Page 36 of Coming Home to Hope Street

‘Away with you.’ Livvy shooed them out of the room, smiling at the sound of thundering feet as she reached for her coffee. Now, where was she?

Chapter nine was calling to her, but she was trying hard to concentrate because she kept thinking of Callum and the phone number that he’d given to Hannah. Should she call him, or should she wait until she saw him again? It didn’t help that he hadn’t got her number, so she’d have to be the first to make a move.

But she was scared, wary even, of what it may lead to. Somehow, she couldn’t see herself with another man for quite some time yet. She needed space, to settle here first. Make sure Pip was okay. After all, she’d be missing her dad, no doubt.

Maybe she should write a friendly text though, the kind that took two hours to type out before she found the confidence to send it.

There was another knock on the door. With a sigh, she put down her book and went to see who it was.

‘Hi, Thelma.’ She smiled. ‘Are you okay?’

‘Yes, I’m fine, but I wonder if you could help me. My bulb has blown in the living room. Doug’s truck isn’t there so I’m assuming he’s out with Hannah. I don’t suppose…’

‘Of course.’ Livvy reached for her jacket and went to the bottom of the stairs.

‘Girls, I’ll be next door for a moment if you need me.’

Going into Thelma’s house was like stepping back in time as a feeling of familiarity washed over her. Thelma herself hadn’t changed a bit either, apart from ageing, of course. Her silver hair was styled in a short curly style, pink lipstick, and nail varnish giving her added colour. Her eyes were warm, something Livvy wasn’t sure they would be after her being away for so long. Thelma was still slim, just like she remembered her, but smaller now as her back was a little arched.

‘Here you are.’ Thelma passed her a light bulb. ‘I’ve made sure the switch is off, and there’s a chair you can use in the kitchen.’

In no time at all the light was working again. Livvy got down from the chair and put it back. She waited for the interrogation to start but was pleasantly surprised when it didn’t. It was a much different experience than when she’d first seen Phoebe again after all the years.

But just as she was about to leave, Thelma stopped her.

‘Are you settling in next door?’ she asked.

Here we go, Livvy thought.

‘Yes, I am actually. It was weird coming back,’ she volunteered.

‘Well, I’m glad you have. And I know Hannah is pleased too.’

‘I wasn’t what she expected to see on the doorstep that day, I must admit.’

‘You were brave to come here after so long away. But Hannah is pleased.’

‘Is she?’ Livvy coloured a little. ‘How do you know?’

‘She hasn’t stopped talking about you, and Pip. But don’t tell her I said anything.’

‘I won’t, but thanks.’ Livvy smiled. ‘It’s good to hear. I haven’t really liked myself for the past few years.’

‘Don’t be too hard on yourself. We all make mistakes. Some of us choose not to make amends. Others, like yourself, do what is necessary to put things right. And you were a lovely girl at eighteen. I doubt that’s changed much.’

It brought tears to Livvy’s eyes to hear Thelma say nice things about her, not have a go at her like Bev from number twenty-three.

‘I’m glad to see you back,’ Thelma went on. ‘And Pip is lovely. She’s already offered and been to the shops for me twice.’

‘Thank you.’ Livvy was glad to hear praise for her daughter. It was good of Pip to do that.

Thelma took one of her hands. ‘I can feel your burden from here, Livvy. If you need someone to talk to, ask Hannah. All you have to do is say the word. Now, or later or whenever, but do it. Hannah has a wonderful mannerism about her. She’s kind and considerate and would really like to help you. Try not to push her away.’

‘I will.’

Once back in her house and sitting on the settee, there was no chance of Livvy getting back into her book as her mind began to work overtime.

Thelma had been right, Livvy did need a friendly ear to talk to. Someone who wasn’t in it purely to find out the gossip. Someone who could help her get through this crisis and start learning to love life again.

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