River's Edge (Hope Rising Book 1)

by Kristen M. Fraser

  Ben nodded through a mouthful of food, casting another glance towards the van.

  “Not a bad way to start the day.” Smiley’s laughter rasped and soon turned into a coughing fit.

  “Are you alright?” Ben thumped his back, as the old man sputtered and gasped.

  “All good.” Smiley drew a ragged breath before taking a sip of his tea. “She’s definitely a sight for these sore eyes. I might be haggard, but I’m not too old to appreciate God’s handiwork.”

  Ben’s mouth twisted into a small smile. He couldn’t help but agree with his friend. She was beautiful. But he could only admire her from a distance - because he was Ben Tarbett. Ex-businessman. Divorced. Bankrupt. And homeless.

  3

  Once the last of the breakfast had been served, Natalie Allcroft wiped over the table at the side of the van and tipped the crumbs into a plastic bag. From the corner of her eye, she saw the two men sitting beneath the shady tree. They seemed to know Graham quite well, and the older man with the scruffy beard seemed friendly enough as he chatted and asked questions about where she was from.

  The other one, she guessed to be a few years older than her, had an air about him she couldn’t quite put her finger on. He didn’t appear to be quite so rugged or worn around the edges like the rest of the people they’d served. He seemed different. Gentlemanly. She’d noticed the protective way he moved the older man aside when the younger guy was stirring up trouble, and she was curious. What was his story?

  Her heart had leapt into her throat when the rowdy youth appeared at the van. He’d made some lewd comments to her before he carried on harassing the others. Graham had warned her that not everyone was friendly, and he’d told her to be on her guard.

  “There are always a few who take us for granted and cause trouble,” Graham informed her over coffee the previous day as he’d given her the run-down of what to expect volunteering with the breakfast van. “We’re still happy to provide meals for them, but sometimes we also have to dish out a little tough love with the food.”

  She was thankful a stern word from Graham had sent the man on his way. She didn’t want to form any judgements, but his presence had unnerved her.

  Stacking the napkins in a plastic container, Natalie glanced across the park again. She couldn’t help but be drawn to the two men sitting under the tree. Everyone else had wandered off by themselves or in a group, while those two remained. They certainly looked an odd pair – one scruffy, one more neatly dressed. One older, one younger. Were they related? How tragic if both father and son were homeless.

  The street van made two more uneventful stops on the morning route, before finishing its run back at Hope Street Church on the outskirts of the city. Sue greeted the van, and helped Natalie unpack the perishable items, carrying them into the kitchen. The pair began restocking the supplies for the following morning while Graham disappeared up the stairs into the church office to finalise some paperwork.

  “How did you find this morning? Not too early a start for you?” Sue asked, placing two bottles of milk into the fridge.

  “No, I’m used to early mornings with the hospital. I really enjoyed myself,” Natalie replied as she refilled the sugar canister with a packet from the cupboard. “They seem like nice people.”

  “Most of them are.” Sue leaned on the bench, folding her arms across her petite frame. Black tasseled earrings dangled from her ears she wore a leather bracelet on her wrist bearing a silver tag engraved with the words, “Always Have Hope.” Her slim build and cropped dark hair with blonde highlights belied her sixty years. “Occasionally we get a few trouble-makers, but Graham usually scares them off pretty quick.” Her melodious laugh bounced off the tiled walls of the kitchen.

  “I imagine he would. He did a good job this morning.” Natalie chuckled, envisioning the gentle giant using his height and booming voice to an advantage. His larger-than-life presence intimidated her when she’d first met him, but it hadn’t taken long for her to see Graham’s kind heart and compassion for the lost. “Thanks for the opportunity to help.” It had been her heart’s desire to be the hands and feet of Jesus, serving the less fortunate on the streets. She never expected to move interstate to do it, but here she was.

  “No, thank you,” Sue replied. “We appreciate anyone who can come along and help out. Not everyone wants to serve in the trenches. Often people say they want to help, but they’re not willing to get their hands dirty. Don’t burn yourself out, though. I know you’ve also been busy working at the health clinic at night with Graham.” She smiled warmly and pulled some boxes of muesli bars from the cupboard in preparation for the next morning’s breakfast run.

  “I’ll be fine. I’m enjoying the opportunity to serve without …” Natalie paused, resting her hands on the bench as she recalled the hurtful words her ex had spoken to her. Even six months later, they still stung. “Without being called a bleeding heart.”

  “Oh, hun. We would never say that to anyone. If God calls you to help those in need, you are welcomed with open arms. And phooey to those who judge.”

  “Thanks.” Phooey. Such a perfect word. Natalie joined in with Sue’s laughter as they continued preparing breakfast supplies for the week, feeling at ease with the older woman whom she’d come to know in the few months since attending Hope Street Church. Sue’s friendliness warmed Natalie, confirming she had made the right decision to follow God’s call by moving away from Melbourne and into the heart of Brisbane to help the impoverished. Although she still didn’t know exactly what He had in store for her, she was willing to serve and trust He would guide her steps.

  4

  “Your wound looks all healed now, Max.” Natalie swabbed saline over the scar tissue on the older man’s leg before dabbing it dry with a square of gauze. The week had flown by, and she was coming to the end of her evening volunteer shift at the Hope Street Health Clinic, another ministry offered by Hope Street Church. Max was her last patient to treat in what had been a constant evening of administering basic first aid, changing dressings, and offering a listening ear to those who needed it.

  “Hopefully you won’t have any more run-ins with large tree branches!” Peeling off her gloves, she smiled at the middle-aged man sitting on the plastic chair. His black trackpants had holes in the knees, and his threadbare t-shirt, with a faded logo of an eighties rock band emblazoned on the front, was no better.

  “Thanks, love.” He offered her a toothless grin as he rolled down the leg of his pants and stood up. “See you next time. You have a good night, okay?”

  With a smile, Natalie bid him goodbye and continued tidying up the small treatment room at the back of the clinic situated on a quiet street on the outskirts of the city.

  “All ready to go?” Graham rapped his knuckles on the open door.

  “Sure am.” With one last glance around the small space, Natalie flicked off the light and pulled the door closed behind her. She followed Graham through the clinic and out the back door into the carpark. A lone streetlamp cast long shadows across the gravel lot. Thankful for Graham’s company and that she didn’t need to find her own way home so late at night, Natalie climbed onto the passenger seat of the clinic’s van and fastened her seatbelt.

  “That wasn’t too bad tonight.” Graham glanced across the dim cab as he shifted the van into gear and pulled out onto the deserted street. “It wasn’t as busy as some of the nights we’ve had. It’s always hard to predict how many people will turn up.”

  “Do you ever have to call in extras to help at the last minute? I know there have been busy moments when I’ve worked, but do you ever get to the point where you need extra hands stat?”

  “We’ve only had to a couple of times, mainly during flu season. Most of the time, we manage to treat everyone without too much trouble.”

  Although semi-retired from his own general practice, Graham oversaw the rotating roster of three doctors and five nurses, who provided healthcare to the homeless from the clinic in West End. Natalie enjoyed h
er time working with the jovial, grandfatherly figure. Some nights were busy. Other nights not so much, and they passed their time drinking coffee, restocking supplies, and sharing stories about their families over a game of cards.

  Between her paid work at the Mercy General Hospital and volunteering with the street van and health clinic, Natalie had enough to keep her occupied. The schedule suited her perfectly and kept her mind from wandering. It also gave her an excuse not to attend the singles outings at church that some of the well-meaning couples encouraged her to attend. She didn’t need to be reminded of just how single she was, especially when everyone her age was married, or well on their way to walking down the aisle.

  From a young age, her plans had always included being married by thirty. But she knew that God’s plans didn’t always correlate with her own, as proven by a wounded heart from her broken engagement.

  Her fingers traced over the bare ring finger on her left hand, reminding her of just how close she’d been to making a mistake by marrying James Holworth. For the five years of their relationship, she’d hoped and prayed that he was the one. She’d hoped and prayed that his heart would soften towards the impoverished. But he could never grasp her desire to serve God with everything she had. In the end, the vast differences in their faith were a deal breaker. As much as it hurt to end their relationship, Natalie knew it was the right thing to do.

  Streetlights flickered through the interior of the van as Graham wound his way through the quiet streets of West End. Buildings stretched tall, almost obscuring the night sky above them. High-rises blurred by and soon Natalie’s apartment building appeared, with Graham slowing to a stop at the kerb on the opposite side of the road.

  “See you in the morning?” Looping her bag over her shoulder, Natalie stepped down from the van.

  “Yep. Bright and early. Do you need a lift? Sue and I are more than happy to pick you up on our way.”

  “No, it’s fine thanks.” Natalie rested one hand on the door and peered into the cab. “I enjoy the walk. It’s my favourite time of day – watching the world wake up. It’s a rare chance to enjoy the city before it gets too busy.”

  “Mine too. Such a glorious time. Stay safe. Sleep well.” Graham grinned as Natalie closed the door and waved goodbye. His concern and kindness warmed her heart. It would be just the thing her father would say if he were there in the flesh, and not miles away serving on the mission field in Kenya.

  Perhaps that was another reason she’d been so keen to jump on board to help Graham and Sue serve in their ministry to the homeless. Since moving to Brisbane, they’d welcomed her with open arms and had become her pseudo-parents. Without her mother around, her sister living on the opposite side of the country, and both her father and brother overseas, she missed the bonds of family.

  Freeway traffic hummed in the distance. A few late night revelers wandered along the footpath further down the block; their voices were loud, evident of hours of merriment. Natalie quickly crossed over to her building, entered the code into the security panel on the wall and waved goodbye to Graham as the door swung open. She rode the lift to the tenth floor and tossed her keys into the ceramic bowl on the hall table once inside her apartment.

  A sigh escaped her lips as she eased the joggers and socks off her feet and stretched out her toes. Freedom. Plush pile carpet never felt so good. Her muscles ached with the fatigue of the day’s work, but she was filled with a sense of joy and accomplishment. Working with the needy was a pleasant change to working with the endless demands of patients in the hospital.

  After showering and changing into her pyjamas, Natalie grabbed a book off the side table and settled onto the couch by the front window overlooking the city buildings.

  Her apartment wasn’t big by any means. Just one bedroom and bathroom with a combined kitchen and living area. A shoebox, her brother had called it when she sent him photos. But it was big enough for her needs. And the view from her front window was worth the lack of living space.

  An opening between buildings across the road provided a view of the river as it snaked through the city. And from her vantage point on the couch, Natalie could make out the top of the Brisbane Wheel and the colourful lights along the esplanade at South Bank. It was a nice change from suburbia in Melbourne and the memories she’d left behind. Memories of heartbreak. Memories of a time when her life was comfortable … yet missing something.

  Shoving the lingering pain of rejection aside, Natalie nestled into the faded grey couch she’d purchased for twenty-five dollars at a garage sale and opened her book. A contented sigh escaped her lips as she scanned the pages.

  Yes. Despite the late hour and how much her body ached, despite being away from her family, she was content. Something she hadn’t felt in a long time.

  5

  With a freshly brewed coffee in a travel mug, Natalie stepped out of her apartment building and headed down the street towards the river. A street sweeper slowly made its way along the deserted city block, its brushes scrubbing the asphalt before the onslaught of another busy day. A young couple jogged by on the opposite footpath, their synchronised footsteps echoing along the street.

  The sun hadn’t yet made its way between the high-rises and Natalie shivered, adjusting the collar of her jacket around her neck. She loved this time of morning. Fresh. New. Clean. As though she was watching the world slowly wake up. It was a great time of day – alone with the world, alone with God and alone with her thoughts.

  After passing vacated offices and a construction site, Natalie crossed the footbridge spanning the river and made her way to the park where Graham and Sue were already setting up the van for breakfast.

  A light breeze rustled through the trees, and she tucked one hand into the pocket of her jacket for warmth. The chill in the air was nothing like Melbourne’s crisp autumn mornings, but for Natalie, any drop in temperature was enough to have her slipping on a jacket.

  “Sleep well?” Graham glanced over his shoulder as he pulled a blue and white striped awning out from one side of the van.

  Placing the mug on the table, Natalie shrugged off her satchel and tucked it behind the driver’s seat. “Not too bad. Yourself?”

  “Like a log.” The sound of hammering filled the air as Graham tapped tent pegs into the ground and looped ropes around them to secure the awning.

  “Don’t listen to him,” Sue murmured as she flicked a tablecloth over one of the tables that would soon be set with food. “He gets up several times through the night because his mind won’t settle. I honestly don’t know how he continues to function, especially when he comes home so late from the clinic.”

  Natalie frowned, glancing across at the broad-shouldered giant as he continued to adjust the awning. “That’s not good. Has he seen anyone about it?”

  “Heavens, no! It’s like speaking to a brick wall. What is it people say about mechanics having run-down cars? It’s the same with doctors. He’s more than happy telling everyone else what to do with their health, but won’t look after his own.” Sue sighed, and set a tray of buttered bread on the table.

  “It’s so true. Doctors. Nurses. We’re all the same.” Natalie chuckled. She could definitely vouch for that. She tried to eat well, but fitting exercise into her hectic schedule was a different story. Although since moving to Brisbane, she had decided against purchasing a car because everything was within walking distance from her apartment. At least being without a vehicle forced her to get outdoors and contribute something towards her daily exercise quota.

  “We’re all the same what?” Graham ambled over cradling a carton of water bottles in his arms.

  “We’re all hungry, and we need to set up breakfast before our friends arrive.” Sue patted his arm before disappearing around the side of the van. Natalie hid her smile, busying herself with the urn and containers of tea bags and coffee. She enjoyed watching the banter between the older couple. They had their own troubles – a daughter who had left the fold and cut off all contact with them. Bu
t they never allowed their personal heartache to affect the way they helped everyone around them. She admired their faith, and their love for each other. She only hoped she could find such an enduring, accepting love one day.

  “Somehow I don’t think that’s what you were conspiring about.” Shaking his head, Graham folded his arms and leaned against the side of the van as he watched Sue potter about.

  “No, probably not. But you’ll never know.” Natalie winked as she set a pile of colourful brochures advertising Hope Street Church’s counselling service and the upcoming Winter Wonder Festival on the table next to the napkins.

  A low growl rumbled from Graham’s throat. “You two are going to be the end of me. Oh, here we go.” He walked out from under the awning and strode over to greet the regular attenders trickling into the park. “Good morning and welcome! Come and enjoy this delicious spread. It looks like another beautiful day God has blessed us with.” His baritone voice boomed across the park.

  Natalie began pouring cups of hot water from the urn, all the while smiling at Graham’s enthusiasm and admiring his ability to see beyond the stigma society slapped on the homeless. He chose to welcome them with open arms and be an example of God’s love rather than ignoring their seemingly hopeless plights.

  “Lovely day, isn’t it?” Brilliant blue eyes greeted her as a familiar man approached and ground a cigarette butt into the ground. Through his unkempt beard, a crooked grin revealed stained and missing teeth. Deep lines etched his weathered face, telling the story of a hard life.

  “Morning, Smiley. It is a gorgeous day. What can I get you?”

  “Just a tea, thanks, love.” A light breeze blew up from the river and swirled dry leaves around the parking lot. Natalie adjusted the collar around her neck, thankful she hadn’t given away her warmer jackets before leaving Melbourne.