The beach was picturesque and the weather was perfect for a picnic albeit a little bit windy. James bit into a chicken drumstick when he felt his phone vibrate. He awkwardly fished his phone out of his pocket and read a text from Bruce

oi mate when are you bringing the little one back to base. Miss her terribly

just hurry up and get both your asses back here as soon as possible.

bruce

James smiled to himself as he typed out a reply, but was distracted from sending it by Tom walking over.

"having a good time?" Tom asked him

"of course" James replied. "It's great to relax, especially at the beach."

"yeah. Lauren said you had been looking stressed recently, and dad thought this might help."

"It's so thoughtful thank you, it means a lot to me" James said picking up a slice of pizza.

Tom smiled in response, and picked Scarlett up.

"is it strange being a dad so young?" Tom asked

"I don't know, it's a lot of hard work but I know that if I had the choice of being a normal teenager or being a dad. I would be a dad every time. "

Tom smiled at James and they both relaxed soaking in the sun.

Lauren walked over to Kerry, who was relaxing next the water.

"look" Lauren started "I understand why you are acting the way you do, but please think of it from James's perspective. He always cared for you, still does. And right now, we all have to be there to help him and be a part of his life. You could apologise and we would all be your friends, because it's you pushing us away Kerry. We are trying to involve you. James is trying not to let it show how much your behaviour and moods are confusing and upsetting him. His life has changed and we need to accept that ok, not be so selfish and childish. I know if it was you with a child, he would support you in anyway he could. I mean, you don't interact with Scarlett and you don't even see her. Do you not care about James? Or is it easier for you to just walk away?"

Lauren waited for a while for a response before muttering "think about it" before walking back to the picnic.

tom cooed at Scarlett and held her hand.

James laughed as Scarlett gurgled in happiness and snapped a quick picture on his phone, sending the adorable picture of his gurgling smiling daughter to his friends and mentors at cherub.

"Hey Lauren" Tom said watching her walk over to them.

She waved back and sat down grabbing some food to eat.

"today's amazing" she said. "I'm rearly enjoying it."

kerry walked up "James I need to speak to you in private" she said

oooooh...should they make up? Yes or no?