Overcoming Adversity blogfest

Today, I'm taking part in Nick Wilford's Overcoming Adversity blogfest. Nick's step-son Andrew suffers from cerebral palsy, and higher education options are limited for him in their home country of Scotland. To offer Andrew the best education, Nick and his family have decided to send Andrew to school in England, but the fees are expensive. So, Nick has come up with the idea of creating an anthology with short stories - fictional or personal - about  Overcoming Adversity; the proceeds of which will go towards Andrew's college fund. 

The Rules:

• Sign up on the linky list below
• Please keep your entry to 500 words
• Please post on either Monday 4th or Tuesday 5th February
• I'd better say, keep it family-friendly! I'm sure it will be anyway.

Here's my entry:

I Wasn’t Going to Let Him Down.

“Beans on toasts again, Mum,” Bobbie said, his stomach rumbling in protest.

“I’m sorry, love, money’s tight right now,” I said, making sure he had two slices of toast and most of the beans, despite my hunger pains. “Tomorrow will be better.”

It was a promise I intended to keep, as I watched my five-year-old son gobble down his breakfast. Since his dad had left, things had been tough. Finding work when you were a single mum was never easy, but I was determined to do my best. 

After a quick wash, and a glass of milk – finishing the last in the carton, I didn’t mind not having any with my morning coffee so Bobbie wouldn’t go to school hungry – we dashed out of the house in a blur of gloves, hats and autumn leaves. 

When Bobbie was safely in the teacher’s care, I headed into town, hell bent on finding a job today.  I trawled the high street, going into every café and shop asking if they needed extra staff. With every rejection, my spirit didn’t dampen. When I thought about giving up, I just remembered Bobbie’s eager face, and how he’d absolutely believed me when I said tomorrow would be better.

I wasn’t going to let him down.

Even when three o’clock was nearing, and it was almost time for me to collect Bobbie from school, I didn’t give up.  So what if nowhere in town was currently hiring? Somewhere would be.

That’s when I spotted the sign in the butcher’s shop window: ‘Help Wanted’.

I asked the guy behind the meat counter what the job entailed. The thought of lifting heavy deliveries, or cleaning up meat trimmings didn’t put me off. It was good honest work that paid well. I’d give it my all.

“I can start tomorrow,” I said. “There’s just one thing … can I get an advance. I wouldn’t normally ask, but I’ve got no money, and my son needs feeding.”

Mr. Lloyd smiled kindly. “I remember what it was like having kids. I won’t be able to give you an advance, but I can probably help you out with some groceries. You’ll have to make it up to me by coming in an hour early tomorrow though.”

“Sure, anything you want. Thank you so much.”

I walked to the school to collect Bobbie with a spring in my step. I’d done it; I’d got a job and something for dinner tonight. Bobbie chatted all the way home about what he’d done that day. It wasn’t until we reached the flat that his stomach rumbled. 

“What’s for tea Mum?” Bobbie asked, pulling off his coat and gloves as we clambered in through the front door. “Not beans on toast again, please?”

“Oh god no,” I said, barely containing my grin. “How do you fancy, burgers and chips with all the trimmings and a strawberry milkshake.”

Bobbie squealed in delight, and threw his arms around my neck.

 


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Please check out all the other entries, links to which can be found on Nick's blog.

On an unrelated note, there's still a week left to enter my One Year Blogaversary £15 Amazon Voucher Giveaway.