Matchmaker

"Taxi's here!"

Heidi announced to the room at large.

"Why? Where are we going?"

Seth mithered.

"Get downstairs and you'll find out."

"Mrs Costello? Bart ushered Heidi to one side so he could have a private word. Not that I am being ungrateful or anything, but I don't have any money for anything too extravagant."

"Don't worry about it hon. This is my treat. You just take care of my daughter and make sure she enjoys herself."

In that moment Heidi's respect for him grew tenfold. Sinead it seems had been expecting everything dropped in her lap and Heidi didn't fail to notice the subtle sneers she was throwing in Jasmine's direction, so as Bart had pulled her to the side, she did the same to Sinead.

"Now Sinead as wonderful as it is that you have accepted my son's invitation to his birthday surprise if you are using him for any reason I will chew you up into little pieces and spit you out."

"I'm not I promise, Mrs Costello."

"Well as long as we have that clear. Oh and one more thing. The next time you glare at my daughter like she is something you've stepped in I will step on you. Understand? Stammering uncontrollably, Sinead stood rooted to the spot as Heidi turned to hurry them all outside. Come on. I said the taxi is here."

"Coming."

Was the unanimous response.

"What's up babe? You look a little pale."

Seth wrapped his arm around Sinead and guided her outside.

"Nnnn…nothing."

She managed to hitch a smile onto her lips even though she had never been more terrified. Bart couldn't help but laugh, he knew that look, in fact he had worn that look that very afternoon.

"Once you get her onside she is actually okay."

He whispered as he bypassed Sinead.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. She is just very protective of this lot. Jasmine and Seth especially."

"I won't hurt him you know? It's weird. After you I never thought there would be someone else, especially not him."

"He is a dork."

Bart reasoned.

"You don't know him like I do. He is kind, considerate, gentle, and funny. He really makes me smile."

Listening outside the door, Heidi smiled in approval. That was at least two of them she knew was taken care of. One less burden off her shoulders.

"It's sweet. She turned to find Mitzee hovering over her shoulder. They are both lovely kids."

"They are. Heidi smiled contently. Mitz?"

"Yes Heidi."

"Do you love Riyle? I mean really love him. Not like what happened with you and Carl or you and Warren come to that matter."

"Honestly? I think I fell for him the first day I met him, but I tried to put that to the back of my mind because he was your son, but I can't change what I feel for him."

"I'm not going to ask you to."

"Really?"

They threw their arms round one another, as tears streamed down their faces.

"Just look after him. He's been through enough. We've all been through enough."

"I know. I'm so sorry about Carl."

"Oh forget him. Just take care of my boy."

"I will. I promise."

"Mum, what are you doing? The driver is getting a bit pissed off."

Jasmine shouted from inside the cab, where she, Seth and Riyle were sat waiting impatiently for the others to join them.

"Alright we're coming. Heidi hollered. Come on you two. She alerted Sinead and Bart to her presence. We have to go."

"Coming Mrs Costello."

"And Sinead?"

Heidi collared her as Bart ran to the cab.

"Yes Mrs Costello?"

"I hope you meant that."

"I did. He's a lovely boy."

"And you are a good girl Sinead. I may have misjudged you. Come on, we have a party to get to. Any ideas where we should go in Liverpool?"

"Yeah loads."

"Good, cos I haven't really thought this through."

She admitted sheepishly.