Run

Family

Family

Inside the kitchen was a simple stove, herbs hanging from the ceiling and a gentle fire. It was lit by many candles, which cast a bright light over the room. Leaning over the stove was a large lady, with auburn hair and a big apron. She turned around and I saw big, rosy cheeks. I already liked Brooklyn’s mum, and I hadn’t even talked to her yet.

“Hello Brooklyn!” she said and threw her arms around his neck. Paul sniffed around the floor.

“And hello…?” she said to me, beaming.

“Bryony, I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I’m not Brooklyn’s girlfriend,” I said.

“Never mind that. Bryony, you have lovely blue eyes. I’d much like them; my green ones are not so beautiful. I’m Caroline by the way,” she said, grinning and taking the pot off the stove.

“Er… Mum. Bryony has some history. She’s Bryony Forrest,” said Brooklyn.

Caroline paused and then turned around.

“We should head to the living area. Let’s talk with your father,” said Caroline, her bubbly tone not so strong.

We entered the living room, third door across, and I saw a large man, with a big, walrus moustache. He too had rosy cheeks and was sucking on a pipe. He had the same brown eyes as Brooklyn. The room was vast and had many chairs and tables dotted around another big fire.

“Hello, my Caroline and young Brooklyn,” said Brooklyn’s Dad.

His Dad peered around and saw me. He smiled and told me to sit.

“Are you with Brooklyn?” he grinned.

“Er… no. It’s a long story. I’m Bryony… Forrest,” I said, grimacing.

“Clive,” he said, sitting back in his chair.

“Let’s gather the family,” said Caroline.

“Martha! Henry!” called Caroline and in entered the obvious eldest girl, hand in hand with a man.

Martha had smooth, tanned skin and curly, brown hair. The same, big brown eyes as Brooklyn. She looked like a beautiful Amazonian princess. Henry had blonde hair, combed over and he looked neat and well-kept. He had shiny blue eyes.

“Please sit. Bryony, this is Martha my eldest and Henry, her husband,” said Caroline, gesturing towards them.

Martha and Henry waved and smiled and then sat down on a two-seater sofa.

“Annabelle!” yelled Clive.

In came a girl with soft, wavy blonde hair and hazel eyes.

“Please fetch Sophia from her cot and then join us,” said Caroline.

Annabelle’s gaze fluttered over me and I saw her smile stiffen. She obviously knew who I was. There was something about Annabelle’s cold stare that made me feel like she didn’t like me at all. She left and came shortly back in with Sophia, the little one.   

Annabelle sat the furthest away from me.

“Penny!” called Caroline.

In bounced a girl with the same curly, auburn hair as Caroline. Penny also had bright green eyes and a wide smile.

“Yep?” she said.

“Sit for a second,” said Clive.

Penny sat, trying to put a serious, grown-up look on her face.

“Brooklyn, please tell us more about Bryony and why you have invited her to our home?” said Caroline.

Brooklyn told the story of how my parents were killed and how he found me. I was embarrassed, sitting there in my nightgown while they talked about me. At last, Brooklyn finished convincing them and he quietened.

“How do we know we can trust her?” asked Annabelle, her gaze fixed on me.

“I know I can,” said Brooklyn, flashing me a smile.

“Shut it, lover boy,” said Annabelle, smirking.

Brooklyn sat further back in his chair and stopped smiling.

“Annabelle!” warned Caroline.

“No! Listen to me, there’s something about her,” said Annabelle.

“Annabelle… just because…” started Brooklyn.

“…because I was betrayed by an Upgrader. Because I fell in love with one, who lied to me! Thanks, but I’m sure Bryony knows what lying cheats they are,” yelled Annabelle.

“She’s just lost her parents! Give her some credit!” yelled back Brooklyn.

“Bryony, you may stay. I think, as I have heard you are no longer an Upgrader,” said Clive.

I nodded and said thank you. Annabelle stormed out of the room, baby Sophia in her arms.

“Annabelle fell in love with an Upgrader. They lied to her, said they weren’t and then when the time came. When he told her, it broke her heart and now she trusts nobody. Don’t take it personally,” said Martha, giving me a smile.

I breathed a small sigh of relief. I had a place to call home. Martha and Henry left the room. Penny jumped off her chair and came up to me.

“I’m Penny,” she said, giggling.

“Hello Penny,” I said, returning her smile.

“Shall I show you around?” she asked, her eyes shining.

I nodded and said yes please. Penny took my hand and guided me out the room. I stopped at the door and turned around.

“Clive, Caroline, thank you. I appreciate your kindness,” I said.

“It’s ok, when Penny’s finished the guided tour, could you help Brooklyn with breakfast,” said Caroline, calmly.

“Yes of course, anything to help,” I said and Penny dragged me out of the room.