Hopes and Fears

twelve // a game of cat and mouse

"Although it may not be apparent at the time of actions, consequences will always follow. Be it next month, in two years, or even today."

Guardinia Cottage was a shell of history.

Some of the history was happy, dating back before the residence of the Redmond family... But the latest history, the latest to greet its abode were dark-hearted and full of resentment and anger. You could feel it as you approached, like a cloud hung over the building and shrouded every room, every beam and brick... The garden was overgrown and the path disguised with weeds and nettles. The yard was empty, save an unused pile of split logs and an axe wedged into a chopping block. The sky framing the cottage was grey and heavy with rain, held back only by the determined sunshine of day.

The night ahead promised to be grim and cold.

The Wolfsden gang arrived exhausted but determined. They looked up at the house, built in typical Avonlea style with the gable room and fence yet abandoned and washed in neglect. It symbolised the decay of the dream of a happy childhood for Kes and Peggy and the long forgotten hope of one for January. They gazed at the building, the reality sinking in that it was only a dream. The truth of their lives and childhoods crept in, the lives of crime and imprisonment and their determined search for justice in any form throughout life... Sticking together was their only constant, their only comfort.

"Well, no point in waiting around." Detective Ellwyn said gruffly after surveying the sight before them in silence for a few moments.

"If they're in there it's going to be a fight. You should be careful." James said hurriedly. He was anxious of what might happen.

"Thanks for the advice, kid." The Detective sniped sarcastically.

Detective Ellwyn led the way though the gate and up the path, clearing a passage through the plants to the front door. He found the door unlocked and there were signs of the lock being forced and breaking. It had been purposefully left open. He proceeded with caution, creeping over the threshold without a sound. James followed naturally as did Jerry. January turned to her younger friends.

"You two best stay out here. It won't be safe."

"What?" Kes exclaimed in horror. "They attacked me too, y'know! It's only fair I get to fight 'em."

"It's more a matter of being murdered by several violent fully-grown adults than fairness. They won't play fair." January said firmly.

Peggy was afraid. "They will hurt you."

"No. They won't get chance. I'll take 'em out first." January reassured her. "I'm careful."

"I don't like this." Kes said crossed his arms.

"Stay here. I'll be back."

Then January disappeared into the house after the others. Kes and Peggy exchanged knowing looks before following her silently. Deeper inside the house the others searched each room. It became rapidly apparent that they were alone there and it hadn't been lived in for several days. After finding one of the last rooms empty, James left, frustrated and stormed down the hall to the bedroom which was the final place to look. He heard the creak of a floorboard and span around, pinning the intruder to the wall.

"Get off me, Riley!" Exclaimed January, pushing the young man back with annoyance.

"Oh, it's you." James breathed in relief. Then it turned to surprise. "What are you doing in here? Shouldn't you be waiting outside?"

January scoffed. "Did you honestly think I would?"

James looked at her in poorly-disguised admiration. She never appeared to run out of bravery and determination. They looked at each other for a few moments, yet they seemed to drag into hours in the narrow hallway. They were stood so close that they could hear each other's heavy breathing and make out the flicker of each other's eyelashes. It was dark and yet somehow James thought January's eyes shone. January realised there was a peculiar feeling in her chest and she cleared her throat.