The door swung open and, once again, Mum and her flatmate arrived together with some other bloke. Already a few pints deep, I sank into the corner behind the nightstand.
Where can I hide? Its snowing outside, and Im fed up with everything, I muttered. When I finish my GCSEs this summer Ill hop on a bus to town, enrol at the teachertraining college and become a schoolmistress. Its only six miles away, but Ill be staying in the halls.
Mum and her guests crowded the kitchen. A clink of glass, the scent of fried sausage, and a bubbling pour made me swallow hard.
Hold on, you! Mum snapped.
Whats the matter?
There are two of you
First time with two, grunted Mike, Mums flatmate, as he shuffled in.
A crash of plates, a rustle, a hiss the whole lot sounded like a circus. I pressed deeper into the corner; the noise suddenly died down.
Mike, shes asleep, said the flatmate.
Shes a good sort, but something about her?
Youve got a daughter, dont you?
What, a daughter?
Poppy shes grown enough to hide in the room.
Bring her out, Mike shouted cheerfully.
Poppy, where are you? the flatmate called as he slipped into the hallway, spotting me and flashing a grin that was anything but friendly. Come sit with us!
Its fine here, thank you, I replied.
Dont be shy, Mike tried, reaching for a hug.
I snatched the vase on the nightstand and smashed it over his head. The sound of breaking glass rang through the room. I bolted out, my heart pounding.
Hold her! Mike barked.
I was already at the front door, shoes nowhere to be found, dressed in socks, old shorts and a tee. I stepped into the cold night in my fullonnothingelse attire.
A couple of men followed. The village lane was deserted. Where could I run in a snowstorm? Behind us, distant shouts rose. A massive house I sprinted past let out a bark, then a voice shouted at the dog.
I crashed through the gate and hammered on the door. A middleaged man, about forty, opened it.
Help! I whispered, pleading with my eyes.
Come in, he said, grabbing my arm and pulling me inside.
Oliver, whos that? a woman called from the porch.
This one, the homeowner nodded toward me. Some blokes are after her.
Quick, get inside! she snatched my arm. Well sort it all out.
Mikes voice echoed from the street, Come on, Poppy, behave!
Oliver, stop! the lady shrieked. Get back inside!
From the courtyard, a dogs howl and mens shouts filtered in.
We should call the police, the woman said, pulling out her phone.
No, Paula, Ive got this. Theyre locals, I reckon.
How will you handle them?
Nicely, keep the girl calm.
The homeowner fetched a packet of biscuits, a bottle of cider and a slice of ham, and tucked them in the fridge. He gave the dog a quick pat, then turned to the door.
Give it back, Poppy! Mike lunged.
Take it and go! the owner shouted.
I opened the packet, a grin spreading across my face. Alright, Mike, off you go.
***
Right, Im Paula Harris, the lady said, setting a kettle on the stove. Sit down, tell us whats happened.
My names Poppy, I started, teeth chattering. I live on this lane, right at its very end.
Youre Kiras daughter?
Yes.
Even though weve only just moved in, weve heard about your mother.
I lowered my head and the tears began to flow.
Dont cry, Paula soothed, pulling me close. It was an odd, comforting gesture. I clung to her, sobbing even harder.
Alright, love, lets have some tea.
The landlord entered, nodding at me with a grin.
Now, what are we to do with this pretty one? Paula winked at him.
Well talk about that tomorrow. First, tea and a bath.
Fancy a bite? Paula placed a cup of tea before me, then a plate of toast with jam and a slice of cake appeared.
Eat, eat! the landlord chuckled, watching my eyes dart to the food.
No more questions; they let me eat in peace, noticing I was still a bit embarrassed.
When dinner was done, Paula led me to the bathroom.
Take a wash, and put on this robe, she said.
***
All I wanted was not to be tossed out onto the street again. A warm bath felt heavenly compared with the frosty night outside. But the morning was coming, and the hosts were waiting.
I stepped out, finding the man and his wife lounging on the sofa. I gave a guilty smile.
Thanks! I said.
Listen, Poppy, the lady began, I gather youre not planning to go back home. You dont seem keen on returning.
My chin dropped further.
Tomorrow we have to be on the road early
I understand, I whispered, head lower still.
Youll stay alone. Dont open any doors! Our Jack wont let anyone in. Got that?
Yes! I shouted, emotions spilling over.
You could even make a stew for us, Oliver said with a sly grin. Can you?
I can, I replied quickly, still fearing Id be thrown out. I cook well and can tidy up.
Just tidy the downstairs if you can, Paula agreed.
***
We all woke up together. I lay in the bed, still nervous about being evicted. A car rumbled outside, then everything fell silent.
I got up, washed, and headed to the kitchen where a kettle whistled, and a spread of bread, sausage, cheese and pork ribs waited on the counter.
I ate, cleared the table, wiped everything down, and mopped the floor. In the hallway I spotted a vacuum cleaner, switched it on and gave the carpet a good run.
Just as I switched it off
What does all this mean? a voice called from behind.
I whirled around to see a tall, goodlooking lad, about eighteen, brown eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Im cleaning, I muttered. And you are?
He shook his head, pulled a phone from his pocket and said, Mum, Im home. Whos that?
Son, let the girl stay a while, he told his mother.
What’s it to me? he shrugged, slipping the phone back.
He gave me a thorough onceover, then walked toward the kitchen.
Shall I make you some tea? I asked.
Hell sort it, he replied.
***
I finished vacuuming, dusted every surface, listening for any creak from the kitchen. The lad finished his breakfast, trotted into the bathroom, emerged freshly lathered.
A shout came from outside, Hey, landlord, another bottle!
What now? the lad asked, moving to the window.
Dont open the door! I warned, voice shaking.
He glanced at me, smiled wryly, and headed for the exit. I sprinted to the window. By the fence, Mike and his mate were shouting something unintelligible; fear tightened my chest.
The landlords son burst out, and the two men lunged at him. They all slipped on the snow, tumbling together.
The lad crouched, muttering something, then they rose, heads down, shuffling toward the mothers house.
***
He turned back, his gaze landing on me, frozen in place. He stepped closer.
You scared? he asked.
I, unable to control myself, clung to his shirt and wept.
Whats your name? he asked suddenly.
Poppy.
Im Russell. Dont cry, they wont be back.
Russell retreated to his room and didnt emerge until evening. I boiled a pot of borscht, sat at the kitchen table and stared into space.
Deep down I wanted to stay with these lovely people, but I knew Id crossed the line of propriety.
The hosts returned. Paula shook her head in amazement at how tidy everything looked. Oliver gave the borscht an approving nod.
I think Ill head home, I said, resigned. Thank you for everything.
Stay a few more days, Poppy! Paula chirped.
Thank you, Paula! Ill be on my way, I repeated, stepping toward the door, then froze. Id been wandering the house in foreign slippers and a borrowed coat since yesterday.
Come on! the lady grabbed my shoulder and led me to the sitting room.
She opened the wardrobe, stared at the clothes for a long moment, then pulled out a pair of jeans, a sweater and a warm sports jacket.
Put them on! Were practically the same height, she said.
No, really
You cant go home naked. Dress up, I wont go broke.
I slipped into the clothes, sneaked a glance at the mirror Id never owned such decent attire.
In the hallway she forced me into a knitted hat and sturdy boots.
Take care, Poppy!
Thank you, Paula!
***
Life slipped back into a familiar rhythm, though not quite the old one. Mum got a job at a nearby farm; her flatmate vanished with his friend.
Spring arrived. One afternoon I was studying at home when a knock came at the gate. I peered out and saw Russell standing by the fence, giving me a nod.
He didnt wait for me to answer I bolted out.
Hey! he grinned.
Hello!
My mum called for you.
***
Soon I was back in that house where Id spent such a happy day.
Welcome, Poppy! the lady at the door greeted, enveloping me in a hug.
Hello, Paula!
Come in, lets have a cuppa!
She poured tea, sat opposite me, and smiled dreamily.
Were off to Turkey for a month, my husband and I, she said, eyes sparkling. Our son is rarely home. Could you look after the house? Feed Jack, water the cat, look after the roses. Weve got loads of them.
Of course, Paula!
She slapped a wad of cash on the table. Twentyfive pounds. Take it. We wont go broke. Ill show you everything.
I memorised where the flower pots and watering cans were, where the cat food and dog biscuits lay. Then Paula called out, Russell! He popped out of his room. Introduce Poppy to Jack!
We stepped outside, untied Jack, and went for a walk. Russell chatted about university, karate, and his dads business as we strolled.
I thought of something else entirely. The gap between Russell and me was as wide as the one between my mum and his parents. Nice people, sure, but this wasnt a Cinderella story it was real life.
Two months until college exams. Ill pass them, study, work, turn into a proper adult. Ill marry, but not a fairytale prince. Hes a great bloke, just not my guy.
I was grateful to Paula for the coat and the cash it would keep me afloat in the city for a while.
An inner voice told me that this very moment marked the end of my hard childhood. Adult life just as tough was now my own to steer.
We reached the cottage. I patted Jack on the neck, smiled at Russell, and headed home. Tomorrow Id start my job at the cottage. Work, and thats that!
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