by Sarah Hope
‘It’s a bit late now.’
‘Lauren. Honestly, I had no choice. This way we get to live in a nice little village and I get to run this place meaning that I’m here for you both instead of going out to work.’ Molly held her hands up. ‘I know it means getting used to a new school and making new friends, but I really think this will work out to be the best thing for all of us. We just all need time to get used to it.’
‘Huh. It’s not like you had any friends back home anyway, and you don’t have to go to a new school. I’m going to be surrounded by people I don’t know, teachers I don’t know. What if I’m put down in a set? They won’t know what I can do or not, what I’ve learnt already or not. What if they’re learning about something we hadn’t covered yet at Meadow Hill? I’m going to look really stupid, and on my first day too.’
‘Your old tutor will have passed all your grades onto your new school. They’ll use those to put you in the right sets and, besides, they’ll be doing tests again at the beginning of term. And, once you know what topics you’re learning about in the different subjects, if you haven’t covered them yet then we can do work at home. We’ll get you up to speed and it will just mean that they’re teaching things in a different order, so you’ll be way ahead of the other students when they get round to teaching the topics you’ve already covered.’
‘I suppose so.’ Picking up her mug, Lauren wrapped her hands around it and took a sip.
‘We’ll sort it. And you will make loads of new friends. The new person at school always has people who want to be their friend. It will be fine.’ Picking up her own mug, Molly looked around. ‘We’ve got the half term to get settled before you start school so maybe we could have a wander around the village tomorrow before Dad comes? There might be a youth club or somewhere teenagers hang around that you could go to?’
‘I’m not really just going to go up to a group of people and ask if I can be their friend, am I? I’m not that sad.’
‘Okay, I just thought you might feel better about going into school if you get to know someone beforehand.’
‘Yeah right. That’s not going to happen. And I don’t want to ‘wander around the village’...’ Placing her mug momentarily down, Lauren used her fingers to make quotation marks. ‘... I don’t want the first impression people get of me to be that I ‘wander around’ with my mum and kid brother, do I?’
‘It was just a thought.’ Shrugging, Molly opened a notebook she’d placed on the counter earlier. ‘Maybe we can just try to get this place straightened out a bit then. We’ve got a big stock delivery coming tomorrow afternoon so I want to get this place ready so I can just fill up the shelves. The sooner we open up and can get some money coming in, the better. I’ve been thinking I might start a Knit and Natter group. You know somewhere people can come and learn how to knit or just knit and talk?’
‘I know what a Knit and Natter is, Mum. The name kind of gives it away.’ Rolling her eyes, Lauren glared at her mum.
‘Of course, you do. Well, what do you think? I thought it’d be a nice way of me getting to know the locals and then hopefully once they see what we have in stock, they’ll start using this place to get their wool and things from?’
‘Yes, it’s a good idea, I guess. I see you’ve got what you’ve dreamed of. You’ve got your perfect life opening this place up, but you’ve ruined mine and Ellis’ in the process.’ With anger flashing across her face, Lauren slammed her mug back down on the counter before wiping her eyes again with the sleeve of her top.
‘Lauren, I... This wasn’t my dream life.’ How could she tell Lauren that her dad had smashed through her perfect life seven years earlier? Yes, she had always wanted to open a craft shop, but not like this, not under these circumstances. And she certainly hadn’t meant to ruin her children’s lives. ‘This isn’t how I had envisaged my life turning out either. But you know that after having to sell our home I just couldn’t afford to buy again, not near our old place and this,’ Molly waved her arms around, encompassing the shop floor. ‘Buying a shop was one way I could get a big enough mortgage to get a place with three bedrooms. If I could have brought close enough to our old place so you two could have carried on at your old schools, you know I would have, don’t you?’
‘Umm, I guess. I just...’
‘You’re just nervous about starting a new school, aren’t you? And you’re missing your old friends.’ Holding her arms out towards Lauren, Molly signalled her to come closer.
Nodding, Lauren stepped forward, resting her head on Molly’s shoulder.
‘And it’s natural to feel that way. It’s totally normal, and its okay, I understand if sometimes you feel so completely angry with me, as long as you know deep down that I’m just trying to build a good life for you both. Try to see this as a way of starting over. You can be who you want to be, act how you want. No one knows you here, so it’s a completely new start.’
‘I guess so.’
‘And there’s no more Davina. You won’t have to see her again.’ Davina was Lauren’s age and had been their next-door neighbour for the past six years and for some reason had taken an instant dislike to Lauren, picking on her at school and trying to turn her friends against her.
‘That’s true. She’ll no doubt move in and replace me in our group though.’
‘Let her. Who cares? You can meet up with your friends and you won’t have to meet up with her. You won’t have to put up with her snide remarks every day.’
‘I suppose so.’
‘If we try to treat this move as a positive, as a way to make our lives better then I think we could be really happy here. I know you’re worried about starting a new school, but when we looked around, it looked as though they had fantastic resources. The science lab was new last year, wasn’t it? And the computer suite and art studios looked amazing. They’re really high on the league tables and get great results too. I think you’ll do really well there. If you go in with the right attitude, then I’m certain you will be super happy there.’
‘They also said they put on a pantomime at the village hall each year too.’
‘Yes, they did, didn’t they? And didn’t they say they take the drama club to join in with a theatre production in the next town?’
‘Yes.’ Stepping out of her mum’s hug, Lauren wiped her eyes and smiled. It was a small brief smile, but it was a smile.
‘There you go then. And actually joining the drama club will be a really good way of making friends with people who have the same interests as you.’
‘Umm.’ Nodding, Lauren looked down at the counter, picking up a stray staple. ‘I will still miss my friends though.’
‘I know, but you’ll make new friends and still have your old friends so you’ll have double the amount.’
‘I guess.’
‘I wouldn’t have moved you here if I didn’t think it could work, if I didn’t think you’d like the school.’
Nodding, Lauren squeezed the staple between her thumb and forefinger.
‘Right, do you want to see what my plans for this place are?’
‘Suppose so.’
Leafing through the notebook in front of her, Molly turned to a page full of scribbles and drawings and slid it across the counter towards Lauren. ‘Here is a very rough plan I’ve drawn. So, we’ll put the shelves against the walls and then have those big baskets I got from the car boot weeks ago up here by the counter, they’ll be full of wool. And then here in the middle we’ll have a bit of space where we can have some comfy chairs grouped together so people can come in and sit and craft for a bit. I can offer free tea and coffee too to get them in and then we can make the chairs into a circle when we have events like the Knit and Natter. What do you think?’
‘It looks good. Do you think people will really come in and sit though? It’s a shop, not a café.’
‘I hope they will. If I can make it as inviting as possible then I’m hoping people will want to spend some time here. If they don’t, then we can have a ret
hink.’ Smiling, Molly could imagine the sort of place she wanted to turn the shop into. In her mind people would travel from the next town and surrounding villages to shop here. It would be somewhere friends could come to have a catch-up and still do their crafting. ‘I’m just trying to think of ways to be different from the other craft shops and to attempt to compete with the big online stores.’
‘I think it’s a good idea then.’ Lauren circled the chairs drawn on the paper. ‘Where are you getting the chairs from?’
‘Not sure. I’m hoping we can get out to a couple of car boots on Sunday and then I’ll try to find some on the social media sites too. I’m thinking it might add to the charm if they’re all different, anyway.’
‘Okay.’
‘So, what do you think? Would you like to come and check out some car boots on Sunday instead of staying in bed all day?’
‘We’re going to Dad’s tomorrow, remember?’
‘Drat. Yes, of course, you are. I had completely forgotten.’ Taking the notebook back, Molly smoothed the page before closing it. She’d been looking forward to having Lauren and Ellis’ help and input in designing the layout of the shop, but she guessed, in reality, they probably wouldn’t have wanted to help, anyway. ‘Hopefully, I can get the shop all set up, and the flat unpacked before you get back then.’
‘If you can find enough space to put everything up in the flat.’
‘I know we’re used to a house, but it’s actually only a little smaller than our old place. It’s only missing a dining room.’
‘And a downstairs loo, a utility room, a conservatory and a garden.’
‘We’ve got a sweet little courtyard here remember, and the green is opposite.’
‘Yes, a courtyard, we used to have space for a trampoline and a swing set.’
‘Which you never used to play on.’ Smiling, Molly raised her eyebrows at Lauren.
‘I guess. Ellis used to, though.’
Molly nodded. ‘Yes, I know, but he’s getting older now and as long as he has a bit of space to kick a football around I think he’ll be happy. And the swing park is only down the road, anyway.’
‘But you’ll be busy working in here all the time so you won’t be able to take him.’
‘We’ll make it work.’ Patting the palms of her hands against the cover of her notebook, Molly copied Lauren as she yawned. ‘Right, it’s been a long day, I think you should hop into bed now and try to get some sleep.’
‘Are you coming up?’
‘In a minute.’ Wrapping her arms around Lauren, Molly kissed the top of her head. ‘Night, night. Love you.’
‘Love you too.’
Watching as Lauren disappeared through the door adjoining the shop to the stairs leading up to the flat, Molly yawned again. It could work, their new life. It would work. She’d make sure it did. She just needed to try to immerse them all into village life and they could be really happy here, away from the traffic and rush of Tipston. Away from the memories of happier times and arguments which lurked in every crooked shelf and mark on the wall in their old place. This was their chance to start afresh. This was their chance to build a new life.
Taking a last look around the shop floor, she tried to block out the thought of all the work that had to be done and made her way up to bed.
Chapter Two
Pausing, Molly checked the time. It was only just gone nine. It felt a lot later. Putting her hands on her hips, she glanced around the shop floor. The shelves were all in place, she just needed to drag the big wicker baskets through from where the removal men had dumped them in the back kitchen behind the counter and the shop floor would be almost ready. There were still the pictures to be hung and the chairs to be brought and put in place, but she was almost there.
‘Mum!’
Twisting her neck, Molly watched as Ellis raced through the door. ‘Mind the mop bucket!’
‘Oops! Sorry!’ Kicking the edge of the bucket, Ellis jumped to the side as dirty water dribbled to the floor as the bucket tipped and thankfully steadied itself.
‘Don’t worry, I’ll mop it up again.’ There was no point in making Ellis tidy up the mess he’d made, he’d only make it worse. ‘Why are you in such a hurry, anyway?’
‘What time is Dad coming to get us?’
‘About half ten, I think. Have you packed?’ Picking her way across the tiled floor, Molly was careful not to tread in any of the split water. Picking up the mop, she squeezed it out and dried up the floor.
‘Yes, no. He’s just messaged Lauren, we need to take our swimming stuff and I need new trunks.’
‘You’ve got trunks. You’ve got the ones with the sharks on.’
‘No, they’re too small. Remember, I told you after swimming at school?’’
‘Oh yes. Okay, we’ll have a look when we go into town next. Or else I’ll order you some.’
‘I need them now.’
‘I’m sure they can wait.’
‘No, I need to take them today. I told you, Dad’s said to bring our swimming things.’
‘All right, I’ll speak to him and I’m sure he can pick you some up. Don’t worry.’ Shrugging, she smiled at him.
‘No, he can’t. We’re going straight to Jessica’s parents’ house and they’ve got a hot tub. Dad told us to bring our swim things so we can go in. Max and Freya are going too, and they’ll be going in. I want to have a go too.’
‘Don’t worry. I’m sure your dad won’t mind stopping off and picking you some up.’ Frowning, Molly watched as Ellis’ bottom lip quivered.
‘He won’t. He’s said if we don’t bring them then we can’t go in.’
‘Really?’ Actually, it probably was something Trevor would say. He wouldn’t want any inconvenience. ‘Could you borrow some from Max? He’s only a year younger than you?’
‘His will be too small too. Please Mum, can we go and get some new ones?’
Checking her watch, Molly looked at Ellis. It wasn’t fair if he had to miss out because she’d forgotten to replace his trunks when he’d outgrown them and his father wouldn’t buy any new ones. After all, that’s what maintenance was for, wasn’t it? An endless pot of money that magically grew and grew when the children outgrew their clothes or a school trip needed paying for. Molly rolled her eyes. She was sure that’s what Trevor believed. ‘Are sure you can’t just squeeze into them? Just for one day? Your dad will be here in just over an hour.’
‘We gave them to Harry, remember?’
‘Drat.’ Of course, trying to declutter before the move, Molly had given a huge bag of clothes Ellis had outgrown to his friend Harry. ‘Okay, okay. Go and get your sister but we’ll have to hurry.’
‘Thanks, Mum.’ Turning on his heels, Ellis rushed back upstairs shouting Lauren’s name.
Pulling her hairband out, Molly shook her hair before bundling it back up into a messy bun. She hadn’t even put any makeup on this morning. Shaking her head, she guessed it didn’t matter. They’d only be quick. Hopefully, they could get back before Trevor came. Even though her love for him had disappeared years ago, she still didn’t want him seeing her in this state. She still liked to pretend she was in control of her life.
‘Mum, she’s not coming. She said to tell you, she’ll stay here and pack her stuff for Dad’s.’
‘Mind the mop!’ Gently pulling the sleeve of Ellis’ jumper, she guided him around the bucket. ‘Right, come on then.’
‘ARE YOU HAPPY WITH them?’ Looking in the rearview mirror, Molly watched as Ellis pulled the bright orange and black checked trunks out of the bag before putting the car into reverse.
‘They’re okay, I guess.’
‘I think they’re nice. I know there wasn’t much choice there, but at such short notice I think you were very lucky we found any at all.’
‘Yes, they’re nice. Can I get some other ones if we do swimming at school though, please? I think they’ll be a bit bright for school.’
‘Yes, okay.’ Molly smiled. She knew he didn’t
really like them but it was sweet of him to make do. Pausing at the exit to the car park, Molly glanced at the clock on the dashboard. They’d been pretty quick in town, quicker than she’d thought they would be, so they still had fifteen minutes to make the journey home before Trevor showed up.
‘Thanks.’ Grinning, he put his new trunks back into the bag on his lap.
Her phone vibrated from her handbag on the passenger seat. Keeping her foot on the brake, she rummaged inside it and pulled out her mobile, holding it out towards Ellis. ‘It’s Lauren, can you answer it, please?’
Leaning forward, Ellis grab the mobile. ‘Hello?’
Pulling out into the road, Molly put her hand up to thank the driver who had let her out. ‘What does she want? Is she okay?’
‘All right then. Bye.’
‘Is she okay?’
‘Yes, she said Dad’s got there early and is wondering where we are.’
‘Really?’ Clenching her jaw, Molly cursed under her breath. What was the point in arranging a time if he just showed up whenever he wanted?
‘Yes. He needs to get going so wants us to hurry.’ Shifting in his seat, Ellis ducked his head and began playing on Molly’s mobile.
‘Okay.’ No, it wasn’t okay, actually. It was far from okay. Trevor needed to understand that they had things to do, places to go as well, and that she and the kids’ lives didn’t revolve around him. Yes, the children enjoyed going to his and wanted to go but that didn’t mean that her time with them should be compromised because he was seemingly incapable of telling the time. Taking a deep breath, she indicated onto the country lane connecting the town to their little village and accelerated.
A ping from the back seat interrupted Molly’s thoughts. Twisting around, she quickly glanced back at Ellis. ‘Is that my phone again? Can you see what the message says, please?’
‘Aww, I’ve just got to level 101 on Puzzle Mania.’
‘You can go back on it after, can you just check what it says, please? It might be Lauren.’
‘It says Dad really has to go so can we hurry up.’