Page 13 of Coming Home to Hope Street

Her old bedroom had never been anything but dull. Magnolia painted walls and no permission to decorate from the landlord to make it more individual. It was barely large enough for the double bed and wardrobe squeezed in, both second-hand brought many years previous. She reckoned the whole of the flat could fit in the upstairs of her childhood home. Yet again, it made her feel inadequate.

She huddled underneath the duvet, even though it wasn’t that cold, and started to make a mental list of what she had to do. For now, she didn’t need to worry about rent, and she could put money towards the bills once she’d sorted out a job. She’d make an appointment today at Hedworth Jobcentre and visit as quickly as she could. There would be benefits she could claim if necessary.

She’d never been a shirker, but Somerley wasn’t a huge place; neither was the city centre, but she would do anything. There was nothing too low. In the meantime, she’d check out their website to see if there was anything she could apply for. She also needed to get more groceries in and speak to Hannah about the letter.

But then, if she got a job, that would mean she was staying and she wasn’t sure it was a good idea, no matter what Hannah had said last night. How could she start again in the place she’d longed to escape from when she was a young girl? The place she left behind as she made a hash of her life.

If she hadn’t met Kieran, maybe things would have been different.

Yes. No. Maybe.

Oh, who was she kidding? It was her fault as much as it was his. She hadn’t had to put up with everything. She’d just been too weak to leave before now. If it weren’t for her circumstances, she might still be in Manchester. And Kieran would have known where to find her.

To her left, she could see a framed photo of Hannah and Doug. She picked it up and drew it closer. They looked so happy. He was cuddling her from behind and they were both beaming into the camera.

Had Kieran ever looked at her in that way? When they’d only just met, perhaps? She bet he must have, but still, she hadn’t seen that look in his eye for quite some time. Instead, their marriage had turned into a convenience; somewhere for Kieran to come and go as he pleased, knowing there would be a bed waiting for him on his return. Well, not this time.

She heard footsteps on the stairs. The door bumped open as Pip pushed on it with her bottom, her hands full carrying a tray. Her hair was tied up in a ponytail that bobbed up and down as she walked across the room.

‘Morning, Mum.’ She smiled. ‘I’ve made tea and toast for us both.’ She put the tray down on the dressing table and handed a plate and a mug to Livvy.

‘Thanks, love.’ Livvy put down the mug. ‘Did you sleep okay last night?’

‘Surprisingly, I did.’ Pip climbed onto the bed beside her, throwing out her legs, crossing them at the ankles.

Livvy grinned. ‘Those socks ruin your street cred.’

Pip held up a foot and laughed. ‘I like unicorns and pink. So what?’

If she wasn’t busy tucking into her breakfast, Livvy would have hugged her. Pip was mad at her but pretending that everything would be okay. It was kind of her considering the circumstances. And even though she knew it wouldn’t last, it was good while it did.

‘So what’s it like in Somerley, Mum?’

‘It’s pretty dull from what I remember.’

‘But that was when you were eighteen. It might have changed since then.’

‘It must have, I suppose. I need to go into Hedworth to the Jobcentre to make an appointment to see someone at the job centre, no doubt. And then we have to see about school for you.’

‘If I fail my GCSEs it will be because of you.’

‘Pip!’

‘I’m just putting it out there. Changing schools is so stressful. I could revise at home for my exams until I decide if I’m going to sixth form or—’

‘Nice try, kiddo.’ Livvy smirked. ‘You’re way too smart for your age at times. Somerley High is where I went too. You’re going to love it.’ Livvy rolled her eyes and then crossed them, sticking her tongue out to make Pip laugh. It worked.

Pip seemed to like school really, but it had never been Livvy’s favourite place. She couldn’t wait to leave and had never intended going to college until her parents had their accident.

What a selfish cow she’d been. She should have come home years ago. Or gone to find her brother instead. After all, he was another reason for all this mess.

Chapter Nine

Hannah reached for her phone and then put it down with a sigh. It was still a force of habit. Before Doug had come on the scene, she and Phoebe had called each other every weekday morning at 8 a.m., even if it was Hannah’s morning to work in the salon. It had been a huge help through the years she’d been on her own with Mum.

Sometimes she missed their chats. Phoebe had suggested they ease off them once she and Doug had got together. But it was at times like these, when she needed female interaction and reassurance, that she longed for it again. Still, she’d be seeing her soon at work.

As she left the house, Hannah spotted Bev from number twenty-three getting into her car. She waved, hoping she didn’t want to stop and chat. All she ever talked about was her husband, Steve – no, actually all she ever did was moan about him. Hannah happened to like him, but no one really knew what went on behind closed doors. Personally, she thought Bev was a bit of a bully when she saw them together. Not that she’d say anything because Bev often terrified her too, especially if she’d had a bit to drink.

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