Ready for more

Alec was looking at her.

"What do you mean by that Rose? Is there something wrong?"

"What? No, there's nothing wrong Alec. I'm all mixed up, that's all, I can get something to help, then I know where I am. Alec, whatever they give me, it helps with something else."

"I hear talk at school Rose. I did not want to assume, well that things would get to the stage when, you know, when we are kissing and you lie on me?"

"Alec, ya can say it," Rose smiled. "Maybe not here though? We can talk on Sunday afternoon before we go to your aunt's."

"Yes, that's a good idea," he had to agree, feeling a little flushed.

He was glad Rose had realized they were out though he thought a few times she was going to lean across the table to kiss him. They went home and got off at Rose's stop, Alec walking her to the door They had sat near the back of the cinema, Alec putting his arm around her, making Rose feel it was something special.

"We could do that again?" he suggested as Rose leaned on him.

"Yeah, well I could save the bus fare I get and my allowance, we could take it in turns to pay?" Rose suggested as he leaned into her neck.

"I can manage Rose, I want to be the one to take you out. It was okay though?"

"Yeah, it was. We need to really talk Alec, after school on Monday," she told him, trying to hold him tighter.

"Yes, we do Rose. All these feeling I get, well I need to ask how you feel."

"I think we need to talk to your cousin," Rose replied. "Yeah, I get these strange feelings, like now."

"Really? I thought it was just me?" he teased her. "I'd best let you go. Did your mother and Bob go out?"

"No idea, I left early, remember? I heard them talking earlier though, I think they may start to stay in a bit more."

"Is that because you told them you won't join in?"

"Yeah, probably, Bob's been quiet about it for a while, thankfully. Maybe whatever they're into, Bob's been kicked out again. Alec, he may tell us to leave."

"Don't say that Rose."

"Alec, if he wanted a family and he chose us, it may have been for the reason I was only just a teenager back then, maybe he thought he could introduce me and I'd want to join in?"

"Rose, I think that's pretty obvious, don't you? Maybe though, he's not given up yet?"

Rose shivered at the thought, Alec holding her tighter and going for a kiss.

While Rose had been out, Bob had got a bottle of lager from the fridge and tried to find some football on the TV. He'd had a phone call earlier and Jackie dare not ask what it was about.

"We could go out to the other pub?" Jackie suggested.

"You know I would rather be with our friends Jackie. That phone call, Jim suggested we don't go for a few weeks and it's all down to your daughter, that was the deal they made. I'm not happy Jackie, not at all so you need to talk to Rose."

"Bob, won't it be better she's older?" Jackie suggested, wondering, what all the fuss was about.

"I don't know Jackie, she should have been mixing with the others nearly two years ago, when you both arrived but it took a while for us to be accepted. You know I wanted a family Jackie, like the others so if all we are going to do is see them in the pub and them asking if Rose is going to stop messing around and join us, we have to talk to her."

"She won't go without Alec," Jackie reminded him.

She didn't see the smile on his face as he formulated a new plan to let Rose bring her boyfriend along and get him so jealous he would leave her, then Rose would be grateful there were at least two boys he approved of to take his place. Well that was half a plan he supposed, he would never let on to Jackie what the rest of it was. That was why he had chosen her over others on the estate he'd been sent to work on nearly two years ago.

He'd been tired of missing out while his group of friends had teenage and younger kids who were all getting to know each other. He heard the door and knew Rose had got back.

"Rose, in here," he called out.

Rose had been giddy as she and Alec had kissed goodnight. She was having other feelings for him and the way he'd talked, things were going to change very quickly between them. Rose stood in the doorway, hoping the big stupid grin on her face had gone.

"I've been thinking and maybe you could at least be here when our friends come around. Maybe I can talk them into letting you invite your boyfriend along?"

"What?" Rose asked, thinking he had to be joking.

"I thought that was what you wanted?" Bob asked.

"Rose, think about it?" her mother urged, not wanting Bob in a bad mood about it.

"Mum, I don't even have to think about it, Alec would go crazy. There's no way we're joining in whatever's going on and we're gonna start going out on Saturday nights anyway, Alec took me to see a film tonight."

"You are very lucky I don't stop you going out on Saturday nights young lady," Bob told her. "I know you would just sneak out if I made you stay in so I am giving you an option. Think about it carefully, our friends won't wait too long for an answer."

Rose went to her room, wondering what the hell that had all been about so suddenly. Was it because she'd just had her birthday or was she getting too old and would work out what was going on? She was sure Alec's dad and John already knew and weren't telling her or Alec or did Alec know as well? He did want to be a detective when he was old enough.

The next afternoon, Alec called for her and they went down by the river. She quickly told him what Bob had said and Alec got up, Rose thinking he'd had enough and was going to say that was it.

"Say something Alec."

"What do you want me to say Rose? You are not considering it, are you?"

"What? I'm just telling ya what he said and I thought we were gonna be having a different conversation about us and how we feel? Geez, ya think I wanna stay in with them when we could be going out, seriously?"

Rose got up and took his arm.

"I don't know what to think Rose. You know by him saying for you to invite me what that infers?"

"Yeah, he wants to make you jealous when those other boys are there. What the hell's going on Alec?"

He saw she was almost in tears, when they should have been talking about where they go next. He went to put his arms around her, holding her close and hoping no-one would come along the narrow path.

"Hey, it's okay Rose. He's trying to split us up but I know you would never consider agreeing. Don't cry Rose, please."

Rose was rubbing her eyes, still leaning on him.

"I thought you'd got mad at me?" she asked tearfully.

"Rose, that is never going to happen. Ever since I met you properly at school, I knew something troubled you but look at you? For almost two years you have stayed out of whatever Bob is planning. We went out last night, properly and we can do that every week from now on, if you want?"

"Yeah, I told him that. He is trying to split us up but he never will, we'll always be okay, you and me, won't we?"

"Yes Rose, for as long as you want but you are not sure about collage, are you? I already said I would help you to catch up."

"Alec, I know ya did but it's not enough to get me in, I'm still way behind, I barely scrape through, thanks to you. I won't make it Alec, face it and I won't stop you going to whichever one you choose. I want to stay with you, for as long as you want?"

Alec led her back off the path to where they had been sitting on a log.

"Rose, it will take a lot more than that to put me off. Forget about it, if he sees you are not going to comply, he'll back off."

"What if he tells my mother I go along with it or we leave?"

"I don't think that will happen Rose. Why don't you just pretend we are thinking about it? He can't say anything about that."

"Yeah but how long can I keep pretending Alec? If you come up for me and come in when they're already inside maybe it'll look like we're thinking about it?"

Alec pulled her close so her head was on his shoulder.

"I was right about you, you can be devious. How long can we keep that up though?" he asked her, kissing her forehead.

"As long as it takes them to get the message there's no way they are ever gonna split us up. They are never, ever gonna split us up."

Alec had to smile at the idea of them trying to fool everyone every time Bob and her mother were the hosts of whatever was going on.

"Come on Rose, we should go tell John and my dad. This is serious, they are trying to force you into leaving me and go along with whatever they are doing."

"This is so getting to be annoying. Does Bob really think it's gonna work?"

"Rose, all we have to do is keep annoying them by showing them it's not going to work. When is the next get together at your place?"

They went to his aunt's and told Alec's dad and John.

"We have to do something about it," John told them all.

"What can we do without any proof?" Alec's dad asked.

"Well if me and Alec show them it's not working?" Rose suggested.

"Rose, neither John or myself like any of this," Alec's dad told them.

"Yeah, I know Mr Hardy but you can't do anything when we don't know what it is," Rose told him.

"Your mother brought you up here Rose, she got involved with him," John reminded her.

"She can't have known what would happen," Rose replied.

Alec's dad knew exactly what was going on. This Bob had been looking for an instant family so he could join in with whatever his friends were into and Rose and her mother and had been the perfect targets. What with her mother being alone and bringing up a teenage daughter, who better to choose?

"Rose, we can try?" Alec suggested. "I want to join the police when I'm old enough, I can make a start. Let's do what you suggested and delay when I come to pick you up, see what goes on?"

"Alec, I don't want ya getting mixed up with it," Rose told him.

"It's too late Rose, I already am. You are my girlfriend, I care what happens to you at home. When is everyone next at your place?"

"It varies a bit, I never know until they start turning up. That means you'll have to come up every Saturday," Rose replied.

"Well I can do that, unless someone's late again and wants me to let them in," Alec joked.

"Alec, I don't want them asking you questions," Rose replied.

"I can handle them Rose. All that matters is you keep away from whatever goes on."

"Maybe they just talk?" John suggested, scratching his head that Rose found amusing as Alec was starting to do the same.

"Yeah but about what?" Rose wondered. "Hey do ya think they talk about whose kids are going out with each other? What for?"

"Who knows?" John replied. "Just don't start with them Rose, please."

"She won't John because I'll be there," Alec replied.

Rose put her arm in his and smiled.

"There you go then," John laughed. "Problem solved and Alec can practice his detective skills."

They went for a walk to the park later before Rose went home.

"Alec, I'm worried that now Bob's close to missing out, well he'll invite some of them round, one by one."

"Rose, do you think he would really do that?"

"I don't know Alec, would he, if he's desperate to be in on what's going on? What the hell are they into?"

"Stop worrying Rose. We will get back a bit earlier at weekends and I will come up with you, okay?" he offered.

"Alec, you don't have to." She saw the look on his face as he got up from the swing next to her. "Well okay then, you can always come in to say hello to my mum?"

Alec was wondering if it was worth it but he was doing it for Rose, the girl he was growing to love more. It was just as well as Rose let them in a while later.

"Mum, Alec came back with me to say hello," Rose shouted, since her mother hadn't seen him when he'd called for her.

Her mother came out. "Rose. What's Alec doing here, he ever hardly comes in these days."

Rose saw her chance.

"Yeah, that's why he's here, aren't ya Alec?" she nudged him, hoping he'd get the idea and her mother wouldn't think anything of him making a habit of it.

"Hello Mrs Tyler. I thought I would bring Rose back properly from now on, if you have no objections."

Bob chose that moment to come out after assuring his friends he would be back soon.

"She's usually back by now," Jackie had said five minutes before Rose had got back.

So as Rose had called she was back and Jackie had gone out, Bob had been asked where she had been.

"I told you, she goes out on Sunday's but she's not usually late back."

"Well we hope you're soon going to be able to join us again on Saturday nights Bob," he was being told.

Then he heard Alec's voice.

"What are you doing here?" Bob asked him.

"Bringing Rose back," Alec replied, since Bob had hardly spoken to him recently and he was no longer the thirteen year old the man had tried to intimidate.

"Well you did, you can go now," Bob told him.

"Why are ya being rude to him?" Rose wanted to know. Then she realized. "Are some of your friends here?"

"Never mind Rose," her mother tried to tell her. "Thanks for bringing her back Alec."

"It's fine Mrs Tyler, it was Rose's idea because she thought you didn't see much of me now. Rose, I'll be going then? Walk out with me?"

He led her outside.

"Alec, there's someone in there, I know there is."

"Shush Rose, just go to your room. They will have gone back to them, you sneak back in and avoid them. That was my idea."

"Yeah, good thinking, detective. Seriously, are they deluded or something to think I'd walk in and join them?"

"Probably. Rose just promise me you won't?"

"I promise. Night then, see ya in the morning, detective."

"Rose, are you going to keep calling me that?" he asked as she put her arms around his neck.

"Yep," she laughed, going to ruffle his hair. "Best get used to it. You can have a name for me, if ya want though?"

Alec couldn't think of one she would approve of. She was very pretty and why she stayed with him when the older boys would stare at her when they were going to classes, he didn't know. She beat all the other girls in their year by a mile and he'd been surprised he'd not had to tell any boys to back off.

"I can think of loads of names for you Rose but you would probably slap me. See you tomorrow then?"

"What makes ya think I'd slap you if ya tried?" she teased him. "Don't forget I have to go the other way after we get dropped off tomorrow?"

"John can take you, if you ask him," Alec replied.

"It's okay Alec, it's not far, just at the other end of the road. Alec, I never told ya the other reason I was going." She took hold of his denim jacket lapels and indicated she wanted another kiss. "Ya must know."

"You want us to take things a bit further?" he dared ask, his heart beating a little faster than normal but she did that to him sometimes and he wished it was every time.

"Do you? I mean I want to get something to stop my monthly being all over the place but, well, if ya think it's too soon to maybe go a little further?"

"Really? Well, when we're in my room, especially during the holidays then yes, I mean you have me down to my shorts," he reminded her.

"Yeah and it's kinda nice ya know? I know I've been a bit shy though but maybe you can help me with that? I wasn't sure, that you'd want to see me?"

"Is that why?" he asked, hoping no-one would come out as they stood by the lift. "Rose, yes, I want to see you, I mean if you want? Just maybe start with taking off your school shirt or whatever you're wearing. Rose, you don't have to be shy with me."

"I'll try not to be Alec. I know what they're up to in there, one of those awful boys will be there and they'll be trying to get me to start going out with whoever it is. I can't face them Alec, don't they know how they make me feel?"

"Come here Rose," he told her, putting his arms around her shoulders, Rose leaning into him.

Alec thought if the camera wasn't there, he'd kiss her again.

"Want me to go downstairs with ya?" Rose asked him.

"It's fine Rose, just go to your room and forget them."

"Yeah, just for you," she nudged him with a grin.

"Do it for yourself Rose, please. I worry about you every time I bring you back, so do my family, though my aunt doesn't say much but I can tell."

"Alec, I know they all do, they're like a real family to me since I've been here. I still miss everyone back home but they've made up for it. What ya said before, well let's see how things go, if I can get something, yeah?"

"Yes Rose, see what they say? You do realize where this is going, if you are thinking the same as me?" he asked.

"Yeah, well no harm in what I suffer from serving two purposes? I mean I was gonna go see my local doctor about it but if I don't see a female one, I'd probably back out so going to the clinic's the best thing, mum actually agreed. Oh, do ya think she agreed because of those boys coming around? Geez Alec, what are they up to?"

"Rose, they could just be playing games with you, have you thought about that?"' he asked her, putting his hands on her shoulders. "I think they are Rose, maybe they are not trying to get you to actually go out with those boys?"

"Then what are they doing Alec? Geez, I wouldn't go near any of them."

"I know you won't Rose, try not to worry eh? They must get some kind of satisfaction out of it. Just remember, you have me on your side."

"Yeah, I know Alec. Well I'm off to sneak back to my room, see ya tomorrow."

After successfully getting to her room without being heard, she thought about what they'd said to each other. Things were getting more serious between them, though the laying down and kissing was nice but maybe it would be better if she could get up the courage to at least let him see some of her? He wasn't putting her under any pressure, it had been her decision to do something in case they did actually want to move forward in their relationship.

All the next day, Rose was nervous about going to the clinic and Sandra noticed.

"Stop worrying Rose, my sister said there was nothing to it. I'd go myself but I've not got anyone like Alec so there's no point really. I hope you get what you wanted."

So did Rose or Alec would be complaining she was complaining she never knew when she was going to be 'off' not that he said anything when she didn't want to lie on him and she'd just lie on her side and he was tempted to part her school shirt and risk a black eye or something.

He didn't really know why she hid herself away, especially when he'd seen her in her swimsuit and had noticed a few things about her. He knew now it was up to her, if she was prepared to protect herself if they mutually agreed they wanted to move on. He would never suggest anything until she felt more confident though and the situation at home was putting her off.

He'd not said anything to his dad about what they thought was going on but as they got into John's car, he asked how things were going.

"Tell me where your mum works Rose, I can drop you off," John offered. "I hope it's nothing serious, going to the health centre?" he asked as that was what Alec had told him.

"Nah, just women stuff and my mum telling them I'm old enough to go on my own. It's just a bit awkward to talk about."

"Well okay-dokey, we'll just leave it at that then? How were things when you got home last night?"

"Alec went in with me, didn't ya Alec? They had visitors but I never went in the living room, Bob was complaining as usual. They can forget it, I'm not getting involved but I'm getting a bit scared."

"I wish we could do more Rose, really I do. They seem very reluctant to say what's actually going on but why is Bob so desperate to join in? Did they talk in front of him and it got his interest? Sorry Rose but it's quite apparent he went looking for someone and he picked your mother, because she'd been on her own so long."

"Yeah, I gathered that but telling her? She'd never believe me and it could make her tell Bob and I dread to think what he'd do. I don't think he'd tell us to leave, he's got it stuck in his head that's how he wants things. Besides, she's stuck on him, she'd never go for it."

"Like you're stuck on Alec," John joked. "Right, where am I going?" he asked as they passed Rose's apartment block.

John stopped a few doors down from where her mother worked and Rose gave Alec a quick peck on the cheek as she got out, saying she'd see him later. She waved to her mother through the steamed-up window and waited for her. They walked down the road and reached the health centre, the clinic entrance being around the side and they went inside.

Rose was given a form to fill in to register with them and told someone would explain things to her.

"Getting nervous?" her mother asked.

"A bit, yeah. Mum, there's nothing going on between me and Alec, I'm only being careful. I just don't want anything to happen and it'll help me know where I am with my monthly, I didn't know what had hit me when I first started with them and Alec thought I was being a grump."

"Well I don't suppose there's anything wrong with you being prepared. Just promise me Alec's not forcing ya into anything."

"Mum, he's not like that, really. Why does Bob invite his friends round with those boys?"

"He just wants us to be a family Rose and you won't even try to make friends with them."

"Yeah because they're both gross. I have Alec, why would I want to be friends with them? What's going on Mum?"

"What? There's nothing going on Rose, we're just friends gettin' together. What's wrong with that?" her mother asked as she finished off questions Rose couldn't answer. "We'll nip around to the other part when we finish here and tell them ya can be seen on your own."

Rose knew she was never going to convince her mother what Bob and his friends were up to, she was too far gone with what Bob was telling her it was what families did and her mother was a perfect target like John had said. There was no way her mother was ever going to realize it was Bob and his friends idea of what families were, not how like Alec and his family were like.