The name's Minerva

He made breakfast for himself quietly, making sure it was big enough because he had a lot of work to do. But it was better than flipping burgers or stocking shelves. He remembered his summer before Morocco trying to get money and working a load of useless jobs. Grease traps and dumpsters full of rancid MaccyDs was so far in his past or so felt that way. Now it was cow shit and horse feed, and eggs loads of eggs. But the farm was turning a profit and his dead wasn’t collapsing on a daily basis. He could let his parents retire and also watch the baby.

Alo spent most of the morning shoveling paths so Mini or his parents could get to the main farm house, the barns and the cottage. The cows were fed, chickens and horses as well. Alo wipes sweat from his brow as he shoveled the barns. Most of the major jobs done he heard the crunch of footsteps. First it was one person walking slow. Then he heard smaller faster footsteps and knew who was coming to the barn. He looked at his mobile and it was early. Gracie probably ran in hopped on Mini asking for breakfast. Alo heard the creek of the barn door and he saw two figures.

“Mornin’ to my two favorite ladies,” he said and bent down as Gracie ran into his arms. “You wake momma up?”

Mini rolled over in the bed and noticed Alo was already had already gotten up. He was good at getting his stuff done on the farm. Mini just lied there in a moment and stared at the ceiling. She was taking full advantage of the silence. She didn’t know how long it would take Gracie to find her once she was up. Not a moment later, the door creaked open and in the doorway stood Gracie with a big grin on her face. She ran over to the bed and jumped up. “Morning kisses,” she giggled as Gracie placed a big, sloppy, wet kiss on Mini’s face. “You want some breakfast?” she asked as she sat up in the bed. Gracie nodded her head, Mini could use some breakfast too.

Mini carried Gracie down to the kitchen of the cottage, it wasn’t very often that Gracie wanted to be held and Mini had taken full advantage of it. Some days Mini missed the days when she was small and days before she could walk. But she is grateful to be able to see Gracie grow and learn as she gets older. It’s just apart of the ups and downs of parenting. “What do you want to eat?” she asked as she set Gracie down at the table. “Bacon!” she cheered. Mini got out a clean pan and set it on the stove to warm up. Once it had warmed, she opened the package of bacon. The bacon sizzled as it was laid out. While the bacon cooked, Mini toasted some bread and cooked the eggs. “After breakfast, we can find poppa. How does that sound?” she asked as she set the plate in front of Gracie. Her face lit up with the biggest grin as she took a bite of bacon.

Mini cleaned everything up after breakfast, including Gracie who had bacon crumbles and toast crumbs stuck to her face. Now they were ready, after they had gotten their jackets on of course. They closed the cottage door behind them and walked along the pathway to the barn that was nicely shoveled. Farm boy has been busy this morning, she thought to herself. Once they were close, Gracie took off running toward Alo’s voice and jumped into his arms.

“She sure did,” she said. “You’ve been busy this morning, haven’t you?” she looked around at the progress.

“Good cause mums a lazy bones and would sleep all day,” he said before kissing Gracie and lifting her so he could kiss Mini. “I’m well knackered and it’s not even noon.”

He still had a few little things but he was sure he could get one of the teens from across the way to do it for a couple tenners. He was a bit dirty and probably smelled of cow pies so he didn’t hug Mini. Gracie on the other hand didn’t care. She grew up around the farm like Alo so she was used to it. Mini was still a city slicker. He smiled and placed his daughter down. He handed her a stick and kissed her forehead.

“Find the old boy Rags, you may have to get him from Nan,” he said and she ran off. “Rags is getting old, it’s going to be hard when he passes.”

Alo stood up, he knew he would cry and he dreaded having to explain death to Gracie. He peeked out the bar to make sure everything was fine. His shaggy old dog still had a slight spring in his step as he chased the little ginger snap. Alo smiled and turned to Mini. Bundled up in winter gear while he was in a t-shirt and cardigan waist coat. His face was red from the shoveling and a bit of Jack Frost nipping his nose. He breathed a sigh of relief as his daughter and dog ran passed them she was giggling.

“Can I have her energy? Remember when I had energy? Yeah you remember,” he said and chuckled. “I need some coffee or a red bull whichever is faster.”

Alo waved to Dewi who would keep an eye on Grace and Rags, that was another reason he loved the farm. Gracie could run free and explore but there would always be eyes on her. Even though Dewi was old he was protective. Alo’s dad was also always walking the farm trying to help until Alo would run over and make him to something easy like mow or tend the fields. He heard the crunch of snow as Mini followed him to the cottage.

“So how’s working for Effy Stonem? I was chatting with her and she said you were a maid so I made sure we as peasants treat her majesty with respect,” he said and laughed. “I met her one day when I had Gracie, we had a bit of a chat too.”

Mini laughed as Gracie called out for Rags. She was becoming more and more apart of the farm. Mini on the other-hand was still adjusting. But she was willing. Better yet, she was trying. “Yeah, alright, you had energy.” she rolled her eyes before she leaned up and kissed his filthy cheek. She followed Alo on the path back to the cottage.

“She’s nice, seems to be in good spirits consider her circumstance.” she shrugged  “I saw the ad JJ posted for some help around the house, I responded,” she tucked her hair nervously behind her ear. “I brought Gracie along with me the second time, she sure loves that puppy.” She had wondered if he knew about the lemonade mix-up.

Mini didn’t feel it appropriate to ever talk to Effy about such a sensitive subject. It’s not her place to say anything, especially since she hadn’t heard it from the direct source herself. She felt bad for the girl, she did and she hoped for the best for her.

Mini poured a cup of coffee beans into the top of the maker. “I’ll brew up a fresh pot for you, babe.” she smiled and gave him a kiss. “For all your hard work.” She couldn’t remember when she had gotten to this point where she had felt comfortable, it was starting to feel like home. She was beginning to enjoy being on the farm.

“Minerva is making me coffee?” he said and kissed her cheek. “I’m going to shower so I can actually touch you.”

Alo went to their room, he liked the sound of that. Theirs. Sharing the cottage with his love and child was wonderful. Things between him and Mini were better than ever and they were both working towards a happily ever after. He grabbed some socks and pants and tossed them to the bed. He was sure Gracie would be playing with Rags or the other animals all day. She would visit her grandparents as well. He looked for some good trousers, snatched and tossed them and then he had to find a shirt. He always took too long to gather his cloths and he turned to see Mini.

“Come here for the show?” he said and shook his hips.

Alo pulled his shirt off, swirled it above his head before throwing it at the hamper and it landing in. He continued to dance, pulling and dropping his belt. He was pulling faces as he pretended to be a stripper for his almost wife. He wasn’t sure if she would say yes so he never popped the question. They still had to rebuild after their last fight. As Alo danced out of his trousers he swirled them around and they soon landed in the hamper.

“If you want the real show, better get to the master bath,” he said as he went to the bathroom.

Alo took his phone, put on some music and dropped it into the cup near the sink to amplify the sound. He curled his finger to bring her into the bathroom and he would close the door. He turned the shower on, before they did anything he would need a proper cleaning. He never wanted her to ever have to deal with a dirty boyfriend. As he climbed in the hot water washed away the grim and he peeked his head out.

“You naked yet?”

Mini poured the coffee beans and water into the maker and hit the button to brew. Alo did so much for her, the least she could do was brew him a cup of coffee for all his hard work around the farm. She had just hope this so called happiness would last between the two of them. The last thing she wanted was to fuck up what they have. She always blamed herself for their arguments in the past even though they are usually both to blame.

“Nice one, farm boy.” she giggled as she peaked her head down the hall to see Alo dancing and waving his shirt above his head.

She walked back to the kitchen a moment to wash the remainder of the dishes from breakfast. Mini had gotten accustomed to the housework and for the most part she knew where everything belonged. She grabbed a damp rag to wipe down the counter and table top when she heard music coming from the master bath and Alo calling out for her. The coffee would take a few minutes to brew. She tossed the wet towel into the sink and peaked her head out the window to check on Gracie, who was busy chasing Rags around the farm. Dewi sure was getting his workout chasing both the dog and the toddler.

“Almost” she spoke as she turned the corner down the hall.

Mini unbuttoned her top and tossed it to the floor, followed by her knickers. Alo did a good job of setting the mood. He was always a hopeless romantic in her mind. It’s what she loved about him.

“Are you ready for me…” she said seductively as she stepped one foot into the shower.

Alo peeked his head from the shower to see her coming over, naked and even though he had seen her naked countless times it never got old for him. She was beyond beautiful and he helped her into the shower. He brought her in got a kiss as his hands caressed her body. The water started to bead on them as he kissed her neck. He grabbed her arse and pulled her close. He was on a mission to kiss her all over and he felt her kisses. Alo brushed her hair out of her face and his hand lingered on her cheek. He looked into her blue eyes before kissing her lips.

“I’m always ready,” he said.

Alo moved around as he kissed her, his hands continued to touch her and kiss her. He kissed her collarbone, after leaving a few love bites on her neck. He couldn’t help turning into a teenager when he was with her. He went to her chest, licking kissing and nibbling before he sucked on her breast. He made sure to not ignore the other breast. He sighed with relief as he kissed down her body. He lifted her leg up and hoped she wouldn’t fall.

“Take hold of something love,” he said before kissing her thigh.

Alo’s fingers traced her entrance as he kissed around. He had to make sure she was wet, he kisses around her clit. He continued to move his fingers up and down, his tongue began to trace around. His fingers slowly entered her, he moved them in a come hither motion. He kissed her clit before he suckled on it. He looked up to make sure he was doing a good job.  

Mini didn’t know what it was, but whenever she was with Alo it felt right. She felt happy and loved. Although at times she felt like she didn’t deserve to be with him. They had a good thing going, let’s just hope they wouldn’t screw it up. They were good together, most of the time. Alo helped her into the warm shower, the mirror already beginning to fog up. Mini kissed his lips as she wrapped her arms around his lean body. Mini bit her lip as he left love bites around her neck. She was in the moment and she could feel the passion between them. Her breathing grew as he moved his fingers in just the right spot of her clit.

“Don’t stop,” she moaned.

Alo continued a while longer before she pulled him up closer. Mini wanted her chance to make sure Alo was enjoying himself as well. She didn’t want him to do the work all the time. He always did all the work as the man should, but Mini wanted to show off her skills too.

“My turn,” she pressed her lips against his.

Mini grabbed the length of his cock with one hand and got down on her knees on the wet shower floor. She began by gently massaging it with her hand, then with her tongue. She looked up to make sure she was doing a good job before she got back to business. She didn’t want to disappoint him. She wrapped her lips around the tip and moved them back and forth, gently at first.

Alo curled his fingers inside of her, adding pressure to her g-spot. Her moans indicated how well he was doing. He remembered how bad he was at this when they first started. She would hit him or call him an idiot. But they always came back to each other. After each time he learned more about her and now the way he made her squirm and moan, he felt leaps and bounds passed the boy he once was. He was feeding off her delight, it worked him up as he licked and enjoyed all of her. He felt her and he stood up to kiss her lips.

“I’m not stopping ya,” he said with a grin.

He felt her hand take hold and he knew she wasn’t going to mess around. He did enjoy teasing her with kisses. But she knew he was hard and ready. She got to her knees and he made sure her hair was out of her face. She took in as much of him as she could and their eyes locked. He kept thinking about their first time and how quickly they kissed and how quickly she went down on him. The more times they shagged it felt different, this wasn’t about lust anymore. He breathed out and held her hair but he didn’t force anything.

“Oh fuck, oh yeah babe,” he moaned.

He couldn’t keep his eyes open, his legs were starting to tremble. It was strange how such a little thing changed him. He would never say he was tough or a fighter but when she had him like this. He melted. His breathing picked up and his heart was racing. He groaned some more, his mind was too busy dealing out pleasure for him to form words. And he was sure she would know when he was about to cum. His body shivered as he groaned louder, he was getting close.

Mini knew exactly how to time it. She took his trembling as her doing a good job. She knew how he liked it. When you only have hooked up with one person the past three years, you learn their body. It just happens. She knew it wouldn’t take long for him to cum so she took her time. She brings her lips to the tip and back again. She took her tongue and licked around the edges. He was about to cum.

“How’s that babe?” she smirked and brought herself to her feet as the water washed it all down the drain.

She grabbed his face and began making out underneath the shower head. It was romantic and passionate at the same time. It had felt like the first time, although with more experience and maturity. She felt like a giddy school girl again over her first crush. She could feel her fingers and toes being to prune from the warm water. She lost track of time. It would be lunch time soon and she knew Gracie would be getting hungry, even though Dewi was more than capable of feeding her himself. Sooner or later Gracie would wonder where her parents went.

“Have you worked up an appetite?”

She could make a few sandwiches and they could have a picnic on the farm as a family. Mini enjoyed the family activities and she knew Alo did too, it made her feel like they were just a normal couple with a child. All she ever wants is to be normal.

She lifted herself up as he came, she began to kiss him before he was finished. He held her close and grabbed at her greedily. She spoke of food but his appetite for her wasn’t satiated. He shut the water off so they wouldn’t continue to [rune up and he turned her over. She could hold the shower walls as he slide into her. He held her hips as he pushed into her. He didn’t want their fun to end. That was the downside to having a child around, they couldn’t be horny teenagers, they had to be horny adults.

“I’m not done with you, love,” he grunted softly.

Alo grabbed her breasts and pulled her up. As he pumped into her he kissed and nibbled her neck. He was breathing heavily as he cupped her breasts. He massaged them, played with her nipples and kissed her lips when she turned her head. Their bodies still covered with beads of water and soon sweat. He moaned softly as he moved his hips. He wanted to cum with her, he felt selfish even though he had eaten her out. He wanted her to cum again.

“Oh fuck, oh fuck,” he grunted.

He continued to touch her like it was the first time. His hand quickly slide down her taut and wet body to her clit. He was breathing against her neck as he continued to pump in and out, as far as he could push himself into her. The movements were quick with how wet she had become. He moaned softly and hoped their daughter was too busy with animals to care about anything.

Mini got back in the moment and he pulled her back up. The water turned to sweat as their bodies moved together. Her breath increased as he nibbled her her neck. He knew how to pull her back in. She held on to the walls as he entered her. She reached for the back of his head and gripped her fingers in his ginger mop. Her breathing more heavy as he moved inside her. Alo’s goal was always to have them cum at the same time which is why she wasn’t surprised when he said he wasn’t done with her. He always knew how to make the moment just right.

“Right there, yes,” she moaned.

She arched her back slightly and tilted her head back. She could feel herself in the moment. She grabbed and kissed his jaw as she pulled herself in close.

Mini was confused about the whole relationship situation still. They weren’t a couple, they were just taking things slow, right? She was confused because taking it slow was the last thing it had felt like. They were just having sex. Passionate sex. Sex a normal couple with a baby would do, although they weren’t a normal couple.She did enjoy the sex but she wondered where this was headed. Mini was a stay-at-home mom and Alo had his weed business. She understood it was a way to pay the bills, but she still thought it was dangerous. She was scared for Alo. Her biggest fear was Gracie growing up without a father like she did. She was beginning to understand what the ups and downs of parenting really means.

Her moans drove him wild, and he felt like a wild animal. He was massaging her, kissing her like a hungry beats. He wasn’t sure what came over him, like they hadn’t shagged in ages. But he was thrusting deep and moaning loudly as he was getting closer. She was still moaning and her body was reacting naturally but she seemed distracted. He ignored it, he had to or it would ruin this small window of alone time that they had. He continued to caress her clit and he waited to hear the right noises.

“I love you,” he moaned. “I’ll always love you.”

Could it be the throws of passion? Maybe he was breaking their go slow rule. But he wanted her, needed her in his life. They had created life and they fought and were far from perfect. But he loved her more than ever. He knew they wouldn’t be a fairy tale. They would fight and disagree. But he would make it work. These thoughts slowed his climax.

“Are you close?” he asked breathlessly.

He kissed her shoulder as he continued and he was trying to stop thinking. Thinking slowed him down. They didn’t have much time and he wanted to be dressed when Gracie barged in. He was sure his parents were spoiling her anyway. Even at his mother’s meanest she still would do anything for his daughter. He closed his eyes as he tried to only think about Mini.

A day didn’t go by when Alo didn’t say I love you. She knew he meant it but for her, love was a loaded word. She loves him. She will always love them because they created a family together, another life. She would not trade Gracie for the world. She was distracted for a moment with thoughts bouncing her head. She hoped Alo wouldn’t notice although it’s possible he already knows. He always knows when something is on her mind which is why they can never hide anything from each other.

“I know..” she said breathlessly, “I love you too..”

She felt as Alo slowed his climax. He knew they weren’t perfect either. At this point in life it was unlikely that they would ever be perfect. Mini was adjusting to the idea that this would be her life and she better be happy about it. She’s in her early 20′s and considered a young adult with responsibilities. Her party days were behind her and it was all about motherhood. She shook the thoughts from her head and got back in the moment by thrusting her hips with his. She felt him massaging her clit in all the right spaces. Her breath increased and she closed her eyes as she felt in the moment.

“ah..yes.. almost there..” she moaned.

She did enjoy the sex and Alo’s company. She knew she was lucky to have such a great guy because she can’t deny Alo isn’t a gentlemen. He knows how to treat Mini and he is a great father. But these other thoughts often cloud her mind and she struggles to let them go.

Alo doubled down with kisses and massages, he wasn’t sure his message came through. They needed to talk and they both knew it. He felt her getting close and it made it easier to achieve the crescendo. They were both moaning and his keen fatherly ears heard no door open. So they would be safe for now. He gripped her hips and pulled her in he moaned louder. His whole body shivered as he came. He moaned once again and kissed her shoulder. He pulled out so he could turn her. Alo cupped her face and looked into her bright blue eyes.

“Mini, I adore you. You and Gracie are my world. I know I’m not perfect but I’d do anything for you.” Alo said and kissed her.

Unlike Christmas where they knew Gracie wouldn’t barge in, they had to hastily get dressed. Alo wanted to get out the grill and cook up some meats and corn on the cob. He felt like Mini needed a day off. She worked so hard as a house cleaner and mother that he wanted to spoil her. He hopped out of the shower and helped dry her off before he dried himself. He went to the bedroom to get close, holding Mini’s hand before getting dressed. He looked at her after he was clothed and smiled.

“Let’s give it another go, you move in yeah? We’ll be a proper couple and that,” he said. “I think we can do it this time.”

She loved the way he held her, the way he moved her, and the way he kissed her. It made her forget all their problems for a moment. He knew and she knew they were due for a talk soon. She knew how much he adored her and Gracie and how he would do anything for them. Mini closed her eyes as she was in the moment and kissed him back with her hand rested behind his neck.

“I know,” she said and kissed him “I love your for that.”

Mini dried off and followed Alo back to the bedroom where she grabbed her clothes scattered and put them on quickly. Gracie wouldn’t be occupied for much longer and would soon realize where her mum and pop went. Mini dried her hair a little more before she took a come though it to comb the knots.

Mini paused at Alo’s question. A proper couple would be nice. It would make things easier if she were to move in and it would be good for Gracie to have her family together under one roof. She questioned if it would really be different this time. How was this different than last time, she thought. It wasn’t like they were rushing into things, they have been on and off for the past 3+ years.

“That would be great, it really would but..” she hesitated “I think we need to talk about a few things first.” She didn’t say no.

As she thought it over while they walked into the kitchen the silence scared him. But instead of yelling she was calm. That scared him more. He was sure he knew Mini and this calmness lead to we need to talk. Which he was sure he knew what she was going to say. As he poured two cups of coffee for them he tried to play dumb. Because it was better than jumping on something else and getting yelled at for two things. He handed her the cup and chuckled nervously.

“Of course we can chat,” he said.

He had known she wouldn’t jump up and down saying yes. He didn’t have the besrt diamond ring and a proposal. He just wanted things to be normal for Grace. He also didn’t want another year of emotionless sex. He adored her but sometimes he did stupid things. But this was the time to not admit those things. He was close to her and if she started hitting him he would truly regret being this close. But his hand wasn’t in the cookie jar.

“You want to start? As of right now I have nothing besides I think you moving in would be best for Gracie.”

She was thinking what she was going to say and how she felt. They had their ups and downs, clearly, and they had to work through them one step at a time. This was just another step. She agreed that moving in was best for Grace. They could actually pass for a normal-ish couple, who lived on a pot farm. That was the only issue Mini had with it.

“Sure we can talk now..” she gripped her mug tight.

Mini didn’t know if she could trust him. She knew he was a good father, but she didn’t know what he did outside of that. She knows about his work on the farm and his pot business but not much else. It was hard for her to trust him. She does love him and she always will. He’s Grace’s dad and she will always have a relationship with him. She had just hoped this conversation would remain calm, but she knew it wouldn’t. It never does. It always ended in an argument, then makeup sex. That was the cycle and that’s how Alo sucked her back in. He did a good job because she always went back. She couldn’t take it anymore.

“It’s about your side business,” she said calmly “and the people you associate yourself with.” she took hold of her mug and sipped at her coffee. “I just want to hear the truth, about the weed, everything.”

Alo had a feeling this would come up but he had still been cautious because he could have easily fucked up at something else. He knew why she was irked but he also in his own mind had an explanation. He wanted the best for his daughter but knew as a farmer she wouldn’t get the best. So he was cheating the system. He was trying to build up a cache of funds for her. The farm money paid for any extra workers, food and other humane needs. The pot money was put into a CD or savings account, something that gained interest.

“Mins, it’s not like that,” he said.

Alo had the answers but he probably should hire a lawyer or someone smarter than he to explain. In his head it made sense. But he was also dealing with unsavory people. He wasn’t even sure how unsavory. But he knew one thing. The money was good. He wasn’t sure he could just toss it away. He also was sure if he tried the bloke that bought his pot would kill him. He wasn’t sure how he would get out of this.

“Oh yeah.. how is it then,” she asked in a stern manner. 

Easy money. Sure. It was still illegal though and that is what Mini disapproved of most. She was scared Alo would get caught and be taken away or a deal gone bad and get killed. All were thoughts that raced through her head. She didn’t want Grace to grow up without a father. It made her angry to think those thoughts and she knew it was a matter of time before this turned into a screaming argument. Alo was trying so hard to defend his case in the only words he knew how to explain. 

“You’re telling me that you’re okay with our daughter using the easy money from selling to go to Uni?” she asked furiously. “It’s not alright, Alo!” 

It was near closing time and the bakery was near empty with goods. The night shift bakers had arrived to start baking the next mornings batches and Sebastian was on shift to make sure everyone arrived and lock up the front entrance. 

The large man sat behind the counter, his mug in hand. He was staring at his phone when he heard the small bell start ringing, indicating that someone had opened the door to the shop. He quickly got to his feet and smiled, noticing a small human holding the hand of the woman. 

The final stop of the day was the bakery. Mini promised Gracie a treat if she was a good girl. She just hoped the corner bakery wasn’t closed for the evening. She could see as she approached the entrance not a customer in sight. The door was still unlocked so she walked right in.

She heard a voice from behind the counter, although it wasn’t directed at her. She looked down at Gracie who was intrigued by the bloke but still heard a firm grip on to her hand. Gracie looked up at Mini then smiled shyly back at the bloke now at her level in front of her. Mini noticed his tattoos but she doesn’t sense him as a bad boy upon his first impression. She doesn’t know who he is but Gracie seems to be interested in what he’s all about. 

“Yes, please,” Gracie responded. “I’ll take the same,” Mini smiled. “Thanks… I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name.” 

“You been in Bristol long?” He asked, moving around the counter to meet her. “I haven’t seen you around here.” He crossed his arms over his broad chest, unintentionally flexing his inked arms. He looked over at Gracie who was already enjoying the cupcake. “She’s adorable. She is yours, am I right?” He wanted to make sure before he assumed something too wrong.

“I moved back at the end of last summer,” she said “Gracie and I were living with my dad for a bit.” She felt like her life confusing as it is and then trying to explain it. She just kept it simple and hope it would be enough. “I actually graduated from Roundview a few years ago.” 

Mini’s eyes widen when he crossed his tatted arms across his chest. She couldn’t help but feel an attraction. He had the “bad boy” look, and she was more likely to go for the fit jock or the pervy farm boy. Sebastian wouldn’t have been on her radar but the more they talked, the more she saw how sweet of a guy he was and Gracie seemed to like him.

“She mine, yes,” she nodded. “Although she takes after her poppa in a lot of ways.” she smiled. 

They walked around the block until Ozzy was honking and gasping for breath. He was tired yet he wore the dopiest dog grin possible, and Effy rolled her eyes good-naturedly at the mutt. There were a few lunges at some brazen squirrels, but the canine was quickly distracted by other smells, so Effy was able to maintain control. Once Ozzy did his business they were on their way back to JJ’s flat. It was as they turned the corner that Ozzy lost it and pulled so hard that the leash almost ripped. “What’s the matter?” He was trying to get to the woman waiting at the front door. Next to her was a little girl, giggling loudly when she noticed the crazy animal running towards her. “Jesus.” Effy was a bit breathless, not used to all the heavy the running. “Hey … you must be Mini. Sorry, I had to take this kid for a walk or he goes mental.” She moved past the girl and Mini, fumbling with the keys in one hand to get the door open.

Mini didn’t stay late at JJ’s party the night before. She wasn’t seventeen anymore, she had responsibilities now. Her weekends usually consisted of cartoons and sippy cups The next morning she had woken up bright an early to pick up Gracie from her mum’s before she met Franky in the park to catch up on old times. After parting ways with Franks, she thought she would stop by JJ’s and see if he needed any help cleaning up after the party. With the amount of people she seen at the party, she knew the house would be trashed and she knew JJ wouldn’t be able to clean it up by himself with his bum knee. She knew it wouldn’t be a problem if she brought Gracie along, she would just chase Ozzy around the house trying to give him hugs.

Mini made it back to her mum’s and packed up the stroller in the back of her trunk. JJ’s wasn’t far and it was a beautiful winters day with the sun shining and a blue sky, they could walk the few blocks to his house. Mini walked the few blocks holding Gracie’s hand when they turned the corner and approached the front walk way in front of JJ’s. They had only been waiting a short minute before a women turns the corner with a dog that looks an awful lot like Ozzy. It was Ozzy. The woman must be one of JJ’s mates, she assumed. Gracie’s face lit up and she jumped in excitement as Ozzy approached her. “Yes, and you must be JJ’s mate” She couldn’t remember her name or if JJ had even mentioned his mates name. “And this is Gracie.” she said as she ruffled her fingers through her crimson curls. She allowed Effy and Ozzy in the door first, while her and Gracie followed behind. “How late did the party go on?” she asked. The mess hadn’t been as bad as she imagined, a few empty booze bottles and drink cups throughout the house.

They made it inside the flat and Ozzy took off running towards the water bowl in the kitchen. “I’m not sure. Not that late.” She didn’t remember when she and JJ decided to kick everyone out, but she did remember that they all left a mess behind once that needed to be cleaned. the two of them did a decent job getting the place back to normal but there were still some things that needed to be organized and washed. “We ran off before sunrise and didn’t get back until late.” She added, placing the doggy chain on top of the table. Effy recognized the little girl once she had a good look at her. It was Alo’s daughter. What were the odds. “Gracie, right?” Effy gave them both a smile, pushing her hair back away from her face. “Yeah, you remember me? We met at the park and went for ice cream later?” Gracie was too distracted and barely paid any attention to what Effy was saying. Mini was probably confused by this, so Effy figured she needed to explain some. “She’s lovely. I ran into her and her dad a while ago and then here at the party?”

Her eyes scanned the place and sighed. It really looked a lot cleaner last night before they left. Maybe they were both too tired to care and just decided that it was good enough then. “So you want something to drink?” She offered, making her way towards the kitchen to find Ozzy going through a garbage bag that had been left sitting out. Nothing but empty bottles and plastic cups. “No, c’mon. Go play outside.” Effy led the dog out into the backyard and returned moments later, removing her jacket and placing it on the kitchen counter before she opened the refrigerator. “Let’s see … we got beer, juice, water and … what the fuck is this.” Her hand reached to grab a pitcher and popped it open so she could figure out what it was. “Lemonade.”

“No worries. I had to pick her up from my mum’s this morning.” That’s where she heard the name. She remembered Alo mention her name as they left the party. She was pregnant but she lost her baby. Mini felt bad for the girl. She couldn’t imagine if anything ever happened to Gracie before, or even after she was born. She sympathized with her. “Can you say hi?” she looked down at Gracie who was acting shy. “Give her a minute and she will be talking your ear off.” she laughed. Mini hadn’t known that her and Gracie had met already at the park, with Alo. She didn’t mind. She felt lucky that Gracie’s dad was apart of her life and did stuff with her. Unlike Mini’s father, Alo was a good to both of them. He would never leave.

“Lemonade is fine, thanks.” she smiled and knelt down at Gracie’s level. “Do you want some lemonade?” she asked. “Yes.” Gracie said as she nodded her head and her curls bounced up and down. Mini grabbed 3 cups from the cabinet and set them on the counter. She remembered where they were from when she cleaned the first time. Gracie was old enough now that she could drink from a big girl cup, if she was careful not to spill in all down the front of her. It would be easier with a straw, but she could manage. Mini put a few ice cubes in each of the cups as Effy poured the lemonade. “Where do we begin?” she glanced around the flat to see what needed to be cleaned up first. 

“Can you say hi?” Gracie seemed to be a little shy, which was a lot different from their first encounter. Maybe it was the fact that they were indoors and there weren’t any butterflies or other bugs to distract her. The more Effy looked at this girl the more she started to feel lt. A sort of emptiness. That same emptiness she felt when she first learned that Lizzy had died. She fell a bit guilty for forgetting all about her and now that she was face to face with a little girl the memories were far too vivid. The moment she learned she was there. When Cook decided to name her. The first time she saw a picture of her and how small she looked. The sound of her heartbeat. It was making her chest feel like it could concave but she managed to keep it all inside. She had cried enough tears over her loss already. Effy gave her a soft smile and turned to face away from her and back to Mini. 

“Lemonade it is.” Effy reached for the pitcher and placed it on the counter. Mini already knew her way around the flat, pulling out a set of glasses from the cabinet and dropped some ice cubes inside each one while Effy filled them up with citrusy goodness. “Here we go.” She didn’t have a small glass for Gracie but Mini had picked out a plastic cup for her instead of a glass one just in case she dropped it. Not that she believed the little girl to be clumsy or anything, but most kids her age had butter fingers. “Where do we begin?” Effy didn’t even know the answer to that. Everything seemed like complete chaos at the moment. “Perhaps the living room? Collect the trash off the floor?” She brought her cup to her lips to taste the lemonade. It needed a little bit of sugar in her opinion. “It doesn’t look half as bad as it did before. Jay and I tried to get it as cleaned up as possible but there was just too much, you know?”

Mini helped Gracie with her cup so she wouldn’t spill down the front of her. The plastic cup was just perfect for her size. Gracie held the cup tight with both hands gripped around, “I’ve got it, momma.” Mini realized how much Gracie has grown and how much more she is able to do herself. She missed the days before Gracie could walk and talk, and tell what she wanted or how she was feeling. She began to wonder if she should have left Gracie with her mum while she helped Effy clean up after the party. She can only imagine how Effy felt, not only after just coming out of rehab but also since she lost her baby. Mini didn’t know how far along Effy had been or even if she knew what the baby’s gender was. She didn’t want to ask those questions. It had been too soon. Instead, she was silent about the sensitive topic unless it was brought up.

Mini had cleaned this place once before, she could surly do it again. Between the two of them (also with the help of Gracie), they could knock this out in an hour, two at the most. She sipped at her lemonade. Refreshing. She couldn’t remember the last time she had a lemonade, she always thought it was more of a summer beverage, and hot cocoa was more for the winter. Mini found where the trash bags were in the closet and started by collecting all the empty cups and bottles that covered floor and tabletops. “Did you go to Roundview college too?” she asked as she continued collecting trash.

The more she witnessed Mini and Gracie interacting, the more relief she started to feel about losing Lizzy. It sounded awful, she knew this, but it wasn’t something she could control. Effy was built for a lot of things but motherhood was not one of them. And she knew that saying about people changing into their roles as parents once the baby arrived, but she doubted that would have been the case with her. Specially because deep down she really didn’t want to change. She didn’t want to feel tied down and she didn’t want to sacrifice certain things like her mother did. She knew Anthea cared for her children in her own way, but at the same time Effy always sensed a lot of regret in her. Like she had given up so much to be a mother and in the end that all kind of fell flat. Mini seemed like a natural though. 

Effy took one last sip of her lemonade before opening the cabinet under the sink to get all the cleaning supplies out in the open. This was another thing she wasn’t exactly used to doing. Literally cleaning up her mess. Mini started to collect some of the trash lying around while Effy swept the floors. “Did you go to Roundview college too?” She stopped for a moment to look at Mini. She didn’t look familiar at all. “Yes, I did. Class of 2009. I don’t remember seeing you around. Were you in a different year?”

Mini noticed her bag getting rather full so she tied up the ends and opened a knew one. There were a lot of empties. A LOT. And Mini thought that this party was for someone just getting out of rehab. A lot of booze and spliff for someone in recover, she thought. She didn’t know Effy well enough. But it wasn’t her life. She wasn’t there to judge. That was the old Mini. She was there to help. She didn’t know what she was in recovery from and she didn’t feel in necessary to bring it up. She continued gathering as much empties as she could in the fresh bag. She could at least see the table tops now. They were making good progress and Gracie was doing what she could too.There wasn’t much left to do, just wipe the table tops down. Effy had already started sweeping the floor. Mini tied up the second bag full of empties and took a sip of her lemonade before reaching for the spray cleaner and a rag. She got the rag slightly damp before she began wiping down the counter tops. 

“Class of 2011.” she nodded, “I assume that’s how you know each other, you and JJ.” Mini was uncertain of the relationship Effy and JJ had together, were they just friends or something more? It didn’t matter, again it wasn’t her life. Gracie was just getting her energy, most likely from the sugars in the lemonade. “Ozzy! Ozzy!” she shouted as she ran circles around the house. She must be looking for the puppy. “Ozzy’s outside love.” she chuckled. 

Effy could make some comment about how it was a small world that they both went to Roundview but it wasn’t fitting. Bristol was relatively small compared to other places and bumping into people who used to attend that college was becoming a normal occurrence. “Yeah. We didn’t exactly hit it off back then.” That was putting it lightly. Effy didn’t remember that JJ even existed most of the time back then. She really didn’t like thinking about that time in her life. Sure, there were fun moments and she missed being young and reckless but she it wasn’t a good time in her life. Effy was not in a good place then and she wanted to believe that she was in one now. Even if the chaos around her said otherwise. They were clearing off the living room in a timely manner and before Effy even realized it . 

“Ozzy! Ozzy!” She could hear Gracie screaming in the distance and Ozzy barking outside trying to get in. Effy was walking towards the back door when out of nowhere little Gracie’s legs gave up on her and she fell back on the floor. “Mini!” Fuck. Gracie’s face was starting to loose its color and she was suddenly throwing up all over the floor. Effy moved towards her to make sure she didn’t choke on her own vomit until Mini arrived, practically shoving her out of the way to get to her daughter. The first thought that came to Effy’s mind was the lemonade. That maybe tit had gone bad because now that she really thought about it, it did have a weird taste to it. And that was when it hit her. “Shit … shit.” She turned towards the kitchen, leaving Mini to care for her child to grab the lemonade from the refrigerator. It smelled like lemon  and … what was that? Rum? The faint scent of alcohol. It was weak, but it was there and Effy cursed herself for not noticing earlier. 

Mini heard caos coming from the other room and then Effy yelled out for her. She sounded worried. Mini dropped what she was doing and ran over to where Effy and Gracie were. She saw vomit all over the floor and down the front of Gracie’s top. She grabs a clean towel and gets it damp with water to try and clean up Gracie, who is upset and crying because she had gotten sick. The moment she realized it was rum. “Shit!” What was she to do now? What type of mother was she? “Water… we need water.. and maybe crackers? bread?” Mini said frantically. Her 3-year-old daughter was drunk! This was bad. She just hoped Gracie will be okay. Mini took one more sip of the lemonade. She still couldn’t taste the rum. But a little is a-lot to a toddler. 

Once Mini got Gracie all cleaned up and calmed down, she gave her a sip of ice water which she gulped straight down. The water seemed to be helping a little. She was beginning to get some color back to her face. Mini didn’t know how long this would last, or how much rum was actually in the lemonade. She just wanted her baby to feel alright. “Do you know how much rum?” she asked Effy. She wasn’t blaming anyone. If it was anyone’s, it was Mini’s. She gave her daughter the cup without tasting it first herself. It tasted like lemonade. “I think she just needs some rest.” Mini picked Gracie up and laid her down on the couch with her cup of water on the table beside her. She turned on the cartoon channel and set a blanket across her legs. She gave a kiss atop Gracie’s ginger head as she laid her head down and closed her eyes. 

Mini got up from the couch and walked to where Effy was. “Just be glad it was only rum.” she joked trying to make light of the situation.         

It was a mess and Effy was ill prepared for this. These were the moments when she was glad that she wasn’t a mother. That she didn’t get to be one. As much as she had wanted to have Lizzy while she was pregnant with her, Effy knew that she wasn’t the type to handle something like this. She was far too selfish and she wasn’t very good at taking care of other people. Mini was doing a good job at it and stain relatively calm though out the entire thing. “Water… we need water.. and maybe crackers? bread?” Effy quickly grabbed a glass and served her a glass of water and found a few salty crackers in one of cabinets. “Here.Is she going to be alrite? Do we need to ride her to the hospital?” She handed both of them to Mini and waited for Mini to take control of the situation. Giving Grace water, the crackers and getting her out of those nasty clothes.

Their breaths heavy as their bodies gyrate together, still fully clothes and still running on Christmas adrenaline from this morning. It felt like ages since they had shagged but with them both still leading separate but mostly together lives that would happen. Time would slip away but he took this chance of them having free time and made sure she knew how much he cared.

His hand cupped her breast, massaging it as his tongue rolled with hers. She had amazing lips. He grabbed her and rolled so she was on top. Their lips barely breaking apart; he lifted her shirt off and kissed her collarbone and started to suck on it. His hands continued to explore and touch her like she could fade away if he didn’t touch every part of her. He kissed the top of her beautiful bosom.

“Merry fuckin’ Christmas,” he moaned into her skin.  

It gets better each year as Gracie gets older and begins to understand more about the meaning of Christmas. It had come and gone so quickly, it hadn’t really felt like Christmas. Gracie was out like a light with his parents, which allowed Mini and Alo time for themselves. After staying up late last night finishing up the holiday decorations and gift wrapping, alone time was much needed. It seemed like forever since they had time alone, not having to worry about feedings and potty training. It was Christmas after all, it was mom and dad’s turn to have their own fun. She couldn’t understand why he still wanted to be with her with the way she has treated him in the past. All he ever did was care for her and she was shit to him. Then again, people change. She wanted to show Alo that she had changed. She did care for him. Always did.

Mini lightly bit her lip as he kissed along her collarbone. He knew all the right places and he had the gentlest touch. She could feel her breathing becoming heavier. She loved the way he moved her and made her feel. She moved her body with his, rolling her hips with each movement. Their bodies so in sync with each other. Her tongue danced with his as she lightly tugged at his hair.

She pressed her lips against his, “Merry Christmas…” she smiled, “I love you.”

“I love you,” he said between kisses, he slipped her bra off with ease and they rolled again.

Alo tore his shirt off and it hit the chair in the corner, her legs were open and their crotches pressed against each other’s. He held himself up and leaned down to kiss her soft perfect lips. It had felt like ages and he hoped he hadn’t gotten rusty. He was going to give her a more personal Christmas present not like he wouldn’t do this any other day in the year. He kissed her neck, sucked it and moved down. Kissing her inch by inch, his tongue swirled around her hard nipples before he kissed down her tummy.

“Don’t worry, be loud as you need to,” he said with a smirk.

The cottage was so far away she could murder him and no one would know until Rags discovered his body. He continued to kiss and took her leggings. He liked how they were tight in all the right places. As he pulled them down he hooked her knickers and lifted them off as well. He slipped his trousers off as well as pants. Just in case she started to beg for him. He lifted her left leg up as he sat on his knees. He kissed her ankle and kissed down slowly.

Before he reached the motherland he brought her leg down and lifted her right and did the same slow kissing. They had all night and maybe it was some sort of inferiority complex but he wanted to show her the best night. But he couldn’t just get in there. You always preheat the oven first, he smirked as his face hovered over her crotch and soon his mouth pressed onto her clit and he began to suckle.

Mini never expected to fall in love with a farm boy like Alo. Her younger self would never be caught dead with a guy like him, but she had changed. She learned to accept him and love him. He is a good father and a good boyfriend. She could see herself spending the rest of her life with him, they would be their own little family forever. A part of that still scared her, she wasn’t sure what it was. She was scared of that commitment. She doesn’t know what she wants. All she knew was she was happy with Alo and he was good to both his daughter and Mini. When it came to relationships, Mini had always felt insecure. She didn’t know who she could trust. Her body image had also been an issue in her life, she felt insecure about her weight and if she was pretty enough. It was more than a daily struggle.

The perfect way to end the holiday. Gracie had been with his parents, there was no way she could hear them from the cottage. And with Alo’s permission, she smirked and groaned louder as he made his way down her torso. His kisses tickled. She tugged lightly at his hair and slightly arched her back. “Do you work, farm boy?” she moaned with a smirk across her face. She rolled her hips and her breathing became more heavy. Alo knew all the right places.

Alo’s had pressed down on her lower abdomen as he massaged her pussy lips. He wanted to get her nice and wet before they had an all-nighter shag. He enjoyed when she played with his hair, it sent shivers down his back. He kissed and massaged her entrance as he swirled his tongue over her clit. His fingers slipped in and he made sure to add pressure to all of Mini’s super sensitive spots. That was the best part about having only shagged one person, you knew them inside and out. The more times they shagged the better he had gotten.

Mini was moaning and he made her moan louder as he added pressure or spun his fingers. He knew that hitting here, made her leg shake while here made her arch her back. He would look up to see her reaction as his tongue continued to taste her. He breathed slowly through his nose while his mouth was a busy bee. He curled his finger to hit her g-spot. His goal was to get her to cum. Then he would worry about himself, but he wasn’t that much of a challenge when it came to orgasms.

His fingers tapped, twirled and dragged slowly inside of her. He thought back to their first shag, how bad he was. But she had kept coming back and boy eventually she came oh she came. He smirked at all their shags but he needed to focus, his tongue was getting a bit tired so he kissed and suckled her clit before he returned to licking all over.

Mini had known this would be a long night, knowing Alo and the fact that they were kid-free for the night. She felt like she was a teenager again. She thought back to the first time they shagged, it was awkward like most first times are but she still went back for more. They were free to do whatever they wanted, no sensor needed. This was the best Christmas gift of the night, an all-night shag. She didn’t want to get tired too quickly. She paced herself while breathing in from her nose and out from her mouth.

She felt his finger inside her, he hit all the right spots. Mini could feel herself about to climax. She was gonna cum. Her breathing becomes more heavy and her back slightly more arched. Her moaning continued louder, “oh.. ohh.. FUCK.. YES!” she shouted. It was scary sometimes how much he really did know her body but there wasn’t much she could complain about. Alo always made it a good time for the both of them.

She pulled him up close to her and began suckling on his neck, then to his jaw line. “Best. Christmas. Ever.” she whispered in his ear as she caught her breath and smiled.

He started to crawl up to her; he kissed a trail up her body as he felt her pulling him closer. He felt her lips on his neck and he breathed out. He was always pleased when he made her cum. He remembered how rubbish he was thinking the moves in porno where practical. But no he soon realized how almost cartoon-y porn was. He had learned a lot through the years, his hands were exploring her body as she whispered in his ear.

“Oh well I can stop now,” he chuckled. “How about you get on top babe?”

He knew she enjoyed riding him because she could control how she felt. Plus he was being a bit selfish. He wanted to lay back, play with her perfect breasts, he thought to how crazy Christmas eve had been when he was shopping for Mini. Hours of lines and people shoving and stores not having what he wanted. He would make sure to never fuck up like that again.

Alo squeezed her bum as he pulled her close. Her kissed her, rolled his tongue with hers as he held her close. Their bodies still mostly dry but soon they would have beads of sweat as the sex got more wild. He was going to make sure it got wild as well, he broke the kiss reached over to the night stand and grabbed a condom. Gracie didn’t need a sibling just yet, he opened the package and handed it to Mini.

“I got you babe.” she caressed his cheek. Alo knew how to put on a rubber, he just liked the way she had done it. She took the rubber from his fingers and began to unroll in down the length of his hard cock. She wasn’t ready to give Gracie a brother or sister, not in the near future anyway. There was plenty of time for that later. First things first. She was ready to show him what she’s got and what he’s been missing. 

“Hope you’re ready for this,” she smirked. 

Mini’s hands rested on his chest his hands traveled up her thighs, he rubbed them before he grabbed her arse. Alo took a bit of control plus now that he was lifting her and bringing her down she could relax a bit and focus on her next couple orgasms. While Alo had to make sure to not focus on that and keep the condom empty for a couple of rounds. He never wanted to be a squirt and run type of fuck. He was positive that was why Mini had always came back, because he cared about her more than himself.

“I love you,” he said breathlessly.

Alo has never disappointed her emotionally or sexually, which is another reason why Mini always came back. He was there for her even when she hadn’t been there for him. She felt his hand moving up her thigh. She could feel her heart racing as her breath increased. The passion was real. She could see the beads of sweat gleaming from their bodies as they moved together. 

“I know,” she hushed as he brought their bodies closer. Her hands now moved to the back of his neck, his hair intertwined in her fingers. “I love you too,” she gave a slight tug at his hair  as she bit his lip passionately. 

She tugged his hair again and that helped stifle any early releases, she was working her hips and moaning. He had to grab her hips to slow her down and he brought himself deeper into her. She could take it and had before. Her cries of passion made it harder to hold back, he could feel her convulsing. He let go of one of her hips as she gyrated and he slowly caressed her clit, focus he needed to focus. He rolled her over giving him time to calm down; he went for her neck first. Kissing it and sucking, leaving marks she would hide.

His hands touched her body, her soft and always smooth skin. He had forgotten how smooth she was. He was stalling and she would eventually notice but he kissed and massaged her breasts, one hand on a boob the other in his mouth while he continued to tease her clit and that was his saving grace, because she wouldn’t notice (right away) the he had stopped so the night wouldn’t end in a ‘real good Farm boy!’ But not in the nice way. He started with slow deep strokes into her. He kissed up her neck and pumped hard into her.

“Oh god Mini, not sure how much longer… ah,” he groaned softly in her ear before kissing her.

Mini rolled over on her back and looked up at the ceiling to catch her breath. She turned her head toward Alo and smiled. How did she get so lucky to have such a great guy and father? It took some getting use to, but she eventually came around to the idea. 

“Real good Farm boy.” she caressed his cheek and lightly kissed his soft lips. She snuggled herself in his arms. She didn’t know what time it was but she knew it was late (or early). Gracie would probably be waking up soon but she was in the care of her grandparents, she would be fine. 

Mini walked out to her car with Gracie on her hip as she thought of what they could do for the day. Because with a toddler you have to keep them entertained or else it’s not fun for anybody. She knew the park wasn’t far from her mum’s place and it was a nice enough day for it– not too cold. She decided to leave her car parked at her mums and get the stroller out to go to the park,she didn’t really need to stroller but she thought just in case Gracie was tired of walking. They headed down the street once Gracie was strapped in.

Not even 5 minutes later, “I’m thirsty mommy.” Gracie looked back from the stroller. Mini stopped at an empty park bench on top of the hill to dig through her bag for a sippy cup. “Gotta be in here somewhere.” she said out loud talking to herself not thinking anyone else was around besides Gracie and her. 

Franky had gotten to the park early, purely for the reason she wanted to smoke a cigarette. She had a lot on her mind, per usual, but it was a lot more than she could deal with at one time. Franky had gotten the call from the hospital. Dean was in critical care with injuries that she didn’t understand. She had to see him, but she wasn’t ready. Franky was more surprised that she was still his emergency contact. Well, if there was anyone that Franky could talk to it would be Mini, but there was more to catch up on.. plus Gracie was supposed to be there which made it even harder to deal with. Franky brought the cigarette back between her lips. She normally didn’t smoke often, but Franky had bought herself a new pack this week and nearly gone through it all. She smoked a second one when she had time and even pulled her phone out to mess with it. A few checks on this and that, she called Clara and left a message on when they would meet next.

Now for Mini. Franky put her cigarettes away and put some gum in her mouth so she wouldn’t make the baby uncomfortable. She hadn’t seen her in a long while. Too long. Franky didn’t know how big she was or if she could walk or talk. Gracie probably didn’t even remember her, which would only make sense since she was a baby when she met her. Franky saw her from across the way. A stroller with a small child that was bopping around with too much energy. Franky made her way over slowly, seeing that Mini was taking her time doing what she needed to do. She walked up behind Mini and gripped her hands around her arms and stomach. “Mins!” Franky squeezed her harder and let go after a few second. “Never thought you’d actually show,” she joked.. mostly. Franky turned her attention to Gracie in the stroller and widened her eyes. Children grew fast. Shit. “Hi Gracie!” Franky leaned forward, putting her hands on her knees with a big smile. “Jeez.. you got so big… how old is she now?” She didn’t waste a second, getting into those questions before she had to mention her own shitty drama.

Mini found the sippy nearly at the bottom of her bag, she brushed it off and handed it to Gracie then looked down at her phone at the time. She had hoped she wasn’t late. Then she had heard footsteps approach and a familiar voice. She felt a tight grip around her torso, “Franks!” a smile appeared across her face. It had felt like forever. “She’s three now, isn’t that right Gracie?” she leaned over the stroller and Gracie shyly held up three of her little fingers. It wasn’t like Gracie to act shy, especially around her Aunt Franky, then again she hasn’t seen her in months. That must feel like a lifetime for a toddler. “Doesn’t seem that long ago, does it?” she looked over to Franky.

Gracie started squirming in her stroller and began pulling at the buckles, “Out!” she demanded. Mini knelt down and freed her daughter from the straps, “Stay close or else you’re going back in, got it?” she told Gracie. “Yes, momma.” she agreed and ran after the birds in the field. “She’s always on the move,” she said. “sometimes I miss when she was just a baby and wanted to be held all the time.. but those days are over now.” Not that Mini would want to have another baby, especially not now, but it has always been in the back of her mind. Eventually she thought she would have more.

“How have you been?” she asked now that the child was occupied and they could really talk about what drama has happened over the last few months. 

“Doesn’t seem that long?” Franky looked at Mini like she was mental. It had almost been a year. Almost, but that was also Franky’s doing and Mini being busy. She couldn’t blame her. A child was a lot of work and time consuming. Franky had her own things she needed to deal with too. Gracie went on a rampage, a baby one. Franky figured that was more suitable for an actual toddler. She wanted out and Mini gave in immediately. It was weird to see it all act out. Gracie could say small words. She had her own thoughts, feelings, and movements. She wasn’t just a wide eyed little baby that didn’t know up from down. Soon, Gracie was hopping after a few birds in the grass and Franky was watching her, wondering if she ever had these priceless moments as a baby. Before everything came to a halt. “She’s always on the move, sometimes I miss when she was just a baby and wanted to be held all the time.. but those days are over now.” Franky laughed quietly. “Well.. she’s got to grow some time.”

Franky kept staring. She felt protective over this little girl and she barely knew her. It was weird. Mini’s child. Mini’s actual baby, moving about, giggling, and trying to play with a few birds on a bench. “I’ve.. been better.” Franky shook her head. She had a harder time lying to Mini due to her constant pestering if she wasn’t truthful. Things had been different, but she only got to see Mini every once in awhile. “My mate, my.. I mean my old mate, he’s.. he’s in Bristol and we’ve sort of reconnected.” Franky figured Mini would go off in her ‘he’s bad news, someone from your past’ speech but she’d wait on that. “He had nowhere to go so he’s sort of staying in my room at home.” Franky wrinkled her nose. It sounded worse out loud. “I took the guest room.. if you were going to say something.” 

“Well.. she’s got to grow some time.” Mini watched as Gracie laughed and bounced around with so much energy. “Yeah, but she’s much more exhausting now.” she chuckled although she wouldn’t trade Gracie for the world.

Mini could tell something had been bothering Franky. She sat on the bench and motioned Franky a seat next to her. She listened attentively as Franky spoke of her new house guest.. an old mate of hers. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Mini could only remember one mate which Franky had talked about from her old town, Dean, and what she’s heard about him was not good news. Mini didn’t like when Franky associated herself with those sort of people, they were a bad influence on her and that’s the last thing she needed. It scared Mini to think of what sort of trouble she could get herself into. She felt the same way about Alo, she didn’t particularly like the line of work he was associated with but there wasn’t anything she could do about it. At least not at the moment.

“Sort of reconnected?” she asked as she raised an eyebrow. Mini wasn’t trying to tell Franky how to live her life. She just wanted the best for her. She felt protective of her, almost motherly. She knew Franky would do the same for her.

“How long have you had your house guest and how long is he staying?” she asked as she crossed her arms. 

Franky shifted uncomfortably on the bench. She felt better standing. She could kick her legs at rocks, fiddle with her hands or look somewhere else and not just straight ahead. Mini was silent for a moment and Franky didn’t like the looks of it. That meant Mini was judging or thinking of something to say that was judgmental. It wasn’t uncommon for her to blurt out what she was thinking right in that second. “Sort of reconnected?” Franky felt her skin turn hot. She couldn’t retell the awful story about that night. Everything went wrong and Franky admitting things she shouldn’t have. “How long have you had your house guest and how long is he staying?” She shifted again on the bench and kept her eyes on Gracie flapping like a bird next.

“Well.. a few weeks now. He’s out of a home and his… his step-father or.. well, he passed. He had nowhere else to go.” Franky felt frazzled with the information still. What had happened and what she wanted to happen, those were two different things. It felt like lately, Dean had been holding her back a sum and she hadn’t been able to keep up. Franky had stopped looking for a job and spent too much of her time focusing on him. “My dad’s are okay with it, but I need him to do something with himself. Sometimes he just disappears and I don’t know where he goes. We talk lesser than you’d think, even under the same roof and.. well lately he’s just been gone. I said some things and he needed some space.” Franky felt her leg start to shake up and down while she spoke. An old nervous habit, just like her biting at her nails if she didn’t paint them. 

Mini could tell Franky was uncomfortable, was it her or the conversation that kept her constantly shifting? Mini kept her eye on Gracie, chasing after the birds, she wasn’t too worried about her. She did worry about Franky though. The two had been through a lot since they have know each other. More than a normal 17-year-old should go through. She always thought that Gracie was the best that ever happened to her. It was. That and her friendship with Franky. They had a special friendship, something Mini had taken for granted many of times.

Mini listened as Franky made excuses for her old friend Dean. She didn’t know much about him, just what she heard. Maybe he has changed, people can do that. Mini had changed, she just hoped for Franky’s sake that Dean had. She felt bad about the passing of his dad, even though she hasn’t been close to her dad most of her life. She still feels like she doesn’t really know her dad. “Gone? Gone where?” she asked in a concerning voice. She could only assume that where he was going was not the best place. Mini grew more concerned while she kept one eye on Gracie bouncing around.

“I just want you to be careful Franks.” she touched her hand. She really felt motherly. It comes natural once you have kid. 

“Gone? Gone where?” Franky shrugged. She didn’t know and she hadn’t checked in. It was the first time that she actually had some time to herself, but she spent a lot of time thinking about Dean and only Dean. “I.. I don’t know where he’s gone. Sometimes he goes away. Just sometimes. He just leaves and I don’t know. Half the time he loses his phone. Every time he’s come back it’s been a new phone. New number..” Franky was probably making excuses for not knowing, but she was scared of what would happen. She was scared to know if things went south and she wasn’t there to help. Franky wanted to keep her distance for that very reason. Dean was someone that really took Franky and kept her in a closed off room. “I just want you to be careful Franks.” She looked down at her hand and fought back. She didn’t want to explode and say the wrong thing.

She didn’t want Mini worrying about her and saying these things too. Why would she? Franky was fine.. right? Everything was fine. “You don’t need to worry. I’m being careful. I’m not doing anything stupid okay? Please.” She didn’t mean to be snippy but she was. She was very tired of people thinking she couldn’t take care of herself. “I don’t know where he is, but that’s fine. I didn’t know where he was when I left Oxford before so..” She crossed her arms and stared at Gracie instead. 

Mni knew how Franky was, she shuts herself off from everyone when she’s dealing with something. The last thing Mini wanted was to make her upset and storm off and forget the whole conversation. She just wanted to show her that she didn’t have to go through this alone. She knew Franky would do the same for her, and she did. Mini doesn’t know where she would be today if it weren’t for Franky being there for her in her time of need before she had the baby. She was grateful for that. But Franky was different, she was never good at showing what she is feeling.

“Doesn’t it bother you when he leaves, without telling you where he’s gone?” she asked, “You said he’s done this before, weren’t you curious then?

Mini had questions. None of it seemed to add up what Franky was telling her. New phone and new number when he returns, none of it sounded right. Maybe Mini was being too overprotective, but that’s who she was now. It was just the motherly instinct she could not control. “Don’t do this, Franks.” she shifted her body toward Franky on the bench, “Don’t shut me out.”

“Doesn’t it bother you when he leaves, without telling you where he’s gone?” She didn’t want to say it, but of course it bothered her. A lot of things about Dean actually bothered her if she sat around and thought about it. “You said he’s done this before, weren’t you curious then?” She nodded. Franky decided to keep quiet instead. “Don’t do this, Franks. Don’t shut me out.” She felt Mini’s leg next to her and Franky grunted under her breath. “Of course it bothers me! I don’t know where he goes or who he’s mates with. But I shouldn’t care about it.  I mean we’re not.. anything. He’s just a mate, right? He’s…” Franky sighed loudly and leaned back on the bench.

“I did something stupid.” Franky corrected herself straight away, “I almost did something stupid.” Her eyes shifted from Gracie running around in circles to Mini’s freckled face. “We almost.. well.. you know. I.. I let my feelings get the best of me and I shouldn’t have but I mean we didn’t but then he left. I know I’m rambling but what can I do? What do I do? I’ve liked him forever. Literally forever, since.. since I was a kid and I.. God damnit.” Franky slid further down on the bench. She honestly wished she was laying on the ground face down instead. Mini asked for her to not shut her out and she didn’t. There it was all on the table. Dean was a trouble maker, Franky made bad decisions and that was it. “I know I’ve had a history of bad run-ins and I know this is another one..” Franky spoke defeated already. She didn’t need Mini to say it. 

It all made sense now. Mini understood what was going on now. Franky liked Dean…. really liked him. Mini thought about the time she had to make the decision between Nick and Matty. She was never best at decisions. Mini really wanted to hear her out and understand, but it was difficult. Franky never opened up about her feelings before now.

Mini placed her hand upon Franky’s shoulder. She wanted Franky to know that she was there for her. She was always on her side through anything. “So you’ve never… shagged?” she paused. “Well, have you told him how you felt?” she asked although she thought maybe she already knew the answer. If she would have told him, maybe he would be their right now. But she didn’t know his business and she didn’t care to know his business. All she knew was he was bad news and she did not want her or her daughter to be involved in that. She had hoped for Franky’s sake he would change. After all, she did want Franks to be happy.“It’s not your fault” Mini reassured. “When did you hear from him last?” she asked. “He didn’t say where he was?” 

“No.” Franky responded to her question already turning red at the response. No… she hadn’t. But then again, why would she ask Mini what to do really? She had Alo, they were perfect in their own fucked up way. None of it really made sense in her head. “Well, have you told him how you felt?” Franky swallowed. Dean knew on two separate occasions. One, when she blatantly told him to his face how she felt. Love. She used that word and she probably shouldn’t have. Two, when they were younger and Franky knew that he knew. He had to know. She always acted different around him and he was the only one she ever trusted. Funny how it turned around right before her eyes now.

“I told him. He knows…” He said he liked her back, maybe she didn’t use love. Now she wasn’t so sure she was getting her own story straight. They were drinking weren’t they? She had told him that she liked him, he said it too. Then things were a blur and she got scared. Nothing happened. “He just said he’d give me some space and he went off. I went back to my room the next morning and he was gone… no note. He’s done it before, but… I’m not sure I really want to go looking for him. He’s… troubled…” She felt guilty for saying it but it was the truth. Dean wasn’t the average boy from the neighborhood. He wasn’t even the average bad boy. He had trauma. He projected a lot of things onto Franky and it was a lot to handle. “Dean’s like… he’s like a firework waiting to go off. One that’s already lit but stalling. I never know if he’s going to hurt someone or himself. Now with him out there I don’t know much of the same.” Franky swallowed and let her head fall forward.  

Mini never understood Franky’s love life, nor did she really care. Mini had her own fucked up relationship but they were working it out their own way. She had just hoped it would all work out because it is what Mini really wants. A family. They were their own dysfunctional family and she loved it. But she hated seeing Franky like this, vulnerable, and she didn’t like how these guy made her feel. She only ever wanted to see her happy.Mini worried for Franky. She didn’t want her to get hurt, physically or emotionally. “He’s like a firework waiting to go off.” She wondered why Franky still wanted to be with him if he could hurt her, then she understood. She really loves him, or loved. Maybe she thought that she could change him. Some people just don’t change but Dean could be different. Mini couldn’t understand why Franky always fell for the troubled ones. Franky seemed lost these days, like she doesn’t know what to do next.

“You deserve better.” she looked over to Franky who had her head faced toward the ground. Mini thought back to the time when she had felt the same way about Matty. She had told her the same thing. He was toxic for her and so was Dean. “Has he ever hurt you?” she looked over at Franky with a worried look in her eyes. “Physically hurt you?” she continued. 

“You deserve better.” Franky sighed. It was all she could say about anyone she had been with. But Franky couldn’t be alone forever. Maybe she had her own issues with being alone.. abandoned too. She knew that. She could feel Mini’s eyes digging into her waiting to hear what she was going to say beside that. He’s an awful person. He probably will hurt you, just like Matty, Nick, Luke. All the people she got involved in. Franky really needed to work on herself before she brought more people into her life. That was the goal before? Then.. Dean came along and it just happened. She couldn’t deny him, but now she really needed tot think more about things.. about who he was in general.

“Has he ever hurt you?” Franky’s head shot up and turned toward Mini. She looked worried. “Physically hurt you?” Her eyes narrowed. “No.” Franky answered with confidence. Not because she was hiding anything. She couldn’t really think of a time where he had hurt her, physically at least. Sure they had said things.. Actually he shot her with the replica gun once. That was because she asked him to… She sighed and shook her head. “No. He hasn’t. But… I don’t know. I don’t know anything about him anymore and it’s feeling..” She shrugged. No words could explain it. “It’s like he’ll disappear, something will happen and he’ll show up asking for help again. It’s all the same.” She, again, knew what Mini would say. “You don’t need to say it.. we don’t have to talk about this anymore…” She shook her head. 

Mini could tell Franky felt uncomfortable about the whole situation. It was a complicated. She couldn’t think of anything else to say to her. Sure, Dean had never hurt her physically but Mini had no idea what he was capable of. She didn’t like how Dean would just disappear without a word, that’s what Mini was most worried about.  ”How are your dads?” she asked as she looked over at Franky. She wanted to change the subject because she knew it was hard for Franky to talk about Dean, and it was hard for Mini to listen. She just wanted to find the bloke and give him a piece of her mind. She couldn’t bare to have someone make her best mate feel this way, even if it never had gotten physically abusive.

Gracie came running toward the bench where Franky and Mini sat. “Momma, juice!” she shouted as she got closer. Mini dug through her bag and found her sippy cup of juice and held it out for Gracie to take. Gracie gripped the cup with two hands and began sucking down. “Thirsty girl you were chasing all those birds” she laughed. Gracie climbed up on the bench in between the two and leaned against Mini. “Are you getting tired?” she asked as she ran her fingers through her crimson curls as she sucked down her juice. “Do you want to walk?” she asked Franky. She thought Gracie could nap in her stroller as they walked around the park, it wouldn’t take long. When Gracie is tired, she is tired. She would sleep just about anyway, at any time. Mini strapped Gracie into the stroller and handed her back her juice.

“My dads? Really?” Franky asked back sarcastically. Sure, if she wanted to change the subject to something so quiet then sure. “They’re fine. The usual. Retired… bake a lot.. they’ve joined a country club that they spend too much time at. Oh and the constant holidays.” Franky rolled her eyes. It wasn’t a bad thing; they were enjoying their lives and Franky was supposed to be setting hers in motion. She wasn’t though. Before she could say anything else, Gracie bolted over to them and wiggled her hands up at her. Juice. Franky laughed. It was still weird seeing her speak, walk, and everything in between. She was just a baby… a tiny baby and now Franky couldn’t imagine how much she’d grow in another year. 

His night was a blur of seeing another ginger, chatting with Effy and seeing Liv for a New York minute. But it was also a hazy night. Too much smoke, too much drink and here he was heavy eyed. He walked through the crowd looking for Mini. They wouldn’t have to worry about Gracie so they could have some proper fun. But he couldn’t bloody well find her. He saw a few blondes, too short, saw a girl that was Mini’s height but she had black hair. Saw another with a dress he recognized but she was Indian.

His head was light, his feet sore and he did the most logical thing in his mind. He sat down, he dozed off a couple times. He felt like a granddad watching the match on tele but was old tired and would nod off every few minutes but pretend to be away. He felt someone sit next to him but he was too out of it to look. He hoped the person would be nice to him. He rubbed his face and turned.

Her blue eyes cut through him like they were sharp diamonds, her freckles abundant and each one perfect. That sly grin on her face that said so much without her even needing to speak. Her curly locks that he wondered what they would look like if she was also ginger. He chuckled as he realized it was her and she had found him. That always seemed to be the case with them. She always found Alo, he brought his hand to her cheek.

She walked through the kitchen into the living room. She spotted a sleeping ginger from across the room on the couch. Just as she initially thought, he was passed out on a couch. Of course he was passed out. She wanted to be mad at him but he looked so peaceful. She walked toward the couch and had a seat next to him until he woke up. Her eyes like daggers as she looked at him. “Sure… where the fuck were you all night?” she waited. 

It felt like ages since he had cut loose, he saw her hand and had a feeling she was more sober than he was. He wasn’t going to fight it and knew she could drive the van. He had taught her, he still remembered it. Gracie was about eighteen months old, Mini and he had been on a more positive note and he let his parents watch her. He knew a day would come they would need to share the van. Because they both were too broke to get a family car.

It was hot that day, he remembered because of how sweaty they both were. He taught her how to shift and it took hours for her to not stale it. Not because she was dumb but because Big Blue had a mind of her own. He remembered how mad she got and he came over brought his arms around hers and held her hand on the wheel while the other on the shifter. He kissed her neck when she needed to hit the clutch and helped her shift. They were so happy then and he hoped they could return.

“I got lost and I found Effy, this party is for her. She uh was gonna be a mom once but lost her baby. I made an arse of meself. She likes Gracie and would babysit but I think with that ya know and the stuff she won’t…” he rambled and touched her cheek. “I saw Livvy, she said she saw you but she left. Her mate or something.”

Alo was probably way too fucked up but he caressed her cheek. Her skin was always so soft, he smiled. Being near her made him feel all warm and fuzzy. She brought butterflies to his stomach. She made his heart skip a beat. Even as high as he was he couldn’t deny how he felt. But he just touched her softly and looked deeply into her blue eyes.

Mini felt as Alo lightly touched her cheek. She loved his touch. It sent a shiver down her spine and through her body. She couldn’t help how she felt when she was around him. She looked into his eyes. He was high as a kite. How was that different than any other day, she thought. It’s his profession. She expected nothing less from him. It was a party after all. Let loose. That conversation would have to be on another day. 

“Come on farmboy, lets go home.” she smiled and grabbed hold of his hand. It felt weird calling the cottage home, especially since she had her own flat at the moment. Sometimes she thinks it would just be easier if she had moved in with Alo, but she always found a reason why it wouldn’t work out. 

He climbed into the car and buckled up, mainly so he wouldn’t fall off the chair. He was glad big blue started up and soon they were off. He nodded off a few times. The driving was smooth and she had gotten so much better than before. He heard her voice and he turned to her eyes half opened. He smiled and nodded. She was doing fine. He hoped he would be a bit sober by the time they got home. Maybe they could decorate for Christmas.

“I love you,” he said.

The first time he had said so it hadn’t gone well but that felt like a lifetime ago. It all did, and it had only been a few years. So much had happened with them. Break ups, make ups, play dates and birthdays. He saw so much of Mini in their daughter and she probably saw the same amout but of Alo instead of herself. His high mind was thinking about how different she was from either of them. Little Gracie was becoming her own little woman and it was scaring him. She would be dating one day or drinking.

Mini couldn’t remember the last time she had gone out to a party. She lost Alo already, he was probably off getting high somewhere. She had been at the house once before, when she answered the housekeeping ad for JJ just a few days earlier. Nice bloke, she had wondered where he was hiding at. She looked around to see anyone she recognized. Where the hell was Alo? She pushed herself through the crowd and made her way to the kitchen where she found an assortment of alcoholic beverages. She didn’t have to worry about a child tonight so she thought, what the hell? She deserved a fun night out for a change, she hadn’t had one of those in a long while. She grabbed a cup and added; ice, a little vodka, and a mix. She thought she would start slow. 

She sipped her drink and made her way out the back yard. She found a nice seat in one of the chairs and observed. She hoped someone she knew would make themselves visible. She missed her friends. Motherhood had changed her, she didn’t know what to do at parties anymore. As her eyes wandered and the crowed shifted, she saw a familiar face just across the lawn. She got up from where she was sitting and made her way over. 

“Don’t tell me you brought my little niecey poo to this bore fest. I’m sure baby G would give these wankers a run for their money.”

“If Gracie was here, you know she’d be all over this party,” Mini laughed. “but she’s safe with the baby sitter tonight.” 

She tucked a piece of hair behind her ear and looked up at Liv, “we talked last night after Gracie went to bed…” she slowly looked away then back again. “we’re working things out.” she said then took a sip of her drink. She debated whether to tell Liv what else had happened last night, they did a little more than talking… Mini still doesn’t know if that was entirely the right thing to do, although she did miss his touch and it felt nice. They were two adults with a kid, they could make their own decision.That was besides the point though. 

“When were you going to tell me you were back? You keep my niece away from me for months then we run into each other at some lame ass party like I’m just some bird you went to school with. What gives?”

She wasn’t upset. Not that she would have any right to be anyway. Liv had cut herself off from that world. She was doing her own thing now. She had a job she didn’t hate, her own place and got laid whenever she wanted. It was the life she wanted. 

Mini admits that her relationship with Liv has become more distant since she was seventeen. Mini had been busy raising a toddler while Liv did whatever it was she was doing. They lived their separate lives but in the end they always ended up in the same place; Bristol is home. She did feel guilty for not contacting her right away, but then why would she? Mini thought back to when they had their falling out, after she found out she was pregnant. All she needed was a friend. In fact, Franky was the only one who stood by her through it all while Liv was off getting pissed with her new friend. Mini had hoped things could be different now and they can put the past in the past. 

“I been back a few weeks.. I realize I should have called but it gets busy with a toddler,” she said. Although Gracie isn’t a terrible toddler, she is actually a good kid. “Truth is.. I haven’t contacted any of the group, other than Alo.” she said. 

“Not much. I’m a bartender at this new joint in Bristol. It’s suppose to be new and hip. Loads of college and Uni brats. I uh, got my own place. Got a dog…then gave ‘im to Maude.” She stopped and raised her eyebrows. “Not seeing anyone exclusively if that’s what you’re asking.” 

“No, that’s not what I was asking.” she chuckled. Mini learned that she would rather be spared the details of Liv’s past and current hookups. Even though she has Alo and has moved on from Nick, it still hurts her that one of her best friends would do that to her. Liv knew what she was doing, Mini just couldn’t understand why. 

“I can set you up for a working interview. The boss is kind of a perv but I’ve got you. If he even looks your way I’d punch in his bollocks,” she said with a giggle.

She picked up an empty cup from a table and poured a little bit of liquor into it. It was better than nothing. 

“We can deal with him.” she chuckled. 

Mini noticed Liv scan the crowd a few times like she was looking for someone. The last thing she wanted to do was keep her from doing her thing. Mini just thought they could catch up like old times. But who was she kidding, no matter how much she doesn’t want to admit it, times have changed. Everyone was different know and living their own lives. It would never be the same again. She always thought about if Grace had survived the accident years ago, would they all still be together? Grace was the one who kept them together, with her love and kindness. She missed that, but this wasn’t the time for mourning.

Mini still sipped on her first drink as Liv poured another. “I believe his name is JJ, it’s his parents house. I answered a housecleaning ad he put in the post before the party.” her eyes wandered the over the crowd of people still there. “For his mate, don’t know much else.” 

Liv turned and looked at Mini as if she was seeing her for the first time. She looked older. More mature. Except with the cup in her hand. Liv could already guess what was inside. Some liquor, mostly juice. Mini could fool a room full of people but not her. No matter how much time they spent apart. 

“Oi. I’ll text you the address. You stop by the bar one night and I’ll see what I can do yeah?”

She tapped cups with Mini and smiled. Liv was ready to go home but that didn’t mean she had to purposely make this reunion and awkward one. No matter how she felt about the situation.