Page 7 of Coming Home to Hope Street

‘I don’t know. But I want to find out the minute you do. I wonder what her story is. It’s quite intriguing, don’t you think?’

Hannah laughed inwardly. That was Phoebe all over. Having a go one minute and after the gossip the next. Still, their friendship had long outlasted her relationship with her sister.

Her sister. She never thought she’d see Livvy again. Of course she had hoped, wished and prayed that one day she’d return to the family but after so long, she’d accepted it wasn’t to be.

She recalled the last time she’d seen her. Livvy had left to study at a college in Manchester. She promised to call, but she never did. Her phone was disconnected after a few months of Hannah trying to contact her.

Now, she’d have to hide her anger until she learnt more about the whys and wherefores of Livvy’s surprise return. Because she needed to know everything – had to know.

Their family were extremely good at sending shocking letters to each other. Her mum had sent several after her death and it had shattered everything Hannah had known. And there was another thing she needed to tell Livvy too.

She’d have to broach that subject very carefully this evening.

Doug was back before she knew it. Strangely Hannah was really pleased to see him, as if she needed something familiar around her. The last hour or so had been fraught and she was all thought out.

She’d tried not to stare through the window at number thirty-four and wonder what was going on in there. What were Livvy and Pip doing, looking at; discussing even? It had obviously been a surprise for Pip.

But then, she had a niece.

A smile creased her face as she realised she might have time to get to know her. She seemed affable for a teenager who had been turfed out of one home to stay at another where she knew no one. If it was her, she would be worried about school, friends. It made her realise how much Livvy had put faith in her to come back here.

‘How are they?’ Doug asked as he came through to her.

‘I’ve left them to settle in. It seems strange, I guess, for us all.’

‘Has she said why she’s come back yet?’

‘No, we’re going to discuss it this evening.’ She grimaced. ‘It’s going to be tense, I guess.’

‘Can you forgive her?’

‘I’m not sure until I speak to her. But I will give her the benefit of the doubt. I’ll listen to her side of things and if there is a good enough reason, then we’ll see. I don’t even know if she wants to stay yet, or if she intended on a quick visit.’

‘Either way, it’s going to take some getting used to.’ Doug shook his head. ‘Imagine you with a brotheranda sister now. It’s the stuff of a novel, don’t you think? Or a TV series full of secrets, lies, and revelations.’

‘We can certainly giveCoronation Streeta run for their money at times.’

‘I’ve always thought Hope Street was similar to a soap opera,’ Doug smirked. ‘But it leads me nicely on to my next question. People inCorrieare always swapping addresses. There’re only two bedrooms in these houses. Why don’t you move in with me while they’re here?’

Hannah smiled. ‘I was hoping you’d say that.’ She wrapped her arms around his waist. ‘Are you sure you won’t get fed up of me, not having a night off?’

‘Since when have I missed cuddling up with you in bed every night for the past two months?’ He hugged her back. ‘If we’re not here, we’re over the road.’

‘However did I manage to find you?’ Despite the situation, she gave out a contented sigh.

Doug laughed. ‘I’m sure I was for sale at a bargain price.’

‘That was lucky for me then.’ She looked up at him. ‘I’ll bring a few more clothes over. Not everything, just enough for a week or so.’

‘So you don’t think Livvy has come back permanently with Pip?’

‘I don’t know. She stopped Pip from saying something when she said it would be no longer than a week.’

‘What is Pip short for?’

‘Phillipa, I think.’

‘I like her. She seems quite well-balanced, considering she’s part of your family.’

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