Jen stood nervously biting her lip under Diane's judgmental glare. Jen was rendered speechless. Seeing this Tilly jumped in to try and salvage the situation.
"Listen Diane, this isn't what it looks like... I bumped into Jen while I was out and I'd got into a bit of trouble. She's just helping me out that's all. I've come to talk to Sinead. Jen just walked me here. Honestly there's-"
"No Tilly, it's ok." Jen shook her head. Seeing the look on Diane's face she knew there was no point even trying to get out of this. "I'm not lying anymore. I can't." She shrugged and swallowed hard. "I love her Diane. We are going to be together. I can't even try to pretend I don't."
Jen took hold of Tilly's hand and squeezed it gently. Tilly stroked her thumb over Jens hand, touched by her gesture of solidarity,
"You love her?" Diane laughed. "Pull the other one Jen."
Jen looked to Tilly confused by Diane's reaction.
"Actually Diane it's the truth. To be quite honest it's none of your business. I'm getting a bit sick of you treating me like a child. Sat in the dark waiting for me to come home? I bet you wouldn't have acted like this if it was Mel that was with me. Is that the real reason you're annoyed? Because you've relinquished control? You wanted me to be with Mel because you'd chosen her for me!"
"I knew you weren't coming home with Mel. I've had quite an eventful night Jen, you see Sineads mate Lexie's been here... She was in a right state saying how you've been trying it on with her... That's why I'm still up. Waiting for you to tell me it's a load of rubbish. Then you bring another one of your students back with you and it's got me wondering..."
"Lexie? You have got to be kidding me?" Jen rubbed her head over her fringe and closed her eyes.
"That's rubbish Diane. Lexie is just trying to cause trouble." Tilly shook her head.
"I think you should go." Diane didn't even look at Tilly.
"No. She's going no where Diane. It's late." Jen moved closer to Tilly.
"Eh listen Jen, this is my house and there's no way she's staying here tonight... With you..." Diane crossed her arms.
"I pay rent Diane. I'm so grateful for everything you've done for me but please don't let us fall out over this." Jen pleaded. She genuinely liked Diane but a choice between upsetting her or Tilly.. Well it wasn't a choice really.
"No. No way. Listen Jen when the college find out about this!"
"They won't" Jen cut Diane off but didn't even sound like she was convincing herself.
"When Lexie makes that complaint tomorrow you don't think they'll investigate you? Don't think that they'll question me seen as you live here? I'm not lying for you. No way." Diane shook her head so much that it looked like it would fall off.
"You don't seriously believe Lexie do you?" Jen looked Diane in the eyes. It would devastate her if Diane thought of her that way. Seeing this all over Jens face Diane sighed, letting her guard down for just a moment.
"No. Of course I don't. But this Jen.." Diane gestured to her and Tilly "This just isn't on"
"I'm gonna go." Tilly let go of Jens hand.
"No Tilly, you're staying." Jen replied calmly.
"Listen it's fine. Diane's right, I really shouldn't be here its her house and I respect that." Tilly smiled genuinely. Much to Diane's annoyance- she really wanted to dislike Tilly for leading Jen astray but deep down she knew she was kidding herself. Tilly was a good soul. Always so polite and a good influence on Sinead.
"It's nothing personal Tilly" Diane mumbled quietly.
"I know. It's fine." Tilly nodded.
"Well then I'm coming with you." Jen grabbed Tilly's hand again.
"Jen I really don't think that's a good idea." Diane protested but Jen ignored her as she left hand in hand with Tilly.
"Jen, you really don't have to walk me home you know?" Tilly giggled.
"Home? We're going to a hotel." Jen raised her eyebrows.
"Don't you think that's a bad idea? I mean Diane's right... If Lexie complains then-" Jen put her finger on Tilly's lips to stop her.
"I don't even want to think about that right now Tilly. Let's just enjoy tonight. Come on..."
So last minute the only room they could get was grotty and damp.
"How romantic..." Jen smiled apologetically at Tilly.
"It's perfect." Tilly pulled Jen towards her and kissed her lips. "I can't believe it's nearly 5am..."
"I know. I really don't want to face the music tomorrow. I just want tonight to last forever." Jen sat in the edge on the bed.
Tilly sat next to her, wrapping her arm around her shoulder and letting Jens head rest on her chest.
"I just wanted to say Jen, before I forget... I thought you were really brave before. You'll never know what it meant to me... How it felt to hear you admit proudly that you loved me to someone else. That's all I needed really... That's enough. I think waiting for you... Knowing that you genuinely love me... Well I'm cool with that. I just don't want to risk us getting caught. What do you think? Jen?" Tilly looked down to see Jen asleep against her chest. She looked so beautiful. She stroked her hair out of her face and gently lay her down on the bed. Tilly put her face on Jens, held her hands in her own and also drifted off.