We got back to Nikki's, well her parents and I wanted to go straight to bed. It was getting late, Rose and John had gone to bed, I was left downstairs with Nikki; that was fine by me.
"Here you go" Nikki said as she passed me a glass of wine, red.
"Thank you" that's all I could say, I didn't know what to say, I didn't want to upset her and say I didn't like her dad.
"Hey, what's wrong. Lorraine" only after calling my name, I looked up.
"Nothing, I'm looking forward to my day out with your mum tomorrow" I smiled, avoiding talking about John.
"I know dad can be harsh at times, he just does it to protect me. I will have a word with him if you want?" She could read me like a book, she knew exactly what I was feeling and thinking.
"No, please don't , it would make things worse. Honestly, it's fine. Well he kind of offended me, by judging me based on what I earn. I'm kind of feeling shit about myself" I was opening up to Nikki, I felt I could and no more lies I had told myself.
"Ah, yeah. I'm not taking sides on this one, I love you both. I know how he can be though, babe please let me speak to him. If he knew he upset you, he wouldn't have said anything" she called me babe, that was new.
"Ok, but put it nicely. I don't want a noose around my neck" I sounded so morbid.
"Lorraine, please don't talk like that" she looked worried, I hadn't said anything.
"Nikki, just because your dad doesn't like me, doesn't mean I'm going to top myself" I couldn't have put it more bluntly, I was down, but not on the edge.
She looked down at her hands that laid on her lap, did I say something wrong?
"I just don't want you doing anything stupid. I know what you're like under stress" Nikki sounded as if she was trying to hold back tears, her eyes rimmed with them, as she looked at me.
"Nikki, I'm not unstable. I'm fine" I grabbed her hand. Other than Sonia, she was the only one who really cared about me. Michael did, but he knew nothing and I was always a bitch towards him. I act out, then I'm left with no one. I didn't want to push Nikki away, she was the only one who got me. Work; I knew nobody actually liked me, I had walked in on them talking about me, more than a few times. I didn't know what to do with the school either, I needed Nikki's advice.
We sat on the sofa together, just talking. We were supposed to be buying a dog together, but that turned into a week away.
"We can still go dog hunting, bring him or her back with us" I suggested
"Yeah we could, would you mind?" Like I minded, I suggested it.
"No, but ask your parents, we could keep it here till we get back home. Also look on some of those free sites, it doesn't matter if the dog isn't a puppy" I was actually excited, I loved animals, just never had the time to care for one.
"Ok" Nikki smiled and kissed me, that was that, we were going to go dog hunting in Bradford.
"Nikki. What should I do? Do I hand the school over to the council, or?" I was sincerely asking, I wanted to have the school to myself, as I could easily turn it into money. I would make a few enemies, but they didn't have to work alongside me.
"Well, I think you should consider the council. I mean, the pupils, think of them. You always say you put the kids first, prove it" her very words echoing.
"Lorraine, you're a millionaire. You don't need the school, find something, that won't destroy lives" it was her being blunt this time, but it was true. I was going to give it to the council, it's the least I could do, for Michael and everyone.
"You're right, but you do know what that means. I will be leaving" I couldn't stay there, not after giving the school away.
"What, move away? Can't you stay in Scotland" she sat up, tense.
"If I had something to do there, I'd stay. I need another project. The only thing I'd stay for is you" Sonia could take care of herself, but Nikki was my rock; I couldn't live without her.
"Well stay then, make a life with me. I can still work at Waterloo, but please don't leave" she was basically pleading.
"Ok, but there was something else I wanted to ask you. Do you want to move in with me?" I said it, it was out and I couldn't take it back now.
"What? You're being serious? You want my underwear scattered all over your floors everyday?" Nikki ever the comedian.
"Yes, I wouldn't mind anything of yours being scattered all over. Although I want to buy somewhere different, not like the massive house I have now. Maybe a penthouse apartment" I didn't know whether it was too soon, I mean dog hunting and house hunting too; I didn't want to scare her off.
"So, do I get to pick where we live too?" Her voice light and fluffy, she was up for it as much as I was.
"Of course" I winked and laughed.
Our glasses were empty and we were having the best laugh in each others company. The excitement taking over us both, both acting like giddy teenagers.
It was Sunday, boring old Sunday and I was getting dressed whilst Nikki made me a tea. I just hoped her dad was going to be ok today, I couldn't bare another lecture. Well he didn't exactly lecture me, but he put me on the spot, which was embarrassing. Even Rose looked embarrassed, she seemed to like me; she also didn't care, that I had money. I know this is blunt, but I really needed a fuck, my tense shoulders were in need of a relaxation period. I didn't want to have sex here though, even Nikki barely touched me in bed, at least we both felt the same. The fact her parents were just down the hall, put me right off any intimate actions.
Nikki then arrived with my tea, just as I was zipping up my pencil skit, I realised I wore the same shit all the time. Maybe I should get some new clothes while me and her mum went shopping, I could ask for her advice.
"Let me" Nikki came over to zip my skirt up, I was having a bit of trouble and it was nice feeling her arms around me, after she had zipped it.
"Mum's waiting you know. She got up at six apparently, she loves you to bits" Nikki said, holding me from behind, the both of us rocking back and forth. Her kisses were planted on my neck, her breath making me shiver.
"I better go then, have fun with your dad" I made my way downstairs with Nikki, it was only 10am. As it was a Sunday, I thought we'd better go early, the shops shut earlier on a Sunday.
"Ready?" I gave a big smile after I said it, she beamed with excitement. It felt like I was treating my own mum, truth is, I missed mine. Mum was ill and she didn't know who I was, she only knew Sonia, yet she did call Sonia Lorraine. There was a point when I was about twenty, when me and her actually got on and spent time together. It was the one time we got on and then it turned sour.
Rose interrupted my thoughts,
"Where are we off to first then love?" She was so innocent, it was crazy that she was with John.
"I thought we would go for a coffee, as it's early and then go shopping wherever you fancy" I had borrowed Nikki's car to drive us to the city centre.
"Sounds perfect and thank you love, you really didn't have to" I was only taking her out, but she was so appreciative. We arrived in the city and I had paid for the parking ticket, I wanted a coffee so badly. I had a cuppa back at Rose's, but the sight of a coffee shop made me weak at the knees.
"This one?" I asked Rose, there was a Starbucks opposite us. She nodded and we walked in, she even linked my arm. My phone was on silent, work could be demanding, but it was strictly family business I wanted to attend to. Family, friends, whatever, just personal matters. We sat in the corner on a nice leather sofa, it was a dark burgundy colour and looked vintage, I wanted it for mine and Nikki's future home.
"This is nice, so how do you like Bradford" Nikki's mum asked as she sipped her drink.
"It's nice, the people are lovely. It's nice to get away from the hectic lifestyle of Waterloo Road" I laughed
"Yes, I know all too well. I worry for Nikki sometimes" she seemed really concerned, she really did loved her daughter.
"Don't worry Mrs Boston, I won't let anything happen to her. You have my word" I meant it, no one would lay a finger on her; I would kick their balls in.
"Thank you dear" she took hold of my hand and smiled warmly.
We finished our coffees and left, it was 11 now and I was beginning to like Nikki's mum more and more. We went into River Island, I adored this shop, they had everything I'd wear. I wasn't sure whether it was Rose's cup of tea, but she soon got looking.
"Lorraine this would look amazing on you" she had picked up this lovely shirt, I wanted a new image. The shirt was blue, but the cuffs were black. Where the buttons sat was black and so was the collar, it had a vintage pattern all over. I picked it up and put it on my arm, I was going to buy it. Then I spotted some black baggy trousers, they were cuffed at the ankles and baggy at the hips, not too baggy though. They would go with most tops and then I got some black jeans, that came above the ankle, which also had zips on them. Rose even brought over a leather jacket, I thought fuck it. I was a fan of classic rock and liked the rough look. I needed band t-shirts and ripped jeans, I soon found what I was looking for. Rose found a dress she adored and she tried it on to make sure she wanted it. Rose got some jewellery and a tailored jacket, then we moved on to another store. We went into The Body Shop. So many creams, lotions and perfumes. We soon got stuck in, Rose smelling everything, we were even having a laugh.
"Rose get anything you want, honestly, you could have it all of you wanted" I wanted her to feel like a kid in a candy shop, we bought loads from there too. I bought Nikki some things; bought her a perfume, that smelt like chocolate and nuts. We had already spent at least two hundred, I really didn't care, I didn't have a budget; I had more than enough. We went everywhere, I was wondering what Nikki was doing.
Lorraine and mum left, Lorraine gave me money to go and get food and drinks. I left dad in the house to get the football ready, he recorded it. I went to the shop, it was only round the corner. I had only gotten down the street, when I heard someone shout dyke. There was a boy on a bike, just shouting abuse at me. I ignored him and carried on, he just rode off. Nobody could tell Lorraine was a lesbian, but I was more masculine and boyish. I didn't have short, short hair, but everyone knew I was gay. I mean what if I wasn't? Some girls like to be boyish, doesn't mean they like the same sex! I arrived at the shop, it was a decent size, but still small. I walked in and went straight to the fridge to buy beers. My dad liked Carling and I liked Fosters, I got both and looked around the shop for food. I ended up leaving with, heaps of Doritos, plus dip, two galaxy bars (the big kind) I got fizzy haribos, normal ones and I also got some revels and strawberry shoelaces. Lorraine gave me forty pound, which was more, more and more than enough; it was too much. I swear sometimes she liked to splash the cash. The time with my dad also gave me a chance to look for a dog. I got back, this time without abuse and laid all of the goodies on the coffee table. Dad had been sitting waiting for me, his glasses on.
"Hey chick" he always called me his chick, there was a time when I was little and we went to a farm, there was a little chick that followed me around; hence the name. He had called me chick ever since. I needed to speak to him too, about Lorraine; I was dreading it. The fact I loved them both made it hard, I really couldn't side with either.
"Hey, ready to get hammered and put a few pounds on" I joked, as I passed him one of the beers.
It was half an hour into the football, when I had to pipe up and say something.
"Dad? Do you like Lorraine" he didn't even turn to me.
"She's a bit stuck up, but you love her" his words, broke my heart. She hasn't been stuck up at all, she bit back at him, but that's all. He never liked my partners, there had only been a few who made it into my house, but they only ever came once.
"So you don't like her?" I sat on the edge of the sofa, beer in both hands and a sadness on my face.
"I never thought you'd bring back a millionaire. She's the type who'd look down on us, I don't know why Rose has warmed to her" now he was hitting a nerve with me, once you got to know Lorraine, she was the kindest person. The cocky stuck up person, was a mask she hid behind. I suppose in a work place mainly surrounded by egotistical people, you had to be tough; she was boss.
"She's not like that dad, you're judging her, before you've even had a chance to get to know her" my words stern.
"Look, if you want me to ease up, I will. I will try" at least I got somewhere with him, he was only doing it for my sake. We sat and watched footie together and stuffed out faces. I got my phone out and started looking for dogs, like Lorraine said, it didn't need to be a puppy.
"Dad? If I get a dog, can I keep it here till me and Lo go back to Scotland?" I even battered my eyelashes, seeing if the doe look sweetened him.
"It's not me you have to ask, it's your mother. You know what she's like, I swear she has OCD" it was true, my mum liked a pristine house and a dog would scare her witless.
I should ask her when she gets back with Lorraine, she'd be all sugared up by then. I had found a dog and even called the owner. It was a little white fluffy thing called Buddy, he was only one. He was a Havanese. I could pick him up today if I wanted to, I just needed to ask my mum.
We were on our way back to the house, me and Rose had a lot of fun. I really didn't want to face Nikki's dad though, he kind of annoyed me. I am the type who would say something, but I held my tongue for Nikki's sake. He also hurt me, why judge someone, when you've known them a day. I could feel my blood rushing around my body. Rose kept thanking me, I just told her that we were family now. Truth is, I would do anything for Nikki, and her family.
We got back and Nikki greeted us.
"Hey, have fun?"
"Lorraine bought me loads love" Rose taking her bags upstairs to her room.
Nikki pulled me to one side, we ended up in the kitchen.
"I had a word with my dad, he's gonna ease off" thank goodness, her words were like a blessing.
"Thank you!" I kissed her, I wanted to pounce on her, I felt horny.
"You should see what I bought, a whole new look" I wanted to look like a chic rock chic, I wanted to mix it up a little.
"Hey I've got good news! I found a dog, not too far from here" Nikki then told me his name was Buddy, even showed me a picture; he was the cutest thing ever. I was all of a sudden going soppy, over a dog!
"When are you picking him up then?" I asked, eager to get him.
"In a few, but I have to ask my mum first. I also want you to come with me" I wanted to go, like she needed to ask.
Nikki went upstairs to ask her mum, it was her parents house after all. I then had to make my way into the living room, dreading the fact her dad sat there.
"Hi" I sat in the chair at the other side of the room, it was just near the doorway.
"Hello, alright?" This was him making an effort? Well at least he didn't blank me.
"Fine thanks, have fun watching the footie?" I was trying to be as nice as I could be, although when my smile faded, I was left gritting my teeth.
"It was good, thanks for the drinks and food. You didn't need to, I have money" here we go again! His snide comments, that made me angry.
I had a feeling his problem was, that he thought I was going to take over his role. Like me being the bread winner and being able to support his family better than him. That's not what I wanted, I just wanted to get on with them all and have a good weekend away.
"I just thought it would be nice" gritting my teeth again and holding down a come back.
He grunted ad said nothing, I couldn't take sitting there. I left the room, I left the house and started walking up the street. I needed the air, stupid idiot I kept thinking. I was trying so hard and really didn't want any confrontation, but he was making it so hard for me. Nikki must have heard the door slam, as she was now walking after me.
"Lorraine!" I ignored her
"Stop, what's wrong?!" Then I turned to her and snapped.
"He's doing it again, I'm trying so fucking hard Nikki" I was letting my vulnerable side show, I pretended people didn't get to me, but he got to me; deep down. I walked closer to her, not wanting to shout across the street.
"He's making remarks again, the fact I have money bothers him. It's doing my head in, I'm not even snapping back" she now had hold of my arms.
It was kind of cold out and I had just a skirt and blouse on.
"He's just doing it as you're new, he will settle down" I wasn't as convinced with her words as she was, he had already written me off.
"It's upsetting me Nik" I could feel tears in my eyes, I was getting so upset over it. I wasn't expecting her dad to be like this, I thought they would both accept me into the family.
"Your mum is lovely, we clicked instantly" I had nothing to wipe my tears with, so Nikki pulled her sleeves down and dabbed at my wet cheeks. She made me laugh through the tears and we started hugging, her warm embrace heating me up.
"Come on, lets go and pick Buddy up. I persuaded mum" she spoke with warm words and put her arm around my shoulder. We walked back to where Nikki's car was.
"I will go in and tell them we are now off to pick him up" she could tell I didn't want to go back inside, maybe she felt my tense muscles.
"Ok well lets get off then" she literally sprinted towards me, car keys rattling to her pace. She had even brought one of her jackets out for me, I was freezing cold; cold to the bone.
We got in the car and she pulled out into the road,
"We have an hour, it's only ten minutes away" she was getting at something, I could hear it in her voice.
"So why are we going now then?" Concerned she was losing the plot.
"I figured, if we find somewhere quiet. Maybe a car park, my windows are tinted black; no one can see in" I knew exactly what she meant.
"Nikki! Seriously?!" I was shocked she would even think of it, but yet intrigued.
"What?! Like you've never wanted to" her smirk convincing me, that it could be a great idea. It was a little dodgy sounding though, but she was turning me on. Her hand all the way up my skirt.
"Nikki concentrate on driving" I smiled.
She took her hand away, but I wanted it back. I lifted my skirt up, just so it sat at below my bum. She looked at me, her eyes wider.
"So you do want me Miss Donnegan?" Asking me wasn't needed, I wanted her alright. I was a completely different person when turned on, I became more adventurous.
"I know it seems dodgy, but I know a place haha" we were now both laughing at how ridiculous we sounded.
"You know a place?! Have you done it there before" I needed to know.
"No! Gosh, no way. I just parked there once, it's in the middle of nowhere. I needed to be alone and I found it" thank goodness for that, I didn't want to be her second, third or fourth who had taken a ride in Nikki's love-mobile. I agreed to it though, what have any of us got to lose? I needed a fuck and we couldn't do it at hers.
"So how far is this secret place" I asked, kind of excited. I had never done this before.
"Not far, but trust me no one goes there" this was getting a bit ridiculous, I had a better idea.
"Nikki, lets wait till tonight. We could go for a drink in a bar, then on the way back.. Go to this secret place?" she smiled at me and kissed me, then her hand was back on my bare leg.
"Ok, Miss Donnegan. We could make love under the beautiful stars" Nikki was taking the piss, but it made me laugh.
"Well then you'll have to wait for this till tonight" I pulled my skirt down.
"Spoil sport" Nikki winked.
We just went to a drive through Mc Donald's, I couldn't resist a coffee and even opted for a cheese burger. Nikki had the same as me.
"Ugh I haven't had one of these in such a long time!" It was close to orgasmic and I was lovin' it..
"Surely that burger isn't as good as me?" Something had come over Nikki, pure horny that's what she was. We parked in the Mc Donald's car park and just chatted.
"I can't wait to move in with you" I didn't want to sound so eager, but I couldn't help it.
"I know, as long as I get to choose my side of the bed" I'd let her do anything she wanted, as long as she was with me. I realised as we were talking, I had no stress weighing over me. Being away from Waterloo felt amazing and the fact I was spending my time with Nikki, made it even better. Time flied by and it was soon time to pick the dog up.
"I can't wait to see his little face" Nikki beamed, it was now raining, but nothing could dampen her mood. The house where we had to pick the dog up was small and grungy. I didn't really want to go in, I don't trust people easily. Paranoid thoughts running through my mind, I'm such a pathetic idiot.
"You'll be fine, come on" I didn't even tell Nikki how I felt, yet she knew. It was unusual, but we connected on a different level.