CHAPTER THIRTY NINE
With only one of them needing to collect luggage it did not take Helen and Nikki long to negotiate Edinburgh airport. Within an hour of landing they were in a rental car pouring over a map of the city.
"Claire's apartment is here."
"She lives here then?"
"No, not anymore but she hasn't got round to selling her place yet, luckily for us as that means we have somewhere to stay."
"She won't mind me turning up?"
"No, of course not. The story that goes with you being here is very amusing, right up Claire's street!"
"Oh great!" Nikki crossed her arms and sulkily peered out of the window.
"Don't sulk Nikki."
"I'm not." Helen giggled. She lightly placed her fingers on Nikki's forearm,
"Do you want to find somewhere to get some clothes? I don't think any of mine will fit you!" Nikki turned to face Helen and nodded vigorously,
"Yes please!"
Duncan finished off the wine in his glass and refilled it.
"Wow Nikki dashed off to the airport then, after Hel?"
"So Yvonne said, you haven't heard anything?"
"No, but no news is good news in my opinion. We'll just have to wait until they get back for the update."
"All the details!"
"Selena! Helen is my sister, not many details are needed!"
"Oh yeah, sorry." Selena smiled shyly, she always said stupid things around Duncan, well that's how it seemed to her anyway. Olivia had been happily playing on the floor at their feet but for some reason she decided suddenly that she was not happy anymore. Her little face crumpled into one of displeasure and her bottom lip wobbled as tears threatened to fall. Duncan immediately made as if to get up but Selena laid her hand on his arm. "Let me?" Duncan nodded and sat back down. Selena gathered Olivia up in her arms and began to walk around with her. An only child she might have been but she had been fortunate enough to have lots of cousins, mostly younger than her. Babies were no mystery to Selena. She gently jogged Olivia as she walked from one end of the lounge to the other, gradually the little girl's eyes began to droop and soon she was fast asleep on her shoulder. Duncan shook his head in wonder,
"I can never get her to do that." He whispered as her gently extracted his sleeping daughter from Selena's arms, "Helen can, I'll go put her down be back in a tick." Selena settled herself back down on the settee and replenished her wine glass, she'd had a lovely evening. Nothing exciting, no bars, no clubs, no shots, but it had been great. Duncan was charming, extremely witty and entertaining. Selena couldn't remember the last time she had laughed so much. The stairs creaked as Duncan made his way back downstairs.
"Is she ok?"
"Yep, dreaming about whatever it is babies dream about." He collapsed back on to the settee, slightly closer to Selena than before (she thought.) His arm was casually slung behind her.
"You know, I've had a really nice time tonight Duncan."
"I'm pleased." Duncan turned slightly so that his body was turned towards her, "When you're a parent, entertaining can be restricted. I don't go out as much as I used to."
"Well I'm beginning to think it's over-rated."
"Oh?"
"Expensive drinks, no where to sit, can't hear what anyone says."
"Now don't take this the wrong way, but you do sound old!" Selena laughed good naturedly,
"I suppose I do don't I! I meant it though, I've had a nice time."
"Had? You're going then?"
"I should it's getting late." Duncan took the wineglass which hung forgotten from Selena's fingers and placed it on the table. He tucked an errant strand of red hair back behind her ear.
"You don't have to go." The distance between them was suddenly reduced and Selena was aware they were breathing the same air. Their lips only touched for the briefest of moments but to Selena it seemed to last forever.
"I…" She shook her head, unable to formulate a sentence.
"What?" Duncan's hand was still resting on her cheek.
"I don't want to be a complication for you."
"Don't worry. Let me decide how complicated my life should be, all I need to know is if you're ok with this, with us."
"I like you a lot, I enjoy your company. I'm more than fine with it!"
"Ok then, we'll just take it a day at a time, how does that sound?"
"Sounds great!" Selena grinned and leant towards Duncan.
"Well it's not quite Gucci." Nikki's voice floated out from the changing room,
"Well it's not from the fashion house of Supersavers either so count your self lucky." Helen leant against the wall, she had been sitting opposite the cubicle but an ill-fitting curtain meant the temptation to look at Nikki changing was too great.
"It doesn't fit brilliantly." Helen turned and poked her head through the curtain,
"Nikki! This is a 24 hour Tesco, it is a pair of jeans and a white shirt, and it's only until you can go shopping properly tomorrow."
"Are you telling me to hurry up?"
"Yes! Come on, Claire's been expecting me for a while now."
"Alright, alright!" Nikki grumbled and began to rapidly unbutton the shirt, Helen quickly extracted her head, leaning back against the wall and refolding her arms across her chest. The shirt appeared suddenly as a body-less arm poked out from the curtain, "can you pop that on the hanger please."
"Haven't got a hanger Nikki."
"Come and get it then!"
"You are bloody infuriating!" Helen turned around in order to get the hanger and found herself pulled into the changing room. Nikki in a pair of (slightly unfashionably baggy) jeans and just a bra was a tempting thought for Helen but she was determined. She pressed her fingers to Nikki's lips which were, she was sure, about to come down to meet hers.
"Not here Nik."
"Why?"
"Nikki I do not want the first place we kiss to be a changing room in a Tesco, ok?' Nikki's shoulders slumped slightly, "this is too special." Nikki's face brightened at that and she nodded, releasing Helen, letting her step out of the changing room. A slightly sheepish Nikki appeared moments later with her chosen garments.
"Sorry about that." Helen laughed and threaded her arm through Nikki's,
"No one has ever tried to seduce me in a changing room before!"
"I can do much better than that!" Nikki's eyes twinkled mischievously, Helen's eyebrows arched in response.
"Duly noted Miss Wade."
Without too many problems Helen and Nikki managed to find Claire's apartment, and only a small argument about Nikki refusing to let Helen carry her suitcase punctuated their journey from the car to Claire's door. The apartment was in an old converted factory building, there was lot's of exposed brick and pipes appeared and disappeared through the walls.
"This is nice."
"You should see her place in London." Helen returned as she tapped sharply on the door, "overlooks the bloody Thames!"
"Helen! I was about to send out a search party!" Claire enveloped Helen in tight hug, smiling at Nikki over her shoulder. "You must be Nikki, nice to meet you."
"Thanks, sorry about landing on you like this." Claire waved away Nikki's apology,
"Don't worry about it, plenty of space here, come on in." Claire led them through into a large open plan lounge. She was taller than Helen, her brown hair was swept back in a pony tail and she was wearing a simple pair of jeans and a t shirt. Looking at the flat, its contents and location, Claire was obviously extremely well off, but nothing about her screamed money. She was understated, Nikki approved.
"You both hungry?"
"Starved Claire!" Helen rubbed her stomach dramatically, "Nikki?" Nikki was busy admiring the view of the city afforded by the large windows. Windows which opened out onto a large balcony.
"Sorry?"
"Hungry? You must be, all that chasing about!" Helen smirked.
"Yes, I am thanks, don't even think about it Stewart." Claire walked over handing Nikki a cup of tea, which Helen must have overseen as it was made exactly how she liked it.
"You should know Nikki that Helen and I tell each other everything, especially amusing stories!" Nikki grimaced and accepted the cup of tea. Claire was obviously Scottish like Helen though her accent was not as broad.
"You're from Scotland?" Claire nodded, handing Helen some take-away leaflets and settling down on the sofa next to her.
"Mmm, I'm from Edinburgh originally which is why I have a flat here, but I haven't lived consistently in the city for a long time, probably why my accent isn't that strong anymore."
"Chinese I think, Nikki that ok?"
"Fine by me."
"Cool." Claire jumped up and picked up an impossibly small phone, "I'll order a selection of stuff then."
"You look exhausted." Nikki jumped as Helen appeared by her side, her arm slipping around Nikki's waist. Nikki nodded,
"I was up all night thinking about what Yvonne said, thinking about you and me, working out how I felt about things."
"It took you that long!" Nikki was about to retort when she realised that Helen was joking.
"You know as great as food sounds I think I need to sleep."
"Ok." Helen led Nikki into what was obviously the spare room, where Nikki collapsed with a sigh onto the large double bed.
"This must be what heaven feels like." Helen pulled Nikki's boots off for her and then sat down on the bed.
"You shouldn't have stayed up all night, thinking about us." Helen cleared her throat and looked around the room, "Er Claire only has one spare room." Nikki propped herself up on her elbow,
"Is that right?"
"Nikki."
"Don't worry Helen, I'll be dead to the world by the time you get to bed, you'll be safe with me."
"I always feel safe with you."
"Good, that's how it should be." Nikki flopped back down and closed her eyes. Helen kissed her gently on the forehead before closing the door quietly behind her, re-joining Claire in the lounge.
"I gathered Nikki wasn't going to eat, so I reduced the order! Quite the looker isn't she!"
"Claire!"
"What? A girl doesn't have to be a lesbian to appreciate that, she's seems lovely Helen."
"You're taking all this quite well."
"Had my suspicions. Anyway to the real reason for your visit, where's this book then?"
CHAPTER FORTY
Helen nervously paced the room as Claire read through her manuscript. A trained editor like herself Helen knew that even though Claire was whipping through the pages at a great speed she wasn't missing anything. Claire placed the pages down and rubbed her eyes,
"I'm going to have to pause for a bit mate, words are swimming around! Coffee?"
"Please."
"Helen, you beginning to look like someone condemned!"
"You're the only person who's read it. Well read it in this form. Mel read through the notes and promptly left me." Claire nodded as she scooped generous spoons of Kenyan coffee into the cafetiere.
"I understand why, its powerful Helen. People expecting something like 'Pieces' will be surprised."
"Disappointed?" Claire shrugged as she poured hot water over the fragrant granules.
"Pieces was a historical romance, this isn't. Fans of that genre won't necessarily like it. Fans of you might. Your agent will be happy that you're writing again but may not like the fact you've changed tack."
"I never said I was a particular kind of writer."
"I know but you will be pigeon-holed. Helen you know as well as I do, authors are categorised, publishing houses like to know what to expect. They will be expecting a romance in a similar vein to the last one. Instead they have an almost autobiographical story about coming to terms with who you are, death, and love, written in a completely different style." Helen had perched on one of the stools by the breakfast bar, her chin in her hands.
"Great." She mumbled. Claire pushed the filter down and poured them both large mugs. Helen gratefully accepted the warm drink, the aroma enough to awaken her.
"Now do you want my opinion?"
"You just gave it to me."
"No I told you where you stood with regards to your agent and publisher which was conjecture at best, because I don't know what they will say. No my opinion about what I've read." Helen nodded, gingerly sipping her coffee. "It needs some refining, you can tell the style is new to you. You capture and retain interest well, I didn't want to put it down. I think the chapters could and possibly should be shorter, I think it would help the flow." Helen nodded, Claire was saying things she had expected, "overall, it's good. It's very good, it has the potential to be something special."
"Really!"
"Yes, would I lie? I might be your friend Hel, but you came to me for an opinion and that's it. You've got quite a bit of work still to do but the bare bones are all there. I think I prefer it to Pieces to be honest." Helen jumped down off the stool and ran around the breakfast bar, Claire found herself unable to move as Helen hugged her.
"Thank you."
"Don't thank me, you're the one with all that talent hidden away! I'm just glad you're starting to tap into it again. Now I want to finish reading as much as I can because you're going home tomorrow aren't you? Do you mind if I take it to bed with me?" The hands of the chrome clock in the kitchen were approaching midnight, and despite the truly delightful coffee, Helen could feel the need for rest envelop her. With the nervous energy she had been retaining waiting for an opinion on her book dissipated, she felt all of a sudden exhausted. They said their good nights and after refreshing herself with a few splashes of cold water in the bathroom Helen silently padded into the spare room where Nikki as she had predicted was fast asleep. Helen slipped under the covers as quietly as she could not wanting to wake Nikki up, as she lay down Nikki mumbled incoherently and shifted towards her still slumbering deeply. Helen smiled, she was quite cute really when she slept. As Helen turned onto her side getting herself comfortable she felt Nikki's arm snake across her hip and rest on her stomach. Helen covered Nikki's hand with her own and fell into a very restful, deep sleep.
"Ow." Duncan rubbed his toe, doorframes never move so why he always kicked the same one was a source of confusion to him. Selena was in the kitchen waiting for the kettle to boil staring into the garden. Duncan watched her for a moment before speaking,
"You're up early." She jumped slightly and turned, tugging self-consciously at the rugby shirt he'd leant her to wear. Her awkwardness was not lost on him. "Are you ok?"
"Mm, I've got to go to work." The wooden chair scraped over the slate tiles as Duncan sat down.
"At 6am?"
"I start at 8, but I've got to get home and changed."
"You look good in that."
"Duncan, don't."
"What? What's the matter? You're having doubts now for some reason."
"No, yes, it's just everything seemed great last night, but now.."
"Now you don't know."
"Cold light of day and all that I suppose." Selena laughed hollowly, though the knot in her throat told her that tears weren't far away. "I've never been a relationship person, god, never even been a morning person to be honest. Usually gone by then." Selena chewed on her lip as she paused to make two cups of tea. "You're the nicest bloke I've ever met, but it's not just you is it, there's Olivia too. If I mess it up it's not just you I'll be letting down."
"Why will you mess things up? I know it's scary that I've got a baby but what If it was just me, no children?"
"Still hard because of Cerys." Selena looked down at her hands which were wrapped around the mug of tea, she felt bad, she didn't want to upset him but these things had been going round her head all night. She had loved sleeping with Duncan's arms wrapped around her, but her contentedness was marred by thoughts of his beloved wife and all of a sudden being a mother.
"We should have spoken more about this before you stayed over, I'm sorry." Duncan leant over and gently detached one of Selena's hands from around the comfort of the warm mug. He took it and ran his thumb along the knuckles. "Cerys was a wonderful person, and of course I'll always love her, but she's gone and I, we, need to move on. I care about you a lot Selena, I guess I can't promise anything but I think we could have something special. Olivia, well she's part of the package, it must be daunting for you, but if you want to give it a go with me, she's part of the deal." Selena nodded slowly, she'd got herself in a bit of a state, everything made sense when Duncan explained it.
"Day at a time you said yesterday didn't you." Duncan nodded, "Ok."
"Just tell me if you're worried or if things are moving too fast ok? Don't go staring wistfully out of windows at 6am, too bloody early for one thing!" Selena giggled and closed the distance between them.
"Deal."
Helen opened her eyes carefully, she reached a hand out fumbling for her watch. It was only 6.30, there was no need for her to be awake. She then realised that Nikki was no longer next to her; the bed seemingly huge in her absence. Gulping down a glass of water to alleviate the dryness in her mouth and throat she slipped out of bed to find Nikki. She wasn't in the lounge, or the bathroom or the kitchen, Helen was beginning to worry when a draught around her ankles revealed Nikki's whereabouts. Helen pushed the blinds to the side slightly. Nikki was sitting on a chair on the balcony in her jeans and t shirt, she was engrossed in something that she was reading and it looked as though she was crying. Helen realised very quickly that it was her book. Claire had left the first chapters that she had read in the lounge, taking the unread chapters to bed.
"Nikki darling don't cry. It's not that bad is it?" Nikki looked up startled, she sniffed loudly and wiped her face with her hands, a vain attempt to hide the fact she had been crying.
"I'm sorry I shouldn't have read it, but it was there and I was curious, and…"
"Shhh." Helen pulled up a chair next to her and wiped some of the tears away with her thumbs, "you are more than welcome to read it, I value your opinion."
"Is it, is it about me?" Helen nodded, "It's beautiful. I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything, your reaction is enough for me." Helen used her fingertips to lift Nikki's chin so their eyes were locked, "I love you Nikki." She placed her hand on the papers lying in Nikki's lap, "this is just a fraction of how I feel. It's why Mel left actually."
"Oh?" Nikki remembered Mel saying there was a reason for her leaving and that Helen would share it with Nikki when she was ready.
"Yes, she read my notes, and realised very quickly that they were about you."
"How long have you felt like this?"
"I found you attractive on day one but I think it was when we were all at Barratts, when you were asking about Olivia and you were all sweet and confused. Jealously thinking that Duncan was my 'bloke' I think they were your words."
"I wasn't jealous!" Helen looked at her questioningly, "well maybe a bit then. I think I knew as soon as I started training you." Nikki ran her fingertips down Helen's cheek, thinking how beautiful she looked in the early morning sun. "Helen?"
"Mmm."
"Would this be a good time to kiss you, do you think, or…"
"Shut up Wade." Helen laughed and prevented Nikki from saying anything else by placing her lips on Nikki's. Countless dreams and fantasies are all well and good but pale in to comparison to the real thing. Nikki let Helen control the kiss, prepared to let her set the pace and the passion. It was tender and delicate as both women tried to convey their feelings which they had tried for weeks to hide from each other and everyone else. Nikki pulled back and pushed Helen's hair away from her face,
"Wow."
"I agree!" Nikki pulled Helen quickly towards her so that she was sitting on her lap, where she wrapped her arms around her waist and placed her chin on Helen's shoulder. They watched Edinburgh come to life below them, and Nikki had to admit it was far more appropriate than a changing room in Tesco!
Yvonne lounged leisurely in her back garden, after six, very stressful straight days at Supersavers she was making the most of her day off. Fresh coffee, freshly squeezed orange juice, croissants, all luxuries when compared to the piece of dried toast she'd run out of the house with every day previously. She was worried about how Karen was going to cope with the manager's role, then again Karen was more organised than her she would be infinitely better than Yvonne had been. While they both worked at Supersavers though their time together wouldn't be much. Her ears pricked, it sounded like the front door opening, it was too early for Ritchie, probably Lauren.
"Come to see your old Mum darlin'"
"No, come to see my, well what would you prefer? Girlfriend, lover, partner?" Karen's dry cultured tones were like music to Yvonne's ears.
"Who gives a toss!" Yvonne pulled Karen to her, and was only satisfied when she had kissed her for many minutes.
"Mmm that was nice, worth coming home early for."
"I forgot you had a key, what a great idea that was! Breakfast?"
"Please darling." Karen settled down and lit a cigarette, "We finished last night, earlier than planned."
"You must have left early!"
"I was tempted to drive home last night actually." Karen smiled almost shyly, "I just wanted to be here. With you. The others on the course wanted to go out today for some kind of bonding trip. Thanks." Karen accepted the coffee and a kiss from Yvonne, "Bloody awful idea really, I said no got to get back."
"I'm glad, just so happens I've got a day off today."
"Marvellous I'll have to go to my flat and check everything is ok, I only stopped long enough this morning to throw my suitcase inside."
"Everything is fine, I spent a couple of nights there actually, fridge is stocked, mail checked, those excuses for house plants you have watered."
"Did you miss me that much Von!" Yvonne shrugged,
"I felt better sleeping in your bed a couple of nights that's all."
"I've been thinking." Karen got up suddenly, and after lighting another cigarette began to wander around.
"Oh yes." Yvonne thought she knew what Karen was working up to, but she didn't want to interrupt Karen as she had obviously been thinking about what she wanted to say.
"We haven't been together long, but it feels like a long time doesn't it?" Yvonne nodded and smiled, "I miss you, you miss me, we split our time between one place or another." Yvonne carried on nodding, she felt a bit like a nodding dog if truth be told. "If this is ridiculous just say no and we'll say no more about it, but I think we should live together." Karen had run out of breath, and now stood inhaling ferociously. Yvonne stood and went over to her, wrapping her up in her arms.
"Breath Karen, why are you so nervous?"
"I don't want you to think I'm some sort of bunny boiler!" Yvonne laughed,
"Oh darlin' I don't think anything of the sort. You've just been brave enough to say what I have been thinking about while you were away. Why have two places when we spend all our time together. Of course I want to live with you."
"Really? Oh thank god for that! I need that coffee now I think, and you need to update me on Nikki and Helen." Yvonne led Karen back to the table where she gave her the update.
CHAPTER FORTY ONE
"They'll love you, left here."
"Right."
"No left Nikki! Are you even listening to me, I knew I should have driven."
"I get car sick."
"Bloody hell, what are you 5?"
"It's a known condition actually, and thinking about meeting your parents was not calming my stomach either." After a leisurely morning at Claire's they had taken part in some retail therapy. They had finally made it onto the road and with the sun beginning to set were approaching the outskirts of Stirling where Helen's parents lived.
"Really Nikki, they will be happy to have you, Mum will adore having somebody else she can ply with tea and cake."
"Even someone corrupting their daughter?"
"Corrupting? Hardly darling." Helen lay a comforting hand on Nikki's knee as she drove, "it's about another 5 miles down this road." Nikki's glanced around as much as driving would allow, the area was certainly picturesque. Rolling hills, stone walls, and Nikki thought she could make out the glassy contours of a lake in the distance.
"Is that a lake over there."
"Loch." Helen automatically corrected, "sorry!" Nikki laughed,
"It's ok, I told you yesterday I think it's sexy."
"What me correcting you like a teacher?" Nikki stuck her tongue out briefly,
"Ha, ha, very funny." Only a few more minutes passed before Helen excitedly shouted out,
"Here it is!" The driveway to the Stewart house was partly restricted from view by a large tree which had clearly been through many a storm. It was bent over like an old man, it's wispy braches touched the roof of the car as Nikki drove through. The house was as enchanting as it was unassuming. A grey stone built cottage which looked so inviting that Nikki nearly forgot that she was ridiculously nervous. The car crunched to a stop, and the two women un-snapped their belts. Helen turned in her seat and leant over, she kissed Nikki fleetingly on the mouth,
"It will be fine, I promise." The door to the house was suddenly flung open, and Helen's mother enveloped her daughter in a tight embrace. There was a similarity obviously but it seemed to Nikki that Duncan resembled his mother more strongly.
"It's so wonderful to see you."
"Mum I saw you a couple of weeks ago, remember."
"And is it a crime to miss my beautiful daughter?"
"Mother!" Helen cringed and turned to Nikki who it seemed was trying to hide behind Helen's luggage, "this is Nikki."
"Ahh Nikki, a pleasure to meet you finally, you're very welcome."
"Thank you Mrs Stewart."
"Och! No, no Audrey please." Nikki nodded and pushing Helen's hand away began to carry the bags to the door, Helen flashed her a look and a smile that simply said 'I told you so'.
"Alex! Your daughter is here!" Footsteps resounded on the floorboards above them and Helen's father appeared at the top of the stairs. Helen was her father's daughter through and through the family resemblance was clear even from a distance. Helen grinned and saved her father the trouble of coming down the stairs by running up to him, two steps at a time.
"Hello sweetheart." Audrey looked at the two of them fondly and then leant over to Nikki, whispering,
"Daddy's girl, always has been! Tea?"
The Stewarts were welcoming and attentive and Nikki soon felt silly for worrying. They had both aged well and it seemed were active members of the local community. Helen's father was a tall, straight backed man whose green eyes twinkled continuously. His silver hair was still thick and his skin was dark, he obviously spent most of his time outside. Helen's mother was petite like Helen and Nikki on looking at their wedding photograph could see why their two children were so attractive. They themselves had made a beautiful couple.
"You're wearing a uniform Mr Stewart?"
"Alex please Nikki we don't stand on ceremony here. Yes I was in the police force for 36 years."
"36 years?" He laughed a deep laugh,
"A lifetime really, longer than you've been alive I dare say!" Helen and her mother walked through with a tray of cake and tea for everyone.
"There's plenty to eat in the house if you two want anything else."
"This is lovely Audrey, thank you." Nikki lay her hand gingerly on her stomach. Helen giggled,
"Nik gets car sick!"
"Helen! I don't think that's very amusing, don't be unkind."
"It's alright Audrey, I'll just be sick on her the next time we're in the car, I doubt she'll find that as amusing!" Helen found herself unable to retort as she battled with a large slice of her mother's famous ginger cake.
"Has Duncan got out and sorted that garden yet? I told him when we were down this month that those borders needed organising, and the rose bushes needed pruning."
"I don't know Dad, he hasn't got much time with Olivia and work."
"You do it then!"
"Me! You know what I'm like with gardening, the last time I helped you I pulled plants out thinking they were weeds, you sent me away." Alex Stewart shook his head,
"How did we manage to raise two children out here in the country, with wonderful gardens who don't know one end of a spade from another Audrey?"
"I'll come and do your garden Helen." Nikki interjected. Alex's eyes fixed onto Nikki and he smiled,
"Like gardening do you Nikki?"
"Well only recently, I live in a flat you see so I haven't got a garden of my own. I found it quite therapeutic actually, and it's good exercise." Helen groaned,
"Oh no! You've opened the flood gates now."
"You be hushed now young lady." Alex stood up, "Nikki and I are going to have a chat about garden matters and I'm going to give her the benefit of my experience which you and your brother have never appreciated." He winked at Nikki and held his arm out for her to take. "Shall we?" Nikki laughed,
"I'd love to." Helen and her mother took the tea things into the kitchen while Alex took Nikki into the garden, the powerful back light illuminating beautifully cared for flowers, plants and grass.
"She is lovely Helen." Helen nodded as she rinsed the tea cups,
"Yes she is. Er Mum?"
"Yes dear?" Audrey was folding tea cloths and looked up expectantly.
"You've only made up my room."
"Yes?"
"Not the other room as well."
"We thought you'd prefer that. It being the 21st century, Helen dear, me and your father are quite forward thinking you know." Helen's brow creased as she thought about what her mother was saying.
"Duncan!"
"Don't be mad with him Helen, he just thought it might be easier all round if we had a little warning. How romantic of Nikki to chase to the airport, never happened to me!"
"That's because you and dad have hardly spent a day apart since you were 17."
"That's true I suppose, anyway so yes we were surprised but not shocked or ashamed or disgusted whatever else you may have thought." Helen hugged her mother tightly,
"Thank you."
"As long as you are happy my darling, I recognise the way Nikki looks at you."
"Oh?"
"Yes," Audrey used a tissue to wipe Helen's eyes, "It's the same way your father has looked at me for 43 years."
"These are really beautiful." Nikki knelt to get a better look at a luscious green plant covered with delicate purple flowers. Alex nodded,
"It's native to Scotland that one, but there's no reason it couldn't flourish in Birmingham with a bit of looking after. I'll give you a cutting, in fact if you're going to be looking after that garden you can have a cutting of everything."
"Thank you, I'll have to check with Duncan and Helen though." Alex sat down on a wooden bench and pulled a packet of cigarettes out of his pocket, he nodded at the space to the side of him and Nikki sat down.
"My only vice, do you?"
"I'm trying to quit, Helen doesn't…"
"No she's never liked me smoking either, one every so often, Audrey gives me that!" They smoked in silence for a few minutes, "do you love her?" Nikki nodded,
"Very much."
"Well that's all a father can ask for. It's slightly surprising but well I'm sure we can get used to it. I like you Nikki. Believe me over the years I met some characters and I got very good at reading people, I trust you. Helen and Duncan have had a tough time, you know about Cerys I take it?" Nikki nodded, "we took her to our hearts, she was an only child and her parents were divorced, she had never been part of a family, we gave her something she had never had. Helen took her death very badly, the Helen in there." He jerked his thumb towards the kitchen where Nikki could see Helen and her mother talking, "is the old Helen, we haven't seen her for months, and that is because of you I think."
Helen peered out into the garden, Nikki and her father were deep in conversation, smoking on the bench.
"I thought dad was going to quit?"
"A packet of 20 lasts him about a month Helen, I don't begrudge him one now and then."
"I hope he's not questioning Nik like one of his suspects?"
"I'm sure he's just asking what her intentions are!"
"Mother! God this is excruciating."
"Helen, Lord's name."
"Sorry."
Sometime later Nikki and Alex came inside, the air having got chilly and everything having been said. Audrey was in the lounge reading,
"I was beginning to wonder where you two had got to, shall I pop the kettle on?"
"That would be lovely." Nikki said, casting her eyes around.
"Helen's upstairs, I don't think she's gone to bed, I think she's tinkering with her book, making some of the changes that Claire suggested." Nikki nodded, "I'll make a pot and you can take a mug up to her Nikki. Nikki carried two large mugs upstairs and pushed Helen's door open with her toe, Helen was engrossed, her face was illuminated by the artificial light of her lap top and her fingers were moving with lightening speed.
"Tea." Helen jumped, "sorry, didn't mean to scare you, I had an interesting chat with your dad." Nikki sat Helen's tea next to her on the desk and then leant against it facing Helen.
"Mmm I know, we have Duncan to thank, never could keep his big mouth shut!" Nikki chuckled,
"Yes but he has saved us a job I suppose. They are fine about it, taking it much better than my parents did!"
"I think it might take them a while to really accept it."
"But at least they want to accept it Helen, that's the whole battle. Obviously me knowing the difference between a plant and a weed helps..!"
"Yes Nikki that was the crucial point!" A tap on the door interrupted their easy banter, Alex popped his head round the door,
"Your mother and I are off to bed, being old and past it means we need our sleep! Night night."
"Night dad."
"I think your parents have the right idea, sleep sounds good, driving up here tired me out." Nikki leant down and captured Helen's lips with her own briefly before picking up her recently purchased pyjamas. Helen turned back to her work,
"Ok, I won't be much longer, oh bathroom's second on the right."
"I'll manage!"
An hour later after some persuasive words from Nikki Helen finally switched her lap top off and settled into bed. They lay next to each other in the darkness in silence until Helen giggled.
"What?"
"This is really weird." Nikki turned onto her side so she could look at Helen.
"Sharing a bed with me is weird? Not the words I would have chosen Helen but hey."
"You being in my bed in my bedroom in the house where I grew up, that is weird." Nikki slipped her hand under Helen's top and rested it on her stomach, she pressed her lips to Helen's neck,
"We could make even more weird if you like." She began to work her way across Helen's collar bone, smiling as she felt her shudder.
"I don't think, that, er, er.." Helen stammered as she tried to think coherently, Nikki was now kissing her way towards Helen's mouth,
"You ok Helen, saying something?" Helen put her hands on Nikki's shoulders forcing Nikki to pause, she took the taller woman by surprise by pushing her onto her back, straddling her.
"Can you be quiet Nikki?" Helen whispered into Nikki's ear, Nikki nodded swallowing hard as Helen nipped her ear lobe and kissed her neck, "really quiet?" Nikki just nodded, finding that forming words was far too difficult, "good." Their lips met in the most passionate kiss they had exchanged yet, their tongues duelled and their hands roamed. Breathlessly they pulled apart long enough only to begin pulling away what had become offensive pieces of clothing. Suddenly the floorboards outside Helen's room creaked, Audrey's voice floated through the crack in the door.
"Night girls." Helen collapsed on top of Nikki, she laughed into her neck, unable to answer her mother.
"Yeah night Audrey." Nikki looked down at Helen who was still sniggering into her neck, "Helen! This is so embarrassing, not to mention frustrating!" Helen's giggles finally subsided and she raised her eyes to look into Nikki's.
"Don't worry sweetheart I think my mother's ears are going anyway. As for your frustration believe me I'm with you there. Guess we'll just have to wait a little bit longer." Helen rested her head on Nikki's shoulder and wrapped her arms around her, "Is this uncomfortable?"
"Are you kidding, this is exactly how every day should end."