**Tangled**
Daisy, Im leaving for a yearmaybe a bit longerto work up north. You know Ive got debts to clear. I wont turn to crime, and I wont steal, so this is the only way. Ill earn enough to pay them off, come back, and therell even be something left to fix up your cottage. Little Sophie could have that bicycle shes been wanting. Just hold on for me, wont you? Matthew pleaded with her.
Everyone in the village knew Matthew had been courting Daisy, the young widow. They loved each other and had spoken of marrying, but the weight of his debts had driven him to this hard choice.
I see, Daisy murmured. So youre off to the north, just like your wife did. What is it about that place that pulls everyone away?
Daisy, you know shes got nothing to do with me now, he said firmly.
But Daisy couldnt stop herself. She lashed out, saying things she didnt mean, until Matthew knew there was no reasoning with her. He packed his things and left. She wouldnt answer his calls, even changed her number.
Summer came, thick and heavy, the air thick as wool. The old folk muttered, Therell be a storm by nightfalljust feel how the sun burns.
No one expected the hurricane that swept through at dusk. Dark clouds rolled in, and the wind howled, tearing down power lines, toppling trees onto roofs, scattering fences like kindling. People huddled inside, waiting out natures fury.
By morning, the damage was clear.
My chicken coops flooded, Mrs. Whitcombe fretted. At least the birds roosted high.
My tomatoes are ruined. What kind of harvest is this now? sighed Anna.
Tomatoes and chickens are one thing, but theres no power. Who knows when theyll fix it? Well have to wait for the crews from town.
By noon, electricians arrived from the county. They worked for hours, restoring lightsthough not to every home. Some had blown fuses, but Daisys wiring had burned out entirely, leaving a blackened streak on the wall. Her stomach dropped when she saw it. The house was old, the wiring olderwhat if it had caught fire? What then, with little Sophie inside?
Dont fret, Mrs. Whitcombe said. Stephens wiring went too. Theres a man from the next villageCharlie, the electrician. Knows his trade and wont overcharge. Ask him.
Mummy, whens supper? Sophie tugged her sleeve. Im hungry.
Soon, love. At least weve still got gas, Daisy said, rolling up her sleeves.
As she cooked and tidied, her eyes kept drifting to the scorched wall. Charlie was busy elsewhere, so she went without power that night. The next morning, a broad-shouldered man with a friendly grin strode into her yard.
Good morning. Who are you looking for? Daisy called from the garden.
You, maam. Heard youve got wiring trouble. Names Charlieelectrician by trade.
Yesits bad. The walls burned black, she admitted, leading him inside.
Sophie darted out, then shrank back shyly. Charlie winked at her.
Sophie, this is Mr. Charlie. Hes here to fix the lights, Daisy said.
Charlie examined the damage. Couldve been worse. Wirings weakshouldve been replaced years ago. Lucky it didnt catch. Ill fetch my tools from the van. Need to redo the lot.
As he worked, Daisy decided to cook him lunch. She couldnt pay much, but a meal was the least she could offer.
By midday, he was done. There you are, maam. Lights on.
Thank you. How much do I owe you? She reached for her purse.
Not a penny, he grinned. Lunchll cover it.
Of course. Its ready. Shed already set the table.
Over the meal, they chatted idly. Sophie sat quietly, uneasy. When Charlie left, she whispered, Mummy, I dont like him.
Why? He did a grand job for us.
Later, Daisy thought about the way Charlie had looked at her. She was still young, only thirty-one, and pretty besides. Her husband had died when Sophie was just a baby. Shed told herself life wasnt overshe deserved happiness.
Three days later, Charlie returned. That fence of yours is hanging by a thread, he said with a smile. And the gates loose. Let me fix itno charge. Just feed me. He paused. Truth is, Ive taken a shine to you.
Her heart lifted. Maybe her luck was turning.
I dont mind, she said. Go ahead. Ill put the kettle on.
At lunch, she asked, Who do you live with back home?
Asking if Im married? No. My wife left mecheated. We divorced.
They fell silent. Charlie took her hand. I like you, Daisy.
Her head spun. Here was a strong, handsome mansober, hardworking. What more could a woman want? But Sophie watched them warily, her small face tense.
Charlie began visiting often. They talked, laughed, but Daisy kept him at arms length. He didnt push. A month passed this way. She wasnt ready to rush.
Then word spread through the villageMatthew was back. He lived with his mother, his sister Vera, the nursery teacher, and her little boy.
Vera, is it true? Daisys with that Charlie now?
Everyone knows it, Vera sighed. He fixed her wiring after the stormsince then, theyve been thick as thieves.
Matthews fists clenched. Over a light bulb?
Stop it. Shes been alone, and you left without a word.
I had no choice! I explained it to her. She wouldnt listen.
Well, now youre free and clear, Vera said, walking out.
Matthew found Daisy on the lane after work. He grabbed her wrist. You and himwhats between you?
Matthew! Are you stalking me?
Answer me.
Whats it to you? You were gone a yearprobably had your fun up north.
Suddenly, he kissed her. Something inside her twistedold feelings flaring despite her anger. She stood frozen.
Confused, are you?
Hes different, she whispered.
Matthew stormed off, leaving her there.
That evening, Charlie arrived with wine. Shed sent Sophie to her mothers, but after seeing Matthew, her mind was scattered.
Lets drink to us, Charlie said, his gaze heavy. Ive always loved a pretty face.
Had many, then?
Me? No. One-woman man, he lied, pouring more.
The wine blurred her thoughts. His touch turned rough. She pushed him away.
Waityoure hurting me.
Dont play shy, he sneered. You owe me.
Youre drunk.
And youll do as I say. He yanked her toward the bedroom.
When he struck her, she cried outjust as Matthew burst in, throwing Charlie against the wall. The men fought, but Charlie was no match. Matthew dragged him outside and shoved him into the dirt. Neighbors saw Charlie stumble away, bloody and torn.
Matthew gave Daisy one hard look and left. Charlie never returnedrumor was, his wife had fled him long ago for the same cruelty.
Three days later, Matthew found Daisy at home. Sophie raced to him, beaming as he scooped her up. Daisy stepped onto the porch.
You all right?
Fine. You my keeper now?
Cant leave you unattended, he teased, setting Sophie down before pulling Daisy close.
I missed you, he murmured.
She saw the warmth in his eyesand Sophie, watching them, finally at peace. Uncle Matthew was the best.
