mminimcguinness:

frankysfitz:

Since the latest run in with the one and only James Cook, Effy’s mind no longer clouded with embarrassment, or jealousy, or vindictive intentions. Maybe the emotions had completely subsided, or, more realistically, overwhelmed her into a dull stupor. It was all too much at once -with Cook, Katie, Tony, this Luke bloke, whoever he was, she just shut off. There was nowhere else to go, no one else to see. Random hookups were fueled only by retaliation, and Effy no longer had the energy to fake interest for the sake of a place to sleep. She simply felt vacant. Living only out of the lumpy duffel around her shoulder, Effy wandered the Bristol streets, trying to find a neutral place to occupy her time. The light for pedestrians turned red just as Effy stepped onto the crosswalk, cursing as a car whipped past her. Careless, distracted. Heart pounding, she rested her head against the lamppost, only to turn and see a familiar convenience store across the walk. When it was her turn, Effy jogged to the site, finally identifying her supposed deja vu as the moment she’d met Franky. The girl with the lighter and the skins. Her house wasn’t too far off, she remembered, but was wary to waltz over. Even if she hadn’t already unintentionally fucked their friendship by blabbering, Franky’s dads weren’t so fond of the taller girl. Staring down at the stretch of road, Effy wavered. It wasn’t as if she had much left to lose. 

The walk was slightly longer than she’d recalled, but most of it was spent trying to recollect the exact address. It didn’t help that most of the houses looked nearly identical, but the muted drapes and peek of scattered artwork in the upstairs window was a dead giveaway. Effy swallowed what little of her pride lingered and waltzed up to the front step, knocking on the front door. After a minute of silence, and half a mind to turn and retreat down the nearest alley, Effy heard a creak at the door. “Bambi,” she smiled tiredly. It wasn’t until she saw the girl, that Effy considered her own disheveled appearance. Unkempt hair, day old makeup, dingy clothes. “Was in town, just wanted to check up on my favorite little woodland creature,” she joked, looking around. Effy probably should have just pissed off when she had the opportunity. This looked horrible, showing up on Franky’s doorstep with a carrier bag. Especially considering how things had left off. 

Keeping the house clean, a simple task that was growing hard with her dads out of town for the week. She was tired of picking up after herself, unless she felt the anxious need to. Luckily this morning was one of those. She hadn’t seen her mates for a few days and she had been avoiding public places. Luke. Lurking in every corner. Mini, knowing he was back. Nick, after their kiss she wasn’t sure what to do with herself. Franky paced around the kitchen chewing on her nails until her cuticles started to bleed and taste like iron. A hard knock at the door caused her to jump and drag her sharper tooth across the skin. “Ow.. ow, fuck,” she shook her hand and sucked on the end to stop the blood. Franky cautiously walked over, staring through the second doorway to see the figure. Longer hair and black attire. Not Luke. She sighed and walked over, unlocking the front and spotting Effy once the door was cracked. Her finger left her mouth and she felt a little speechless taking in the information. A smile cracked for a second hearing her newly appointed nickname. Bag on shoulder, rough around the edges, make up smeared, and messy hair. Franky knew that look. She had it over and over, running away from foster homes. She wasn’t sure if Effy had the same attitude as Mini with pride, but she wasn’t going to test it by asking questions. “Lucky this woodland creature just made a bunch of food and can’t eat it all,” she tapped her stomach and allowed her in.

Franky turned over her shoulder so Effy could follow into the kitchen. Really, a pot of soup was on already; Franky and Geoff’s special recipe they made together one night. Franky started scooping two bowls, one larger for Effy since she looked starved or tired. The two were on opposite sides of the counter and Franky couldn’t stop staring at the bag. Pride issues, maybe, keep it calm. “Say, my uh.. my dads are out of town for the week. It gets a bit lonely here. I get a bit lonely,” she swallowed some of the soup broth and stared up through her bangs. “Want to stay over? I’ve watched too many scary movies in one sitting and I don’t think I can manage for the night again.” Franky smiled by the corner of her mouth. Through the glances and conversation, Franky could still remember their night at her flat. That lingered in her stomach and made it turn too much. Don’t tell them about the bad things. She felt a chill up her spine. Franky hated having faded memories come back during a conversation about nothing. You don’t remember what happened. If she said it enough, she wouldn’t remember. “Anything else you need? I’ve got drinks, spliff, cigarettes.. I think I have cigarettes? I haven’t.. bought any in a few weeks actually.” Keeping the conversation going, Franky’s voice shook anxiously while she held her bowl. 

“Lucky this woodland creature just made a bunch of food and can’t eat itall.” A smile quickly overcame Effy’s exhausted expression. Somehow their budding friendship was spared of destruction in the typical Stonem shit-storm. For now, at least. If Katie decided to keep her fucking mouth shut. Lord knows that would be a feat for the girl. Effy found comfort knowing the actual name wouldn’t get around, although possibly the nickname if Cook was feeling like a particular prick that day. Effy frowned to herself, realizing she’d probably have to use the term of endearment less frequently if she wanted to keep the girl anonymous. It just rolled off the tongue so perfectly. Following Franky into the house, Effy was happy to see she wasn’t fibbing about the food. The scent wafted through the kitchen, proving it’d been on the stove top a while, and she didn’t hesitate to pour them both a bowl.No supervision, no interrogations, and a free meal. Sounded too good to be true. Effy looked up from her bowl a moment to see Franky’s gaze leave her duffel. She sucked on her spoon as the girl continued. “Want to stay over? I’ve watched too many scary movies in one sitting and I don’t think I can manage for the night again.” Quiet and intelligent, Effy had always gotten the rap for being observant, but it was evident Franky was similar in that respect. She must have caught on. Although her tone was entirely absent of pity. Either Franky was a brilliant actress, or some part of her genuinely wanted her there. Either way, Effy didn’t feel like a charity case.  ”I think I can do that.” Effy smiled into another spoonful of soup.

Drinks, spliff, cigarettes.. “Got cigarettes.” There were still a few packs in her bag from Cook’s errands. She tried not to think about that. Effy looked away, searching her duffel for a carton. She couldn’t remember they’d ever smoked inside the house the last time she was over, but handed Franky a stick regardless. “Running low on spliff and drinks, though.” Usually Cook’s domain, although she would chip in. Downing the rest of her soup, Effy followed as Franky nodded her over toward the landing and upstairs. Her bedroom was just as she remembered, art plastering the walls, bursting with creativity. Effy enjoyed having the small insight into the girl’s head. So much talent for something so small. Effy knew she’d never have the ability herself, but could appreciate skill, let alone the drive, when she saw it. “So.. what movies?” She asked, making herself comfortable on the edge of Franky’s mattress. She bounced slightly, dropping her bag onto the floor. “Haven’t got E.T., have you?” Her eyes squinted with a playful smile. “Bit scary that, but all’s well that ends well.” She looked around as Franky rummaged through her things. Their last session still hung over her head. Being in a more intimate setting made Effy much more aware of it, but she didn’t want to press for now. Franky was being more than hospitable, and she didn’t want to push her luck. The smaller girl turned back to face her, and Effy let her eyes fall over her form for a brief second before looking back up with a more modest smile. 

Franky finished her small bowl and flipped the burner off on the pot. Effy was staying. Good. She smiled and grabbed the other empty bowl, setting them in the sink for now. They’d be fine for the night. She wanted to avoid speaking about the incident as much as possible, pretending to forget. That was her plan. Franky waved her over to follow up the three sets of stairs again to the top. Effy made herself slightly comfortable and Franky stayed standing. “So.. what movies?” She touched the back of her shorter hair and looked at her collection. “Haven’t got E.T., have you? Bit scary that, but all’s well that ends well.” Franky leaned over smiling to herself. Effy’s voice was a bit more raspy than she remembered. Maybe she as tired, she sure looked like it. “It’s your lucky day,” she lifted the DVD up and smiled grabbing her laptop. “Tele was moved so we’ll have to stock up on the laptop.” Franky pulled her desk chair over and flipped the computer open. Once all set up, Franky sat a foot away from Effy on the bed. Keeping her space, making it awkwardly obvious. She stared down at her hands.

The credits started and Franky felt insanely awkward. There was no reason behind it, besides her own thoughts getting the best of her. Her leg shook and she grabbed a few pillows behind her. She handed them to Effy so she could get comfortable against the back of the wall. Another blanket handed to her she smiled sweetly. Just ask. “They’re gone for the week if you want to stay longer? I mean.. if you want to. I have a guest bedroom and everything. Rooms are big enough and well,” Franky shrugged. “I don’t mind a mate in the house.” She chewed on her nails looking at the movie. “Also I’ve never seen this before so I expect no judgements,” Franky pulled her hands from her mouth and smiled into a small laugh. There were a million questions she wanted to ask. Why wasn’t she at home? Franky never really knew the situation there or if she was happy. She looked like Liv did when they ran into each other at a coffee shop. 

Franky joined her on the bed, and Effy pulled her knees to her chest, hugging her shins. The familiar sound of the credits rolling was soothing in a way, and the pillows and blanket helped. Effy wrapped the light covers around her shoulders, cocooning herself in the fabric; similar to the very alien in the infamous bicycle scene. Resting her chin on her knees, Effy stared intently at the screen until the smaller brunette spoke up. “They’re gone for the week if you want to stay longer? I mean.. if you want to.” Franky must have seen that she was in a tough spot. Still,Effy did absolutely nothing to deserve the warm welcome. Given her loose lips, she felt horribly guilty, plain and simple. She should have never indulged him, but Cook had her in a corner. He would have pieced it together on his own. That’s what she told herself, anyway. Effy slithered her hand from the blanket to rest on Franky’s. “Cheers, Franks,” she smiled and squeezed her hand before retreating back to her cocoon. “Also I’ve never seen this before so I expect no judgements.” Effy gaped and held back a few chuckles. “And you own it? In for a real treat, Bambs. Arguably the best motion picture to grace the industry.” She nodded confidently, and bumped her knee against her mate’s. The girl held a soft spot for all cheesy 80’s flicks, but E.T. would always rank number one. 

Effy could feel the looming questions going ignored on both ends. Where they left off, why she was here now, how long it would be. She’d banked on zoning out until the awkwardness of their sudden reunion faded. But if her own favorite film couldn’t squash the elephant in the room, Effy didn’t think much else could. “So,” she cleared her throat, keeping her eyes glued to the screen. “We’re.. you’re alright, yeah?” Whatever actually happened between them, whatever Effy could recall, she knew was a large step for the girl. She hadn’t properly realized until after the fact, but Effy worried her actions had threatened any progress Franky had made. She just wanted to know that she were okay, that they were okay, and her hospitality wasn’t simply a reflection of the girl’s need to please. “‘Cause y’know. Loads of mates. I can be out of your hair in a second,” she added with a feigned nonchalant demeanor. That was a lie, but she’d manage on her own. She didn’t want Franky letting her stay just because she thought Effy had no other option. “I’m alright.” 

Franky smiled at the remarks and bump against her knee. Effy was pretty good at keeping a face up. She knew something was wrong, why else would she randomly show up at her house? Franky didn’t expect some grand gesture of love or something of that matter. God, that would be awkward. She stared at the screen, biting her bottom lip harder and harder. “So,” Franky’s heart jumped. Couldn’t they just watch a movie in silence? “We’re.. you’re alright, yeah?” The two girls continued to stare at the screen. She wanted to answer straight away. Yeah, sure. Fine. I don’t know what you’re talking about. But she could recall the memory even if she wanted to suffocate it. She remembered the feeling, the freak out, the tears. It was so embarrassing. “‘Cause y’know. Loads of mates. I can be out of your hair in a second, I’m alright.” That was probably the most she heard Effy speak in the time they had actually spent together. She was usually a one word type of person and Franky was the one on her end. 

Thinking in the mindset that Mini would have, Franky said something she probably never would. “I’m not… sure what you’re on about?” Her eyes stayed on the screen but drifted to the corner of the floor. She could see Effy out of her peripheral vision. She felt terrible saying it, but if Franky believed it enough, nothing happened. “Good you’re all right though?” She looked over for a moment. Looking down and away quickly before they could look at each other’s eyes. Franky’s eyes always gave her away. The memory played over and over in her head like a broken record. Why was she lying? “Uhm.. what happened.. that night?” Franky stared down at the blanket. “I don’t remember much. Besides a twisted stomach. Made me a little woozy,” she wanted to know what Effy remembered. Obviously she knew the intimate moment they shared was a little more than stuck in her memory. Like switching television channels, she remembered sparks of the night, making her more uncomfortable. The kissing, the skin, and undressing. It made he head pound and palms sweaty. She rubbed her eyes to forget. 

“I’m not… sure what you’re on about? Good you’re all right though?” Effy nearly jumped from her seat and out the door. She couldn’t stand another instance of someone burying their head their the sand because of her. She was always everyone’s wrong step. Franky wasn’t immune.“Uhm.. what happened.. that night? Don’t remember much. Besides a twisted stomach. Made me a little woozy.” Her expression softened. Maybe the peyote really fucked with her head, there were portions that Effy still didn’t remember. She subtly searched the girl’s soft brown eyes and could detect a hesitance. “It doesn’t have to be like that. Forgetting, suppressing.” It wasn’t as difficult for Effy to address the situation. While she could relate, she wasn’t in Franky’s exact position. But she’d be lying, and she would, if she claimed there was nothing she wasn’t trying to forget, trying to suppress herself. “It can still be a reality for you, Franks.” She cringed, realizing the hypocrisy of every word falling out of her mouth. Effy wanted Franky to be happy, healthy, but rarely did she lend herself the same compassion. Effy pushed her nagging conscience aside. This was about Franky, not her. “Just don’t let-” The thought was interrupted by a loud banging downstairs. She gave a puzzled look before dropping the blanket to her side. Were her dads home? Would they kick her out again? They both got to their feet and Effy followed Franky outside, lagging behind. Another impatient pounding resounded from the front door. Effy stayed near the top of the staircase, close enough to the bedroom in case the smaller girl wanted some privacy. The door swung open to reveal a tall blonde- perfect makeup, clothes coordinated, not a hair out of place. Effy quirked a brow to herself. She looked like one of the girls she’d be rolling her eyes at back in college. Not someone she’d ever picture being one of Franky’s mates. 

Mini walked up the familiar path to Franky’s house, a thousand questions in her head. There was so much that had happened since the girls had last seen each other-Luke, Grace-and Mini needed to talk to the other girl about both issues. She knew Franky would want to avoid talking about Luke, and Mini wasn’t exactly eager to talk about Grace, but it’s not like the girls could avoid them. Not forever. Arriving at the Fitzgerald home, Mini knocked on the door, loud enough so that Franky could hear would she be upstairs. Mini gave it several moments, picking a stray piece of lint from her top before knocking again. Where was Franky? The blonde had a horrible flash that Luke had gotten to her, and was about to raise her fist again when the door swung open, and there stood Franky.

“Franks” Mini beamed, the brief moment of panic gone. She was alright, or, at least, she looked alright, and that was enough to calm Mini down for the moment. It was perhaps the relief that Franky wasn’t visibly hurt that Mini didn’t notice how tense the other girl was, and simply walked into the house, knowing that if Franky’s dads were here, they wouldn’t have much of a problem with Mini. Not that Geoff and Jeff were there, of course. Instead, as Mini turned to face Franky, she caught sight of a figure at the top of the stairs. She was a girl, Mini could tell that much, but certainly not a girl she knew, and Mini stiffened. She didn’t own Franky, but the girls had spent so much time together that Mini hadn’t even stopped to think that Franky had made friends outside of the gang. Forcing a smile, Mini turned back towards Franky, before speaking with a tight voice “Who’s your friend?”

“It doesn’t have to be like that. Forgetting, suppressing. It can still be a reality for you, Franks.” Franky stared downward. Okay, she knew everything. Her throat strained feeling the acid bubble in her stomach. Before Effy could finish, she was saved by a loud vigorous knocking from downstairs. One that she already knew. Franky stood up, flashed to autopilot she walked down the stairs and Effy followed keeping her distance. Which was a good choice, considering who was at the door once she opened it. “Franks,” she stared blankly at Mini. Her face looked distraught and straightened into the usual Mini fashion. She pushed through inside and Franky was still in the midsts of speaking when she noticed at the top of the stairs. “Who’s your friend?” Her voice. That strain. This wouldn’t be good and Mini wasn’t leaving any time soon. Franky’s face flushed red, why was she blushing? Embarrassed? She was terrified Mini would know a lot more than she should at the moment. “Come on,” she swallowed through her voice cracking and led her up the stairs. Nodding for Effy to walk back into the room. 

Once inside she flipped the light back on, which was a terrible sight to see. A bag on the floor, blanket, movie going on her laptop. She tried to stay calm, Mini would bluntly ask questions or make things more awkward than they should be. “Effy, Mini. Mini, Effy,” she stood between them and felt smaller than ever. Why did everyone suddenly feel so damn tall? “She’s just…. staying over for a bit. Dads are out of town. Again,” she shifted her eyes down and strayed from Mini’s presumable judgmental looks. Franky knew why Mini was here. Their conversation about Luke left her worried and she wanted to inspect every piece of her body for bruises. None so far. “Uh, we were just watching.. E.T. if you want to join?” She brushed past Effy by accident to walk over to her desk. She needed spliff, a cigarette, or to ram her head into the drawer. Luckily, she had a few joints left. Franky grabbed a pre-rolled one and walked past the girls again to slide the window open. She sat on her bed again fiddling with the joint, lighter-less. “Mini’s my best mate, from college,” Franky glanced up at Effy. She knew that the name was familiar. It was a slight deja vu moment saying the name to her. She cleared her throat and tried not to look into anyone’s eyes, “Anyone got a lighter?”

“Who’s your friend?” Effy glanced at the shorter brunette, curious to hear her own introduction. When Franky stalled, Effy looked back to the stranger with a tight lipped smile and a subtle rise and fall at her brow. If she’d passed the leggy blonde on the street, Effy wouldn’t of given her the time of day, but for Franky’s sake, she’d be cordial. For whatever reason, the unlikely pair seemed to be mates. Heading back upstairs at Franky’s request, all three girls crowded into her bedroom. The air tasted a little more stale than earlier, an unnecessary, palpable tension. “Effy, Mini. Mini, Effy.” Mini. She’d heard that name before. Effy looked the girl up and down until the memory came to her. Mini, her best mate. Mini…her first proper kiss? The last bit was still fuzzy but she quirked a brow at the girl nonetheless. The blonde looked a little too bubblegum to stray from the conventional, but Effy kept her mouth shut. Franky briefly mentioned her stay, which suddenly felt bit more temporary. “Uh, we were just watching.. E.T. if you want to join? Mini’s my best mate, from college.” Her eyes shot to the flickering screen, one of the best scenes with the small alien disguised in a pile of stuffed animals. “We can watch it later.” Effy leaned against the edge of the windowsill. So she didn’t want to share her favorite movie with a perfect stranger. Was that so horrible? She continued, backpedaling her snarky attitude and attempting to justify her comment. “Wouldn’t want to be rude, Bambi.” Blinking rapidly, Effy looked over at Mini again. “Girl came here for a reason,” she added, lifting her chin. “I assume?” Her knocks sounded so urgent downstairs. Either the girl was in a constant state of enthusiasm, or she had some motive for stopping by. “Anyone got a lighter?” Effy dug into her pocket, tossing Franky her tiny red bic. Then, as she vaguely remembered the shorter brunette doing at her last visit, turned to crack the window behind her. Effy rarely bothered airing out the smoke at Anthea’s or the flat, but it only seemed courteous at a mate’s. Franky passed the spliff and Effy took a deep hit, exhaling slowly and warily passing to the blonde.  ”You puff and hold….’case you’re unfamiliar.”

The first thing Mini noticed when she entered Franky’s room was the bag on the floor, and she instantly stiffened. She’s just…. staying over for a bit. Dads are out of town. Again. Mini gave a short nod, resisting the urge to kick Effy’s stuff out of the way. This girl, Effy, looked like some girl you’d find on the streets. Tangled hair, smudged makeup, the type of clothes that looked like they’d be found in a secondhand shop. She was the type of girl Mini used to mock, tied in with the type of girl MIni used to avoid, and she wondered what the hell Franky was doing with her. Uh, we were just watching.. E.T. if you want to join? Mini’s eyes snapped to the laptop on the bed, and she couldn’t hold back a scoff.  E.T? Was Franky kidding, or what?

Mini crossed her arms as she watched Effy’s movements, wondering if this girl was for real. E.T? Bambi? Was she a five year old stuck inside the body of one of those crazy girls on cop shows? Girl came here for a reason. I assume? Mini turned towards Franky and smiled, knowing it didn’t look real at all. “Obvs. Wouldn’t want to interrupt your movie nostalgia night without a reason, would I Franks?” She turned back to Effy, remark already on her tongue when the brunette handed her a spliff, instructions included. Mini wasn’t huge on spliff, but she wasn’t going to let Effy show her up without a smart remark. The other girl would probably be fucking delighted to see Mini turn it down without a fight. Mini took it and smirked. “Just because we’re not all professionals like you” she began, eyeing Effy up and down, a million and one insults already there to use “Doesn’t mean we can’t do it. But ending up like you really isn’t something I am for.” She turned to Franky to pass the spliff, and raised an eyebrow, questions surrounding this girl adding to the millions she already had. “You’ve had an eventful few days, haven’t you babes?”

Franky sat silently ripping the hair from her head. She shook her leg up and down catching the lighter but almost dropping it in the short second. Once the spliff touched her lips, it never lasted long enough before Effy and Mini shared a spiteful turn. Was this was Liv and Franky looked like? Her face grew hot. The exchange of words were distasteful and rigid. “Just because we’re not all professionals like you. Doesn’t mean we can’t do it. But ending up like you really isn’t something I am for.” Franky instantly left a sharp nudge of her knee into Mini’s outer thigh. Her eyes glared. Finally, the spliff was back in her hand. Franky needed this more than she thought. Lucky the window was open to add air into the tightly sealed room. “You’ve had an eventful few days, haven’t you babes?” She interrupted. This was enough. Franky didn’t care if the question was directed to Effy or her, she wanted the sharp glares and toxic words to end. They had only just met and were fighting like fucking animals. “Yeah,” she spoke louder and sharply so Mini would get the hint. 

“Eventful. Work, people, rain. All the works, Mini.” She made it known that she wasn’t going to be in the middle of this useless fight. Franky had the power to stick up for herself.. no matter how terrified she was at times. Her face gave her away. Franky was flushed red, her palms were sweaty, and her voice was a notch lower than it usually would be. Mini probably knew all the signs of Franky being nervous or hiding something. She was hiding a lot of things. Her eyes drifted toward Effy’s to keep calm. A breath of air. “If you were wondering, which you were, we met a couple weeks ago. She knows my mate Chris. We were at that church party together,” she cleared her throat. Strongly hoping that Mini didn’t remember her mentioning she dropped acid with three people that night. Ever since she had met Effy, things had taken a more experimental approach. She stared at Mini next. Be nice. “It was just her birthday a week ago,” Franky motioned toward Mini. Why was she uselessly rambling? She had sucked down half the spliff without even noticing. “I’ll.. I’ll get another,” Franky brushed past the two and grabbed her tin case off the desk. Two more inside. If they got high enough, maybe they could actually enjoy each other’s company. But for now, she was too busy shifting gazes back and forth between the girls. Effy, don’t say anything. Mini, be fucking nice. 

Effy held her wrist and gave a sarcastic laugh as Mini retorted. The comment didn’t really touch her. It was nothing she hadn’t heard before. If the blonde was really out for blood, she would have to dig a little deeper. Effy was experienced. She prided herself on it. Still, the banter was amusing enough. “You’ve had an eventful few days, haven’t you babes?” Babes? God, she sounded like Katie. She sounded like Cook, minus the sincerity. Unless Mini had plans of getting on all fours and licking her out, she didn’t get to call her babes. Before Effy could correct her, Franky intervened. “Yeah. Eventful. Work, people, rain. All the works, Mini.” Easing back against the wall, Effy pursed her lips and stared up at the ceiling. She’d never pegged the girl in front of her to be the type of company Franky would choose to keep. Especially after  everything the smaller girl had shared about her troubled past. Effy knew she mentioned on occasion her own aversion to most girls, and Mini couldn’t get much girlier if she tried. She seemed the spitting image of what they’d both avoid. For their own reasons.

Franky expanded on Effy’s introduction and she attempted a smile for her mate’s sake, but just ended up looking pained. “It was just her birthday a week ago.” Nodding theatrically, Effy couldn’t help but take the piss. “Sweet sixteen?” Once she started, it was difficult to stop. “What’d’ya get? Barbie’s Dream House?” Effy smirked and finally turned to see Franky’s burning red cheeks “I’ll.. I’ll get another,” the girl stuttered and turned to get more spliff. Although she couldn’t fathom why, this Mini girl was still her mate and Effy was crossing a line. Franky was stressed, that much was clear. A few sharp quips weren’t worth putting her friend in a tizzy. This was someone Franky really cared about, and looks could be deceiving. Effy knew that all too well. “Happy Birthday,” she said more humbly toward the blonde and offered an apologetic smile. Sucking on her own new spliff, her eyes danced from girl to girl. “So how’d you two meet then?” That had to be an interesting enough story. 

Mini was ready to dig into this girl, ready to find out whatever her insecurities were and use them against her. Until then, she was prepared to just shoot whatever came into her head at the girl. Especially when she was doing the exact same to Mini. But Franky was friends with this girl for whatever reason, and Mini didn’t want to get the smaller girl upset, especially after the week she probably had. So Mini goraned inwardly, but decided that for once, it would be best to hold her tongue. After one more retort to Effy’s comments, anyway. Sweet sixteen? What’d’ya get? Barbie’s Dream House?

“Soz, you’ll have to play by yourself for now. After all, I’m sure your pimp tried his absolute best to find you something you wanted” she shrugged then, and, somewhat satisfied, decided to refrain from any further remarks for Franky’s sake. For now, anyway. Happy Birthday. Mini gave  a quick nod and the tiniest smile in Effy’s direction, not anymore happy with the girl, and Mini suspected vice versa. For Franky. The blonde’s brief moment of joy from getting the last word didn’t last long however, and at Effy’s next questions, the words died in her mouth. So how’d you two meet then? She could not tell this girl the story, not when she was clearly looking for ways to be superior to Mini. Mini wasn’t proud of what she did, not by a long shot, and she certainly wouldn’t want Effy to go on about how she didn’t deserve Franky or anything along those lines. Swallowing, Mini gave a quick smile in Franky’s direction before replying. “Like Franks told you. College.”

The room was a ticking time bomb and Franky couldn’t feel the tips of her fingers. Or her toes for that matter. Had she finished off a joint an a half already? The girls barely noticed. Franky was wobbling back and forth in her stable seat. Her hands were shaking anxiously from the hidden energy the spliff gave her. No matter how dazed and tired she looked, her body was on high alert. Barbie House. She cringed. Pimp. She gritted her teeth. The girls knew nothing about each other and Franky couldn’t sit with a power point presentation so they’d like each other. Effy stared at Franky waiting a response but Mini spoke up giving a less detailed story. “Yeah, College. You’d be surprised. She used to be a lot bitchier,” Franky caught herself laughing through her words. “Sorry,” she started to laugh behind her hand. Being stoned around the two was not making this meeting easier. Why was Mini here? Oh yeah, to make sure she was alive at the moment. 

Franky stood up, grabbing Mini’s shoulder so she didn’t fall over on her face. “Better lay off the spliff,” she choked out and continued walking to her record player. The girls could play nice while she sorted the back track. After much consideration and assuming they had enough glares and prods, she flipped the switch on and let it dully play. With her confidence slightly back, she sat between the girls, on the same side of the room, so they couldn’t stare at her anymore. “So I was about five weeks late to my first day of college, Mini shoved me in the mud, invited me out to the mall with her mates, then kicked me out of her party all in one week. Then she finally came to her senses, realizing I was the best thing to ever happen to her. Then, mates,” she slapped her hands conjoining them like an exploding atom. Franky nodded and hugged her knees listening to the not so loud music. She smiled at the both of them, but stopped after realizing the two wouldn’t get on that easily. “Sorry,” she mouthed to Effy and rested her chin on her knee. Franky sent the last end of the spliff to Effy. She could handle more than anyone in the room, she assumed. 

Pimp? Effy smirked to herself. If only Connor was there, she would have given them all a good show. Of course Franky probably wouldn’t have found it so entertaining. Although, by the look of the smaller girl’s red eyes, it actually might have gotten a chuckle. Effy let the remark slide and at the change of topic, was surprised to hear Mini snap so quickly. “Like Franks told you. College.” Quirking a brow toward her mate, Franky went on. “Yeah, College. You’d be surprised. She used to be a lot bitchier.” A stunned chuckle fell from her lips. Effy was not expecting Franky to give a jab and she wondered if the blonde would take it personally or not. 

Once Franky went into detail about the reality of their introduction, it took nearly everything she had to refrain from shooting Mini daggers. Her eyes flitted in the blonde’s direction but quickly landed Franky’s apologetic eyes. “Sorry.” What was she sorry for? She had no reason to apologise. Mini, maybe. Effy just couldn’t understand why or how Franky would not only tolerate all that but claim the girl as her best friend. Considering the gruesome taunting Franky had endured and decided to share, it didn’t make any sense. Mini perfectly fit the criteria of what Effy was envisioning. The snobby, airheaded bully. Shallow as a puddle. “Spot on,” she mumbled to herself. Gladly taking the rest of the spliff, Effy took a large hit trying to settle down. Franky must of had her reasonings. She was a smart girl, at least. “I need a cigarette.” After taking another pull, Effy got to her feet and faced the two of them. “S’pose I should give you lovely ladies a moment to talk.” She turned and headed for Franky’s bedroom door. The knowledge she’d just acquired, however, had Effy hesitant to even leave them alone in the same room. “Holler if you need me,” she joked but shot Franky a reassuring look all the same. Then softly closed the door behind her and  hopped downstairs to Franky’s front porch. 

Yeah, College. You’d be surprised. She used to be a lot bitchier. Mini snapped her head towards Franky, eyeing the girl warily. Mini was perfectly aware of how she used to behave back then-the attitude she still used, although much less frequently, to this day. But back then it had been much worse, and even if Mini did know this better than anyone, it still wasn’t enjoyable to hear something from Franky. Mini flinched as Franky placed her hand on her shoulder momentarily, As the smaller girl launched into the story of the relationship between the two, Mini raised her head towards Effy, almost daring her to comment. If Effy didn’t hate her before, she certainly did now. And honestly, Mini couldn’t blame her. She hated herself for the way she acted back then too.

Effy, however, remained silent until after the ‘story’ had finished. I need a cigarette. S’pose I should give you lovely ladies a moment to talk. Mini folded her arms across her chest and watch Effy leave with narrowed eyes, noticing her hesitation and the look she shot Franky. This girl, whatever her relationship with Franky was, clearly thought leaving Franky alone with her best mate was a bad idea. After what she had just heard, Mini supposed Effy had a reason to be wary, but that was almost two years ago now, and it simply pissed Mini off more today. The second the door closed behind Effy, Mini wheeled around to face Franky. She knew the spliff really couldn’t have helped Franky out in this situation, but Mini was full of questions. About what had just happened, about Effy herself, about Grace, about Luke. And she wanted some answers. “Franky, what the fuck?”

Franky watched Effy leave the room for a cigarette, which only left her with Mini. Fuck. She spoke up quickly and Franky sunk to the ground by her bed. What the fuck? What the fuck for what? Mini was the one who barged inside her house without any unite or warning. “What?” Franky stared and waited. Okay she was angry about Effy. She expected a lot more about Luke or Grace being back in town. No. She was mad about Effy? “She’s a mate, Mini… She’s having a tough time, not sure what it is, but she’s a mate. You don’t have to be jealous. I can have mates outside you and they can be different.” Franky rambled and stood up pacing. Mini would surely follow if she went downstairs. Now she wanted a cigarette. Effy was alone downstairs or possibly finding a way to run out of there.

“Just be nice for once. She’s not replacing you,” she touched her shoulder still standing. Franky lingered too long and rubbed her forehead. “I need a cigarette now.” She grabbed her pack out of the drawer and shuffled her way down the hallway. Mini was following and Franky felt fuzzier. “I thought you’d be speaking to me about other things.” She muttered and hoped no one heard. Franky spotted Effy out on the patio and she made her way to the door. She caught her attention, waving he behind the glass with her pack in hand. Before stepping out she stalled in the kitchen, a stare down with Mini but something different. She was concerned with her firing at her best mate. Franky was jumping all over her for no reason only hoping that she wouldn’t being up Luke at all costs. The thought of it only made her sick to her stomach. “Look, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say that you were a bitch. My heads a little… Everywhere. Just.. Lets be nice okay? No more glaring or snarky remarks. Please?” Franky reached behind her and grabbed the sliding door to step out. Effy was almost done with her cigarette, it felt a little pointless now.

Leaning against the side of the house, Effy fiddled with her lighter for a moment. Spliff never really helped with her coordination. Her legs shook anxiously as she took her first long drag and considered just making a run for it. It’s not exactly like she came with any warning either. Franky was probably just being polite. Not to mention the fact that she’d just taken the piss out of the girl’s best mate for really no reason at all. Come to find Mini had deserved it, but there was no proper way of knowing that at first glance. Her head fell back against the cooler wall, staring up at the fast floating clouds. She was doing it again. She was pushing people away. Family, friends, strangers, everyone. And for what? Puffing on her cigarette, Effy pulled her phone from her pocket and scrolled through her contacts. She wanted to check up on him while still keeping that distance. Connor said he’d be happy to keep her in the know, so she decided to shoot him a message only to find she scrolled one contact too far. Shit, shit, shit, shit. With the few words exchanged, Effy felt herself feeling more heated than earlier. She nearly threw the phone into oncoming traffic to stop herself from rereading each text. Jealous? What the hell was he getting at? Or was that his shady game plan all along? Stick it in an old rival and see if it would get a rise out of her. She fucking hated that it did. And Cook knew it. It was right there on the screen, plainly for them both to see. He was still fucking with her. Effy angrily stuffed her phone back in her pocket and turned to see Franky waving at her with a pack in hand. Looking down, Effy saw her own cigarette wasted by her earlier distraction. She quickly flicked the neglected inch or two of ashes, still eager for her unattained fix. Franky stepped outside, Mini in tow and Effy pursed her lips, looking away. She swallowed, attempting to keep her small meltdown under wraps. Neither needed to know. Especially Mini, who was probably just dying to find a way under her skin. “You’re alive,” she joked quietly, bobbing her head for added effect. “Mind if I bum another?” Effy tossed her cigarette butt into the grass and eyed the new carton. Her gaze casually drifted toward the tall blonde. “All sorted then?” A more playful smile tugged at her lips as she stifled down her earlier resentments. “Or’d you just miss you me?” 

Mini frowned at Franky’s pacing, knowing perfectly well that everything the girls had to say to each other, and the conversation about the recent events would have to wait. Franky was, for reasons Mini couldn’t understand, friends with Effy, and was obviously helping the girl in whatever way she could given her current situation. Whatever that was, it appeared Franky didn’t know, and Mini wondered if Effy was aware of Franky’s. She felt a sudden flare of jealousy rise up, and she shrugged Franky’s hand off her shoulder. As far as Mini was concerned, Franky had bigger problems to deal with, and bigger problems regarding mates to deal with, but Franky was clearly avoiding those topics, and was much more focused on Effy and her little problem. “Fucking hell” the blonde snapped before following Franky, pausing only when her mate did.

Look, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say that you were a bitch. My heads a little… Everywhere. Just.. Lets be nice okay? No more glaring or snarky remarks. Please? Mini raised an eyebrow, and reached out to catch Franky’s arm before replying. “Alright, I’ll play nice with it. But we are deffo going to discuss the Luke issue and Grace after this.” Mini let go of Franky’s arm, somewhat reluctantly, before following the other girl outside. Effy was already sitting there, tossing her cigarette to the ground and after a moment of hesitation, Mini forced a smile. “Absolutely sorted.” She tossed a quick glance at Franky before turning back to Effy, deciding she could follow Franky’s wishes and also get to know more about this girl. Mini doubted Effy would reveal anything personal about herself, but Mini was going to have fun trying to figure out Effy’s insecurities in the mean time. “So, Effy. Besides the spliff and enjoyment of movies for children, what goes on behind your smile?”

Franky stared off around the patio area. Sitting between the two girls that were taller than her by almost a good foot. She didn’t remember lighting the cigarette or listening to the meaningless chatter between the girls, if it was even happening. Mini’s voice kept ringing in her ears. Discuss the Luke issue and Grace after this. The thought of it all made her mouth dry and taste of acid. The forced kiss on her mouth from earlier made her rub her lips subconsciously. Grace. Luke. The two names together made her absolutely sick to her stomach. Over and over, that image of the crash continued in her brain like a loop track of some sick horror movie. Continuing driving when the car toppled over the cliff and looking back in horror at the smoke. He didn’t even stop. She had to wait to see if her mates were fucking alive. He made her wait. She had to get the taste off her lips and out of her mouth, now. Franky finally decided to place her cigarette between her lips, but the instant taste of tobacco made her face shoot pale and feel nauseous. 

The girls were speaking or mumbling, or avoiding something. Franky felt at this moment she could sneak away and avoid a few things before she honestly got sick on the patio. Spliff, cigarettes, and the taste of Luke lingering around her mouth made her utterly sick to her stomach. Franky dropped her cigarette during the chatter or banter, whatever was happening. She slowly backed away, trying to be unnoticed with the blank, pale stare she had on her face. Her eyes tunneled until she found the sliding door with her hand behind her back and slipped inside. Auto pilot. She walked up the two flights into the bathroom and closed the door. The air felt thick. Franky should’ve just spoke to Mini about this whole thing there. Again, she was avoiding, like she always did. She stared at the toilet, debating on getting sick or not, but glanced in the mirror instead. All the color was out of her face. Terrifying. She spotted the tub and decided that would be a good place to think or cool down. Possibly keep her contained long enough to gather her brain back together. The girls would notice. Effy or Mini would know she hid in the bathroom, if they were still talking and didn’t follow already. 

“So, Effy. Besides the spliff and enjoyment of movies for children, what goes on behind your smile?” Mini’s patronizing tone had Effy’s good intentions out the window. As much as she wanted to please Franky, she wouldn’t tolerate being talked down to. With the provoking texting conversation still very much on her mind, Effy’s patience was dwindling. Her smile fell into a more sarcastic sneer. “Jus’more sunshine, lollipops and rainbows,” she retorted with a false enthusiasm. Before she had the chance to continue her smart remark, Effy felt the smaller girl shift beside her and quickly jump to her feet. Her own stomach twisting, she’d assumed the reason being Franky had finally had enough of their banter. She turned, catching sight of her ghostly pale complexion and knew it had to be something more dire. The girls hadn’t been alone terribly long. What could have possibly happened in that short amount of time? Effy shot Mini a mixed look of curiosity, accusation, and genuine concern before walking back inside, leaving the blonde in the dust.

“Franky?” She called, running up the stairs. “Bambs?” Her bedroom door was wide open, but entirely empty as Effy passed. A sliver of light beamed from under the bathroom’s door. Effy knocked gently against the wooden frame and inched closer. “Franks? You all right?” No sounds of heaving or anything of the sort. No sounds at all. “S’Eff,” she cautioned, just in case Franky was avoiding one in particular. Her stomach pitted again with no reply. Trying the doorknob, Effy was relieved to see it wasn’t locked. She opened the door slowly to warn the girl she was entering. “Hey.” Shutting the door lightly, Effy sat on the lidded toilet opposite the shower. “S’going on?” She asked after a moment of silence, looking around at the scene. “Nothing.. happened, yeah?” Her head tilted toward the door,  signalling the blonde downstairs. “‘Cause I’ll-” Cut short, Effy heard another rumble at the door. “Speak of the devil,” she mumbled to herself, wondering if she should just tell the girl to piss off. It wasn’t exactly her place, not under Franky’s roof unless she had permission. “Want me to get rid of her?” she mouthed before Mini slipped inside.

Jus’more sunshine, lollipops and rainbows. Mini was more than prepared to say another question gilled with fake enthusiasm in order to mock Effy more in the process, but with a jolt, the blonde realized that Franky had gone. Mini got to her feet, concern washing ove her. Wherever Franky had gone, in certainly hadn’t been to collect some snacks. Mini thought about what she had said earlier, and turned to Effy, as the location of Franky suddenly popped into her mind. Before she had time to comment, Effy had shot Mini a look of confused emotions, and as much as Mini wanted to say something about the look of accusation on her face, Franky clearly wasn’t having the best time, and Effy was already gone.

The blonde followed the smaller girl quickly and arrived at the bathroom just after the door had closed softly. Mini narrowed her eyes, but made sure her knocking came out softly. The last thing she wanted to do was freak Franky out. “Franks?” After earning no reply, Mini opened the door and slipped inside, glancing at first Effy, and then Franky. She resisted the urge to snap something at Effy, having no doubt that the brunette had been saying shit about Mini seconds before she had entered, but she wanted to focus on Franky. She had to focus on Franky. Sliding down next to the bathtub, Mini turned her head towards Franky, wondering if her words from earlier had caused this. It made Mini feel terrible inside, and she wondered if the questions around Luke and the conversation about Grace would have to wait for another day. But they would deal with that later, surely. “Franky” Mini spoke softly, the opposite of her usual loud and demanding voice “Babes. You okay?”

Franky rested the side of her head on the tub. Effy entered, spoke a bit, but Franky just shrugged it off. She didn’t want to be coddled. Honestly she was hoping Mini would find her first. Effy was trying, which was appreciated but she wasn’t sure how to deal with her in these situations. Especially when she was almost sober. Soon the door opened again and Franky shifted her eyes. Mini. A sigh of relief. The look on her face had some tail of regret from what she said, but it wasn’t her fault. Franky expected her to bring up the two people that were back. Mini sat by the tub and Franky scooted closer. Her eyes stared at Effy, she didn’t want her to hear what she had to say, but everyone was there for support. She felt foolish sitting in a fucking tub. “Yeah, I’m fine. Kind of.” Franky stared at Effy, apologetically for what she was about to say next. 

“I lied before,” she spoke softly, shifting her eyes back to the side of Mini’s face. “He’s back. He found me. Scared the shit out of me. Kissed me on the mouth,” she shook her head in disgust. “I don’t know if he’s still around, but, you were right. Sorry.” She looked up toward Effy, “Sorry.” Two different apologies. Franky really wanted to be alone, but playing host to Effy made it difficult. “I feel like a bloody idiot.” She spoke louder, mostly about the tub. Sadly, she didn’t want to move from the smaller room. “You two don’t have to be here. I feel like a twat for trying to make this work with the three of us. You two are different. Two different people and sometimes it doesn’t mean you can be mates. You don’t have to play nice anymore.” Franky touched Mini’s shoulder and squeezed it lightly. A thank you or sorry, both. She rubbed her eyes and sighed loudly. 

Franky’s expression clearly changed when Mini walked inside. A surprising look of relief. Whatever was bothering her wasn’t the blonde’s doing. Effy pursed her lips humbly, staring at the tiles on the floor, and let Mini comfort their mutual mate. The were friends. Bestfriends. Just because Effy didn’t understand it didn’t make that fact any less true. Franky had mentioned the girl before and Effy was slowly beginning to realize that although the leggy blonde wasn’t what she’d initially envisioned, they were still the same person. This was someone Franky, despite their apparent rocky beginning, had grown incredibly close to. Mini had years on her of bonding, trust, secrets. No amount of quick observance would trump that. Suddenly, she felt entirely helpless and isolated as the notion sunk in, as she learned her place. Franky leaned in, speaking quietly, clearly speaking words for Mini’s ears alone. Effy felt like she was encroaching on a private moment that didn’t belong to her. Franky. Franky didn’t belong to her. Mini was clearly her best mate, and Effy.. had just told her own to piss off. She didn’t have other proper mates, not really. It was her own doing. A lump grew in Effy’s throat that seemed impossible to shake. Standing up, she crossed her arms and shifted to the back wall, giving them more room. Franky apologized repeatedly but there was so reason. Effy shook her head each time, but couldn’t get the words out to reassure her. “You two don’t have to be here. I feel like a twat for trying to make this work with the three of us. You two are different. Two different people and sometimes it doesn’t mean you can be mates. You don’t have to play nice anymore.” Blue eyes floated hesitantly to Mini’s. Her shoulders shrugged lightly, her throat now completely dry. Effy wanted to stay and help, but she felt completely useless. What could she offer that Mini couldn’t? Her presence was really only a nuisance anyway, as she recalled the reason she’d come in the first place. Whatever Franky was worrying about, she didn’t need Effy’s woes on her plate as well. “I, er…,” her dry throat caught as her gaze raced from Franky to Mini. “I’ll let you take this one, blondie,” she jabbed, keeping up the ruse of competition and control. A lost cause, but Effy was stubborn when it came to appearances. With a weaker smile, she left the bathroom and the door clicked shut behind her.

I lied before. He’s back. He found me. Scared the shit out of me. Kissed me on the mouth, I don’t know if he’s still around, but, you were right. Sorry. Mini felt her body tense up at Franky’s words, and the hatred she felt for Luke grew. Everything had started fucking up in the gang’s lives the moment he showed up, and know he seemed determined to mess with Franky again. Mini didn’t have all the details on what happened last time, but she knew that whatever it was, it had upset and hurt Franky big time. And now he was back, messing things up all over again. Glancing quickly at Effy, Mini knew there wasn’t much room for discussion with the other girl there, so she simply leaned over and gave Franky’s cheek a quick kiss.

You two don’t have to be here. I feel like a twat for trying to make this work with the three of us. You two are different. Two different people and sometimes it doesn’t mean you can be mates. You don’t have to play nice anymore. Mini turned back to Effy, frowning slightly. It wasn’t as hostile as before, and the blonde was more curious to see what Effy would do. Mini had no intentions of leaving, not just yet, even if Franky wanted her gone. Franky had been there for Mini through all her own issues last year, even when Mini just wanted everyone to leave. And she knew that these issues-Luke and Grace-couldn’t be avoided forever, no matter how much Franky wanted just that. I’ll let you take this one, blondie. Mini watched Effy leave, only turning back to Franky once the door had closed. “Do you need to like, discuss shit with her? Don’t think there’s going to be room for her in the bed.” Mini attempted a smile, but she knew Franky wouldn’t buy it. The reasons for Mini not wanting Effy around had gone from jealousy to not wanting to discuss the Luke issue in front of what Mini thought of as a stranger. And Franky was finally starting to open up about it, and Mini didn’t want to risk losing it. She couldn’t go about ripping his balls off until she knew the story, now could she?

Effy was gone and Franky knew she needed to fix that before the day had ended. Mini was being supportive and yet she still felt like a twat for sitting in a tub hiding away from her emotions. There were a lot more things she needed to tell Mini. Things with Nick mostly, that could wait. “Do you need to like, discuss shit with her? Don’t think there’s going to be room for her in the bed.” Franky tried to smile but it didn’t last longer than a few seconds. “No, I don’t need to.” She licked her lips and stared at Mini. The only thing that made her feel a little more comfortable was the reassuring kiss on her cheek. “He found me in a pub. I was doing some work for my internship… and I didn’t know what to do. I froze. He fucking..” She cringed and wiped the taste off her lips. It still lingered and burned. “He kept saying we were good together and that he deserves a second chance. Terrified the shit out of me, wouldn’t stop touching me. I hid in the bathrooms but he found me. Threatened to do things.. to people. To Nick.” Franky wished she had the strength to get out of the tub, but it felt safer in this bubble. 

“He ended up leaving after I called him a monster, but not after he went off yelling and I know he’ll be back. I can’t do anything. He’ll hurt everyone if I don’t listen to him.. that’s why I’ve been hiding out at home. Chris is gone on a business trip and I feel.. powerless.” That was that. Franky didn’t want Mini getting involved, no way in hell. She couldn’t bare it if another one of her mates got hurt. As of now, she was more concerned with Nick’s safety. “I’m terrified, cos I can’t do anything.”

He kept saying we were good together and that he deserves a second chance. Terrified the shit out of me, wouldn’t stop touching me. I hid in the bathrooms but he found me. Threatened to do things.. to people. To Nick. Even after everything that had happened over her eighteen years, there were very few times when Mini had felt this angry, this disgusted. Whatever Luke did to Franky before was clearly still affecting the girl, and now he was buck and fucking with her again. Right then, Mini wanted to do something, anything, to make Luke pay for everything he had done to Franky, done to the rest of the gang. But Mini couldn’t get angry right now, not when Franky needed her to play the role of a comforting best friend. She needed to be a mate first and foremost, and a bitch later.

Mini swallowed, before reaching into the tub and grabbing one of Franky’s hands. Mini held it tightly and looked at Franky - her terrified, upset best friend. “He’s not going to hurt you, Franks. I promise. And I don’t break my promises.” Mini knew Franky wouldn’t believe her, that she rarely would under normal circumstances, let alone one involving the guy who had messed her up this badly. But Mini had to try, had to try without threatening Luke, at least when she was around Franky. The blonde just wished there was something else she could do, besides offering words of comfort and pecking Franky on the cheek. But Luke, whatever he had done, had messed with Franky enough to make the girl utterly terrified, something beyond even Mini’s control.

For any type of odd reason, Franky believed Mini’s words. It felt weird. Someone promising something and she actually believing them. It was never on her record and she would never say it aloud. She squeezed Mini’s hand and wished she was closer so she wouldn’t feel like such a knob sitting in a tub. How insane did she look? So much for trying to be normal after all this. She looked up from her knee and studied Mini’s face. She was thinking, too hard about this when she shouldn’t have. Franky knew her situation would just falter out and dissipate. She never wanted Mini involved, but a moment of weakness. Grace back, Luke showed his face once. It didn’t mean he would stick around.

She detached their hands, which caused Mini to stir and watch Franky slowly inch out of the tub and sit next to her on the floor. Her arm latched around Mini’s and she hugged tightly, resting her head on Mini’s shoulder. “Can you stay over?” She knew the answer already. It was obvious Mini wasn’t going anywhere. “And.. Mini,” Franky looked up from the girls shoulder staring at her freckled cheek. “Thanks.” She moved her arms around Mini’s shoulders and hugged tightly, after putting a soft peck on her cheek. Franky breathed in her familiar atmosphere, a hug that happened more often with her than anyone else. She finally felt safe, just for a moment. It only happened once before, and it was again after Franky almost tossed herself off a cliff and ended up cowering in Mini’s arms yet again. 

livefreeliv:

mminimcguinness:

livefreeliv:

mminimcguinness:

livefreeliv:

Mini sat down at the bar after dancing with a bunch of randoms, in an attempt to take her mind off before. But then the boys had started wanting more than a dance, and Mini didn’t want anymore fights tonight, so she had simply left the dancefloor, wondering why everything always seemed to take a shit turn just when she thought she got it right. The music was playing again, and people had finally stopped staring at Mini, but she was still upset, furious at Cook, furious at Matty, and furious at herself. She didn’t mean to take it out on Franky, but she had been pissed off, and Franky was there.

Still, even if Mini did manage to find the other girl, she doubted any apologies would be in the works-instead it’d be Mini taking the other girl’s hand and hoping Franky wouldn’t mind if they just danced the night away. Mini had never been good at saying sorry, and hadn’t even been that good at receiving them. Show me how sorry you are. The blonde shook out her head, before sitting down on a bar stool, the bracelet Franky made her still jangling on her wrist along with the others. “Fuck” she muttered, before looking up at the bartender “A sour apple martini, please.” The drink was in her hand quickly enough, and Mini drank gratefully, wondering when she was finally going to get it right, and if anything good would come the day of her real birthday. Although, given how terrible the last few months had been, Mini wasn’t betting on it. 

Mini had just been about to take another sip of her drink, planning on finishing it off before trying to push away her thoughts with dancing again, when she heard someone sit on the barstool next to her. No thanks, the blonde thought drily, not wanting to have to deal with sleazy guys tonight. Mini frowned, and placed her drink back on the bar before going to turn to the person in question.

Liv left Chris’ flat dressed with nowhere to go. She did have somewhere to go but it was against her better judgement. She entered the warehouse secretly hoping to run into a familar face. Liv had been feeling a lot better, thanks to having a place to sleep and a decent person to talk to. Her best bet was heading straight for the bar. Before she got there Liv noticed a head of blonde hair sitting alone. She recognized Mini immediately and from the looks of it the Scottish queen was not happy. Liv wandered over and pulled herself up on the stool next to her. “Now is that any way to act at your own party Ms. McGuinness?” Liv grinned and ordered a pint. She took a deep breath and nudged her mate. “Don’t worry…I come in peace and shit…with you at least.” Liv accepted her glass and dipped her finger in the foam. She looked around and sighed. The party seemed decent enough, considering it was thrown by Franky. “So where is she? Or should I not bother to ask…” Liv bit down on her lip. Bringing up Franky was the last thing she needed to do to make this peaceful. She looked across the room and saw someone she thought was Matty. Couldn’t be. He wouldn’t show up here. Then again she wasn’t one to show up either. Liv directed her attention back to Mini. “What’s with the face anyway? This is all for you, yeah? Why aren’t you dancing?”

Mini’s plan of telling her companion off was tossed to the side when she realized who had sat down beside her. She rolled her eyes at Liv’s quips, and instead focused on her drink. She heard Liv mention Franky-of course-and Mini turned to her with steady eyes. She could practically hear Liv gloating about Mini and Franky having a fight, and Mini hadn’t even told her yet. The relationship between the two former best friends might have improved, but Mini didn’t want to have to throw it all under the bus if Liv started to bitch about Franky again. Instead, she opted to put on her best fake smile, the one that was simply used to mock people, and replied “You seem to care an awful lot about my friendship with a girl you hate.” Mini glanced down at the bracelt on her wrist, wondering how she managed to fix one relationship and then mess up another straight after. She turned back to Liv, still frowning. “One of the Levan brothers managed to mess it up for me. I’d say it’s the one you fucked, but that wouldn’t narrow it down, would it?” Mini knew that it was stupid to take this out on Liv-the girl had just showed up, and besides, taking her anger out on the wrong person was why she was sitting alone in the first place, but Mini was still irritated, and if Liv ended up hating her, it wouldn’t be the first time, much to Mini’s dismay.

“You seem to care an awful lot about my friendship with a girl you hate.” Liv sat still with her lips pressed together. Fair enough. They weren’t back to being chummy just yet, she could understand that. She stayed quiet to keep herself from spitting a snarky remark back in Mini’s direction. Liv too another sip from her pint and looked around. She turned back to Mini when she heard her speak again. 
“One of the Levan brothers managed to mess it up for me. I’d say it’s the one you fucked, but that wouldn’t narrow it down, would it?” Liv raised her eyebrows. She cleared her throat and tapped her fingers on the bar. “Well…good thing there’s only two yeah?” She forced a smile and gulped down the rest of her drink. Playing nice wasn’t as easy as she assumed. But she was use to Mini’s attitude by now. At least she was sure she was. Whatever pissed the blonde off happened way before Liv arrived. “I didn’t think you were the type to let a bloke ruin your mood…too much pride and all that.” Liv smirked at Mini and cocked an eyebrow. She glanced around the party again. Maybe Matty was here…but why? They didn’t leave off on the right foot. In fact Liv didn’t leave anyone on a good note. She looked back at Mini and shrugged. “So…you here with anyone?” Besides your girlfriend, Fitzgerald.

So…you here with anyone? Mini frowned at Liv’s question, wondering if the girl was aiming at something. There used to be a time where this awkwardness between the two girls would’ve seemed impossible, but so much had happened since then, and even after their talk not too long ago, Mini wasn’t sure where she stood with Liv. Nonetheless, she took comfort in the fact they were no longer at each other’s throats. Well, the fact that Liv wasn’t at Mini’s throat. Still, Mini knew that if she revealed the truth-that she had come here with Franky but managed to fuck that up-a small part of Liv would be glad. Mini’s best mate and former best mate had yet to work out their differences, and even though Mini couldn’t really say much on the matter when things with Liv were still awkward and she had just bitched at Franky, she constantly wished the two were still friends. At least then, things had been easier. Shaking her head, Mini aimed a forced smile at Liv, even though she knew the other girl could see right through her. “This whole party is for me, isn’t it? Who says I have to stick with one person the entire night?”

“Just…making conversation Mins. One of us has to.” Liv thought about ordering another drink. Or just getting up and walking away. The only reason she showed up was to see Mini and because she promised Nick. Why hadn’t she seen him yet? Liv ordered two shots and handed one over to Mini. “Bottoms up princess.” She caught eyes with a random bloke walking by and grinned before turning back to Mini. “You sure you don’t want to dance with anyone? Not even me?” She nudged Mini again and smiled. Even if they couldn’t be like how it use to be, she wanted to make the best out of it. Mini didn’t seem like she was falling for her kindness routine at all. “Mini…” Liv signaled down the bartender for another drink and sighed. “Who was the bloke that ruined it for you? What’s his name?” The drink was placed in front of her and Liv scooted it over to Mini. “I can either get you drunk and you start spilling your guts or you can be my old best mate for at least the next ten minutes. Deal?”

Mini tossed the shot back and grimaced, covering her mouth with the back of her hand for several seconds before turning back to Liv. At Liv’s question, Mini gave a small smile, because truthfully, she had missed going out to parties with Liv, getting drunk and dancing the night away. Those days seemed like a lifetime a go, and with a frown, Mini took note of how easily friendships could be dissolved. Franky was her best mate, and Mini loved her, but she had missed Liv. She still missed Liv, and the two hadn’t even spoken since their accidental meeting a few weeks back. Partly because Mini didn’t know how to reach her anymore, and partly because she didn’t want to. It was awful, but it was true, and at the very least, it wasn’t the first time Mini had been brutally honest. It was a bit stupid really, that considering how honest Liv and Mini could both be, that they had told so many lies to each other over the past two years. But somehow, Liv could still get the truth out of Mini if she tried hard enough, and vice versa. The blonde pushed back her shoulders as Liv asked about Cook, and in turn, Matty. She didn’t really care for either, and was only pissed about the fact that they had ruined her night and had, at the very least, but a dent in her friendship with Franky. But Liv didn’t have to know those details, although they probably would’ve come spilling out had she gone the drunk route. “Besides your freak of an ex boyfriend, who’s ruined so many things that the only bigger joke is his life, some twat named Cook who broke into my house today.” Mini shrugged, as if it were over, although if she knew Liv, it was far from it.

Liv tried to stifle a laugh. So that was what Cook was up to these days. She hadn’t heard from him since the day they ran from the cops together and broke into her house. She debated on telling Mini that she knew the bloke. Nothing would come from it besides a smart remark from the blonde. Liv shrugged and looked around the party, maybe Cook was still there? “Don’t be so hard on Matty…he’s just…different.” She bit the inside of her cheek and sighed. “Besides…you can hardly call him my ex because of- well you know.” Liv forced a giggle trying to make the situation more light hearted than she felt about it. “I barely had any time with him before he was off chasing…someone else.” She eyed the drink that she previously handed over to Mini. If she wouldn’t drink it, Liv had no problem taking it off of her hands. “But forget all of that alright? It’s not about the past for right now…maybe we can- I don’t know. Fuck around one day soon? Like proper mates. Without any extras or all of that bollocks.” Say it. The young girl hesitated. She thought maybe if she paused long enough Mini would forget she was saying something in the first place. Liv rolled her eyes and shrugged. “I miss you Mins. Alright? Period.” She missed her enough to put their troubles aside, but not enough to be included her the Fitzgerald McGuinness boat of friendship. Liv wasn’t ready to walk down that bath just yet. Even if she was basically living with Franky at this point.

I miss you Mins. Mini glanced up at Liv, a million and one questions waiting to be asked between them. But the only one Mini was positive she could answer was given a perfect opportunity to be revealed, and, as usual, Mini’s pride prevented her from doing anything right away, and she was sick of it. Liv had just said the one thing that had needed to be said between the girls for a long while, and Mini wasn’t going to deny the fact she missed Liv right back. Inwardly, at least. Because as much as Mini missed giggling at nightclubs or having sleepovers or going shopping with Liv, she didn’t want to have to choose between her and Franky again, something that appeared to keep coming up. But right now, she didn’t want to let her guard down. Mini swallowed half the drink in front of her, before placing it down, feeling slightly less stable than before. She gave Liv a small smile, before nudging the girl slightly. “Not surprised. Everyone loves a McGuinness.” She knew Liv would be irritated by such an answer, but Mini couldn’t admit to missing her as well, so she went with a slightly different wording. “It’d be nice to have you around again, Malone. McGuinness and Malone was an fabulous duo. Two gorgeous girls too smart to fall for any stupid lines, yeah?” There were words that were left unspoken in the air around the girls, mainly McGuinness and Malone and Violet and Fitzgerald. Mini missed it being the four of them, and missed things not being awkward between various duos in that group. But the old times seemed a million miles away, and for now, Mini was fine to spend the night with Liv-just minus fights and any more sentimental moments.

“Not surprised. Everyone loves a McGuinness.” Liv rolled her eyes. She was tired of the games. She looked away from Mini and turned her attention to something else. It took everything inside of her not to walk away and leave her best mate alone at the bar. Or to push her off of the bar stool first. “It’d be nice to have you around again, Malone. McGuinness and Malone was an fabulous duo. Two gorgeous girls too smart to fall for any stupid lines, yeah?” Liv faked a smile. She wanted it to be obvious that she wasn’t happy. “Have me around? I’m not a fucking pet Mini.” Was it too late to take back her kind words? Probably. But it wasn’t too late to hurt her feelings before she left. She sat in her seat quiet, only motioning towards the barkeep for another drink. “Fun fact…” Liv looked at Mini sideways and pursed her lips. “I know that James Cook bloke…” She sighed and twiddled her fingers. “Nice guy, decent fuck too. Maybe I could find him and Matty and have threesome…that is if you’re done fucking me over of course.” Her drink arrived and was placed in front of her. Liv picked it up and scooted off of the stool. “Go find Franky. You two deserve each other.” She started to walk away and push through the crowd. Liv wasn’t in the mood to party anymore. She stopped and turned looking over at Mini one last time. “Happy Birthday.” She didn’t want them to end on a bad note, but she needed to leave before anything else happened. Even if they couldn’t be best mates she didn’t want them to be enemies. 

Fuck. That hadn’t gone down the way Mini had wanted it to, not at all. Trust her pride and bad relationship with Liv to fuck things up again. Mini was about to add something to it, but Liv’s next few words made her bit her tongue. They didn’t exactly make Mini angry, they just hurt, and she was reminded once again of how badly her relationship with Liv had gone downhill. And no matter what they might pretend, it had more to do than just Franky coming between them. Mini sat there in silence for several seconds, unable to think of anything to retort for once in her life. Maybe she would’ve had a snarky comment had Liv not thrown in the bit about Franky, but it hit the blonde to realise that neither of her best mates wanted her. Happy birthday. Mini smirked at that, because if there was one thing this birthday wasn’t, it was happy. As she watched Liv leave however, her mouth curved downwards, all amusement towards the irony of Liv’s statement gone. Mini tossed back the last of her drink, and her throat burned, but she really couldn’t see this night improving without the help of alcohol. After several beats, Mini got to her feet, wondering if she was going to regret this. She knew she and Liv had been on rocky ground for a long while now, and she wasn’t sure if tonight was really a good night to work on repairing it. Chances were, it would end badly. But Mini did not want to spend the rest of her night sulking, and Franky was gone and clearly irritated towards Mini. Spending her eighteenth birthday party alone was not something Mini had planned on doing. And she couldn’t keep avoiding Liv forever, could she? Maybe Mini was being selfish, only deciding to repair their relationship on the night of a party where Mini was on her loneosme, but there was a small part of the blonde that had missed Liv. And she wanted to go back to the old ways, even if it were just for a night. Making her way through the crowd, Mini scanned around looking for Liv. Spotting the familiar back to her former mate’s head, Mini tapped with Liv on the shoulder with two slender fingers. “Malone.”

Liv was on her way out of the warehouse. She reached for the single cigarette in her pocket and lot it heading out of the door. The night air was cold and welcoming, more welcoming than the conversation between her and Mini. Everything was wrong and she could feel it in the pit of her stomach. Liv felt a tap on her shoulder. “Not in the mood for dancing…” She answered before she turned around. Liv stopped in her tracks and turned swiftly. “Mini? Wha-what are you doing?” She didn’t wait long for a response before starting to walk off again. Was she being too harsh? She let out a sigh and started walking back towards Mini. “Let’s talk yeah?” Liv lead the way out into the night. She figured Mini didn’t want to hang around the party anyway. Liv offered her the cigarette. She smirked to herself, glad that Mini came after her. The two girls walked toward Brandon Hill and sat on the one bench facing the water. What was suppose to happen now? Apologies? For what? She took a drag from the cigarette and another sigh escaped her lips. “Remember that one time we flirted with those security guys to get into that concert…front row.” Liv giggled and shook her head. “We were like 14 right?”

Mini left the party with Liv with only a slight hesitation, wondering if she was even wanted there any more. Franky was nowhere to be seen, and Mini had yet to spot the rest of the gang. Most of the other people were Mini vaugely knew but didn’t know very well, or just people the blonde had never met. If anything, her biggest concern was that her stuff was still in the back room, but she could come back later. Right now, however, it was far from the fabulous eighteenth birthday party Mini was expecting. As she and Liv walked towards Brandon Hill, Mini kept her arms folded across her chest, and refused to look at the other girl. They walked on in silence, Mini’s previous confidence drained. She didn’t know what it was about Liv that could make her feel like this, but Mini assumed it had something to do with the fact Liv knew her. The real Mini, not the one she put on for show. It scared Mini, that Liv knew what she was like when the walls were stripped away. Sitting down next to Liv on the bench, Mini stared out at the water, only facing Liv when the other girl spoke. She gigled a little at the memory, wondering why things had to get so complicated. “Thirteen” she confirmed “Which shows what creeps those men were, considering we did get in the front row.” Thinking back through all those years made Mini realize how much she had missed Liv, and she wondered, for a split second, if they’d ever be able to go back to that.

“Mins…I’m not expecting us to be perfect. We never were.” She looked over at her friend, staring at her. As the night went on the colder it got. Liv wondered how long they would be out there. How long they could pretend to have a conversation. She wanted to put everything she was feeling out on the line while she had her there. “You left me…remember?” Her body shifted on the bench and Liv swallowed hard. “I didn’t leave you for Alex…you were long gone up there-” she pointed to her blonde head, “…long before I even met Alex.” Her words started to slur. The alcohol was getting to her now. Liv wasn’t sure how long she would be able to keep her emotions settled. “I needed you and everyone after the- after what happened…” She sucked her teeth and faced forward. Was she even listening? 

Liv sat silent for a little while. Her head started to fuzz over and her vision blurred. She was definitely drunk. She took deep breaths and started to lightly laugh to herself. “You aren’t fooling anyone. You’re not and neither am I…” She crossed her legs, shifting on the bench again. Liv was feeling antsy and it was harder to sit still. “You already know what I want Mini…” She looked over at her mate again but this time she didn’t meet her eyes. Instead she stared pass her, over at the warehouse up the pavement road. “I don’t know why you’re protecting her. I don’t trust her.” 

Mini kept quiet as she sat there, listening to Liv talk. She knew there were things she could say at certain moments, but she held her breath. Mini knew what was coming. It always came up in their conversations now days, the big black cloud that hung over their friendhship. But it was the topic that both of them couldn’t agree upon, and hadn’t been able to agree upon it almost a year. Fuck. Had it really been that long? Mini and Liv’s friendship had never been easy, but they had always stuck together, always made up in the end. Now it seemed like they’d never be able to do that again. Not properly.

The things Liv said about her leaving, about Alex, about what had happened a year ago made Mini flinch, but she held her tongue. Maybe it was the alcohol, and maybe the words that Liv said were true, and Mini didn’t know how to defend herself. But she knew how to defend Franky, and she got to her feet not a second after Liv mentioned her. I don’t know why you’re protecting her. I don’t trust her. “Fucking hell, Malone. You’re obviously never going to stop hating her, but she is my best mate. And nothing is going to change that.”

“Fucking hell, Malone. You’re obviously never going to stop hating her, but she is my best mate. And nothing is going to change that.” Mini’s words caught Liv off guard. Her body tensed up and her vision blurred. “Best mate…? Hm.” She nodded and put out her cigarette. For the most part, Liv felt calm. Even though her skin crawled and her mouth was dry. She looked over at Mini and shrugged her shoulders. “Then what the fuck am I doing here?” She stood to her feet and stepped on the dimly lit cigarette.The silence between them was eerie. Liv was waiting for one of them to crack. She thought it would be her own self but her body felt numb. Only now looking over at Mini was impossible. “I guess this is it then…” Her voice felt raspy and frail. Liv cleared her throat and looked back toward the warehouse. “You should go back to your party with your friends…”

Liv turned to walk away without another word. She left Mini sitting on the bench and din’t even bother to look back. Liv knew their friendship was over long before they even saw each other but she wasn’t mad at Mini. At least she couldn’t tell yet. But she needed someone to blame and she knew exactly who that would be. It was Franky who was always playing the victim. Franky was the reason everyone seemed so broken. It was pointless trying to convince Mini or anyone else that everything was just fine before she came along. It wasn’t worth trying anymore.

Mini stared after Liv through narrowed eyes, an empty feeling in her stomach. Her choice of words had affected Liv more than Mini was expecting, but she wasn’t going to take them back. They were true, and had been true for a while now. Franky was her best friend, the same way Alex was most likely Liv’s. Whatever friendship the girls once had between them certainly wasn’t one of best mates anymore, and Mini wondered if they’d ever even be friends again. Not at this rate. Not when Liv was so determined to tear Mini and Franky apart, not when the things they said made each other furious. But Mini didn’t want to lose Liv, not for good. Despite everything that had happened, Mini still loved the other girl. She really did.

Mini started following Liv as fast as she could go on this ground and in her shoes. She didn’t know what she was going to say, whether it would be words of anger or remorse, but Mini was betting on the latter. Mini was pissed at the other girl for everything that had happened between them in the past year or so, even if it wasn’t Liv’s fault. Finally catching up to the other girl, Mini grabbed her arm and yanked her around. It wasn’t her last effort, one that Mini doubted would work, but she had to try. And if it didn’t work-well, Liv was clearly done with their friendship, and Mini figured she’d have to start getting over it too. Eyeing the other girl, Mini kept a hold on her arm “Stop making me choose.” She knew that it wasn’t much to go by for now, but Liv would know what it meant, and would certainly decide whether or not to continue the conversation. But for now, Mini had nothing left to say.

Liv heard the clicking of Mini’s shoes and figured she was heading back to the warehouse. The sudden tug of her arm startled her but she was more upset than anything. “Stop making me choose.” She turned slowly to face the blonde. Liv grinded her teeth together. She didn’t want to talk anymore. She wasn’t sure how long she could keep calm. “Making you chose? Mini…looks to me you’ve already decided. I’m not going to wait around like some puppy for you to come back. I’m done.”

Mini still had a grip on her arm. Liv looked down at her arm then back up at the blonde. She attempted to pull away, looking Mini directly in her eyes. “Are we done?” The music from the warehouse faded into the background. The crickets and the wind blowing through the leaves grew louder. Liv could hear her own breathing. Slowly but surely it started to increase into frustration. She yanked her arm out of Mini’s hold and shook her head.

“What are you trying to prove Mini…” Liv folded her arms and shifted her weight onto her right hip. She raised her eyebrows and pressed her lips together. “Nothing? Figures..” Liv looked over Mini’s shoulder and back at the warehouse. She pointed in that direction and huffed. “You really should get back to your friend. Wouldn’t want anything to happen to her…”

Liv yanked her hand out of Mini’s grasp, and the freckled girl narrowed her eyes at her mate. Or former mate. It seemed Liv was determined to give Mini the choice between her or Franky, and Mini had realized months ago that Franky would always be her choice. Mini and Liv had been growing apart for a year, and when she was off being Alex’s shadow or whatever, Franky had been there. Mini knew she couldn’t just blame Liv for their friendship falling apart, but Mini had always be rather irrational and stubborn, and so she simply continued to stare at the other girl.

You really should get back to your friend. Wouldn’t want anything to happen to her… Mini’s thoughts flickered to Franky, the girl she was currently having a fight with. If you could call it that. Mini wasn’t sure where she stood with Franky anymore, but she assumed they were still friends. Best friends. They had to be. Because Grace was gone and Liv clearly wanted nothing to do with Mini if Franky was even somewhat in the picture. They would make up. They had to. And until then, Mini wasn’t going to let Liv known about their falling out. She’d be glad, and Mini wouldn’t be able to handle that. Not tonight.

“Course not. Your new best mate will probably latch on to her. Then you’d have to make him choose as well, wouldn’t you babes?” Mini folded her arms and raised an eyebrow, even though she doubted Liv could see it in the darkness. If Mini remaining close with Franky meant that Liv wanted to throw their friendship away, Mini wasn’t going down without a fight. The relationship between the two girls had always included arguments, but Mini, under all her anger and snide remarks, felt sick about the idea of losing ten years of friendship without a final one. A final shot, disguised with bitter comments and sneers.

“Oh fuck off Minerva.” Liv started to walk off again. This time a little faster than before. She stopped and turned around but refused to walk back towards Mini. She wouldn’t grant her that much. “I’m not the one making you choose Mini. You left me first. When you did that you already decided!” She took one step closer but held back. Liv was tired of their arguments going in circles. She folded her arms and stood her ground.

The darker it got, the colder it became. Everything was telling Liv to just go home. Don’t sit around and argue, it wouldn’t be worth it. “I should really go…this…this isn’t going anywhere. You….we…we need to decide now. Because I’m tired of fighting.”

Liv took another step closer and reached out to touch Mini’s arm. “I don’t want to be friends with her. That doesn’t mean I don’t want to be mates with you…but I won’t be around if she is. That’s the truth.”

Mini’s eyes narrowed. So Liv was serious about this. Her or Franky. It was a choice Mini didn’t think she’d ever have to make officially. But Liv was tired of fighting, the same way Mini was, she just had a different ending in mind. One that Mini didn’t agree with, but it seemed to be the only ending she was happy with.

Mini loved Liv. They had been friends even since Mini had shown up to school after living the first eight years of her life in Glasgow. They had always fought, because that’s just who they were, but they always made up. They loved each other, they cared about each other, and they were the best of friends. And even though things had gotten completely fucked up, Mini had simply assumed they’d make up eventually.

But she couldn’t leave Franky. Franky needed Mini. Mini needed Franky. After everything that had happened over the past two years, the girls had gotten to rely on each other to such an extent that Mini doubted she could just end their friendship even if she wanted to. They were fighting now, but they were going to make up. They had to.

So if Liv was going to make her choose, then Mini was going to choose. She stepped back, away from Liv and her grasp. She wasn’t going to get upset, not until Liv was far behind anyway. “Better hope your boyfriend doesn’t get a new mate” she snapped, before quickly shoving past Liv and walking into the night.

We’ve got a lot in common, me and you.