Jim’s words about not being pushy with service users nudged at me but I had no professional connection to Zoe. I was a concerned friend and friends asked questions, especially when the cuts weren’t the only concern. I’d also spotted pale brown and yellow bruising around Zoe’s right eye which suggested she was healing from a recent black eye.
Zoe released an excited squeal when she saw Hercules. ‘Oh! My! God! He is gorgeous. I can’t get over how big he is. Can I pick him up?’
I explained how best to hold him and where he preferred to be stroked.
‘Can I get you a drink?’ I asked as she buried her face in his fur.
‘I’d love one of your cracking cups of tea.’
I told her to make herself comfortable in the lounge with Hercules. While the kettle boiled, I retrieved her leggings.
‘Onecracking cup of teaand one pair of leggings,’ I said, placing both items down on the coffee table.
Zoe picked up her leggings and studied them, frowning. ‘I can’t see where the hole was.’
‘That’s because I used a ladder stitch, also known as the invisible stitch. I hope you don’t mind but I washed them first as they had some blood on them.’
‘That’s okay. Thanks for doing that.’
‘So the reason for the repair was Griff. Have there been any further incidents?’
Zoe grimaced. ‘She doesn’t like me. She told someone it’s cos I look like the lass her ex-boyfriend hooked up with while they were still together. I mean, how stupid is that?’
‘It’s a crazy reason for hassling you. I see you’ve got the remains of a shiner.’
Zoe’s hand fluttered up towards her right eye. ‘I didn’t think you’d notice. She didn’t like me passing her on the stairs last week so, of course, I deserved to be thumped for that.’
‘Oh, Zoe, that’s not on! Did you report her?’
‘No, for the same reasons as before. I thought she’d get bored but it feels relentless. She even set fire to one of my library books. I used to feel safe at the hostel, but…’ She picked up her mug and blew on her tea.
‘But Griff scares you?’ I suggested when she failed to continue.
‘She’s a big lass and she’s so angry all the time. I can deal with a bit of aggro but this is way more than a bit. I don’t want to leave Whitsborough Bay. I came here because of the happy memories but I might have to go if she doesn’t pack it in.’
‘I know it’s difficult, but I really think you should speak to someone about her.’ I couldn’t bear the thought of Zoe being Griff’s punchbag. I’d seen it once myself and was seeing the remains of another incident now but how many more had there been?
I caught Zoe’s eye and, at that moment, it was clear to me that she wasn’t just scared of Griff – she was absolutely terrified.
‘You can stay here tonight,’ I said. ‘I don’t have a spare bed but I’ve got bedding and a comfortable sofa.’
‘I can’t. If I don’t sleep there, I could lose my place at the hostel. They’ve got a waiting list.’
‘Surely they wouldn’t kick you out for one night away?’
‘Maybe not one, but I can’t risk it. Besides, I’m not your problem. You seem really kind and I know you won an award for helping people so it’s obviously your thing and it’s great that there are people like you out there but I’m not asking for your help.’
She put her mug down and stood up. ‘I shouldn’t have come here tonight.’
‘Sit down, Zoe,’ I urged her gently. ‘Finish your tea at least. I won’t say anything more about it. In fact, we don’t have to speak at all.’
She glanced at theFriendsDVD which I hadn’t yet put away. ‘Can we watch an episode of that?’
‘Sure. Any preference?’
‘I’ve only seen it a few times but I like it. You choose.’
‘I watched a couple of episodes the other night so we’ll just pick up from there.’
