Chapter 2: Explanations

Sid woke up first. For a few moments, he thought he was dreaming. The first thing he saw was Cassie's tranquil sleeping face very close to his. She stirred slightly, opened her eyes and smiled. Sid smiled back.

"Morning, beautiful." said Sid.

"Morning, Sid." said Cassie, sleepily, "That was so lovely. What time is it?"

Sid reached for his watch.

"About half past ten." said Sid, "Would you like some breakfast?"

"Surprisingly, yes." said Cassie, "Everything that's happened since yesterday evening has made me hungry."

"That's good." said Sid, "What would you like?"

"Muesli, if you have any, and buttered toast." said Cassie, "Is that OK?"

"Of course." said Sid, "I suppose we had better get out of bed if we're going to see your parents today."

Cassie got out of bed first as she was on the side of the bed away from the wall. Sid put on his glasses as she stood up, still stark naked, and stretched herself.

"Oh wow, sweet Cassie," said Sid, "You are so beautiful. Don't cover anything yet, I really enjoy looking at you."

"Are you alright, Sid?" said Cassie, "You still like my body in the cold light of day?"

"Of course." said Sid, as he got out of bed, "You're perfect in any light."

Sid stood in front of Cassie, put his arms round her and kissed her, she responded by holding him really tight. While in this close embrace, the couple caressed and explored each others' backs for a while before reluctantly disengaging from each other.

"That was so nice," said Cassie, "We could have continued that all the way."

"I know." said Sid, "But then we'd probably have gone back to sleep afterwards."

"That's true." said Cassie, stroking Sid's cheek, "Let's go to the bathroom and wash the sleep away. You'll want to shave anyway. You are getting a bit bristly."

"OK!" said Sid.

Having ascertained that the coast was clear, the couple went down to the bathroom, still naked. In their tiredness early that morning, they had left their underwear on top of the bathroom cabinet. They once again shared a quick shower. Sid shaved while Cassie dried her hair. Once again they embraced and kissed. After their bathroom visit, they collected their underwear from the cabinet and returned to Sid's bedroom. They embraced and kissed again.

"I enjoyed that." said Cassie, smiling, "I'm getting to like being naked. I feel so free. Anyway, let's go down to breakfast."

"Better get dressed first." said Sid, grinning, "Dad will be expecting you to be wearing a bit more than your birthday suit."

Cassie chuckled as she put her bra and panties on. This was a sound that delighted Sid. He realised that Cassie now felt happy. The couple finished dressing and descended the staircase from Sid's attic bedroom to the kitchen. As they started down the stairs, Cassie spoke.

"I know we didn't fuck," said Cassie, "We were both too tired to really enjoy that. But laying with you felt so right, so natural."

"I felt the same way." said Sid, "I felt so happy, knowing you were with me in bed."

When the couple arrived in the kitchen, Mr Jenkins was sitting in a chair reading a newspaper.

"Morning dad." said Sid, as he entered the kitchen, "I've got a friend with me."

"Good Morning, Mr. Jenkins." said Cassie, smiling, as she followed Sid into the kitchen.

"Good morning Sid." said Mark Jenkins, "A very special friend by the look of it. Good morning Cassie. Anyway, what on earth have you two been doing all last night? I was expecting you back at about eleven."

"It's a long story, dad," said Sid, "I'll tell you all about it later, but it involves Tony, Michelle, Effy and my sweet Cassie, here."

Cassie smiled.

"I thought you were back in that clinic, Cassie." said Mark.

"Oh, I only stay there during the week nowadays," Mr Jenkins, "I go home at weekends. Your Sid called me at half past one this morning. He sounded so depressed. I really had to help him. I'm now so glad I did."

"I'd had a fight with Tony." said Sid, "He'd provoked me about Cassie's overdose. After the fight, I just left him at Cumberland Basin and went to Rocatillo's. I was so depressed. I called Cassie. I felt she was the only person who could cheer me up'"

Cassie smiled and put her arm round Sid's waist. The couple looked into each others' eyes and smiled.

"We were in Rocatillo's settling our differences with coffee and kisses when Michelle called Sid." said Cassie.

"Yes," said Sid, "She sounded very agitated and worried about Tony. She persuaded me that I just had to go and rescue him. I tried to fob her off, but she persisted. She must still feel something for Tony, even though they're not talking to each other."

"I could tell that Sid was very stressed." said Cassie, "Michelle had forced him to choose between his best friend and me. I really thought he was just about to walk out on me."

"I didn't, though." said Sid, "I took Cassie with me to Ston Eaton to help me look for Tony. 'Two pairs of eyes are better than one' as they say. She was the one who spotted him."

"How was Tony?" asked Mark.

"When we found him," Said Cassie. "He was almost naked and barefoot, walking across the Ston Eaton playing field, Carrying Effy."

"We got Effy into A & E." said Sid, "Cassie looked after Tony while I called Effy's parents."

"I noticed some worrying bruises on Tony's tummy," said Cassie, "So I took him to A & E reception. They thanked me and told me I'd done the right thing. They scanned him and decided that there weren't any internal injuries."

"Once Sam and Anthea Stonem had arrived," said Sid, "We decided to go, but stayed until Tony came back from A & E. Cassie explained Tony's situation to Anthea while we were waiting."

"And then you came here?" suggested Mark, "You two have had quite an adventure."

"No, we didn't come straight back." said Sid, "We wanted to finish what we'd started in the café. Cassie suggested we go to Brandon Hill and 'settle our differences' with hugs and kisses while watching the dawn, so that's what we did."

"It was so romantic." said Cassie, smiling, her eyes sparkling, "I now know why I really love your Sid so much."

"Sid," said Mark Jenkins, sounding serious, "Do you feel the same about Cassie?"

"Yes." said Sid, "I fell in love with her almost as soon as I met her, but I'm ashamed to say I was too shy to tell her."

"I knew he liked me from the start." said Cassie, "Now he's told me how he feels about me. We're so happy."

"I must say you two do seem to be very much in tune with each other." said Mark, "I don't think I've seen Sid look happier. Incidentally, Sid, How did you get that black eye?"

"That happened during the fight with Tony." said Sid, "He blamed me for Cassie's suicide attempt and I saw red. After he thumped me, as I've just said, I left him at Cumberland Basin and went to Rocatillo's. I don't know how he got to Ston Eaton Sports Club."

"It seems I've underestimated you, Sid." said Mark, "I should be giving you a roasting for taking the car and staying out all night, but it seems you've been sorting out your life. I'm amazed and pleasantly surprised. In one night, you've told Tony where to go, rescued him and his sister and looked after them. You've also made up your differences with your girlfriend. After all that, I suppose you two would like to eat something."

"Of course." said Sid, "We came down to have breakfast before seeing Cassie's parents."

"Why are you going to see them?" asked Mark.

"Firstly, they will be worried about Cass." said Sid.

"Also," said Cassie, "We have to persuade them not to take me away to Scotland. I can't do that on my own, so I'm going to take Sid with me and try to convince them how much we love each other."

"Why do they want to take you away?" asked Mark.

"They didn't think things were working out for me here." said Cassie, "They think I would be happier in a small town a long way from Bristol, supposedly away from all my problems here. Until last night I was looking forward to it, but now I've got back together with your Sid, I don't want to leave him yet again."

Cassie was near to tears as she said this. Sid gave her a cuddle to reassure her.

"I know you two came down for breakfast," said Mark, "But as it's getting towards midday, I suggest we all go out to an early lunch."

"Is that OK with you, Cass?" asked Sid.

"Yes, of course." said Cassie, "I'm still hungry."

"Where would you like to go?" asked Mark, "I think 'The Flyer' would be good. It opens at ten on Saturdays. Then we can have a drink to celebrate you two getting together again."

"OK." said Sid, "As long as Cassie doesn't mind."

"I'd like that." said Cassie, "I'd better call mum and dad to tell them when we're coming."

Cassie called her parents, firstly to reassure them that she was safe and also to say that she was coming home with 'someone special' in about two hours.

Just as they were about to set out for the pub, the house phone rang. Mark answered it.

"Hello, Mark," said Sam Stonem's voice, "I'm calling to thank your Sid and his girlfriend for what they did last night."

"Oh!?" said Mark.

"It seems they went out of their way to get Tony out of an awkward situation," continued Sam, "And from what the doctors told me, they might well have saved Effy's life by getting her into hospital so quickly. They said that another half-hour and she might have died."

"You don't say!" said Mark, "I'll be sure to tell them."

"Oh, and Sid's girl seems such a sweet, kind person as well." said Sam, "She noticed that Tony was badly bruised and got him checked out, despite all he's done to hurt her."

"I can only agree with you there." said Mark, "There seems to be something very special about Cassie. Sid's so happy when he's with her."

"I think your Sid will stick by her - unlike 'Casanova' here. said Sam, "I often wonder why Michelle puts up with him. Anyway, pass on my thanks. Those two deserve a medal. Bye!"

"Bye, Sam. I'll tell them."

Mark put the phone down.

"It seems you two are in Sam Stonem's good books." said Mark, "He's just called to thank you for what you did last night; and, Cassie, you got a very special mention. He said you were a 'sweet, kind person '."

Cassie blushed, as they got up to go out.

"I do try to be nice to people." said Cassie, "Even if they're not nice to me."

"That's because you're naturally sweet," said Sid, "Like sugar."

"Cheeky!" remarked Cassie, as she lightly smacked Sid's bum and grinned.

"Incidentally, Sid," said Mark, "I'm meeting a few friends at the Caledonian Club this evening. I'll be out till well after midnight, so you'd better take a front door key."

"Thanks, dad." said Sid, Taking the hint.

The three set out for 'The Bristol Flyer' pub for a brunch. They arrived there on the cusp between the 'brunch' and main menus and so could order from both. Once they had settled, they looked at the menus.

"What would you like, Cass?" asked Sid, "I'm having the cooked breakfast from the brunch menu."

"I'd like the fish and chips." said Cassie.

"OK!" said Mark, "I'm going to have Ham and eggs. Drinks, anyone?"

Cassie asked for a diet coke, while Mark and Sid each had half pints of lager.

Mark headed for the bar to place the order, leaving Sid and Cassie to discuss their approach to Cassie's parents.

"How do you think we should we approach your parents?" asked Sid, "I'm a bit apprehensive."

"You needn't be. They're not ogres." said Cassie, "If we can show them we're in love, I think they'll let me stay in Bristol. I suggest we just behave like we have done when we've been together. I know that they've rather taken me for granted since little Reuben arrived, but I do believe deep down that they want me to be happy."

Mark returned with the drinks.

"Here's to your future!" said Mark as the three clinked glasses.

"I must say you two do seem completely at ease with other." said Mark, "It's a pity you didn't get properly together earlier."

Mark had forgotten, for the time being, the part he had played in preventing Sid's first proper date with Cassie.

"It seems that every time we arrange to be together, something happens to break us apart." said Cassie, looking Mark straight in the eyes, "That's why we're going to see my folks this afternoon."

Cassie's intense and sincere gaze made Mark feel very uncomfortable.

"Yes," said Sid, "We don't want it to happen again."

"Ouch!" said Mark, "Mea culpa! I'm sorry! I just didn't realise grounding you when I did would have such disastrous and far reaching consequences. Too many things went wrong that week. However, Sid, you were partly to blame by falling for Tony's half baked scheme."

"I suppose so." said Sid.

"Let's put all that behind us and be happy." Said Cassie, "That's in the past, now. We've got our future to look forward to."

At this point their food arrived. Mark, Sid and Cassie all enjoyed their early lunch, having put their differences behind them. While eating, they discussed Cassie's imminent meeting with her parents as well as the possibility of Sid's mother returning to the family home. Of course, Sid enjoyed his 'full English' fry-up and was really delighted to see Cassie clear her plate. They had also emptied their glasses.

"Does anyone want pudding after that?" said Mark as they all finished their mains.

"Possibly." said Sid.

Mark consulted the pudding menu, then passed it to Sid. He, in turn passed it on to Cassie. Sid was the first to make a suggestion.

"I suggest we have a large portion of profiteroles and share it between all three of us." said Sid.

"OK!" said Mark as he got up to order the profiteroles and the second round of drinks.

"When we've sorted things out with my family," said Cassie, "There's someone else I'd like to see."

"Who's that?" asked Sid.

"She's my roommate at the clinic." said Cassie, "We usually meet on Saturday evenings to spend time together outside Victoria Stock's establishment. Since my falling out with Michelle, she's my best friend."

"What's she like?" asked Sid.

"She's very skinny and a bit shorter than me." said Cassie, "She's got long black straight hair with a fringe. I'd already arranged to meet her before last night's events. Anyway, I've told her so much about you. She'll be interested to see you."

"OK!" said Sid, "But I hope we're going to have some time to ourselves."

"You worry too much!" said Cassie, grinning, "If the meeting with my family goes well, I'm going to see Katie to tell her that I'm not going away after all. After that, we can spend the rest of the evening at your place."

Sam returned with the drinks. It was Sid's turn to propose a toast.

"To our family reunion!" said Sid as they clinked glasses again.

"You mean that, don't you." said Mark.

"Yes, I do." said Sid, "Now I've settled my differences with my sweet Cassie, I'd really love it if mum could come back. I really miss her. Please, dad."

"Oh, alright, Sid." said Mark, "I canna make any promises, but I'll try to talk to her."

"When did your mum leave?" Cassie asked Sid.

"The same day you overdosed." said Sid, "I lost both of you on the same day. That was heartbreaking. It would be lovely, now I'm back with you, to have my mum back."

"As I said, I'll try to talk with her." said Mark, "Anyway, enough of this sadness, we're here to celebrate. I propose another toast: to my Sid and his wonderful Cassie! May they stay together as a loving couple!"

Cassie blushed again. As they clinked glasses, the profiteroles arrived.

"Cassie." said Mark, "If you give Marcus and Margeritte the same impression you've given me, I'm sure they'll let you stay in Bristol."

"I really hope so." said Cassie, "It really feels as if we're a couple."

"Yes," said Sid, "Cassie is the person I've been missing all my life. I feel so comfortable and relaxed when I'm around her."

"I feel the same about Sid." said Cassie. "I don't ever want to lose him again."

"I've now realised just how much we love each other." said Sid, "Deep inside, I know Cassie loves me. It's a wonderful feeling."

The couple embraced and kissed.

"I'm pleased that you two have got together." said Mark, "Anyway, We'd better get moving if you two are going to see Mr. & Mrs. Ainsworth and I've got to get ready for tonight. Incidentally Sid, don't forget I'm going to be out till after midnight tonight, so don't be worried if you come back to an empty house. I trust you've got your key. Just reminding you."

Sid checked his pocket.

"Yes, it's here." said Sid, "Thanks for the reminder."

Once the trio had finished their food and drinks, Mark returned to Sid's home, while Sid and Cassie made their way to Cassie's house in the suburbs. On their way there, they discussed the forthcoming meeting and Cassie tried to allay Sid's fears.

"I'm still a bit worried about what we're going to say to your folks." said Sid.

"Don't fret, just be the person you are when you're around me." said Cassie, "As I said earlier, they're not ogres. In fact I think you'll quite like my dad."

"I'll try not to worry." said Sid, "I already feel more comfortable after mentioning it to you. You're such a calming person."

"I know." said Cassie, as she embraced and kissed Sid.

Twenty minutes after leaving 'The Flyer', Sid and Cassie were standing outside Cassie's front door holding hands and feeling somewhat uneasy. Cassie reached into her bag, produced a key and opened the front door.