Chapter One- Little Cottage- Home of the Thomas’
The sun acted as a spotlight as Haley strolled through town, bag slung over her shoulder in the usual fashion.
She saw what she always saw on a weekday afternoon; the local postman was collecting his earnings from the little shop on the corner, The Jones’ were on their daily stroll through the park with their hyperactive children running menacingly behind and of course, there were the hoards of children sprinting out the school gates towards their local coffee shop or arcade.
Nothing new entered Green Street that afternoon.
Haley arrived home at just before 5. Sauntering through town was a favourite past time of hers; she was never in a rush to get home. After all, no one would be in to meet her.
Little Cottage stood amongst some of the nicest houses in Maiden Street. With its beautiful front garden and elegant design, the house was perfect for the quaint little family that lived within.
The wooden front door had recently been painted and therefore was the only one that shone red. The others were green. This made life easier for the Thomas family as the rows of houses possessed no gate numbers; by being able to tell people that their house was the one with the red door made life so much more straightforward.
Haley grinned as she approached her house, knowing that there would be a cosy living room for her to relax in until her parents got in. Not much else had been planned. She stared at her reflection in the brass knocker and pulled a funny face. Smiling to herself, she lifted up the plant pot to her left and picked up the key from underneath.
Within seconds her bag was on the floor and her hands were in the fridge. She grasped hold of a small yoghurt and grabbed a can of cola just as the door was about to swing shut.
“A fine snack for a tired schoolgirl.” She said to herself before pondering on what she would be having for tea.
The living room was situated at the front end of the house, facing out onto the street. A large window stole half the wall. A ledge just in front of it housed many school photos. (Haley did not like these at all and would often hide them if ever a friend or especially a boyfriend was coming over.) The sofas were leather; the smell gave that away. Not much furniture lived in this room. Only a table, sofas and a bookshelf could be found here. The table held the telly.
With the walls of a deep red, the entire room felt homely, especially when a fire raged in the hearth. In fact, the whole house was welcoming; every room bar the bathroom had some kind of heating system and all the quarters had beautiful furnishings. Mrs Thomas had decorated it herself.
A cat marched into the living room and joined Haley on the sofa. It nuzzled her hand and attempted a lick at the yoghurt pot.
“Now Fat Cat, remember what the vet said…no more junk food for you!”
The cat meowed in reply but gave in and curled up beside Haley.
It reached seven before anyone else entered Little Cottage. First was Mr Thomas, a heavy briefcase in hand, mumbling something or other about not having a cup of tea ready for him. He was shortly followed by Adam, Haley’s older brother. He also came in mumbling, though not about tea. Lastly came Mrs Thomas, her car keys hanging round her finger on a key ring. She seemed most cheerful as she entered the lounge where everyone had squashed up together in the large leather sofa.
“Evening all!” she said with a light bounce in her voice. She got one smile in return, and that seemed to be coming from the cat.
It turned out that Adam had been caught up in yet another fight at school, (resulting in a terms suspension) and Mr Thomas had been late for a very important meeting and nearly lost his job.
Mr Thomas glowered at Adam and Adam replied with a similar expression.
“Honestly Adam, that school is no good for you.”
“Honestly Dad,” Adam mimicked rudely, “It’s not the school, it’s the teachers. Besides, that boy deserved a smack.”
After a few minutes of harsh arguments, (and a sharp scratch from Fat Cat upon Mr Thomas) the conversation settled down, though the glowering did not.
Mrs Thomas was the first to announce some good news.
“You are now looking at the new owner of Green Street Bakery!” she said excitedly.
She received a sarcastic applause from Adam in reply.
Green Street bakery had been running for over twenty years and was a successful business. After the announcement that the owner was leaving, queues were almost instantly growing along the high street. Many women wanted to own it in particular, especially as it was known for its comfortable sitting area where people would often meet and talk.
Miriam put her hands on her hips and strode out the room.
“It’s like talking to statues with that lot.” She mumbled before fumbling about in the freezer for some frozen pies…
again!
