Hey love, youre not going to believe the story Ive been mulling over its kind of like a modernday fairytale set right here in England, so I thought Id spin it for you.
Whenever two people walk side by side, the road feels shorter, they say, right?
Emily was in the kitchen, beaming, Look at this scone Ive just baked! she chirped, her mum cheering her on. One day youll have a family of your own, and youll be a brilliant cook, love. Everyone will respect and adore you because youre such a wonderful soul. I just want you to be happy.
Her mums voice still echoed in Emilys ears as tears rolled down her cheeks. She was perched on a neighbours bench, legs trembling, the world crashing in on her all at once. She drifted back to a memory of sitting on that very bench, licking a popsicle on a stick. That was ages ago, in a life that felt almost like a dream.
Im all alone in the whole wide world, she thought, and Ive lost the home I grew up in. After the childrens home, they gave me a flat in a noisy hall of residence in a town that isnt even mine. I want to stay here, in my own house, but the cottage I shared with Mum now belongs to someone else.
Emily was seven when, on the way home from the corner shop, a hulking bloke stepped out of the lane and demanded cash from her mum. Theyd spent almost everything that day, so the man brandished his fists. Mum stumbled back, tripped, and hit her head on a stone. Emily knelt beside her, begging her to open her eyes, to get up, but Mum didnt hear her. Soon the wail of an ambulance cut through the air, the paramedics whisked both of them away, and Emily was taken straight to the childrens home. Adjusting to that new life was a nightmare; she never liked it.
Shed sit on the bench by the next house and stare at the old photo of her bedroom, the pictures of her mum cradling her, and feel the ache deep in her chest. As she walked toward what used to be her home, a sharptongued aunt Aunt Betty snapped at her, Youre not welcome here, orphan. This is my house now, and everything in it belongs to me. Get out, or Ill call the police and theyll sort you out quick.
Emily realised there was no one to help her. She was truly on her own.
Then, out of nowhere, a familiar voice called, Emily? She looked up and saw a lanky lad with a warm grin Mike. She didnt recognise him at first, still reeling from the memories.
Emily, you dont remember me, but we were in nursery together. In Year1 we shared a desk until you moved away. Back then they used to call us the bride and groom.
Emilys eyes lit up. Mike! she laughed, recalling the tall, broadshouldered lad whod taken up boxing and even fought for the county team. I met Aunt Betty, and she told me youd be back once I turned eighteen, same as me. She visits your house every day hoping to catch you.
Emily remembered Aunt Betty, the woman whod loved both her mum and her. Aunt Betty, ten years older than Emilys mum, worked alongside her and was a bit of a loner. Shed often say Emilys mum was like a little sister to her and Emily herself was like a daughter.
Mike chuckled, Id forgotten Aunt Betty lives just three houses down. He lifted Emilys battered bag, where a few belongings, some documents and a few pounds were tucked in.
Theres been a lot happening in our village lately, he said. I know whats going on with your house. Aunt Bettys waiting for you and has offered you a place.
Emily nodded, and together they walked to Susans front door Susan being the kind lady whod taken Emily in after her mum passed, trying to adopt her but being denied, which is why Emily ended up in the childrens home.
When Susan opened the door and saw Emily, she couldnt hold back her tears. My dear Emily Ive missed you so much, she cried, pulling her into a tight hug and then kissing her cheek. She welcomed Mike in too.
Im relieved now, Mike said, youre in safe hands. If anything comes up, Aunt Betty knows where to find me, and Ill swing by tomorrow.
Susan laughed, Do come back often, Mike. Hes a good lad, always asks about you.
Emily sat down at the kitchen table. Ill get you something to eat. You look exhausted. Did they let you in? Im sorry I couldnt warn you earlier, but Ive been waiting for you. I love you, my girl. Well stay together for a while, because, you know, they say the roads shorter when you walk together.
Soon she was tucked under a cosy blanket, dreaming of a sunny field where she and her mum were picking wildflowers. She woke refreshed, and over breakfast Susan said, Youll need to sort out the social services paperwork. Ill go with you.
Emily rolled her eyes playfully, Oh, Aunt Betty, Im an adult now, I can handle my own business. She stepped out, heading for the bus stop, passing the house shed once called home, only to be stopped by a woman who now lived there.
Youre back again, arent you? Got any plans to steal something? My eyes didnt see you coming, the woman spat.
Before Emily could answer, Mikes voice rang out from behind, Dont slander or insult Emily. You could be sued for defamation. The woman turned on him, but they both walked off without looking back. Shes the one who forced herself into your house. Well fight for whats right everyone knows she took it by unfair means.
On the way to the stop, Mike mentioned a new café that had just opened nearby, owned by his dads old army mate, Mr. Russell. Hes promised to give you a job, he said.
Emily agreed, Sure, but first we need to sort the house issue.
Mike was confident, Well make it right, love.
The property problem, however, turned out to be knotty. If you dont have the title deeds, the house isnt legally yours, a neighbour warned. Go to the police, file a complaint. As Emily was about to close the office door, she heard the same woman on the phone, She just came by that orphan girl
Mike sighed heavily when Emily told him, Everyone knows the police are covering for the chief. But we wont be scared, right? If we need to, well go up to the county.
Emily smiled, trusting him. That evening she ran an errand for Aunt Betty buying sugar and biscuits for tea. On her way back, a tall officer blocked her path.
Listen here, he growled, Forget about that house. Youve got three days to disappear, or youll end up where your mother is.
Emilys heart hammered; his voice sounded oddly familiar. She kept quiet, and the next morning Mike appeared, Lets go to the café, Ill introduce you to the owner you could become the head chef someday.
She told him about the officers threat. Mr. Russell turned out to be a genial bloke, asking all about her life and the house. If anyone from the village gives you trouble, give me a shout. Ive got plenty of friends in the force and other places.
Emily explained the police officers warning. He threatened you? In a uniform? Mr. Russell nodded.
She loved working at the café. First she helped in the kitchen, then Mr. Russell saw how deftly she sliced vegetables and made her a souschef.
You need some training, he said, once we settle the house issue, Ill send you to a culinary college.
Weeks later, Mr. Russell asked Emily to cover a night shift for a missing cook. It was deep autumn, dark streets. She thought about staying at the café, but figured Aunt Betty would worry, so she headed home. She stuck to the welllit lane, but the alley behind the houses was pitch black. Out of the gloom stepped the same officer, knife glinting in his hand.
You didnt listen, did you? Im not playing any more, he snarled.
Emily closed her eyes, telling herself she wasnt scared because her mum would be there. When she opened them, several officers had already grabbed the man, shouting, Hold it right there!
Mr. Russell rushed over, Let me get you home. Weve caught your harasser. Ive already told my contacts, and theyve been monitoring him for a while. Sorry I didnt warn you sooner.
Turns out the chief of police had been running a scheme selling off properties illegally. Soon after, the police restored the title deeds to Emilys house.
Mike celebrated with her, Justice finally won, just like we hoped.
Time passed, and Emily and Mike visited her mums grave together. Mike stepped aside, letting Emily speak alone.
Mum, Mike and I are living in our home now. Weve married, renovated the place, and he loves me, and I love him. Mr. Russell says once I finish college Ill be his righthand. She gazed at the photo of her mother, feeling her presence comforting her.
And thats where we leave Emily finally home, a warm kitchen, and a future that feels as bright as a summer afternoon. Talk later!
