New Town, New Faces

[Ruby Lanelle]

_{Elaurene slumped in a chair, in her new flat. Her baby girl, Odette, lay on her mat on the floor, gurgling happily as she played with a mobile. Elle sighed and turned to view the ocean. Miles away across that sea was France, and her parents....and jean. She sighed and turned back to her baby, changing her thoughts before tears consumed her. She had come here to escape, not because she liked horses. She supposed she did, and wanted Odette to ride them when she was old enough, but she had never had the opportunity herself. She lay down on the floor next to the blonde baby and whispered I love you DeeDee, and so does your daddy, wherever he is. She kissed the baby's soft cheek, then stood up to make some tea.}