Kerry took James to a slightly secluded part of the beach out of earshot of the others.
"what do you want Kerry?"
she stared at him for a bit.
"you really hurt me you know" she said "you didn't even tell me, or ask me. Do you have any idea how that made me feel?" She paused to collect her thoughts. "But I miss our friendship, it's clear that you have made your choice, and whilst I don't agree with it in the slightest, I want to be your friend again!"
"You've hurt me too" James whispered. "I needed to turn to you, needed advice and help,but you had other plans, you wanted to hurt me more, make me feel unwelcome, make me hate being a cherub. If it weren't for my other friends I would have left cherub. So don't think sorry is going to cut it. If you can change your ways, help me and Scarlett, be pleasant, join in activities and make it look like you want to be a part if it. Then I will forgive you and we can be friends again."
Kerry nodded and smiled "you are a great dad" she said with teary eyes before pulling out a cigarette
"want one?" She asked lighting up her own. "No one will know, and it's good for stress."
james took one and together they smoked in companiable silence.
The picnic finished when the sun went down and everyone went home, exhausted but happy