Songbird [H.S]

FIFTY-FIVE

Marley couldn't remember the last time she was at the town hall. Maybe it was for a friend's birthday party when they were six but regardless of how long it had been, the smell of floor polish hung in the air and caused a wave of nostalgia to wash over her. The town may have changed with the times but the town hall always remained the same. It was a piece of history, serving as a reminder of the numerous generations to pass through its doors. Her mother would have come here as a kid, holding onto her mother's hand as her little footsteps echoed along the wooden floor. Harry would have had a similar experience as a child with the countless visits with their school and birthday parties that took place here. She distinctly remembers sitting on the floor cross-legged, watching the little boy with unruly curls ruining his trousers by sliding as far as he could across the floor on his knees, all while she ate as much chocolate cake as she could before her mother found out.  Those were the days....

The times she knew Harry as the sweet little boy in her class with pretty curls and a cheeky smile. And then time moved on, they grew up and started discovering things like sex and drugs and started feeling things that were stronger than just silly little friendships. That was when life became a little more complicated. Harry had changed from the sweet little boy she knew to a mischievous troublemaker that followed his mates, fucked those that flung themselves into his arms and experimented with all the drugs he could get his hands on. At the time, it was easier for Marley to protect her feelings for the boy she once knew by pretending to hate him, she wanted him to stay that lovely boy that made her smile with innocent compliments. Little did she know that he was still the same boy she loved, he just needed her to give him the confidence to be himself again.

She felt a little out of her depth standing outside the old building that carried so many memories, Josie on one hip and a large tote bag full of handmade baby clothes slung resting against the other. She had been full of nervous excitement from the moment she woke up that morning, barely able to concentrate through her shift at the record store. However, now she was actually standing in front of the large oak doors, the excitement had shifted into pure nerves - she was doubting whether she was knowledgeable enough to teach a sewing class and she was dreading going home at the end of the day with the same amount of clothes in her bag as she came with.

But she took a deep breath, readjusted the baby on her hip and took a step across the threshold - her eyes scanning the room for June. Chairs were set up in a circle at one half of the room and a small soft play area had been arranged in the corner for babies who were old enough to play with the toys so their Mum's can focus on whatever class they were in. The other half of the room was set up with a few tables. One was a small tuck shop selling drinks and snacks, another was set up with information leaflets and the last was left empty with a metal cash box left out, presumably for Marley to set up her little stall.

There were a few mothers mingling around, either rocking their babies in their arms or rubbing their bumps as they engaged in casual conversation. Marley wasn't really sure what she was supposed to do but her back was aching carrying such a heavy bag with her daughter on the other hip so she made her way over to the empty table and slung her bag off her shoulder, sighing in relief as some of the weight eased.

"Oh good, you're here early! And you brought my favourite little girl." June's voice echoed from across the room, making Marley spin around to greet the only person she knew in this place. A relieved smile graced her lips, letting Josie bask in the attention she was getting from the pregnant woman.

"I didn't have anyone to look after her, I hope it's not a problem she's here."

"Oh nonsense, we're happy to have her. Everyone is welcome. I can look after her while you teach the class if it's easier, or you can hold her while you talk. It's all up to you." June smiled reassuringly, placing a hand on Marley's shoulder as she sensed her nerves. "How it's going to work is I'll let you set up your stall on the table which will be open until the end of the last class of the day which is usually around half seven. At four, I'll cover the stall while you do your class and then you can come back until it's time to pack away. There are no rules or anything we're just here to help other mothers and make some friends."