FIND THE FACE 


By Tessa Harvey



       The two children sat perched at the table, swinging their legs and playing with their child-sized forks. A delicious odour of pancakes filled the room.
    "My mum found she still had a spare baby in her tummy, so she was pregnit," declared George. "Then it came out and it was a girl."
"My mum's baby hasn't come out yet." Sally Ann did not want to be outdone in the baby stakes. 
"When does it get out, Mum." she asked, louder. "Not for a while yet," Lisa answered, looking at her friend Sandi and trying not to laugh.
    Pancakes were handed to the children on their special plates. George had racing cars decorating his, Sally Ann had ponies on hers.
"Can Lucy have a teeny bit?" George asked.
"Not yet," replied Sandi. The women looked at each other, laughter in their eyes. They had become good friends over the last few weeks.
    When the children had finished eating, their sticky hands wiped, they went out through the french windows to play on small bikes or throw balls for Fowler. He was running and jumping, his amber fur shining in the sun, lavishing all the attention.
    Over coffee and tea, Lisa suddenly said "My baby isn't Mike's!" Tears pooled in her eyes. "That's why I am here. My husband was away and he knew the baby couldn't be his. It's a horrible mess!"
    Both adults could hear the children laughing. "Mike sent me to be with my parents for a while, but when they heard the truth, they kicked me out. Rents are so high I can only afford one room in a slummy tenement block."
    Lisa broke down, sobbing. "I can't take any more. I don't know what to do."

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