Sorry for the delay in updating, my muse has disappeared and I haven't been feeling it recently, hopefully, this means I am back on track…

Part 11

After Sarah left the pub, Caroline had no choice but to stay until Lawrence's band had finished playing. She did however, have a choice about spending time with Daisy and in front of everyone Caroline told her to go away and not come back.

She did not know what had gone on between Daisy and Sarah in the past but Caroline's gut told her that Sarah was one of the most honest people she had ever met and if she thought Daisy was bad news then it was likely she should avoid Daisy at all costs.

Once the band had finished and she had said her polite goodbyes Caroline drove her car to Sarah's house without even thinking about it. It felt like her heart was telling her to go there, as though it knew exactly what Caroline needed and how to give it to her.

With no conscious thought she got out of the vehicle, walked up the garden path and knocked on the door.

It took a few moments but eventually the door opened a crack and Sarah's eyes, dark with sadness met Caroline's.

They stared at one another for a moment, wondering what to say and then Sarah took the lead.

'Where's your friend?'

'She isn't my friend,' Caroline said dispassionately. 'I don't even know why she was there.'

Sarah sighed and Caroline shivered against the cold.

'Come in,' Sarah opened the door and motioned for Caroline to enter.

They lingered awkwardly in the hallway.

'Are you going to tell me what the problem is between you and Daisy?' Caroline said gently.

'I need a drink,' Sarah muttered and swept towards the kitchen and Caroline followed.

Sarah poured herself a glass of wine and Caroline politely declined.

Two sips later Sarah looked at Caroline and shook her head as though attempting to assemble her thoughts.

'Demonic Daisy stole the love of my life.'

A powerful lurch went through Caroline's stomach at hearing that Sarah had lost someone that meant that much to her.

'I don't want to go into the full story but we met when I was running a course. She became… obsessed, with me I suppose and then when I told her that I wasn't interested in her she went after Edward's mother instead.'

Caroline remained silent while Sarah continued.

'I don't' know how she did it but Daisy seemed to bewitch Clare somehow. That was the beginning of the end, even when I found out that Daisy had been stalking our life across social media, Clare, still wasn't put off. It was a very strange and hurtful time,' Sarah looked sad. 'Then I met you and for some reason that bitch turned up again, like she knows that I am happy and just wants to ensure that all I ever feel is total unhappiness.'

Caroline wanted to reach out and touch Sarah but she held back. It stirred her to think that Sarah had thought that they might be happy together.

'What happened to Clare?' Caroline asked.

'She left me, left Edward behind and went to move in with Daisy, except when she got there with a trailer full of her belongings, Daisy turned her away and then took up with the gentleman that is the father of her child. It had all been a game, a sick game that nobody knew the rules to, except Daisy.'

'Bloody hell,' Caroline said under her breath.

Hearing this, she now knew why Sarah had been so vociferous in her analysis of Daisy.

'Clare tried to come back here but I turned her away too.'

Sarah's voice faltered with emotion.

Caroline nodded and smiled sympathetically.

'There was no way I could have her back.'

'Where did she go?'

Sarah was quiet. 'She went amongst our friends for a while but then she fell into a bit of a state, she began taking drugs…'

Sarah trailed off. Caroline suspected that she could accurately guess the rest.

'I fought incredibly hard to keep Edward,' Sarah's voice broke with a sob. 'I wanted him to know that he had one mother that loved him.'

Caroline reached out and put both hands on Sarah's shoulders and pulled her close.

'You don't have to say anything else,' Caroline whispered into Sarah's hair. 'Let me hold you.'

Sarah sank against the softness of Caroline's body. Remembering the past was painful but there was nothing intrusive about Caroline. Standing in her arms, Sarah felt that there was nothing other than genuine affection between them.

'I don't want anything to do with Daisy,' Caroline assured. 'But I do want something to do with you.'

Sarah looked up hopefully. 'Are you sure?'

'Positive,' Caroline said. 'And I still want us to go on a date.'

'Like a proper couple?' Sarah said weakly. 'Even though we missed out the dating bit and went straight to the fun bit.'

'I thought skipping a few steps was the best bit,' Caroline whispered teasingly. 'I certainly enjoyed it.'

'Me too,' Sarah tilted her mouth towards Caroline, who kissed her back gently.

'Are we skipping steps again?' Sarah asked.

'I hope so.'

000

Caroline woke up as a weight landed on her chest.

'Flora,' she said sleepily.

'Sorry, sorry,' Greg appeared noisily. 'She got away from me.'

'That's alright,' Caroline pulled her child to her and smiled. 'Good morning little one.'

Flora giggled.

'How was your night?' Greg made conversation.

'Good, thank you,' Caroline said. 'I wanted to tell you actually, I'm seeing someone and I think it might be serious.'

She did not know why she had chosen to tell him that when she had not said anything to Sarah.

Greg nodded. 'I thought as much,' he smiled. 'I'm happy for you.'

'Really?' Caroline asked skeptically.

'Really,' he repeated sincerely. 'You seem – lighter, your eyes are – lighter,' he laughed at his ineloquence.

'Thanks,' Caroline was not prone to bashfulness but her cheeks flushed and she changed the subject. 'Right young lady,' she tickled Flora. 'Let's get you some breakfast.'

That was the end of that discussion. Now to plan a date.