Excerpt from “Another Story of Hello's and Goodbyes” Ella My story begins in Battersea. Above the din of cars, mixed with barks from caged dogs, and exhaust fumes. Above screams for child support and swollen eyes. My story begins behind closed doors, behind furrowed brows, behind creased foreheads and crow's feet not made from laughing. Behind chipped nails and hard perfume, tight tops and clacking shoes. My story begins with half-hearted waking up. Half-hearted stirring and silent pleading for more sleep. My story begins with Ella. Single mother, D.O.B February 6th. What year? 'None of your business! That part isn't necessary. I've read the rules!'. Dependants? Two, aged 12 and 13. Half-hearted Ella peers through eyelashes not ready to separate. Not ready to participate. She hits the snooze button once again and knows she has to get up. No more sick days left. Used them up. Up them! – but 'up them' pay the bills. Ella hears sweeping feet, then small rhythmic steps, hop hopping. She listens to basins gurgling down sleepy faces. 'At least Tracey's up' her mind hums. Through eyelashes Ella sees waterfalls and larks and sea spray caressing and refreshing skin, sees sunlit glittering streams with rainbows and soft breezes, aww sigh… butterflies fluttering and bells ringing, louder and louder and louder! Wake up mum!! Oh another day, another day. Like clockwork no: 88 turns on his stereo – 'One love, one heart…', Bob vibrates through the wall. Ella peers down at the empty wine glass, and lone cigarette-end in her ashtray, it stares back, then winks. Thank God for small treats she thinks. She yells at another wall – 'Up Dino – School!' Strange name for a boy I know. Dino can sleep through anything. 'Dino up!' Across the road the dogs bark. Must be feeding time she thinks…
