She Ran Away
Well then, Alice, sneered Veronica, her former mother-in-law, pushing open the garden gate. Decided to run away, have you? Thought youd pack off to your mothers and live in peace? I dont mindgo ahead. But youll have to leave the child with us
Alice stood frozen, fear flashing in her eyes as she looked from Veronica to Tom, her ex-husband, with whom she’d only finalised the divorce a week ago.
But the person who frightened her most was an unfamiliar woman wearing spectacles, standing beside them.
Alice had never seen her before and had no idea who she was or why shed come. Judging by her cold, condescending stare, it was this woman, not her former in-laws, who posed the greatest threat to Alice and her child right now.
Good afternoon, Alice, said the stranger, stepping forward and showing her identification. Im a social worker from child welfare. I have a lot of questions for you.
*****
Alice met Tom in her last year at university. Money was tight, so she waited tables at a café when she could.
One night after a late shift, Alice was walking back to her halls of residence when she was stopped by a trio of police constables doing their rounds.
Only one actually addressed herperhaps because he was in charge, or maybe just the most outgoing.
Evening, he said cheerily, touching his cap. A lovely girl like you, wandering about town on your own at this hourisnt it a bit risky? Dont you fear running into trouble?
Good evening, Alice replied wearily. Im not wanderingIm walking home from work. If you dont mind, I need to be at uni early tomorrow.
Youre a student then?
Yes.
And you work as well?
I do. At a café, not far. About twenty minutes on foot. Have I done something wrong? Is there some curfew Im breaking?
No, no restrictions. Just a routine check. May I see your ID? asked the young officer, peering at her curiously.
She complied, finding her passport. He flicked through the pages, taking his time, scrutinising one in particular.
Not married?
Alice smiled. No time for that these days. Degree first, then maybe Ill think about my personal life.
How much longer to go?
Half a year. Why do you ask?
He just grinned. Just interested.
That night, the officer, Tom, offered to walk Alice all the way home, insisting women shouldn’t be out alone so late. Alice wasnt about to refuseshed had her share of nasty run-ins in this rough part of town before. Once, a man with a German shepherd had rescued her just in time.
Thank you, Alice said as they reached her building.
No trouble, Tom replied with a smile. But you really ought to find work that doesnt keep you out at this hour.
Ill think about it but no promises.
Next day, Tom met Alice outside her university doors, grinning shyly with a bunch of flowers.
I thought about you all night. Fancy a walk?
Their relationship began thenfirst as friends, then as something more. Love followed. Once Alice finished university and received her degree, Tom asked her to move in.
Alice had always planned to rent a flat in the city once her course was over, coming from a small village herself. Her fieldaccountancywas in high demand, and lectures had assured her shed find work quickly. Shed already marked promising job adverts in the local papers.
But before she could call any numbers, Tom made another suggestionmove with him to his village, to live near his mum, Veronica.
And what will I do there, Tom? Alice had her doubts. Im a qualified accountant. Where would I work in the countryside? Wed be better off in the citymore opportunities.
I know city livings got perks, love, but its far more hassle as well. Wed have to pay rent, and were at the mercy of landlords. The halls Ive got wont do for us both, and theyre hardly fit for anyone. In the village, wed have our own place.
But what about jobs?
Well sort something. Theres a sausage factory thats been looking for a decent accountant for ages. My mums good friends with the boss, so youll be snapped up. And youll get experience.
And what about you? Are there police patrols in the village too?
Tom laughed. Nah, no patrols out there. But dont worryI wont sit at home all day. Im also a trained vet. Theres always work for me.
A vet? Why did you never mention that? Why join the police if you trained for that?
You never asked, Tom grinned lopsidedly. As for the police, it was a route to an early pension and a flat. But its not the life for metoo many bosses for my liking. I want to work for myself. So, what do you think? Come with me? I love you. I want us to be together.
Alice called her mother for advice, and finally agreed.
She actually preferred country lifefresh air, peace and quiet, her own home. Isnt that what shed always wanted? If she started a family, wouldnt it be good to have a grandma nearbywith Tom as a vet to help look after animals?
And so, Alice moved to the countryside.
*****
At first, things were wonderful. Veronica welcomed her warmly, treating Alice like her own daughter.
Just as Tom promised, Alice was offered an accountancy job at the factory, and Tom did well providing veterinary services for the villagersmost of whom had animals that needed tending.
Alice waited up for him every night, never sleeping before he got home.
Look after Tom or else, dear, and youll be answerable to me! Veronica would say, wagging her finger playfully.
Mum, what are you on about? Tom laughed. I love Aliceshes my fiancée. Id never hurt her.
Exactly! Shes not even your wife yet.
What do you mean?
If you ever upset her, Alice will leave you, and youll regret it the rest of your days. Youd never find anyone better here.
Alice always smiled at how her future mother-in-law stuck up for her, even though Tom was nothing but attentive.
Within six months, they married. Veronica delivered touching words at the reception, leaving the guests in tearsmost of all, Alices mother, Sarah.
Now I know youre in good hands, Sarah said before boarding her train home. A good husband, a lovely mother-in-law
Alice was certain shed made the right choice.
But after the wedding, something changed. Not instantly, but gradually.
Tom started acting as if hed got all hed ever wanted and didnt need to try. Veronica began piling more housework on Alice, despite her long hours crunching numbers at the factory.
There must be order in the house, Alice. Doesnt matter how tired you are. Every day, clean this place from top to bottom.
Besides cleaning, she had to fix dinnerfor both husband and mother-in-law.
But nothing seemed good enough for the fussy Veronica. Alice put in effort, truly she did, but her mother-in-law was never pleased.
Tom, I dont mind helping your mum, but Im not a maid.
Of course not. Youre my wife.
A woman too. Sometimes I just want to come home and rest, not scurry around every room with a mop. And cooking a new meal every night is too muchwhats wrong with reheating stew? But your mum wants everything fresh daily.
Tom only shrugged. Why complain to me? Im hopeless with all this household stuff. Try talking to her yourself.
I have countless times. She wont listen. Says I live in her house, so I must help.
You dont like helping?
Its not helping when you do everything and she does nothing. Sometimes I wonder if I was only brought here as the cleaner.
Nonsense, Alice. Ill speak to her, promise.
A week went by. Nothing changed.
Alice nagged Tom about his promise. Tom brushed her off, saying he just hadnt found the right moment to talkhe was tired too.
Finally, Alice put her foot down.
Tom, either we get a place in town and move out of your mums, or Ill go alone.
Dont be silly, Alice. It would mean renting a flat and me hunting for work.
Youre a vetthere are plenty of city clinics for animals.
I want to work for myself. Here Im my own boss. Moneys decent.
But I cant live with your mum. Surely you can see the atmosphere?
That evening, they had a row for the first time in ages. Next day Tom apologised and suggested a compromise:
If you want, we can move into the old cottage at the end of the garden. No indoor loo, but at least youd be mistress of your own space.
Still hoping to save her marriage, Alice agreed.
What a palaver, moaned Veronica when she heard. That damp old place! I lived there years ago with Toms dadmay he rest in peace.
The cottage left much to be desired, but Alice relished the independence.
At least, she thought she did
*****
One day, Veronica burst in, eyes narrowed.
Why havent you watered the flowers, Alice? I asked you!
Honestly, I havent forgotten, Alice replied, rising with difficulty and cradling her heavily pregnant belly.
A likely story! Youve left the latch open, toothe heats escaping. How many times have I told you? You never listen.
Im not feeling well today. Give me a moment, Ill water the flowers and sort out the latch.
And why are you always so feeble? You came from the country, but youre useless at country living. Or are you just lazy?
Alice managed to bite her lip instead of retaliating.
The truth? Shed grazed cows and risen at dawn herself to help out, especially those mornings when Veronica swore her blood pressure was too high. But it was never enough.
You just lounge about while Tom works day and night. Dishes in the sink, house in a state! Why did you marry if you wont keep house? Stop hiding behind your pregnancy. I was working the fields myself when I was expecting, and look at mefit as a fiddle!
Arguments never helped; Veronica was set in her ways, and Alice couldnt risk stress as the babys arrival drew near.
Braced for another tirade, Alice nodded and obediently took on every chore assigned.
Be careful with the firewoodwoods not cheap, and youre using it up. All your fault, now we have to buy extra. I have my own heating, you know.
Once left alone again, Alice sat at the table, trying not to let the tears fall. She couldnt afford to cryher baby would start kicking in distress.
Everything will be alright, she whispered, rubbing her bump. Well manage. Somehow.
Unexpectedly, Alice found a frienda helper. One day, a scrawny, hungry dog appeared outside her cottage, pleading with soulful eyes.
Alice couldnt turn her awayshe brought her a big bowl of soup, with a hearty chunk of meat on top.
Next day, the dog came back, and Alice fed her again.
Before long, the dog was visiting daily, and within a week, Alice invited her to stay for good. The dog happily accepted.
Now, when Alice carried firewood into the cottageTom never had time, leaving early and returning latethe dog (whom Alice named Daisy) would take a log in her mouth and proudly help.
Thank you, girl, Alice would say, stroking Daisys head. I dont know what Id do without you.
Things went welluntil Veronica spotted Daisy.
Whats that mongrel doing in my garden? Where did she come from? Did you bring her in?
I didshe lives here now, and she stays with me.
And did you ask me? This isnt your home to make the rules.
Shes my dog. If you try to throw her out, Ill leave too.
Well see what Tom says!
Tom came home grumpy and launched straight into the topic.
Mum says youve got a dog now. Why would we need a dog?
She turned up and needed a home, so I kept her. You saw her before
I thought she was just passing through. Didnt know you meant to keep her.
Whats the problem?
One more mouth to feed.
Odd coming from a vet.
Thats differentI treat animals, I dont take in strays. Theres a difference.
*****
When Alice had her baby, things got harder still.
Not only did Veronica constantly lecture her about how to care for baby Olivia, but Tom often stopped sleeping at home.
He needed his rest for work, apparentlyOlivias cries kept him awake.
So you think I should do all the baby duties alone? Shes your daughter, too. Or do you think once the deed is done, youre free?
Tom didnt answerjust slammed the door.
Alice put up with a lot, always telling her mum she was fine, but one day she snapped.
Im filing for divorce, Tom. Ive had enough, she told him, confronting him at Veronicas.
Dont be ridiculous! Veronica shrieked. How dare youafter all weve done for you. And what about the child? My granddaughter, and Toms daughter. You have no right to take her!
Neither you nor Tom ever acted like true family. Im not asking for your permission. Im divorcing and moving home.
Tom stopped helping, and Veronica started eviction proceedings.
You wanted the divorce, she said waspishly. So youre nothing to us now.
At least Alice hadnt ended up out on the street with little Olivia though it easily could have happened, she thought, huddled beside the stove.
But she soon discovered their real plan.
One day, Alice walked over to Veronicas to ask Tomwho kept promisingabout travel money. The door was ajar, so she let herself in, and overheard the following:
She cant just leave, Tom! Olivia is MY flesh and blood. I wont let that woman take my granddaughter! Ive called the right peopletomorrow, well take the child. She can go wherever she likes…
Alice panicked as never before. Veronica had connections, she had moneyshe could take Olivia easily.
What do I do? Alice murmured, heading back to the cottage. Run, Alicerun now! her inner voice urged.
But where? She had no money, no plan. How could she even get out without being seen?
Inside, Alice glanced at her sleeping daughter, patted Daisy lying vigil by Olivias cot, and began stuffing a bag with essentials.
She had no idea what to dojust knew she had to escape before morning, before it was too late.
Help came from the most unexpected place.
Daisy trotted to her, grabbed her trouser leg, and tried to guide Alice outside.
Not now, Daisy I dont have time for games, Alice sighed.
Again, Daisy tugged, urging Alice to follow. This time, Alice understood.
In minutes, Daisy led her to a hole in the fencejust big enough to squeeze through.
Beyond, only the woods lay ahead.
Well get lost! Alice whispered, glancing nervously into the dark line of trees.
Despite her fears, Alice chose to try. She fetched her bag and documents, waited for nightfall, then, carrying Olivia, slipped out with Daisy by her side.
*****
No idea which way to go, Alice trusted Daisy, who kept checking that her owner was close behind, never letting her fall behind.
For hours, Alice pressed on, barely pausing, until they reached a railway line. Suddenly hope flooded hermaybe they’d make it after all.
She walked along the tracks and eventually reached the station.
With no money, Alice prayed someone would take pity. When her train arrived, she ran to the conductor and pressed every piece of jewellery she owned into her handhoop earrings, a ring, and a chain with a cross.
What on earth is this? the conductor asked, confused.
Alice explainedabout Tom, Veronica, Olivia. Begged for help.
The conductor pressed the jewellery back into Alices palm, took hold of her arm, and led her aboard.
And the dog can Daisy come too? I cant leave her, Alice pleaded.
Of course, the conductor smiled.
Late that night, Alice was finally home again, sitting at the kitchen table as her mother listened, shocked, to everything that had happened. Olivia slept in the other room, Daisy curled by her side.
You did right bringing the dog, said Sarah, nodding at Daisy. If it hadnt been for her, would you have made it out?
Next morning, the parish councillor, Mr. Henry, a long-time family friend, visited.
Word travels fast, he chuckled as he embraced Alice. Here for a visit, or is it for good?
For good, Alice replied, finally breaking down in tears. When he pressed for details, she told him everything.
Dont worry, Aliceyoure safe here, Mr. Henry reassured her.
*****
A few days passed and Alice finally began to relax. Her ex and Veronica rang ten times a day, but she ignored their calls.
But if she thought it was overshe was wrong. One morning, her former in-laws arrived at the garden gate, bringing the same social worker from before.
Well, Alice, thought you could outrun us, did you? But youll have to leave the child with us…
Alices heart pounded as she stood, helpless.
But again, it was Veronicas companionthe social workerwho worried Alice most.
Good afternoon, Alice, she began coldly, flashing her credentials. We need a serious conversation.
In truth, Alice was flustered, especially as her mum was out in the next village for the day. The presence of the official was a nasty surprisethis woman clearly sided with Veronica and Tom, and had some authority.
Her child must be taken awayshes jobless and has nowhere to live! Veronica crowed.
I have a homemy mothers, Alice protested.
Is your name on the deeds?
She fell silentit wasnt.
And do you have a job? the official pressed.
I no, not yet, Alice admitted.
See! crowed Veronica. She cant provide. Tom owns a house, is respected, works as a vet. Olivia should be with him. I urge you to take the child till the courts sort it out.
No! Alice cried, voice shaking. I wont give up my daughter!
See, shes aggressive, Veronica tutted. Look how her hands tremble. Must be on the bottle, no doubt.
Alice was near breaking point, ready to lunge at thembut that was just what they wanted. Luckily, Daisy, whod slipped out during the commotion, trotted down the lane towards Mr. Henrys house.
Dont ask how the dog knewa loyal nose, perhaps.
Just as Alices temper snapped, Mr Henry arrived at the gate, ex-army thunder in his voice.
Whats all this about?
Immediately, the social worker and both in-laws snapped to attention.
Once he got the gist, Mr. Henry requested everyone hold fire until he returned.
I’ll just fetch some paperworkshould have brought it along.
Daisy returned and kept herself beside Alice, not letting anyone come near until Mr. Henry got back.
Forty minutes later, he returned, apologised for the delay, and set things out:
Look, he told the social worker. Alice is now officially employed by the local council as a bookkeeper. Shed been seeking work from the day she arrived. As for the home, shes entitled to seven days’ grace by law to register. Ive spoken to policeshell be in tomorrow. Clearly a responsible mum, unlike her ex, who no longer supports his child.
Wholl look after the child when Alice is at work? Veronica pounced.
Thats what grandmothers are for, isnt it? Sarah will watch Oliviawont you?
Of course, Sarah replied, fixing Veronica and Tom with a steely gaze.
I see no reason for any further complaint, agreed? Mr. Henry said, turning to the official.
No more questions, the woman replied, and left.
Veronica and Tom left with her, defeated.
See you in court! was Veronicas parting shot.
Thank you, Mr. Henry, Alice said, hugging their friend. Id never have managed alone.
Give your thanks to Daisy, too, he smiled. She fetched me in time!
Alice embraced her faithful dog. Thank you, Daisy, she whispered.
Her ex and his mother never showed up again, nor did they go to court. Tom sent a pittance in child support each month, claiming he earned next to nothing.
It was hard to imagine how things might have turned out if Olivia had been left with him
But in the end, all was wellthanks to Daisy, who never let Alice down.
Just as Alice hadnt let Daisy down when she needed help most.
