Chapter 23

Kane had decided to leave them to it. Shelley and Kirsty obviously had a lot to talk about, and Shelley wouldn't settle with him there. He went for a walk, to give them space. Back at the house, Kirsty was sat next to her mum, smiling. At least her mum still wanted to see her.

"So, I guess a lots changed."

"Mum, I know how you feel about Kane, and believe me, it's not been an easy choice. But it's been the right choice. I'm happy, I'm settled, and most of all, I love him"

"I know you do" said Shelley

"Really?" Kirsty was shocked. She expected a lecture on the perils of growing up, and not knowing the true meaning of love. She had not expected this.

"Kirsty, I may be your mother, and I may be separated from your father, but I do know about love. I see it in your eyes, I see it in his. I may not like him, and I'll probably never be able to trust him. But I know he loves you."

Kirsty was stunned.

"Kirsty, this doesn't mean I'm giving you my blessing. I still think you should go home, I still don't think you should see Kane Phillips again.

"Mum.."

"And I think you should come back with me now and see your family. They miss you."

Kirsty laughed "If they missed me mum, they'd have got in touch"

"You're dads proud and Dani's hurting"

"So basically they'd rather I was miserable so they could be happy. How selfish is that?"

"Pretty selfish, but you're hardly one to talk right now" Shelley reminded her. She didn't want to sound harsh, but it was true. Kirsty looked embarrassed. Her mum knew it was a sore subject.

"Mum, I'm not ready to go back there, I need time."

"I understand sweetheart. I'd better get going though; otherwise Max will get really angry. He's expecting a milkshake"

Kirsty smiled. "Thanks for coming mum."

"I'll call you okay Kirsty." Shelly hugged her daughter.

Kirsty watched her mum go. She'd sort of got her blessing, well, she understood at least. No more "you're too young Kirsty" Her mum could see how serious she was. It was step in the right direction.