HIDDEN TREASURES

HIDDEN TREASURES By Tessa Harvey     Estelle had worked in several jobs including mostly as a shop assistant. The supermarket managers told her exactly what to do, how to stack shelves, how to clean very early before the store opened. It was mindless repetitive work, but it gave her enough money to afford a shared rental.     Mostly it was girls, but sometimes a bloke came, saying he was a woman. Estelle did not like him. She was made to call him Margaret. One of the other girls whispered: "Lock your door every night and never ever go to the loo alone. Lock the bathroom if you shower."      He kept staring at her. Also at Elly who was her friend. Some folks pretended friendship but their hard or shifty eyes betrayed them. Estelle avoided them, kept quiet.     When she was little, her friends were Rose and Jasmine. Rose was slow but nice. The teacher kept trying to make her say her dad was abusing her. Estelle had stayed with the sisters for t...

HIDDEN TREASURES  By Tessa Harvey     Janice woke to the sound of an incoming text. Sleepily, she reached for her phone, annoyed when she saw how early it was. Last night, tired from finishing extra course work, she had forgotten to mute her device.     The message was from Jess. Frowning as she scrolled down the text, Janice was a little perturbed.     Jess was deferring her studies for this term. There was an urgent need for auxiliary nursing staff in the hospital where Janice's brother worked. Jess had decided to do this work to earn more money to help with student fees.     Reading between the lines, Janice felt that she was possibly drawn to Matthew. She decided to pray, and promptly fell asleep.     Reading her friend's reply after work in her tiny room at the Nurses' Home Jess was reassured by the text and hurried to join the others for an evening meal. An enticing smell was drifting up the stairs. Lovely!     Tomor...

HIDDEN TREASURES  By Tessa Harvey     "Matthew, I'm sorry. Please don't go. That man is not my boyfriend. He as even imitating my friend's accent to upset me."     The young doctor smiled. "It is half an hour before my shift. How about a coffee in the hospital cafeteria? As I am still on call, I have to stay nearby."     When they had shared a big piece of chocolate and a warm drink, Matthew pushed his chair back and asked "Could you explain, Jess, or is it too painful?"     Jess brushed some crumbs away, stalling for time. "I told Alice he was fine at first, gentlemanly. But soon he was very controlling. He seemed to know how to press my upset buttons. Just now he even imitated a student called Will."     The doctor was concerned. "He sounds like a stalker, finding out stuff to harm us both. My fiance was suddenly overcome with homesicknes and we had to cancel the wedding." He looked away, trying to hide his pain.     She...

HIDDEN TREASURES  By Tessa Harvey     But Simon was not so easily intimidated. He turned to face the doctor. His lip curled in a sneer. "So trying to rescue another lady in distress! The last one fled to Germany rather than marry you!"     Dr. Matthew took a step back unable to hide his distress. Knowing he had the high ground, Simon smirked and walked away smiling to himself, secure in his obvious superiority. Jess would come back to her senses and realise her great good fortune. After all, he had just been offered a place in a local law-firm and knew he had the brains and connections to go far.      How could a lowly hospital medic interest Jess when he, Simon was on hand. Besides, he could see that she was not even interested in that doctor.     But he was wrong. Jess was now interested in 'that doctor,' despite her initial misgivings. And seeing for herself how human and caring Dr. Matthew Walters was compared to Simon was startling....

HIDDEN TREASURES  By Tessa Harvey     Jess turned away from gran's grave, leaving the open ground to be filled with the piled-up earth, mixed-dark loam and hard clay. Janice had just pulled away with a final hug and wave. Exams were again looming for her and she had offered to collect all the work this week for Jess to catch up on her study.     It was a miserable drizzly day and rain mingled with her tears. It seemed so final. She was alone, God forgotten.     The wet ground was uneven and the young woman stumbled. A stranger's arms gripped her firmly, holding her close - too close. Looking up she saw a familiar face - Simon! "So," he said with the familiar South African accent, almost gloating, "poor little Jess, all alone and unwanted. Well, I do not let go."     Jess tried to pull away, trying to focus on her friend's turquoise mini. It was disappearing with a final beep of the horn, lost in looming mist.     Simon gripped her t...

HIDDEN TREASURES  By Tessa Harvey     The night crept away and Jess slept deeply. Rousing near dawn, remembering, she reached out to check on her grandmother. She felt so cold!     Unable to face the truth, Jess quickly slipped away to find the night nurse, but it was shift-change time for them. They were busy. Finally, sadly, Jess was able to accompany a young nurse back to her grandmother.     "Wow," the young male nurse whispered, "she looks so peaceful, even happy. Most die angry or in pain, afraid." He turned to Jess. "What made the difference?"     "She knew God loves her and cares," she said, awed also at the beauty on Mops' face; wrinkles smoothed away, no sign of grief and pain.     The nurse glanced around. "I will need to tell the nurse in charge and a doctor to come to confirm death. But tell me the truth. Is God real? Does someone really care? My life is hell. I need to know."     "Yes," answered Jess, with su...

HIDDEN TREASURES  By Tessa Harvey     It was very quiet in the small room just off the main ward. Alice lay still as Jess watched over her. She remembered all the times she had had fun with her grandparents. Trips to the seaside, fairs, markets, playgrounds. Once was a visit to a circus.     But also she thought of the quiet evenings doing her homework at the kitchen table once the evening meal was cleared away and dishes done.     Sometimes, if it was too hard, her grandfather had helped her or his wife - with schoolwork. Then they had watched a child-friendly program before her bed-time.     Hours later, Alice opened her eyes and looked at her. "Do you remember Psalm 23?" she asked Jess softly. "You memorised it for a school project." The word 'memorised' was slurred slightly.     There was a pause, then "do you know that we always go THROUGH the dark valleys?"     Jess smiled and held her hand gently. It was a while bef...

HIDDEN TREASURES  By Tessa Harvey     A soft knocking on the front door woke Jess. It was just becoming light outside. Stars were still visible, shining jewels, and a beautiful glowing crescent moon, still and perfect.     The knock came again. Who could be there at this hour? Jess threw on a coat to cover her pyjamas, glancing at the clock. 6 a.m.     Cautiously she opened the front door slightly. Jan was there! Jess threw her arms around her friend, trying not to cry as she saw that doctor standing near.     "May we come in?" Janice asked and they stepped quietly inside.      "Is it Mops? Is she dead?" Jess knew it was serious by their expressions.      "It would be best to sit down and explain, and Jan is very tired." Matthew spoke for the first time.     "Your grandmother is asking for you," Jan explained. As Jess made a negative gesture, her friend spoke kindly, but firmly. "We know about your fear...

HIDDEN TREASURES  By Tessa Harvey     Jess lay awake. She knew exactly where she should be. She knew exactly why that was not possible.     That doctor was arrogant and rude! Because she had been alone all day, her mind had been on exonerating herself. Therefore, it had to be someone else's fault. Her grandmother had fallen ill. It was not her fault. How could she know what to do? How to manage sickness. Jess felt she was the innocent victim here. It was not her fault. She reiterated that thought to herself. But yet, what had that doctor meant? She had paced around earlier, trying to tidy, make the small house neat.     She wasn't sure about the garden, so left it. Hospitals frightened her. They had done since she was very small, and in that car accident, losing her parents.     Today, going to her car, keys and purse in hand, determined to face her fear, had left her breathless, unable to move - a panic attack that had decimated her. It was ...

HIDDEN TREASURES  By Tessa Harvey     Dr. Matthew Walters knocked firmly on the front door. He had time to notice some beautiful glass inserts in the panelling featuring kookaburras before the door opened and a young woman ushered him in.     Beyond a request for direction, Matthew made no small talk, heading straight for the elderly lady. He had assumed from the young woman's description that the patient was only a little unwell, but one look had him calling for the nearest ambulance.     "Go and direct the paramedics," he ordered the young woman, dithering in the doorway, "please, " he added, focussed on his patient. As a physician he knew she had lapsed into unconsciousness and wondered why Jess had not noticed the pallor and clear signs of ill-health.     As help arrived, the young lady said "but what will I do?" Clearly she was distressed. Matthew felt a strong inner voice. "Read Psalm 23. God will help you, and also Isaiah 45 verse 3. G...

HIDDEN TREASURES  By Tessa Harvey             As soon as she woke to sunlight streaming through her bedroom window, Jess took a few moments to orient herself, then felt a sense of fear - no one moving in the kitchen, quietly singing or even humming while collecting cups, bowls or plates for breakfast. Her nan was always an early bird, unlike her husband and Jess.     Slowly Jess felt for her slippers with one hand and then grabbed her warm nightrobe to pull over her pyjamas.     The house felt cold, despite the sun. Peering round her nan's bedroom door, she saw the older lady sleeping and sighed with relief, but then heard her cough harshly and move restlessly.     Anxious for help, Jess phoned her friend Janice for advice. She had so enjoyed the days spent with the news correspondent. It had been restful and also invigorating - and Janice had really helped Jess with ideas for her study that had taken her time to mast...

HIDDEN TREASURES  By Tessa Harvey         But all Alice spoke were a few words. "Just please, help me to bed, Jess." By ten p.m. Jess had helped her nan to her room - and was dismissed with a small wave and a tired smile.     Leaving the bedroom door ajar, Jess had tidied away the Milo mugs and washed the beautiful small crystal water glass, once part of a set of six. Her grandfather's old chair was still at one end of the kitchen table where most meals were taken.     Beside his worn armchair in the lounge stood a small, old-fashioned pipe-rack, now empty.      The room smelt faintly of tobacco, though the old man had rarely smoked.     The tied-back curtains were blue and white patterned in sea-swirls. It felt calm, but Jess was anything but. Questions fought for supremacy. What was wrong? Why a resurgence of the faith she remembered they all shared when she was small?     And what should she do about Simo...

HIDDEN TREASURES  By Tessa Harvey     Condemnation swamped Jess. "Sorry "Mops, rabbiting on and on," she gulped trying not to cry, conscious she was still making it all about her. Then "How are you? What would help? Water? Too many questions, but Alice nodded, her iron-grey curls tumbled untidily around her pale face.     Gently the young woman held a small glass of water to the relative's lips. "I can manage. I need to see a doctor. Have appointment tomorrow." Alice Spoke in short sentences.     Sipping the life-giving water, the colour returning to her face, Alice continued. "These funny turns started last week. I was going to warn you but...." " I became a child again and forgot you have concerns of your own," Jess said.     "Wait," Alice asked again, "listen to the radio, please." An announcer was reading Psalm 23 as an introduction to his worship/teaching program. After the Bible verses, her grandmother spok...

HIDDEN TREASURES  By Tessa Harvey     SILVERWIND     Her nan was nodding encouragingly, smiling warmly. Without warning, the old lady's expression changed. Alice frowned, then gasped and pitched forward. Jess leapt to try to break her gran's fall and managed to deflect her face from hitting the edge of the coffee table, an oval hard-wood very solid object.     Jess had always been able to react swiftly.     As a child of eleven, a collapsing kitchen shelf was grabbed by her long arms and all the pans held     "Good thing you are good at netball," her nan had quipped at the time, though visibly shaken. It was nice to be tall sometimes. Now, though, Jess was at a loss. Yes, she had helped Alice to avoid a possible head injury, but what was wrong now at this precise moment?     Unable to think clearly, Jess glanced at the wall clock, a gift to the grandparents for their joint long-service to a Christian radio station not far...

HIDDEN TREASURES  By Tessa Harvey     Alice had simply reheated a casserole for their evening meal. It was one Jess really loved - with chicken, rice, tomatoes and various green veges added just prior to serving.     Apple crumble with a few added late blackberries, served as dessert, with cream. Sometimes in summer there was wine, but as both were tired, they decided on Milo. They were drinking the warm beverage, gazing dreamily at a make-believe fire. The radio was playing in the background. All the music seemed to be Christian, which really puzzled Jess.     About to ask Alice about this, her mobile rang rather stridently. "Sorry Mops," she said, forgetting their agreement about names. Puzzled, she stared at the caller ID. It was Simon. She thought she had blocked and deleted him, so she did so again.      "He has been following me," she blurted. "I'm scared."     Their peaceful evening disturbed, Jess explained about the ol...

HIDDEN TREASURES  By Tessa Harvey     Alice noticed Jess was looking a little stressed and and definitely lost some weight. Sighing, she stifled her own feelings and reached out to the young woman she had first met when the child was five years old.     Jess hugged her grandmother, noting the sadness despite her usual warm smile. It was sunny and warmer now they were nearer the coast, but the wind was still bitter.     "Let's go home," the older woman declared. "Our old station wagon is just near the corner. I'll drive round and help with luggage."     "Don't rush," called Jess, laughing a little. Her grandmother, Alice was almost beyond earshot already, scurrying along, blue coat flapping. Later, over warm crumpets Jess asked "May I call you by your given name, Mops, it's just...."     ...."that you have serious things to discuss" finished Alice, understandingly. Change was always inevitable, but Alice also had serious ...

HIDDEN TREASURES  By Tessa Harvey     It was a long overnight journey by bus as Jess leaned her head against her hoodie next to the cold window. Slowly they moved through the suburbs as night came and brought scudding snow. The earlier bus had gone straight by her though she was clearly visible, leaving her to lug heavy luggage to some kind of shelter from the worst of the cold.     It had taken two hours before the next bus came and this driver stopped for her. She was beyond weary, but still told the elderly man what had happened.     The driver reminded her of her now deceased grandfather and Jess, remembering his gentle kindness and strength, held back tears. But Terry Hubert saw and his face softened.     The young woman fell asleep, feeling safe behind this driver, who quietly vowed to report Ted Pratchett. He had deliberately driven by others, but leaving a girl alone in bitter weather in a notorious area was beyond the pale....  ...

HIDDEN TREASURES  By Tessa Harvey     "Who is that guy?" Will asked, never one to beat about the bush. He was South African and spoke with a pronounced accent.     Jess flushed. "A former boyfriend. He was really controlling and won't take no for an answer." She was almost stammering with embarrassment.     Will veered off to go to his class, but paused at the corner. "We are friends, right. You help me with languages, well I'm a bully-whisperer!"     He smiled and was gone, but the smile seemed to linger like that of the Cheshire cat in "Alice in Wonderland."     Janice avoided the topic of the former boyfriend, storing it away to pray about later. "Would you come over after classes, Jess? My brother is away for a few days, and we can study and have free time together if that's okay?"     Jess was delighted and accepted the offer. "Wow, two friends already," she was thinking." I can do this. Behind her, the y...

HIDDEN TREASURES  By Tessa Harvey     Jess looked disconsolately at her printed work. When she wrote, it felt as though she was a fire and could not get the words out fast enough. Now, though, she read insipid rubbish badly written....     Really, she was meant to be studying. Her grandparents had invested so much in her, her mother and father victims of a drunk driver. She remembered the speeding vehicle at the intersection so clearly. Dad had accelerated to try to avoid the collision, but it was impossible.     Apparently the woman driver had been meaning to brake, but her foot hammered the accelerator instead.     Five year old Jess was unconscious for days. When she awoke, crying for mummy, then her daddy, only her relatives came.     The little girl had become silent, crying out only in nightmares until "Pops" and "Mops" took her home to a warm, comfortable house, a bouncy boy who became her friend, a tiny lost kitten and many ...