Note: This story was dynamically reformatted for online reading convenience. >The Girl at the Bus Stop by alan14 Copyright(C) 2021 by alan14 Chapter 44 Poppy, Belle and Katie were doing their homework at the table half an hour later as I carried the breakfast tray into the kitchen. -Some men just took away the fence and delivered some big sacks of stuff, - Belle told me as I loaded the plates and mugs into the dishwasher. -Ahh, I meant to take the fence down before they arrived, that -(TM)s all the stuff to make the base for Lia -(TM)s office. - -So we -(TM)re really having a building at the end of the garden? - -Yep, it -(TM)s big enough for you all to work in there if you want. - -They -(TM)re putting speakers in there, - Lia said as she sat next to Katie at the table, -so we can have music while we work. - Katie put an arm around Lia, -are you OK? - -A bit achy, but I -(TM)m fine. - -I -(TM)m OK with you sleeping with dad, you know, it wasn -(TM)t for me, I -(TM)m strictly a girl girl, but if you like it, I -(TM)m happy for you to be with mum and dad. - -I really enjoyed it, maybe not the biting thing, that was just something I needed to exorcise some demons, same with the whipping, and maybe the whole anal thing was a bit much. - -The normal sex bit though, that was nice? - -It really was, and sleeping with Jenny, that was awesome, and Belle, oh my god, Poppy, you -(TM)re so lucky having Belle in your bed every night. - -I really am, - Poppy agreed, -I -(TM)m the luckiest girl around, for so many reasons. - Belle sat back at the table, she picked up Poppy -(TM)s mug and took a drink of her coffee, -I think we -(TM)re all lucky, especially me, because I managed to have sex with the three most beautiful girls in the last few hours. - Poppy laughed as she hugged Belle, -you always have your priorities right. - -I made him cum four times, - Lia whispered. -Four! - Belle cried, -how is that even possible? - -I did him once by mouth last night... - -Did you swallow it? - Katie asked. -Not that time, and it -(TM)s a good job I didn -(TM)t try, I nearly drowned, - she laughed, -oh gosh, I forgot to bring your shirt down, he made me squirt and I think I -(TM)ve ruined his nice shirt and suit. - Lia quickly ran upstairs and returned with my shirt and suit, she held them up and her sisters checked them, -mmm, the suit can be dry cleaned, it -(TM)s not visibly stained, - Belle told her, -the shirt might need some stain remover in the wash, come with me and I -(TM)ll show you what to do. - A minute or two later Lia sat back at the table whilst Belle made more coffee, Katie held Lia -(TM)s hand, -so, number two? - -Oh, that was in my pussy, but we had a little drama. I really should have told you all this. You know those pills I take? - -Yes, the little red ones? - Katie replied. -Those ones, yes, well they -(TM)re hormones, I have to take them because my ovaries don -(TM)t work anymore, Jayden broke them. - -How the fuck did that happen? - Poppy asked, shocked. -Kicking me around like a rag doll. It was only years later, after Jeremy took me to a clinic when I was feeling poorly that they found out. I -(TM)ve had to take those tablets ever since. - -Oh fuck, - Belle sympathised as she hugged Lia on her way back to the table, -that -(TM)s the worst thing I -(TM)ve ever heard. - -Definitely worse than anything that ever happened to me... - Poppy replied quietly. -Do your bits still work, Poppy, you know, after everything that happened? - Belle asked her. -My monthly period suggests they -(TM)re working fine, - Poppy replied, kissing Belle on the forehead as she returned to her side. -What if you want babies some day? - Katie asked. -I guess that -(TM)s your job now, - Lia smiled. -But I -(TM)m the only one who isn -(TM)t having sex? - Belle put her hand up, -excuse, Poppy hasn -(TM)t had sex for weeks, at least not the kind of sex that makes babies. - Both Katie and Poppy were quiet for a moment, then Poppy smiled, -you -(TM)re right, I haven -(TM)t. And you know what, I -(TM)ve not missed it at all. You really do fill my heart to bursting Belle. - -Anyway, who says any of us want babies. - Lia said, -If we ever feel maternal, I -(TM)m sure there -(TM)s plenty around that people don -(TM)t want. - -Exactly, - Poppy replied, -but for now our hands are full raising Belle. - -Oi! I -(TM)m properly house trained, I can work the washing machine and do joined-up writing. - -I know baby, I was only teasing you. - Belle leaned her head against Poppy -(TM)s chest, -you do make a great mum though. - Poppy had a look of pure love in her eyes as he ran her fingers through Belle -(TM)s hair, -and you -(TM)re a good daughter. - -So, where was I? - Lia asked, -oh yeah, so dad had just slipped inside me and he has a panic because he doesn -(TM)t know, and he -(TM)s like I need a condom, and I -(TM)m like, it -(TM)s OK, there -(TM)s no need, and well, slight breakdown and mood ruined, so we go to sleep. -Then I wake in the middle of the night all horny, and dad -(TM)s all hard, so we do it. - -With mum asleep? - Belle asks, scandalised. -Oh no, she was awake and playing with herself, it -(TM)s probably her noises that woke us both. So we -(TM)re having sex, at last, and it was just as amazing as you all told me. I -(TM)ve never felt an orgasm like those, with him filling every inch of me, it was awesome. - -So that -(TM)s number two, - Katie said, -what was number three. - -Ahh, well, we were a bit messy, so we went for a shower, - she looked over to me smiling, -he tried to carry me, but it didn -(TM)t quite work. We had a shower, and I was still feeling sexy, so I gave him another blowjob... - -In the shower? - Belle asked, -was it fun? - -It really was, and I swallowed this time, then we had a kiss... - -Did you give him some of his cum back, - Poppy asked, grinning. -No, I -(TM)m not that mean. - -Then we all saw number four, - Belle said, -and you beat my record. Although I -(TM)m still claiming a moral victory as I did three in under an hour, you took ages for your four. - -And that -(TM)s a well-deserved record you can keep, - Lia told Belle with a smile. -Yes, it is, - I added, -because I doubt I could ever do that again. - -So, what are we doing today? - Belle asked as she filled the dishwasher. -Me and Katie are going shopping with mum, she wants some new bras so I thought we -(TM)d go to that shop you showed me Poppy. - -Oh yes, they -(TM)ll have some really nice ones in mum -(TM)s size. - Poppy replied. -What size is she? - Lia asked, -her boobs are amazing, I was in heaven last night. I was playing with her tits when Alex made me squirt. - -She -(TM)s like a 34G I think... - Poppy told her. -Yep, she is, - Belle confirmed, -I checked her bras, because I was curious. I also wore one as a hat for a bit, but it covered my whole head. - We all just looked at Belle. -What! - she cried indignantly, -I had her bra in my hand, why wouldn -(TM)t I put it on my head to see if it fit. It means I -(TM)m the only one here who knows for definite that each one of mum -(TM)s tits is bigger than my head. - Poppy nodded sagely, -I have to admit, she -(TM)s got a point, none of us know whether mum -(TM)s boobs are bigger that our head. - -Should I go and get one so you can all check? - -Ahh no, I -(TM)m sure we can live without knowing that. - -It -(TM)s your loss, if we ever get into a discussion at school over who -(TM)s mum has the biggest boobs, I -(TM)ll be the only one who can show people just how big hers are. - -And Helen -(TM)s, - she added after a moment -(TM)s thought, -I checked and hers are bigger than my head as well. - -So, if we can drag our thoughts away from mum -(TM)s boobs... - - ... and Helen -(TM)s, - Belle added. -Yes, and Helen -(TM)s, me and you have got to entertain dad today. What should we do? - -Zoo! - Belle cried, -can we go to the zoo? - Poppy looked at me, -that -(TM)s actually a really good idea, can we go to the zoo dad? - -Absolutely, I haven -(TM)t been to the zoo in Regent -(TM)s Park in years. - -I -(TM)m going to take the camera I bought to practice, - Belle said brightly. -That -(TM)s a good plan, - Poppy replied, -shall we make a picnic? - Lia looked at Katie, -I fancy a trip to the zoo as well, shall we phone mum and see if she wants to go shopping tomorrow? - -Yeah, maybe she can meet us there. - Katie replied. Belle clapped her hands, -amazing, a family trip! Let -(TM)s get to work on a picnic while dad phones mum to explain why the shopping trip is postponed. - I stepped out of the way as the girls gathered around the worktop. Belle dug through the fridge, tossing ingredients to her sisters and issuing instructions. I left them to it and moved to the lounge to phone Jenny with revised plans for the day. She -(TM)d never been to the zoo at all, so was excited about the visit. -I -(TM)ll take Lia and Katie shopping tomorrow, and you can have a fun Sunday with Poppy and Belle, I -(TM)m sure they -(TM)ll be happy to keep you entertained while I -(TM)m shopping for something to make you smile. - -That sounds like a plan. - -Great, I -(TM)ll be finished here soon, so I -(TM)ll meet you at the station in half an hour, or are the girls not dressed yet? - -They -(TM)re all up, dressed and making a picnic. - -Did you have a good time after I left for work? Who joined you? - -Guess? - -Why am I even asking, Belle... - -Got it in one, but the other two arrived just in time for the main event, they helped Lia out. - -And did you... - -Yes, we did, and it was amazing. - -They -(TM)re all so giving. I look back at myself at their age and I think how selfish I was, and how jealous I was of my friends and their boyfriends. Our girls are just not like that at all. All four of them just want the best for their friends. - -I was thinking much the same earlier. - -Before, during or after you sowed your oats? -(TM) Jenny laughed. -In between... - -Ahh, the super is on the way, got to go. - -I love you Jenny. - -I love you too Alex. - Back in the kitchen Katie was helping Lia load up a backpack, -hey dad, is mum ok with us coming with you to the zoo? - she asked. -She -(TM)s more than ok, she -(TM)s excited about joining us, she said you can go shopping tomorrow. - -Yayyy, our first full family outing! - Belle cried, -I want to see monkeys, do they have monkeys? - -They have monkeys, - I laughed as Belle jumped into my arms. -And penguins, I have to see penguins, and lemurs, and meerkats, and tigers, I need to see a real tiger. - -They have all those, and more. - -Amazing, - Belle replied before pecking me on the cheek and jumping down, -we -(TM)re all ready to go, we have food, we have cartons of juice, I have a camera, and I have my Doc Martens. - -Jenny says she -(TM)ll meet us at the tube in half an hour. - Belle thought for a moment, -mmm, that gives me time to get changed into something more zoo appropriate, - she mumbled as she ran for the stairs. -Oh shit, - Poppy cried, -this can only mean one thing, the panda hoody she found in the charity shop yesterday. - -What -(TM)s wrong with it? - -It -(TM)s almost fluorescent pink with a silver panda. - -Well, we won -(TM)t lose her, - I replied. -But we might want to, - Katie said. -Leave her alone, she loves pink, - Lia said, -oh fuck, I take it back, that is bright, - she added as Belle returned, her arms wide, her face beaming. -How great is this, - she laughed as she gave us a twirl. It was almost blindingly pink. -mmm, a little loud, maybe. - -I like loud, loud is my favourite colour, - she looked around, -don -(TM)t you like it? - Poppy pulled her into a hug, -just because we wouldn -(TM)t wear it doesn -(TM)t mean we don -(TM)t love it on you. Whenever you wear something you love you smile so brightly, it makes me love you even more. - -I do love this hoody, look at the cute silver panda, isn -(TM)t he amazing? - -He really is. - Belle unzipped her hoody and showed us her t-shirt, -and look underneath, PENGUINS! - Indeed, penguins, lots of them all over her t-shirt. -When did you buy that, it -(TM)s amazing, - Poppy asked. -Yesterday, when you were browsing for blouses, it was only £1 but I made the lady take £5 because I loved it so much. - -You must be the only people that haggle to pay more, - I told her. -Yeah, but I -(TM)ve got loads of money, paying £1 for something this much fun is an insult. - -And that -(TM)s just one more reason why I love you so much. - -And do you know why I love you? - Belle asked me. -I -(TM)ve no idea. - -Because you make me feel safe, when I hold your hand, everything is right in the world. - -She -(TM)s right you know, - Poppy chipped in, -I don -(TM)t hold your hand so much now because Belle -(TM)s younger, and she looks so damn cute walking with you, but just being around you gives us all a sense of peace, even Jeremy doesn -(TM)t make me feel as peaceful as you do. - -Err, I don -(TM)t know what to say to that. - -There -(TM)s nothing to say, you -(TM)re our hero, and if we could give you a medal we would. - I felt awkward just then, I -(TM)ve never taken praise well, and Poppy was so sincere I wasn -(TM)t sure how to react. -It -(TM)s OK, you don -(TM)t have to say anything, I kind of ambushed you just then. As long as you know that you -(TM)re a hero to all of us and we really have no idea how to thank you properly. - -There -(TM)s no need to thank me, ever. Just seeing you happy, and being such friends to each other, that -(TM)s all I need. - Jenny met us at the station, I wasn -(TM)t sure of the quickest route to take, but Poppy pretty much had the tube network memorised. -We need to get to Paddington then the Bakerloo line to Baker Street. What do you think Lia? - -I don -(TM)t know, we could take the surface train to Vauxhall, then Victoria line to Warren Street, but I think that -(TM)s a longer walk at the end. - -Mmm, I think they -(TM)re both pretty much the same, - Poppy replied, -I guess we -(TM)ll go with whichever train arrives first. - As it happened the surface train was waiting, so we hopped on that, Belle crossed her legs on the seat and pulled out the instructions for her camera. -How was school this week, - Jenny asked, -we -(TM)ve been so busy I -(TM)ve not been able to ask you. - -It was ok, - Poppy replied, -I -(TM)m getting the hang of science now, Misty is still helping me a lot in lessons, because there -(TM)s so much I missed. - -What about you Belle, no more problems? - -Jade was back yesterday, I had to see her in the Head -(TM)s office, - she replied quietly, -it was a bit awkward at first. I apologised to her and she apologised for trying to slap me. We had a talk together and the head assured Jade that I was definitely Poppy -(TM)s girlfriend and had no interest in boys. Jade said that -(TM)s what her friends had told her, and she apologised again. I don -(TM)t think we -(TM)ll be friends, but we -(TM)re not enemies. - -But no more trouble? - -Nope, I -(TM)ve been a model pupil since the incident. - -We spoke to Jade -(TM)s friends, - Katie added, -we kind of hinted that if they tried to take revenge, Poppy is far, far scarier than Belle. - -But she isn -(TM)t! - Jenny replied. -If anyone hurts Belle, I don -(TM)t know what I -(TM)d do, - Poppy replied, coldly. Jenny was visibly shocked by the power of Poppy -(TM)s words, -I see what you mean. Do you think Jade -(TM)s friends understood this? - -One of them nearly fainted, - Katie answered, -I -(TM)m sure everyone will leave Belle alone. They were a little confused because they thought I was Poppy -(TM)s girlfriend, but Poppy explained I was now seeing a 6th former, which impressed them, not strictly true, because you -(TM)re not in college, Lia, but I -(TM)m now seen as very mature and sophisticated with my almost adult girlfriend. - Lia giggled at this, -I -(TM)m 18, I -(TM)m legally an adult. - -Oh yes, if it comes up again I shall make sure they know you -(TM)re an adult. - We changed trains at Vauxhall, Belle resumed reading her manual for the five stops to Warren Street. -This camera is great, it can shoot video, I didn -(TM)t expect that. I can make films of the animals. - -That will be fun, - Poppy replied, -we -(TM)ve got software on the iPads that can edit video. - -Can you make me an Instagram, so I can put some of today -(TM)s photos and stuff up, I -(TM)d like to be able to show Molly and Autumn in my form. - -Have you made friends? - Jenny asked. -Yes! - Belle replied indignantly, -I don -(TM)t just go around attacking people at school, I -(TM)ve made friends my own age, well, two friends, and Molly was assigned as my buddy, I -(TM)m in all her classes. Autumn is a friend who wasn -(TM)t forced on me though, she -(TM)s nice, and she -(TM)s not afraid I -(TM)ll steal her boyfriend, unlike some people. - -I know Autumn, - Katie broke in, -she -(TM)s lovely. She used to live near me, she dated Ashley for a little while, but it didn -(TM)t work, probably because he -(TM)s not really into girls. - -Invite her round some time, if you don -(TM)t think we -(TM)ll scare her off. - -I can -(TM)t imagine you -(TM)ll scare her, it would be nice to have a friend round though. She knows I -(TM)m gay, and she knows Poppy is my girlfriend, and she saw me on TV, so she knows my past. I can -(TM)t see what would weird her out about our family. - -Excellent, - Jenny replied, -so invite her round, and perhaps you could invite this Misty girl who -(TM)s been helping you, Poppy. - -Yes! - Katie said, -that would be great, she -(TM)s seen dad, and she knows everything about us now, well, almost everything, so yeah, it would be great to have Autumn and Misty round. - At the zoo Lia managed to persuade them she was under 18 so we got in as a family group, I was about to pay when Belle stepped up. She absolutely insisted on paying, -it was my idea to come here, and I -(TM)ve not been able to treat you all with my newfound wealth. - There was no way I could change her mind, so I let her hand over her debit card. Belle then made us pose just inside the entrance, she took a few photos at different settings, as we discussed the plans for the day. Lia wanted to see the snakes and spiders, Katie informed Lia that this is not something she particularly wanted to do, but she loved her more than she hated spiders, so she -(TM)d join her. -I love spiders, - Jenny told them, -why don -(TM)t we go to see them, and your dad can take Belle and Poppy to see the monkeys and penguins. - -Yayyy, - Belle cried, -I like this plan. - I checked the map on the wall, -why don -(TM)t we meet up near the tigers, if the rain holds off, we can eat lunch at the picnic area over there, 2 o -(TM)clock long enough to see what we want to see first? - Everyone agreed, so Belle took hold of mine and Poppy -(TM)s hands and we set off towards the monkeys. Poppy had the zoo -(TM)s app on her phone, -if we spend 20 minutes with the monkeys then walk quickly, we can see the penguins being fed. - -What if I make friends with a monkey, I might not want to leave? - Poppy laughed, -that -(TM)s very possible, they -(TM)ll see you as a kindred spirit. - -Are you calling me a monkey? - -That -(TM)s exactly what I -(TM)m saying, and it -(TM)s why I love you so much. Anyway, if you do make friends, we -(TM)ll just have to miss the penguin feeding, we can always come back another time. - Belle was happy with this answer and skipped ahead, so Poppy took my hand, -thank you, - she whispered. -What for? - -For being who you are, a few weeks ago I never even dreamed of being happy ever again, and now here we are, a family, at the zoo, with our own little monkey trying to take our photo whilst walking backwards. - -Ahh, is she going to fall over? - -Almost certainly, - she laughed, -stop walking Belle, you -(TM)re going to trip on that kerb! - Too late, we ran forward to catch her just as she started toppling backwards, also too late. -Oh my god, are you OK Belle? - She was fine, she lay there laughing, -I -(TM)m glad we did a ponytail this morning, I just bounced. - I helped her up and Poppy dusted her down, -can we face the way we -(TM)re walking for the rest of the day? - -Yes mum! - she pouted, -I wanted to get a photo of you holding dad -(TM)s hand, - she turned the camera around so we could see the screen, -you look so lovely together. - Poppy, swiped to her photo app and scrolled though her photos, -I think you win on the loveliness stakes, - she said, showing Belle a photo from one of our walks in the park, -I think I -(TM)ll make this my wallpaper. - -I still like my photo of you better, - Belle mumbled as we walked on towards the monkeys. -I like it, - Poppy reassured her, -it -(TM)s a great photo, you have a really good eye. Oh look, monkeys! - Belle let go of me and rushed towards the enclosure, -Hello! - she cried as one of the Tamarins smiled at her. Poppy took a few photos, -see, she -(TM)s like a sister to them, - she laughed as she slipped the phone into her pocket. We stood back smiling at the scene, Belle was in her element, talking to the monkeys, talking to the children around her, she was as full of joy as I -(TM)d ever seen her. -She was like this back on the streets, always finding happiness in any situation. I think she was sent to save me you know. She thinks I saved her, but it was the other way round. My life was fucked up beyond all redemption, then I found her, and I got better for a while. I fucked up again, obviously, but she -(TM)d given me the strength to survive anything Kenzie threw at me. - I put my arm around Poppy and passed her a tissue, -we -(TM)ve all saved each other, honey. - -We have. I was totally honest before, when I was talking to mum. I don -(TM)t know what I -(TM)d do if anyone hurt Belle. Since we got her back, I -(TM)ve realised just how important she is to me. - -What are you two doing? - Belle called to us, -come and talk to the monkeys. - Poppy wiped her eyes and tossed the tissue in a bin, -let -(TM)s go talk to the monkeys. - -Are you OK? - Belle asked as she saw Poppy -(TM)s red eyes. -I -(TM)m absolutely fine, these are tears of happiness, from watching you. I was just thinking about how you were always finding the beauty in even the shittiest of situations. - -Yeah, that -(TM)s my job, but right now we -(TM)re out of that and there -(TM)s some monkeys you need to see, this is Donald, and this is Freddy, and here -(TM)s Carmen, isn -(TM)t she great? Oh, down there, that -(TM)s Carmen -(TM)s little boy Archie. - -How do you know their names? - I asked, wondering if they were written down somewhere. -He just looks like an Archie... - is all Belle said as she dragged Poppy around the enclosure to see the Spider Monkeys. I pulled my phone from my pocket and took some photos for Jenny and Helen; Belle was totally at peace here, of all the things we -(TM)d done these last few weeks, this was the best. We -(TM)d definitely be buying a membership on the way out. As she suspected, Belle had far too much fun with monkeys to make it to the penguins in time for the feeding, but that wasn -(TM)t a problem, she still got to see happy penguins waddling around, some even coming right up to her and pecking around her feet. -Oh man, this is so much fun. I don -(TM)t know whether I love penguins or monkeys more? - -Can -(TM)t you love them both the same amount? - -You mean like how I love you and dad the same amount? - -Yes, exactly that! - -But ... do I love you more than I love monkeys... - she added before running away to the meerkats. -She is a fucking monkey, - Poppy laughed as we walked over to find Belle watching some young meerkats fighting over a pile of mealworms. -This is the best day ever dad! - she cried as she took more photos, -I went to a little zoo with mum and dad once, but I don -(TM)t remember it being this much fun. - We watched her take a few more photos then she stepped back and joined us, sitting down hard on a bench. -It wasn -(TM)t a fun day because mum and dad were having a row, why have I only just remembered this? - -Because your brain sometimes tries to forget things you don -(TM)t want to remember, - I told her. Belle made fists and pushed them into her cheeks as she thought. -I think dad was upset about something he -(TM)d found out, arghh what is it? Why can -(TM)t I remember it all? - I opened the backpack and dug around until I found a Mars bar, passing it over to Belle. -Ahh, thanks dad, this will make me forget everything. - -That -(TM)s the plan, - I told her. Belle ripped open the chocolate bar and took a bite, then her eyes went wide, -fuck me! She was sleeping with Tom! Oh, man, she was so slutty... - she gasped, scandalised by the memory. Poppy wrapped her arm around her sister, -who -(TM)s Tom? - she asked. -My English teacher, - Belle replied, -she was sleeping with my fucking English teacher, now how on earth did that memory come back? - She took another bite of the Mars bar, eyes closed as she thought some more, -oh wow, I can see it now, we were looking at the meerkats then, dad made a catty remark because ... the meerkats were getting it on, - she was laughing now, -some of the parents were pulling their kids away, I was having a great time watching, and dad says to mum that she was having as much sex as the meerkats, and she was like, what do you mean by that, and he tells her about seeing Tom running out of the back door the week before, so she tells him that Tom can give her what dad can -(TM)t, and so could Harry, Dave and ... Debbie! - Belle almost cheered, -mum was having sex with Debbie my PE teacher! - Poppy slipped a hand over Belle -(TM)s mouth, -shush, we don -(TM)t need everyone to hear this. - -I know, but I -(TM)ve finally worked it out, mum was bi, she was having sex with other ladies. I -(TM)m so happy about this, it -(TM)s why she was totally OK with me liking girls, she was doing it with Debbie, who was seriously hot, I fancied her so much, and mum was sleeping with her. - -Firstly, - Poppy started, -this is great, I think, is it great? - -It really is, I loved mum, she was so cool, and pretty, you -(TM)ve seen her photos, she looks so much like Jenny. I -(TM)m still confused about why I don -(TM)t have her boobs, but, whatever... - -But your dad, do you know why he wasn -(TM)t sleeping with your mum? - -Well, I saw his willy once, and, well, it was disappointing. - -Ahh, so you think your mum liked her men to be a bit bigger? - -Exactly, and she liked her ladies with little boobies, based on Debbie, who was a bit like me in the breast department. - -So, apart from the news that your mum was, widely available, shall we say, are we OK? - -I think I already knew that, Gramps pretty much hinted at it when we were talking at his home. I -(TM)m a little disappointed she was a bit snappy with dad like that, mmm, I wonder if that -(TM)s what happened, or I -(TM)m just adding bits to the memory. I don -(TM)t like that bit, can we go somewhere to take my mind off it? - Poppy opened the app and looked at the map, she pointed at Belle -(TM)s hoodie, -we could go see the pandas. - -Oh wow, this day just gets better and better... - -The pandas were cute, - Belle told us as we walked towards the tiger enclosure, -but they were a bit boring, just sitting there eating bamboo like that. Why didn -(TM)t they come to talk to us? - -I guess they -(TM)re just not as sociable as the monkeys, - Poppy replied. -Like Maisie! I so want to be her friend, but she just stays at the back of the class and doesn -(TM)t talk to anyone. - -Do I know her? - -She -(TM)s the redheaded girl with the freckles and nose-stud. - -Oh yes, I -(TM)ve seen her. Why do you want to be her friend? - -Because I don -(TM)t think she -(TM)s got any friends. - Poppy nodded quietly at that and we walked in silence until we reached the picnic area by the tigers. Belle took my backpack and started to lay out the food and drinks while we waited for Jenny, Katie and Lia. -I know what we can do in daddy and daughter time tomorrow, - Poppy announced when the table was set. Belle perked up, -what are we doing? - -We -(TM)re going to bake a cake for Maisie, and you -(TM)re going to give it to her on Monday. If she -(TM)s not your friend after that then she -(TM)s beyond help. - Belle thought about this, -mmm, I like that idea, but I have a better plan, something I -(TM)ve been thinking about, I -(TM)d like to make some chocolates. Just think how much fun that will be... - -Oh my god, really? I didn -(TM)t think you could even make your own chocolates. - -I saw a video on You Tube, it looks fiddly but not too complicated, and it will involve a visit to Wholefoods I think. - Poppy looked at me, -do you fancy helping us make chocolates tomorrow? - -Do I get to eat the misshapes? - -You get to eat some of the misshapes. - -Then count me in. - -Yayyy, I -(TM)m going to spend the evening writing a shopping list. - -What are you shopping for? - Katie asked as she slid onto the bench next to Belle. -Tomorrow -(TM)s daddy and daughter activity day, - Belle replied. -Which is? - Lia asked as she sat opposite Katie. -We -(TM)re going to make chocolates. - -What, real chocolates, like a box of chocolates? - -Exactly, different flavoured fillings and stuff. I -(TM)m going to make then to give to Maisie in my form, because she -(TM)s got no friends. I want her to talk to me, then she can be in my gang with Autumn and Molly. - -I find it odd that someone would choose not to talk to you, - Lia said as Belle started to hand out sandwiches and crisps, -you -(TM)re the most approachable person in the world. - -Ahh, we just worked out that was my mum, - Belle replied. -What? - Lia asked, confused. -Never mind, that -(TM)s a different story, - Poppy laughed. -Mum was sleeping with half my teachers, I just had a memory triggered when I was watching the meerkats. - -Like you do, - Jenny said as she picked up a pork pie. -Yeah, I had a funny feeling when I was watching the meerkats playing, I was telling Poppy how this was the best day ever, so much better than the last time I was at a zoo. Then I remembered that -(TM)s because mum and dad were having a row... - Belle dropped her sandwich, she turned white suddenly, Poppy dashed around the table. -What -(TM)s the matter Belle? Are you OK? - -I just remembered how that day ended. - -I assume it didn -(TM)t end well. - -Not really, it -(TM)s the night they died, - Belle replied almost inaudibly. -Oh my god! Do you think? - -Seems likely, - Belle replied, her voice flat, devoid of emotion. -Oh fuck, you kind of hinted he might have done it on purpose, - Poppy said as she wrapped her arms around Belle. -I -(TM)ve brought the day down, and there -(TM)s all this nice food, - Belle said, absently, -I was having a lot of fun with that memory until the end. - -What was the fun part? - Katie asked, in an effort to cheer Belle up a little. She was rewarded with a slight smile, -the nice bit is I remembered my mum was sleeping with Debbie Thompson, my PE teacher. - -How do you know this? - Jenny asked. Belle sighed, -it -(TM)s OK - Poppy told her, -you don -(TM)t have to tell it all again. - -I do, maybe it will be better this time. We were at this small zoo near home, it was a nice sunny day, we were watching the meerkats playing, it was all innocent rolling around, then one of the boy meerkats starts having sex with one of the girls, and my dad snipes that mum is getting as much sex as the meerkats, and she snaps back asking how he possibly knows, seeing as he never sleeps with her, then he tells her how he saw Tom, my English teacher, sneaking out of the house, so she lists all the people she -(TM)s sleeping with... - -Ahh, - Jenny replied, soothingly, -and you think this triggered him to deliberately crash the car? - -He must have, she -(TM)d cuckolded him in public... - -Maybe they were rowing in the car, and he was distracted... - Belle was silent, I could see her thinking this through. Finally, she smiled slightly, -do you think that -(TM)s what happened? - -It -(TM)s a possibility. - Belle grasped at this, -it must be what happened, dad wasn -(TM)t a bad man, he wouldn -(TM)t kill mum like that, how could he. It was bad of me to think that way. - She looked up at us for the first time in a few minutes, her eyes were glistening with tears, Katie passed Poppy a napkin and she used it to dry Belle -(TM)s eyes, -my dad is not a murderer, he was a good man, he taught me to read, and how to ride a bike, he held my hand at the shops and pushed me on the swings in the park, he was a good man and that -(TM)s the end of it. - Poppy kissed Belle -(TM)s forehead, -we won -(TM)t mention it again. - -I -(TM)m not hungry now, - she replied sadly, -can you take me to see the spiders Poppy while everyone finishes the food. - -Of course, and I -(TM)ll buy you a Cornetto when we -(TM)re done. - -Do we know anything about the accident? - I asked Jenny. -I -(TM)ve read the file, it looked pretty cut and dry, bad weather, poor visibility, the vehicle in front braked hard, Belle -(TM)s dad braked hard, but not hard enough. It -(TM)s pretty clear it was a genuine accident. - -Especially if they were having a row, - Lia added. -Yes, especially that. - Katie put her hand up, -Hey! Didn -(TM)t Belle tell us they were going to Lana -(TM)s parents to tell them she was pregnant again? - -Oh my god! - Lia cried, -and if it wasn -(TM)t her dad -(TM)s, maybe... - Jenny banged the table, -and whilst that seems likely, we will never speak of it again. - We looked at each other, -ahh, yes, - Lia replied, -Not. A. Word. - I packed the food away and Katie messaged Poppy to tell her we were going to the aquarium. -I think Belle -(TM)s OK, - Katie announced as we set off, -she -(TM)s just texted me -~oh my god! Are there SHARKS? -(TM) - Unfortunately, there weren -(TM)t any sharks, but Belle had a great time talking to a clown fish that I -(TM)m sure had heard the comments about Finding Nemo more than a few times before. We spent another couple of hours at the zoo, we saw zebras, giraffes, eagles, emus, huge tortoises, hippos and llamas. -I touched a tarantula! - Belle gasped as we walked back to the Tube, -oh man, this has been the best day ever, despite my little wobble. I -(TM)ve got loads of photos and some little videos, - she held her camera out to Poppy, -look, a video of penguins dancing! - -Oh wow, that -(TM)s so cute! - Poppy cried and Lia and Katie leant over her shoulder to watch it. -We -(TM)ll make you an Instagram tonight, - Katie told her, -you can show Maisie your photos on Monday. - -I was thinking before, while we were looking at the otters, and weren -(TM)t they the cutest things ever? - -Oh my god! I loved them, - Lia cried, -they were such fun, I could watch them swimming on their backs playing with that little football forever. - -So yeah, I was thinking about Maisie, - Belle continued as she grabbed Poppy -(TM)s hand, -and I don -(TM)t want you to misunderstand, I don -(TM)t fancy her or anything. It -(TM)s just, I feel sorry for her, nobody talks to her, loads of the girls laugh about her at break time, they -(TM)re so cruel. I want her to know that she has at least one friend. - -It -(TM)s OK if you do fancy her, - Poppy reassured her, -you had to put up with me sleeping with random strangers all the time when we were on the streets. - -Those were different days Poppy. I loved you so much, it broke my heart every time you went out, but you weren -(TM)t yourself then. Now we -(TM)re together properly, and there -(TM)s no way I would even dream of going out with other girls. - Poppy wiped her coat sleeve across her eyes, -I don -(TM)t deserve someone as lovely as you Belle. But I -(TM)m glad you like me, and I -(TM)m so sorry I took all that time to work up the courage to go and find you. - -My feelings for you are a bit stronger than -~like -(TM), you know. - -And so are mine for you. - We watched as Poppy and Belle walked in front, lost in their own world for a while. Jenny turned to me, -Poppy has just offered Belle a hall pass, and she -(TM)s rejected it, that -(TM)s true love right there. What do we know about Maisie, Katie? - Katie shrugged, -I don -(TM)t know her at all. They -(TM)re two years below me, I only know Autumn because she dated Ashley. Hang on a sec, she said redhead with freckles? - -Yep, and a nose stud, - Lia added. -I do know who she is, - Katie sighed, -her dad is a vicar, but she hates everything about the church and religion, which is why she -(TM)s at our school instead of the church school near where she lives. She hates everything, or at least she pretends she does. It -(TM)ll be interesting seeing how she reacts to kindness. I don -(TM)t think anyone has tried to talk to her before, because everyone just assumes she -(TM)ll be nasty to them. - Jenny smiled, -this will be interesting. I know Belle has professed to not fancying her, but is she pretty? - -It -(TM)s hard to tell, - Katie replied, -because she -(TM)s always scowling. - -Well, when you -(TM)re sorting out her Instagram tonight, let Belle know that she -(TM)s welcome to bring any friends she likes home, even the ones who hate everything and everyone, we -(TM)ll win them over with kindness. - Helen phoned before we reached the station. -Hey Alex, I -(TM)ve just called at the house and you -(TM)re all out. - -Yes, Belle fancied a trip to the zoo, we -(TM)re just walking back to the tube. - -I -(TM)m feeling generous, do you all fancy a Nepalese meal, my treat? - -It -(TM)s been a cheap day, Belle insisted on paying for the zoo, Poppy bought us ice creams, so yeah, I -(TM)m happy for you to buy us a meal out, - I laughed. -Cool, it -(TM)s about an hour back from Regents Park isn -(TM)t it? - -Sounds about right. - -Great, I -(TM)ll book for 6:30. - -See you then. - -Tell Lia I know what JoJo -(TM)s tattoo says. - -Tell her yourself, - I said as I put my phone on speaker. -When did you see it? - Lia asked, delighted by this news. -When she was changing for the shoot this afternoon. - -What does it say? - -Ask her yourself later, she -(TM)s coming for dinner. - -Ahh, that -(TM)s amazing, it -(TM)ll be fun to introduce her to the family, oh man, Belle is going to love her. - -Hahaha, she absolutely will. See you later honey. - Lia passed my phone back, -JoJo -(TM)s coming for dinner, should we warn Poppy, Belle may not be able to control herself. - -Why -(TM)s that? - Jenny asked. -JoJo is absolutely stunning, - Lia told her, -and we know how Belle reacts to pretty girls. I -(TM)m not saying she -(TM)ll ask her out, but she -(TM)ll be a little distracted. - Jenny laughed, -ahh, this must be what it -(TM)s like raising a teenage boy. - Belle was looking at the tube map in the station as we approached, -what -(TM)s so funny, - she asked. -Err, well, Helen -(TM)s invited us out for dinner, and she -(TM)s bringing JoJo, - Lia started to explain. -And we were thinking we -(TM)d better warn Poppy, because you -(TM)ll be a bit distracted tonight, - I added. -Because she -(TM)s very, very pretty, - Jenny continued, still giggling. -And you behave like a teenage boy around pretty girls, - Lia finished. -I do not! - Belle replied, indignantly. -Actually, you do, - Poppy told her, -and that -(TM)s one of the many reasons why I love you so much. - -Do I? - -Yep, you love flirting, and you do stare. - -Oh, err, I -(TM)ll try to behave, but if she -(TM)s really pretty, I -(TM)ll just have to look at her. - -Which is exactly what we -(TM)ve been saying, - Lia replied, -but I imagine she -(TM)s used to it, because I definitely did stare at her the other day. - -Anyway, - Belle sighed, -if I could drag your minds from the gutter for a moment, did you finish all the food? - -Ahh, no, we -(TM)ve still got some left, - Katie replied, -I hope you -(TM)re not upset. - -Not at all, it -(TM)s my fault for spoiling the mood. No, I ask because if we cut across to Tottenham Court Rd we could nip into Soho and leave the food with someone. - -Is there anyone we know along Wardour Street? - Lia asked. -Pearl was there last time I went there with dad, - Poppy replied, -and Evie, oh my god, poor Evie, I wonder how she -(TM)s doing? - -I -(TM)m sure she -(TM)s doing OK, - Katie soothed her, -Jeremy was taking care of her. - Poppy checked the time and train schedule before she pulled out her phone, -I -(TM)ll give him a quick call, it -(TM)s 5 minutes to the next train. - He answered as she stepped back onto the street, -hey, it -(TM)s Poppy, I hope it -(TM)s ok to phone now ... I was just thinking about Evie, how is she? - She listened for a couple of minutes, -that -(TM)s such a relief, thank you so much Jeremy, you -(TM)re an angel. - She skipped back into the station and slipped her hand into Belle -(TM)s, -she -(TM)s out of danger, she -(TM)s still on methadone, she -(TM)s not strong enough to stop taking it, but she -(TM)s getting better. She -(TM)s been transferred to a clinic up north, away from anyone she knows. He -(TM)ll let me know where she is when she -(TM)s clean. - Belle took the bag from me as we left the train at Tottenham Court Road, she opened it and had a rummage around. -We didn -(TM)t eat much at all, did we. Ahh, at least it -(TM)s not going to waste. - Poppy took Belle -(TM)s hand as they walked ahead, glancing in every nook and cranny of the station as we headed for the street, Belle occasionally dipping into the bag and passing something to someone huddled on the floor, usually having a quick word with the person, sometimes stopping for a longer chat. -Dad, there -(TM)s a little supermarket just outside, could you grab some bottles of water, or those juice cartons, or maybe both. - As I dashed off Belle shouted out, -and chocolate bars! - They were still crouched down by the same person they -(TM)d been talking to when I returned, Lia took the bag from me. -We may need to phone for help, - Jenny whispered as Lia took the drinks and chocolate to her sisters. -Who is it? - Jenny looked at Katie, -I didn -(TM)t catch a name, did you? - -Jewel, I think. - -Ahh, we met her before, off Wardour Street, I think she -(TM)s on crack or something, Poppy spent a long time talking to her then, she seemed very vague. Should I call for an ambulance? - Jenny shook her head, -Belle said to hold off, she doesn -(TM)t want to go to hospital, they burnt all her clothes and possessions last time and discharged her in hospital scrubs. - -Oh my, that -(TM)s awful. - -Poppy says we -(TM)ll see how she is after she -(TM)s had some food and juice, if she -(TM)s well enough to walk we -(TM)ll leave her be, if not we -(TM)ll phone Jeremy to see if he can find a bed for a couple of nights. - -Well, he worked miracles for Evie. I -(TM)ll call Helen and tell her we -(TM)ve been delayed, she -(TM)ll understand. - As I was on the phone to Helen three men ran into the station and crowded around the group on the floor, Jenny instinctively tensed and reached for her phone, but Poppy recognised them and took one of them aside. Jenny relaxed, and I let out the breath I -(TM)d unconsciously held. After a quick discussion they rejoined the group and two of the men picked Jewel up, they waited to see if she could stand, she almost collapsed so one of the three picked her up and held her like a baby, the other two picked up her bedding and bags and the ran from the station. Belle thrust my backpack into my arms as Poppy pulled her into a hug. Lia slid around her sisters and grabbed Katie -(TM)s hand, -they -(TM)ve got her a bed, but it doesn -(TM)t look good, she didn -(TM)t even have the strength to eat an egg sandwich. She insisted she could stand; you saw how well that went. - -I didn -(TM)t realise you -(TM)d phoned Jeremy, - Jenny said as Poppy released Belle and they wiped their eyes. -I had to, I could barely feel her pulse, she was so weak. Belle gave ger some juice, but she had to squirt it in her mouth, she couldn -(TM)t even suck on the straw. - -Where are they taking her? - I asked. -I don -(TM)t know, I guess the same place they took Evie, it -(TM)s quite close. - -Let -(TM)s go round there now and give them some money for her care. - -That -(TM)s our job, dad, she -(TM)s our friend, - Belle insisted. -Fine, but let -(TM)s get down there, the clock -(TM)s ticking. - Belle took my backpack and looked inside, -Lia, there -(TM)s still sandwiches, a few pies and now a lot of chocolate and juice, can you have a wander around Soho Square with Katie? - -Of course, we -(TM)ll meet you at the shelter, - Lia replied, as she took the backpack off Belle and dashed off with Katie in tow. Belle held mine and Poppy -(TM)s hands as we set off towards the shelter, -I always liked Jewel, she was a proper mess, but she was always fun, wasn -(TM)t she Poppy. - -She was, but her problem was she never knew when to stop. I know I got completely fucked up, but I never touched meth, even at my worst, I knew that shit was trouble. She used to turn like, 10 tricks a day to keep her dealer happy. - -10! Seriously, 10 guys in one day, how is that even possible, she must have been a bit messy for the last few guys. - -When they -(TM)re paying the pittance she was earning, I don -(TM)t think you can expect too much from your hookers. - -How many men did you sleep with? - Belle asked. -You mean ever? - -Oh no, like in one night, not that night, you know, a normal night. - -Oh, never more than a couple, well, when I was clean. When I needed money for drugs it would be more, but never 10 ... at least, I don -(TM)t think so ... could we change the subject please? - -Will they be able to mend Jewel? - -Do you want me to answer that honestly? - -Yes, be honest, please. - -Then I don -(TM)t think so, she -(TM)s worn out like Nikki was at the end, I don -(TM)t think there -(TM)s any fight left in her. - -Do you know if she has any friends left? - -Just me and you Belle. There was just us, Max and Evie, and Pearl, but I -(TM)ve not spoken Pearl for a while. - -How much is a funeral, dad? - -They can be very expensive unless you keep it simple. - -Something like Nikki -(TM)s, I -(TM)d like to pay, because I liked her and she -(TM)s got no friends left. - -Ok, let -(TM)s not put the cart before the horse, she might recover. - -It seems unlikely, but just in case, I want to pay, whenever it happens. - -Me too, I -(TM)ll pay half, - Poppy added. -Ok, you can tell them that inside, - I said as we reached the shelter on Greek St, I pushed the doorbell and we waited. The door was opened about a minute later, -err, hi Nathaniel, it -(TM)s me again, - Poppy said. -Hey Poppy, I -(TM)m sorry, we -(TM)ve just had someone brought in who needs a lot of care. - -That would be our friend Jewel, we -(TM)ve come to give you some money for her care. - -Ahh, thanks. That last donation really helped Evie. - -I don -(TM)t have any cash in me, - I told Nathaniel as we walked through to the office, -do you take cards? - -Not here we don -(TM)t, but I could give you the details to do a bank transfer. - -Great, I can do that on my phone. - -Not that I -(TM)m pessimistic or anything, - Belle stated, -but we think we -(TM)re Jewel -(TM)s only friends, so I -(TM)d like to pay for her funeral. - -We -(TM)ll use the people who did my mum -(TM)s, it was nice, well, as nice as a funeral can be. - Nathanial sat behind his desk and pulled out an exercise book, -ok, I -(TM)ll be honest, it really doesn -(TM)t look good. I -(TM)ve seen a few people arrive looking like Jewel, and the only one who -(TM)s survived the night is Evie. - -What about Poppy, hasn -(TM)t she been here? - Belle asked. -A few times, but she never looked as ill as Jewel, even at your worst, you looked, mmm, I can -(TM)t say good... - -It -(TM)s ok, we get what you mean, - Poppy replied, trying not to smile. -So, we -(TM)ll make her comfortable, and we -(TM)ll pray for her, without a life support machine, there -(TM)s not a lot else we can do. - -By keeping her comfortable, what do you mean? - Jenny asked. -We -(TM)ll find out what she was taking and get her some. All the staff here have been addicts at one time or another, we know safe doses, and if necessary, extremely unsafe doses. - -Ahh, I didn -(TM)t hear that. - -She -(TM)s police, - Belle whispered. -It -(TM)s ok, I know, - Nathaniel whispered back. -Will you need to, err, do the unsafe thing? - Poppy asked. -If she -(TM)s suffering badly and it looks like she -(TM)s shutting down, then yeah, we -(TM)ll help her out, sometimes keeping someone alive isn -(TM)t the kindest option. - -Also not hearing this, - Jenny said, -just so you know, and completely off the record, I totally agree. - Nathaniel opened his exercise book and read out the charity -(TM)s bank details, I tapped them into my bank app and transferred them some money. -Will you let me know how she is, - Belle asked. -Of course, Jeremy is on his way, I -(TM)m sure he -(TM)ll keep you all abreast of the situation. - -Where you get your, err, supplies, is it safe? - Jenny asked. -You -(TM)ve met Jeremy, right? - -Yes, of course. - -Do you think anyone would risk messing with him, or his people? - -Ahh, no, I guess not. - -All the ... supplies ... we source for the people we -(TM)re treating are as good as any you -(TM)ll get on the streets. The methadone we use comes from a drug treatment clinic, unfortunately, as we don -(TM)t have any kind of medical licence, we have to buy everything else on the streets. - -Do you have enough money to buy what she needs? - Jenny asked. Nathanial checked a message on his phone, -we do now, thanks Alex. - -We -(TM)ll get out of your hair now, but if you need anything else... - -Jeremy will let you know. - -If she wakes up, please tell Jewel we love her, it -(TM)s important she doesn -(TM)t die alone, - Belle told him as she wiped her eyes. -Nobody dies alone here, Belle, but I -(TM)ll make sure she knows she -(TM)s loved. - -Thank you... - Lia and Katie were sitting on a bench in the gardens as we emerged, they came running up and hugged their sisters. -How is she? - Lia asked. -It doesn -(TM)t look good, Jeremy -(TM)s on his way, they -(TM)ll find out what she was taking and give her one final dose I reckon. - -What then? - -Then Jeremy finds her dealer and... - -Ahh, let -(TM)s not go there, - Jenny broke in. -Is it wrong that I -(TM)m hungry? - Belle asked. Poppy looked down and patted Belle -(TM)s tummy, -oh, it -(TM)s hollow because you had nothing at lunchtime. - -I had a cornetto. - -So you did, - Poppy replied, hugging her sister tightly, -someone mentioned a restaurant booking earlier. - -Oh shit yes, - I said, -we -(TM)d better get to the station before Helen eats all the food. - As we dashed back to the station, I called her to say we were on our way, luckily, as Nita is a regular, they -(TM)d set us a table aside for the whole night. We -(TM)d been given a big table at the back, Belle ran up to hug Helen then stopped short, -oh shit, you weren -(TM)t kidding were you, Lia. - -What -(TM)s that Belle, - Helen laughed. -JoJo, she -(TM)s gorgeous. - -She is, and she -(TM)s got some good news for you all, why don -(TM)t you introduce yourself then we can get some food ordered, I -(TM)m starving. - After she -(TM)d given Helen a very quick hug Belle dashed to the table, -hi... - she whispered, shyly. -Hey Belle, I -(TM)m JoJo. - -How do you know my name? - -Helen described you all, she said you -(TM)re a bundle of cuteness, and I think she -(TM)s right. - -Lia was right about you, and I apologise now for any drooling that happens this evening. - -That -(TM)s ok, so you -(TM)re Poppy -(TM)s girlfriend, is that right? - -Yes, she saved my life, she -(TM)s a superhero, and probably a goddess. - -I see, so she -(TM)s the girl with the auburn hair and the blue coat. - -Yes, that -(TM)s Poppy! - -Helen was also right about Poppy, she -(TM)s stunning, you all are, I can barely cope. - -Hi JoJo, - Poppy said as she sat beside Belle, -Lia has told us so much about you. How was your day with Helen? She said you were modelling tampons or something. - -Hahaha! Oh my god, how would I do that? Oh shit, that -(TM)s made my day. No, it was some t-shirts and beachwear for next year, oh man, I hope I don -(TM)t have to model tampons. Anyway, it was a great day, I -(TM)m so glad Lia suggested I contact Helen for modelling help, she -(TM)s so lovely. I had a major crush on her when I was at school. - -We can -(TM)t really blame you, she is kind of hot, - Katie agreed as she joined us, followed by Lia. -Hey Lia, how -(TM)s it going? - -It -(TM)s going great JoJo, really great. For the first time in forever, I -(TM)ve had a stable week, with nothing to fear and everything to look forward to. And we met a princess yesterday! - -You -(TM)re shitting me, an actual princess? - -Well, technically she -(TM)s not a princess, as she kept telling us, but she -(TM)s royal, and she liked us, and she -(TM)s going to help Poppy and Belle -(TM)s charity. - -And she kissed you, look - Helen added as she dropped a tabloid newspaper on the table. -Oh my god! - Lia squealed as she saw her photo on the gossip pages. -What does it say? - Katie cried as Lia lifted the paper for a better look. -Lady Marina stunned onlookers last night as she smooched with a mystery brunette after they -(TM)d spent an evening together in her luxury Mayfair apartment. - -Hahaha, does it actually say smooched? - Katie laughed. -Yeah, look! - Lia replied, pointing at the page. -That was more than a smooch, - Belle told her, -smooches do not involve that much tongue and you nearly sticking your fingers up her bum. - -I did not! - Lia cried. -Look where your hand is, - Katie laughed. -You -(TM)re supposed to defend my honour! - -I will, as long as there -(TM)s not photographic evidence. - -I guess, - Lia conceded, -it was an amazing kiss, and she is a princess, so I wasn -(TM)t going to let the moment pass. - -So, here we are, I -(TM)m just back from my first proper modelling shoot, - JoJo laughed, -and you get yourself in the papers before me. - -It -(TM)s not like I planned it, - Lia replied. -It -(TM)s OK sweetie, I -(TM)m not jealous, well, maybe a bit jealous of the princess. - Helen, Nita and Jenny joined us at the table, and after a quick discussion we decided that Nita would be in charge of ordering the food. -Just so long as we get some of those dumplings I had last time, they were amazing. - As Nita chatted with a couple of waiters, Lia leaned forwards, -Helen said she -(TM)s seen your tattoo. - -Did she now, - JoJo replied, -and what did she tell you? - -Just that she saw it when you were changing between shoots. - -Did she tell you what it says? - -No, she said to ask you. - -OK, come with me honey and I -(TM)ll show you. - Lia looked to Katie, -it -(TM)s OK, you can go and look at JoJo -(TM)s tattoo. - -And bring your phone, - JoJo told her, -it -(TM)ll save me taking everyone to the toilet one by one. - -What -(TM)s all this about a tattoo? - Jenny asked. -JoJo has a tattoo on her bum and Lia -(TM)s fascinated to know what it says, - Katie replied. -Ahh, she was talking about tattoos yesterday morning, that -(TM)ll be why. - -JoJo said it was a sign of her misspent youth, but she -(TM)s still young, so it can -(TM)t have been long ago, - I said. -She -(TM)s 24, - Helen replied. -Really? - Jenny asked, -she doesn -(TM)t look it, I thought she was about 18. - -I know, she must have good genes, because she had a very rough few years in her teens. - Lia and JoJo returned and slid into their seats just as the starter arrived, a large selection of steamed dumplings with dips, much to Poppy -(TM)s delight. -Well, that wasn -(TM)t what I expected, - Lia said as she dipped a red dumpling into the fiery chilli and red bean dip, -holy shit, that -(TM)s hot, - she added after a bite of her pork monos. -What does it say? - Katie asked. Lia answered by opening her phone and showing everyone the photo, we were treated to a picture of JoJo -(TM)s pert, naked bottom, then Lia zoomed into the photo. Red text across one cheek said Stollen sole... -Mmm, what does that even mean? - Belle asked. -Remember what happened to me when I was little, - Lia replied. Belle turned to JoJo, a look of shocked concerned on her face, -you were raped? - -That -(TM)s a specific type of rape, - Lia told her. Poppy nearly dropped her dumpling into the dip, -not your dad though? - JoJo reached across and put a hand on Poppy -(TM)s, -oh no, it was a boyfriend, I wanted to have sex, but I didn -(TM)t want to get pregnant. It seemed like a good idea, then just before we got down to it, I decided that maybe I didn -(TM)t want to have sex, that I wasn -(TM)t ready. But he was all hot and horny and I felt at the time that it was my fault he -(TM)d got all horny, so I reluctantly let him do me. - -How old were you? - -I was thirteen, and yes, it hurt like hell. - -How old was your boyfriend? - -Twenty-five... - Poppy did drop her dumpling this time, -fuck, I hope you got the bastard arrested. - -If I -(TM)d ever seen him again I probably would. - -What do you mean? - Jenny asked. -I must have passed out at some point, either from the cider, or the pain. I woke up in an empty hotel room with a ruined arse and a new tattoo. - -He ran out on you? How long had you known him? - Katie asked. -About a year. - -Since you were twelve? Who was he? - -He was the DJ at the youth club on the estate, he was good looking, he played good music, and he had good drugs. I was helpless. - -Oh god, this is sounding so much like my life. - -Except I had parents who loved me, I was such an ungrateful cunt for so long, right up until the time I stole a car and nearly killed myself. - -Oh my god! - Belle cried, -what happened to you after that? - -I was arrested, thrown in a cell, well not thrown, but you know what I mean. I threw up all over myself at some point in the night. They dragged me into the showers to sober me up and clean me, I was given some old clothes for my court appearance on the Monday, I got a driving ban and a fine, which my dad refused to pay. - -How old were you? - -I -(TM)d just turned fifteen, I ended up working on the market at weekends until I -(TM)d cleared the fine. I started to see a therapist, she helped me work through my issues. - We polished off the dumplings while we talked, well, Poppy and Belle polished off the dumplings, I think the rest of us managed one each. -I did OK in my GCSEs, - JoJo continued as the waiters cleared the table, -which is amazing, as I spent most of year 10 sat outside the Head -(TM)s office for being a total bitch. I knuckled down after Christmas in year 11 as my therapy started to work. They even let me go into the sixth form, I did Business, Art and Psychology, and passed them all with good grades. I got a place at both Warwick and Durham university, but I didn -(TM)t feel strong enough mentally to leave home. - The main courses arrived, a selection of vegan and meat dishes, I helped myself to a mutton curry and some bread. JoJo chose some of the same curry, she tasted it tentatively before washing it down with beer, -mmm, this is excellent. - Helen had a bowl of spicy broth, she had a couple of mouthfuls before she pointed her spoon at JoJo, -so, we have some news. - JoJo wiped a piece of bread round the edge of her plate and chewed it thoughtfully for a moment, -yes, we have. So, notwithstanding my apparently super-confident outward appearance, I -(TM)m pretty fragile inside, and I still live at home with my mum and dad. I -(TM)ve tried a few times to move in with friends, but I -(TM)ve always backed out, worried their lifestyle choices will make me slide back, you know. - Poppy nodded sagely, -I know what you mean, but even a stable family environment, like the squat I lived in with Belle, can let you slip back into addiction if the people there aren -(TM)t strong enough to hold you to account for your behaviour ... oh shit, that sounds like I -(TM)m blaming you Belle, I -(TM)m not at all, it -(TM)s down to me, I couldn -(TM)t possibly expect you to stop me acting like a twat. - Belle gave Poppy -(TM)s hand a squeeze, -I know you -(TM)re not blaming me, but Max could have tried to help you out. - -Mmm, maybe, but this isn -(TM)t about my poor behaviour, - she replied, looking back to JoJo, -sorry, I interrupted. - -It -(TM)s OK, you made a good point. I need stability to keep healing, and my parents are not going to be there forever, in fact, they -(TM)re not going to be there at all for a few months, because they -(TM)re going on a world cruise in January. - -That -(TM)s what -(TM)s happened to my parents, - Katie offered, -they -(TM)re off for a few years, although I -(TM)m not sorry they -(TM)re gone. - -A few years, that -(TM)s a fucking long cruise, - JoJo replied. -Mum -(TM)s a pianist, she -(TM)s got a five year contract to play on a huge cruise ship, dad -(TM)s tagged along because, ahh shit, because he -(TM)s too pathetic to do anything on his own. Anyway, we -(TM)re interrupting your narrative again. - -No, this is all good, you -(TM)re letting me think about stuff. So, yeah, in January I -(TM)ll be on my own, and I really don -(TM)t want that to happen, so I was telling Helen earlier ... and can I just say, I -(TM)ve spent like 4 hours with Helen talking about modelling and I -(TM)ve learnt more than I ever learnt with that bastard who used to be my agent. - Helen beamed at this, -you -(TM)re such a good student. - -Thanks, I had a lot of fun today. So, yeah, I guess you might have worked out what I -(TM)m going to say next... - -Not a clue, - Belle replied, -but I -(TM)m enjoying listening to you talk, I like your voice. - -And that -(TM)s not all you like, - Poppy teased. -You are really pretty, JoJo, - Belle blurted out before she could stop herself, -err, did I say that aloud? - -You did, and thank you, that means a lot coming from you, because you and Poppy are beyond pretty. Ok, so maybe I -(TM)ve not dropped enough clues. Helen -(TM)s letting me stay at hers while my parents are away. - The whole table looked at Helen, -really? - Katie asked. -Well, yes. For a start, you -(TM)ve got no room left, - she told me, -and, you know, I -(TM)ve had a lot of fun helping your girls out these past few weeks, and it -(TM)s not all been one-way traffic, I -(TM)ve learnt such a lot that will help me when I set up my little practice. -And I -(TM)ve got my big apartment, JoJo can be on her own, to grow her independence, or she can be close to us if she needs the comfort. - -By close, you mean... - Poppy asked, smiling. -I mean whatever you want me to mean, - Helen replied, also smiling, -because Nita and I found a new closeness from our adventures with you girls, and you -(TM)re all stable in your partnerships now. and we don -(TM)t want to interfere. - -Interfere any time you like, - Belle replied brightly. -I -(TM)d love to, but I -(TM)m serious, you -(TM)re in partnerships that need to grow, you -(TM)re all learning about your own needs, and your partners -(TM) needs, and you don -(TM)t need me barging in. Maybe in a few months, once your charity is on its feet and we can relax a little. - -I think you -(TM)re right, - Poppy replied as she pulled Belle into a hug, -schoolwork and planning the charity are taking up so much time, we sometimes just fall asleep as soon as our heads hit the pillow. - -Sometimes we have time for a cuddle though, - Belle reassured her girlfriend, -and cuddles are so much fun. - Poppy smiled as she ran her fingers through Belle -(TM)s hair, -they are, now we -(TM)re safe it -(TM)s so nice to just hold each other isn -(TM)t it. - As we chatted the waiters weaved around the table clearing the dishes, they returned with dishes of kheer, a rice pudding flavoured with pistachio, and gajar ko haluwa, a dish of grated carrots, raisins, coconut and milk. Nobody could decide which dessert to choose, so we each took one dessert then swapped with our neighbours. They were both delicious. I think I preferred the haluwa. At the end of the meal, we were given glasses of Nepalese apple brandy. I -(TM)d had some of this before, but this was a new experience for the girls. Belle sniffed her glass suspiciously, -it looks a bit like wee, - she whispered to Poppy, -but it doesn -(TM)t smell like it, which I think is a good thing. - -What do we do, drink it in one go? - Poppy asked. Nita watched for a moment before she decided to help out, -no, that -(TM)s how you drink vodka, with brandy you cup your hand around the glass and swirl the liquid gently, warming it up a little. - We all followed Nita -(TM)s directions, Belle held her glass to her nose again, -oh, it smells different now, I can smell apples! - -Now take a little sip. - She did, and her eyes went wide, -woo, it -(TM)s strong! Remember that stuff Mabel gave us? - -Oh man, that stuff we used to light the fire? - -Yeah, it -(TM)s not like that at all. - Poppy looked it Belle, -not like paraffin in a good way? - -You didn -(TM)t drink paraffin! - Jenny gasped. -God no, - Belle laughed, -it was someone -(TM)s home made vodka, we tried it but it was kind of like drinking drain cleaner, so we poured it in the fireplace and nearly blew up the squat. So, yeah, it -(TM)s not like paraffin in a good way, it -(TM)s really nice, and it -(TM)ll warm you up, I can feel it in tummy. - Poppy cautiously touched her glass to her lips and took a little drink, her eyes lit up as the warming liquid did its work, -oh yes, this is nice, I like it a lot. - I tried to pay half the bill, which looked to be quite substantial, but Helen insisted it was her treat, -after all, - she said, -Belle has cooked for us all enough, I could never do that, so the least I can do is stand you all a meal every now and again. - -If you want me to come round and cook for you I will, any time you like, - Belle told Helen as we all hugged on the street outside. -I couldn -(TM)t have you doing that, my kitchen is not as well stocked as Alex -(TM)s. - -Dad -(TM)s kitchen is only well stocked because we do the shopping, - Poppy laughed. -OK, when JoJo has moved in and settled into her room, I -(TM)ll let you cook for us. - -Yayyy! - Belle cried, -Oh, hang on, when JoJo has moved in? Is she not there now? - -Mum and dad don -(TM)t leave until January, so we -(TM)ve planned to gradually move my stuff across to Helen -(TM)s and spend the odd night there. This is a big step for me, and I also don -(TM)t want to upset my parents, I think they know I -(TM)m bisexual, but I don -(TM)t want to rub it in their faces by moving in with a lesbian couple the day they announce they -(TM)re going away for a few months. Let them get used to Helen and Nita, see how nice they are, and how Helen is going to help my career... - -Helen will win them over, she -(TM)s such a wonderful, kind person, - Belle assured her. -She is, and so is Nita, - JoJo added as she held Nita -(TM)s hand, -she -(TM)s been so welcoming to me, and she -(TM)s told me about somewhere that can remove that tattoo. I think I -(TM)ll keep it though, as a reminder of some of the lows in my life. - -Yes, we need to remember the lows to remind us how much life has improved, - Poppy replied, -one day I -(TM)ll show you my scars. They -(TM)re faint, thanks to Nita, but they -(TM)re there to remind me how easy it is to reach rock bottom. - JoJo hugged Poppy, -I think that -(TM)s sealed the deal, the tattoo stays. - We walked slowly back, the girls in front, chattering about school, and music, and books and other nonsense. It was wonderful to hear them giggling together. Now they had one more friend with a new set of experiences and traumas to work through. None of us worried about any potential new drama, because we all now have the skills, and experience, to work through it. In fact, I doubted very much we -(TM)d have to do anything to help JoJo, the girls would help her every step of the way. Jenny pulled me close and wrapped her arm around me, -what are you thinking about? - -I -(TM)m thinking about how happy they all sound, and how easily they -(TM)ve accepted JoJo. - -She -(TM)s a lovely girl, so pretty as well. - -Don -(TM)t you think she looks like a taller, slightly fuller figured Belle? - Nita asked. Jenny stopped walking, -oh my god, that -(TM)s exactly right. She -(TM)d not got Belle -(TM)s manic pixie personality, but she really does have her looks. - -That -(TM)s what struck me the moment I first saw her, - Helen replied, -she buzzed my intercom and I thought, What -(TM)s Belle doing here? When I opened the door, I saw she was taller, and her hair is lighter, but in black and white on my intercom she could have been Belle. - -Have you spoken to her parents? - Jenny asked. -Not yet, I -(TM)m going to see them tomorrow. I -(TM)ll be there in the role as her new business manager, and we -(TM)ll then broach the subject of her accommodation while they -(TM)re away. - -Your diplomacy skills are second to none, - I offered, -you -(TM)ll win them over in no time. - -I hope you -(TM)re right, because I really like her. - -We both do, - Nita added, -and not just in the way your sordid mind is thinking Alex. We had a really good chat this morning before we went to the shoot, she -(TM)s a good kid who got tangled up in the wrong crowd at school. She -(TM)s very bright and got good grades despite rarely going to lessons. She didn -(TM)t want to go to university so ended up working for her grandad. - -Which is where Lia and I met her... - -And you gave her my number, and for that I have thanked you with food. - -Is she staying over tonight? - Jenny asked. -No, we said she could, but she felt it would give the wrong impression when we meet her parents tomorrow, so she -(TM)s getting an Uber back from my place. - -And is she having her own room? - -What -(TM)s with the grilling Alex? - Helen cried, pretending to be shocked, -yes, she will have her own room, and her own bathroom, and her own dressing room if she wants. In fact, we rarely use the upstairs rooms, they -(TM)re just used for storage, so she can have her own apartment if she wants. - -Just how big is your place, - Jenny asked, -I thought you lived in a flat. - -I -(TM)ve no idea of the square footage, but it -(TM)s probably not much smaller than your house, I -(TM)ve nearly as many rooms, and my lounge is huge. Why have you never been to my place, I don -(TM)t understand? - We -(TM)d reached our house by this point, and we stopped to hug each other and say good night. -I -(TM)ve had a thought, - Helen said, -you know how you wanted to cook in my kitchen Belle? - -Oh yes, I just want to cook, it doesn -(TM)t matter where. - -Next Saturday, why don -(TM)t you all come round to mine? - -Seriously! I -(TM)ve so been looking forward to seeing your home, it sounds awesome. - -You -(TM)ve got Beth coming Monday to clean, - Helen asked me. -Yes, why? - -Can you ask her if she -(TM)ll do a full day on Friday, my place is a frigging tip. - -I -(TM)ll ask her, - I replied. -We -(TM)ll come and clean on Saturday morning, - Katie told her. -The point about having a cleaner is so you don -(TM)t have to see how messy my house is. - -Beth barely has to do anything now, - I said, -Poppy is a whizz with the hoover. - -And I -(TM)m good at washing and ironing, - Belle piped up. -I -(TM)m still not having you coming round to do my cleaning, - Helen laughed as she hugged them both, -now in you pop, it looks like it -(TM)s going to rain soon.