The Guilded Lily Ch. 06: Shelly's Tale

Episode 6.

Shelly's Tale

Shelly Fraser.

* * *

I was sitting on the bed, in my room, when I heard them come in. Footsteps on the stairs, cheery voices. Mandy was home! I rushed out into the lounge, then stopped as I saw her.

Mandy looked pale, she'd lost a lot of weight and was leaning on a walking stick to get up the stairs. Her beautiful blonde hair was cut in a short, pixie style. I knew they'd shaved her head to treat her wounds after the accident.

"Hello Shelly," she smiled, "Have you got a hug for me?"

I walked over to Mandy, slipped my arms around her neck and pulled her to me. Tears were in my eyes as I whispered in her ear. "I'm so sorry Mandy, I couldn't do it."

"What are you sorry for? Couldn't do what?"

I hugged her tighter, burying my face in her neck, drawing in her scent. "I came to see you just after the accident. You were just lying there. You were bruised and cut, you had an arm and a leg in plaster, your head shaved and bandaged. I was so frightened for you, frightened of losing you. I never came back. I couldn't bear to see you like that."

"It doesn't matter," Mandy said. "I was in a coma. Jim was there for me, and I'm sure he kept you informed."

"You know I love you, Mandy. I should have been brave for you, but I let you down."

Mandy released me from her arms and turned towards the spare bedroom. "Come and help me get settled in," she said.

I helped her to hobble to the bedroom. Jim set Mandy's case inside the door, winked at me, and left.

I closed the door and went to help Mandy, who was trying to lie on the bed. I set her pillows against the headboard and helped her to sit up in the bed. She patted the mattress next to her.

"Come and sit with me."

I sat on the bed on her left side, and she put her arm around me, pulling me to her side.

"You're only young, Shelly. Seeing someone in the state I was in is hard. With someone you love, it's harder. I don't blame you for not wanting to come to visit."

I wiped a tear from my cheek. "So we're okay?"

Mandy pulled me tighter to her, pulling my face into her soft breast. She kissed the top of my head.

"We're very okay! Now snuggle up to me and keep me company while I take a nap."

We must have both fallen asleep, because the next thing I remember is being woken by my sister Crystal, kissing me on the cheek. "Come on, wake up, love birds!" she giggled.

My cheeks reddened as I extricated myself from Mandy's arms and stood up.

"Why're you embarrassed, Shelly? We all know about your crush on Mandy," Crystal said, "You two are so cute."

I punched her on the arm. "Tease!"

"Come on, Mandy, Dinner's ready."

We sat together and ate. Jimmy, Crystal, Mandy, her twins Becky and Roz, and me. It was a cheerful homecoming, and we were all so grateful to have Mandy home.

After dinner, I helped Crystal put the twins to bed, then we all sat chatting in the lounge.

After an hour, Mandy tried to get up. I jumped out of my chair and helped her up.

She smiled at me. "Come and help me get ready for bed."

I took her arm and led her to her bedroom. "What do you need me to do?" I asked.

"Help me get undressed and into bed please Shelly. It's still hard to do with a weak arm and leg."

I slipped off Mandy's shoes and put them in the closet. I pulled her jumper up over her head, hearing her wince as she lifted her arm. I unbuttoned her blouse and pulled it off her shoulders, then unzipped her jeans and slid them down her thighs. She stood before me in bra and panties.

I swallowed hard. Here was the beautiful woman I had an impossible crush on. Impossible because she was the lover of my sister and her husband.

I'd told them about it, and they all humoured me. Mandy played my games and let me feel loved without me making a fool of myself.

Her voice dragged me out of my dream. "Can you unfasten my bra?"

"I... Um... yeah... Okay." I stood behind her and undid the catch, letting the bra slide down her arms. Mandy pulled it off and set it with her other clothes. She massaged her large breasts and sighed.

She turned around and asked me to get her tee-shirt for her. I stared at her beautiful bosom and the angry scar just below.

"Shelly... Hello!... Shelly! They're just tits!"

"But they're your tits, Mandy. They're so beautiful." I shook my head, "Is the scar still sore?"

"No, it looks worse than it is. Here, feel."

I reached out and ran my fingers along the raised red welt, touching the underside of her breast.

She smiled. "See? Now pass me the shirt." She put it over her head, and I helped her with her bad arm. "Come on, Cuddleslut, hug me to sleep, then off to your own bed with you."

I grinned at her nickname for me, and pulled off my own shoes and jeans, sliding into bed beside her. I spooned behind her and wrapped my arm around her waist. Mandy snuggled back against me, sighed and whispered, "Goodnight."

* * *

I woke to sounds from the kitchen of the restaurant below. The sandwich-making crew were in and working. I must have been here all night. Mandy rolled over to look at me.

"Have you been in my bed all night, Cuddleslut?"

I giggled. "I fell asleep... Sorry!"

Mandy smiled and kissed me on the mouth, "It's okay, I suppose. Just don't tell my lovers."

The door opened. "Don't tell your lovers what?" Crystal smiled, coming into the room with two cups of coffee. "You weren't in your own room, so where else would you be, Shelly?"

I grinned and took my coffee. "I've spent the night with my girlfriend," I said.

They both fell about laughing, and I soon joined them.

* * *

I sat in the kitchen of our flat, drinking coffee with my sister Crystal. It was a Monday morning, Mandy was at physiotherapy, and Milla was looking after the twins.

"Crystal? I wish there was a way for me to pay you back for all that you've done for me."

"That's not how it works silly," she smiled, "You have to pay it forward."

I looked at her. "What do you mean?"

"You can't pay me back, but you can do things for others that need it. Like you're trying to train to be a psychotherapist. You'll pay it forward to all your clients. You buy coffee and sandwiches for homeless people. That's paying it forward. Just do what you can to help others."

I smiled, "I think that's a great idea." I thought for a minute. "Crystal? Are you mad that I fell asleep in Mandy's bed the other night?"

She giggled, "Why would I be mad?"

I blushed. "I know you're all aware of my crush on Mandy, but sometimes I feel like I will break you three up and it frightens me."

Crystal leaned over and hugged me. "We wouldn't let that happen, Sis. We all love you, and we know you're having a struggle with relationships and sexuality at the moment. Mandy's set your boundaries, kisses and cuddles, no sex. We trust you, and we need you to trust us."

"Trust is as important as love, isn't it?" I said.

"Maybe more so," smiled my sister, "After what happened to me as a child, I needed to trust Jimmy before I'd let myself love him. It's the same with Mandy. I trust her in our relationship, and I know she trusts Jimmy and me."

"Crystal, do you trust Mum?"

She looked me in the eye, trying to see what I was asking. "No."

"Because of what happened with Dad?"

"She never believed me until it was too late," Crystal said.

"I'm not sure I trust her either," I said, "It's part of the reason I moved here, with you. This is my family now."

Crystal hugged me close and kissed my cheek. "That's such a lovely thing to say. We all feel the same about you too, you know."

I smiled. "I love you, Sis."

* * *

It had been a long shift in the restaurant that evening. I'd been working after college two nights a week and was tired. We'd just finished re-setting the tables and hoovering the carpet.

Billy, one of the waiting staff, was working beside me. He was a year or two older than me and quite cute.

"Shelly, do you have a boyfriend?"

"No," I said.

"Would you like to see a film with me on Sunday?"

We talked about what was showing at the cinema and, finding something we'd both enjoy, I agreed to go with him.

I dressed up a bit for the occasion in a short red skirt and white sweater. I'd told Crystal I was going out with a friend and met Billy outside the restaurant at seven. We drove to the cinema, got our tickets and some popcorn, and took our seats. The film was excellent. Billy took my hand halfway through, and I thought he might like me.

When the film finished, we wandered back to Billy's car, holding hands. "Do you fancy a drink?" he said, "There's a band playing at The King's Head in Moseley."

"Okay," I said, "sounds good."

We got in the car and made a brief trip to the venue. Billy took my hand, and we went inside. The music was so loud! I could barely hear Billy's voice. "What do you want to drink?" he shouted.

"Coke please."

"You sure you don't want something stronger?"

"No, I'm not old enough, Coke is fine."

He went off to the bar to get the drinks while I watched the band. They were covering some Rolling Stones and doing an excellent job of it too. Billy returned with the glasses, and we stood for a while until we'd finished them. "Want to dance?" he asked. I nodded.

Billy was a good dancer, and we danced together for a good while until he took my hand and led me back to the bar. "Another drink?" It was hot in the pub, and I was sweating from dancing.

"Yes please, another Coke."

Billy got the drinks, and the band took a break. The relative quiet meant we could talk a little, and he asked me about college, and I asked about his family and interests. I looked at my watch and realised it was getting late. "I think I'd like to go home now. I have college tomorrow." I said.

"We can stop longer," he said, "They're open until midnight."

"Thanks, but I'd like to go."

Billy looked unhappy but led the way back to the car. "I wasn't planning an early night," he grumbled.

"Drop me off, and you can come back," I suggested. He nodded and unlocked the car, getting in.

I sat in the car and fastened my seat belt. I was feeling a little strange and dizzy. Billy leaned over and took my hand, pulling me towards him. He pulled me in for a kiss. Our lips met, and I kissed him. He pulled back and smiled. The next kiss was firmer, and I felt his tongue slip into my mouth. I tangled tongues with him, and he slid his hand up to my breast. "Billy, No!" I said.

"What's wrong?"

"It's our first date, Billy, you can kiss me."

He pulled me back into a kiss. It was nice, but I was a little wary of him now. We kissed for a few minutes when he grabbed my leg and slid his hand up until he was touching my panties.

I pulled away from him. "Billy, stop. I'm not letting you do that!"

"Try to stop me," he growled, "You owe me for a nice date."

"Stop, or I'm getting out of the car."

His hand slid up my leg again. "Don't be like that," he grinned.

"ENOUGH!" I shouted. I released the seat belt and jumped out of the car.

"Get back in here, you silly bitch," he shouted.

"No, I don't trust you. Leave me alone."

A voice behind me said, "You okay, Miss?"

I turned. It was the singer from the band, standing by the pub wall with a bottle of beer and a cigarette. "Is he bothering you?"

"I wanted him to take me home, but he can't keep his hands to himself."

The singer leaned into the window of Billy's car, "Looks like you blew it mate," he smiled.

"What the fuck is it to you, asshole."

"Anyone messes with a young lady when she's said no, is my business," he said.

Billy looked at me. "Are you getting in the fucking car or not?"

"No, not with you."

He started the car and drove off, shouting, "Fuck you slut," through the open window.

The singer looked at me. "Sorry, I'm Vince, did he hurt you?"

"No, just gave me a fright. I think he put alcohol in my coke too, I'm dizzy."

"Let's get you a cab home," he smiled.

"Fuck!"

"What's wrong?"

"I left my handbag in his car. I don't have any money. Guess I'm walking home."

"No chance," said Vince, "Come on."

We went in the back door of the pub to the backstage area. He picked up a phone and dialled.

"Hello? Yeah, cab from The King's Head, Moseley," He looked at me and put his hand over the receiver, "Where to?"

"City Centre," I said.

"Yeah... to the City Centre... Okay, thanks." He hung up.

"Five minutes, I'll wait with you, we're not on for ten."

"I still don't have money," I said.

"I'll sort it out, don't worry. You need to be more careful with your dates in future though. First date, was it?"

"Yeah. I work with him. It will be awkward now."

"Don't let him fuck with you. Sorry, I didn't get your name."

"Shelly," I said, "Fingers crossed he won't make a big deal out of it."

The cab arrived then, and I thanked Vince as he gave the driver some money.

"How will I pay you back?" I asked.

"Don't worry about it," he smiled.

"No, really, Vince."

"Well, we're here every second Sunday night. Come and watch us again, without the asshole."

I grinned, "Thanks, Vince, bye."

The cab took me home, and I let myself in. Crystal was waiting up for me. She smiled.

"You have a good night?"

"It was okay, thanks. I'm off to bed, college tomorrow."

"G'night," Crystal said.

"G'night."

* * *

I was nervous about working on Tuesday. Billy was there, but ignored me, which suited me fine. At the end of the night, I asked him for my bag. "Come out to the car and get it," he said.

"I don't want to come and get it. You bring it to me."

"Come and get it or you won't see it again," he smirked.

I followed him through the kitchen and out the back door. He walked over to his car, unlocking it. He reached in and handed me the bag. I was just turning when he grabbed my arm and pushed me up against the car. His arm pressed across my chest, pinning me to the side of the vehicle. He pushed his face to mine. "Time to pay up for the date, slut."

He kissed me hard as his hand reached under my skirt, tugging at my panties. I twisted away from his mouth, shouting, "Get off me!"

"You're going to give me what I wanted on Sunday, bitch."

I opened my mouth to scream when he suddenly flew backwards. Jimmy had him by the throat and slammed him back into the car. Billy grunted as his head bounced off the bodywork. Jimmy threw a left and a right into his gut, and he doubled forwards. A right-cut hit him under the jaw, and his head flew back, just as a left hook slammed into his face. Jimmy brought a knee up between Billy's legs, and he slumped to the ground. Two swift kicks to his ribs followed.

"Are you okay Shelly, what happened?"

"He tried to get my panties off," I said.

Jimmy pulled the groaning Billy from the ground and slammed him into his car again. "Am I calling the police to charge you with attempted rape, or are you walking away from here?"

"Walking," he moaned.

"If I so much as see your face again, you're gonna wish I'd killed you now. DO YOU FUCKING UNDERSTAND?"

Billy nodded and staggered round to the driver's side of his car, blood streaming from his mouth, nose and eye. He started the car and drove away.

I rushed to Jimmy and hugged him. He wrapped his arms around me and kissed the top of my head. "Are you okay, Shelly?" I nodded. "Did he hurt you?"

"No, just scared me."

We went back inside, and Jimmy took me up to the flat, Crystal noticed the state I was in and followed, shouting to Corrine to finish up in the kitchen.

Upstairs, Jimmy sat me in the lounge beside Mandy who switched off the TV and asked, "What happened?"

I sat with my two best friends and my sister and told the complete story about the date, the pub, and losing my handbag. Jimmy was livid, and Mandy just hugged me close and stroked my hair.

"If what you said about Jimmy beating him up is true, I guess we'll never see him again," said Crystal.

I was sobbing now. "I'm so sorry, I thought I could trust him."

"You've got nothing to be sorry about," replied Mandy, "Bastards like that deserve to run into our Jimmy."

I stood up from the couch and crossed to Jimmy. I pulled him to his feet and wrapped my arms around him. "Thank you for saving me," I said, "You're my hero!"

Jimmy hugged me back, "Get some sleep Shelly, you look done in."

Mandy took my hand, "Sleep in my room tonight?" she asked.

I looked at Crystal and Jimmy, they nodded. "Wonderful idea," said Crystal.

Mandy led me off to her room. We stripped to our panties and slid into bed. Mandy wrapped her arm around me, and I laid my head on her shoulder. I sighed.

"Talk to me," said Mandy.

"I feel safe with you. All of you, my family. He frightened me. He expected to be paid for the date. I was okay with kissing, it was nice. It was the first date, I didn't want him to touch my tits or my pussy, Mandy."

"No one should put you under that pressure, Shelly. No means, no!"

"It'll be a long time before I go on a date again."

"Don't let him put you off dating Shelly, not all men are like that."

I cuddled closer, hugging Mandy tight, "Maybe girls are safer."

"Maybe," she laughed. "Spoons?"

I turned on my side, and Mandy curled up behind me, her arm over my waist. I snuggled back into her.

"Cuddleslut."

"Uh, huh!"

We slept.

* * *

I woke the next morning, wondering where I was.

Mandy.

I was cuddled up behind her, with my arm around her. "Sorry," I mumbled.

"It's okay, it was nice," Mandy muttered.

I pulled her tighter to me and kissed the back of her head.

"Cuddleslut," she giggled.

I tickled her side, and she spun around in the bed, attacking me back. She pinned me to the bed, straddling my waist and holding my hands above my head. "You okay this morning?" she asked.

"I am now," I smirked.

Mandy leaned in and planted a kiss on my lips. I felt her tongue brush my mouth as she pulled away. "Make me coffee, I'm an invalid."

"You're not an invalid any more." I smiled, "You need to get back into your own bed, with your lovers, soon."

"It's been a long time since I had sex," she giggled, "You think I'm ready?"

"Of course you are. Go tonight. You can keep me awake with your moaning and squealing."

Mandy blushed, "Do you listen to us?"

I laughed, "I can't not listen to you!"

"Sorry."

"It's okay. I get off to the noises you all make."

I kissed her again, slipping my tongue into her mouth. She pulled back, smiling.

"Coffee, horny girl."

* * *

Over the next couple of weeks, things got back to normal. I worked, went to college and spent time with my family. I loved playing with Mandy's twins, Becky and Roz.

One thing that bothered me was that I became uncomfortable if I was in a room alone with a man I didn't know. I was okay with Jimmy and the male chefs at work. I was okay with my tutors, but other men made me very wary.

I asked Crystal about it, and she said to stay in groups, and if it was not possible, stay close to the door of any room I was in. She explained that it was unlikely that anyone would ever try to hurt me, but she wanted me to feel secure.

I stopped going out unless it was with Crystal or Mandy.

My 18th birthday was coming up fast, but there had been no mention of a celebration. Mandy asked if I'd like to go out for my first legal drink with her and Crystal, so we all dressed up and headed into town for a couple of hours. We only had a few drinks but danced a lot, and I had a lovely time. We headed home quite early. The restaurant was busy when we went in, then I noticed that no one had food, just drinks. I spotted Mum at one table, and Corrine and Milla at another. There was a cheer, and everyone started singing Happy Birthday! Jimmy was standing grinning. I rushed up to him and flung my arms around his neck, wrapping my legs around his hips. I planted a long kiss on his mouth. "What did you do!" I demanded.

"Invited a few friends round for a birthday party."

"You lovely man!"

"There's a band too."

I looked to the far side of the restaurant, and there was a 4-piece band. I looked again and recognised the guitarist, Jimmy's son, Andy. I ran over to him, hugging him tightly.

"Is this your band?"

"Yep, The Twisted Ravens, at your service."

I hugged him harder and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!"

Andy blushed and smiled. "Let go of me, and we'll play."

I released him, and he turned to the other band members and nodded. Andy stepped forward and struck the unmistakable opening chords to 'Brown Sugar'. The bass and drums cut in, and their lead singer strutted to the lyrics. They were fantastic.

I got to talk to all my guests and danced with a few. Jimmy took me for one slow dance and Mandy for another. I cuddled up to her as we danced. "This was a lovely surprise, Girlie."

"Anything for my Cuddleslut."

"Anything?"

She gave me an evil smile. "We'll see."

I had a long chat with Kim, Jimmy's daughter, about the run-in with Billy. She was shocked but so proud of her dad for saving me. I told her he was my hero now. We had a good gossip before everyone started heading home.

Once all the clearing up was done, we retired to the flat for a last drink. Mandy was whispering to Jimmy and Crystal. There was a lot of giggling.

I sat on the couch and cuddled up to Mandy. Jimmy sat on a chair and Crystal wrapped herself in his lap, kissing him.

I whispered to Mandy, "Somebody's getting fucked tonight."

She grinned, "Let's leave them to it."

She took my hand and led me to my bedroom. I looked at her.

"Do you want me to stay?" she asked. I nodded.

Mandy pulled me to her and kissed me. I kissed her back, thrusting my tongue into her mouth. I thought she'd pull away, but she only kissed me harder.

Mandy unbuttoned my blouse and let it fall. She slid my elastic waist skirt down my legs, and I kicked it off, slipping off my shoes too. I peeled her sweater up her body and over her head, then unzipped her jeans and peeled them down her legs. She pulled them off and tossed them in a corner.

I reached for her front fastening bra and snapped the catch. I expected her to stop me soon.

She hugged me to her as her bra sprung open, revealing her full breasts. Reaching behind me, she undid my bra, sliding it down my arms and dropping it on the floor. She reached up and brushed my tits with her hands.

"Mandy? What are we doing?"

"Anything you want."

"But, Crystal and Jimmy..."

"... are busy next door," she said, smiling.

"Mandy we can't. They're your lovers, not me."

"We talked about it. It's okay."

I walked to the door and opened it. "Where are you going?" Mandy asked.

"To speak to Crystal."

"Shelly, it's okay. We talked about this."

"No Mandy, I refuse to fuck up what you three have. I have to hear it from them."

Mandy nodded. "They may be busy."

I walked to the next bedroom and knocked. Crystal was lying on the bed, the sheets covering her to her waist. She glanced at me and smirked. Something was bobbing under the sheets between her legs. Her nipples were rock hard.

"Sorry. Is he.... are you?"

"The sheet lifted and Jimmy's face appeared, soaked in pussy juice. He grinned.

"I was just eating your sister."

I blushed, "There's a naked Mandy in my room, and I'm so worried I'm doing something that will spoil what we all have together."

Crystal extricated herself from Jimmy and came to me. She was naked. Her ginger pussy was dripping, and she reeked of sex. I realised that in my rush, I'd come through dressed in just panties.

Crystal hugged me, our breasts pushed together. She whispered in my ear. "She's all yours for tonight." I glanced at Jimmy. He smiled and nodded. "We'll talk in the morning. Love her."

Crystal released me and walked back to the bed. She knelt beside Jimmy, threw her leg over him and lowered her pussy onto his face. "Ungh!" she groaned.

I closed the bedroom door.

* * *

I walked back to my room. Mandy was in bed, her beautiful breasts on display. She smiled. "Well?"

"Okay, I had to check. I love you all so much."

"Were they busy?" Mandy asked.

I grinned, "Jimmy was eating her."

Mandy patted the bed beside her and folded back the sheet. She was naked. I peeled off my panties and slid into bed.

I gathered Mandy in my arms and pulled her close, kissing her and snaking my tongue into her mouth. She slid her hand to my breast and tweaked the nipple, drawing a gasp from me. She pulled her head back and smiled at me. "Your nipples are sensitive."

"I know, sometimes I pull them when I'm frigging myself, it gets me off faster."

Mandy lowered her face to my tit and sucked the nipple into her mouth, flicking it with her tongue.

"Oh, fuck! That's so good!" I moaned.

She gripped my hard nipple in her teeth and pulled until it sprang free. I squealed in appreciation. "What are you doing to me?"

Mandy released my nipple, "Loving you."

She licked, sucked and nibbled my tits for what seemed like hours, though was probably a couple of minutes. I could feel the moisture dripping from my pussy.

I reached for Mandy's full breasts, but she swatted my hand away, "This is your birthday present, Baby," she giggled, "Lie back and enjoy it."

I lay back, and Mandy worked her way down my ribs to my navel, kissing and licking. Her tongue drilled into my belly button, and I groaned. She continued down, then stopped at the top of my pussy and looked up at me. "Want me to stop now?"

"Don't you dare."

She moved around and knelt between my legs, spreading them wider. Her head dropped to my sodden slit, and I felt her breath on me. I shuddered. Her tongue lapped from the base of my pussy to my clit in a slow stroke. As she tickled my love button, I jerked.

"Oh, Girlie, so good, so fucking good!"

She probed between my lips seeking my hole, then snaked her tongue around my tunnel, finishing with a flick of my clit. I moaned.

She continued to lap at me, never spending long enough on my clit to get me off. I squirmed on the bed. Mandy sniggered and slid a long finger into my pussy and clamped her mouth over my clit. I wailed and thrust up at her mouth as she sucked me in and flicked my little bud.

She finger-fucked me as she nipped at my clit, and I screamed, as an orgasm like I'd never known hit me.

"Oh! Oh! Oh! Fuuuuuuck!"

My world went black.

I came round, and Mandy was lying beside me, stroking my hair. She kissed me. I tasted my pussy on her face. "What happened?"

"I fucked you unconscious." She smiled at me. "You passed out for a couple of minutes, Baby."

"It was awesome! I never knew sex could be so good."

Mandy grinned, "Wait till you try a cock, then."

I smiled at her, "Maybe I won't need to, now."

"Oh, one day you'll find someone to trust, to love."

I sighed and held her close, toying with her nipple. I lowered my head and licked her large, soft tit, sucking in her nipple and scraping my teeth over the stiff nipple. Mandy groaned, "Yes, Baby!"

"I like it when you call me Baby."

I slid my hand down between her legs and touched the smooth, shaved skin of her sopping pussy. I slid a finger into her, then two as she bucked her hips to meet me. My thumb found her clit, and I fucked and rubbed her gently. "Oh, Baby, that's so good. Faster, Shelly, harder!"

I sped up my fingers, a wet slapping sound coming from her slit as I worked it hard. Mandy tensed and shuddered. "Oh, Fuck! Cumming!"

Her body went stiff and jerked as she wailed her orgasm. "Aaaaaaiiiieee!"

She pulled my hand from her and curled up on her side, protecting herself from any further stimulation. "Too much, too much!"

I pulled my hand back and slipped the fingers into my mouth, sucking her juices from them. She tasted so good. I spooned up behind my lover and wrapped my arm around her, lowering my hand to cup her mound. Mandy sighed. "Thank you, Baby."

I giggled and kissed her neck, "I love you," I whispered.

"I love you, too."

Soon Mandy's breathing became even, and I realised she was asleep. I thought back over my wonderful birthday and soon drifted off myself.

* * *

The movement woke me. Mandy was sitting beside me, putting on her bra. She smiled at me. "I have to go to work."

"What time is it?"

"Five thirty, go back to sleep."

"I love you," I mumbled.

"I love you too. We'll talk later." She kissed me, flicking her tongue into my mouth, pulled on her jeans and a tee-shirt and left the room.

I got up at 7.00 and went up to get the twins ready for school. Crystal came up to help. We fed them breakfast, and Jimmy took them to school at 9 o'clock.

Crystal and Jimmy went to start their day in the kitchens, and I headed off to university. I'd not long begun my degree course in Psychology. It was hard work, but I was keeping up.

I'd given up my waiting job when I started Uni as I needed the study time. Mum had sorted out her finances, sold the London house and moved to Birmingham to be nearer to Crystal and me. She'd split up the money, giving a lump sum to Crystal, and my share was in a trust paying for my education and giving me a small allowance.

* * *

I'd had a dreadful day at university. I didn't understand the concept of one of my lectures and was worried about how to learn it. I'd slipped on the stairs, running for a talk, grazing my knee, and it was pouring with rain when I left to go home. I got the bus into the city, to look around the shops.

I went to the biggest department store and looked at the make-up, then took the lift to the upper floors. As the doors were closing a man got in. He smiled at me. "Hello," he said.

I looked down and mumbled a reply.

"You're a shy one, aren't you," he said. "What's your name?"

I tried to avoid his eyes, I crammed myself into the corner of the lift and prayed for the doors to open. I was sweating and shaking. He stepped towards me. "Are you okay?"

Just then, the doors opened, and I pushed past him and ran out of the lift. I looked around and spotted the toilets. I ran in and locked myself in a cubicle. I was panting, and my heart was beating fast. I sat on the pan and tried to calm myself.

I must have sat there for half an hour. I couldn't go back out, my belly somersaulted every time I thought of it. I took out my phone and called Mandy.

"Hello."

"Mandy, it's Shelly."

"What's wrong Baby? You sound upset."

"I was in a lift with a man, I panicked."

"Where are you? Are you safe?"

"I'm in the toilets at Debenhams. I'm scared Mandy."

"Wait there, and I'll come and find you."

She hung up, and I waited. Half an hour later, I heard Mandy's voice. "Shelly? Are you here?"

I opened the cubicle and flung myself into her arms. "Mandy, I'm sorry, I was so frightened."

"Did he hurt you?"

"No, I think he was trying to be nice, but I panicked."

"It's okay, I'm here now, let's go home."

Mandy took my hand and led me out of the toilets and out of the store. We walked back to The Guilded Lily, and she made me a cup of coffee. We sat on the couch together.

"I feel so silly," I said, "It was just panic, but I couldn't control it."

Mandy pulled me to her and kissed the top of my head. "You're not over that business with Billy yet Baby. I'll always be here for you. All your family will."

I hugged her close and sighed, "Thank you."

* * *

That evening, after our dinner, we all sat down to talk. Jimmy and Crystal wanted to know about my panic in the store, and I told them the entire story. They all said that if it ever happened again, any of them would come for me. I thanked them, feeling a lot better about it.

"Now," said Crystal, "Exactly what was this Girlie doing to you last night? I thought she was killing you."

I blushed and looked at the floor. "Sorry."

They all laughed, and I looked up.

"You're a bit of a screamer, aren't you Shelly?" said Jimmy.

I smiled at him. "I'm getting my own back for all the nights I've spent listening to you torturing Girlie and Red."

Jimmy laughed. "I take it you had an enjoyable time?"

"It was the best birthday present ever."

"Do you want it to continue?" said Mandy.

"I thought it was a one-time thing... for my birthday."

Crystal smiled. "What Mandy's trying to say is you've kind of grown on her. She's got the hots for you, Sis. We talked about it, and if you both want it, you can share our lover a few days a week."

Mandy added, "I'll never want to give up these two, but as long as it lasts, I'd like to be with you too."

"As long as it lasts?" I said.

"I'm 25 years older than you, Baby, one day you'll want someone... something, else. A young girlfriend, perhaps a boyfriend, a husband. When that time comes, I'll push you into their arms, but I'll always be your friend."

"We think we will be forever. Mandy, me and Jimmy," said Crystal, "We don't think Girlie and you will be forever. Just love each other and take it a day at a time."

I hugged my sister, "I know I'm young, and I want it to be forever, but you're right, and it's good that you told me what you think now." I looked at Mandy, "I'll cherish every day we have Girlie, and I'll try my best not to hurt you."

Tears were running down my face now as I looked at my 'family'. They all trusted me, and I trusted them, but they also respected me enough to tell me the truth as they saw it. I felt like I grew up a little that day.

At bedtime that night, I was cuddled up to Mandy on the couch. Crystal and Jimmy stood up to go to their bedroom. I grabbed Jimmy's hand as he passed me. "Take this one too," I said, pointing to Mandy, "I think she needs a hard cock tonight."

Mandy looked at me, surprised. "Thank you, Baby, I love you."

I waved them off, "And keep the noise down," I giggled.

"No chance," shouted Crystal from the bedroom.

* * *

Mandy Jacobs.

It was the week before Christmas, and I was decorating the flat and putting up the tree when Shelly came in from university.

She seemed agitated. "Hi Baby, do you want to help the girls and me with the decorations?"

"I'm busy just now Mandy. Maybe later." She went to her room.

I could hear her moving around in her bedroom, then she came out wearing a summer frock.

"I'm going shopping," she declared.

"You'll freeze in that," I said.

"I won't be long," she called as she breezed out. Even my two 6-year-olds looked at me.

"Is Aunty Shelly okay," said Roz.

I let it go and went back to the tree. An hour and a half later, the phone rang.

"Can I speak to Ms Amanda Jacobs?"

"Speaking. What can I do for you?"

"This is Sergeant Bob Thompson at City Police Station, we have a Miss Shelly Fraser in custody, and she has asked us to contact you."

"Shelly? What has she done?"

"I can't discuss that with you over the phone, Ms Jacobs. Can you, or your legal representative come down to the station?"

"I'll be right there," I said.

I hung up. What on earth could have happened? I spoke to Crystal, and she asked Jimmy if she could come with me. He agreed, and we set off for the police station.

* * *

We arrived at the police station, and the sergeant took us to an office. We were met by an officer who told us that Shelly had been arrested for shoplifting. Crystal and I were stunned, it was so out of character.

We went down to the cells to see Shelly. We could hear her before we got close.

"Come on. You can let me out now. The game's over."

I looked at the officer. "Has she been drinking?"

"We wondered, so we checked," he said. "She's had no alcohol at all."

He showed us into the cell. Shelly stood up. "Well, here's my big sister and my lover come to get me out. Can we go home now?"

"Shelly, they said you were shoplifting," said Crystal, "They can't let you out."

"Nonsense! I don't need to pay for clothes. Don't they know who I am?"

"We're going to get you a lawyer," I said, "We'll come back later."

We left, with Shelly still shouting from the cell.

"What's wrong with her?" I asked the policeman.

"I was hoping you could tell us."

"She's not like this," said Crystal, "She wouldn't say boo to a goose."

"Has she any history of mental illness?" he asked.

"No. She's been anxious, after a situation with a date, but nothing else."

The policeman scratched his head. "With your permission, I'd like to get the duty psychiatrist in here for her. I've seen something similar a few years back. Would it be okay?"

"Anything that may help," Crystal said, "That's not what my sister is like at all."

We headed home, with a promise that we would be told when the psychiatrist had been to see her.

The phone rang later that evening. Crystal answered it.

"Hello?.... Yes... Yes... Okay, we'll be right there.... Goodbye."

Crystal explained that the psychiatrist had seen Shelly and wanted to speak to us. We went to the police station.

The psychiatrist was an older Indian man who seemed very harassed. He said he thought that Shelly was having a manic episode and should be hospitalised. He asked if Crystal was her next of kin.

"She's my sister."

"Is Shelly married?" he asked.

"No."

"Does she have any parents alive?"

"Yes, our Mother."

"Then I will have to speak to her," he said.

This confused Crystal and me but, if Shelly had made no arrangement otherwise, a parent was the nearest relative.

We rang Maura and told her what had happened. She said she'd be straight over in a cab.

Neither of us was prepared for the confrontation between the psychiatrist and Shelly's Mother.

"You're saying my daughter is mentally Ill? That's nonsense, and you know it. I'll take her home myself and sort her out. I'll get my solicitor down here directly."

"She's not herself Mum," said Crystal, "Let the doctor help her."

"She's stressed, Crystal. There's no history of mental illness in our family, and it will not start now!"

Crystal collapsed into a chair, her head in her hands. I sat beside her.

"There's nothing we can do Red. Maura has the last word, we must go along with it."

She sighed, "I suppose so, but I'm not happy."

We gave the psychiatrist our contact details and left.

Maura's solicitor got Shelly released pending trial, and Shelly moved to her mother's house. We heard nothing for two weeks, then Shelly turned up at The Guilded Lily one afternoon, stark naked and shouting at the customers. Crystal and I hustled her upstairs.

"Shall I call your mother," I said.

"No," replied Crystal, "Call the psychiatrist."

The doctor, whose name was Dr Khan, turned up within half an hour. I'd kept Shelly quiet by sitting and stroking her hair. He examined Shelly, asking lots of questions. She made less sense that when she'd been arrested two weeks earlier. He said that if we could get her to the psychiatric hospital, he would 'section' her. He explained that this was a way of detaining mentally disturbed people for their own safety.

We got Shelly dressed and got her into the back of Mandy's car. We drove her across town to the hospital and got her inside, though she protested.

Dr Khan told us to come back tomorrow to visit. He'd have a report for us by then.

Crystal rang her mother. It didn't go well. She accused Crystal of forcing Shelly into the hospital, ruining her good name by allowing the doctor to label her as mentally ill, and told her she was disowning her, and disowning Shelly until she 'Came to her senses'.

Crystal came off the phone in tears. "I knew it. Her bloody good name means more to her than her own daughter's health. Bitch!"

I tried to calm her down, but she would not have it. She was spitting mad at her mother's callous remarks and lack of sensitivity.

Jimmy hugged us both in bed that night, but I don't think any of us slept much.

The next day, we got the doctor's opinion. She had bipolar disorder, what they used to call manic depression. She was to be kept in, monitored, and given medication to control the condition.

We all took turns visiting her each day. The first weeks were hard. She attempted to seduce Jimmy and me when we visited and tried to start fights with Crystal. Over time her mood improved, but it was a long haul. There seemed to be no one medication for the condition, and it took several months to find a combination that worked.

Finally, after over 6 months, we were told that Shelly could come home. She had never asked about her mother since they admitted her, and we decided not to inform Maura that her daughter was out of the hospital.

It was a very subdued Shelly that returned to the flat on her release. The drugs she was on were like a sledgehammer to crack a nut, they slowed everything down. Doctor Khan reduced the dosage over a couple of weeks, and the old Shelly slowly returned to us. One evening Shelly asked for a 'family conference' to talk over her illness. We all sat in the lounge, and Shelly started off.

"Thank you for agreeing to listen to me. I feel like I am back in control again now. I'm sorry if my actions embarrassed you while I was ill, but I have little memory of the things I did. If it's important to you, I want you to tell me about them, so I know."

Shelly was sitting next to me on the couch, but she hadn't asked me to cuddle or kiss her since she came home. I turned to her.

"Shelly, do you think your illness has changed our relationship or your relationship with Jim and Crystal?"

Shelly thought for a minute. "I don't know how you all feel about me now. I've put you all through hell, and that's only the bits I remember. I won't allow myself to assume anything about our relationships, and I'm frightened to ask."

I put my arm around her shoulder. She looked at me, I could see she wanted to smile. "I love you just as much as I always did, Baby," I said.

Shelly hugged me, "I love you too. I was so afraid I'd lost you."

"I don't think you've lost any of us, Shelly," said Jim, "We all love you."

"Same for me, Sis," said Crystal. "Do you remember what happened with mother, before you went into the hospital?"

"I think I was at her house. Yes, she kept telling me I was not ill and to stop pretending. I'm sure she thought I was looking for sympathy. She locked me in my room. I climbed out of the window, so she took away my clothes... Oh, God. I came here naked, didn't I?"

Crystal laughed, "Yes, you did Sis. That's when we took you to the hospital."

Shelly covered her face with her hands, "And you still love me?"

"Yes!" We all chorused.

"Shelly, I have to tell you that Mum has disowned us," whispered Crystal.

Shelly stared at her dumbfounded. "What do you mean?"

"I rang her when you were admitted. She blamed me for 'forcing' you into the hospital and ruining her good name. She disowned me, and you, until you 'come to your senses', whatever that means. I haven't seen or spoken to her since, nor would I want to."

"If that's her attitude," said Shelly, "I don't want to see her either. You told me you didn't trust her a while ago. Now I know why."

"You need to make me your legal next of kin Shelly," said Crystal, "This could all happen again if not."

Shelly nodded. She moved to lay her head in my lap, tracing lines on my thigh through my jeans.

She turned her head to look up at me. "Do you still want me, Girlie?"

"Yes, I do."

She turned to Crystal and Jim. "Can I still share your lover?"

Jim grinned at her, "Oh, you're better all right."

We all laughed. "I'll wear earplugs tonight," giggled Crystal.

"I will do some voluntary work starting soon. I know you've organised a year off university for me, but I want to get back into things a bit at a time."

"I'm not sure the fund for your education is still there Shelly," Crystal said, "Mum controlled it, so she may have cut it off. If she has, I'll pay for you to go back."

"Let's wait and see."

Jim turned to Crystal. "Coming to bed, Red?" he asked. Crystal smiled and nodded.

Shelly looked up from my lap and grinned. "Coming to bed, Girlie?"

I leant down and whispered in her ear, "I want your tongue in my cunt, Baby."

Shelly leapt up, took my hand, and all but dragged me to the bedroom.

* * *

Shelly Fraser.

I'd been so dreading the conversation about our relationships with each other. I was so sure I'd fucked it all up. My heart wanted to burst when I found that they all still loved and accepted me. And now my beautiful Mandy wanted me back in her bed too.

We stood by my bed, kissing. It had been so long since I'd felt like this. Mandy's tongue battled with mine and our mouths mashed together like we'd never let go. I pulled Mandy's sweater over her head, unclasped her bra and buried my face in those fabulous tits. Mandy giggled. "You missed them, then?"

"Mmm-hmm."

"Did you miss me too?"

I grabbed her belt and opened the buckle, pulled down the zip of her jeans, and peeled them off her legs. As Mandy kicked them off, I tugged down her panties and sank my face into her blonde pussy.

"Ohhh! Oh, Fuck!"

"Bed. Now!" I demanded.

I stripped off my own clothes then leapt onto the bed. I crawled between Mandy's spread legs and licked her wet slit from anus to clit. She squealed, "Just like that, Baby."

I drilled my tongue into her slippery tunnel and wiggled it around before lapping her stiff little clit. Mandy was writhing under me as I reached up and gripped her soft breast, pinching the hard nipple, tweaking it. I lapped at her hole for a little longer as she squirmed, then latched onto her clit.

I sucked and nibbled her until she shook beneath me, then I plunged two fingers into her dripping pussy. Mandy squealed, and her hips shot up from the bed. She gave a high-pitched squeak as a gush of her pussy juice soaked my face. I licked her as she came down from her orgasm, lapping at her tasty juices.

"Fuck Baby, that was so intense!"

"Glad you enjoyed it," I smiled.

Mandy pulled me up the bed next to her. She kissed me hard, tasting her pussy on my lips and tongue. "Come and sit on my face," she commanded, "I want to eat you."

I knelt over her face, and she reached around and grasped my ass, pulling my sticky snatch to her mouth. "Oh, Girlie," I squealed.

She stopped for a second. "I'm going to make you scream, Baby."

Not three minutes later, her prophecy came true.

As we cuddled afterwards, Her fingers toying with my right nipple, my fingers drawing lazy circles just above her damp pussy, she whispered, "I love you, more than ever."

* * *

Crystal Blake.

It was so good to see Shelly back to the girl we knew. She seemed to have a renewed energy since getting back together with Mandy, and the two of them were clearly in love. Mandy spent most nights in our communal bed but, every few nights, Shelly would drag her away to spend the night with her. I was still amazed that we had no jealousy amongst us. I'm convinced it was mostly trust, but also we never allowed each other to make comparisons with our other lovers.

I checked on the status of Shelly's education fund with our mother's solicitor. She might want to return to university and was keeping her options open.

I rang Colin Cline, my father's former business partner.

"Good morning Mr Cline, It's Crystal Blake."

"Crystal, my dear. How good to hear from you."

"I hope you don't mind me contacting you after what happened."

"Crystal, you have nothing to worry about. We had no idea what your father was doing, but I'm still ashamed to have been associated with him. What can I do for you?"

"It's Shelly. I don't know if you're aware that she has been ill. They have diagnosed her with bipolar disorder. She was in the hospital for 6 months and gave up on university for a year. I wanted to enquire, on her behalf, if the education fund was still available to her?"

"I'm sorry Crystal, your mother has cancelled that fund," Mr Cline said. "The bequest for Shelly is intact and will only now be available to her on her 21st birthday, pending a signature from Maura. Your own bequest is likewise intact, but it's unlikely she will sign it over to you in her present mood."

"My bequest?" I asked, "She gave me a lump sum, I assumed that was it."

"No, my dear, both you and Shelly have almost 2 million each, the several thousand she has given you was only a tiny part of it."

That dumbfounded me. I'd no idea these sums of money were in trust for us, though it looked unlikely that I'd ever get it.

"Will Shelly's fund come to her at age 21 then?" I asked.

"Yes, and if I can talk your mother around, yours would be available any time."

I laughed, "That will not happen any time soon."

"I realise that you and your husband have acted in Shelly's best interests, but I can't make your mother see that yet. Let me know if Shelly returns to university, and I'll make sure money is available myself."

I thanked him and rang off.

I relayed the information to Shelly, who was less than happy with our mother.

* * *

Shelly Fraser.

There was great excitement for the coming Sunday. We were having a party at the Guilded Lily.

It all started on the previous Thursday. The radio was on that afternoon, and I was half-listening to Steve Wright's show on Radio 2. He was talking to Keith Richards from the Rolling Stones.

"So Keith, have you heard there's a recent version of the Stones old hit 'Brown Sugar' out this week on the B side of a single by a band called The Twisted Ravens," said the DJ.

"Yeah man," said Keith, "There are not many bands brave enough to cover Brown Sugar, and none I've enjoyed."

"So, you don't like it then."

"Oh yeah, I love it, I've got it on my iPod at the moment. This is the first cover of it I've ever liked. Their guitarist, Slim Blake, does a mean guitar part. Hey! You gotta play the A-side too, it's called Collision Course."

"Wow! That's a pretty good endorsement for the band. Have you met them?"

"Not yet, but I plan to. Tell you what's cool. Slim Blake wrote to our management to say they were recording it and did we mind? No one's done that before."

"Well, we'll get Collision Course lined up next. Now tell us about the Licks Tour and the recent album, Forty Licks..."

The interview finished, and they played the new single from Andy's band.

I rushed off to find Jimmy, who rang Andy. Andy had heard it and was ecstatic. Jimmy organised a dinner for the following Sunday, and by the time it rolled around, the band's single was at number six in the charts.

We tried to get everyone together for the evening that Sunday. Jimmy, Corrine and Crystal rustled up a lovely meal, and we all enjoyed the celebration.

Andy was there, with his girlfriend, Diane. They'd been together since school and were both quiet people. Kim came with her boyfriend, Alan. Pierre and Christine were there as well as Corrine and Milla, Jimmy, Crystal Mandy and I. Mandy's 6-year-old twins looked after Corrine and Milla's daughter Maja. It was a real family affair.

"Andy," I shouted, "Congratulations on the hit."

"Thanks, Shelly, It's a mad rush now to get the album out while we're still in the news." He slipped his arm around Diane. "We're hoping to get a bit of time to ourselves too," he said, winking at me.

"Are you still living with your mum? I don't see enough of you two or Kim since we left school."

Andy laughed, "No, I couldn't live at home now. Diane and I just got a flat together in Tyseley."

I grinned. "Shacked up together, eh, Diane?"

Diane blushed, "It's the only way to get him alone. Are you still sweet on Mandy?"

It was my turn to blush. "I do better with girls than guys," I said.

Diane gave me 'The Look'.

"Okay, I love her, all right!" I grinned.

"Not that we couldn't tell," smiled Andy.

I spent time with Kim and her boyfriend, catching up on the news, then wandered over to talk to Jimmy, Mandy and Pierre. They were discussing the restaurant and how they had discovered it.

Jimmy recalled seeing it for the first time. "We three saw it together, didn't we?"

"Yes," said Mandy, "it had just come on the market."

"How come it's called the Guilded Lily, not the Gilded Lily?" I asked.

Jimmy looked at Pierre and grinned. "Come with us Shelly," he said, leading the way out of the front door. He pointed up to the wall, just above head height. There was a small blue plaque:-

"Lily Margaret Smith (nee Carter)

Born here 4th May 1899

Founder of The Birmingham Townswomen's Guild."

"We saw that," said Jimmy. "Pierre wanted to know why she was born halfway up a wall!"

"Jimmy suggested we call it 'Lily's place'," said Pierre, "I suggested 'Lily's Guild' and Mandy suggested, 'The Guilded Lily'. That's how we got the name."

We all trooped back inside where I spent most of the rest of the evening playing with Becky, Roz and Maja. The day had been marvellous fun, and we were all so pleased for Andy's success.

* * *

The next day, I tried to sort things out with my mother. I knew Crystal would be against me making contact, so I went straight after Uni that afternoon.

I knocked on her door, waited, then knocked again. I heard the lock click, and the door opened. My mother stood there in a dressing gown, hair a mess and no make-up.

"Hello, Mother," I began.

"Hello Shelly," she said, her voice flat. "What do you want?"

"I came to find out why you've stopped my education fund and my allowance."

"I thought you'd be after money," she snarled.

"I'm not after anything that's not mine, according to Mr Cline. I wondered if I was to be allowed to continue my education?"

"Not until you give up this silly 'mental illness' nonsense."

I sighed. "They have diagnosed me with bipolar disorder. It's not something I chose, but I have it anyway. When I am in a manic phase, I need to be hospitalised to protect myself and others. If you cannot accept that diagnosis, we probably have nothing to say to each other."

"You just want to ruin our family's good name, that's all," she said.

I cracked. I'd had enough of her self righteous crap. "Good name? Good fucking name? You killed your own fucking husband and let Crystal take the blame for it. Don't tell me about your good fucking name."

I turned on my heel and left. I could hear her shouting after me, "Shelly! Wait!" I wanted nothing more to do with her.

I took the bus back into town and found a small backstreet pub that looked quiet. I ordered a vodka and lime and sat at the bar nursing it. I kept going over the exchange with my mother in my head. I didn't understand her.

"Can I get you another of those?" said a voice.

I looked up to find a man in his 20s. He had longish hair and a band tee-shirt on.

"Oh, okay, yes," I said.

"What's your name?" he asked.

"Shelly. You?"

"Chris. You want to get a seat at a table?"

We moved to a corner table and sat and chatted. He seemed interested in my problem with my mother, and we drank while we discussed solutions.

Then, it seemed to be closing time. Chris asked me to go home with him. It seemed like a wonderful idea to me. He obviously had the answer to my problem with my mother. A bread lorry went by. 'Mother's Pride' it said on the side. That's it! Chris would make my mother proud of me.

Then there was a poster on a garage. It said, "You can be sure of Shell." Crystal called me 'Shell' sometimes. So I can be sure of myself. So I'm on the right track!

I kept asking Chris what to do about my mother, but he didn't seem to know any more, kept trying to get away from me. I stopped someone else and asked them, but they didn't know either.

Two policemen came past, and I was sure they would know, so I asked them. They seemed to think I'd had too much to drink and asked me where I lived. I gave them the address, and they said they'd take me home. Then I thought, "Mandy will have the answer!" so I went with them.

* * *

Mandy Jacobs.

Two policemen brought Shelly home. They explained that they found her drunk in the city centre and, though they were not charging her with anything, they wanted to make sure she got home.

"Chris was going to make my mother proud of me!" explained Shelly, "But he got fed up with me and went away. You know what will make her happy with me, don't you?"

"Shelly, I think you've had too much to drink."

"Have not!" she slurred.

"Come on, let's get you to bed young lady. Now, what's all this talk about your mother?"

"I went to see her to find out why she stopped my fund for my education."

Alarm bells rang in my head. "You went to see Maura?"

"Yes. She told me I was ruining her good name. I told her she ruined it herself, by murdering her husband and letting Crystal take the blame. Bitch!"

I sat her on her bed. "You get yourself undressed, and I'll get Crystal," I said.

I went down to the restaurant and got Crystal from the kitchen. I explained what had happened, and she came up to see Shelly.

"Shelly, what happened with mother?" she asked.

"We fell out. I went for a few drinks. I met a guy called Chris, who was going to sort it all out, but then he went away. Then I asked the policemen if they knew how to deal with mother and they brought me home."

Crystal turned to me and whispered, "This is not her, is it?"

I shook my head. "Shall I call Dr Khan?" Crystal nodded.

Doctor Khan arrived and had a long chat with Shelly. He took us aside afterwards.

"I think you did the right thing calling me. I believe she's slipping back into a manic state. I'd like to have her admitted if I can find a bed. Let me make a few phone calls."

Fifteen minutes later, he'd located a bed, and we loaded her into the car and got her to the hospital. I dreaded the place. It was not somewhere you wanted to leave a loved one, even if they needed the care it provided.

Dr Khan said that he hoped that this episode would be less extended, as they now knew which drugs worked best for Shelly. I also helped that we'd caught it early this time. We left her at the hospital and drove home.

* * *

Crystal Blake.

I couldn't help but blame my mother for Shelly's state of mind. She shouldn't have gone to see mother, but I was sure that she was the trigger.

We each went to visit Shelly, taking turns. She seemed more aggressive this time, and Jimmy was the first to buckle. He'd visited Shelly several times when he came to me and said that he couldn't go in again for the time being. Shelly had stripped naked in front of him, and the other residents, and tried to get him to have sex with her. He'd felt so sorry for her and decided it was better to stay away until she improved. Mandy was next when a similar thing happened to her one afternoon. She agonised about it but decided that her presence was causing the behaviour and that if she stayed away, it would be kinder to Shelly.

I went in the next day myself.

"Hi, Shelly. How are you today?"

"Did that bitch send you?"

"Who, Shelly?"

"Bloody Maura. She thinks she can just stop my education because I'm 'playing at being mentally ill'. I don't want her as a mother."

"I can't change how she feels, Shelly."

"You're on her fucking side, you bitch!"

"No Shelly, I'm not. I've always been on your side."

"Make her give me my money then."

"I can't do that Shelly. I'm not even in contact with her."

"Well, fuck off then."

I got up and left the ward. There was no point in talking to her when she was like this. I had a quick word with Dr Khan. He said the medication should start kicking in soon. I crossed my fingers for her and went home.

That night, I spoke to Jimmy about Shelly.

"I think I need to talk to our mother about this. It has to stop," I said.

"Well, I'm coming with you. You're not going alone."

"Thanks, Jimmy. I'll need your support. We'll go tomorrow afternoon. A cooling-off day for Shelly won't do her any harm the mood she's in."

* * *

The next afternoon, we borrowed Mandy's car and drove over to my mother's house. There was no answer at the door, but when I looked in the window, the TV was on.

"I'll go round the back," I said, "Perhaps she's in the garden."

I wandered through the side gate, but couldn't find her, so I went to the back door. It was unlocked, so I went in. "Mother! Mother, it's Crystal. We need to talk."

No answer. I went to the front door and let Jimmy in.

"No sign of her," I said, "Have another look outside, I'll look upstairs."

I went upstairs, checking in her room. Nothing. I looked into her en suite bathroom and froze. Maura lay in the bath, white as a sheet. The water was blood red. I ran to the window and threw it open.

"Jimmy! Get on the phone, call an ambulance."

"Why?"

"Just do it, then get up here."

I rushed back to the bath, trying to find the source of the blood. There was a kitchen knife on the floor by the tub. I lifted her right arm. Nothing. I lifted her left, and the pulse of blood hit me in the face. I spat the blood from my mouth, wiped my eyes with the back of my hand and quickly pressed my thumb over the short gash in her wrist. Fuck, she'd done an expert job of it, right into the artery.

Jimmy came thundering up the stairs. "Crystal, where are you... Oh, fuck!"

"I know. Is the ambulance coming?"

"Ten minutes," he said

"I've got the wound. The water's hot, and she still has a pulse. She can't have been here long."

"Well there's a knife here, and an empty vodka bottle by the toilet," said Jimmy.

"Let the bathwater out," I said, "We'll try to get her out and dried, ready for the paramedics."

We drained the bath and lifted her out. She was unconscious, but we didn't know if it was from loss of blood or the vodka.

The ambulance arrived soon after and we explained who we were and that we'd found her this way. Jimmy pointed out the vodka, and they got her loaded into the ambulance, promising to warn the accident department that she'd had alcohol. They warned us to stay put as they had called the Police. Jimmy found out which hospital they were taking her to, and they left.

Two minutes later, we heard sirens again. The Police asked a lot of questions but seemed happy to accept it as a suicide attempt. They did a brief search of the house and came up with a scrawled note left on her bed. They showed it to me, and I read it.

To my Children.

I am sorry. I couldn't go on living like this. I am so ashamed of myself for what I have done.

Crystal, I suspected your father of abusing you when you told me. I did nothing because I was selfish and greedy. I killed him, and let you take the blame because I was selfish and wanted Shelly to myself. If you hadn't come for her, I can't say that I wouldn't have turned a blind eye to your father's abuse again.

Shelly. I have berated you for your illness. You didn't choose it, and you can't help it, yet I have been selfish yet again, worrying about how this will look to outsiders. I should have worried about you, not me.

I am not fit to be a mother to either of you. When I end my life, you will both inherit the money from your father's estate as you both should have already.

I know you will not believe me, but I love you both.

Goodbye

Mum xxx

I stood stunned.

"Is this your mother's writing?" said the detective.

I looked at him, trying to make sense of the question. "Um... Yes, yes, it is."

"We'll need to take the note as evidence. Have either of you touched the knife or the vodka bottle?"

"No," said Jimmy, "We've touched door handles and the bath. All we did was try to stop the bleeding and get her out of the water and dry."

The Police seemed happy at that point and asked us to come to the station for further questions later.

* * *

I left Jimmy to take care of the restaurant and headed to the hospital that they had taken my mother to. By the time I got there, they'd pumped her stomach, stitched and dressed the wound, and started her on a blood transfusion. They took me to the side-ward where she lay in a bed, ghostly white.

I looked at her. My mother. Once I'd loved her, then she'd betrayed me, and I'd hated her. Now I didn't know what I felt for her. Pity? Anger? I was numb.

I realised that the suicide note, that the Police had as evidence, was a signed confession to my father's killing. The shit was about to hit the fan again.

A doctor came to see me and explained my mother's condition. They'd pumped her stomach, not knowing how much of the vodka she'd drunk. He thought it was probably the entire bottle. The wound to her wrist was deep, but they'd stopped the bleeding. It worried him that she may have severed a tendon, but was more interested in saving her life for the time being.

He said she'd lost a lot of blood. If I hadn't stopped the bleeding when I did, she would have died. I'd saved her life. I wondered if she'd thank me for it.

"We're keeping her sedated for the moment," said the doctor, "You should go home. We'll bring her round tomorrow. The Police will have to speak to her first, anyway."

"Thank you for all you've done for her, doctor. It's much appreciated."

I left the hospital and went home.

* * *

Jim Blake.

Crystal was tied up with the business of her mother, so I'd volunteered to visit Shelly, but when I got there, the staff said she'd had a terrible night and was sleeping.

I'd rung Kim and Andy, my kids, to let them know about Shelly and also Maura's suicide attempt. Kim was at college, but Andy said he'd visit Shelly soon. I warned him to be wary of her actions.

The Police interviewed Crystal about her father's death and, given the contents of the note, Maura had left, told them the truth. They questioned Maura, and she admitted the truth too.

She'd been charged with murder, and they would take her into custody as soon as she was they considered her fit.

I went with Crystal to visit her that afternoon. She was sitting up in bed and was coherent for the first time since we'd found her in the bath. She refused to make eye contact with either of us.

"I wish you'd let me die," she said, "I hate myself. You must both hate me too."

"We don't hate you, Mother, but there's no way I was letting you die."

"Why not?"

"Because that's bloody selfish too," Crystal snapped.

"Crystal," I said, "not now."

"Yes, Jimmy, she needs to hear this."

"Go on," said Maura.

"Shelly came to see you, didn't she?"

"Yes," Maura whispered.

"She left you after you'd told her God knows what, got drunk and is now back on a psychiatric ward. In her state, what was she going to think if you'd died?"

"Sorry," Maura whispered.

"Are you? I'm not sure. Are you sorry for the way you treated her?"

"I am," Maura whispered.

"Then you need to tell her to her face, not leave her a bloody note after you'd drunk a bottle of fucking vodka!"

"Maura has taken responsibility for killing your father," I said, "That's the first step."

"I suppose so," said Crystal, her head slumping forward.

"Maura, We'll try to bring Shelly to see you once she's in a fit state so you two can talk," I said.

Maura nodded. "Crystal's right, I need to take responsibility for all I've done, and not done. I need to start that now." She looked up for the first time, looking Crystal in the eye. "Crystal, I was not the mother you deserved. I wanted nothing to upset the 'perfect' life I had, and I put you through hell because of it. If you hadn't come back, I might have done the same to Shelly. I was as bad as 'Him' because I did nothing. I let you take the blame for my crime when I could have gone to the Police with the truth. I did nothing. I have lost your trust, and I will never get it back. I am sorry. I know that phrase means so little, but it's all I have to give you. I will release the money that is held for you both. I will sign whatever my lawyer asks me to."

Crystal had tears in her eyes. "Mother, a part of me still loves you, and always will. You're right that I cannot bring myself to trust you at the moment. I don't know what will happen, but know that it was love, not hate, that made me save your life."

Maura's hands covered her face, and she sobbed. Crystal took my hand and pulled me towards the door. I looked back at Maura, then at Crystal. She shook her head. "The pain is hers, I can't help her with it," she said. I nodded, and we left.

* * *

Andy 'Slim' Blake.

Dad rang me to let me know that Shelly was back in the hospital. That poor girl. What had she ever done to deserve this? For that matter, what had I ever done to deserve the chart success and acclaim the Twisted Ravens were getting? Life seemed unfair.

"That was Dad, he says Shelly's back in the hospital, and her mother's tried to kill herself. I'm gonna visit her."

"You want me to come," said Diane.

"She can be intense when she's manic. I'll go alone, this time, if you don't mind."

"No, it's cool."

"Do you need the car?" I asked.

"No, you take it. When do you think you'll get some income from the record sales?"

"Fuck knows," I said, "Todd, our manager, says there can be a few months delay."

"Well, we need new tyres, like yesterday. Drive carefully, you don't want to get done for bald tyres."

I nodded, grabbed the keys from the table, kissed Diane, and left.

The psychiatric hospital was a forbidding place. It had been a Victorian 'lunatic asylum' and still looked like one. Redbrick and featureless, bars on the windows and an air of despair about it that sucked on you as you approached it.

I signed in and went up to Shelly's ward. Dad had warned that she'd been unpredictable a few days before, which was why I'd left Diane at home.

"Hi, Shelly. Y'allright?"

"Andy! Yeah, I'll be okay as soon as I get out of here."

"I'll bet. Dad said you were here, I thought I'd come and see you."

"They say I'm a lot better," she said. "Responding to the drugs. I'm allowed in the grounds if you'll go with me."

"Okay, I'll check with the staff."

We got permission and went for a walk around the gardens. Shelly seemed so glad to be outside.

"They're talking about letting me out soon," she said, taking my hand, "I don't know where to go."

"I suppose you'll go home. Back to Dad and Crystal's."

"Andy, you don't know what I've done. I don't think I can go back."

"What do you mean?"

"I stripped off and tried to get your Dad to fuck me on the ward."

I laughed. "You're kidding me!"

She grinned. "No, it's the kind of thing I do when I'm manic. You've no idea. Maybe I'll see if mother will take me in."

"Fuck!" I thought she obviously didn't know. I guess no one thought she was strong enough to take it, just now. "Maybe you could stay with Diane and me. We've got a spare room. Just until you square things with dad and your sister."

"Andy, I don't know. Are you sure Diane will be okay with it?"

"Tell you what, I'll bring her in tomorrow. You can talk to her."

"Okay."

We chatted about family and the music business for a while then I took her back to the ward and said goodbye, promising to return the next day.

When I got home, Diane was grinning from ear to ear. "What's up, love?" I said.

"Brown envelope from your record company."

I opened it with shaking hands. "Fuck! Almost five grand."

"Woo-hoo!" squealed Diane, "New tyres."

"Dinner at a restaurant tonight," I said.

"I'll get dressed up then."

There was nowhere better than Dad's restaurant, really, but we wanted to get away from family so went for a curry at Mokham's in Digbeth. Ali met us at the door.

"Mr Blake, Miss Clark, how good to see you."

"Cut the crap Ali, we went to fucking school together."

He grinned, "Hi Andy, Hi Diane." He shook my hand and kissed Diane on the cheek. "What with you being famous and all. I thought you might have got airs and graces."

"No chance of that. Grab a table Diane, I'll have Chicken Tikka Masala, Ali. I'm nipping next door to get a couple of beers."

"Becks for me," said Diane, "In the bottle, their glasses are filthy."

I went off to the pub next door while Diane ordered and chatted to Ali.

We had a superb meal, finishing with my favourite, Gulabjumun, for dessert.

As we ate our dessert, I brought up my conversation with Shelly that day.

"Shelly's getting out soon," I said, "She thinks she's fucked things up with Crystal and dad. Do you think she could have our spare room for a bit until she gets back on her feet?"

"You need to ask?" she said, "Of course she can."

"Okay. Will you come in to see her with me tomorrow when you finish work?"

"No problem, pick me up from the shop at 5 o'clock."

We headed home after that. I rang dad to tell him what we were planning. He was dubious but agreed. He thought it would give Shelly a staging post between getting out and having to face family again.

* * *

Shelly Fraser.

Andy came to pick me up from the hospital at 11 o'clock. The doctor had signed my release, and to be honest, I was feeling good. More like myself than I had for a few weeks.

The trouble with my condition is that, when you're manic, you don't feel ill. You feel great. You can do anything, and that is the problem.

We arrived at Diane and Andy's home, and he took my bag inside. Diane gave me a hug. "You know you're welcome to stay as long as you like," she said, "But I'm sure you'll sort things out with Jim and Crystal soon."

"I hope so," I said.

Andy showed me the room. It was small but had a bed, chest, wardrobe and a TV. Diane had put in some fresh flowers.

"I'll knock when dinner's ready," said Diane, "Just get yourself settled."

I lay back on the bed. That's when it hit me.

Trust.

I'd destroyed the trust I had from Jimmy, Crystal and Mandy. I'd made fools of them, and of myself.

I couldn't even trust myself any more. I might do anything when I lost control.

I felt so alone.

I turned face down on the bed and sobbed into the pillow.