Chapter 6.

“That’s the dishes done now Mrs. Long.” Vanessa said, neatly folding the tea towel and hanging it back over the radiator.

“Thank you, girls, for all your help.” Mrs Long forced some money into Vanessa’s hand, “I know it’s not much dear, but divide it amongst you.” She did the same thing every week and the girls thought it sweet of her to consider them that way. They never divided the money, not that there was very much to divide. Instead they would save it over to bring along some nice biscuits the following week.

Vanessa Carter, Patricia Goodson, Melissa Coulter and the Sheraton twins, Karen and Louisa all attended a Bible Study meeting at Pastor and Mrs. Long’s house every Wednesday evening. They were five friends that had been together since high school and they were all ‘good’ Christian girls. They attended the same Church and the same university. They found it easier to avoid peer pressure if they stuck together. Within their small group, the most they would be pressured into was washing the floors of the church hall on a Saturday evening.

Every week after Bible Study they would help Mrs. Long tidy the house and wash the dishes. She looked on them like daughters despite never being blessed with any children of her own. The meeting would finish around seven o’clock and they would stay until around half past and then walk home together. Vanessa and Patricia shared a house on Harvey Avenue, whilst the others had rooms in the Christian Dormitories near the University. The five girls walked as far as Alfred Road where they usually said their goodbyes.

“You two be careful, it’s getting dark earlier.” Commanded Melissa, she was the group hen.

“Yes, yes, mum.” Vanessa joked, although she knew she liked the reassurance of her friend’s concern.

“If it makes you feel any better, we are calling into Wilson’s shop to get milk and bread for breakfast. Is that okay?” Patricia piped in. The girls laughed and hugged goodnight before setting off in their separate ways.

Faithful to their word Vanessa and Patricia called into the local shop to buy milk and bread for the breakfast. As a last minute though Patricia ran back to the freezer and lifted a pot of double choc chip ice cream. They paid for the items and left the shop. The plan was to go home, pull on cosy pyjamas, then settle down in front of a chick flick with two spoons and the pot of ice cream. As they walked to the end of the street about to turn the corner they were interrupted by the rich tones of a young man’s voice.

“Excuse me ladies, please, forgive my intrusion, but could you tell me how to get to Harvey Avenue? I’m afraid I’m a little lost.” His voice was as pleasing on the ears as his appearance was on their eyes. He looked quite concerned and pulled a scrap of paper from his pocket with what looked like scribbled directions, both girls felt instantly at ease.

They took a brief moment to look at each other and then Patricia answered, “That’s where we are going, you can walk with us if you like.” She smiled at him and he smiled back.

“Really?” He sighed with relief, “That’s very Christian of you girls. There aren’t many people these days would allow themselves to trust a stranger long enough to help them.” He added, securing their confidence, they agreed with him on this point, sparking into the discussion of how so many people refuse to help their fellow human being because they lived in such an era of mistrust. Convinced this young man had a very friendly nature and didn’t seem at all harmful. Seduced by his charming manner, and their own naivety, they didn’t feel the need to question his motives.

“Are you visiting a friend?” Unable to contain her curiosity, Vanessa pressed the young man, eager to find out if they were going to have the pleasure of seeing this delightful stranger a little more.

“I am actually. I’m hoping to stay with my cousin. But I’m afraid my train was quite late and I hope I haven’t missed him.” He sounded a little worried.

“Is he not expecting you then?” Patricia’s flat tones inquired, showing clearly her disapproval at his lack of etiquette. Vanessa flashed a censorious look for sounding so rude.

“Well, no he wasn’t. I was going to surprise him. See I’m moving here and I was hoping he would let me stay for a few days just until I can get organised with somewhere to stay. You’re right of course, I should have called him first. I feel so silly now.” He appealed in defence of his actions as they entered the street. He carefully looked around checking out all the houses taking mental notes as those showing no signs of life.

“What number does your cousin live in? Not that we know many people. We keep pretty much to ourselves.” Patricia rambled.

“Number Forty Three…I think it’s that one over there.” He swung around and pointed to a house that had no lights on at all. “And it doesn’t look like he’s in.” He sounded so disappointed. Vanessa jumped in suggesting in a very helpful manner.

“Why don’t you knock, you never know he may just be in bed. It is getting late.”

“Good idea, do you mind waiting for me?” He appealed to the girls with his dreamy brown eyes pleading, the girls could hardly say, “No.” Instead they just smiled.

He walked over to the house and knocked on the door, but there was no answer. He knocked again and then waited, again, no answer. He knocked for a third time, but still nothing. Clearly there was no one at home. Defeated he returned to the girls, hoping they would make a hospitable suggestion.

“Wow, guess I have been a little foolish, I don’t know what I’m going to do now. You girls wouldn’t happen to know of any Bed and Breakfasts around here?” Again, his searching look begged for their sympathy. The warmth of his big brown eyes was so irresistible, Vanessa put her arm through his and ushered him down the path to the front door of the house. “Why don’t you come inside with us, we’ll have a cup of tea and a look through the phone book.” She flashed Patricia a look and smiled.

“Girls, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this.” He said as they entered the front door into the hallway.