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For a brief moment I see disappointment flash across my mum’s face, and it floors me a little. Not once in my whole entire life has my mum ever looked at me like she wished we spent more time together. Not once.
“That’s a shame. Maybe another time. You could tell us about the Academy and how you’re getting on.”
My mouth pops open, then slams shut. Even Lena is suddenly at a loss for words. “Yeah, maybe,” I respond noncommittally.
“Okay, well, I’m just going to grab a shower. It’s been a long day at work.”
“Work?” I ask, flicking my gaze between her and Lena.
“Yes, I got a new job at a really nice hair salon in the high street. I could get you a discount if you ever wanted to tame that hair of yours,” she says, reaching up and pushing back a strand of hair back off my face. I flinch, stepping back, a lump in my throat forming at her sudden affection. Her hand falls away and she gives me a half-smile before stepping out of the kitchen and into the bathroom down the hall. I let out a long breath, feeling shaky and weird.
“What the fuck was that? Has our mum been body snatched or something?” I question, trying to cover up this sudden rush of unwelcome emotion with humor.
“See, I told you she’d changed.” Lena cocks her head and smiles sadly. “Sorry, Pen,” she whispers.
“What for?”
“For mum never being the person you needed her to be. I know it’s too late now.”
She’s right, it is, but for Lena’s sake I’m glad she’s turned over a new leaf. I just hope it lasts. “Come here,” I say, holding open my arms. Lena steps right in and I hug her tightly. “I’m so glad mum has sobered up, but you remember I’m still here if you need me. Any hour of the day or night, I will come. Okay?”
“Yeah, okay,” Lena replies.
A knock at the door has us parting and I step out into the hall to answer. I know who it is, and I don’t want Pen getting a shock at seeing Dax on the other side.
“Everything good?” Dax asks me the second I open the door. He peers down the hallway and smiles.
“Oh, my fucking God, is that you, Dax?” Lena asks, her voice getting higher with every syllable out of her mouth as she approaches.
Dax chuckles. “Hey, Squirt,” he says, referring to her by the nickname he used when we were friends before.
“Fuck me. Ibetyou've got better things to do than working tonight,” she titters as I glare at her over my shoulder. “Hi, Dax. Don’t you look…big.” Her eyes work their way up from his feet to the top of his head.
“I could say the same for you.” He smiles warmly and I swear my heart melts into a puddle. “How’re you doing?”
“Yeah, I’m good. Thanks for the package. I love these PJ’s.”
“Package?” I look between them both.
Lena pulls a face, chewing on her bottom lip as she glances between me and Dax. “The Breakers have been sending me stuff for a while now.”
“Sending you stuff? What stuff? Why didn’t you say anything?” I ask, flipping my gaze between them both, my voice rising.
“Shit, chill. I mean I only realised it was the Breakers and not some weird arse stalker when Xeno dropped off these pyjamas and other nice stuff the other week. It’s just things mum can’t afford. Nice shampoo, make up, perfume, that kind of thing. I came home from school and he was here, having a chat with mum… Oh, shit,” she exclaims, coming to the same conclusion as me.
Our mum’s sudden sobriety makes perfect sense now. I’m not sure whether to be grateful that he’s gone behind my back and has been taking care of Lena or pissed off that he never thought to tell me.
“I have literally no idea what to say.” I look at Dax, not sure what to make of it all.
“And your mum, how is she doing now?” Dax asks, his assessing gaze taking everything in as he subtly tries to change the subject. I narrow my eyes at him.
“She’s taking a shower, right now. Wanna come in for a bit?” Lena asks.
“No, can’t tonight, Lena. Dax and I have a duet to practice,” I lie quickly before Dax can take her up on his offer. I want to get back to the flat and speak with Xeno, he’s got some explaining to do.
“Oooh, a duet. I’d like to see you in action… I mean, you both. Together.Dancing. Yes, dancing… a duet. Sorry, that sounded a bit perverted, didn’t it?”
“Jesus, Lena,” I mutter.
