Taylor tried to concentrate in class the next day however she was finding it increasingly hard.
Her head kept spinning like she'd just been on a rollercoaster and the taste of alcohol was strong in her mouth.
Everytime that Tom looked at Taylor, she held her breath, hoping that he could not tell what she was hiding in her bag.
Taylor had a nasty feeling that him and Nicki could tell that something was up.
She couldn't tell her mum though. If she did then Nicki would feel so bad and taylor wouldn't be able to stand that.
Why did she drink? It wasn't really drinking, but just trying to maintain some sanity.
What with Barry being taken away and the increasing amounts of homework being given out, Taylor was just finding it difficult to keep her head on.
The alcohol seemed to stop that though- it seemed to keep her eyes open and keep her body working.
The problem was though that she soon felt quiet afterwards and wanted to lie down. The only thing that relieved that sensation- or at least took her mind off it- was the sweet taste of alcoholic drinks. The stronger they were, the better she seemed to feel. Even if they didn't taste good she always had this mad urge to have another sip.
When the bell rang and everyone started to leave, Tom called out quickly, 'Taylor can I have a quick word?'
Gulping Taylor, dropped her bag and turned towards Tom.
She wondered frantically if she had done something to portray the large amount of alcohol she'd consumed recently.
She tried to keep her face politely puzzled as she approached Tom's desk and he started to confront her.
'Your mother and I have been a bit worried lately,'
'Worried?' Inquired taylor, 'about me, you mean?'
'Yeah, she feels that you don't seem yourself. Can you relate to this, just to put her mind at rest I mean?'
Tom gave Taylor a searching look yet she remained to keep her face impassive as she shrugged, 'you can tell her that nothing is wrong. Just missing Barry.'
It was true. It was weird walking around a school without barry Barry. She half expected him to emerge around the corners of the corridors, requesting that they get it on in the cupboard again.
Wow, that had been some lunchtime though, Taylor thought reminiscently. No one had ever touched her like that. She wanted to do it again however Barry wasn't here. she hadn't heard from him since the police had taken him away and she was too nervous to ask either of his sisters
She wasn't sure whether Tom believed her or not but in the end he merely bowed his head, 'okay Taylor, if theres nothing bothering you, you can go.'
Taylor grinned before leaving the classroom.
Kevin and Dynasty had been waiting for Taylor out in the corridors.
'What had all that been about?' Asked Kevin.
His face was clearly concerned. Taylor frowned. Was everyone going to be suspicious of her or something. It was obvious that she needed something to lift her spirits because she was starting to feel like the entire world was against her at the moment.
Taylor just shrugged again as she muttered, 'nothing really.'
Dynasty had been much quieter during the last few days. It was understandable of course though. She had been Barry's sister after all...
Taylor murmured something about needing to go to the toilet so she left Dynasty and Kevin as she headed for the nearest girls' toilets.
After locking herself in a cubicle, Taylor rummaged inside her bag for a moment before finally pulling out a half empty bottle of liquor and opening it eagerly.
The first gulp was that of pleasure and satisfaction.
Her was becoming more and more dependent on this drinking habit she'd got though, It was like if she stopped then all of the stresses of the world would come crashing down onto her, forcing her to descend into a deep depression. Taylor couldn't have that.
'I spoke to Taylor by the way,' informed Tom and him and Nicki passed the gift store.
It was late in the afternoon now and, as the sun started to go down, Nicki and Tom were enjoying a gentle jog together around the beach.
Nicki slowed her pace as she failed to answer.
'I agree though she does seem a bit different,' sighed Tom, 'not herself really.
'But Tom if she is drinking,' gulped Nicki, trying to conceal her worry, 'I have no idea how to handle it.'
It was the truth. Due to all her years of not being a 'proper' mother, she had no idea how to respond to a drinking teenager. She could hardly believe that taylor would ever do anything like that though...
Was it something that Nicki herself had done to provoke this? Was it her fault after all?
'Just wait and see,' advised Tom, 'because we don't even know if she is drinking yet. We haven't caught her at it and she may just be struggling to keep up with the work we're setting for her at school.'
Nicki nodded, 'I really really really want that to be true.'
'On a happier note,' said Tom, 'shall we treat ourselves to a takeaway or something tonight.'
'I'm thinking perhaps pizza?' Suggested Nicki.
Tom agreed and, slightly happier, Nicki accompanied him to the house.