Page 150 - My Home on the Earth

Jake was distracted by the girls giggling outside a shop and didn’t hear what the man said. ‘Sorry, what did you say?’
‘It’s no shame, lad. This used to be a chapel but now it’s a place of safety. Owned and run by a woman called Bannister. Have you heard of her?’
‘Not really,’ replied Jake, being mindful never to give too much information away. ‘I’ve read about Mr Bannister, that’s all. Sorry, I have to go.’
‘The van will be here from six until nine on Mondays and Thursdays. Take care, lad,’ shouted the man.
Jake would have enjoyed sharing his good news about the money with someone but not right now. He’d recognised Elise Goodwin. ‘Gosh! She’s grown and she’s with the pretty girl I saw at the level crossing.’
He kept his distance and would’ve liked to say hello and beg her forgiveness, but he’d made an agreement with his social worker at the home never to communicate with the family. It was enough to see her smiling and laughing with her friends.
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