It was a Saturday and Lexie had turned sixteen during the week. Rachel was letting Lexie have a party to celebrate her Birthday with her friends but now that the day had come, she couldn't help but feel nervous about having a bunch of her pupils inside of her own house.
Lexie on the other hand, was so excited and couldn't wait for her party tonight.
She'd woken up fairly early and was trying to get back to sleep. After a while of trying she gave up and went for a shower. She'd put fake tan on last night so needed to rinse it off.
Lexie had a long shower before going back to her bedroom and stripping her bed, as her sheets were all orange.
After getting dressed and drying her hair, Lexie went downstairs and put her bedding into the wash.
Once she'd set it off she made a coffee for herself and Rachel before taking them upstairs.
Rachel was awake but still in bed as she liked to have a lie in on a Saturday morning. Daisy was in her bed too playing on Rachel's phone.
Lexie gave Rachel her coffee before joining them on the bed.
"This is a lovely surprise, thanks Lex. You're up early"
"I know I couldn't sleep, I'm too excited"
"You've done a good job of your tan, you've gone a lovely colour"
"That new fake tan you bought is really good, we should definitely get that one again"
"Cost a flaming fortune though"
"Oh I'll pay you for it"
"Don't be silly, I didn't mean that. You're right, it's definitely worth getting a more expensive one"
Lexie felt bad as Rachel was always buying her nice things. She wasn't used to it at all and really did feel so lucky.
Lexie and Rachel chatted while they drank their coffees before Rachel jumped in the shower.
When she did Lexie went downstairs with Daisy.
"Lexie I'm hungry"
"Ok I'll get you some breakfast, what do you want?"
"Pancakes please"
Lexie couldn't really be bothered but ended up making the mixture because she knew Rachel wouldn't have time to make them when she came down as they needed to leave in less than an hour to go into town.
Rachel came down half an hour later to find the mixture ready to be cooked and all the toppings laid out on the table.
"Thanks for doing this, you didn't have to"
"Well I didn't think you'd have time and I know how much Daisy likes to have her pancakes on a Saturday morning"
"I'm sure she could have missed out just this once, but thanks for doing it"
"Is Olivia coming down for breakfast?"
"Yeah she's just getting dressed and then she'll be down. I'll start cooking"
They all enjoyed pancakes before breakfast before getting into the car and heading into town. Angela had got a voucher for Lexie to have her nails done for her Birthday so Lexie was having them done this morning.
Rachel parked the car before Lexie walked to the beauty salon. Rachel went for coffee with Olivia and Daisy while Lexie had her nails done.
The sun was shining and there were no clouds in sight, which had put Rachel in a really good mood. She couldn't wait to spend some time in the garden today.
After having her nails done, Lexie joined them in the coffee shop.
"Let's have a look at your nails then" Rachel said so Lexie showed them
"They look lovely, I love the colour. Are you pleased?"
"Yeah I really like them"
"Do you want a drink love?"
"No I'm good thanks. Is it ok if I meet Jess now? We want to get some false eye lashes and stuff for tonight but we won't be long"
"Yeah course it is. Do you want picking up later?"
"No it's ok. We're going to walk back to Jess' house to get her stuff and then her Mum is going to drop me home"
"Okay sweetheart, see you later"
Rachel was pleased about this as it would give her the chance to do a bit of decorating before Lexie got back.
After finishing their drinks they headed home and Rachel made a start on decorating the lounge ready for tonight. Olivia and Daisy both helped too.
"It looks really good girls, do you think Lexie will like it?" Rachel asked once they had finished
"Yeah I think so, it looks so good" Olivia replied
After they'd finished Rachel decided to spend a bit of time in the garden. She went and changed into a pair of shorts and a strapless top before grabbing her book and going downstairs.
"Rachel please could we put the paddling pool up?" Daisy asked
"You want it up today?"
Rachel couldn't really be bothered to put it up.
"It's so hot, I really want to go in. It will be fun"
Rachel didn't have the heart to say no so decided she would
"I suppose so, it is such a nice day. I'll get it ready now and then you can go in after lunch"
"Yay thank you Rachel"
Rachel started filling up the paddling pool and Daisy disappeared. She came down again not long after wearing a swim suit.
"I thought I said you have to wait until after lunch"
"I know, I just put it on ready"
Rachel had just finished setting it up when Lexie and Jess came into the garden.
"Hiya girls, did you get everything you needed?"
"Yeah I think so. We've just seen the lounge, it looks amazing. Thank you so much for doing it"
"That's no problem, I'm glad you like it. How are you Jess? It's been a while since I've seen you"
"I'm good thank you"
Lexie had a close group of friends but Jess was her best friend so often came over to Rachel's house.
"I'm just about to get some lunch, have you eaten yet?"
"No not yet, I'll come and give you a hand"
"Don't worry, you sit out and enjoy the sun for a bit"
Rachel went inside and started bringing out some picky bits for them all to have for lunch.
"I'll help you Rachel" Daisy said coming into the kitchen
"That's very nice of you, thank you"
"Then I can go in the paddling pool quicker because lunch will be ready quicker"
"Ah I see"
Once everything was out on the table, they all sat down and had lunch together.
They mainly talked about Lexie's party tonight.
Rachel noticed that Olivia was being fairly quiet. She hadn't said much all day which was unusual.
After they'd had lunch and cleared up Daisy insisted on going straight in the paddling pool.
"Are you going to go in too?" Rachel asked Olivia as it was quite deep so Olivia sometimes liked sitting in it when it was hot
"No I'm just going to sit here I think"
"It might cool you down a bit, you look really hot"
"No I don't want to"
"Ok, why don't you still put your bikini on so you can do some sunbathing?"
"I don't want to, just stop telling me what to do" Olivia snapped
"Sorry love"
Olivia got up and went up to her bedroom. She felt like she needed a bit of time to herself.
Olivia had woken up not feeling her best today. She didn't know what was wrong but she just didn't feel right. Everything was getting on her nerves and she didn't know why.
"What was that about?" Lexie asked surprised at Olivia's outburst
"I'm not sure. Normally as soon as it's warm enough Olivia gets straight into a bikini, she always says she doesn't want tan lines from her clothes. I'll give her a bit of time and then go and check she's okay"
"We're going to upstairs for a bit too. We need to finish making the playlist for tonight"
Jess and Lexie went upstairs so it was just Daisy and Rachel left in the garden. Rachel decided to read her book for a bit while Daisy played happily in the paddling pool.
After a while Rachel decided to go up and have a word with Olivia. She didn't want to leave Daisy in the paddling pool unsupervised though so asked Lexie to come and watch her for a bit.
Lexie and Jess came down and sat in the shade so Rachel went up to Olivia's room.
Rachel knocked on the door and waited for a reply.
"Yeah" Olivia called so Rachel went in
"Is everything okay sweetheart?"
"Yeah sorry for snapping at you before. Everything seems to be winding me up today"
"That's okay, everyone has days like that sometimes. Is there anything you want to have a chat about?"
"No I'm fine"
"Well you know where I am if you change your mind"
"I know. I'm going to go in the garden for a bit now. Is Daisy still in the paddling pool?"
"Yep she is"
Olivia grabbed her sun glasses before going downstairs with Rachel.
Olivia sat down on the sun lounger next to Rachel.
"Have you got sun cream on Liv?"
"No"
"Here you go then" Rachel said passing Olivia the sun cream
Olivia did her sun cream before asking Rachel to do her back.
They had a nice couple of hours in the garden together before Lexie and Jess decided to go upstairs to start getting ready.
She had a few of her other close friends coming over at 6 before the party started but Lexie wanted to be ready before then.
"We're going up to start getting ready now. We don't want to be rushing like we normally end up doing"
"Okay love. I suppose I'd better get this punch made, hadn't I?"
"Thanks Rach, you're the best"
Rachel had agreed to make a punch to put out for Lexie and all her friends, she was planning on making it weak though.
Rachel stayed in the garden for a while longer enjoying the sun before going up for a shower.
After having a shower she changed into a pair of jeans and a pretty top before going to get Daisy out of the paddling pool.
"Right, time for a bath Daisy"
"Can't I have longer in the paddling pool?"
"No or you won't be ready in time tonight. Are you having a shower before we go out tonight Liv?"
"Yeah I think I will, I feel all hot and sweaty"
"Make sure you pack a bag for tonight too"
Rachel, Olivia and Daisy were going out for a meal with Angela tonight and then spending the evening at Angela's. Rachel had agreed that they would all spend the night at Angela's but that she would come back at about midnight to check on things.
Rachel took some pizzas up to Lexie and Jess before getting ready for tonight.
After getting herself and Daisy ready Rachel went down to the kitchen to get some nibbles ready and make a big bowl of punch.
She was a bit unsure about providing alcohol but she knew everyone would be drinking whether she did it or not. At least this way they'd all be having weakish drinks for a while as she wasn't planning on using too much alcohol.
Rachel went into the fridge to get some stuff out and noticed some little jellies in there. She was surprised that Lexie wanted jellies at her party.
Lexie and Jess came down just as Rachel was finishing making the punch. Mia had also come over too ready for the party.
"Wow girls, you look absolutely amazing"
Lexie had on a new red, lacy bodycon dress with a pair of high heels which made her look really grown up.
"Thanks for doing the punch"
"I just had a try, I think it tastes nice"
"Good"
"When did you make the jellies?"
"Earlier, you can't have a Birthday party without jelly can you?"
Jess and Lexie had made some vodka jellies earlier using a bottle of vodka that Jess' Dad had agreed to buy for Jess. Lexie wasn't planning on telling Rachel this.
"Right, time for the ground rolls girls" Rachel said causing Lexie to roll her eyes
"Rach you've already been through them"
"Yes well it won't hurt for you to hear them again. I want you to be sensible. I know there's going to be drinking but I don't want you to be silly with it. Make sure nothing gets broken or ruined and I don't want anyone going upstairs. Any problems, ring me straight away. Okay?"
"Yes got it"
Just as Rachel had finished the doorbell went so Lexie went to let her other friends in.
Rachel got out a bottle of bubbles from the fridge that she'd bought for Lexie to enjoy with her friends.
She poured them all a glass as they came into the kitchen.
Lexie and all her friends loved that Rachel had done that for them.
"Right girls, I'm heading off now. Remember the rules Lexie but most importantly, enjoy yourself"
"Thanks Rach, enjoy your meal"
Rachel left the girls to it really hoping things would all run smoothly tonight and she wouldn't come home to find her house trashed.
Rachel went into the lounge where Olivia and Daisy were watching TV. When she walked in she noticed Olivia clutching her stomach.
"Are you okay Liv?"
"Yeah but I have a bit of a stomach ache"
"Oh I wonder what's causing that. Do you still want to go out for a meal?"
"Yeah I'll be fine"
Rachel, Olivia and Daisy walked to Angela's house so that they could drop their stuff off.
They decided to walk into town as it was a nice evening and it meant that Rachel and Angela could have a few drinks.
Angela had booked a table at an Italian restaurant in town so they headed there.
After sitting down, Rachel and Angela ordered a glass of wine each and they asked for some garlic bread.
As they were sitting there Olivia's stomach began to hurt even more than it had been all afternoon and she felt really uncomfortable.
"I'm just going to the loo" Olivia said before getting up from the table and going to the toilet
When she sat down she noticed her knickers were covered in blood and couldn't help but burst into tears.
It was such a shock and she felt really embarrassed about it. She sat there for a few minutes not knowing what to do.
Olivia knew the best thing to do would be to tell Rachel but she felt too embarrassed to say anything.
In the end she wrapped some toilet roll around her knickers before returning to the table.
Rachel had been starting to get a bit worried about Olivia as she'd been gone for quite a while but didn't say anything when she sat back down.
Olivia had carbonara which was one of her favourites but she couldn't eat much of it. Her stomach was really hurting and she felt really worried about how she was going to cope with her period.
Rachel really enjoyed going out and not having to cook. Daisy was starting to get tired though so they decided to walk home.
"I'm just going to pop to the loo" Olivia said
"Okay, we'll wait outside for you"
Rachel was wondering what was up with Olivia as she kept going off to the toilet
"You two go on, we'll catch you up" Rachel said when she spotted Olivia coming towards them
"Is everything okay?" Rachel asked when Olivia came out
"Yep" Olivia replied
"Have you got a bit of an upset stomach?"
"No, I think I've just had too much to drink today"
Rachel was unconvinced but didn't say anything more.
Olivia barely said a word on the walk home. She had so much going on in her mind.
Part of Rachel wanted to go and check on things at the party but she decided to just trust everything was okay and Lexie was sticking to the rules.
They went into Angela's house and Rachel went to put Daisy up to bed as she was tired.
"Shall we stick a film on?" Angela suggested
"Yeah that would be nice"
"What one do you want to watch?"
"I don't mind"
"Here you go, you choose" Angela said before passing the controls to Olivia
Olivia didn't want to choose, but flicked through anyway and decided on Cinderella Story.
They waited until Rachel came down to start it.
"Did Daisy settle alright?"
"It took a bit longer than normal but I don't think it will take her long to get to sleep, she's so tired"
"We thought we could watch a film, Liv's chosen Cinderella Story"
"Good choice"
Olivia got comfy on the sofa but she felt really paranoid about leaking. She felt really tearful and her eyes kept welling up.
She couldn't stop thinking about it and it all felt like too much.
They were about half way through the film when Rachel looked over and noticed Olivia was crying.
"Liv, what's wrong?" Rachel asked
"Nothing, I'm fine"
"It doesn't look like it, you're crying"
"It's nothing" Olivia said before going upstairs to the bathroom
Rachel was worried about Olivia now so followed her up.
"Liv it's just me, can you let me in?" Rachel said after knocking on the door
"I'm on the loo" Olivia called back with tears running down her face
Rachel waited for a while but Olivia still hadn't come out.
"Can you let me in love? I just want a quick word"
Olivia realised she had no choice but to let Rachel in so went and unlocked the door.
"Is your stomach still hurting?" Rachel asked and Olivia nodded her head
"Do you think you know why?"
"I've started my period and I don't know what to do" Olivia blurted out whilst looking down at the floor
Rachel put her finger under Olivia's chin and lifted her head up.
"It's okay. I know it's a bit of a shock to start with but I'm going to help you out"
This just made Olivia cry even more so Rachel pulled her in for a cuddle. She felt sorry for Olivia as she knew how scary it all seemed at first.
"I know it seems scary at the minute. I remember feeling exactly the same the day I started mine but it really isn't that bad, I promise"
Olivia stayed cuddled into Rachel for a bit. She felt so embarrassed that she was crying so much but she just couldn't help it.
"I'm sorry, I don't know why I'm crying so much"
"It's a big thing, it's okay to be upset"
"I wish it hadn't happened yet"
"I'm afraid it has. I did think your period was on its way"
"Why?"
"Well you've just been very hormonal recently so I'm not surprised"
"I hoped I wouldn't start until I was 14 or 15"
"It's going to be fine. Why don't you have a shower, freshen up and get into some pyjamas? I'll nip home and get the pads I bought for you and then I'll get you a hot water bottle and some chocolate and we'll cuddle up on the sofa"
"Okay, thank you. What shall I do with my dirty clothes? It's gone through to my skirt"
"Just put them in your bag. I'll put some vanish on tomorrow and it will be good as new, don't you worry"
Rachel shouted down the stairs to Angela as she realised she'd be worried what was happening.
"Ang, is it okay if Olivia has a shower?"
"Yeah course, there's a towel on her bed"
Olivia went and got the towel before getting in the shower. She still felt upset about it but felt considerably better after telling Rachel. She was also glad that Rachel hadn't made it awkward at all which she thought her Mum probably would have if she was still there.
Rachel went and explained to Angela what was going on before going to get the pads for Olivia. She was surprised at the amount of people in her house. They were everywhere, including on the stairs and upstairs.
Lexie was having a great time with all her friends. She was really tipsy and just dancing and chatting to everyone. Rachel spotted her in the lounge but didn't bother her.
Rachel was trying to be quick but got stuck talking to quite a few pupils when she passed them. It was very weird seeing them all drunk.
Eventually Rachel got back to Angela's so went straight up to Olivia. She was out of the shower now and was sitting on her bed in a towel.
"Sorry I took so long love. Do you know how to put them on?"
"Yeah I think so"
"Have you got any questions or anything?" Rachel asked and Olivia shook her head
"Well if you do think of something you can ask me anytime. I'll leave you to get sorted now"
"Thanks Rachel"
Rachel went out of the room and closed the door so Olivia put her pyjamas on before going downstairs.
Olivia felt a bit apprehensive going back into the lounge as she knew Rachel would have told Angela. She was really pleased when neither of them mentioned it though and they just carried on with the film.
Olivia felt a lot more comfortable now she had a pad on and the hot water bottle that Angela had filled up ready for her felt really nice against her stomach.
After the film Olivia went up to bed.
Angela and Rachel chatted until gone midnight. When Rachel saw the time she decided to head home to check on things at the party
"I hope your house isn't in too bad a state"
"Me too"
Rachel headed home and was pleasantly surprised with how things looked.
The party was still going on but luckily everything seemed under control.
As soon as Lexie heard Rachel come in the front door she rushed down to her. She was fairly drunk but not completely out of it.
"Rach please will you help me? I don't know what to do"
"What's wrong?"
"It's Lauren, she's in a right state" Lexie said before rushing upstairs
Rachel followed her up into the family bathroom where Lauren was lying on the floor surrounded by sick.
"Someone's got a bit carried away I see"
"What shall we do? Do we need to call an ambulance?" Lexie asked panicking
Rachel called Lauren's name and she woke up a little.
"No I think she just needs to sleep it off. I'm going to get her out of these clothes, will you get some of your pyjamas?"
Lexie went out and closed the door behind her.
"Right Lauren, you need to sit up for me"
It was a bit of a struggle as Lauren was so drunk but eventually she did sit up.
Once Lexie came back the two of them got her out of the dirty clothes and into some pyjamas.
"She's going to be so embarrassed about this. I was going to try and sort it on my own but I was worried she needed to go to hospital or something"
"You did the right thing telling me. You can tell her tomorrow she doesn't need to be embarrassed though, I won't bring it up"
Once Rachel had cleared up the bathroom floor she put Lauren to bed in the spare bedroom. She then went down and got her a big glass of water and also put out a couple of paracetamol for her to take if she wanted to when she woke up.
"Is everything else okay Lex?"
"Yeah I think so"
"Have you had a good time?"
"It's been so good. Thank you so much for letting me have the party" Lexie said before wrapping her arms around Rachel
It was only now Rachel was realising how drunk Lexie was which she found quite funny.
"You are very welcome. I think I'm going to head back to Angela's now but ring me if there's any problems. I've turned the music down a bit because I don't want any complaints from the neighbours"
"Okay, see you tomorrow Rach"
"Bye love"
Rachel headed back to Angela's.
"How was it?"
"It wasn't too bad actually. Although I just had to change one of Lexie's friends and put her to bed because she was lying in her own sick"
"Lovely. I can't believe we used to be young and get drunk like that once upon a time"
"Tell me about it"
"Did you see Mia?"
"Yeah it looked like she was having a great time. She and Lexie were both quite drunk but neither of them were too bad"
"Good"
By this point Angela and Rachel were both really tired so decided to head up to bed.
Rachel was surprised when she woke up the following morning and saw it was 8:30. Normally Daisy would have woken her up by now.
Rachel certainly wasn't complaining though. She laid in bed for a bit before deciding to get up.
She checked on Daisy and couldn't believe it when she saw her still fast asleep.
She then went to check on Olivia. Olivia was awake so Rachel went and sat by her.
"How are you feeling today love?"
"I'm okay"
"How's the stomach?"
"Still sore but I think it's a bit better than yesterday"
"Normally it only hurts for the first day or two so hopefully it will be gone by tomorrow"
"I hope so"
Olivia decided to get up so the two of them went downstairs.
Rachel and Angela were enjoying a cup of coffee when Daisy walked into the kitchen.
"Good morning sleepy head"
"What time is it?"
"It's 9:15. You must have been tired, you never sleep this late"
After getting ready and having breakfast, Rachel and the girls headed home.
They walked in and the house was all clean and tidy.
Lexie was lying on the sofa with the TV on.
"Are you feeling a bit fragile after last night?" Rachel said laughing slightly
"I'm okay, just tired"
"Did you have a good time then?"
"Yeah it was so good"
"How was Lauren this morning?"
"She's gone home but she was absolutely mortified. She said she doesn't think she'll ever be able to be around you without feeling awkward"
"She really doesn't need to. We all make mistakes, maybe I'll have a word with her on Monday"
"You said you wouldn't bring it up to her"
"I know, but maybe it would be best to clear the air"
Lexie was being quiet and wasn't really in the mood for chatting.
"I think I'm going to go upstairs for a bit"
"Okay love, why don't you go back to sleep for a bit? It might make you feel better."
"Yeah I might do"
"Thanks for clearing up, you can't even tell you had a party"
After a couple of hours Lexie still hadn't come back down so Rachel went up to check on her.
She found her in bed crying.
"Oh love, what's wrong? What's happened?"
"Nothing" Lexie said hastily wiping away her tears
"It doesn't look like nothing to me, come on tell me what's up"
"I've done something really stupid"
"Last night?" Rachel asked and Lexie nodded
"What did you do?"
"Something I shouldn't have"
"You can tell me, I won't get cross. I just want to help you"
Lexie decided to just tell Rachel. She was feeling awful about what had happened and whenever she normally talked to Rachel about stuff it made her feel better.
"You know Matt?" Lexie asked and Rachel nodded
"Well he told me last night that he liked me. I had no idea but then he kissed me and we went up to my room for a bit. But the thing is Abbey really likes him so now I feel really bad"
"When you say you went up to your room, do you mean you slept with him?"
"No but we did some stuff" Lexie said her cheeks flushing slightly
"Okay well I know it's easy to get caught up in the moment, especially when you're drunk. Do you like Matt?"
"Yeah I hadn't realised it before but after last night I've realised how much I like him. I'm such a bad friend though, Abbey told me she likes him but he'd told her he just wanted to be friends"
"You can't help who you have feelings for sweetheart"
"What should I do?"
"Well I think you have two options really. You either take some time to figure out how you feel about Matt and keep it a secret from your friends for now. Or you tell Abbey what happened last night and be completely honest with her"
"I don't want to keep secrets from my friends but if I tell Abbey she'll hate me"
"She might be upset and angry to start with but I'm sure she'll come round. Sometimes you just have to do what's right for you. If you think Matt's going to make you happy then I think you should give him a chance"
"If I'm going to let things happen with Matt then I need to tell Abbey first, I need to be honest"
"I think once she calms down from the initial shock she'll really appreciate your honesty"
"I really hope so. Why can nothing ever be simple" Lexie said sighing
"I'm afraid nothing with boys and relationships ever seems to be simple, not for me anyway"
Lexie felt better after speaking to Rachel and now just needed to be brave enough to tell Abbey about Matt.
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