Tyler POV

She might've been my friend, but today I wasn't going to sit down and take any of her rubbish.

"Oh come on, Tyler... he's obviously the better one of the two!"

"Are you for real? Romy's got a sick flow and his bars are on point! Yeah, he's old school but he's still got the game!"

Piper sighed and plopped down onto the red sofa next to me; we'd just come off air as we reported on a recent grime battle that had been sweeping the nation and our opinions were divided. Music was definitely something I was passionate about and it was nice that Piper shared that same love for it; I felt like I could debate with her for days about the topic and it would never get boring.

Except my voice was about to die and I needed to leave before Mike began to wonder where I was.

I glanced over to Piper who'd started scrolling through pictures of the one she'd been backing. Well, that made a whole lot of sense...

"Besides, you only like him 'cause you think he's fit."

She raised her eyebrows somewhat appreciatively, as I awaited her comeback.

"I mean he's good-looking but he's not really my type."

"Is that why you've got pictures of him in your camera roll then?"

She slapped me playfully on the arm as I chuckled light-heartedly. Some days she really did remind me of a mini Carmen... constantly obsessing over boys and make-up. She shot me a pointed look.

"I have pictures of other people in my camera roll too, y'know?"

"Let me guess, another cheesy boyband?"

We glanced up as Mrs B entered the room looking exhausted despite gulping down her third cup of coffee. I couldn't help but feel a little concerned; I knew that work at the radio station had really picked up but perhaps it was having a greater toll on Mrs B than usual.

She leaned over to fill her mug with even more coffee but I quickly jumped up to sit her back down. If Mike's obsession with coffee had taught me anything, it was that it certainly didn't do anyone any good.

"Maybe you should take a few days off? Piper and I can manage around here for a while," I insisted.

Mrs B looked grateful. "You really are a top man, Tyler. Piper's certainly lucky to have you!"

I frowned as Mrs B began to close her eyes; whatever this was, she was definitely overworking herself and needed to get some rest soon. Whipping out my phone, I dialled Mike to come and pick us up. Hopefully, he'd be able to help out with Mrs B.

Piper grabbed a blanket from besides me and placed it over her mother.

"She will be alright, won't she?"

I smiled reassuringly. "I'm sure it's nothing to worry about. Mike's on his way, anyway..."

Piper smiled up at me.

"I guess Mum was right. I am lucky to have you."


Jody POV

"She'll be alright, Tyler. Piper's taken her to see a doctor as a precaution but I reckon with some rest, she'll be back working!"

I glanced at Tyler pacing up and down in the office. He looked more worried than usual and I was afraid that this was going to put him off on our plans for today. I glanced at my phone at Luke's latest message.

It'd been a fair few weeks since we last saw him, but he'd been texting me non-stop. We had a list of places we could go to find out more about Dad and there were even a bunch of old friends we'd managed to get in contact with. I'd been on the edge ever since I'd heard about Dad, and this was my one chance to find out exactly who he was.

Except, I knew how risky this was. Going behind Mike and May-Li's backs was something I'd done many times but this time, it was even more dangerous. Dad was an anomaly. Someone that I'd never really given much thought to before, and if I had... it'd been resentment. Resenting him for leaving me with my hateful mother and thieving brothers.

And now, it was like someone had thrown me hope. Hope that there was some good left in my family. Hope that maybe I did have something to be proud of. Something good to remember.

"I could help out. Just until she gets better..."

May-Li shot him a look. "You are helping out! Tyler we know that you love this job more than anything, but the last we want is for you to be worn out too."

"Besides, weren't you supposed to be heading down to the shops with Jody?"

I quickly turned around to face the telly again as I felt Tyler's eyes stare into the back of my head. What was I thinking, dragging him into this? I knew Tyler wanted to watch out for me, but did I really need to add to his worry?

Maybe it was a bad idea inviting him along.


Tyler POV

Thanks for helping Mum out today, don't know what I would have done without you! Piper xxx

I shoved my phone into my back pocket as we headed out to the bus stop. Thankfully, it had only been a lack of sleep and a high caffeine intake that had caused Mrs B to collapse after her shift. Even though I desperately wanted to prove to Mrs B that I could run things for her, she'd heeded Mike's words and had gotten an old friend to help out while she took some time out to rest. I suppose May-Li had been right, the last thing we needed was for me to make the same mistakes.

I glanced over at Jody who'd been unusually quiet. Today was a big deal for her, one she'd been anticipating for ages but something seemed off. I was about to ask if she was okay when my phone rang.

Piper.

I sighed before answering the call.

"Tyler! I wasn't sure you'd pick up..."

"Is Mrs B okay?"

"She's fine! Asleep, actually."

I glanced over at Jody, who was staring down at the pavement. Today was about supporting her but I had an awful feeling that I'd somehow ruined it all already.

"Okay... well, I best get going..."

"I'm so bored. Just thought you might want to hang out? You and me, it'd be fun!"

My mouth opened wordlessly, as Piper giggled through the phone. It hadn't escaped my attention that ever since that interview with Lethal G, Piper had taken more than a subtle liking to me. I knew Jody hadn't exactly warmed to her presence, but I'd thought Piper was cool. At least, she was the only one I could talk to when it came to the radio station, no one else understood.

But this... it was like a slap in the face. A wake up call.

My eyes wandered to Jody, her hair was down and hiding her face but I could tell that she wasn't happy. The last thing she needed was to worry that I wouldn't be there for her, especially on a day like this.

"I'm hanging out with Jody today, so I don't think I can. Sorry."

"I could join you if you like? Are you heading to the town centre, I need to buy a few stuff anyway..."

This was just getting worse by the second. I didn't want to hurt Piper's feelings but I had to shut down the idea somehow.

"S-sorry, but we're meeting an old friend. I hope your mum gets better soon though."

"Thanks. Maybe see you tomorrow then?"

"Bye Piper."

I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding as I cut the call. Hopefully, things wouldn't be so awkward when I saw her at the radio station next but either way, my attention was solely on Jody for the rest of today.

Jody paused and looked up at me, eyebrows raised.

"What?"

She sighed. "If you'd rather hang out with Piper..."

"Are you being serious?"

"Yeah."

The bus arrived and I shook my head in disbelief as Jody got on without me, and jumped up the stairs to the top deck. If she thought she was doing this alone, then she had another thing coming.


Jody POV

"You."

I was alerted out of my daze as Tyler plopped down next to me. For a moment there, I genuinely didn't think he was coming. And for a moment there, I would've been alright with that.

"What?"

"You're an idiot."

"Oh thanks," I replied sarcastically.

He didn't speak for a while but I could feel his eyes staring up at me as he leaned against the front seat. It was hard not to look back, but I could feel him smiling and it was contagious.

Shaking my head at my short temper, I realised I owed him an explanation.

"I don't want to be just another person you're constantly worrying about. And I'm sure Piper would be a lot more fun to hang out with."

"Mm."

Frowning, I shoved Tyler who chuckled light-heartedly. He really did know how to wind me up. All jokes aside though, I didn't want to ruin our relationship by making things all about me. Tyler had his own business to deal with, without me adding to the burden, and perhaps Piper was his escape from all that.

"You're the only person I want to be worrying about, Jodes."

I raised my eyebrows. "Really?"

"I swear."

His tone was softer now, almost inaudible but his eyes had a look in them that I'd never seen before. It was as though he was making a promise to me. A promise that he truly believed in, with all his heart.

And I still didn't understand why.


Tyler POV

She paced up and down the path outside the house before collecting herself together to ring the doorbell. This was a big deal and I still wasn't sure if Jody had made the right decision in finding out more about her father. Only time would tell.

"You must be Jody."

We looked up as a man smiled at us and welcomed us in. He held a tray of biscuits in his hand and we could hear a few muttering voices from within; the congregation in memory of Arthur Gray. Jody grabbed my hand as we stepped inside hesitantly to join the others in the living room.

My eyes widened as we noted the sheer number of guests that had turned up to the congregation. There were multiple families and babies, a bunch of old wrestling partners, neighbours, friends... the room was filled with people.

Their conversations paused as we entered the room.

"Everyone this is Jody."

I watched amazed as they all smiled amicably and offered their seats for us to sit in. In all honesty, I hadn't expected this many people to show up. Arthur Gray must've been massively respected. I noted Jody's hand still in mine and could see she was trembling.

"You okay?"

She breathed out somewhat nervously. "I will be."

All of a sudden, the voices in the background came to a hush as the man who'd let us in stood up to speak. He introduced himself as Colin, an old friend of Arthur's since childhood and he'd prepared a little slideshow of his life in his memory.

"This was his home for the past five or so years. At home, Arthur lived alone with his faithful companion Digby..."

We smiled as a German Shepherd stood up at the mention of his name, his tail wagging as Colin continued his speech.

"...who never ceased to show his love for him. During his life, Arthur had always been a humble man. That was, of course, when he wasn't battling the biggest heavyweight stars of his generation! Wrestling was his life and Arthur dedicated himself to building up his title and proving others wrong. No matter how many times he got knocked down, he would always get back up again. And this was also true for his personality."

I smiled, he reminded me of a certain someone. Except she didn't look so convinced.

"Despite his bold appearances in the ring, Arthur had the biggest heart of anyone I've ever known. He was never afraid to show his emotions and that's what made him so special to everyone in his life. He was sometimes nicknamed the Big Friendly Giant, and I think that name suited him well. For he always strove to be kind and I speak for us all when I say, we will all miss him very much."

My eyes glanced at the many pictures of the man, all smiles and hugs, and I couldn't help but glance around at the emotional faces around me. He must have meant a lot to a lot of people.

"We are fortunate to have his daughter Jody, here with us today. As someone who knew him very well, I'd like to say that I think Arthur would be very proud of the young woman you've become. I've heard that you've also followed his footsteps by joining the ring and I'd like to think that you are keeping some of Arthur's memory alive. We are so grateful to have you here."

The guests muttered their agreement, patting Jody on the back, squeezing her shoulders, smiling at her warmly... and I could tell that it was all getting a little too much for her now.

"Need some air?"

"Please."


Jody POV

The way they were all looking at me. Proud. Grateful. Appreciative.

Until recently, I hadn't paid my dad any attention whatsoever and now I was getting thanked for merely existing? For turning up to a memorial about him? It made no sense!

Those people, however kind and friendly they were, they had no idea about my life. They had no idea who I was either. Being someone's daughter didn't automatically validate you! I was a fraud.

A liar.

"How can he be my dad?"

Tyler raised his eyebrows at me. "Genetics, I guess..."

"No! I mean, my family... we're not that. Kind and loving and homely. They make him sound like a saint!"

Tyler put his arm around me. "I thought you would've been happy with that. At least he isn't horrible!"

"Yeah but..."

"Your father was a wonderful man."

We glanced back as Colin walked towards us with mugs of tea before sitting us down on a bench in the garden. He seemed like a sound enough man, and it was obvious from the breaking of his voice that he missed his friend dearly.

"You won't have remembered this Jody, you were very young, but I did meet you once before. Just after you were born..."

Jody sat up interested.

"What happened?"

"Your parents were deciding what to name you. When you were born, Arthur was smitten. You were all he could talk about! He wanted to call you something beautiful."

"Like what?"

"Amelia. Amelia Gray..."

I tried my hardest not to scoff. With a name like that, I definitely wouldn't be the person I was today. Amelia was too dainty, too pretty... and I was none of those things.

"It was after his grandmother. Your great-grandmother. She worked in the artillery factories during the war, tough as old boots, she was. But his mother, your grandmother's name was Rose, mind, and that was s'posed to be your middle name. She was a teacher in one of the rowdiest schools in Birmingham, but she had one of the gentlest voices you've ever heard..."

This was crazy. How much family did I still not know about? My whole life, I'd been so caught up over the family that had driven me into care that I hadn't even given a thought to my family from generations back. It seemed they were all heroes, saints, angels... and I simply couldn't believe that.

Not when I'd lived my whole life thinking I was scum.

"But I'm Jody? Not Amelia..."

"Indeed. Denise insisted she name you, after this famous model at the time, and well... Arthur didn't really have a choice."

Tyler seemed troubled by what he was hearing.

"Sorry, but if your dad was around when you were born, how come we've never heard of him before? Shouldn't he be on your birth certificate or something?"

I glanced at Tyler; that was a good point. Surely Mike or May-Li would've informed me if they knew who he was. And yet they didn't. Mum had never said anything about him.

"Your mum went and got your name officiated on her own. Said Arthur didn't need to come this time, she could handle it all and well, your dad believed her so he just let it be. My guess is she didn't know at the time."

"Didn't know what?"

Colin sighed sadly. "If you were Arthur's or... his."

The affair. It made sense. Arthur leaving soon after I was born, with no name on my birth certificate and it was typical Mum. She hadn't changed one bit, keeping secrets and pretending everything was normal.

Problem was, her idea of normal only drove everyone else away.

"He always regretted leaving you. Believe me, he was a good man but he made a mistake. A huge mistake. And by the time he realised what he'd done, it was too late. Denise had moved you and the kids out of town without a trace. It's not like the social would've helped either; as far as the authorities were concerned he had no link to you. But to me it's obvious; you remind me so much of him."

If only I could've met him. Judged him, for myself. But what difference would that have made? I didn't blame him, if that's what Colin and Tyler were thinking. I didn't blame Arthur.

Compared to the rest of my family, the ones who'd let me down time and time again: he'd just done it the once. And before I could even remember! If he'd stayed, if he hadn't... either way, we'd all end up fucked.

"He sounded like a great guy. Honestly. Thanks for telling me about him."

Colin nodded, somewhat overwhelmed by his memories. I wished I could feel the same way but the truth was I didn't. Arthur didn't know me. To him I was always going to be that sweet-headed, innocent baby.

But I wasn't a baby anymore.

I'd grown up.


Tyler POV

We decided to take a taxi to the graveyard where Arthur was buried. Luke had sent Jody a text stating that he would be able to meet her there, and even though I still had my doubts about him, I figured a little time with her brother might've been what she needed.

Especially since she wasn't giving anything away to me.

"Are you sure?"

"I'm okay! Stop asking me for the hundredth time."

I glanced back out of the window, trying not to feel so hurt. I knew today would be challenging but I wanted to be there for her. If only she would let me. I heard Jody sigh exasperatedly and turned around to face her again.

"I'm okay. Tyler, I'm okay and I shouldn't be."

I frowned as I realised she seemed frustrated. Not with me but with herself.

"My dad's died. And I feel nothing. Why? Even if I didn't know him, even if he wasn't there... surely I should feel something? Sad? Angry? But I feel nothing, how can that be?"

Reaching out my arm to her, I attempted to console her.

"Do you remember when we were younger? When we used to make up all those stories about our dads; the jobs they'd have, how big their houses would be, what they looked like..?"

Jody smiled weakly. "You mean, when we used to draw them out and whoever had the wackiest dad won?"

I couldn't help but grin, we were weirdos as children. Back then, talking about our dads was fun and inventive. A game almost rather than reality. We would put on really gruff voices and think up the craziest adventures that they would go on until one of us lost it and started laughing.

"You don't have a responsibility to him, Jodes. Just cos' you don't feel the way you think you should, it doesn't make you a bad person."

"Doesn't it?"

"No. Jody, you could've walked past him in the street and you wouldn't have known who he was."

I stopped speaking for a moment; Arthur had lived a bus ride away and Jody was none the wiser. This whole time, she could've met him. And yet she hadn't. My mind drifted back to my own father. Maybe I hadn't been right to write him off; even though he'd left my mum to fend for herself.

Maybe he too, was just living down the road... thinking about the baby he'd left behind all those years ago.

"We're here."

The church was nothing special; small and simple with a single tower and a cross. There were a few headstones in the front yard, but I had a feeling we were to go around the back to see the graveyard. A wind passed under my shirt, and I couldn't help but shiver slightly. Something felt wrong.

Jody walked towards the church door, seemingly unaware of the tension I was feeling. It was too quiet. Too isolated. The taxi had driven us out of town and even though we'd looked up the church before we'd left, it was like something was off.

"Where's Luke?"

"Probably round the back? I'll text him."

We waited for a while longer in silence, as I shrugged on my hoodie. It was beginning to feel colder, even though it'd been boiling hot these past few days. Jody seemed unbothered, kicking stones around as she waited for Luke.

She hadn't completely welcomed her father as part of her life, nor had she shared a loathing for him. It was unlike Jody to have no opinions whatsoever, but this was certainly different. I wondered whether I would've reacted the same as her, if it had been my dad.

A few more agonising seconds passed and I was just about to suggest heading back when Luke finally showed his face.

Jody's eyes widened and she stepped back towards me as I tried not to lose my nerve, when we both realised who he was accompanied by. I really should've trusted my gut feeling. This was bad.

Really bad.

"Alright Monkey?"


(A/N): The writer's block hit me bad but I'm starting to get some ideas flowing now. Thank you to everyone who's been reading this, if anyone's been watching the latest series let me know what you think! I know that times are very difficult right now, for everyone, and I really hope you're all staying safe and well x