Michelle: Someday She'll Find Home

Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Other Titles by Jackie Small

About the Author

Michelle: Someday She’ll Find Home

By Jackie Small

Copyright © 2013 by Jackie Small

Smashwords Edition. License Notes

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This is for Ian

Chapter 1

Survival often means different things to different people. For some, it’s coping with an illness or making ends meet. For others, it’s getting through the day. For one little girl, survival was her will to succeed despite what life threw her way.

Late one evening, an off duty nurse walking past a phone box noticed a movement out of the corner of her eye. Her first instinct was to continue on, thinking it was just a bit of rubbish someone had dumped but something in her conscience told her to stop and look. She peered into the box with curiosity but jumped two steps back when the small bundle on the floor of the box moved again. She heard a small cry and found the courage to open the door to get a closer look. A little girl sat, cold, alone and scared.

**

Judy, the police are here to see you, said Fin.

Two officers entered the staff room.

Hello, thank you for coming, said Judy.

You’re welcome. Now, you told us on the phone last night that the child is about two years old, is that correct? said one officer, taking out his notebook.

The second officer walked around the room, subtly casting an eye over some paperwork on the desk.

Yes, that’s right, said Judy. I can’t imagine she’d be much older than two. My colleague Mary also agrees. We run the children’s ward together.

Which phone box did you find her in?

It was the one that I called you from. It’s just on the corner of Weston Street.

I see, and where’s the child now?

Michelle is in the ward, resting.

Michelle? How do you know that’s her name?

Oh, it’s temporary, just until we find out her real name.

OK. The officer wrote down the little girl’s temporary name. May we see her, please?

Of course, follow me, said Judy. I’ve already examined her. Physically, she’s not too bad. A little underweight perhaps but that’s easily rectified.

They arrived at Michelle’s bed as Mary came through from the kitchen.

Hello, officers, said Mary. She’s been asleep for a while. Can I help you with anything?

That’s alright; we’ve got everything we need. Thank you for your cooperation, Judy. We’ll notify Social Services and they’ll be in touch. For now, she can stay here under your care. We’ll see ourselves out.

Thank you, said Judy, closing the door to the ward behind them.

She looks peaceful, doesn’t she? said Mary, gazing down at the toddler.

She does, poor little thing. I’m not surprised she’s tired. Right, I’m going to check on our elderly patients, said Judy.

The hospital isn’t that short staffed is it?

It is, unfortunately.

Is Bruce still in the elderly ward?

Yes, his leg isn’t quite fixed yet.

Still broken from falling off his grandson’s skateboard, is it?

Yes. He is funny. Quick witted too. See you in a bit.

Yeah, see you soon.

Judy walked along to the elderly ward, where some of the patients were playing board games.

Hello, Bruce, said Judy. How are things with you today?

I'm very well, thanking you my lovely. I'm beating everyone at Monopoly as usual. I have the most money by far.

Only ‘cos you steal from the bank, said Bert. I’m always happy to play games but I wouldn’t mind the chance to win once in a while.

Steal? said Bruce. I had to ‘borrow’ from the bank otherwise I would have been out of the game.

Herb joined in, Yeah, that's right. Old Bruce claims the Chance cards say to collect two hundred pounds and pass go, even when they actually say to go to jail or pay a fine. Three times in half an hour he’s passed go through those cards.

My eyesight ain't what it used to be. Bruce laughed and swiped a hotel.

Does anyone need anything? asked Judy.

No thanks, dear, they all replied.

Judy went away, raising her voice the farther she got from the table, I'll see you lot later then, shall I? Stay out of trouble.

Judy arrived back at the children’s section and saw that Michelle was awake.

Well, hello there, did you enjoy your nap? she asked.

Michelle smiled.

Someone is happy that you’re awake, said Mary.

It is lovely to see her again, I can’t deny it.

The meals are ready, Judy. I’ll go get them.

Thanks, Mary. Right, come on Michelle, said Judy, taking her by the hand. Let’s sit you in your highchair and strap you in.

Today's meal was chicken nuggets, chips and peas. Judy smiled at what that meant. The sight of peas on a tray was often too much of a temptation for two of the children, George and Charlie, and they would throw them at each other until Mary caught them and chided them for wasting food.

Michelle seemed to like the food and ate everything Judy offered. Whilst eating, Judy noticed her intently watching Charlie, a little boy who was eating his dinner in the highchair next to her.

One, two, three… said Charlie.

Judy couldn’t quite manage to conceal her laughter, which came out as a loud, high-pitched squeal. The unexpected noise made some of the children jump and even made Mary rush from the other side of the room.

Goodness, you frightened me for a moment. Do share, Judy. What’s so funny?

Judy stood up and moved closer to Mary so the children couldn’t overhear. Charlie’s dropping peas onto the floor, she said.

I don’t know what’s worse, said Mary, Charlie throwing food on the floor or my disappointment at what I hoped would have been something far funnier than making a mess.

That’s not the end of it, said Judy.

Mary nudged herself forward to listen.

He counted the peas as he did it. He managed to get to 13, which is a record for him. I don’t know whether to tell him off for dropping food on the floor, or congratulate him for how far he’s come along with his counting.

Mary’s frown turned to a warm smile. Bless him. He got to 13, how wonderful.

Judy sat back down to Michelle leaning forward in her chair for another spoonful of food. It’s all gone. You’ve done very well, said Judy, showing her the empty plate. It’s time for dessert now, everyone’s favourite part of the meal. I’m certain you’ll love it, too.

Judy went to the kitchen to get everyone’s dessert.

What’s for pudding today? called out George after her, kicking the chair legs with his trainers.

I hope it’s ice-cream and custard, said Charlie.

Don’t be gross, winced George. It’s got to be apple pie and custard or jelly and ice-cream. You can’t have ice-cream and custard together.

My dad has ice-cream, custard, and peanut butter together at home, said Charlie. Both boys laughed at the sound of such an odd concoction.

Yuk, said Amy, joining in the conversation. We have fruit in jelly, yoghurt or fresh fruit salad in our house.

With custard? asked Charlie, smirking to George.

Amy did not look amused. She turned back around and waited quietly for Judy to get back from the kitchen.

Judy emerged from the kitchen struggling with the heavy load of trays.

Let me help you with those, said Mary. Mary glanced at the bowls and announced, It’s chocolate brownie and custard today, kids.

The children cheered and the room went silent while everyone ate their dessert.

They’re not even this quiet when they’re sleeping, said Mary.

That’s so true, said Judy as she gave Michelle her first bite of dessert. Michelle’s eyes lit up with the taste. Judy smiled at her joy. I told you so, she teased.

A few short minutes later, everyone had finished.

You wash, I’ll dry? said Mary.

Sure, give me a second. Judy wiped Michelle’s hands and face and helped her back to bed.

Once everything had been cleared away, the nurses monitored the children as part of their normal routine. The evening went by quickly and both Judy and Mary were getting ready to say goodnight to the children before their shift ended. They tucked each child in, working their way down the ward until Judy came to the bed at the end of the row.

Sleep well, Michelle, she said as she gently put Michelle’s arms under the quilt. She lifted up the outer cover and tucked it under her chin. Michelle closed her eyes as she instantly settled.

You look so cosy, whispered Judy as she felt a pang of anxiety. I don’t want to go home and leave you.

Mary walked over after tucking in the last child on her row. Come on, you. I’ll walk you to your car, she said.

That’s OK, Mary. I’m leaving soon. I just want to make sure Michelle’s alright.

I want to walk you to your car to make sure you go. Michelle will be fine. You’ll be back with her at dawn. You need some sleep; otherwise what good are you to her?

I know you’re right but this is the first time I’ll have been apart from her since I found her in that rotten phone box.

I know you must feel protective over her but she’ll be fine. I promise. You’ll see her in a few hours. Come on, let’s go.

Mary took Judy’s arm and pulled her in the direction of the door. Judy looked back and saw that Michelle was fast asleep.

Chapter 2

Judy arrived at work early the next morning. She threw her coat and bag in her locker and paced through to the children’s ward. Most of the children were still sleeping soundly. She sat by Michelle who stirred as she adjusted the covers. Good morning, little one, she said, relieved to see that she was alright.

See, said Mary as she gave Louis his asthma pump. I told you she’d be OK.

You did. I know I overreacted. I’ve calmed down now.

That’s good. Why don’t we get the children washed and ready for breakfast. It’s porridge today.

Yum, I used to love porridge before school when I was little.

Once ready, the children sat quietly and ate. Michelle took a mouthful and then sneezed. Porridge went flying everywhere. Judy wasn't quick enough to duck. Bless you, Michelle, said Judy.

Mary saw this and instantly sympathised although she couldn’t stop herself from chuckling. Are you OK, Judy? That has happened to me so many times before.

I know, me too, said Judy, wiping porridge from her face with a tissue. You’d think I’d have learnt the signs by now. I’ll spend the next hour cleaning Michelle, me and the ward in the direction of the sneeze.

Here, let me finish up with Louis’ breakfast and I’ll give you a hand cleaning up.

Thanks but it’s OK. I can manage.

After cleaning, Judy and Mary had a quiet moment or two to chat.

I’ve always admired your patience when it comes to the children, said Mary. I don’t know how you have spent the last 30 years caring for so many different children of all ages, and I’ve never heard you so much as raise your voice to them.

Well, to tell you the truth, I don’t mind if they misbehave. I know it’s probably because they’re unwell and in hospital, away from their families. It must be daunting and they’re only children after all. I can tell them what they’re doing wrong and still keep my patience.

Even so, when they throw food on the floor, I can get quite exasperated.

That’s understandable, Mary, but you see, I’ve never been able to have children of my own so I enjoy the children when they come into the hospital, even if it means wearing their breakfast and cleaning up after them. Judy and Mary embraced warmly before getting back to work.

Guess what time it is, everyone, said Judy to all the children in the ward.

The older children sat up straight on their beds and George eagerly replied, It’s play time.

That’s right, George. Could you help me get the toy boxes out please?

George jumped out of bed and put on his slippers as quickly as he could. Charlie scrambled out of bed, losing one sock in the process and they both rushed to help to put the toy boxes against the wall, where all the children would have easy access to them.

Everyone who can get up and play, come and do so, said Judy as she placed random rugs and mats on the floor around the ward. Those of you who are too poorly to get up, or are strapped to machines can stay in bed, or sit in your chairs and play.

That’s right, agreed Mary. Sitting up would be better if you can manage it. Perhaps someone will bring you a toy if you ask them nicely.

What shall we take to play with I wonder, George? said Charlie sarcastically, as he looked near the top of the toy box. He had spied their most favourite toy that they played with every day.

Hmm, I don’t know, that’s a tough one, said George, equally as sarcastically having spotted what they were looking for.

"Well, look at these