Note: This story was dynamically reformatted for online reading convenience. >The Girl at the Bus Stop by alan14 Copyright(C) 2021 by alan14 Chapter 25 Tuesday, Jenny woke me with a kiss and a coffee, -I -(TM)m going into the office early, so I can take the afternoon for Nikki -(TM)s funeral. I -(TM)ll borrow an unmarked car from the pool so I can drive us all there. - -Are the girls up? - I asked. -Yep, Poppy is insisting on going into school this morning, she says she has important lessons this morning. - -Ahh, more like she doesn -(TM)t want to think about the funeral until she absolutely has to. - -That -(TM)s probably it, I -(TM)ll let her go then, do you want me to pick them up from school? - -No, I -(TM)ll collect them at noon and bring them back here so they can change. - -I -(TM)ll see you about one o -(TM)clock then, be nice to Belle today, a funeral isn -(TM)t going to bring back any nice memories for her. - -I will, we -(TM)re doing manual labour this morning, that -(TM)ll keep her mind off things. I want to get the spare room emptied so we can get Ernie down to turn it into a work room for the girls. Jeremy said he -(TM)ll send someone round with a van tomorrow to collect the furniture, he knows a family desperately in need of a bed and wardrobes. - -Well, as much as I -(TM)d love to crawl back in bed, I really have to go. - -I -(TM)ll get up now and make sure everyone -(TM)s ok. - -Last time I checked Belle was eating ice cream for breakfast, Katie was finishing some homework and Poppy was in the shower, it -(TM)s like a normal day. - -Still, I need to get up. - Jenny kissed me again then left for work, I slipped out of bed and into the bathroom for a shower. 15 minutes later I walked into the kitchen, Katie was still doing homework, Poppy was wiping chocolate from around Belle -(TM)s mouth, someone had made a fresh pot of coffee. -Hey dad, - Poppy said, sounding a little tired. -Hey everybody, are we all ok? - -Belle is going to be a bit hyper this morning, she -(TM)s had ice cream for breakfast. - -That -(TM)s handy, we -(TM)re moving furniture out of the spare room, she can do most of the work. - Belle sighed, -I -(TM)m allowed to eat anything I want for breakfast. - -You are, but it would be better if you ate something slightly healthy, if you don -(TM)t want cereal, have a banana instead. - -I don -(TM)t feel like being healthy. - -Which is ok occasionally, tomorrow try something else, ok. - -Alright, I -(TM)ll have porridge tomorrow, - Belle replied sulkily. -You sound tired, - I said to Poppy as I poured coffee, -did you sleep ok? - -Not really, I was awake most of the night. - Katie looked up from her book, -why didn -(TM)t you wake me, we could have done something to make you sleepy. - -It wouldn -(TM)t have been fair on you both to wake you, and it wasn -(TM)t really a matter of being sleepy, my brain was keeping me awake. - -We could have kept you company while you were awake, lying awake is no fun if you -(TM)re all alone, especially if you -(TM)re all alone with two other people in the room. - -It was nice watching you both sleep, you make really cute little noises in your sleep Belle, that was quite soothing. - -Well, next time you -(TM)re lying awake, please wake me up, - Katie insisted. -Leave me asleep though, especially if my sleep noises are soothing. - -Ok Belle, I -(TM)ll let you sleep, - she laughed, giving her a quick kiss. -Are you going to be ok in school if you -(TM)re tired? - I asked. -I -(TM)ll be fine, I -(TM)ve an important science lesson today, I don -(TM)t want to miss it, and I have some work to finish in English. - -Ok, but if you feel bad, please ring me and I -(TM)ll come and get you. - -Thank you dad, you -(TM)re so nice, but don -(TM)t worry, I -(TM)ll be ok. - After breakfast, with Katie and Poppy off to school, Belle and I set about the spare room, we removed the bedding, Belle folding and bagging it all, -I -(TM)m sure whoever gets the bed will want the bedding as well, - she said. Between us we managed to lift the mattress off the bed, we slid it downstairs and leant it against the wall. The bed was next, soon dismantled and stacked next to the mattress. -I -(TM)ve no idea what -(TM)s in the wardrobes, - I said over coffee as we had a quick break, -there -(TM)s probably some of Tammy -(TM)s clothes left, Jeremy can take them all. - -Will they fit any of us? - -They -(TM)d fit Poppy, or Helen, but I -(TM)d rather they just go. - -Oh yes, I -(TM)m forgetting, yes, get rid. If you don -(TM)t want to see them I -(TM)ll go and bag everything up right now. - -Thanks, but I -(TM)ll be OK. - Belle grabbed a roll of refuse bags after we -(TM)d finished our coffee and we started to empty the wardrobes, dresses, skirts, blouses all were neatly folded and placed into bags. Belle was very organised, with separate bags for dresses, skirts and blouses. Behind the clothes were neat stacks of shoe boxes, we lifted them out and lined them up, Belle opened a couple, -nice, but not for me. Katie would suit some of them though. - -If they fit her I don -(TM)t mind her having the shoes. - -She -(TM)s got nice legs, I think she could wear heels, not me and Poppy though, we -(TM)re more trainers and boots girls. Oh, this box is heavy, - she said as she lifted a box from the back of the wardrobe. Belle put the box down on the floor and sat cross-legged in front of it as she lifted the lid. -Ha-ahhh, I -(TM)ve found your porn stash! - she laughed. -It -(TM)s not mine... - I started to protest. -Look there -(TM)s porn mags in here, with, err, Helen in them. - -I don -(TM)t hide my photos of Helen, I have a box of them in my office, but, hang on a sec, I -(TM)ve not seen these before. - Belle flipped through the top magazine until she found the spread with Helen, -oh wow, these are sexy. She had smaller boobs then, I like these photos, she -(TM)s more Poppy -(TM)s size, - she flipped the page, -oohhh, you never said she did stuff like this. - I looked and Helen had a big dildo in her pussy, -err, that -(TM)s because I didn -(TM)t know she -(TM)d done shots like this, she told me the most she did was a couple of fingers in her pussy. - -Yikes! - Belle exclaimed as she turned the page, -That -(TM)s never going to fit. - I wasn -(TM)t sure if I wanted to look, but like a car crash I just resist looking, across a double page spread was a big picture of Helen with another woman trying to force a huge dildo into her arse, we could see Helen -(TM)s face in a mirror on the wall, she looked like she was enjoying herself. -That -(TM)s definitely not something I -(TM)ve seen before, - I told Belle, my voice breaking slightly as my heart raced. -What -(TM)s it doing in the back of this wardrobe? - -I -(TM)ve no idea, I guess we -(TM)ll have to ask Helen. - -Shall we look what else in is here? - -If I said no, would you just ignore me? - -Probably... - was Belle -(TM)s honest reply. -Well, go ahead. - Belle lifted the first magazine out, below were a number of polaroids, a couple of camera memory cards and a DVD, below the DVD were some pretty old hardcore magazines, they had plain coloured covers and looked to be from the early 70 -(TM)s. -What are these? - Belle asked. -Those are vintage porno magazines, that kind of stuff was illegal in the UK back then, but fairly common in many European countries, they had plain covers as they weren -(TM)t allowed to show the contents in shops. - -Oh, so why are they here, they -(TM)re too old to have Helen in them aren -(TM)t they? - -Yes, she wouldn -(TM)t have been born then. - -Can I open them? - -Of course, I -(TM)m curious to see what -(TM)s in them. - Belle flipped open the first magazine and my heart sank, it took all my will not to close the cover. -What -(TM)s the matter, you -(TM)ve gone all pale, - Belle asked, a note of genuine concern in her voice. -See the girl on the right hand page, - I said, pleased with myself for at least sounding normal. -Yes, she -(TM)s pretty, I like her hair, but her pubes are wild. - -Does she look familiar at all? - Belle looked closer, she squinted a little as the print was nowhere near as good as modern magazines. -She looks like Helen, but how, you said these magazines are older than she is. - -That -(TM)s our mum. - -Fuck, - Belle said as she slammed the magazine shut, -I am so sorry. - -What are you sorry about? - -I made you see your mum in the nude. - -I -(TM)ve seen her nude before, it -(TM)s weird I admit, but I -(TM)ve got some of her nude photos upstairs with Helen -(TM)s. - I thought for a moment, -actually, no I haven -(TM)t, Poppy -(TM)s got them all. I just didn -(TM)t know she -(TM)d done porno work is all, it -(TM)s a shock, just like the photos of Helen in the other magazines. - -Maybe that -(TM)s the only photo, I -(TM)ve no idea what the text says, it looks German or something, maybe that -(TM)s just an advert. - She flipped the magazine open again and leafed through, the first spread was a blonde girl in school uniform, Belle gasped, -she -(TM)s never 18, she -(TM)s about Poppy -(TM)s age, how is this legal? - -Ahh, some countries didn -(TM)t have the same rules back then, if we -(TM)re lucky she -(TM)ll be the youngest girl in here. - -What do you mean? - -I mean they had no rules about ages, there may be very young girls, and boys in here. - -What do I do, I want to see your mum but I don -(TM)t want to have to look at stuff like that. - -Flip back to the first page, there should be page numbers, then shut your eyes as you flip through counting the pages. - -Yes! Brilliant. - Mum was on page 24, -these magazines count the cover as page one, - I told her as she started flipping through, her eyes closed. -Here we are, page 24, is it safe for me to open my eyes? - -Yes sweetheart, it -(TM)s safe. - Belle opened her eyes, -oh wow, so this is Helen -(TM)s mum, I see where she got her looks and figure. - -She -(TM)s my mum too, - I said with a smile. -Yes, you have her eyes, - she said without turning away from the page, she touched parts of the page, mum -(TM)s face, her breasts, her pussy, lingering on each area as if committing them to memory. -She -(TM)s beautiful... - -Yes, she is, - I replied. -Can I turn the page? She -(TM)s only nude here, there might be other stuff on the next page. - -You can turn the page if you want to, we -(TM)ve seen Helen with dildos, I -(TM)m not sure there -(TM)ll be much worse than that here. - -She might be with a man. - -I -(TM)m fully prepared for that, - I replied quietly, wondering if I was prepared for seeing my mother having sex with a strange man. Belle lifted the page half way and checked it before laying it flat for me to see, -she -(TM)s with a girl, - Belle said brightly. A blonde woman was kneeling between mum -(TM)s thighs, her lips to mum -(TM)s pussy, I looked closer, -actually, I don -(TM)t think she -(TM)s a girl. - -She is, - Belle replied, pointing to the page, -she -(TM)s got boobs, only small ones, but bigger than mine. - -Look between her legs... - Belle looked more closely then jerked her head back, -fuck, err, I didn -(TM)t expect that. Poppy told me about trans people, but I -(TM)ve never seen one. - Belle spent a couple of minutes absorbing everything about the photo, -she looks like she -(TM)s enjoying herself, look at your mum -(TM)s smile, that -(TM)s genuine. - She flipped the page, -oh my, - she said then closed the magazine, -you don -(TM)t want to be seeing that. - -It -(TM)s ok Belle, you can look. - -But, they -(TM)re doing it, he -(TM)s, err, she -(TM)s up your mum -(TM)s bum. - -Like I said, I -(TM)m perfectly aware my mum had sex, more than once actually, so if you want to look, it -(TM)s fine. - Belle reopened the magazine, she looked at the spread, this was three different shots, the left-hand page was a single shot of mum sucking the other model -(TM)s cock, the other page was two photos, one of mum being fucked in the pussy, the other her ass. -Wow, she -(TM)s got a big cock, not like yours obviously, but pretty big compared to others I -(TM)ve seen. - She put a finger on the third photo, the anal sex one, she looked closely then flipped the page to see if there was more, there was, this time the second model was on her back with mum riding her reverse cowgirl, the cock buried deep in her ass, Belle traced a finger down from mum -(TM)s smiling face, over her breasts, she lingered on mum -(TM)s pussy for a moment before moving down, revealing the hard cock in her ass. -Does it hurt? You know, anal, being fucked in the ass? - -I can -(TM)t really comment... - -But Poppy said she did you with her strap-on. - -That -(TM)s a lot smaller than mine, and hers too I think, - motioning to the page. -Did it hurt you though? - -Not really, no, it was uncomfortable, because I -(TM)d not done it before, but Poppy and Helen both say it feels amazing once you -(TM)re used to it. - -Mmm, maybe I will let Poppy try her dildo on me, but no offence Alex, your cock is never going inside me again, it was a lot of fun, but it also hurt me a lot. - -That -(TM)s ok Belle, no offence taken. - -I -(TM)ll give you head any time you like though, I really enjoyed that, and I enjoyed it when I got myself off on top of you, and I really enjoyed cuddling you, so all those things, but not penetration, is that OK. - -That -(TM)s absolutely fine, - I replied, smiling. -Also, sorry about freaking out a bit before, you know, with the young girl, it brought back memories I -(TM)d rather forget. - I pulled Belle into a cuddle, -you -(TM)re safe here Belle, no-one will ever make you do anything you don -(TM)t want to do. - -Does that include ironing? I don -(TM)t ever want to iron clothes. - -Hahaha, - I laughed, -if Jenny -(TM)s put ironing on your list of chores you -(TM)ll have to swap with Poppy or Katie. - I kissed Belle on the forehead as she snuggled into me, -I feel so safe here, I don -(TM)t ever want to leave, can I live here forever? - -You -(TM)re welcome to stay as long as you want to stay, though if you find a girlfriend you want to live with, you might change your mind. - -But Poppy -(TM)s my girlfriend for life. - -Yes, and what if Poppy wants to find a place of her own, with you, and Katie. - -Oh, yes, then I -(TM)d move, oh shit, don -(TM)t make me think about that, because right now all I want is to keep cuddling you. - -Can you reach out and put the magazines back in the box, and put the lid back on. - -Yes, of course, are we done here? - -We are, it -(TM)s nearly time to collect your sisters from school. - -Can I show Poppy the magazines? - -I think we -(TM)d better ask Helen first, because I -(TM)m sure they -(TM)re her magazines. - -Ahh, so why are they here? - -Because I think she doesn -(TM)t want Nita to see them. - -Oh fuck, yes, of course. - Belle pulled away from me to put everything back in the box, she replaced the lid firmly. -I enjoyed looking at the photos of your mum, did you like them? - -I -(TM)m not sure I should answer that, - I replied, -but yes, I enjoyed looking at the photos. - -There you go, - she said, handing me the box, -hide it somewhere I can -(TM)t find it, I -(TM)ll try not to think about it, so I don -(TM)t mention the box to Poppy. - -Ok, I -(TM)ll hide the box, and when I see Helen, and I -(TM)ve got a private moment, I -(TM)ll ask her about it, and ask if she -(TM)s ok with Poppy and Katie seeing the magazines. - After I -(TM)d hidden the box, we set off for school to collect her sisters, Belle held my hand the whole way. -Are you ok? - I asked. -Mmm, not really. I -(TM)m scared of funerals. When my mum and dad died it was horrible, I cried for days. Gran took me to the doctor and he gave me some tablets. When I took them I stopped feeling sad, I stopped feeling anything. Do you know what I mean? - -No, sorry I don -(TM)t. - -Mmm, I -(TM)m not sure how to describe it, it -(TM)s like I wasn -(TM)t really there. You know when you -(TM)re really sleepy and it takes you forever to react, how you can -(TM)t really hear stuff properly, even your own voice? - -Yes, I do. - -It -(TM)s like my head was full of cotton wool the whole time I was taking the tablets. I had to stop taking them, Gran noticed I stopped reacting when Liam touched me. - -Did he? - -Molest me when I was on the tablets? - I nodded. -I honestly don -(TM)t know, and I don -(TM)t want to know. - -Ok, that -(TM)s probably for the best. - -Maybe I -(TM)ll talk to Helen one day, but not at the moment, today I just want to get through the funeral without having a panic attack, I don -(TM)t want to upset Poppy. - -I -(TM)m sure Katie will help you both, if not I can hold your hand, or Helen will if you prefer. - -That would be nice, thank you. - We walked on, as we passed the cafe in the park Belle spoke again, -I really wish I had a photo of mum and dad, I worry sometimes that I -(TM)ll forget what they look like. - -When we go to see your grandad, we could ask him for one, or perhaps we could look online, there may be photos of them on Facebook or something. - -Yes, there may be, I -(TM)ve always resisted looking, because I don -(TM)t want to read about the accident, or Liam. - Poppy was still in a lesson when we arrived at school, so we waited with Katie in the reception. Katie asked what we -(TM)d been doing all morning to end up looking so dusty, -we -(TM)ve been clearing out the spare room, - Belle replied as I checked my reflection in the mirrored back of the trophy cabinet. -Why didn -(TM)t you tell me I was all dirty? - I asked Belle. -Why didn -(TM)t you tell me I -(TM)m all dusty? - She asked in reply. -You -(TM)re not all dusty, - Katie told her. -Ahh, sorry Alex, my bad, I was waiting for you to tell me I was dusty before I told you. - I nipped into the visitors toilet to splash some water on my face. -That -(TM)s better, - Katie said as I returned, -we -(TM)re not embarrassed to be seen with you as much now. - Belle slapped her sister -(TM)s leg, -we -(TM)re not embarrassed to be seen with him at all! - -I know, I was joking! - Katie replied, rubbing her leg, I bet it hurt, Belle had slapped her quite hard. -Sorry, I didn -(TM)t mean to hurt you, I don -(TM)t even know why I hit you, I guess I must like Alex more than I thought. - -He -(TM)s the best dad I -(TM)ve ever had, - Katie replied. -He -(TM)s the only dad I -(TM)ve ever had, - Poppy said as she walked up to meet us, -so, what are we talking about? - -I just gave Katie a bruise, - Belle replied, -because I thought she didn -(TM)t like Alex, my mistake and I apologise. By way of compensation I -(TM)ve found you some amazing shoes that will really suit you Katie, I hope they fit. - -Oooh, where did you find them? - Katie asked, holding Belle -(TM)s hand as we left the school. -They -(TM)re Tammy -(TM)s. She left loads of stuff when Alex kicked her out. I -(TM)ve bagged up all the clothes for charity. They -(TM)re too small for Poppy -(TM)s big boobs, and a bit big for you. I don -(TM)t know much about shoes, but they look really expensive. - -All of Tammy -(TM)s wardrobe was expensive, - I told them. -Maybe we should sell the clothes, - Katie said, -instead of giving them away. - -No, - Poppy said firmly, -we -(TM)ve enough money, they can go to Bernardos, they need the money more than we do. - Poppy and Belle were quiet as we arrived home, the realisation we were home to get changed for the funeral suddenly striking them. Katie turned to me as I unlocked the door, -it -(TM)s ok, I -(TM)ll take care of them, you go get changed, don -(TM)t worry about Poppy and Belle. - -Thank -(TM)s Katie, you -(TM)re all making my life super easy by taking care of each other. - -I basically raised myself, having parents that take an interest in me is a bit of a novelty. - -We -(TM)re all a little bit broken aren -(TM)t we. - -Yes, but we -(TM)ve made one working family out of all the pieces. - Katie headed for the stairs before turning back, -oh, you still have a bit of dirt on your forehead, you -(TM)d best have a shower. - I smiled, -thanks Katie, I hope Belle didn -(TM)t hurt you before. - -She did, a bit, but I deserved it, she loves you almost as much as she loves Poppy. I think she needs a strong father figure, which is maybe why she has such a problem with Liam, he damaged her trust in men. - -Thank you Katie, I -(TM)ll make sure I honour the trust she -(TM)s placed in me. - -You -(TM)re doing fine so far, - she said, kissing me tenderly on the cheek, -we all love you very much, and personally I can -(TM)t believe how chilled you are about three girls taking over your life. - We separated at the top of the stairs, in my bedroom I saw someone had been in and laid out my best black suit on the bed, along with a white shirt and black tie, my shiniest dress shoes were at the foot of the bed. -Whoever chose my clothes, thank you, - I shouted across to the girls -(TM) room -It was me, - Belle called back, -Poppy bagged the shower first, so I thought I -(TM)d choose your outfit, I hope it -(TM)s ok. - -It -(TM)s perfect, thank you. - I followed Katie -(TM)s advice and had a shower before dressing. The girls were still getting ready when I checked in on them, Katie was braiding Poppy -(TM)s hair whilst Belle was buffing Poppy -(TM)s Doc Martens, her own were still box fresh. -I don -(TM)t suppose anyone is in the mood for food? - I asked. -Not really, no, - Poppy replied, -maybe later though, when this is over, we could go to a pub for something to eat. - They met me 15 minutes later in the kitchen. Katie wore black trousers, a black blouse and a black blazer with brass buttons and gold piping that I recognised as one of Tammy -(TM)s. -Sorry, Katie didn -(TM)t have a black jacket, - Belle started, -so I remembered the blazer and pulled it out of the bag, we -(TM)ll put it back later. - -It -(TM)s ok, if it fits you can keep it, - I replied. -Thanks, I like it. The gold piping isn -(TM)t too much for a funeral is it? - -It -(TM)s fine Katie, - Poppy replied. Belle wore her new black blouse and jacket, along with her black jeans and Doc Martens. She was wearing a little make-up and she looked adorable. Poppy was wearing one of Helen -(TM)s black dresses, I think it -(TM)s a Ralph Lauren from the cut, and Poppy would pitch a fit if she knew how much it cost, although I doubt even Helen was daft enough to spend that kind of money on a dress, so it was probably stolen. She -(TM)d paired the dress with a black cardigan, and her Doc Martens, which probably weren -(TM)t the shoes Ralph Lauren envisioned with the dress, but Poppy was Poppy, and to my mind she looked perfect, just like her sisters. Poppy -(TM)s shoulder length hair had been pulled into a tight braid and tied at the bottom with a black bow. -Do we look ok? - Poppy asked quietly. I nodded, -you all look perfect, smart and reverential. - We waited in the lounge for Jenny. Katie, Belle and Poppy sitting on one sofa, Belle in the middle, holding her sisters -(TM) hands as they sat in silence. Jenny phoned a few minutes later to say she was on her way, I pressed the button on the gate app to roll it back so Jenny could reverse up to the door. It had started to rain and I didn -(TM)t want the girls to get wet. We stood as one as we heard the car reverse through the gates. I opened the door to see a shiny black long wheelbase 7-series BMW which was so long the front wheels were still on the pavement. Jenny slid out and smiled as she saw the look on my face, -the chief superintendent is on holiday, so I pulled in a few favours and borrowed his official car. They wanted to lend me his driver, but I said we wouldn -(TM)t have enough seats for us all if we had a chauffeur. I opened the back door and the girls slid into the back seat, being the smallest, Belle sat in the middle, on the bit that -(TM)s not really a proper seat in an executive car, she had a seatbelt though, so she was safe. -Do you want to drive? - Jenny asked as I locked the front door. -I -(TM)d love to, but I -(TM)m fairly sure I won -(TM)t be covered by the insurance. - -I don -(TM)t think I am, - Jenny replied, -which is why they wanted to give me a driver. Oh well, I -(TM)ll try not to crash. - We pulled into the crematorium car park just as Helen and Nita were getting out of a taxi, they greeted the girls with silent hugs. A few minutes later an old, black van drove through the gates and parked up at the far end of the car park. -That -(TM)s Jeremy, - Belle said quietly, -he won -(TM)t want to park that thing anywhere near the nice cars. - I watched as Jeremy climbed out and slid the side door back, two women emerged cautiously, I assumed they were Max and Evie. Poppy pulled clear of Helen as she heard footsteps, she turned to see who was coming, -Max, and Evie, oh my god! - she cried as she ran up to the new arrivals. Max took a step back, not sure how Poppy was going to react to her presence at a funeral that was partly her fault. She needn -(TM)t have worried though, Poppy threw her arms around Max and hugged her tightly. -Oh Max, I -(TM)ve missed you so much, and Evie, it -(TM)s so good to see you, I was so worried. Come meet my family. - She took hold of Max and Evie -(TM)s hands, leading them towards us. -Everyone, this is Max, after Jeremy mended me, she kept me on the straight and narrow. If I -(TM)m Wonder Woman, she -(TM)s Antiope. And this is Evie, the one of the sweetest people I -(TM)ve ever known. - We shook hands as Poppy introduced us, -this is Alex, my dad, another person who literally saved my life, I hate to think it, but I -(TM)d have died at that bus stop if he hadn -(TM)t invited me into his home, then trusted me enough to let me stay, and this is Jenny, my mum, she -(TM)s a detective, she -(TM)s on a team who are looking to help street kids like me and Belle, who you know obviously, Katie found Belle for me, because even though Katie is my girlfriend, she knew I needed Belle to complete our family. - Jeremy stepped up and shook my hand, -oh, oh, Jeremy, - Poppy said, -thank you so much for helping Max and Evie, you are an angel. - She took Katie -(TM)s hand, bringing her forwards, -Katie, this is Jeremy, my first saviour, all those people who say I -(TM)m some kind of hero, I -(TM)m not, it -(TM)s Jeremy, he -(TM)s the real hero, him and his people, they work day and night to keep as many street girls as they can safe from harm. - Max coughed quietly, Poppy looked across to her, -I am so sorry about what I did, - Max said, her voice breaking, close to tears. Poppy pulled Max into a hug, -it -(TM)s ok. I was angry at first, really angry, but you know, what you did, it brought me and Nikki together at last, I forgave her for what she did to me, I found out about how shit her life was. You know, she was younger than I am when she fell pregnant with me, and I could see how my life could have headed down exactly the same path as hers if Jeremy hadn -(TM)t found me, and then you invited me into your life. - -So you -(TM)re not angry with me? - -Well, I was, but now I -(TM)m not. What you did, killing those bastards, you did because you thought they -(TM)d killed me, you did it to avenge me, and I -(TM)m not going to be angry at you for that, why would I be? I -(TM)d complained to you about what a bitch my mum was, and how she treated me, so you just went after her like the other bastards. -Anyway, she didn -(TM)t have much longer to live, the drink and drugs, the mistreatment she was subjected to, it all took its toll, and the doctors reckoned she -(TM)d have been dead in months. -If she -(TM)d died on the streets I -(TM)d never have found her, I -(TM)d never have spent time with her, listened to what she had to say, and in the end, we were friends again, so Max, all I can say is thank you. - Poppy kissed Max tenderly, -I wanted to kiss you so much when we lived together, but we never kissed, why not? - -Because I was afraid I -(TM)d fall for you completely if we did, and our life was too fragile for me to risk falling in love. Besides, I could see how much you loved Belle, there -(TM)s no way I wanted to interfere there. - -Oh, - Poppy replied, shocked by Max -(TM)s honesty, -I was expecting something about kisses being too gay or something, I didn -(TM)t realise you felt that way. - Max put her hands on Poppy -(TM)s cheek, looking into her eyes, -there -(TM)s not a girl in that squat that didn -(TM)t love you with all their heart, we dreaded every time you left the squat to earn money, we sighed with relief every time you came home safe. We knew you earned good money for us all, we knew how much you enjoyed a lot of the sex work you did, but it didn -(TM)t stop us worrying. We also knew that your heart only really belonged to one girl, Belle. - -I -(TM)m so, so sorry if I made you worry, I never knew. - -There were a few of you worked the streets, we worried for you all, but you the most, because no matter how lovely Flower and River and Angel and the others were, you shone far brighter. - Poppy looked down, -Flower has gone with Luna, I -(TM)m worried for her, but there -(TM)s nothing I can do, she -(TM)s 18, she can make her own decisions and mistakes. - Jeremy put a hand on her shoulder, -it -(TM)s ok, we -(TM)re keeping an eye on her, we won -(TM)t interfere, but if anyone hurts her badly, we -(TM)ll step in. We can -(TM)t watch her forever, or even all the time, but we -(TM)re monitoring her for now. - Poppy put her hand on Jeremy -(TM)s and gave it a little squeeze, -thank you, - she whispered. Then we saw the hearse and fell silent as it rolled slowly past us. A woman stepped out of the hearse and donned a top hat, we walked slowly towards the entrance and she met us at the doors. -Hello, my name is Gaynor, - she quickly scanned us and held her hand out to Poppy, who took it and they shook hands gently, -I -(TM)m here to make things run smoothly. - -Thank you, that -(TM)s all I want right now, - Poppy said quietly, still holding Gaynor -(TM)s hand. -Have you picked any music to play at the end of the ceremony? - -Oh, I didn -(TM)t know I could, I -(TM)ve never been to a funeral before. - -Some people like to play a tune after the eulogy, something that was special to the deceased, it doesn -(TM)t have to be something sad, a lot of people play something uplifting, especially if it was something the deceased held dear. - Poppy turned to Katie and Belle, -I don -(TM)t know what music Nikki liked, we didn -(TM)t have music so much at home. - -Do you have a song that makes you think of Nikki? - Katie asked. -Mmm, maybe, - she turned to Gaynor, -can I have a minute to check the music on my phone? - -Of course, we -(TM)ll get your mum ready, do you want to help carry her? - Poppy turned to Katie again, -we -(TM)re nearly the same height, can you carry her with me? - -I -(TM)d be honoured, - Katie replied. -I -(TM)m too small, - Belle said with a weak smile, -you -(TM)d all hurt yourselves bending down to be the same height as me. - Poppy took Belle -(TM)s hand, giving it a squeeze, -you can help me by checking the songs on my phone. - -Try mine, - Katie said, -I -(TM)ve got loads of stuff, and there -(TM)s my Apple Music. - -Thanks sweetie, - Poppy said, taking Katie -(TM)s phone, they scrolled through her songs list. -That one, - Belle said, -that -(TM)s definitely you, and if you take after Nikki at all, I -(TM)d say that song is perfect for her. - -Thank you, I -(TM)d kiss you, but I -(TM)d get lipstick on you. - -I don -(TM)t mind lipstick, - Belle replied. Poppy kissed her girlfriend before walking back to Gaynor, -can you play this song please... - Gaynor made a note, -ahh, Evanescence, My Immortal, I love that song. I -(TM)ve played that at other funerals, but not here I don -(TM)t think. We may need to borrow your phone if they don -(TM)t have it available, give me two minutes. - As Gaynor entered the crematorium four men came out with a wheeled platform. -Are they getting mum out now? - Poppy asked, her voice breaking slightly as the reality of why we were here finally hit her. -Yes, they are, - Helen said, -maybe we should go up to them and tell them you -(TM)d like to help carry Nikki. - We held back as Helen led Poppy and Katie to the hearse, we watched as she talked to the men, they gestured as they talked, Poppy had her head down, but Katie was watching, she held Poppy -(TM)s hand tightly. Gaynor returned, she looked around quickly then walked up to the group around the hearse, she said a few words then walked back to speak to us. -We -(TM)re ready now, there -(TM)s a group of people inside already, they claim to be friends, they -(TM)re seated at the back, there -(TM)s a row at the front reserved for immediate family. - Jeremy leaned forward, -I put the word out, I hope you don -(TM)t mind, - he whispered. -Not at all, - Jenny replied, -I -(TM)m sure Poppy will be glad to see her friends, better than it just being the 10 of us. - Belle took the initiative and led us inside, as we passed each row she said a polite hello to girls she recognised, sometimes giving them a quick hug as they stood to greet her, she said their names, most of them didn -(TM)t register. As I looked around I did a quick head count, there must be over 40 girls here and a couple of men, and they -(TM)d all made at least a token effort to tidy themselves up. Belle stopped beside a tall blonde girl on the second row, she was very pretty but looked tired and a little worse for wear, -Ohh, Flower, you made it, - Belle cried as she hugged her, -how are you doing. - -Not so good if I -(TM)m honest, I made a bad decision. - -Well go see Jeremy, he -(TM)s here, he -(TM)ll help you, or go home, will your parents have you back? - -I don -(TM)t know, I said some bad things to mum. - -Sticks and stones Flower, as long as it was just words the bridges can be mended. - -I -(TM)m scared, Belle, I don -(TM)t want to go back to live with Luna. - -Then speak to Jeremy, he -(TM)ll help you clean yourself up, he -(TM)s helping Evie at the moment, some bastard got her on heroin, she nearly died, Poppy saved her life. If Jeremy can fix Evie, he can fix you. - -I guess so, - Flower said, chewing her lip nervously. -Then when you -(TM)re straight, you can phone your mum, then I -(TM)ll pay for your train fare home out of my own money. That -(TM)s the only thing most of us want, Flower, to go home. Some people have no home to go to, you have, so just straighten yourself out and phone your mum. - Flower bent down and kissed Belle squarely on the lips, -thank you Belle, I -(TM)ll do that. - Belle put her fingers to her lips, -that -(TM)s the first time you -(TM)ve kissed me, - she said quietly. -I shouldn -(TM)t have left it so long, especially when we were living in that little office in Kings Cross together. I know your heart belongs to Poppy, but we could have had a lot of fun together. - -Get yourself straight and we can have some fun before you go home. - -Now that -(TM)s something I can use as an incentive. -(TM) Belle pulled Flower close, -you -(TM)re too pretty to get all fucked up like you are right now, I mean it, get clean and go home, - then she kissed her hard on the lips, Flower -(TM)s eyes nearly popped out from the power of Belle -(TM)s kiss. We heard the doors open, so we quickly took our seats. Quiet classical music filled the room as everyone fell silent, we faced the front as we heard the click of Gaynor -(TM)s heels on the tiled floor. As she walked slowly past I saw she was carrying a silver tipped cane, which she held aloft as she came to a stop next to a raised platform. The six pallbearers stopped in front of the platform, Poppy and Katie were in the middle, they crouched slightly and rolled the coffin onto the platform. The four crematorium staff discretely departed, Poppy stood before the coffin for a few moments, Katie by her side, an arm protectively around her waist. As Katie led Poppy to her seat Gaynor slipped through a side door and a man we -(TM)d not seen before appeared and stood at a lectern, he said a few words about why we were all here, then Poppy stood up, walking up to the lectern. She stood in silence for a minute as she looked around the room, Katie dashed forward and passed her some tissues. -Err, thank you for coming, I -(TM)m a bit shocked there are so many people here, it -(TM)s amazing to see you all. I guess some of you are a little confused, you probably thought you were coming to my funeral, and really, I don -(TM)t blame you. It was touch and go for a while, and if it wasn -(TM)t for my amazing new dad, Alex, this really could have been my funeral. - She paused and took a sip of water from a bottle on the lectern, -so, yeah, we -(TM)re here for Nikki -(TM)s funeral, I call her Nikki because she was never a mother really, not the type of mother you see on TV or in the films, we just lived in the same flat, she fed me until I was old enough to cook, then I fed us both. And for many of you here, those who lived with me across the various squats I bounced around for a few years, - she looked up, taking in the faces before her, -oh my, Steve and Louise, and Sarah. You were the first people to take me in. We went to see that squat at the weekend, but it -(TM)s gone. So yeah, the people who -(TM)ve been patient enough to listen to me rant about Nikki, you -(TM)d get the idea that I hated her, and at the time you -(TM)d have been right. -But I -(TM)ve changed my opinion after I spent time in the hospice where she spent her last few days, her body ravaged after years of misuse. I found out that her mother was a hooker addicted to crack, that her sisters were the same, that my mum was raped when she was Belle -(TM)s age, she fell pregnant and I was the result. Why would she want to treat me well when every time she saw me, she was reminded of a violent assault by one of her own mother -(TM)s clients? -That conversation changed my mind, I realised that under the circumstances Nikki did her best. We never went hungry, I always had clothes, and a clean school uniform, she never treated me badly herself, not something I can say about her clients. -So, yeah, I -(TM)m as confused as you about all this, but I can say that right at the end, we were friends again. I don -(TM)t have many happy memories, but I do have a big hole in my heart. - Poppy stepped down from the lectern and dashed back to her seat, Belle and Katie hugged her as Jeremy took to the lectern. -I -(TM)ll just add a few words to Poppy -(TM)s address. Whatever Nikki lacked as a parent, she created one of the strongest, proudest and kindest people I have ever met. It -(TM)s an honour to know Poppy, to call her my friend. -I only met Nikki a few times before she was confined to the hospice, and I can see a lot of her in Poppy. Even at Nikki -(TM)s lowest, a condition that all too many of you here will recognise, I know, even then, when life was dealing her all the poorest hands, Nikki had strength, she had pride. Without the strength and pride she would have been taken from us sooner. -That strength and pride has been passed on to Poppy, because without it she wouldn -(TM)t have survived the brutality she was subjected to for three days that weekend she disappeared. Even after that, she had the strength and the wit to escape, and she managed to make it to Wimbledon, to a bus stop, where she waited for hours in the cold and the rain for a bus that would never arrive. I -(TM)ve seen photos of the injuries Poppy carried that day, whilst she waited in the cold and the rain for a bus that would never come, and they were truly horrific. -Instead of a bus, a kind man by the name of Alex came, now neither Poppy nor Alex are religious, but I am, and I can tell you that God must have seen Poppy, seen her strength, her kind heart, and her pride, and he decided that she still had work to do, so he sent Alex, a man as equally kind as Poppy, and Alex took her home and tended to her wounds with the help of his sister Helen, a woman equally as strong and worldly wise as Poppy. -Out of tragedy has come a story of true love and happiness. I -(TM)m pleased to call Poppy, and her new family, friends. - Jeremy nodded to someone at the back of the room and My Immortal started to play as Jeremy stepped down. Part way through the song the curtains on the back wall started to open, and the coffin slowly rolled back between the curtains, Poppy started to cry, -she -(TM)s going away forever now isn -(TM)t she... - Helen moved around and knelt by Poppy, holding her hand, Belle slipped off her seat and cuddled up to Helen -(TM)s legs, who ran her free hand through Belle -(TM)s hair. -She -(TM)s going away, - Helen said quietly, -but from what you and Jeremy said, I think she -(TM)s gone to a good place. - The song ended exactly as the curtains closed, the room was silent apart from Poppy -(TM)s and Belle -(TM)s quiet sobs. Everyone stayed in their seats for a few moments, leaving Poppy to grieve in peace, Belle held on to Helen, sobbing quietly, lost in her own private grief. Gradually people started to leave, most left via Poppy, touching her shoulder tenderly, or giving her a quick hug, some did the same for Belle. Within minutes almost everyone had gone, apart from our family the only people left were Jeremy, Max, Evie and Flower. Katie was chatting quietly with Max and Evie, Flower was at the back of the room talking to Jeremy. Belle looked up, her eyes glistening with tears, her cheeks streaked with eye makeup, she saw Flower talking to Jeremy and smiled brightly. She let go of Helen and slipped in between me and Jenny, I moved across to give her room and handed her a tissue. -I hope she gets the help she needs, - Belle whispered, -I know Poppy never really liked Flower, I think Flower was maybe a bit too full of herself sometimes, and Poppy doesn -(TM)t like people with too big an ego. I -(TM)ve always liked her though, and we got on well for a while in our little room in the underground, so it breaks my heart to see her all fucked up. - -I -(TM)m sure Jeremy will help her, - Jenny said. -Oh, I -(TM)ve no doubt about that, but I do have doubts about whether Flower is strong enough, and has enough willpower to go through what Poppy went through. The stuff she told me about coming off drugs, just hearing about it knocked me sick. - We watched the silent exchange at the back of the room for a while, Flower -(TM)s body language spoke of determination. -It looks to me like she -(TM)s sure of herself, - Jenny said. -I hope so, - Belle replied as she touched my sleeve gently, -Alex, I know I don -(TM)t have much money saved up, but I -(TM)d like to help her. She -(TM)ll need her train fare home, and Jeremy will need money for her treatment. Can you lend me some money, and I -(TM)ll pay you back with extra chores. - -You don -(TM)t need to borrow money, I -(TM)ll happily pay what needs paying, - I replied. -That -(TM)s not the point, I don -(TM)t want a gift, I want to help her, I want to feel like I -(TM)ve done something to help Flower, just like you -(TM)ve helped me. I can -(TM)t help with her treatment, or drive her home, so I -(TM)ll work to earn the money. - -All the chores are sorted, you all have a rota now, - I said, -you can help me for the rest of this week though. I have meetings to go to, you can be my PA. - Belle -(TM)s eyes widened, she beamed at the thought of being my PA for a few days, -that would be amazing, - she said. Jenny touched Belle -(TM)s arm, getting her attention, -there -(TM)s another way you can help as well. - -How? - Belle asked, -Can I come to work with you? - -Ahh, no, I -(TM)m afraid I can -(TM)t let you do that, but you could go help Jeremy at the shelter, I -(TM)m sure he -(TM)d love to have you help out in the evenings. You know what they do there, you could help make the soup or sandwiches, and serve at one of the hot food vans. - -You -(TM)d let me do that? - -Why not, you survived on the streets for a year, so I don -(TM)t see why we shouldn -(TM)t let you get a train into the West End a couple of nights a week to help at a homeless shelter, - Jenny replied, -besides, once Poppy finishes her GCSEs she -(TM)s going to be starting her own homeless charity, you -(TM)ll be able to help her as well, that will involve a lot of evenings in London. - -Oh my god, this is so amazing, that -(TM)s all I want to do, help girls who -(TM)ve fallen through the cracks like I did. - We watched as Jeremy put a fatherly arm around Flower, she -(TM)d broken down and was crying against his shoulder, Belle dipped a hand into Jenny -(TM)s handbag and pulled out a pack of tissues before sprinting to the back of the room. -Did you see that? - Jenny exclaimed, -I don -(TM)t think that -(TM)s the first time she -(TM)s helped herself to the contents of someone -(TM)s bag. - -As long as she only uses her powers for good, - I laughed. Poppy wiped her eyes and turned to face the back of the room, -what -(TM)s going on? - she asked. -Belle has persuaded Flower to get help, so she -(TM)s talking to Jeremy, - Jenny whispered, -now she -(TM)s going to tell Jeremy that she -(TM)ll pay for everything. - -She can -(TM)t, she -(TM)s got no money, I -(TM)ll pay. - -No, Belle wants to help, - I said, -so I -(TM)m going to lend her the money and she -(TM)ll pay me back by being my PA this week, and from next week she can help out at the shelter a couple of nights a week. - -And that -(TM)s where you two will also help, - Jenny added, -because there -(TM)s no way I -(TM)m letting Belle go into the West End on her own, so one or both of you can escort her. - -So she thinks she -(TM)s doing this all herself, but we -(TM)re all helping Flower, - Katie said. -Exactly, - Jenny replied. -Amazing, we shall stick with a policy that we -(TM)re helping Belle, - Poppy said, -I can -(TM)t say I ever got on well with Flower, she never really liked me much, but I know Belle always looked up to her, so it must be awful for Belle to see Flower in a mess like this. - -That -(TM)s pretty much what she said, - Jenny told her, -she -(TM)s devastated, I guess when you disappeared she only had Flower to look up to. - -We need to leave, I can see the guy getting a bit antsy, - Helen said softly. -What do we do now? - Poppy asked. -Well, we need to go see them in the office, to sign stuff, and arrange to collect Nikki -(TM)s ashes. - -Can you help me? I don -(TM)t know what to do, - Poppy begged. -Of course, I -(TM)m there all the way for you, - Helen replied, before taking Poppy -(TM)s hand, leading her out to the office. We took this as a sign to leave, so we headed for the exit, collecting Belle, Flower and Jeremy on the way. We waited for Poppy and Helen outside so the crematorium staff could prep the room for the next ceremony, -That was beautiful, - Max said, -I -(TM)ve been feeling so awful, this is all my fault, but Poppy explained the silver lining in my cloud beautifully. - -That -(TM)s Poppy though, - Evie said quietly, -she always finds the best in any situation, if she didn -(TM)t, if she wasn -(TM)t such a positive person, then we would have been attending her funeral today. - -I don -(TM)t want to even think about that, - Belle said, -Poppy is a goddess, she can -(TM)t ever die. - Katie slipped an arm around her girlfriend, -Poppy is here, she -(TM)s the strongest person we -(TM)ve ever met, she won -(TM)t ever leave you alone again. - Belle rested her head against Katie, -thank you, that -(TM)s what always worried me, that she -(TM)d go out one night and never come back, and then it went and happened. I don -(TM)t want to lose her again. - -We -(TM)re thinking of going down to the Red Lion for a bite to eat, - Jenny said, in an effort to lift the mood, -you -(TM)re all welcome to join us, Alex is paying. - Jeremy was initially unsure, then he realised this would be a perfect opportunity to give Max, Evie and Flower a decent meal. -That would be wonderful, thank you, - he replied, then he patted his coat pockets, found what he wanted and passed an envelope to Belle, -before I forget, this is for you. - Belle took the envelope, -what is it? - -Open it and see, - Jeremy replied kindly. Belle carefully opened the flap and pulled out a sheet of lined paper that looked like it had been torn out of an exercise book, she read it through, smiled, then read it aloud. -I, Liam Dean, do hereby relinquish any claim to Amelia Saffron Dean. I admit I have impulse problems and will be seeking medical help. - She passed the letter to Jenny and jumped into Jeremy -(TM)s arms, -thank you, thank you, thank you, - she cried before kissing him before he could stop her. -Err, this red ink, - Jenny started, -it -(TM)s not ink is it... - -Ahh, probably not. - -How much damage did your guys do? - -None that I -(TM)m aware of, - he replied evasively. -What do you mean? - Belle asked. Jenny looked at me, I shrugged, so she just said it straight, -this letter is written in blood. - -Really! That -(TM)s cool, - she replied, -Liam -(TM)s blood? - -Probably, - Jenny answered. -Amazing, I hope it hurt, - Belle said as she climbed down from Jeremy -(TM)s arms, -does this mean you get to adopt me now? - she asked Jenny. -If you want me to. - -I can -(TM)t think of anyone better, and Alex obviously, - she said, gifting me the absolute sweetest smile, -there -(TM)s only two men in the world I trust, you and Jeremy. - -I know, - I replied, -and I -(TM)ll work hard to keep your trust. - Belle grabbed my tie and pulled me down to her level, -you -(TM)re doing fine so far, - she said with her trademark mischievous grin, before kissing me tenderly, -I know that -(TM)s naughty, but I love you so much. You and Jenny are so nice, I sometimes forget you -(TM)re not my real parents. I -(TM)ve not forgotten mum and dad, but when I think about them, it doesn -(TM)t hurt so much now. - We heard the door open behind us, Belle -(TM)s eyes lit up, she let go of my tie, grabbed the letter off Jenny and ran to meet Poppy. -I can be your sister, all legal and everything, - she gushed as Poppy read the proffered note. Poppy handed the note to Helen and pulled Belle into a powerful hug, then spun around kissing and giggling, getting a couple of disapproving looks from the next funeral party, so Helen tapped Poppy gently on the shoulder and she put Belle down and they dashed over to the cars. -This is such great news, just what I wanted to hear today, - Poppy gasped, out of breath from spinning Belle around. She looked a little guiltily at the group arriving, -but I guess they -(TM)re not going to appreciate my good news though, should I go and apologise? - -I don -(TM)t think that -(TM)s necessary, - Jenny said, -leave them to their own grief. - -Yes, I wouldn -(TM)t have wanted strangers talking to me before, but it -(TM)s over now, I -(TM)d like the rest of the day to be a celebration of the little time I had with Nikki at the end, and how we were closer just then than ever before, and also my new family, and my newest sister. Can we do that, can we be happy? - Poppy pleaded. -We can definitely do that, - Katie said. Poppy saw Flower behind Jeremy, she reached out and took her hand, pulling her forward and into a hug, -thank you for coming Flower, I know it takes a lot of courage to seek help and I wish you all the best. When you -(TM)re down it -(TM)s good to know you -(TM)ve got friends looking out for you. - -Thank you Poppy, I miss the days back in the squat, we were a powerful group back then weren -(TM)t we. - -We were, - Poppy said with a smile, -if we -(TM)d put our minds to it, we could have taken over the world, such a shame we were too busy surviving to have time to take over the world. - -So, pub? - Helen asked. -Definitely, - Jenny replied, -and if we -(TM)re in a hurry, I have red lights and a siren. - -I was going to mention the car, rather flash - Helen said. -It -(TM)s the chief supers -(TM), he -(TM)s away so I -(TM)ve blagged it. - -There -(TM)s no room for you and Nita, - Poppy cried, -how are you getting to the pub? - -We can get an Uber, we -(TM)ll be fine, - Nita said. -I -(TM)ve got plenty of spare seats, - Jeremy said cheerfully, -and the van is a lot cleaner on the inside than the outside. - So Nita and Helen climbed into Jeremy -(TM)s van, Max and Evie followed close behind. Poppy took Flower -(TM)s hand, holding her back for a moment. -If you want anyone to talk to, now is the perfect opportunity, my Aunty Helen is really clever, and is the greatest listener, she -(TM)s helping us all come to terms with our past. - -Thank you, but how do I approach her? - -You won -(TM)t have to, - Katie answered, -she -(TM)ll approach you, that -(TM)s how she works, she senses a problem and just dives straight in. If you don -(TM)t want to talk though, she -(TM)ll back off until you -(TM)re ready. - Flower climbed into the van, choosing a seat next to Helen. Chapter 26 The pub was a couple of miles away, traffic was slow and I could tell Jenny really wanted to hit the lights and siren to make a path. -Why don -(TM)t you use the sirens? - Belle asked. -The consequences could be quite serious if I use them in a non-emergency... - -But this is an emergency, I -(TM)m hungry, - Belle replied. -That -(TM)s not really an emergency though, is it? Besides, I -(TM)m not really supposed to be driving this car, so we have to behave. - -Boring, - Belle complained, but she shut up and pouted quietly for the rest of the slow journey. We -(TM)d lost Jeremy when he was caught by a set of traffic lights, so we had to wait a few minutes for the van to arrive. When it did we saw Helen was holding Flower -(TM)s hand as they climbed out, Belle squeezed Poppy -(TM)s hand when she saw them, -thank you, - she whispered. The pub was nearly empty, so we were given a big table in one corner of the dining room, the waitress passed around menus and took our drinks orders, a couple of bottles of wine, pint of lager for Jeremy, bitter for myself and Coke for our girls. -I just want you all to know that you can order whatever you like, - Jeremy said to Max, Evie and Flower, -so no need to be polite, if you want steak, have steak. - -Can I have salmon, - Evie asked quietly, -I so love salmon but I -(TM)ve not had it since I left home after dad... - she fell silent then. -If you want salmon, you can have salmon, - Helen said, -you don -(TM)t need to worry about prices, Alex and I are paying, and I also want you to know, I -(TM)m a trained therapist, so if you want to talk about anything, anything at all, either at the table, or in the ladies room, I -(TM)m ready to listen. - -Thank you Helen, - Jeremy said, -and if you -(TM)re not comfortable talking here, Helen has kindly agreed to come into the shelter one day a week to listen to anyone who just wants to talk. - Poppy looked at Helen, pure admiration in her eyes, -thank you Helen, I wish I had someone like you when I was 13. - -On a related note, Jeremy, - I said, -Belle wants to fund Flower -(TM)s treatment, so send me any bills, for medication, food, boarding and train fares, then Belle can settle up with me later, she -(TM)s offered to work in the shelter a couple of evenings to help pay me back. - -Oh yes, and we -(TM)ll come and help Belle, - Poppy said brightly, -it -(TM)ll be great for me to pay you back for your kindness. We can cook, or clean rooms, or even just talk to the girls, would that be ok? - -Any help will be gratefully received, and I -(TM)m sure a lot of the girls would love to see you again Poppy. You saw how many came today, they miss you. - Poppy put her head down, a bit embarrassed about the thought of all the other girls missing her. We used the silence to properly check the menus. Belle, Evie, Max and Flower chose starters, Belle going for pate with homemade bread, Evie chose scallops, something she said she -(TM)d always wanted to try, Max picked French Onion Soup and Flower couldn -(TM)t choose between chicken dippers and garlic mushrooms, so Helen told her to get both. The mains were simpler, everyone except Nita, Helen and Evie going for a steak of some kind, Nita picked the mushroom risotto, Helen went for the sweet potato curry and Evie chose grilled salmon. The wine didn -(TM)t last long, so Jenny ordered two more bottles. As she was driving she took Poppy -(TM)s coke and gave Poppy her wine glass, Jeremy switched to low alcohol lager, I stuck with bitter which I involuntarily shared with Belle. The starters arrived and the girls tucked in, Belle gave me a piece of her bread and pate, it was so good I regretted not ordering some myself. Oh well, more room for dessert. Flower finished all her chicken dippers, she passed half of her mushrooms to Poppy, which was a nice touch. The mains arrived to much delight, the steaks were all excellent, Belle had ordered half a cow by the look of her plate, as soon as I saw her plate I bet her £100 she couldn -(TM)t finish it all, she took the bet and started to carve her rump steak. I was secretly pleased she liked her steaks the way I did, still juicy in the middle. She stabbed a lump with her fork and gave me such a look as she bit into it. I love Poppy, I really do, but Belle, she was a proper daddy -(TM)s girl and knew it. -I -(TM)ll tell you what, - she said as she followed the first bite, -that -(TM)s the best steak I -(TM)ve ever tasted. - -Really, - Katie said, -it -(TM)s nice, but I -(TM)ve had better. - -Because it -(TM)s the first steak I -(TM)ve ever had, I just ordered one that sounded nice, cooked the way Alex ordered, and I -(TM)m glad I did, it -(TM)s amazing. I think I -(TM)ll have a bit more of the sauce, it -(TM)s delicious. - As we ate, we all watched as Belle demolished a 10oz steak, chunky chips, mushrooms, peas, onion rings and a couple of bread rolls to mop up the sauce. When she -(TM)d finished Belle wiped her mouth with her napkin and sat back, patting her belly, satisfied. -Honey, where did you even put all that food, - Jenny asked. -In my belly, if I breathe out I -(TM)ll probably pop the button on these nice jeans. I -(TM)ve still got room for pudding though, did I see they had jam roly poly and custard? - -I -(TM)ll tell you what, - Helen laughed, -I shouldn -(TM)t encourage you, but if you can finish off a full dessert, I -(TM)ll double Alex -(TM)s bet. - -You -(TM)re on! - Belle replied, picking up my beer and finishing it off, -ahhh, that -(TM)s a nice beer, can we have another please? - I shook my head in amazement, -how did you live with Belle for so long Poppy? - -I had to work hard to keep her fed, - she laughed, -actually, that -(TM)s a lie, she used to fetch food for us, we didn -(TM)t ask too many questions about where she got it. - -I didn -(TM)t steal that much, honest! I asked nicely for any food that was nearly out of date. - -And who could refuse when Belle turns on the charm, - Poppy added. -Definitely not you, Alex, - Jenny said, poking me in the ribs. The waitress came to clear the table, -who helped you finish, - she asked Belle with a smile. -No-one, I ate it all myself. - The waitress laughed a little condescendingly. -She ate it all herself, and mopped up the sauce with a bread roll, - Poppy said, backing Belle up. -Two bread rolls, - Katie added. -And now I -(TM)m having jam roly poly and custard for pudding, - Belle finished, -I need to eat well so my boobs get as big as Poppy -(TM)s. - The waitress actually looked at Poppy, who obliged by pushing her chest out. -Mmm, quite, I -(TM)ll be back to collect your dessert orders in a moment, - she said as she rushed to clear the table. Poppy burst out laughing, -oh Belle, I so missed you, it -(TM)s you that kept me sane. Thank you, I needed that laugh, - she said as she wiped her eyes. -Anyone else want dessert? - I asked, most people did, although everyone else chose something lighter than a suet pudding with custard. 20 minutes later we watched as Belle literally licked her bowl clean before putting it down and burping loud enough to draw the attention of two men sitting at the bar. -Whoops, - she giggled, -I enjoyed that. - -The pudding or the burp, - Katie asked. -Both, - she answered, rubbing her full belly, -I probably won -(TM)t need to eat again for a few days, but I don -(TM)t regret anything. - -Hahaha, I guess Alex and I owe you £100 each. - Belle waved her hand dismissively, -give it to Jeremy, for Flower, I -(TM)m too full to spend money right now. - The bill arrived with coffees, it actually wasn -(TM)t bad, Jenny had chosen the pub well, Helen and I paid half each, Jenny left the tip, which Belle objected to, because she said the waitress was a sourpuss. In the car park we looked at the cars and again realised we had a problem. -It -(TM)s ok, - Nita said, -I need to get back to work, I -(TM)ll grab a train, there -(TM)s a station at the end of the road. - -Are you sure, - Jeremy asked, -I can drive you to work, after all, I have to get the ladies back to the shelter, where do you work? - -This evening I -(TM)m at Barts, - Nita replied. -That -(TM)s fine, it -(TM)s not far from where I need to take the ladies. - -And I think I -(TM)ll tag along if that -(TM)s ok, I can have a look at the shelter and continue my chat with Flower. - Belle tugged on Helen -(TM)s sleeve, she pulled her away and whispered in her ear, -find out why she thinks she can -(TM)t go home, I could never find a reason. - -I -(TM)ll try honey, but right now she -(TM)ll only tell me what she -(TM)s comfortable talking about, maybe later she -(TM)ll be happier to tell me more. - -Thank you, - Belle said as she gave Helen a hug. Meanwhile Poppy was hugging Jeremy, -thank you so much for bringing everyone today, they were all so clean and nicely dressed, and you brought Max, I needed to see her, so we can both be at peace. - -It -(TM)s my pleasure Poppy, I think every charity shop in the West End has been raided over the last couple of days. - -Ahh, let us know which ones, we have a load of Alex -(TM)s ex-girlfriend -(TM)s clothes that we need to get shut of. - -Oh yes, I need to come round tomorrow to collect some furniture, - just then his phone rang, -excuse me Poppy, I need to take this. - Jeremy stepped away for a moment, listening to the caller, then he took the phone away from his ear, -anyone got a pen, and paper? - Jenny passed him a small notebook and pencil, he rested it on the BMW.s roof and wrote down a few lines before cutting the call. -This isn -(TM)t your official police notebook is it? - he asked Jenny. -No, - she laughed, -like I -(TM)d let you look at that. - -Haha, I don -(TM)t blame you, so it -(TM)s ok to tear a page out, you can -(TM)t do that in your notebooks. - -Yes, it -(TM)s fine to tear the page out, tear two out if you don -(TM)t want me to read what you wrote. - -Oh, it -(TM)s fine to read what I wrote, but Belle gets to read it first, - he held the page out and she grabbed it. -What -(TM)s this? - she asked as she read it. -That -(TM)s where your grandad is, with the phone number, you need to make an appointment to see him. - -Seriously, you found him for me! - -Well I didn -(TM)t, that -(TM)s Paddy -(TM)s work. - -Mmm, Paddy, I won -(TM)t kiss him if he -(TM)s still got that horrible beard, - she said scornfully, -he had food in it the last time I saw him. - -He does have a few hygiene issues, but he -(TM)s a great detective. - Belle turned to me, -can we go tomorrow? - -I -(TM)m sorry, I have some meetings tomorrow, but we -(TM)ll drive up first thing on Thursday, I -(TM)ll hire us a nice car. - Belle was pouting a little about having to wait an extra day, Jenny saw this and knew the perfect way to make her feel better, -it -(TM)s a long way to travel up there and back in a day, especially if you want to spend more than an hour or so with your grandad, you -(TM)ll need to book a hotel. - And that did the trick, -A hotel! A nice one! - -I know a great hotel in York, - Helen said. -Does it have a swimming pool? - Belle asked. -And a spa. You can go and have a really good chat with your grandad, then have some spa treatments whilst Alex enjoys a bit of peace and quiet in the bar. - -Actually, going on Thursday is a better idea, - Belle said, -because I can go to the shops and get grandad a nice greetings card and some chocolates, I remember he used to really like the chocolates from Marks and Spencers, mum used to get him a box for Father -(TM)s Day. - -Excellent, I -(TM)ll sort you a room, and you can get him some chocolates in between all your meetings with Alex tomorrow. - -I -(TM)m really excited about the meetings, I -(TM)m going to take notes and everything, like a proper PA. Will I need to wear a suit? Or a smart skirt and blouse set? - -You -(TM)ll be fine how you normally dress, - I told her. -Is she meeting Lois? - Poppy asked. -Yes, she -(TM)s meeting number two of the day, that one is about your book. - -You -(TM)ll love Lois, but take a deep breath before she hugs you, or you may die. - -I -(TM)ll remember that, thank you. - After hugs all round Jeremy loaded his van and they made a smokey exit from the car park, Jenny patted the top of the BMW, -I may be able to pull some strings and get you this for Thursday. - -Thanks, but I think we -(TM)ll get Belle the same car as I got for Poppy the other week. - -The Porsche! - Poppy exclaimed, I nodded confirmation, -oh my god, you -(TM)ll love it Belle, it -(TM)s so fast, and the seats are really comfy, but really low down, so you think your bum is on the floor. I loved it. - Not a hint of jealousy from Poppy that Belle was getting a long drive in a Porsche and a night in a hotel with a spa, these girls really were best friends. -Shall we stop somewhere to pick up something to make for dinner, - Jenny asked as she started the engine. -Don -(TM)t talk about food, - Belle said, -I -(TM)m going straight to bed when we get home. - Jenny laughed as she put the car in drive and pulled out of the car park. -I need to leave the car at the police station, - Jenny said as we approached Wimbledon, -it -(TM)ll give you a chance to walk off all that food Belle. - -Good idea, but I -(TM)m still not talking about dinner, go get a pizza or something, I -(TM)m going to bed. - Jenny parked the car in the Chief Superintendent -(TM)s parking space at the back of the station, we waited while she took the keys inside. She came out a couple of minutes later accompanied by a sergeant in uniform, he gave the car a quick inspection to satisfy himself Jenny hadn -(TM)t harmed the car, after a quick look to check we -(TM)d left no rubbish inside he locked it and pocketed the keys. -So, these are your new kids, how are you coping with having a family? - -Really well, they -(TM)re so easy to live with, this is Poppy, she was our first, then we adopted Katie, her girlfriend, because her mother was just being a complete shit, and we just got confirmation today that we can keep Belle, who is also Poppy -(TM)s girlfriend. - -And I -(TM)m Katie -(TM)s girlfriend too, - Belle added, because, well, she -(TM)s Belle. -Are you going to stick with three? - he asked. -I think so, and before you ask, no, we don -(TM)t want your daughters. - -Are they pretty? - Belle asked before Poppy told her off. -Actually they are pretty, - Jenny said, -but they -(TM)ve all got boyfriends, so they won -(TM)t be interested. - -I -(TM)m not sure Ashlee knows if she -(TM)s into boys or girls just yet, but Billie and Erin, they -(TM)re very interested in boys, too interested in boys. - -Take your gun home one day and wear it when you -(TM)re answering the door to the boyfriend, - I said, only half joking. -That -(TM)s a damn good idea, - he said with a smile as he headed back into the station. Jenny used her pass to unlock the pedestrian gate and we set off home. We stopped at Waitrose, Poppy and Katie chose something light for dinner, Belle chose a tub of chocolate ice cream and a Goosebumps book from a bargain bin near the tills. -Can you write books like this, - she asked me as we waited to be served. -I -(TM)ve never read any, but if they -(TM)re scary that -(TM)s not really my style. - -I love them, I started reading one of your books at the weekend, Poppy chose it, I quite like it, although it -(TM)s really a boys -(TM) book. - -Poppy says they have a few of my books in the library at school, some of the girls must like them. - -I did say I quite like it, and I may like it more by the time I -(TM)ve finished it. - She dropped the book in the shopping basket and held my hand while we queued, I looked around, a few other dads were in the store with children, none of them seemed to be holding their kid -(TM)s hands, they were missing out, holding Belle -(TM)s hand gave me a really nice feeling of contentment, like at last, I had a family. I don -(TM)t remember ever feeling as happy as I am these days. -Anyway, I thought you didn -(TM)t want any more food, - I asked Belle. -We -(TM)ve discussed this before, ice cream isn -(TM)t food, it -(TM)s just a frozen milkshake. - -Ahh, I remember, - I said with a chuckle. After Poppy and Katie finished their homework and did the work from the afternoon lessons they -(TM)d missed, we had a light meal, and Belle ate the whole tub of ice cream. -She -(TM)s going to be hyper tomorrow after all that sugar, - Jenny said as we lay in bed later. -We -(TM)ll be fine, I think. - -To be fair, she does behave very well with you. - -Apart from the time she shoplifted some perfume for Helen. - -She did what? - Jenny asked. -Ahh, that was our little secret. She felt guilty for using one of Helen -(TM)s perfumes, so she stole a nearly full sample bottle to replace it. - -Damn, she -(TM)s such a scamp, did you tell her that -(TM)s wrong? - -We both did, and she promised to try very hard not to steal stuff in future. - -As long as she knows it -(TM)s wrong. - -She does, and we emphasised how disappointed you -(TM)d be if you found out. I think the problem is, she -(TM)s really good at stealing. You saw how she took your tissues this morning, so I think she -(TM)s showing us her talents. - -She has other talents though, she -(TM)s so good at the piano. - Just then we heard a soft knock at the door, -err, can I come in? - -Of course you can Katie, - Jenny replied, -what -(TM)s the matter honey. - -Poppy and Belle are kind of in their own world right now, I think the day has hit them both, so they -(TM)re a bit teary, and I felt so awkward lying next to them, can I sleep in here tonight? - -No problem, which side do you want? - -Can I snuggle up to you mum? - Jenny lifted the duvet and made room for Katie to slide in, I switched the light off and we spooned together. -Thank you, I didn -(TM)t like to leave them, but I felt like I was intruding, I -(TM)ve not lost anyone like they have, so I feel I can -(TM)t help them. - -I know what might help, - Jenny said as she gave me a shove, -Alex, go sleep with Poppy and Belle, they both worship you, they -(TM)ll feel safe cuddling up to you. - -Are you sure? - I asked. -Not really, but it can -(TM)t do any harm. - -Ok, - I said, sliding out of bed, -I -(TM)ll see if I can help them, but if you hear screams come and rescue me. - I slipped on my boxer shorts so it didn -(TM)t seem like I was going in there to take advantage, and stepped across the landing to the girls -(TM) room, I knocked on the door, just to be polite, and because I really wasn -(TM)t sure I was what they needed right now, but she was at home with Nita. -Who is it? - Poppy said, her voice cracked from crying. -It -(TM)s me, Jenny wondered if you needed anything. - -It -(TM)s ok, you can come in. - From the dim glow of their nightlight I could see they were cuddled together in the middle of the bed, Belle in her Spongebob pyjamas resting her head on Poppy -(TM)s breasts. -Katie went away, I think she felt a bit left out, - Belle whispered, -I hope we didn -(TM)t upset her. - -She said she felt strange because she didn -(TM)t know how to help you. - -All we need is someone to cuddle, - Poppy said, -if you get in bed we can both cuddle you until we fall asleep. - -Don -(TM)t tell her, - Belle said -but you -(TM)re more cuddly than she is. - A moment later she added, -but she -(TM)s got boobs and a really nice bum, so I think it -(TM)s a draw. - I lay on my back and both girls snuggled up to me, their faces pressed against my chest, their arms across me and holding each other, after a few more tears they fell asleep, and so did I. Chapter 27 Katie woke us the next morning with a tray of coffee, pushing the door open with her foot and calling out -it -(TM)s time to get up Poppy. - -Oh, thanks sweetie, - Poppy said sleepily as she took a mug off the tray. -I need more sleep, - Belle muttered against my chest. -Well it -(TM)s ok for you to stay in bed, but Poppy needs to get up, unless you need the day off, I could tell school you -(TM)re still feeling rubbish from yesterday. - -That -(TM)s ok, I -(TM)m fine now. - Katie sat on the edge of the bed, -I feel awful about running out on you last night. - -It -(TM)s ok really, - Poppy replied as she sat up in bed to drink her coffee, -you were frightened because you -(TM)ve never been in our position, and to be honest, that -(TM)s a good thing at our age, we shouldn -(TM)t have to confront death. - -Help me to help you, what should I do next time you get like you were last night. - -You could do exactly what Alex did, just lie there and let us cuddle up to you. He didn -(TM)t speak, just left us to our thoughts, and we were soon fast asleep. - -Ohh, was that all, I feel so stupid now. - -Well don -(TM)t feel stupid. Another thing you could have done is talk to us, you didn -(TM)t need to say anything useful or profound, just listen and even ask questions about what we were feeling, but don -(TM)t feel bad, because really, we -(TM)re all just making this up as we go along. - -Ok, what about you Belle, what can I do to help you. - -You could kiss me, that would be nice. - -Haha, I can definitely do that. - -And tonight, - Poppy said while Katie kissed Belle, -we can all sleep together, and Jenny can have Alex back. - -That will be nice. - -I can -(TM)t promise we won -(TM)t cry a bit. - -I -(TM)ll be ready this time. - -I know you will, - Poppy replied, pulling Katie across the bed to kiss her. -Err, do you mind, - I called out, -if you -(TM)re going to make out, I -(TM)ll vacate the bed. - -We don -(TM)t mind you watching, - Poppy said. -I -(TM)ll kiss you while Poppy kisses Katie, - Belle said quietly. -And that would be lovely, honestly, but they -(TM)ve got to get ready for school, and you -(TM)ve got to get ready for work, we -(TM)ve got four meetings today. - -Four! - -Yes, two with different people at my publishers, one with Lois, my editor, and one with my marketing officer. - -Wow, and are all of them with important people, should I dress posh then? - -Not posh, but smart. - -Can I have a quick shower first, - she asked her sisters, -then can one of you do my hair in buns, I can never get them level if I do them myself. - -Of course, - Katie said lovingly, -I -(TM)ll do your hair and makeup after you -(TM)ve got dressed. - -Thank you, I feel like I -(TM)m having a job interview or something, my tummy is all fluttery. - -No, that -(TM)s all the food you ate yesterday. - -Oh god yes, I -(TM)m going to break the toilet when I have a poo. - -Well don -(TM)t use ours then, - Katie called out as Belle ran into their bathroom, Belle naturally dropped her pyjama bottoms, showed us her bare arse and carried on into the bathroom. As the door slammed Katie rolled off me and into Poppy -(TM)s arms, -we really need to be getting ready for school, - she said as Poppy kissed her. -We -(TM)ve got until Belle finishes in the bathroom. - I slipped out of the bed and made for the door, where I bumped into Jenny, -are they OK? - -Right now they -(TM)re fine, - I whispered, -let -(TM)s go chat in our room, Katie and Poppy have a little making up to do. - -Ahh, ok, so how were they last night? - Jenny asked as I started to pull out my clothes for the day. -Still crying a little bit when I got there, they just wanted someone to cuddle for a while, but Katie didn -(TM)t understand that, she does now though, so they -(TM)ll be fine. - -That -(TM)s all, just cuddle? - -Yep, and to be there if they wanted to talk, but they didn -(TM)t talk, they just cuddled up to me and fell asleep. - -Awww, that -(TM)s lovely, I -(TM)d have liked to see that. - -Belle had her Spongebob pyjamas on, she looked so sweet. - -So, what -(TM)s on the cards for today? - -Belle and I are off to Bloomsbury for a series of meetings, one of them is about funding Poppy -(TM)s charity. It would have been nice for her to be there, but Belle will provide a decent insight. I think I -(TM)ll take her to the British Museum Cafe for a spot of lunch. - -Ahh, that -(TM)ll be lovely. I -(TM)m in the West End today, plotting the lay of the land for Friday -(TM)s raid. - -Oh shit yes, we -(TM)ll be driving back from York then. - -Yes, and don -(TM)t remind any of them, I don -(TM)t want the girls worrying. So anyway, if you have an idea when you -(TM)ll be having lunch, and I -(TM)m free, I may pop across to the British Museum, it -(TM)s not far from Friday -(TM)s location. - I found my phone and checked my day -(TM)s schedule, -all being well, we -(TM)ll be in the museum at 1:30, does that sound good? - Jenny checked her phone, -that sounds fine, pending any disasters, I -(TM)ll see you then, now I -(TM)ve got to run, early briefing today. - We kissed quickly and she left me to get ready. I dressed in a white Ralph Lauren Oxford and cream chinos, with a dark blue v-neck sweater. I avoid wearing suits and ties at all costs unless absolutely necessary. As I was making coffee Poppy and Katie dashed into the kitchen, they each took a drink of orange juice straight from the carton and ran for the door. -Can -(TM)t hang around dad, we -(TM)ll be late, - Poppy called back, -we -(TM)ll get something to eat at school, we promise. Have a good day with Belle, she -(TM)ll be down in a minute. - As the echo from the door slamming subsided I heard feet on the stairs, -the coffee -(TM)s ready, - I called out, -do you want pancakes? - -Yes please, - Belle replied from the doorway, I looked up and my jaw dropped. -Is it too much? It -(TM)s too much isn -(TM)t it, I -(TM)ll go wash it all off, - she said, turning towards the stairs. -Come back Belle, let me look at you properly. - She turned back and stepped properly into the kitchen, damn she looked beautiful, not what I expected when I said dress smart, but Poppy knows what she -(TM)s doing, and Belle looked perfect, she wouldn -(TM)t fit in a bank, but in the creative industry all she -(TM)s missing is piercings and tattoos. She was wearing her Mary Jane shoes, still super shiny, black knee socks, a black skirt that I think was Katie -(TM)s, they must have taken it in at the waist, a dark green polo shirt with a black cardigan, she was wearing a lot of makeup, cream foundation and a little bronzer to her cheeks. Belle -(TM)s lips were a very dark green and they -(TM)d applied jade eyeshadow. Her hair was tied into a tight bun either side of her head. Like I said, not conventional, but she looked gorgeous. -It -(TM)s too much, tell me, I won -(TM)t be upset, I told Katie she was going too far... - -Shush, you look perfect. - -Really, but you went all quiet, you looked shocked. - -Surprised, I was surprised is all, you don -(TM)t wear much makeup normally. - -That -(TM)s because Poppy told me I don -(TM)t need to, now they -(TM)ve done this to me, - she replied, pointing at her face. -And I -(TM)ll thank her later, because you look amazing. - -Can you take some photos please, so I can remember this look for later, because I love it. - I fetched my phone and carefully took several photos, the best couple I sent to Poppy and Katie -(TM)s phones, then I sent a message to Jenny. -~Be prepared for a quite different Belle at lunch, her sisters have done her makeup. -(TM) -~Oh my god! -(TM) she replied, -~what have they done to her? -(TM) -~You -(TM)ll find out at lunch. -(TM) As we were drinking our coffee, Belle being super careful not to smudge her lipstick, we heard the front gate opening. -Oh, that -(TM)ll be Helen, - I said. -Oh really, I -(TM)ll go meet her at the door, see if she likes my new look. - -I can -(TM)t see how she wouldn -(TM)t, - I replied. Belle put her mug down and dashed for the door as she heard the key turn, I could see her in the hallway mirror standing proud, ready to greet Helen. -Oh my god! - Helen cried out as she saw Belle, -you look amazing, who did this for you. - -It was mostly Katie. - -I need them to do my makeup for my next shoot. - -I -(TM)m so glad you like it, I was worried it might be too much. - Helen helped herself to coffee as Belle sat opposite me to finish hers. -What time is Ernie due, - Helen asked as she sipped her coffee. -Around 9 I think, he -(TM)s coming to measure up first, then he -(TM)ll go to the lumber yard, I think Jeremy is coming this morning for the stuff in the hall and the bags of Tammy -(TM)s clothes. - Belle grabbed my sleeve, -the box, - she hissed between clenched teeth. -Let -(TM)s go upstairs, - I said to Helen, -I -(TM)ll walk you through the plans in case Ernie asks -. -I -(TM)ll load the dishwasher and set it going, - Belle said. I led Helen into the bedroom, -what -(TM)s the matter, - Helen asked, -I thought you were showing me what you wanted done to the spare room. - -It -(TM)s something we found there, - I replied. Helen sat down heavily on the bed, -oh fuck, I forgot about that, did anyone see what -(TM)s in there? - -Belle and I saw some of it. - -Oh shit, does she hate me? - -Far from it, - I told her. -What about you, did you see the pictures of mum? - -Some of them, why didn -(TM)t you tell me you -(TM)d done porn, I thought you said the pussy shots were the worst you -(TM)d done. - Helen put a hand on my arm, she was nervous, this was very unlike her, -it was towards the end, when I was getting really sick of the industry, but I needed the money. How far did you get in the box? - -We stopped after the first magazine with mum in, Belle wants to see more, but she doesn -(TM)t want to see any of the illegal child porn. - -Oh my god, I -(TM)d actually forgotten about all that, because I knew just where to look for mum, I ignored all of that. - -Ok, so how about we get rid of all the stuff that isn -(TM)t you or mum, cut it out and burn it, then Belle can look at the rest. - -Err, right at the bottom, and the DVD, they -(TM)re my porn. - -Ok, so take them away if you don -(TM)t want anyone to see them. - -I -(TM)m in two minds, I -(TM)d like the girls to watch them, but I also don -(TM)t. I definitely don -(TM)t want Nita seeing any of it. - -Is it just straight porn? - -Yeah, me and two men in the magazine; me, a man and his wife on the DVD. - -There -(TM)s nothing bad or degrading in there? - -No, it -(TM)s just straight sex, a bit of slapping, and I -(TM)m DPd in the magazine, but it -(TM)s all ok for Belle and the others to see. I just don -(TM)t want them to see me differently because I -(TM)ve done porn, even if it -(TM)s just one film and one magazine. - -I -(TM)m sure they won -(TM)t see you any differently. Belle was fascinated, she kept touching the pages, over your pussy, and where mum was penetrated. - -Interesting, - Helen replied. -She definitely likes looking at pretty girls. - -She is a girl of very refined tastes. - -So it -(TM)s ok for the girls to look through this box, after we -(TM)ve taken out the illegal shit. - -Definitely, I think one of the magazines has a girl and, err, her pets shall we say. - -Oh fuck, we -(TM)ll definitely burn those pages. - With that sorted I gave Helen a very quick run through of what we wanted Ernie to do in the spare room, three desks, shelves, drawers, pinboards, better lights. -Do you want me to paint the walls? This cream is a bit dull, I think peach is a better colour for a work room, more calming. - -Do whatever you think is best, - I replied. -I always do, - Helen replied with a smile. -Come on dad, we -(TM)ll be late for your meeting! - Belle cried from downstairs. -My PA, she drives me hard, - I laughed. I grabbed my briefcase from the hall, we both kissed Helen at the door and dashed across the park to the station, just in time to catch the District Line to Earls Court, where we -(TM)d swap to the Piccadilly Line to Russell Square. Belle had a small green leather satchel on a shoulder strap, -where did you get that bag? - I asked. -It -(TM)s Katie -(TM)s, it -(TM)s a perfect match for my eyeshadow apparently, I needed something to hold my notepad and pens. - -You don -(TM)t really need to take notes, you know, I -(TM)ll record everything on my phone. - -I want to do it, this is all work experience for me, I -(TM)ve not done any school work for so long, I need to learn to pay attention, and take notes as the teacher talks, if I make mistakes we can check with your recording. I -(TM)ve got the iPad as well, so I can look even more professional. - -Mmm the flowery pink cover maybe isn -(TM)t ultra professional. - She stuck her tongue out, -I -(TM)m professional, but with my own personality. - -You certainly are, - the train slowed, I checked the stop, -OK, here we are, it -(TM)s about a 10 minute walk from here to the office. - -I -(TM)m glad I -(TM)m wearing these shoes then, Katie wanted me to wear heels. - -I -(TM)m glad you -(TM)re wearing comfy shoes, we -(TM)ll be doing quite a bit of walking today. - -I like walking with you, especially when we -(TM)re holding hands. - -Ahh, we can -(TM)t do that today, PA -(TM)s don -(TM)t generally hold their boss -(TM)s hands, at least not in public, anyway. - -Oh yes, I -(TM)m forgetting myself already. - Belle stopped to look around the station, -I -(TM)ve not been in this one before, is this the station that -(TM)s so deep there -(TM)s only lifts. - -There are stairs, but you wouldn -(TM)t want to be climbing up them, there -(TM)s about 175 steps I think. - -Nope, don -(TM)t fancy going up them, maybe I -(TM)ll run down them later, on our way home. - We waited in the queue for one of the three huge lifts, when it was our turn to cram in Belle squashed in close to me, she held my hand tightly through the slow journey up to the surface. -Ahh, sorry about crushing your hand like that, I get a bit nervous in tight spaces like that with so many people, maybe it -(TM)s best if I do use the stairs on the way back. - -Are you ok now? - -Yes, I -(TM)m fine, - she replied cheerfully, -Ohh a Costa, can we get a hot chocolate, have we got time? - I checked my watch, we had 45 minutes, -of course, we -(TM)ve got time. - We took a table by the window, overlooking Russell Square gardens. Belle looked around the area while she used my teaspoon to eat the cream and sprinkles from the top of her hot chocolate. -So, where -(TM)s the office? - -See that really fancy stone building with the flags over the doorway? - -In there, - she said excitedly. -Unfortunately not, that -(TM)s a really expensive hotel, my publisher is behind that hotel. - -Aww, at least the staff are close to this nice park. - -Oh yes, it -(TM)s lovely in summer, all the staff around here usually spend their lunch hour in the park. - -If I worked here I -(TM)d sunbathe topless, because I don -(TM)t want annoying tan-lines. Poppy once told me that tan-lines are a sign you -(TM)re not proud enough of your body to let other people see it. I -(TM)m proud of my body. I bet Helen didn -(TM)t have tan-lines when she was modelling full time. - -Ahh, Helen -(TM)s a redhead, she rarely goes out in the sun without plenty of sunscreen. - -Ha yes, of course. - -And you can be as proud of your body as you like, but there are certain places where you really shouldn -(TM)t remove all your clothes, parks in central London are usually not ideal topless sunbathing spots. - -Maybe, we -(TM)ll see when I come here next summer as your full time PA. - I laughed as she gave me a stern look, defying me to say she wouldn -(TM)t be my full time PA. -OK, but I -(TM)m not paying your bail if you get arrested. - -I -(TM)ll come with Poppy, everyone will look at her first, and I -(TM)ll grab my clothes and hide. - -Very good plan, but don -(TM)t be so sure about people seeing Poppy first, you really are beautiful you know, - I checked my watch, -drink up, we -(TM)d better get going. - Belle picked up her big mug and drank the rest of her hot chocolate in one go. I pointed at her nose and smiled; she crossed her eyes to look at her nose. -Ahh shit, why does that always happen to me, - she cried as she dashed off to the toilet to wipe her nose and fix her makeup. Despite my earlier comment Belle held my hand as we walked through the park towards the office, -what you said earlier, about me being beautiful, were you just trying to make me feel better? - -Nope, you are beautiful, and Poppy agrees with me. - -I -(TM)m not so sure, Poppy and Katie are so pretty. - -And this goes back to something Jenny and I were talking about, you three are so different to most pretty girls who always seem to compete to be the prettiest, you and your sisters are just the opposite. - -I suppose spending the last year without a mirror to look in, so we looked at each other rather than ourselves. Also, I lived with Poppy and Flower, how was I supposed to compete with those two to look up to? - -OK, but just so you know, I think you -(TM)re beautiful, with or without makeup. - Belle gave my hand a squeeze, -thanks dad, that means a lot. - Belle looked up at the hotel as waited for a taxi to pass, -will the hotel we stay in tomorrow be as fancy as this one? - -I don -(TM)t know, Helen is sorting it for us, if she likes it though, it -(TM)s probably fairly posh. We -(TM)ll ask her when we get home. - We walked down the side of the hotel and took the first street on the left, the office was a four-story building in the middle of a long Georgian terrace, each building had a broad doorway flanked by imposing stone pillars, some even had a doorman. -Oh, these are still pretty fancy, will I be ok dressed like this. - -I wouldn -(TM)t have let you leave the house like that if you weren -(TM)t, come on, once you meet the receptionist, you -(TM)ll feel better, - I reassured her as I pushed the intercom. Inside we were greeted warmly by the pretty receptionist, -ahh Mr Harrison, it -(TM)s been a while since we -(TM)ve seen you. - -Good morning Paige, I -(TM)m glad you -(TM)re in today, my daughter Belle is worried she -(TM)s not going to fit in here. - Paige stepped around her desk to shake Belle -(TM)s hand, showing Belle the full extent of her outfit, artfully ripped t-shirt and jeans, well worn 14-hole Doc Marten boots, black nail polish and blue hair. -I -(TM)d heard rumours that you had a family now, where did you find such a pretty girl? - -Would you believe me if I said I found this one in Kings Cross Station? - -Are you likely to say you found her in Kings Cross? - Paige replied. -He is, because that -(TM)s where I was living at the time. I -(TM)m Poppy -(TM)s girlfriend. - -Poppy, she -(TM)s the girl Lois met isn -(TM)t she, Lois was very impressed with her. - -Yes, Poppy was the first girl I adopted, then there -(TM)s Katie, her parents have moved abroad and it didn -(TM)t seem fair to have her change schools just before her GCSEs, so she moved in, and then we went in search of Belle to complete our family. - -That -(TM)s amazing, so were you on the streets long Belle? - -Over a year, most of that time Poppy kept me safe, then some bad men did horrible things to Poppy and I was left with another girl, she was nice, but not as brave as Poppy, and we moved into an empty office in Kings Cross underground. - -A year, I -(TM)m impressed, not many people last that long and stay healthy. - -Poppy was on the streets for over three years, we think, and she -(TM)s the most beautiful girl in the world. Were you on the streets long? - -How do you know I was on the streets? - Paige asked, impressed. -You -(TM)ve just got an air of someone who -(TM)s had to struggle, I think it -(TM)s your eyes. - -I wasn -(TM)t homeless long, just a few weeks after my mum kicked me out when I was 15, I found a shelter in Charing Cross, then this big guy called Jeremy found a family for me. - -Jeremy! You know him? He saved Poppy -(TM)s life twice, then Alex saved her life, for such a goddess she needed saving a lot, but she -(TM)s worth saving. What was your name back then Paige, I -(TM)ll tell Jeremy we -(TM)ve seen you. - -I was Paige back then as well, Paige Anders. - Belle pulled out her notebook and wrote Paige -(TM)s name in neat round letters followed by a little heart. -So, Tara is running a little late, can I get you both a drink? - -I -(TM)d love a coffee, - I replied, -what about you, Belle. - Belle opened her iPad and sighed, -I hope this doesn -(TM)t throw the whole day out. - Paige gave me a look, -Belle is my PA today, she -(TM)s overplaying her role slightly. - -Drink, Belle? - I asked again. -Do you have hot chocolate? - -We do, I -(TM)ll be back in a minute, - Paige said as we moved to the sofa by the lifts. -I like her, - Belle said as she settled down on the soft leather sofa, she pulled out her iPad, -well, seeing as I pretended to use this before, I may as well do it properly, what -(TM)s our schedule today? - -Ok, first off we -(TM)re seeing Tara, she -(TM)s my agent. - -What -(TM)s an agent do? - -She represents my interests, she negotiates my fees, and licences my books with publishers abroad, handles the film rights, arranges my marketing, TV and radio interviews, all things like that. - -So, what would a PA do for you if Tara does all that? - -A PA would manage my correspondence, and probably take the marketing aspects away from Tara. - -Do you think I -(TM)d be able to do that? - -I thought you were looking at doing social care, to work in a care environment. - -I -(TM)m both female and a teenager, so I -(TM)m allowed to change my mind, - she replied, a little exasperated, -anyway, if I was your PA I -(TM)d be taking care of you, and that -(TM)s all I want to do really, look after someone else. - -Well, once you finish your GCSEs we -(TM)ll see if you want to go on to do A-Levels or work for me. - Paige appeared then with two drinks, a coffee for me, and a proper hot chocolate with cream and sprinkles for Belle. -Oh wow, I just expected something in a plastic cup from a vending machine. - -Normally that -(TM)s what you -(TM)d get, but when my favourite author is in town we pull out all the stops. - -Oh, when does your favourite author get here, - Belle deadpanned. -Soon, so you -(TM)d better drink up so I can tidy the reception, - Paige laughed as she stepped back to her desk. -So, what -(TM)s the plan for the rest of the day, we -(TM)ve got four meetings altogether you said, - Belle asked as she put her mug down. -Next is Lois at 11:30, she -(TM)s my editor. - -Oh yes, Poppy mentioned her, what -(TM)s an editor do? - -She reads my books to find any plot mistakes, any scenes that may need to be tidied up, or even removed if they -(TM)re unnecessary, she also passes the finished book to a proof reader to sort out any niggly spelling or grammar mistakes. - -That sounds like a fun job, being paid to read books. - -She has to read them extra carefully though. - -Mmm, yes, maybe that -(TM)s not so fun. OK, so what -(TM)s next after Lois? - -We -(TM)re going to meet Jenny for lunch. - -Oooh, she -(TM)ll see me looking like this, will she be OK? - -I can -(TM)t see why not, it -(TM)s not like you -(TM)ve gone to school plastered in makeup. - -Ok, I don -(TM)t know why I -(TM)m panicking. So, after lunch? - -We -(TM)re meeting Tom, he -(TM)s my publisher, we -(TM)re talking about my upcoming projects, then we -(TM)re meeting Esther, she -(TM)s the company -(TM)s charity co-ordinator. - -Is that about Poppy -(TM)s charity? - -Actually, it -(TM)s about Poppy & Belle, that -(TM)s what we -(TM)ve decided to call the charity. - -Oh, why? - -Because you -(TM)re going to be just as involved, you -(TM)ve got shared experiences, and you can use that knowledge to help people, so it -(TM)s hardly fair to just use Poppy as the figurehead. - w -But she -(TM)s much kinder than I am. - -All evidence suggests that isn -(TM)t true, you gave away much of the money she gave you, and you want to pay to help Flower, even giving the money you won from me and Helen yesterday to Jeremy. - -Yeah, but that -(TM)s different. I was just passing on my good fortune. - -It -(TM)s no different, you could have kept the money and no-one would have blamed you for it, instead you passed it onto others in need. You also want to work in care, or at least care for me, that -(TM)s the least selfish career path anyone could take. So yes, you -(TM)re as kind as Poppy and fully deserve to have your name used as part of the charity name. - Belle was quiet for a while before she turned to me, -you know, I -(TM)ve never really thought of myself as my own person, I -(TM)ve always thought I kind of belonged to someone, I was my mum & dad -(TM)s little girl, then I was my granny -(TM)s little girl, then I was lost for a while before I became Poppy -(TM)s girlfriend, even if I was only her girlfriend in my own mind, now I -(TM)m your daughter, but I am my own person, aren -(TM)t I? If I want to, I can make my own decisions about things. - -Of course you can, within reason, as there -(TM)s stuff you can only do when you -(TM)re 18. And to reassure you, Belle, you are definitely your own person, with your own style, your own personality, and your own opinions, and those three traits combine to make an incredibly unique and likeable person. - Belle moved closer to me on the sofa and held my hand, -I need to build my self-confidence I think, until I do I -(TM)ll keep holding your hand, because I feel safe with you. - -That -(TM)s OK, just remember you look more like my daughter than my PA if you -(TM)re holding my hand. - -My first decision today is that I don -(TM)t care what I look like, I want to hold your hand for a bit. - -Hey Alex, - Paige called over a few minutes later, -Tara -(TM)s ready for you, she -(TM)s moved office now, third floor, down the back on the left. - I led Belle down the corridor behind Paige -(TM)s desk and up three flights of stairs, -better for you than using the lift, - I said as we reached the third floor landing. -At least there weren -(TM)t 175 steps or whatever, - Belle replied. Belle stepped around me and led me down to the back of the building, where she knocked sharply on Tara -(TM)s door, pushing it open when Tara called out. -Hey Alex, - I heard, -oh, you -(TM)re not Alex. - -No, I -(TM)m not, I -(TM)m his PA Belle. - -Actually, she -(TM)s my daughter, - I laughed as I followed Belle into the room, -working as my PA until she starts back at school next week. - Tara, a tall, dark-haired woman in her late forties, waved us to her meeting table, -ahh yes, I -(TM)ve been hearing about your new family, tell me everything while I make coffee. - Belle summarised the last few weeks for Tara while I pulled the papers I needed out of my case. -How do you like your coffee Belle? - Tara asked as she riffled through a basket of coffee pods. -White no sugar please, do you have any biscuits? - -I do, - Tara replied, putting a tin of chocolate biscuits on the table. -That -(TM)s dangerous, - I said, -Belle will probably eat them all. - Belle slapped my leg, and now I know how Katie felt when Belle slapped her, it really hurts, -I can behave when I want to. - -Do you want some ointment for that leg? That sounded like quite a slap. - -I -(TM)ll be fine, - I said through gritted teeth. -I like you, - Tara said, pushing the biscuit tin over to Belle. -Thank you, - Belle said as she deliberated over which biscuit to take, -sorry, I didn -(TM)t mean to slap you that hard, I guess real PAs are not supposed to slap their bosses. - -Not normally, - I replied, reaching across and taking a caramel wafer. -So, what have you got for me today, - Tara asked as she unwrapped her biscuit. -Lois asked Poppy to write a kind of memoir about her time on the streets, - I told her. -So it -(TM)s true, Poppy was homeless. - -Oh yes, it -(TM)s all true, - Belle replied, -I was with her for a year of that time. - -And you saved her life, Alex, - Tara said. -He did, the specifics are quite horrible, but Poppy would have died if Alex hadn -(TM)t found her and taken her into his home. - -So Poppy is putting together a book about her life, - Tara said. -Well yes, Belle is going to help, they -(TM)ve put together a quick outline for you, - I pushed a few photocopied sheets across the table, -the plan is to explain just how easy it is for someone to become homeless, and then how hard it is to escape from the life. - -We -(TM)ll tell some funny stories, because it -(TM)s not always grim on the streets. Mostly it is, but we had a lot of fun. There -(TM)s some stuff we probably won -(TM)t talk about, because, well... - -Some stuff the girls end up doing isn -(TM)t something they want to think about, - I offered. -What he said... - Belle said. -Ok, I can understand that. - -We also thought we could talk to some of the girls me and Poppy lived with, or met. Whilst I was lucky, I didn -(TM)t do drugs or anything, I was like everyone -(TM)s little sister and they protected me, a lot of girls, and boys, use drugs on the streets, so we -(TM)ll talk to a guy we know who -(TM)s a real life saint and he helps the girls get off drugs, and drink, and other stuff. We might send a photographer round to take some photos of the places we slept, and the people. - -And the money from the book will go to the Poppy & Belle Foundation we -(TM)re setting up, - I added. -This is brilliant, I can definitely work with this to get the ball rolling on marketing. - -Thanks, - I replied, -I -(TM)m afraid both girls are at school, it -(TM)s Poppy -(TM)s GCSE year and she -(TM)s working so hard to catch up on three years of missed schooling. - -And I -(TM)m starting in Year 9 next week, so I -(TM)ve got a bit less school work than Poppy. - -Year 9! You -(TM)re only 14, - Tara said, shocked, -so you were on the streets at 13, oh my poor dear. - -As best as we can work out, Poppy was 12. - -It -(TM)s so sad, families break up and people of all ages end up on the streets. At least you found a way out, and can tell your story. I -(TM)m looking forward to reading your memoirs, Belle. - We packed our papers away as we finished our coffee, -which floor is Lois on these days, - I asked. -I think she -(TM)s on the second floor, room err, - she pulled a list out from under her desk phone, -205. - Belle moved up to Tara, -err, how do we do this, shake hands or hug... - -Normally I -(TM)d say we -(TM)d shake hands, but for you Belle, you can have a hug. - Tara replied, wrapping Belle -(TM)s tiny body in her arms, -mind you, with Lois hugs are compulsory. - -I know, Poppy warned me, - Belle said with a smile as she came back to my side, -she said I need to take a deep breath beforehand or I -(TM)ll suffocate. - -It has happened in the past, we put the bodies in a pit out back... - Tara stopped mid sentence, -oh my gosh I shouldn -(TM)t have said that, you were with those girls. I -(TM)m sorry. - -It -(TM)s ok, I didn -(TM)t know Meghan and Gemma all that well. - Belle replied quietly, -Poppy was at that party though. We might mention it in the book, we -(TM)re not sure yet. - Belle took my hand, leading me out of Tara -(TM)s office, she waved at the door, showing she wasn -(TM)t upset. I checked my watch, we were a few minutes early for our meeting with Lois, Belle put her ear to the door, -I can -(TM)t hear anything, - she whispered, -should I just knock anyway. - -You may as well, - I replied. Belle did her sharp door knock, I think she -(TM)d learnt it from watching the police at work. -Come in Alex, - Lois called out from within. -Hello Lois, I -(TM)m Belle, - she said, pushing the door open with her foot. Lois stood as I pushed in behind Belle, -oh my, you are indeed bella. Come in, come in, take a seat. - Lois -(TM)s office was much smaller than Tara -(TM)s, not helped by Lois being about three times the size of Tara. We carefully picked our way through the piles of books and manuscripts, and sat around the meeting table. -Before we start, you need to tell me all about this beautiful creature you -(TM)ve brought with you. - Belle started talking before I could open my mouth, -this is Alex, my dad. - -Haha, so Paige was right, you have more daughters Alex. - So, we told Lois a similar story to the one we -(TM)d told Tara earlier, while we spoke Lois poured chilled water and produced a box of Belgian chocolates. Belle -(TM)s eyes lit up at the sight of the chocolates, she read the details very carefully before selecting one that claimed to be a black cherry bathed in kirsch and wrapped in darkest chocolate. We watched as Belle -(TM)s eyes crossed when she bit into it, -wow, that -(TM)s sweet, - she said once she -(TM)d polished it off, licking a little dribble of kirsch off her fingers. -So you -(TM)re the Belle that Poppy spoke about when I met her, gosh you are even prettier than she described you, I love the makeup. - -Thank you, - Belle replied, blushing a little, -this is the first time I -(TM)ve worn a lot of makeup, Poppy and Katie did it for me. - With the introduction over, Belle pulled out her notepad and dutifully minuted a rather dull meeting about changes that needed to be made to my current work in progress. When the meeting ended I saw Belle take a breath as Lois moved in to hug her, she smiled as she was crushed against Lois -(TM)s impressive bosom. We said our goodbyes, and I promised to arrange a meal so she could see the whole family. -Bloody hell, - Belle exclaimed as we walked down the stairs, -her tits are even bigger than Jenny -(TM)s, I was in heaven just then. - -I saw you smiling. - -And why wouldn -(TM)t I, there -(TM)s no better place than being squished between boobs. - The next meeting wasn -(TM)t until 3pm, so we had plenty of time to walk over to the British Museum for lunch. I messaged Jenny on the way. -Your next book sounds interesting, can I read it please, or do I need to read the others first. - -Which book has Poppy given you? - -Oh damn, I -(TM)ve forgotten the title, it -(TM)s the one with the bridge, and a man trying to blow it up to stop Danny finding the secret hideout, but the sexy lady manages to dislodge the bomb and it blows up hundreds of feet below. That -(TM)s as far as I -(TM)ve got. - -That -(TM)s nearly ¾ of the way through Caverns of Terror, you -(TM)re a fast reader. My new book follows on from Flight From The Temple, I know Katie -(TM)s read that one, so if you don -(TM)t want to read it first, she can help you out. - I pulled out my phone and swiped to my documents, -ok, I -(TM)ve sent the new book to your iPad, it -(TM)s a rough draft with all the mistakes Lois just mentioned, so don -(TM)t be annoyed if some of it doesn -(TM)t read correctly. - -I -(TM)ll read the other book first, I -(TM)ll ask Katie for her copy when we get home. - We reached the entrance to the British Museum, -Oh, I thought we were going to get some lunch. - -We are, I thought you -(TM)d like the cafe here, it -(TM)s quite spectacular. - -Ok, I -(TM)m game as long as there -(TM)s food. - -There is, and it -(TM)s nice food. - My phone pinged to tell me Jenny was on her way as we walked through the grand foyer towards the spectacular glass covered Great Court, we found a table where it would be easy for Jenny to find us and Belle ignored the menu for a while, instead gazing in wonder at her surroundings, the vast sweeping staircase up to the old reading room, the amazing glass roof, the statues dotted around the 2 acre space. Belle was still marvelling at the view when Jenny skidded to a stop by our table, -woo, I almost didn -(TM)t recognise you there, - she said as she sat down next to Belle, -let me look at you. - -Do I look ok? - Belle asked, a note of uncertainty in her voice again. -You look amazing, just tone it down for tomorrow when you see your grandad, and tone it down a lot for school. - -I won -(TM)t wear any makeup for school, Poppy says I don -(TM)t need any. I think they wanted to make me all emo and counterculture today, playing with me like I -(TM)m a Girls World model. - -Well, they did a good job, - Jenny said, -and I bet it looked even better first thing this morning. Where did they find the makeup? - -It was all in the stuff Helen gave us, oh bollocks on that subject, I -(TM)ve got something to tell you. - -What is it honey? - Jenny asked kindly. -The other day, when I was out shopping with Helen and Alex, I stole some perfume to replace Helen -(TM)s stuff we -(TM)d used. It was really, really expensive, like £500 a bottle, and it was only a tester I stole. I didn -(TM)t believe Helen had actually given it all to us, I thought we were only borrowing it, and I feel really bad now, because you -(TM)re the police and I -(TM)m your daughter now, if you still want me. - Jenny pulled Belle into a hug, -don -(TM)t you start crying Belle, you -(TM)ll make that eyeliner run and you -(TM)ve got nothing to fix it with. - -You must hate me, - Belle said, still managing to hold back the tears, although she had a tissue ready. -Firstly, I certainly don -(TM)t hate you, I love you more for being honest, you didn -(TM)t need to tell me, and there -(TM)s no way I -(TM)d have found out otherwise, - Belle was looking at the floor so didn -(TM)t see Jenny smile at me then. -Most girls go through a phase of shoplifting, stealing things they want but can -(TM)t afford, or that their parents won -(TM)t let them buy. I know you stole to survive before, and you -(TM)re obviously good at it, as you took the perfume without anyone seeing you. I know quite a few police officers whose children have stolen clothes, makeup, books, even cars, to rebel against their parents. So you -(TM)re not the first, and you won -(TM)t be the last. Please don -(TM)t do it again, though, or I will be angry. - -Thank you, for being so understanding, - Belle whispered as she hugged Jenny. -Ok, now I believe we came here for some food, so what are we having? - We looked at our menus in silence for a few moments, then Belle leaned over mine and prodded a finger on the burgers section. -That sounds really nice, but it -(TM)s dead expensive. - -Ok Belle, so here -(TM)s my restaurant rule, if you like the sound of something, and you can eat it all, and we can afford it, then order it. What I don -(TM)t want is for you to miss out on tasting something that sounds exciting just because you thought it was a bit expensive. What I also don -(TM)t want is for you to have eyes bigger than your belly and order way too much food so it goes to waste. - Belle laughed, -you saw me yesterday, I ate almost half the food on the whole table. - I smiled back at her, -you did, but Poppy was the same as you for the first couple of weeks, she was like a food hoover, because everything was new and interesting, and tasted great. Now she -(TM)s calmed down and is eating normal portions. - -Ahh, so will I be like that, will my appetite grow smaller? Because I am a bit worried I -(TM)ll get fat soon. - Jenny touched Belle -(TM)s arm to get her attention, -at the moment your body is recovering from an almost starvation diet, in a little while you -(TM)ll be back to normal, then you won -(TM)t be so hungry all the time. - -Well, while I -(TM)m enjoying my food I -(TM)d like that burger please. - -I -(TM)ll have the Philly Cheesesteak sandwich please, with an Americano, - I requested. -Oh, a can of Coke please, - Belle added. As Jenny walked over to the till to place our order Belle leaned over and kissed me carefully on the cheek, -what was that for? - I asked. -For not telling Jenny, I didn -(TM)t think you would, but it -(TM)s nice to have my trust confirmed. - Argh, my first parental conflict, I guess we sometimes need to do stuff like this to keep the peace. Our food arrived fairly quickly, Belle -(TM)s eyes went wide when she saw her burger. -It -(TM)s bigger than my frigging head! How am I going to eat it? - The burger was two fat patties of round organic beef with bone marrow, cooked pretty rare, in between was a big field mushroom and rings of raw onion, with melted cheddar, spicy onion chutney and relish, it was served with chips as chunky as Jenga blocks. Belle looked at her plate, she turned it around to look at the burger from a different angle, she tilted her head this way and that before she sat back and sighed. -Fuck, I -(TM)m going to have to eat it with a knife and fork aren -(TM)t I, please don -(TM)t tell the others what I -(TM)ve done. - -We wouldn -(TM)t even dream of it, - Jenny replied as she picked at her Caesar Salad, -ooh why don -(TM)t you take a photo of it to make them jealous with their school dinner. - -I don -(TM)t have a phone on my camera, because up to now I -(TM)ve not seen a reason to have one. - -You -(TM)ve got a camera on your iPad, you could use that. - -But I -(TM)d look like a dick, - she sighed, -can I borrow your phone dad. - I unlocked my phone and passed it over, Belle carefully checked the screen as she chose the best angle to take a photo of the juicy burger. After she -(TM)d taken a photo she was happy with she passed me the phone back, -can you send them a message and make it look like it -(TM)s from me please, I -(TM)ll have to get Poppy to show me how to use a phone if I -(TM)m not going to look like some kind of luddite freak at school. - She picked up her knife and fork and prodded experimentally at the burger before she decided to just push the whole thing over and cut chunks off to eat. She prodded a piece of bun, burger and mushroom with her fork, rolled it in some of the cheese and sauce and put it in her mouth, she chewed it appreciatively, her eyes wide as reacted to the flavours. -Fucking hell, - she gasped, pointing at the food with her fork, -and I -(TM)m so sorry for swearing in this nice place, but that is absolutely the best thing I have ever tasted, that burger is amazing, like a bajillion times better than a McDonalds cheeseburger. - With Belle happy I fired off her photo and a quick message to the girls -(TM) group chat before I tucked into my Philly Cheesesteak, a sub roll packed with sliced rump steak, onions, peppers and melted cheese, it was delicious, although not quite as orgasmic as Belle -(TM)s burger seemed to be. -Oh man, these chunky chips are amazing as well, - Belle cried out after eating one, she dropped a couple on my plate along with some of her burger, -do you want a bit of my burger and chips mum? - -I -(TM)m OK thanks, I -(TM)ve got a lot of dull meetings this afternoon, and if I have too much food I -(TM)ll probably fall asleep, the boss gets annoyed if people interrupt him with snoring. - -Oh no, that would be awful. - I ate the pieces of Belle -(TM)s burger, she wasn -(TM)t exaggerating, it was fantastic. After she -(TM)d finished Belle excused herself to use the toilet, Jenny leaned across the table, -I love how she just dropped food on your plate, but asked if I wanted some, she -(TM)s bonded so well with you. - -She -(TM)s been holding my hand all morning, I don -(TM)t see any other girls her age holding their father -(TM)s hand, or even their mother. It -(TM)s like she only feels safe if she -(TM)s touching me, or Poppy. I hope she -(TM)ll be ok at school next week. - -I think she -(TM)ll be fine in rooms full of girls, she -(TM)s holding on to you because you -(TM)re protecting her from other men in the area. - -Really, I never thought of it that way. - -Oh yes, you being there discourages other men from coming close. I -(TM)m not sure your presence would stop a persistent boy from pestering her, but I think she -(TM)d be able to fend them off one way or another. - -Oh yes, I said the wrong thing earlier and she slapped my leg. I -(TM)ve not checked yet, but I suspect I -(TM)ve got a decent bruise. - -Hahaha, what did you say to piss her off? - -I said she -(TM)d eat all the biscuits. - -That -(TM)s fair, she probably would, but I imagine she was trying to be extra polite. - -Let me pay you back for the meal, - I said, pulling out my wallet. -No need, the boss confirmed my pay rise this morning. - -That -(TM)s great news. - -And it -(TM)s all down to Poppy, if she hadn -(TM)t helped me out, I -(TM)d still be in uniform. - -Without Poppy we wouldn -(TM)t have met, she -(TM)s been an amazing catalyst. - -That -(TM)s so true. - -What are you looking all serious about, - Belle asked as she bounced back to the table. -We were just thinking we would never have met if it wasn -(TM)t for Poppy, - Jenny told her. -Oh yes, I wouldn -(TM)t know you, I -(TM)d still be alone in that crappy office in Kings Cross. No, I don -(TM)t even want to think about that. - Jenny reached across and held Belle -(TM)s hands, -you -(TM)re our little girl now, or at least it will all be official by Friday, so you -(TM)ve got a couple of days to find a better family. - -Noooo, I couldn -(TM)t, no family could be as fun as our family. - -What about your parents, we know about Poppy -(TM)s mum, and we know about Katie -(TM)s parents. I don -(TM)t know anything about your parents. - Belle sat back and closed her eyes, -I was so happy then, we were so close, mum was my best friend, you know, she was quite young for a mum, I think she -(TM)d just finished 6th form college when she had me. She was trendy, fun and was totally ok with me being gay, she liked the same music as me, and the same films, she was more like a big sister to me. -Dad was cool, a bit older than mum, he was at the local university and worked in the ten-pin bowling alley, that -(TM)s where he met mum, she used to hang out there with her friends, picking up boys. -When dad found out mum was having a baby he quit uni and got a full time job, cleaning cars at a second-hand car showroom near my gran -(TM)s house, gran let dad move in, she was really ok about mum and dad living together. -When I was born dad -(TM)s boss gave him a fortnight off and let him rent the flat above the garage really cheaply, so mum and dad had a house, she told me she was so happy then, their life was almost perfect. Dad was promoted to selling cars when he finished his paternity leave. -When I was in primary school dad -(TM)s boss retired, he let dad run the showroom, and with the extra money dad bought a house over the other side of town. We were proper posh now, with a real house, not as fancy as your house Alex, it was semi-detached, we had three bedrooms and a separate sitting room. I got my own bedroom at last, and mum and dad had privacy to concentrate on making me a brother or sister. -They tried for years to make another baby, they went to the doctor and found out dad -(TM)s sperms were faulty or something. And then dad realised he probably wasn -(TM)t my dad, mum was a little embarrassed, she had to admit that maybe she had more than one boyfriend at the time, more than a few actually, but dad was actually ok with it, he loved me all the same. -After a few rounds of treatment mum managed to get pregnant with a test tube baby. Mum and dad were so happy, they drove straight round to gran -(TM)s to tell her, they left me at home doing some homework. They never made it to gran -(TM)s house, dad got caught up in an accident on the motorway. - Belle fell silent, tears streaming down her face, -oh fuck, - Jenny said quietly, -my phone -(TM)s in my bag, will you phone my boss and tell him I -(TM)ll be a bit late, - she asked as she scooped Belle into her arms and headed for the toilets. I probably shouldn -(TM)t have the PIN for Jenny -(TM)s police phone, but it -(TM)s a good job I have, I found DI Williamson in her directory and dialled. -Hey Jenny, where you at, - DI Williamson answered. -Ahh, this is Alex, Jenny -(TM)s partner... - -Oh hey Alex, we -(TM)ve heard a lot about you. - -Mostly good I hope, anyway, Jenny just asked me to call, she -(TM)s dealing with a minor family emergency, so she -(TM)ll be a bit late back from lunch. - -Oh dear, nothing serious I hope. - -Just one of our girls having a bit of a breakdown over some bad memories. - -Oh no, which one? - -Belle, the youngest, she -(TM)s 14 and was just remembering her parent -(TM)s death. - -Oh gosh, Jenny talks a lot about Belle, she -(TM)s a bit of a character by all accounts. - -She really is, but so utterly loveable all the same. - -You need to bring all three down to the station, we -(TM)ve got a family fun day coming up this weekend, Jenny should have the details. - -I suspect Belle might think we -(TM)re taking her down to be locked up, she -(TM)s a bit of a scamp at times. - -All the better, when I was a kid my dad locked me in a cell for 30 minutes one night to show me what it -(TM)s like being locked up next to the drunk tank. It kept me mostly on the straight and narrow, although we don -(TM)t have a drunk tank anymore. - -If I -(TM)m honest, I think she -(TM)s probably already been locked up more than once... - -Ahh, yes, she probably has, anyway, just tell Jenny we -(TM)ve finished here, so she can just make her own way back to the station, we -(TM)re having lunch ourselves when we get back, so if she gets here for 3-ish we can start working up a plan. - -Can I just say that whilst Belle might be a bit of a scamp, with a slight problem with shoplifting in the past, she was strong enough to talk about her horrific experiences at that cinema you -(TM)re going to raid on Friday. It was her and Poppy who worked with Jenny to draw up plans of the building for you. You can never mention this to them though, I don -(TM)t want them reliving the experiences again. - -We -(TM)ve been talking about this, and I -(TM)ve nominated them both for a community spirit award, Jenny doesn -(TM)t know about it, I hope to hear back soon. - -Ahh, that -(TM)s a nice gesture, - I heard footsteps behind me, I turned to see Belle, not exactly smiling, but she wasn -(TM)t crying, and she had a completely makeup-free face, -I -(TM)ll pass you over, Jenny -(TM)s back now, emergency over. - Jenny took the phone and walked a little way from the table to talk. -Mum took me into the baby-changing room and used the baby -(TM)s bum wet wipes to clean me up, - Belle said with a little grin, -so now my face is all moisturised and smooth as a baby -(TM)s bottom. - -It -(TM)s a shame to see that nice makeup gone, but you look just as lovely without it. - -The crying did me good I think, I feel a bit lighter now. By the way, I wasn -(TM)t trying to say my mum was all slutty, I -(TM)m almost certain she stopped dating other men once she -(TM)d settled down with dad, and he was my dad even if his sperms didn -(TM)t make me, he brought me up and I loved him so much, and I love you just as much, because you -(TM)re so much like him. - Jenny came back to the table, -it looks like I -(TM)ve got a bit longer with you, they don -(TM)t need me back in the station until three. - -It takes an hour to get back on the tube, - I said, -you -(TM)ll need to be leaving soon anyway. - -Ahh, you forget I have a police car, it -(TM)s parked nearby, and with judicious use of the red lights I can be back in about half an hour. - -Hahaha, mum -(TM)s a badass, - Belle laughed. -OK, we may as well have another coffee, - I said. I checked the dessert menu at the till and ordered Belle a triple scoop sundae, chocolate, cherry and vanilla with whipped cream and nut sprinkles A few minutes later a waitress appeared with two coffees and Belle -(TM)s ice cream. Her eyes went wide when she saw the big bowl. -Oh man, this is amazing, thank you. - I -(TM)d not noticed on the menu, but the sundae also included sliced banana and cherries. Belle dug her spoon in and it came up loaded with ice cream and fruit, she opened wide and took the lot. -Oh shit, it -(TM)s cold, - she managed to say with a mouthful of ice cream. -But is it nice, - Jenny asked. -I don -(TM)t know, nothing in my head works anymore, I think I -(TM)ll give it a minute. - Belle put her spoon down and turned to me, -thanks for being the best dad a girl could ever ask for, chocolates and ice cream are pretty much the cure for everything, - she said as she picked up my coffee and drank some to warm her mouth up. Jenny looked at me, smiling at Belle constantly helping herself to my drinks. With her mouth thawed out a bit Belle turned back to her bowl, she looked at it for a few moments, -this is great, did you choose the flavours? - -I did, but I didn -(TM)t ask for all the other bits, I just asked for the three ice creams. - She dug her spoon into the bowl once more, piling it high with all three flavours and a cherry, -open wide, - she said to me as she swung the spoon around to my mouth, I did as I was told. The flavours were amazing, I hadn -(TM)t realised when I was picking from the list that this was basically frozen black forest gateaux, it really worked. Jenny smiled at me again, Belle looked up and saw her, -I am so sorry, do you want some ice cream. - -It -(TM)s ok, I -(TM)m enjoying watching you feed Alex, much more fun than getting two spoons. - -I know he wanted some, but he -(TM)s too polite to ask, he -(TM)s only getting those two helpings though, the rest is for me, - she said with a grin, -oh, unless you want some. - -No, really, I shouldn -(TM)t have anything so sweet. I will have a taste of it from Alex -(TM)s lips though. Then I have to get going, even with the siren it -(TM)s pushing it to get across London in 30 minutes. - Jenny kissed me, a full, lingering kiss that I -(TM)m sure set several tables around muttering, but she didn -(TM)t care, she was tasting Belle -(TM)s ice cream, and letting me know what I was in for later tonight. Belle finished her ice cream, she resisted the urge to lick the bowl clean, instead she ran her finger around the bowl and licked that clean. The meeting with Tom was so dull I -(TM)m amazed Belle stayed awake. He -(TM)s my publisher, and he -(TM)s great at the job, but he -(TM)s not very exciting, and he has no interest in girls, especially young girls, I think he just doesn -(TM)t understand the concept of children. Belle knew from the start that it was going to be a dull meeting, as soon as he failed to react as she entered the room, instead he looked right past her, only acknowledging me as I followed her in. To her credit, Belle sat quietly, making notes in her pad. She perked up a little when Tom mentioned her -(TM)s and Poppy -(TM)s book, which he said would be scheduled for publication next Christmas, so if he could have the final book before next September that would be great. -Oh my god, that man was like a frigging Dementor or something, he sucked all the happiness out of me as soon as I entered the room, - she sighed as we walked downstairs to our last meeting with Esther. -He didn -(TM)t even look at me, here -(TM)s me finally starting to believe you when you say I -(TM)m pretty, and it was like I wasn -(TM)t even there. - -Tom is, shall we say, impervious to your charms. - -He -(TM)s not gay though, I -(TM)d have been able to tell. - -He -(TM)s not anything. - -Oh really. - Belle replied, -he -(TM)s like the opposite of Poppy, she -(TM)ll do anyone if she likes them, no matter what their orientation, but Mr Tom back there, he -(TM)s just not interested at all. - -That -(TM)s it exactly. -