Chapter 2:
A/N: Hi! Firstly, thanks so much for the kind review, reader! It really did mean a lot. I very much meant to continue this story a long while ago, but as usual life got in the way!
Sally's POV:
Sally sat motionless on the sofa, the silence of the dawn broken only by the clock ticking away behind her. A soft glow emanated from the television, illuminating her pale, tired face. This had become something of a routine for her lately; ever since the wedding, Sophie had been out of control. If she wasn't out drinking and doing god knows what else all night, she was in her room with the door locked, either hungover or still drunk from the night before. Hearing her relentless sobs through the door was the worst part. She could only stand by the door, helpless. It wasn't doing her any good, Sally thought. As much as she wanted her to let them in, she knew deep down that this was her grief. As much as she wished she could, it would never be her place to tell her how to heal.
Looking down at the photo book resting precariously over her knee, Sally pondered across a picture from last Christmas. Between half the street being destroyed just a few weeks ago and having to accept the fact her marriage was over she had tried so hard to paint on a smile and make Christmas day special for the girls. She carefully slid the photo out of its place and tucked it away in the side drawer. In years to come, she could spare Sophie the agony of seeing her and Sian happy together in this photo. This small mercy was all she could grant her right now.
A loud but familiar crash followed by the thick smell of alcohol pulled her out of her thoughts. Sophie had finally made it home from yet another night out. Standing up to greet her at the door, she braced herself for who she would meet.
"Hiya Mum" Sophie slurred. Her eyes swam through her head as she spoke, barely looking at her.
"Hiya Soph."
"Right, how about we get you a brew on?" she replied quietly. She was met with a small grumble of agreement. It hurt her to see Sophie like this. She quickly turned away into the kitchen, and a tear escaped her eye.
"Milk, two sugars, just how you have it" Sally chirped as she walked back into the living room. She stopped as she saw she was already too late. Sophie lay on the sofa, already passed out. She set down the mug and sat back down beside her, appreciating the quiet, if not fleeting moment.
A/N: I didn't originally plan for this chapter to be in here, but I hope you like it anyways. My next update will hopefully be much quicker than this one has been :) Please drop a review and tell me what you think about the story, and any suggestions/pointers are always appreciated.