Hope

Pat walked out of the library feeling lighter than she had done in a long time. Her chosen book in her handbag she was determined to see Marek again. Somehow Bob would grant her a divorce. Somehow she would be happy. Smiling slightly she nodded to young Clare as the girl walked towards her holding the hand of a young boy.

"Hello."

"I'm helping Clare."

Pat raised an eyebrow as the young boy spoke. Clare nodded.

"We are going to collect the groceries, aren't we?" Clare smiled. The youngster nodded. Pat smiled.

"I'm sure you are a big help to Clare." Pat smiled as the young boy beamed as he looked up at his guardian. Pat couldn't help but feel sorry for the boy. The child had lost everyone he loved yet he still had a need to feel useful and had a smile for everyone. She ruffled his hair before he giggled at her.

"Bob us waiting. I have to go."

"Us too. Mrs Baden will be wondering what has become of us." Clare smiled as they parted ways. Pat didn't feel the eyes of the younger woman on her as she walked away.

Xxxxxx

Erica held her daughter by the shoulders assessing the injuries for herself.

"Kate."

"I'm ok. I don't see why I have to come home to recover. Bumps and bruises."

"A fractured wrist, a concussion and bruised ribs! You were lucky, my girl." Will stated as she tried not to roll her eyes.

"I'm more use here."

"Not to my poor nerves!" Erica stated. "I thought you were dead! I really thought I'd never see you again."

"Mum!"

Erica pulled her daughter into her arms as Will smiled slightly.

"I'm ok."

"You're my baby. I don't care how big or how old you are. You and your sisters are my babies. Is that understood?" Erica blinked back a tear as her daughter nodded.

"Let's go home." Will spoke calmly. "Shall we?"

Xxxxxxxx

Bob pushed his chair away from the typewriter. He couldn't write a word. His guts twisted in anger as he thought of Pat. He knew she had been adulterous but he didn't care about that. Not really. It was more how she dare think he wouldn't know. He glanced at the calendar on the wall. The 18th. He narrowed his eyes. His son would have been sixteen if Pat hadn't been so pathetic- if she hadn't made him so angry. It was her fault. All of it. He curled his fist. Every muscle in his body tensed. He didn't love her. He knew that. He hadn't loved her for a long time. She was pathetic- how could he? Robert Simms love such a pathetic creature? He shook his head. All the years he'd been married to her and never once had she suspected his own infidelity. His own son and daughter in London with his Nancy. He had only stayed out of propriety. Now he saw a way to shame his mousy little wife and ruin her reputation for good. He smirked as he heard the key in the lock.

"Pat?" He knew it was her. "Pat! What time do you call this?"

"Twenty past two." The decidedly male voice answered. "I call it twenty past two but I'm sure you would argue against that if I were Pat, or any other woman. Because that's what nasty little bullies do is it not?" Marek glared as Bob narrowed his eyes.

Xxxx