The child sat, scowling into its glass of milk, and prodding at the suitcase with a large stick affectionately named Lenny. Jasmine returned, handed Vince a drink, and sunk back down into the bean bag, continuing the previous conversation without missing a beat.

"Do you get clichés in clanger pyjamas? Cos I really don't want to be one...dammit, I knew I should've bought the Moomins ones instead..." She paused, and cocked her head to the baby monitor, perched dangerously on the coffee table, then continued. "So, how's life been treating you?"

...well, aftera suicide attempt that went a bit wrong, taking up cutting, getting referred to a nut house, splitting my best friend up from his girlfriend and running away from home...I'd say its actually going pretty bad at the minute...

"Hmh? Oh it's been great, thanks. Its just I think its time to move on – everyone's got girlfriends moving in. Even Naboo. Well, soon enough by the look of it..."

She nodded, understanding, and was about to take another sip of fruit tea when her eyes suddenly widened.

"I haven't even introduced us! Bloody hell! Well. Obviously you know who I am. Well I hope you do." She grinned, suddenly looking a little awkward. "This is Vivienne, my daughter. She's five, aren't you sweetie?" Vivienne looked up and pouted, crossing her arms. "Sorry...she's a bit upset because daddy didn't visit today did he?" She looked at Vince through her unruly fringe and smiled ruefully.

"So, I take it you aren't still with Perry then?"

Oh bugger, why the hell would you say that? How thick-no, thoughtless could you be? Idiot, Vince!

"God, no. He's her father though. After college we got this place and I got pregnant and he stuck around for a few months, but things just didn't work out, y'know? He was only twenty when she was born and that barely old enough to even look after yourself..." Her voice trailed off, and the smile lessened.

Great.Just wonderful. You've upset her. Already. She was one of your best mates back then and now you've got her depressed too. Not that you are depressed. Just fucked up. Insane...and why the hell are you digging your nails into your arm? Stop being so pathetic and say something!

The crackling of the monitor broke the silence, as a baby cried incessantly.

"Oh, fuck." She said, slamming her mug down and heaving her slight frame up. "Sorry, that'll be Will...can you watch her just a minute?" Jasmine disappeared round the door and let the door swing shut.

"Yeah, sure." Vince replied, putting the empty cup down. "So, you're viviene, then? Its a pretty name isn't it?"Trying to make conversation, despite the fact he didn't much like children. The girl looked up and scowled.

"Isn't. Sounds funny." She muttered, burying her head in the stuffed toy she was holding sleepily. "Don't like you ei'ver"

Oh brilliant. Disliked even by children now.

"How come?" He said, abruptly beyond caring

"Cause mummy has men round lots. And they never stay long." She rolled her eyes, then snuggled further into the sofa, and watched the TV idly.

Vince continued to sit in stunned silence, feeling familiarly unwelcome, when his phone ignorantly trilled to life.

And Howard's number flashed violently on screen.

It was rubbish, I know.

But still. Please review