy. Hes wonderful, but hes not mine.
Im grateful to Polly Stevens for the clothes and for the £200. At least, Ill manage in the city to start.
Something inside told me this was it. My rough, painful childhood had ended. Ahead lay adulthood still tough, but from now on, itd be up to me and me alone.
By the time we reached the cottage, I gave Jack a gentle scratch, smiled at Harry, and made for home. Tomorrow I would start work here. Just work, nothing more.
Personal lesson: Sometimes kindness from strangers changes the course of your life, but who you become depends on the choices you make when youre finally on your own.
