The Boy With The Thorn In His Side

[monkeysmoke]

Chapter 61

“Gladys, for the last time, we do not give refunds if you’ve already eaten the meal” Belle droned, gripping the chair opposite Gladys to stop herself lunging over and throttling the old lady who sat before her.

“You don’t give refunds? What a load of old phooey! I have food poisoning from this place! And I’m not surprised either, the state of the place, I’ wouldn’t be surprised if there were rats breeding in that kitchen!” The old lady shook a finger at Belle angrily.

“If the place is that disgusting why do you keep coming back here?” Belle enquired confrontationally.

The old woman’s mouth formed an o in disbelief, shaking furiously before retaliating “How dare you speak to me like that! I’ve been poisoned here! I’ll sue!” She sniped angrily, rising up from her chair.

“Oh go ahead and try. You know what I hope we have poisoned you, save the world a bit of grief!” Belle yelled at into her face. A crowded diner all turned their heads to pinpoint the source of anger. Belle felt her face redden at the unwanted attention she was receiving, the anger revolted in her, and she kicked herself for giving in to it.

“Gladys, please, I apologise for my colleague here, she’s had a rough day” Aden said charmingly, having walked in on the scene as he arrived for his shift. He stepped between them, placing a hand on Gladys’ shoulder gently “It’s that time of month” He whispered overly loudly into Gladys’ ear, the effect being that the entire crowd heard every word.

Belle shot daggers at him, biting hard on her own tongue and clenching her fists together.

He smirked at her, clearly enjoying the moment. “Please, let me get you a piece of that Blackberry crumble you love so much” Gladys’ face frowned at him, unimpressed, but she was listening, so he continued “with some home made cream, and a fresh cuppa” Gladys’ face shifted slightly “… on the house?”

She smiled up at him, letting him settle her back into her seat, “Why thank you, that’s very kind of you” Gladys smiled up at him “If only all your staff were so courteous” She added, glaring over at Belle.

Belle looked ready to say something, but managed to stop herself, instead, storming off into the kitchen.

“I’ll be right back with it” Aden added, grinning at the old lady, before following Belle into the kitchen.

As soon as he entered the kitchen he was under attack “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” She yelled at him

He strolled in smirking at her “I believe it’s called saving your skin”

She threw a tea towel at him “You just gave away more free stuff! She’s nothing but a scrounger!” She told him, still infuriated.

“Oh come on” he said calmly as he cut a slice of crumble and served it onto a plate “We’re not going to go bankrupt over a piece of crumble” he replied, still smirking at her in a way that only made her more irritable.

“Yeah well it’s coming out of your wages” She sniped childishly at him

He turned to face her, stepping towards her as he did so. She turned away, to the counter, grabbing a lettuce and chopping it furiously “Admit it, this isn’t about crumble” he whispered into her ear. He didn’t know why he had done it. Walking in on Belle and Gladys, he had instinctively stepped in, forgetting about their kiss completely. The comment had been meant about his embarrassing her, but as he said it, he realised he had a whole other meaning behind them as well. He needed her to acknowledge what had happened the other day.

She felt his breath on her again; his body dangerously close to hers. It took her back to Sunday, with the kiss. That kiss that he had run out on. She had been angry because of Gladys yes. She was also angry for so many other reasons. “Your right” She said, turning to face him. He didn’t move away, so their faces were inches apart.

They remained there staring at each other, and he remembered the feel of her touching him. Her flushed angry cheeks melted his insides, and he almost forgot they had even been yelling at each other. Or rather, he’d forgotten that Belle had been yelling at him.

“You made me look like a complete idiot back there!” She snapped, pushing his chest with her hands to move him away from her. His smile was killing her, but she also knew it was the cocky, arrogant Aden she was dealing with, and she didn’t trust that one.

He caught himself and stepped back from her immediately, surprised once again by the force in her, “I didn’t do anything” He replied innocently, backing away from her and over to the teapot. He turned to focus his full attention on the tea, filling a cup with the hot liquid.

Belle stood behind him, watching him angrily. Her eyes rimmed with tears. “No, you never do” She replied sharply, turning away from him.

He spun back to face her, confused “What is that supposed to mean?” He asked her guardedly.

“I mean, you don’t do anything, do you? Helping somebody else, that’s just a concept completely beyond your grasp.” She snapped at him, knowing how untrue it was only made the tears harder to force back.

“Are you really on your period or something? Because you are acting like some super bitch today” He told her coldly, glaring at her.

“God you really are something do you know that? It’s amazing how you call me a super bitch when you manage to show zero compassion or respect for anybody else” she shot back, facing him.

“Is this about that kiss the other day?” He asked her bluntly, his tone softening.

She shook her head furiously at him, a little too defensively “No” She replied turning away.

“It is isn’t it?” He pressed, walking towards her.

“God, you seriously think the world revolves around you don’t you? You’ve got the Aden channel switched on all day long” She spat him, willing him to stop walking closer to her with her words.

“Then what is it about? Belle, please, pray do tell” he said sarcastically, rallying her anger.

“Ollie! It’s about Ollie!” She yelled at him, her words bringing on a deadly silence that filled the room.

He looked confusedly at her, Ollie had been ill for a couple of days now, it wasn’t news exactly, although it was stressful, unless something else had happened since he’d last heard… “Why what’s happened?” he asked hurriedly.

She forced the tears back inside “Kirsty’s not a match” She said, feeling defeated.

Aden’s heart sank as he watched her. She looked so, broken by it. “I’m sorry” he muttered uselessly at her.

She nodded an acknowledgment at him, her anger slipping away from her. It really wasn’t anyone’s fault. Irene had just phoned her. They had all been resting on Kirsty being a match, but now she wasn’t his chances were dwindling.

“Well look, he’s still got a dad right?” Aden suggested helpfully.

Belle looked up at him, and nodded slightly.

“Well, chances are he’ll have just as good a chance at being a match right?” He pressed, trying to tranfer his hope to her.

She smiled weakly at him “I guess” She responded.

“And if not, then, we’ll just have to steal one for him” He added jokingly.

She gave a small laugh “Steal a kidney?” She asked, seeking confirmation that she’d heard him right.

He shrugged “Well, yeah. You see it in horror films all the time right? Person goes to sleep, they wake up the next morning, next thing they know - BAM! They’ve lost a kidney” He felt his heart flutter as she looked up at him, the anger had vanished from her eyes, and he felt a small part of it was to do with him. He watched her nervously a moment longer, until the silence became too awkward for either of them. “Right well, erm, I better give Gladys the peace offering” He said, lifting the beverage and plate and making his way outside.

“Here you go Gladys” He said cheerily, placing the items in front of her.

”Thank you dear, you are very kind. This crumble is delicious it is! Worth its weight in gold!” she replied, patting his arm, before lifting a fork to dig into her crumble.

He was about to walk away, but stopped himself “You know it’s funny” He said to her, overly loud, drawing the attention of near by customers. “I could have sworn you were feeling sick from food poisoning a moment ago.” He began, staring at her knowingly. “But I guess you’re feeling better now, by the way you’re ready to dig into some more food.”

Gladys glared up at him, looking at around her nervously afterwards to see how best to react. Realising other people were listening in, she kept quiet.

“Which means there’s no reason for any compensation” He said, meeting the eyes of other customers around the room as he gazed about “So I guess I’ll just add the crumble and tea to your bill then? I mean, you said yourself; it’s worth its weight in gold? ” He asked her politely, grinning at her.

She gave him the look of death, her cheeks reddening as she tried to hide her face from the onlookers. She merely grunted an acceptance at him in reply.

He nodded to himself “Great, well, enjoy your meal” He responded, his voice reeking of false-sincerity as he walked away, his hands held behind his back.

[monkeysmoke]

Chapter 62

“They’re taking a long time” Kirsty spoke out loud, her voice echoing down the empty corridor.

Miles looked up at the woman who sat beside him. “It always feels longer on this side of the door” he replied wearily.

She let his words sink in, before adding “I just can’t believe he’s here” she confessed.

“He is Ollie’s father. Of course he’s here” Miles stated, trying to remain as factual as possible to prevent his own feelings from slipping out.

Kirsty sighed, “I didn’t mean it like that. I know he’d do anything for Ollie. It just doesn’t seem real, that’s all” She confided to him.

He nodded in response, feeling selfish at the jealousy that trickled through him. He was trying to get his own head around the idea that Kirsty had had a relationship with somebody else. He already knew she had, but the man had been in prison, and so in a way, didn’t really exist. Knowing he was here in the same building as them, entering his world, it was a difficult thing to accept. What was even more difficult to accept was that it wasn’t really his world, it was Kane’s world. After all, it was his son in there, and his wife who Miles had his arm wrapped around.

“I was supposed to be looking after him” she whispered, letting her hair fall in front of her face.

“Listen, Kirsty, none of this is your fault. Kane knows that” He told her firmly, brushing her hair away from her face, so he could see her clearly.

She looked at him, he allowed himself to keep stroking her hair a little longer than necessary; placing it delicately behind her shoulder. She sat and watched him for a moment, comforted by the attention. “Miles I…”

Before Kirsty could continue the sentence the double doors at the end of the corridor burst open, disrupting the scene and a blue uniformed nurse strode down the corridor, followed by two burly police officers who held a bedraggled looking, bearded man firmly by each arm in between them.

Kirsty and Miles watched the scene silently, Miles having instinctively removed his arm away from Kirsty, until the peculiar assortment of people came to stand in front of them, at which point they both stood up to meet them, both their eyes locked onto Kane’s frail form.

“We’ve done the tests on your husband, and we’ll know by tomorrow whether he is a match for Ollie” The nurse told Kirsty, placing a friendly hand on her elbow. Kirsty barely acknowledged her, mesmerised by the sight of Kane.

Kane, who stood nervously, staring at the ground, looked up to meet her. The sight of her made his eyes fill with tears. The police officers released their grip as they felt his body weaken.

Kirsty looked at him and saw her own pain, fear and guilt that overwhelmed her now filling his eyes. She had almost forgotten how close they were, this special bond brought through all their years together, and through Ollie. “Kane I’m so sorry” She choked at him, lunging forwards and wrapping her arms around his neck.

He accepted her willingly, his tears rising into a sob “Kirsty” he replied, unable to find words for anything else.

Miles diverted his gaze from the emotional couple before him, his own feelings building up inside of him. He had thought he was a better man than this, which he would be able to cope with Kirsty’s reunion with her husband, because it was about Ollie and she really needed him to be with her. Watching them now he had never felt more unimportant or forgotten, and he hated himself for only being able to think of that.

The nurse allowed them a moment before interrupting, clearly on a tight and busy schedule; she cleared her throat, making the pair break apart. Kane looked down at the floor and Kirsty quickly wiped the tears away from her face. “If it’s alright with the police officers, you can go in and see Ollie for a while. He’s room is right along here” The officers nodded solemnly, their sympathy etched onto their faces. Kirsty, for the first time in her life, felt gratitude towards the uniformed men before her, and smiled up at them “Thank you” she told them honestly.

Kane looked towards her, agitated “Will you come with me?” he asked her, as though he were a small child.

She smiled at him “Sure” she said, grabbing his hand and following the nurse down the corridor. The two policemen followed the trio obediently.

Miles didn’t allow himself to watch them go, only stared at the linoleum floor beneath him, willing away his own emotions. This is not about me. He told himself, wishing the words would sink in.

[monkeysmoke]

Chapter 63 - i'm a little worried that Aden comes across as a little bit out of character in this chapter. Lemme know what you reckon!

Miles watched the rowdy kids before him. Laughing, joking, throwing objects at each other and mercilessly teasing one another. They had no idea what the future held for them, the dangers that could have snapped them up at any moment but that they somehow narrowly missed, allowing them the freedom to be as carefree as they now were.

The scene riled them. How could they not be aware of how fortunate they all were? He knew it was fuelled by the poor turn out to test as a match for Ollie. Billions of posters lined every surface and yet only a handful of people had turned up to the hospital. He couldn’t help but feel resentment towards there carefree happiness, none of them really grasping the reality of what could happen to Ollie, especially if Kane wasn’t a match. How could they?

He slammed the door as he stepped inside, making the walls shake as he did so. He threw his satchel on the desk and flopped into his chair, hunching over and glaring at them all silently.

It was only a moment later, when the students slowly started latching onto his bad mood that they quietened and fell into the eerie silence that claimed their usually chirpy English teacher.

“Yes Becky?” Miles asked sharply to the outstretched hand of the blonde girl near the front of the class.

“Are you going to start the lesson Sir?” She asked him warily, his behaviour so far having been completely out of character leading her to be cautious of him.

Miles sighed “I suppose so” he replied scanning his desk, he picked up the copy of the Tempest and flicked through it “Lets see where to start” he muttered to himself.

“You said we were going to study Caliban this week. We had the reading for homework” She informed him confidently. He looked up at her, unimpressed by her enthusiasm.

Miles felt a pang of anger towards her military response “Great” he replied sarcastically “and what did that teach you exactly?”

She stumbled there, looking at him a moment to check he was being serious “Well, you didn’t teach us that stuff yet Sir” She answered, baffled by the question.

“So, basically, reading the text, it told you what happened factually, but it didn’t teach you anything, about how Caliban felt?” Miles asked her, standing up and walking around to the front of the desk.

“Well, he seemed like an outcast” Becky offered.

“But it doesn’t teach you how he felt though does it? It hasn’t taught you what that feels like?” he began, his voice rising, before answering his own question “NO, because you can’t be taught emotion by reading it obediently from a book. Even if you get it, and even if you do relate to it, it doesn’t teach you anything. It can’t teach you how to deal with real life can it?” He ranted at them. Becky sat stunned into silence.

Aden sat at the back of the class, studying the scene, not on the page, but that was playing out before his very eyes. Miles genuinely wanted to teach. He wasn’t here for an easy ride or a power kick. He genuinely felt that people needed to be educated. He wasn’t out for perfect grade averages, but to ensure that every one of his students learnt something from him. At the moment he clearly had something far more important than Shakespeare that he wanted to teach them.

“Guys, you all sit here, 5 days a week, reading and completing work that we give you, which makes you more knowledgeable, but it doesn’t make you understand any of it. You have all this information at your fingertips and no idea what to do with it, because you haven’t experienced most of it yet. And there is nothing I can do that will make you see that” He rambled, sitting on the desk to look at them. He looked up his own thoughts to see Becky’s hand raised in the air again, “Yes Becky?” he asked.

“Does that mean you aren’t going to teach us about Caliban?” She asked studiously. Her commitment to the bureaucracy he had just ranted against enraged him in a way that also defeated him; he couldn’t be bothered to try and explain himself anymore.

“Just, go” he muttered at them, swinging the arm that held the book and gesturing towards the door. Everyone sat deadly still, unsure what exactly he meant by it. When nobody moved Miles looked up “I said class dismissed” He stated sharply, a threat to leave.

He sunk into himself as the students slowly piled themselves out of the classroom, every now and again one of them would glance at him warily as they passed.

Aden lingered by his desk a while, allowing the class to spill out before approaching Miles’ desk. As he reached it, he stopped in front of him. “As flies to wanton boys are we to the gods” Aden recited calmly.

Miles peered up at him “What?” He asked him, confused by his least enthusiastic student’s sudden desire to show off his knowledge of Shakespeare.

“I think it means that, just like young boys can find it funny to be cruel to insects, life can be cruel to people” He told him.

“Aden, no offence, but what’s with the sudden interest in what I teach you?” Miles asked him wearily, unable to cope with any of Aden’s antics today

“You shouldn’t be so egotistical Sir” Aden smirked at him “You never taught me that.”

Miles rubbed his face with his hand “Aden, we did King Lear just last week.” He retorted, hinting he was not in the mood to banter.

“Yeah, I know, I just thought you might have forgotten?” Aden said staring at him seriously

Miles raised an eyebrow at him, persuading Aden to continue whatever point he was clearly trying to make. “It’s just, you said we didn’t get it, but I do”

“You do?” Miles echoed unconvinced.

Aden shrugged “Well, isn’t that how you’re feeling?” Aden asked casually. Miles’ face fell into a pensive silence as the realisation hit him. He let the quote sink into his skull. As Aden turned to leave Miles reached out, grabbing his arm to pull him back, as though he would have more answers for him.

Aden followed Mile’s eyes as they gazed at the bandage that covered the indent of his elbow. “You?” Miles asked in disbelief.

Aden snatched his arm away, feeling awkward that Miles had noticed it, quickly exiting the room before Miles had time to construct his thoughts into words.

[monkeysmoke]

Chapter 64 - Sorry there's been no updates recently, went to Brighton for the weekend. Here's a short one! i'll make it up later with some more updates!

“It’s not working!” Nicole whined helplessly, stamping her foot against the ground.

Belle looked around from the meat she was cooking over the hob to see Nicole flapping around the dishwasher. Assessing the scene for a moment before answering “Check the filter, it might be blocked” She dictated.

Nicole looked at her clueless; only understanding fully a moment later what she was being asked to do “And how am I supposed to do that?”

Belle didn’t move from her position on the other counter “Well, the filter’s in the bottom of the inside of the machine, just reach in and pull it out” Belle directed.

Nicole opened up the machine and peered to the bottom. “Ewww!” She looked from the machine to Belle and back again “I am not putting my hand in that!” She declared.

Belle sighed “How else do you expect to clean the filter?” She asked tiredly.

“I don’t” Nicole informed her, crossing her arms

Belle turned her body round to face her then “What do you mean you don’t? Nicole, it’s your job, if you don’t do it we’ll have no clean dishes and won’t be able to serve any food” Belle explained patiently, feeling the irritation creep along her skin like an itch.

Nicole held out her hands so Belle could see her nails, “I am not ruining my $40 manicure to stick my hand down some filter with bits of food in it!” She told Belle firmly before crossing her arms again. Besides it must be some sort of health and safety risk, I mean, it smells disgusting!” She told her.

Belle swiped a pair of gloves from the side and threw them at Nicole, who let them fall to the floor in front of her “So wear gloves” She told her through gritted teeth, trying to keep calm. ‘It’s Roman’s daughter’ she reminded herself.

“I’m not doing it” Nicole reaffirmed, locking eyes with Belle. “You do it” she added daringly.

“I’m busy cooking Nicole, and even if I wasn’t, the filter is your job, I’m not doing it for you” She told her, her voice louder now.

“Yeah but this is my dad’s business, and so your like, my employee, so I’m telling you to do it”

Belle had tried to remain calm, but it was like trying to negotiate with a 3 year old, it just couldn’t be done. “You’re joking right?” Belle asked, almost laughing in disbelief. She couldn’t believe the nerve the girl had “This isn’t just Roman’s business, and even if it were, you’re still not my boss, and I don’t have to take orders from you. This is half Irene’s business too, which puts us on an equal footing.” She told her smugly.

“Oh right, your foster mum right? Yeah, Roman’s filled me in on your family. You’re mum sleeping with your boyfriend?” Nicole said smirking at her “You are so tragic” she added finally, before turning away to walk out the front.

Belle’s eyes almost bulged out of her skull. She had gone there. “You know what? That might be so, but at least Irene likes having me around!” She told her, walking after her.

Nicole stopped at her words, so they both stood facing each other near the doorway, blocking the entrance. “Roman does want me here” Nicole breathed angrily at her, glaring into her eyes.

“Ladies, ladies” a voice called from behind them “please, if you must fight, at least do it out front where we can all watch” Nicole and Belle both dragged their glares away from each other and onto Aden, whose hands rested firmly on each of their shoulders.

“You’re disgusting” Belle muttered, moving away and back to her cooking.

Aden let his eyes follow her for a minute, which Nicole latched onto immediately “Drool much?” She asked him, forcing Belle to turn her head round to look at them. Aden looked to the floor and Nicole watched both their cheeks turn red.

"Great, well now, your here you can clean the filter" Nicole commanded

Aden smirked down at her "How about you do it yourself?" He retorted

"I'm not cleaning it. In fact, now your here, i think i'll be heading off" She replied, smiling triumphantly at Belle.

"Hey wait you can't just leave, there's supposed to be three of us. If you leave Aden might as well not bothered coming in" Belle felt like a nagging mother as she flailed her arms about her trying to get her point across.

"Watch me" and with those final words, Nicole pirouetted towards the door and floated out of it. Aden watched with a smile as she left.

Belle watched him looking at her and felt an uncontrollable jealousy surf through her “since when were you working today anyway?” She asked him folding her arms in front of her

Aden rubbed the back of his neck with a hand before looking up to meet her gaze “About 5 minutes ago when Roman asked me to cover Irene” he told her. The mention of Irene’s name caused Belle to abruptly switch tones

“Why? What’s happened?” Belle asked him urgently.

Aden shrugged “I don’t know” He told her honestly.

[monkeysmoke]

Chapter 65 - This is to cure Wrongturntaken haha (although it doesn't have aden in i'm sorry) but hopefully will do the trick. I vow never to take another weekend break again (until next weekend that is) but after that scouts honour!

Chapter 65

“So what happens to Kane now?” Jai asked Miles eagerly. They stood in the kitchen, Miles on one side of the island counter, preparing dinner, and Jai and Annie facing him opposite. Miles had agreed to take them both home from the hospital and hold onto them until Kirsty was in a fitter state. She out rightly refused to leave Ollie’s side and Irene didn’t feel she could leave her alone.

Miles rubbed his forehead “He’ll go back to prison, I guess.”

“But his son’s still in hospital!” Annie cried out unintentionally, not fully understanding the harshness that existed in the world.

Miles looked down at her with pained eyes “Yes, but Kane can’t do anything about that. He was only going to be allowed out for longer if he had been a match, so they could perform the operation.” Miles turned away and rooted around in the fridge for an imaginary item, so the teens couldn’t see his face.

When he had first seen Kirsty and Kane’s reunion he had been unable to stop the jealousy from seeping through. But his presence at the hospital had brought a spark back into Kirsty, one he had been trying to reignite since Ollie was first in there. He had been another ray of hope and had been able to understand the extent of Kirsty’s fear in a way Miles couldn’t. Miles understood the pain of losing a child, of the fear of whether they are ok or not, but he couldn’t pour that pain out onto Kirsty right now, even if it was to try and comfort her. Kane, on the other hand, his pain was for the same child, and something about that was stronger than anything else. But now that ray of hope was gone, and the spark had gone, along with Kane. It was then, watching as he was dragged away from his family by police that Miles saw Kane not as Kirsty’s husband, but as a broken man, and his heart had broken all over again.

“But what if Ollie dies?” Jai said bluntly making Annie gasp out.

“Jai! Don’t say that!” She told him, slapping his arm.

“Why not? It’s true, and then Kane won’t ever be able to see him again!” Jai told her firmly.

A tear rolled down her cheek “Is that true?” She asked innocently, looking up at Miles, willing him to deny it.

He placed an unnecessary lettuce onto the counter top before looking her in the eye “If Ollie doesn’t make it, then yes, it’s probably very likely that’ll be the last time he sees him” Miles told her truthfully. A rage overcame him as he thought of the injustice of it. Kane may have committed a crime, but Ollie was an innocent child who desperately needed his dad with him right now. The rage coursed through him and he kicked the island counter with his foot suddenly, making Jai and Annie jump back a little. He turned around and gazed out the window, trying to suppress his frustration.

“Do you think he will die?” Annie whispered into the room, not sure she wanted the others to answer her.

Miles continued to keep his back to her, but shook his head as he tried to accept the answer he knew he would have to give. “It all depends on if anyone else is a match now” He answered, avoiding the question.

“But Kane, he was the last family member right? And family members would’ve had a higher chance of being successful” Jai queried, seeking confirmation.

Miles sighed “Jai, that doesn’t mean we should give up hope” he replied, turning to face them. He realised how scary this must be for the both of them; he was supposed to be the reassuring adult. He thought back to Irene at the hospital, what a calming and motherly affect she had maintained around Kirsty, and felt ashamed he hadn’t been able to do that himself.

“Why not? Because he’s little? Kids can die just as easily as adults! Let’s stop kidding ourselves here!” Jai started rambling, having worked his brain up into a frenzy. He thought back to his own younger brother, he had been so small, so fragile, he had known he would never survive those waves. Children had more of a chance of dying than adults.

“Jai just calm down” Miles said, walking towards him with his hands in front of him, as if to test the boundaries of how close he was allowed to get.

“Doesn’t she have a family? I thought Kirsty lived here with them?” Annie asked confused and scared. She didn’t know what to say to calm Jai, or stop her own thoughts going the same way. All she could do was have a target to focus on.

Miles shook his head “No”

Annie furrowed her brow in confusion “But I thought…”

Jai interrupted her “They weren’t her real family” He stated bluntly.

“She was adopted?” Annie enquired, shocked by the revelation.

“No, well yes.” Answering the question seemed to calm his nerves. “It’s complicated, but yes, she was adopted” He told her, offering a weak smile to compensate for his anger.

“Jai, are you ok?” Miles asked him, placing a hand on his shoulder. Jai’s eyes looked up at him and for the first time Miles noticed how young he really was. He looked so much older than his 14 years. The eyes began to fill with tears, and Miles thought back to Irene with Kirsty. Instinctively, he pulled jai’s body forwards and cocooned him into a supportive hug. Jai accepted the comfort willingly, allowing silent tears to fall unseen in between them as he held onto Miles t shirt.

Annie looked past them, thinking on the information to hand. So Kirsty was adopted. But maybe her parents weren’t dead. She might have family she didn’t even know existed. If they could find them…. “What if we find them?” She blurted out.

The two men broke apart, and Jai reformed back into himself, aging before Mile’s eyes. Miles looked away from the scene to Annie “What?” He asked, not having really heard her.

“Kirsty’s real family. She was adopted right? So they might be out there! If we were to find them and tell them about what’s happening, then Ollie might stand a chance!” Annie’s voice gained speed as her spirits heightened.

Jai latched on to her thinking “Kirsty did mention someone who might know how to find them” Jai added, now wanting to reveal the whole scenario.

Miles saw the hope passing between them and felt uneasy about it “Guys listen, I really think what you’re trying to do is a nice idea. But I don’t think that’s going to be possible” He warned them gravely, placing a hand on each of their shoulders.

“Why not?” Annie asked him innocently.

Miles sighed “Well, for a start we only have about 4 days to find them and convince them to get tested. Then there’s only a slight chance they’ll even be a match. And that’s if we find them at all” He reasoned, his stomach sinking at all the hurdles that stood in the way.

Jai’s hope faltered a moment, about to give in to Mile’s logic and give up on the whole scheme. Annie, noticing the lack of enthusiasm, was determined to see it through. “So? We can’t just give up because it might not work! What if Ollie did die and we knew we could’ve done something else to save him but we didn’t! Could you live with yourself? Because I couldn’t!” She yelled at them.

Jai smiled at her then. “You’re right” he told her flushed face.

Watching the pair warmed Miles’ insides. He had been so worried that Jai had lost all hope in the world with his attitude and then the revelation of his antics of jump rock and he had been scared he might drag Annie down with him, especially after her horrible ordeal. Looking at them now he realised they needed to do this for Kirsty as much as Kirsty needed them to do it for her. It was almost like a coping mechanism for them, a way to keep the hope alive. He felt so guilty for trying to ruin it for them.

“Well, I guess we should make a little visit to Kirsty then?” Miles suggested brightly.

“Really?” Annie asked, surprised he had been so easily swayed.

“Mmmhmmm” Miles nodded at her, grabbing his keys.

“Now?” Jai asked him, raising his eyebrows

“The sooner the better” Miles replied, a small caution still evident in his eyes as he opened the door for them.

Annie and Jai smiled at each other before rushing out the door ahead of him.

[monkeysmoke]

Chapter 66 - jam packed with Aden goodness. Don't say i don't ever give you anything now ill ya!

Chapter 66

“Nat, for the last time, I’m not trying to get rid of Nicole, I love having her around, I just want to know what happened to make her leave so suddenly” Aden could hear Roman’s frustrated voice before he had even opened the door. As he stepped inside he saw him with his back to him, standing in the kitchen. Aden, feeling awkward at interrupting such a serious conversation, stood quietly by the door, unsure of what to do.

“So after years of me trying to persuade her to live with me and her choosing you she just woke up one day and changed her mind?” Roman continued his voice sarcastic and slightly aggressive. Aden felt a little uneasy as he stood watching him; he had never seen Roman lose his cool before.

“Oh Please don’t treat me like an idiot Natalie….. I’m not trying to dodge my responsibilities I’m just……. Nat? Natalie?” With that Roman threw the phone of the other side of the room, letting it fall into two pieces on the floor. Sighing heavily, he turned around, glimpsing Aden in the corner of his eye.

“Hey mate, sorry about that” Roman said, his voice relaxing. He could see the worry in Aden’s eyes, as though he thought he was in trouble somehow. Roman forced his anger down, trying to hide it from view

Aden relaxed a little as Roman spoke to him “Trouble in paradise?” He asked casually, inching into the room.

Roman sighed and walked round to the far sofa and sat down “You could say that. Nicole’s mum. She’s a handful” Roman tried to explain as vaguely as possible.

“Like mother like daughter” Aden commented, flashing a small smile in Roman’s direction as he sat down on the other sofa.

Roman received it good naturedly, allowing a small laugh in response. “As you’re probably aware I haven’t always been the best dad, or a dad, for that matter, to Nicole”

Aden shifted in his seat. He had so many questions about Roman and Nicole, and now seemed like the only time he was ever going to get the chance to ask them “So why didn’t you ever mention that you had a daughter?” Aden asked, approaching the subject cautiously.

Roman’s face fought with itself for a minute before responding “Honestly? I never thought she’d come and visit” Roman saw the dissatisfied look in Aden’s eyes and realised he would need to explain a little better than that “You see. I was 14 years old when I had Nicole, and very selfish. I was a child and I wanted to keep being a child, so I left Natalie to deal with Nicole. We weren’t together; I didn’t see her, anything like that.” Roman cleared his throat, as if trying to distance himself from that person “But then, I went to join up for the army, and I realised that if I went to war, I might die and never have known my daughter, so I got in contact about 10 years ago now. Anyway, Nat had told Nicole everything, and she really didn’t like me. She was her mother’s daughter, she always has been. Since then we have had contact, odd days out here and there, but that’s pretty much all, until now anyway.” Roman felt this huge weight drop off his back, he finally felt free.

Aden sat and let the information gather into a story that he understood. He felt really low and miserable. Roman had slowly become this sort of inspiration for him. He had been in awe of how cool and collected he was. He always said and did the exact right thing, and he never treated him like and idiot or a waste of space. Now it turned out, he had done wrong, a big wrong, and Aden wasn’t sure how to cope with this information.

“Aden?” Roman prompted having sat and watched his face slowly drop in front of his eyes.

“You abandoned her?” Aden echoed out the information, not requiring an answer.

Roman sighed “I made a massive mistake that I can’t ever take back.”

“No you can’t” Aden snapped at him, rising up out of the sofa.

Roman copied him, reaching out to grab him “Hey Aden” he began but Aden flinched away from him, turning round to face him.

“Aden?” he repeated, watching the boy’s face as different emotions fought to claim it.

Aden didn’t know what had just happened. He was angry with Roman but he didn’t even know what for. His behaviour was out of character, it had thrown him off, and then all the talk of his shady past that he had known nothing about. When he’d reached out for him, something had screamed at him to get away, a part of him that didn’t trust him. Looking at Roman’s face now though, he couldn’t figure out what it was or why he felt that way.

“I need to go out for a bit” Aden told him distantly, his eyes darting around. Roman stayed deadly still in a bid to not scare him, instead choosing to stare intently at him, confused, as Aden stumbled out of the door. Knowing about his past had clearly upset him, but he had no idea why.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Nicole sat on the fence, looking out into the ocean, trying to convince herself that her dad did really want her here. Belle’s words had cut deep, not because Belle thought they were true, but because she did. He had never wanted her; he had never been there for her. His contact had been brewed through a mid life crisis that was spurred early because he might have died in battle. It was to benefit him, not her.

She hardly knew him, and yet she loved him so much. Her mum had always warned her to not trust him, or rely on him, that he would let her down. She thought back to when she had first met him, she was only 7 years old. When her mum had told her he was going to visit her she had been ecstatic, tidying her room, throwing out all her childish toys and dressing up smart. The last thing she wanted was for him to think she was a stupid annoying child, which was exactly why he’d left her in the first place. When her mum had seen the effort she had gone to she went ballistic, knocking her back down to reality with a brute force. She had used all her willpower to stop herself from throwing herself at him the moment he walked through the door. She had barely looked at him or spoken to him, but she remembered him in minute detail.

She sighed, kicking her legs out from in between the fence, as if kicking the air would also kick the memory away. She could not tell him why she was here. She didn’t want him to love her through a sense of guilt and pity, but for her. She wanted him to think she was the most important person in the whole world. But it was so hard. Maybe if she’d been a boy? After all, he could love Aden better than he could her.

She suddenly heard footsteps approach from behind her. That was probably him now, here to nag at her for leaving the Diner. “Look if you’re to give me a lecture, I’m not interested. It’s not even like your pay me anyway” she whined still staring ahead into the ocean.

“With a body like mine, I don’t need to pay” A smarmy voice retorted from behind.

Aden. Another little bit of her heart chipped away as she realised how presumptuous she had been to think he would come after her. “What do you want?” She sulked at him.

“Just… checking out the view” he told her, pleased with himself.

She sighed heavily “Just go away Aden.” She commanded wearily, resting her chin on her arms, which rested on the wooden panel of the fence in front of her.

He sighed and sat down next to her, grinning as he looked out into the sea.

“Didn’t you hear me?” She snapped as she looked at him, his grin irritating her, “Why don’t you go and play with miss anorexic, I’m sure she’ll need you to hold her down to stop the wind from blowing her away” She sniped, thinking back bitterly to the way he had looked at her in the Diner.

“What have you got against her?” Aden asked his voice a little harsh.

“I’m sure if you weren’t so dedicated to your libido you would be able to figure that one out on your own” she chided at him “Why aren’t you at home sucking up to daddy Roman anyway?” She added bitchily.

Aden scoffed at her “Jealous are we?”

“God No! Like I’d want to hang out with that loser” she lied aggressively.

Aden’s smile faded “That loser was on the phone to your mum earlier”

Nicole checked his face for signs of trickery, but, realising he was serious, dropped the bitchy act “What did he say?”

Aden shrugged “Not much, she sort of hung up on him” he hadn’t wanted to stir things up, so decided to be as vague as possible.

“God, I don’t know why he’s pretending to care all of a sudden!” She yelled out into the sea.

Aden frowned “Your dad does care Nic” he told her seriously, still feeling bad for how he’d acted towards Roman earlier.

“Yeah right” she replied sarcastically “That’s why he’s never been around. Why he never bothered with me as a kid.” She could feel the anger rising within her, as if speaking the words aloud made it a more dangerous anger than when it was only in her head.

“He might not have been around Nic but at least he wanted to be. At least he’s around now” He snapped at her, infuriated by her selfishness. He had been angry with Roman earlier, but as he had walked along, gathering his thoughts, he had realised something. He had been angry because Roman hadn’t been there for Nicole like his dad hadn’t been there for him. But Roman had wanted to be there, he had realised his mistake and was making things better. His own dad had always been there, but chosen to do nothing, he hadn’t wanted to be, and he hadn’t changed, he was still a drunk.

Nicole watched Aden as he reverted into himself, wondering what the cause for his sudden silence was. “Why are you living with us?” She enquired. The question was forthright, but there was a kindness in her voice he hadn’t heard before that touched him.

“Like I’d tell you” he smirked at her, nudging her with his elbow. She fell sideways slightly, before regaining her position and nudging him back.

They looked up at each other. Aden saw something in her eyes, a need, a longing to fit in somewhere, to be loved by someone, and he realised how similar they really were.

Nicole’s tongue ran round her bottom lip, the moisture of it reflecting under the moonlight. He watched her do it, and without realising what he was doing he had leant towards her. She looked up to see him staring down at her mouth, and followed his lead, letting her lips touch his.

He raised his hand up and let it softly caress her cheek as his lips played with hers, soft, shy kisses. She let her hand lay beside his waist, fingering the fabric of his t shirt between her fingers. The longing she had felt for so long ignited within her and a new force rose up in flames through her lips and onto him. She leant towards him until they reclined slowly so his back was on the floor. Resting herself on top of him, she let her hands roam his torso with a fever. As though she was searching frantically for something in their embrace.

He felt her press herself down upon him, and forced himself to accept it. ‘This is a good thing’ he told himself. It’s a natural thing. He felt her hand press down on his chest, rubbing against his skin. He tried to stay focus but his mind kept wandering back into the tiny recesses. As her hands reached down and ran a finger underneath the lining of his jeans he felt his body tense up. He couldn’t breathe any longer, he needed to get away. To get out from under her. He pushed her off of him, gently at first. When she didn’t respond he pushed a little harder, this time she broke away from him, breathing heavily.

“What? What’s wrong?” She asked him, brushing her hair out of her face.

“I can’t do this” he choked at her, as he scrabbled up and ran away.

“Aden?” She called after him.

He let himself fall into a hedge, not being able to breathe properly. He pulled at the neckline of his t-shirt, trying to stretch it, as if it would let more air get into his lungs. His body slackened as he sat there, and he erupted into a shivering heap, shaking uncontrollably. His breath was slowly returning but in its place his body had turned to jelly.

Nicole sat and watched the darkness where Aden had just been, feeling more alone than ever.

[monkeysmoke]

Chapter 67

Miles slowly inched the door open, trying not to disturb the peaceful silence inside the room. Annie and Jai stood patiently behind him.

Irene was the first to look over at him, a smile crossed her face when she realised who it was. Kirsty, who was sat next to Ollie on his bed, holding him, tore her eyes away from his sleeping face to look at them.

Miles accepted the smiles he received from them both as a sign to come in, and he moved aside so they could see he also had visitors before any words were spoken.

“How’s he doing?” Miles whispered, walking round to Kirsty’s side. He didn’t stand too close to her however, aware of the boundaries between them still.

“He’s just sleeping” Kirsty told him quietly, looking down and stroking his head for the thousandth time that day. There was an edge to her voice, a reason she hadn’t really answered his question.

Miles put his hands in his pockets, to stop himself from trying to comfort her. He knew there were more important matters at hand. “Kirsty, Jai and Annie have something they want to do for you” he began, his words gentle and slow. He stepped backwards, hinting for them to take his place and speak directly to her.

Jai and Annie both froze, neither knowing what to say to someone who was clearly experiencing a lot of pain. Annie felt Jai’s hand link with hers as he pulled them both forward.

Kirsty looked at Jai with a forced smile “Hey Jai, Annie” She greeted, trying to be reassuring.

They both glanced at each other for support before Jai began “Kirsty. You know that conversation we had the other day…. When you told me about the Sutherlands and Jade…?” he waited patiently for permission to continue.

Miles ears pricked up. It suddenly dawned on him that Jai knew about Kirsty’s family. Probably more than he did. When had they had this talk? He had tried to talk to Jai since he’d been here with little success. He shrugged the thought off and concentrated on listening to their conversation.

Kirsty didn’t say anything, but a squeeze of the hand from Annie pushed him forward. “Well Ollie’s best chance of a match is with a blood relative.”

“I don’t have any of those left” she told him, exasperated, staring down at Ollie again.

“Do you know that, for certain?” He pressed her, making her eyes flit quickly back up to meet him. Clearly gaining her attention.

“What exactly are you suggesting love?” Irene butted in, having been silenced by the scene that was playing out before her, combined with the exhaustion of the day.

Annie decided to take over a little now “We want to help find your real relatives. To get them to test as a match for Ollie” Annie declared, bravely grinning at the room, although her insides quivered.

Kirsty’s mouth formed an o, moving backwards, away from the idea.

Jai jumped in “You said Jade’s sister went looking for them. We could ask her. She’ll know where to find them” He urged her.

Kirsty’s eyes filled with tears “I can’t” she whispered, fear twisting her into a tight knot.

Irene raised herself from her chair then, aware of Kirsty’s history “Kirsty love” she urged gently.

Kirsty turned her head slowly to the familiar face. “I can’t Irene, you know I can’t” she told her, her voice child like.

“Kirsty love, look at little Ollie, then tell me you can’t do it for his sake” Irene’s voice was calm and collected, forcing Kirsty, in her disconnected state, to obey. She looked down at Ollie’s sleeping form, and couldn’t look back up to meet those that stood around her, watching her.

“Kirsty?” Miles asked, seeking approval. He had been time checking the entire time, knowing how important it was.

He watched as she brushed a tear away from her cheek. “Jade’s number is in the phone book, at home” She said softly, bending down and placing a delicate kiss on her son’s cheek. He stirred, ever so slightly, his eyes opening for the briefest of moments to look up at her. Recognising the familiar, comforting face of his mother, Ollie’s eyelids fell back down, dragging him back into his peaceful sleep.

[monkeysmoke]

Chapter 68 - there was another part to this but it was taking forever to write and didn't want to keep you guys hanging! will put it up soon (hmm hopefully later today)

“So you’re really coming? That’s great! No, no it’s fine we can set you up with a caravan to stay in. Alright, thanks so much for this, yep… ok, bye” Miles turned round to the two eager teens that perched on the sofa before him; having all decided it would be best if an adult made the call. He spread a massive grin at them.

“What did she say?” Annie asked him

“They’re coming” Miles told them gleefully

“What? Her sister is coming as well?” Jai asked, surprised.

Miles nodded at him “Yeah. Jade sounded really worried about Kirsty, and her sister wants to come down and talk to Kirsty face to face before she gives her the address”

“Why can’t she just give us the address now?” Jai asked him bluntly, all too aware of how little time there now was. Wednesday evening gave them 3, 4 days at the most to work with. Even that wasn’t a certainty.

Miles shrugged as he placed the phone back in its handset “I don’t know, she didn’t say” Looking at the expression on Jai’s face he felt he needed to explain himself “Look I didn’t want to push her out of the idea, let’s just be grateful she’s coming at all” At these words the sound of the doorbell interrupted them. “I’ll get it” Miles told them in a bid to avoid the conversation.

Annie looked over at Jai “This is still a good thing Jai” she reassured him, placing a hand on top of his and squeezing it gently.

His eyes drifted up to meet hers “Your always so positive” he told her, smiling.

Miles opened the door to see a flustered Belle standing before him. “Err, hi, I’m here to get Annie” she told him.

“Belle, hey, come in” Miles greeted, sliding up against the door to let her through. She glanced at him as she stepped indoors, he seemed unusually cheery, and she couldn’t think of a reason why.

“She’s just through here” he told her, his voice grabbing the attention of Jai and Annie.

“Belle, hey” Annie greeted warmly, jumping up and rounding the sofa to meet her.

“Annie, are you ok?” Belle asked worriedly, wrapping her into a hug. Ever since she had phoned Irene earlier to see what was going on she had been worrying about Annie, who would have been alone whilst all of this was going on. But, like Miles, she seemed unusually happy.

“I’m fine, really” Annie told her, pulling away, embarrassed in front of Jai, who had followed her over to the others in the centre of the room.

Belle gave her a puzzled expression, before turning to Miles “Can I talk to you for a second?” she asked him.

Miles, baffled by the request, shrugged “yeah, sure, let’s go out here” he backed away, towards the garden, gesturing for Belle to follow.

Annie and Jai watched them silently “I wonder what that’s about” Jai thought out loud.

Annie frowned “After everything, we still get treated like small children” she then sighed lightly, realising it could be much worse. She looked over at Jai, who was staring at her “What?” she asked him self-consciously.

“Nothing, it’s stupid” he told her, embarrassed she’d caught him; he’d drifted off into his own little world of thoughts.

“Great, Miles and Belle are having a private conversation with each other, and you’re having one by yourself. Should I start to worry?” She joked lightly as she walked back towards the sofa and flopped herself onto it.

He laughed at her then “It’s all a huge conspiracy theory.” He joked, wriggling his fingers evilly in front of her before joining her on the sofa. A moment of silence and calm passed over them before Jai worked up the courage to come clean “Actually, I was thinking about you” he fiddled with his hands as he looked down them into them.

She glanced over “What about me?”

He looked towards the wall in front of him “It’s just weird. Everything we’ve done together has been beyond us. If that makes sense?” He searched her eyes for understanding.

She mulled over the statement “Mmmm, what do you mean?” she asked finally, deciding to confirm that what she thought he meant was correct, rather than get it wrong and humiliate herself.

He sat forward, keeping eye contact “When we met, that first time, we were so caught up in ourselves, that’s why we bumped into each other. Then Axel…” he saw her face drop and let the sentence trail off, clearing his throat “What I mean is everything that’s happened between us has been through circumstance.”

“Like a coincidence?” Annie offered

He shifted closer “More than a coincidence” he whispered to her.

She moved away from him then, redness slowly crept over her face and she looked at the ground.

Jai pulled himself back “I’m sorry” he told her hurriedly, a wave of mortification sweeping over him “I just thought that…” he faltered slightly “that you felt the same. I’m really sorry” He began to raise himself from the sofa, and hide away upstairs, possibly forever, when he felt an arm pull him back.

“I do” she told him, returning her gaze to his.

His face filled with questions, one riding over them all.

“I’m just not ready” she told him honestly, standing up so they were level.

“Oh” he blurted out, realisation dawning on him. “Annie,” he stammered at her “I am so sorry”

“No, no it’s not that” she corrected him eagerly, seeing the guilt in his face “I’m over it” She admitted, only just realising that she really was this time. “It’s just, like you said. It’s all been circumstance, we hardly know each other.” She explained calmly, letting her hand trail down from his arm to link hands with him “and I’ve never actually kissed anyone before” she whispered, staring downwards.

Jai smiled at her, a relief allowing his body to fill with the reassurance and warmth of her words. He raised his hand and cupped her chin with it gently, to bring her eyes back up to his. As soon as she was he let his arm drop, and he laughed lightly.

She smacked him lightly on the other arm with her spare hand “Shut up” she muttered, an uncontrollable smile invading her face.

“Come here” He said, pulling her forwards so her head rested gently onto his chest. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder, and she followed his lead, linking hers behind his back. Their other hands joined together beside them, and they let themselves rest there a moment, finally choosing to be together.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

“What’s up?” Miles asked her when they reached the outside.

The breeze that hit her when she stepped outside made Belle hug herself, rubbing her arms. “Well I wanted to thank you for taking care of Annie” she told him.

Miles stood, his hands on his hips, and nodded for a moment “Right, well, no problem. So, now why don’t you tell me what you really wanted to ask?” he prompted, knowing there must be more to it.

“Yeah” she said, more aggressively than she’d intended “have I missed something?” she asked him, puzzled. She hated being left out of the loop.

“What do you mean?” Miles asked honestly.

“I dunno” she gazed about her, seeking help from her surroundings “It’s just. Well, you all do know that Kane isn’t a match right? That Ollie’s last chance was just thrown firmly out of a 50ft window?” She asked hysterically, waving her hands around in front of her.

“Belle, Belle, whoa, just calm down” He told her, making a fanning gesture with his hands.

“How can I be calm? How can you?” She cried at him.

He stepped towards her, placing his hands on her shoulders and trying to shake the hysteria away. “Just Listen a minute” he commanded. She silenced herself, looking at him expectantly.

Miles looked at her, assuring he had her attention before he continued. “We might have found something”

She searched his eyes frantically for more “Found what?”

“A relative, maybe more than one, we don’t know yet”

“But I thought…” Belle began, thinking back to her and Irene’s conversation.

“Look I really can’t say much more, but there’s still a chance alright? That’s why we haven’t given up yet” He had begun pacing the garden now and Belle stood and watched him, fascinated.

She had so many more questions for him, but saw how useless it would be to ask them “Do you think it’ll work?”

He turned to look at her “I hope so” There was a pain in his eyes, a little seed of doubt that peeked through, and revealed him to her. She nodded solemnly, swallowing hard. “Right, well, I’d better take Annie home” She whispered. “Thank you, Miles” She added as she turned back inside.

As she did so she saw Annie and Jai hugging in the middle of the room. She stood and watched them for a moment.

“There a lot more mature than we give them credit for” Miles spoke over her shoulder, and she looked up to realise he had followed her towards the door. He cleared his throat loudly, causing the teens to break apart and look towards them.

Annie blushed and brushed her hair away from her face.

“I guess I’ll see you later?” Jai asked, looking at her.

She nodded shyly “Yeah, see you” she said into the ground, walking quickly to the front door. Belle smiled at her innocence and followed her out.

Jai looked up to Miles, who simply smiled, sticking his thumb up at him, causing Jai to laugh.

“Annie, will you slow down!” Belle called after her, laughing lightly to herself at how embarrassed Annie had become. She ran after her, catching her up. Annie kept up her fast pace, not daring to look at Belle.

“God, Annie! We only caught you hugging! What will you be like if we were to catch you kissing?” She joked at her.

“We have not kissed!” Annie replied defensively, maintaining her pace.

Belle grabbed her arm to slow her down “Whoa, Annie, come on, I can’t keep up with you”

Annie slowed slightly “You know, Annie, I think you and Jai make a very cute couple” She told her seriously.

“I don’t think Geoff will see it that way” She told her, glancing up at her.

“Why not?” Belle asked, confused. When Annie refused to answer Belle decided to give up.

“Where is Geoff anyway?” Annie asked her eventually, their pace now a leisurely stroll as they took the path back to Irene’s house.

“He’s refusing to leave the church until midnight, he wants to pray for Ollie there” Belle told her. “You know I’m not religious, but, something about that makes me feel a little better” Belle confided to her “Is that weird?”

Annie shook her head “No, that’s how I feel too” she admitted.

They walked in silence for a few minutes, till Belle grabbed Annie’s arm. “Can you hear that?” She asked her, looking out trying to find the source of the noise.

Annie opened up her ears to hear someone breathing, fast and panicky. They looked at each other for a moment and crept cautiously towards the noise.

“Aden?” Annie asked, recognising the crouched figure immediately. She rushed down to sit beside him. He was holding his chest and shaking vigorously.

“Oh my God, are you ok?” Belle asked, crouching down on the other side of him.

“I can’t….” He began, using all his will power to get the words out in between sharp breaths “breathe” he told them, he looked up at Belle with a panicked, child-like expression in his eyes.

“It’s ok” She told him, placing an arm around him “Just take long deep breaths, you’re ok” She spoke the words slowly as she looked him up and down, assessing him.

“What’s wrong with him?” Annie asked her.

“I think he’s having some sort of panic attack” Belle told her, she looked at Aden again “Aden, can you tell me what happened?” she spoke into his eyes, worried he couldn’t really hear her.

“I…. I don’t know” he told her, shaking. She grabbed his hand, trying to steady it. “Ok, listen. I think you’re having a panic attack; you need to control your breathing, ok? Just calm down, you are ok” she told him, trying to synchronise her breathing with his.

Aden looked up and followed what she said to him obediently. As he followed her breathing he felt himself slow down. He still felt really agitated, but his breathing was slowing. He thought it had stopped before, but then it had caught him again and he hadn’t known what to do.

Annie watched him nervously. When he seemed to have calmed slightly, she rubbed his arm gently “Are you ok?” she whispered to him.

His dazed eyes slowly made their way to hers and her concern sharpened his senses. “Yeah, yeah I’m fine”

“What happened?” Annie asked him.

He felt his mind about to explain it all to her, slowly, but then he became aware of Belle’s presence and stopped himself, drawing his hand out of hers. “Nothing, look I’m fine now Annie, honest” he told her.

“Well maybe we should take you home?” Belle suggested, wondering what he was about to say.

“No, it’s fine” He told her, raising himself up, but his shaky legs weren’t prepared for him and he stumbled over. Belle grabbed him and helped steady his body.

Annie stood the other side of him, studying him “Maybe Belle’s right” she told him

Aden thought back to what had happened with Roman, and Nicole for that matter, and shook his head at them “No, no I can’t go back there” He told her.

Annie quizzed him with her eyes, and thought she read a slight meaning in them, but realised that it was one he wasn’t willing to put into words, so silently accepted.

“Well we can’t leave you out here” Belle told him.

“You can come back to ours” Annie suggested brightly, adding “Irene’s at the hospital, so you don’t need to worry” remembering how he had been last time.

He glanced at Belle, aware this was Annie’s optimism speaking.

She looked him over. There was that thing again, that he was trying to hide. It was as if he and Annie had this secret method of communication, like she knew something that Belle didn’t. She decided to trust Annie on this one. Like Miles had said, she was a lot more mature than she gave her credit for. “What else you gonna do? Sleep on the beach? Come on” She said assertively, pulling him gently along with her. She made out that it was her being impatient, but secretly she could feel a part of his weight rest on her that she decided his body probably couldn’t take just yet.

[monkeysmoke]

Chapter 69

As they entered the kitchen Aden was pretty much standing on his own again, although Annie remained attentively close to him. Belle had been watching them on the walk back. Neither had said much, but it was almost as if they were having there own silent method of communication. Belle flicked all the lights on. “Geoff must not be home yet.” she told them as they entered the living room. “You can sleep on the sofa” Belle said, looking at Aden standing nervously near the kitchen door still.

“Thanks” he replied shyly, brushing a hand through his dishevelled hair.

“I’ll get you some blankets” Annie smiled at him before wondering upstairs to the linen cupboard.

“Do you want a drink or something?” Belle asked him as he inched himself into the living room.

“Maybe a beer?” He asked her cheekily

She laughed at him “Nice try, but Irene really would kill me. Orange juice?”

“Sure” he replied, smiling. He felt her as she brushed past him into the kitchen, the smell of her perfume lingered about him.

Annie’s footsteps could be heard as she jogged down the steps, carrying a thick, fluffy white blanket and a pillow. “Here you go” She said, handing them to him.

“Thanks Annie” he said, his tone was one of relief.

She looked at him a moment “You want me to sit with you?” She asked him kindly.

“No it’s ok, really” he reassured her.

Belle spied on them from the kitchen for a while; there was a deeper meaning behind Annie’s words, a subtext that indicated she was really asking him something else.

“Right, well, I’ll be upstairs if you need me, I’m going to go to bed” She told him, before turning to leave.

“Annie” he called after her quietly, she stopped, waiting to hear him out.

“Thanks” Annie looked up at him, before running forwards and hugging him tightly and quickly, pulling away before he could hug her back.

Belle watched as Annie slowly retreated up the stairs, bewildered by the spectacle she had just paid witness to. She waited a moment, watching Aden stand there aimlessly for a moment, before sighing and throwing the cover and pillow onto the sofa before letting his body sink onto it after them, leaning back and looking towards the ceiling.

She picked up the glass in front of her and walked back into the living room. His eyes flitted over from the ceiling to her face, which stared down at him. “Here” she said, holding the juice out to him.

He reached up and retrieved the glass in her hand as she sat on the arm chair to the side of him, watching him.

He felt her eyes on him and took a sip of juice, more for her sake than his own; he hadn’t known why he’d even said he wanted it. He placed it on the table before him, avoiding looking up at her.

“I thought I was dying the first time” she told him, reminiscing. “I suddenly couldn’t breathe, and I had this irrational fear of everything. I was anxious, everything felt wrong, but I had no idea why” she rubbed the palms of her hands together as she spoke, letting her mind take her back to her own experience.

He looked up at her quizzically, and she stopped herself “After Dom kidnapped me, I use to get them all the time” she explained to him. “Every time I thought someone was following me, sometimes when I was in a car, or even occasionally just hearing a door slam shut would trigger this fear in me, because they all took me back to that really dark place, where I really was trapped. I knew I was fine, but it was as though it were happening all over again” she hadn’t meant to tell him about this, but watching him fall into himself, she felt as though he needed somebody to.

He finally looked up at her, which relieved her, because she had started to feel a little crazy rambling away into the air.

His lips moved around, as if getting used to words again before he finally spoke to her “How did you get over them?”

She sighed, rubbing the tops of her legs with her hands as she tried to remember “I didn’t really learn to get over them as such. I sort of learnt how to deal with them, which was to remind myself that I really was ok and that it was just my body playing tricks on me, to remember to control my breathing. I also decided to go to counselling, so I could talk over what happened to me and get a true perspective on it, that kind of helped, and eventually they just became less and less frequent… I can’t remember the last time I had one now” she watched his face as he nodded at her. She was unconvinced that she had really helped him. “What triggered yours?” she asked him finally.

He shifted nervously in his chair “I don’t know” He felt his defences going up.

“Oh come on” she chided at him, seeing straight through the lie

“I said I don’t know” he snapped aggressively at her.

She sighed “Fine” she declared, rising from her seat.

His eyes followed her “Where are you going?”

“You don’t have to lie to me. You don’t have to tell me, but you also don’t have to lie. If that’s all you’re going to do, then I’m going to bed” she told him angrily, before turning towards her bedroom. She felt like everyone was keeping secrets from her, Miles and Annie, Irene and Kirsty, Aden…

“Wait” He heard himself call after her “Please, just stay for a bit?”

She looked down at him, his soft, fragile features looked up at her and something inside her turned to mush, which she hated herself for. Why did he have this effect over her? She reluctantly walked back and sat down in the arm chair, frowning at him “Fine”

He smiled at her, touched at what she had done for him. “I’m sorry” he told her truthfully.

She looked at him, thinking back to their kiss as she began to feel all of the emotions that had led her to pull him towards her in the first place. “So, Nicole finally drove you crazy?” she asked him, trying to stop her imagination running away with her consciousness.

“What do you mean?” Aden replied defensively. What did she know?

She pulled a face, not having expected that reaction, but put it down to him being dazed still from the panic attack. “The reason you can’t go back to Roman’s place? Nicole getting to you?” she asked him

Aden relaxed, she didn’t know, and it wasn’t like he could tell her right now, that would mean having to tell her so much more. He shrugged, trying to act as normal as possible, which was very different to how he felt “Well I think I can handle her a bit better than you if today was anything to go by” he retorted, smiling at her as he thought back to her angry face in the Diner.

The anger she had felt earlier in the Diner came back strongly into her body as she thought back to her and Nicole’s dispute “She’s just so… unbelievably….” Belle made a turning motion with her hands as she tried to portray her feelings about Nicole.

“Difficult?” Aden offered.

“Selfish” Belle corrected “And irritating and rude and uncaring…” she was in full swing now.

Aden felt bad talking about Nicole, especially after what had just happened. He had just left her there. “And you don’t think that’s all just a front?” he asked her seriously.

“Are you defending her?” Belle asked in disbelief.

Aden moved his shoulders up and down in a move that conveyed he was torn “Her behaviour? No. But I think it’s a bit harsh to just label her all those things, I mean, how much do you even know about her?” He asked, silently asking himself the same question.

Belle didn’t like how small she now felt, especially in comparison to Aden Jeffries of all people. She felt even smaller realising she still had that stigma attached to him in her mind. Aden Jeffries the bad boy. Hadn’t he proved he wasn’t all that bad by now? “Whatever” she replied dismissively “I still don’t like her” she added, refusing to swallow her words.

Aden shrugged as he leaned forwards “You didn’t like me either”

“Didn’t?” Belle echoed “Who says I do now?” She asked him jokingly.

“Erm, I don’t know, the fact that you kissed me.” He told her smugly

He saw her face retort, as though she were about to deny it, and decided to reaffirm his statement before she could defend herself “There’s no denying it. You kissed me Belle. You. Kissed. Me. Not the other way around.” He reminded her, grinning as she tried to avoid making eye contact with him. “Why don’t you just admit it?”

She bit her lip to stop herself from smiling “Now this is something I don’t want to talk about” her eyes told him she was deadly serious.

He nodded slowly, “Alright, I suppose that’s fair” he told her, as much as he wanted to discuss it. He figured tonight really wasn’t the time, especially after what had just happened with Nicole. “So how is Ollie?” he asked her, changing the subject.

She blew out, a piece of her hair blowing in front of her face as she did so. “Not so good”

Something about how she had done it struck a chord in Aden’s heart, and he felt himself pull towards her. “Poor little guy” he reflected.

“Are you going to ask me how Kirsty is doing?” Belle asked, urgency coloured her words.

Aden frowned at her “Why would I?” he replied, sensing her tone.

Belle was the one to shrug now “Oh nothing really, I just thought you guys were quite close” she admitted.

“We’ll were not” Aden scoffed at her harshly.

“O…K….” she replied, leaning back in the armchair.

“Why does it matter to you anyway?” he quizzed, trying to suss her out.

“It doesn’t” she was the one being defensive now, and Aden jumped on it.

“That wouldn’t be a hint of jealousy in your voice would it?” He asked, grinning at her.

She gave him a shy smile “I’m going to bed now” She told him warningly, raising herself out of her seat.

“Is that a hint to follow you or something?” He joked at her, grinning brightly as she shot daggers at him

“Goodnight Aden” She sang at him, as she turned to leave again.

He watched her go, biting his lip as he did so, a warm fuzzy feeling overcoming him.

[monkeysmoke]

Chapter 70

“Nicole? Is that you?” Roman called out to the dark living room. He peered over from the top of the stairs; sure he had heard somebody come in. Sighing to himself he trudged down the stairs and through to the kitchen, flicking on the light as he entered, he jumped back as he saw a figure sitting on the kitchen chair in front of him.

“Jesus! Nicole you scared the life out of me” He told her, his voice hushed by the still night around them.

She stared up at him blankly, but didn’t say anything.

He watched her curiously for a moment “You ok?” He asked stepping over to her.

“Fine, why wouldn’t I be?” she snapped at him, resting her head in her hands as she leant over the table.

“You’re back really late, I was worried about you” he told her seriously, hinting for her to explain.

“Yeah right” she said sarcastically, more to herself than him.

Roman gave a short, nervous laugh “Come on, you know I was”

“Please Roman, you can just drop the act, I know you were trying to get rid of me” She told him bitterly.

“What?” he genuinely didn’t understand what she meant, having just woken up from sleeping; he couldn’t even remember what they last spoke about. All he remembered was that every time they did speak she would walk out on him.

She slammed her hands down on the table “I know you called her alright?” She told him, a feeling of betrayal tinged her words.

Roman sighed, “Look I don’t know what she’s told you, but I wasn’t trying to get rid of you Nic, honest” he began tiredly, feeling he’d already lost. Natalie had almost made him believe she was right, that he wanted to get rid of her, so there was no doubt in his mind that she’d managed to convince Nicole of that too”

Nicole scraped the chair back as she rose abruptly from the chair to move away from him “Whatever” she muttered as she passed him.

He grabbed her by the elbow to stop her from walking out again “Nic, wait, just let me explain?” he asked her gently.

She jerked her arm away from him, despite being able to hold her he reluctantly let go, watching her. “Explain what? That tried to get rid of me? That you tried to get her to take me back? Save yourself the bother Roman it’s not like I wanted to be here anyway” she told him, the hurt slipping through the cracks in her words.

“Is that what she told you?” He asked her seriously, slightly angry now. Why did Natalie always do this to him? Why couldn’t she let go of what he did to her?

“She didn’t tell me anything, it’s written all over your face!” she yelled at him.

“That’s not true, I like having you here” he told her honestly, keeping his voice Calm, hoping to calm her with his words.

“Yes it is! You think I’m this spoilt little brat who just keeps getting in your way and ruining your life, well you know what? You’re not exactly what I hoped for either” she spat at him, half lying. If she were to admit it, he was everything she had hoped for, everything except interested in her.

“You’re being unfair. I keep telling you I want you here, what do I have to do to prove it to you?” he asked despairingly.

“Gee, I don’t know, maybe actually talk to me rather than talking about me behind my back” she told him, crossing her arms in front of her and placing her weight onto one leg.

Roman sighed “I only rang up Natalie to find out what had happened because you weren’t going to tell me. That’s all.” He raised his arms out, as if to portray he had nothing to hide.

Nicole’s anger faltered a moment “What did she say?”

Her voice sounded worried and eager, and Roman couldn’t figure out why. “She didn’t tell you?” he asked, surprised. Natalie usually divulged everything.

Nicole shrugged “How should I know? You spoke to her not me” she reminded him, still cross with him.

He raised a hand to his temple “Then how did you…?” he began

“Aden told me.” Just mentioning his name made a huge lump come to her throat “Because he’s clearly a bigger part of your life than I am” she sniped before turning to leave.

“Nicole” Roman called after her as she stomped up the stairs. He heard a door slam a few moments later, and winced at it. He stood for a moment, wondering round the kitchen, wondering what he should do.

A sudden urge overtook him and he raced through the living room and mounted the stairs, making his way to Nicole’s bedroom door. He knocked rapidly once, “Nicole. I’m coming in” he called out when he received no answer, before cautiously turning the handle and entering the room.

“Can’t you take a hint?” She snapped at him from the bed. He couldn’t see her face; it was obscured in the darkness that cloaked the room.

“What happened?” He asked her, moving further into the room.

“I don’t want to talk about it” She snapped at him, remaining crouched up at on the bed, leaning against the wall behind it.

“Why not?” he said, moving closer still and sitting on the end of the bed.

She turned her face away from him, ignoring the question.

“Nicole” he pressed

“Look you don’t want me here so why do you even care?” she tried to force the tears away from her eyes.

“Nicole” he repeated, gently this time. He reached out and placed a hand over hers, which were wrapped tightly around her legs. She looked down at it, zoning in on it. “I’ve always wanted you here” he whispered to her.

She looked up at him, watery eyed “I’m ruining your life” she admitted feebly, her own uselessness invaded her senses.

Roman shook his head, smiling “No” he replied, stroking the side of her face gently “You’re my daughter. You are my life” he heard himself say the words and realised how much he meant them. She was his everything, all he had in the world to claim as his own.

She’d waited her whole life to hear him say those words to her, to hear anyone say them to her, and now she had she was paralysed, scared of them almost. She didn’t know how to respond to it. The tears rolled freely down the sides of her face and he let his thumb wipe a few away. It was something he’d dreamed of doing ever since she’d been born, but he’d never been able to.

She slapped his hand away and quickly wiped them away, composing herself. Roman leant back slightly, all too aware the moment was over. She sniffed before responding “Well you’re going to have to do much better than that” she told him snappishly, although there was lightness in her voice, which made him smile at her.

“I’ll see what I can do” he replied.

Nicole, feeling the need for the intimacy of the moment to end, was the first to speak next “Well, it’s late, I’m sure you want to get started on that 6 pack in the fridge” She shot at him unexpectedly.

He looked at her, only just noticing the barricades had gone back up, and feeling slightly hurt from her closing him off again.

“Don’t worry, I didn’t drink any of them” She whined at him when he didn’t respond.

“You do listen to me then?” he asked her jokingly.

“Don’t sound too surprised” she replied sarcastically, adding “Night Roman” hinting for him to leave.

He let himself look over her a moment more before rising from the bed. As he did so he reached his hand round to the back of her head and pulled her towards him, so he could kiss her forehead gently, so gently she could barely feel it. “Goodnight” he whispered into her, letting himself breath in her cosmetic smell, which hinted at a person much older than she really was, before he stood up and walked to the door.

Nicole waited until it was firmly shut before whispering back to him “Night dad"

I thought reading all that boring black font was probably offputting, so what do you think? New layout - yay or nay?