The Guilded Lily Ch. 07: Falling Slowly

Episode 7.

Falling Slowly.

Shelly Fraser.

* * *

I lay on the bed sobbing. I didn't know what was left of my life. Why was my head so fucked up?

I'd lost the trust of my only sister and her partners, Mandy and Jimmy. I couldn't even trust myself when I became ill. Anything could happen.

I'd just got out of the psychiatric hospital that day and, frightened to go back home, stayed with Jimmy's son, Andy, and his girlfriend Diane.

There was a knock at the bedroom door. "Shelly, dinner's ready."

"OK, I'll just be a minute," I sniffled.

"Shelly? Are you OK? Can I come in?" said Diane.

"Yeah, come in," I said, wiping my cheeks with the back of my hand. Diane opened the door. "Shelly, you're crying."

"I'll be OK. It's just all catching up with me, Diane."

"Come through and talk to us over dinner."

I followed her through to the living room. "Turn the TV off Andy."

"I'm watching the..."

"Andy!" Diane said, nodding towards me. Andy took in my red eyes and tear-streaked face.

"Umm, Yeah right." He pressed the remote control.

I sat on the couch next to Andy. Diane handed me a plate with lasagne, chips and salad, gave another to Andy, then soon returned with her own. She sat on Andy's other side.

"Eat your dinner, Shelly. Talk to us when you're ready.

I ate a little lasagne, and a few chips, but I had no appetite at all. I looked at Andy and Diane, "I've made a mess of things, guys. I don't know how anybody feels about me now. I've made a fool of Jimmy, Mandy and Crystal. I've made a fool of myself. How can I go back to Jimmy's now?"

Andy looked at me. "You want me to get my Old Man over for a chat? He's not the judgemental sort, and he's fond of you, Shell."

"Jimmy's always been good to me, Andy. Do you think he'd come and see me here? I'm so scared I've lost all the people I love through this damned illness."

"No time like the present," he said, and reached for his phone. "Hi Corrine, is dad there?... Yeah, put him on... Dad? I've got Shelly here, she wants to talk to you." I shook my head at him.

"No, in person Dad... yeah... how about tomorrow?... Three o'clock?" He looked at me, I nodded.

"Yeah, I'll be here too. See you then. Bye Dad." He hung up. "Did you get that?"

"Yes. I'm glad you'll be here too. You're both really good to me."

"We're your friends, Shelly," said Diane, "We'll look out for you, don't worry." She took my half full plate. "Not hungry?"

"No," I said, "Sorry."

"You want a glass of wine?" she asked.

"No alcohol. Do you have Coke?"

"One Coke coming up."

We chatted about Diane's job at the boutique and Andy's recording schedule, but I soon tired. The drugs made me sleep a lot, so I headed to bed. Despite being tired, I lay awake for a long while wondering about what my future might hold.

* * *

Jim Blake.

I got the bus over to Andy's flat in Tyseley after we finished lunch service. I rang the bell, and Andy let me in. "How's it going, Boy?" I smiled.

"All right, Dad, we've got some money coming in from the record company."

"What are you splashing out on then?"

"New tyres for that rolling money-pit parked outside," he said, "It's a Rock & Roll life."

We went through to the living room and Andy told me to sit on the couch. He knocked on the door of Shelly's room. A few seconds later she came out.

"Hello, Jimmy. Thanks for coming to see me."

"No problem. Are you ready to come home, Shelly?"

"I can't. I remember what I did to you, Jimmy, stripping off and trying to seduce you. I'm so ashamed." She looked at the floor as if she didn't want to see my expression.

"Shelly, the person on that psychiatric ward was not you, not the Shelly we know. We all know you are a different person when you're ill. You have no control over what you do, or say, when you're like that. We'll try to forget those things, but you must too. Try to accept that it's a part of you that nobody holds you responsible for."

"I'll try Jimmy. It's hard to pretend that it wasn't me because I remember it so well. I even remember the twisted reasoning for it."

"Let go, Shelly. I would like you to come home when you're ready. Back to your family."

"I need to talk to Crystal, too," she said.

"What about Mandy?" I saw a tear run down her cheek. Andy reached out and hugged Shelly to him, patting her back. "She'll forgive you," I heard him whisper. Shelly nodded. "OK, Mandy too, but not together, it'll be too much for me."

I nodded. "I'll get Crystal to come over tomorrow afternoon."

Shelly relaxed a little, and we had a cup of tea together before I hugged her and Andy goodbye and left for home.

* * *

Shelly Fraser.

I thought about the talk with Jimmy after he left. Andy was right to get me to speak to him first.

It was as though Jimmy was the glue that held together our disparate 'family'. He was husband to Crystal, and to Mandy too in practice. A sort of kindly uncle to me, a wonderful father to Kim and Andy and more than just an employer to Corrine. He paid Milla to care for Mandy's girls and always made sure everyone got fed if they were around at meal times. To Becky and Roz, he was a father figure, and he doted on little Maja.

For all that, he was unassuming, and deferred to the women of the household unless he had firm opinions about something. I realized that I loved that man.

I chatted with Andy, who was at home until recording started in a week or two. We discussed my illness, and he spent hours reassuring me he, and everyone else in our 'Family', would want me to return to my life as soon as I was able.

The next day Crystal came to visit. She came and sat beside me.

"Shelly," she said, "Jimmy told me how he feels about your illness. I want you to know that I feel the same way too. You're my little sister, and I love you. Nothing will change that."

I hugged her and shed a few tears. "Do you want me to come home too?"

"Yes, I do Shelly. We all love you." She looked serious for a second. "Shelly, I need to tell you something." I nodded. "Mum tried to kill herself."

I gasped. "When? How?"

"Jimmy and I went to her house last week to speak to her about you, and your illness. We couldn't find her downstairs, so I looked in her room. I found her in her bath. She'd severed the artery in her wrist. I stopped the bleeding, and they took her to hospital. She's OK, but she needed a lot of blood.

"She left a note, Shelly, saying how she'd not been a good mother to us, how she suspected the abuse, but did nothing. She admitted to killing our father in the note too. They have charged her with murder."

I tried to take it all in. "What about you Crystal?"

"They'll charge me with perjury, as I lied to the court. My lawyer says that, as I've served two-and-a-half years, I'll not get a further sentence."

"And mother?"

"I don't know. They may reduce the murder to manslaughter, but with the perjury charge she will get a longer sentence that I got."

I looked at Crystal. "Why don't I feel sorry for her Crystal? She's my mother."

"I don't know Sis, I'm kinda numb too. I guess it's her past catching up with her."

"Will I be able to see her?" I said.

"Do you want to?"

"Yes, I have to, but not now. When I get my life back on track."

We talked about the money which was being signed over to us. I told Crystal to contact her lawyer as I wanted mine put in a trust, where I couldn't touch it if I became ill again. She agreed that it was a good idea.

We parted as friends, and she told me that Mandy was coming to see me the next day.

* * *

The next morning Mandy arrived. Having taken her twins to school, she'd got the bus over to Tyseley, arriving before ten o'clock. I was not long wakened when Andy tapped on my door to say she was here. "Tell Mandy to come in," I said, "I'm not dressed yet."

Mandy knocked and came into the room. I sat up in bed and looked at my beautiful friend.

"Hello, Mandy, how are you?"

"Better for seeing you, Baby," she smiled.

That was it. Just the use of her pet name for me, 'Baby', was enough to know that we were OK.

I reached out for her. "Cuddle!" I demanded.

Mandy stepped up to the bed, sat down, and her arms enfolded me. "I've missed you so, Girlie."

My voice was unsteady as I clamped her to my body, never wanting to let go. "We're good?" I asked.

"Yes, we're good. I feel like you did when you couldn't visit me in hospital after the accident. I just couldn't come in to the psychiatric ward, knowing that my being there would set you off again, so I stayed away."

"S'ok," I mumbled into her neck, "Can I come home?"

"Yes, Baby, whenever you're ready."

"I want to stay tonight with Andy and Diane, to thank them for taking me in. I'll come home tomorrow."

I pulled back from Mandy's arms then moved my mouth to hers. Our lips met and parted, allowing our tongues to duel in our mouths. I moaned as her hand found its way under my tee-shirt and slid up to my breast, tweaking my rigid nipple. "Ohhh, fuck!" I wailed.

Mandy withdrew her hand. "Tomorrow, Horny Girl!" she promised.

We talked for a while about my mother, discussing my apparent lack of emotion about her. Mandy said it was a reaction to everything that had happened between us, but it still worried me a little.

Mandy left, promising to be at home the next day to welcome me back, and I packed my few belongings, ready to leave in the morning.

I sat with Andy that afternoon. "Thank you for taking me in, Andy. You and Diane gave me the space to settle things with Mandy, Crystal and Jimmy. I owe you one."

"You don't owe us a thing, Shell, you're family. I know you're, like, my step-aunt or something, but you feel like a sister, or perhaps a cousin. Diane and I will always be there for you."

"The same goes for me, Andy. If ever you two need me, you only have to ask." I leant towards him and hugged him. He hugged me back, then let go. He was blushing.

"What's wrong, Andy?"

"Sorry, I'm still shy sometimes."

"Yeah, but with me?"

"Specially with you, Shell. I had a serious crush on you for about a year after you moved in with dad," he explained, looking at the floor.

"I never knew."

"Good. It embarrassed me enough. Kimmie knew, and took the mickey out of me, but I made her promise never to tell you. I guess now Diane and I are an item, I can admit it."

I gave him another hug. "You're sweet Andy, but never be frightened to tell me anything again."

He nodded.

* * *

We all went out for a meal that night. Diane wore a lovely clingy red dress that hugged her petite figure well. She had gone without a bra which, with her 'C' cup breasts, was daring. I caught her teasing her nipples through the fabric in front of Andy, with a smile on her face. As she walked away, she whispered, "Later." She realised that I'd seen her and turned as red as her dress.

We ate at a small Italian place with excellent food and attentive staff. Andy looked dapper in a blue suit he got for making a video with the band.

I'd put on a yellow sundress with thigh-high stockings and a pair of stilettos I borrowed from Diane.

We had a lovely evening and, though I didn't have alcohol, Andy and Diane tottered home a little worse for wear.

* * *

Andy 'Slim' Blake.

We staggered in the front door, Diane and I holding each other up. We'd drunk the best part of a bottle of wine each over a lovely dinner at our favourite Italian place. Shelly went off to her room, still thanking us for taking her in over the past few days.

Diane took me by the hand, grinning, and led me into our bedroom. She smiled as she slipped the shoulders of her dress down and wriggled the garment over her full breasts and hips. It dropped into a red pool at her feet and she stood in front of me naked.

"You little hussy," I scolded, "Not only have you been teasing me all night with your braless tits, but you were commando too!"

She sidled up to me, rubbing her hand over my straining crotch. "Someone doesn't seem to mind," she giggled, "And you have far too many clothes on."

She removed my jacket and hung it on the back of the door, then she unbuckled my belt and unzipped my suit trousers, slipping them off and folding them on a chair. I unbuttoned my shirt and Diane pulled it off my shoulders. She hooked her fingers in the waist of my boxer shorts and slid them down my legs. As I stepped out of them, she deftly removed my socks.

"That's better," she said, "now while I'm kneeling down here..."

She took hold of my rigid cock and aimed it for her soft mouth, slipping the head between her lips and running her tongue around the head. I moaned. Diane held the base of my dick in her small hand and worked her mouth up and down my shaft, twisting her head and hand in opposite directions as she sucked me nearer to my orgasm.

I twisted my hands in her ebony hair and held her as she hummed, letting the vibration drive me closer. Her head speeded up its thrusting on my cock, and her hand worked me up and down. I groaned and told her, "Gonna cum!"

Diane pulled her mouth from my prick and jerked me furiously. "Give it to me, Andy. Cum on my big tits. Splash me with your spunk. Do it!"

Her dirty talk drove me crazy, and my balls tightened as the first of my cum poured from my cock onto her massive breasts. "Unnngh."

"Oh fuck. I love it when you cum on me," she groaned. She pulled my softening cock to her mouth and cleaned the last of my spunk from it, then rubbed my spending into the skin of her tits and belly, coating herself in me.

Diane stood and took my hand. On shaking legs, I followed her to the bed where she lay down and parted her legs, displaying the magnificence of her shaved pussy. "My turn," she demanded, grinning.

I knelt between her milk white thighs and lowered my head to her dripping slit. I could smell her arousal and dropped my mouth to lick the length of her pink lips. She twitched and gasped as I touched her stiff clit. I covered her mound with my mouth and sank my tongue into her wet tunnel, drinking the delicious juices from her as she thrust up against me. "Fuck. So good," she groaned.

I fucked her pussy with my tongue, lashing around the lips, then diving in as far as possible. Diane pumped her hips up to meet me, trying to get me as deep as possible. She grabbed my hair and tried to pull me upwards. I smiled and released my mouth from her slit and sucked her pulsing clit into my mouth, flicking it with the tip of my tongue.

Diane shuddered and her hips came off the bed, hovering in mid air, as her body became rigid and a high-pitched squeal escaped her lips.

"Oh fuck yes! Yes! YES!"

She pushed my head away as the sensation became too much. I slid up beside her on the bed and moulded my hand to the shape of her pussy mound as she recovered her breath.

"Oh, you'd better be ready to fuck me, Slim," she gasped.

I rolled her on her back and slipped between her thighs, lining my hard cock up with her slippery hole. She grasped me, pulling me to her as I slid into her hot, wet pussy. We both moaned as I slid in to the hilt in one push, then set up a steady rhythm, pumping into her straining pussy.

Diane started a soft mantra, "Fuck me, fuck me, fuck me," as I pounded into her. Breathing faster as I felt her body squirmed beneath me. She gave a squeal of delight as her orgasm claimed her and she stiffened for a few seconds, then collapsed under me.

The clutching of her pussy, as she came, sent me over the edge, and my cock spurted into her, filling her slit and pumping out around my prick.

I rolled off her and lay beside her, gasping. "Holy Shit! That was amazing, Di."

She whimpered and snuggled into my side, her leg wrapping around mine as she held me.

"So good," she smiled, "So good."

As her breathing slowed, she relaxed, and knew sleep had claimed her. I soon followed.

* * *

Shelly Fraser.

I lay naked in the bed, listening to Andy and Diane through the wall. My right hand was wet with my pussy juice and my fingers were circling my rock hard clit as I tweaked and pulled my nipples.

"Oh fuck yes! Yes! YES!" I heard Diane scream. I released my aching nipple and shoved two fingers into my hole, fucking myself, as my fingers blurred on my clit. I felt it rising, building in my belly, growing until it burst through me. I quaked and shuddered as my fingers drilled my pussy, juice now running down my wrist, as I came down from my high.

I cupped my mound and curled up on my side, satisfied, as I heard Diane chanting, "Fuck me, fuck me, fuck me..."

* * *

I woke early, excited, but apprehensive, about returning to my home with Jimmy, Crystal, and my lovely Mandy. I went through to Andy's kitchen to brew some coffee and found Diane already up. "You're up early," I said, "Though you were 'up' late last night too."

Diane blushed. "Sorry Shell, we're not used to having guests. Did we keep you awake?"

"No, not after I got myself off, listening to your squealing," I grinned.

Diane stared at me for a while, then laughed. "What is it about your 'family' that makes sex seem so normal?"

"Sex is normal," I said, "it's just that at home we kind of talk about everything, sex included, together. I kid Crystal about the noises she makes, she kids me about my screaming when I'm with Mandy."

"Are you and Mandy a couple?"

"I guess not," I said, "I love her, but I'm not 'In love' with her. She belongs to Jimmy and Crystal. They're forever. They let me play and indulge my crush on her."

"Have you ever had a boyfriend," asked Diane.

"No. I mean, technically I'm a virgin."

"Are you 'women only' then?"

"I don't think so. I guess I'll find out one day."

Diane poured me a coffee and handed it to me. "Is Mandy your first lover then?"

"First, and only."

"Andy's my first and I'm his," she confided, "We've been together since we were kids, but only broke our cherries when we left school."

We sat in the lounge and soon a bleary eyed Andy joined us. He kissed Diane, tousled my hair, and plonked himself down on the couch.

"Looking forward to going home?" he asked.

"Nervous, but yes."

"You'll be fine. I bet Mandy's dying to have you back in her bed."

"There you go," said Diane, "another product of Guilded Lily open mindedness."

We giggled and Andy looked at us puzzled. I winked at him. "In joke!" I said.

* * *

I arrived at The Guilded Lily at eleven o'clock that morning with my small rucksack on my shoulder. Passing through the kitchen, I waved to Crystal and Jimmy. They both smiled at me.

Corrine surprised me by coming over and giving me a firm hug. "Welcome home," she whispered in my ear. I smiled at her and thanked her as she returned to work. I went upstairs to the flat and called to Mandy.

"In here!" she shouted from my bedroom.

I walked in and found her stretched naked on the bed, smiling like a Cheshire Cat.

"Crystal and Jim are working, the girls are at school, and I'm horny," she stated.

"Well let's address that last one first," I said, stripping my clothes off as fast as possible. I sat on the bed and Mandy pulled me to her. "Sixty-nine," she whispered, "I want to taste you Baby."

"Girlie, you're insatiable."

* * *

We were still clinging to each other as we heard Jimmy and Crystal coming up from the restaurant after lunch service. We slipped on robes and went through to the kitchen to get coffee and greet them. Crystal walked past me. "God, shower will you. You reek of pussy."

"This is a bad thing, why?" I giggled.

Crystal looked at me. "Because I didn't get any yet," she said breaking into a smile.

"Girlie, your wife wants your body," I said. Mandy grinned and tried to kiss Crystal.

"NO! No way. Brush your teeth and use mouthwash, I don't need to taste my sister's pussy."

We all fell about laughing, then Mandy and I went to shower.

Life soon got back to normal. I got a job volunteering at the City Farm. It was an animal sanctuary that allowed city folks to meet farm animals. It also gave work to volunteers trying to get back into the workplace after some disruption in their lives. I loved it.

* * *

'Slim' Blake.

After a few weeks of sitting on my ass at home, it was good to get back to the music. We'd had a surprise hit after Keith Richards, of all people, plugged our record on national radio. We'd covered 'Brown Sugar' on the 'B' side of the single, a decision I had disapproved of. That just shows what I know.

I'd written to Keith, through his management, thanking him. He rang me and suggested we meet up, but we needed to get into a recording studio, and it never happened.

We were recording in New York. A decision made by our manager, Todd, though I suspect it was a foreign holiday for him. I tried to get Diane, my girlfriend, to go with us but she needed to work, and it turned out that all the band members travelled alone, anyway.

We boarded the flight at Heathrow, travelling first class for the first time. There was Joseph 'Jojo' Johnson, the drummer, Mitchell 'Mitch' Connor, the bassist, and Paul 'Griff' Griffin, our singer. We'd met at school and had played a lot together. We played heavy rock covers, and found that our sound was just too light with one guitar, so we added Hazel 'Haze' Lucas about a year ago.

After Haze joined us, we began writing our own stuff. Most of the writing was between Griff and I, but Haze was proving her worth too, and two tracks on the first album were penned by her.

We were off to record our second album, to ride the wave of our popularity.

The studio was booked for two weeks. As a young band, our record company would not invest a lot of time or money in us yet. The recording went well, as most of the songs were finished and we'd practised them. We got done in ten days, with time to do the tourist bit of The Big Apple before we flew home two days early.

I decided to surprise Diane with my early return, and the taxi from the station dropped me off at about ten o'clock at night. There were no lights at the front of the house, so I opened the door quietly, assuming she would have gone to bed. I tiptoed to the bedroom, and that's when I heard it. There's no mistaking the sound of two people fucking. An icy shiver ran down my back as I looked in the open bedroom door. There was my Diane on her back, legs in the air, whilst a naked man hammered her pussy. They were grunting and groaning like animals as they thrashed on our bed. I wanted to kill him. I wanted to run. What I did was throw up. I ran to the bathroom next door to our room and vomited into the pan. I flushed the toilet and rinsed my mouth at the basin. I turned, and there stood Diane.

We stared at each other for what seemed like minutes. "I wasn't expecting you home," she said.

"I can see that. Who is he?"

"It doesn't matter, he's leaving."

I lost it. "It doesn't fucking matter? I come home to find you fucking God knows who, and you say it doesn't fucking matter. We had something, Diane. We've talked about marriage. Can you at least tell me why?"

She was crying now. Great sobs wracking her naked body as she stuttered over her reply. "I got drunk," she cried, "He was so insistent, and you weren't here. I just gave in."

"How many times has this happened?" I asked.

"It's never happened before, and It'll never happen again," she said.

"Too fucking right it will never happen again," I screamed at her, "Because I'm fucking gone! You can fuck who you like, for all I care."

I walked past her, heading for the front door, when the dark haired man she'd been in bed with, stepped in front of me. "Listen, mate..."

I didn't.

My left fist came up so fast he never saw it coming, and as it smashed into his nose. Bone broke, and blood spurted from his face as he clutched it and collapsed to the floor. I drove my boot into his groin. "I'm not your fucking mate," I shouted, as I ran out of the door, tears streaming down my face.

I don't know how long I walked, but I found myself in a pub. I ordered a double whisky, downed it, and ordered another. Three more followed in quick succession before I left, at the barman's suggestion. I hailed a cab and got him to take me to Handsworth, dropping me outside Griff's house. I staggered up the path and knocked on the door. It took several attempts to wake him, and he was not pleased until he saw the tears.

"What the fuck happened to you, man?"

I stumbled into his hallway. "I caught Diane fucking some guy," I slurred.

"No fucking way. Your Diane? But I thought you two were..."

"So did I. I surprised her by coming home early. They were fucking in our bed."

"Who was it?" he asked.

"Don't know. He called me 'mate'. I punched his fucking lights out."

"Damn man, this is so fucked up," said Griff, "I don't know what to say to you, man. Look, let's get you into bed. Use the spare room, we'll talk more in the morning."

He took me upstairs and poured me into the bed, clothes and all.

* * *

I woke with a throbbing head and struggled to open my eyes. I climbed out of bed. Where the hell was I? I opened the bedroom door. The hinges squeaked, and I cringed. There was a radio playing downstairs, and I followed the sound.

"Now at least I know where I am," I said to Griff as I walked into his kitchen, "Now, why am I here?"

Griff looked at me. "Diane," he said. I sank into a chair. It all came back to me, and I sobbed.

Griff put an arm around me and hugged me. "Come on, have some coffee, you need it."

We talked. Griff couldn't understand why Diane cheated on me. We'd been together since we were kids, and lost our virginity to each other. Despite the temptations of life in a rock band, I always stayed true to her. Then she hit me with this.

"You want to crash here for a bit?" asked my friend.

"I need a place of my own," I said, "You know of anything?"

"I'll ring my landlord, he's got a few places."

Griff made a phone call. "Mr Ali?... Paul Griffin... Yes... Listen, do you have anything vacant at the moment, I've got a friend who needs a place... Yes, cash... OK, give me the address... Yeah, eleven o'clock then. Bye." He hung up.

"He's got a place a few streets over, He'll meet us there at eleven."

We went to see the place. It was a dump, but it was cheap. There was basic furniture and appliances and it was dry, so I took it. I paid him a deposit and got the keys within the hour. Griff had a car, so when we were sure Diane would be at work, he took me over to get my stuff.

* * *

Diane Clark.

Andy slammed the front door as he left, tears streaming down his face. If I'd been drunk when I got into bed with Jose, I was stone cold sober now. Jose was lying on the hall floor, blood pouring from his nose, curled up protecting his bruised balls. "Diane, call the police," he groaned.

I stared at him. "You don't think you fucking deserved that? Get up and get the fuck out."

He half crawled, half staggered towards the bedroom. I collapsed on the floor. How could I have been so fucking stupid? It was just been a drink after work with my boss, Jose. We stayed longer than I planned and I'd drunk way too much wine. He started coming on to me, and I was flattered. Andy was the only man who'd ever shown an interest in me. Not that I wasn't pretty, but we'd been boyfriend/girlfriend since we were about thirteen years old and neither of us looked any further.

I had so fucked up. I'd brought him home for a drink and we'd ended up kissing on the couch. I didn't stop him. I guess it was exciting. Now I would have to pay for it.

Jose left after a few minutes and I dragged myself back to bed, passing out in minutes.

The next morning I felt like shit. The hangover was terrible, but what I'd done to Andy was eating me up. I tried to ring his mobile phone, but the answering machine cut in straight away.

"Andy, we need to talk. I made a monumental mistake and I hate myself. Please ring me."

I sounded desperate. I was desperate. I knew Andy, and he would never take betrayal well. I was sure I'd lost him already, but I had to try.

All his band mates closed ranks and no-one would tell me where he was. His manager, Todd, said he didn't know where he was, and wanted to be told when I found him.

The only one who would give me the time of day was Haze, the other guitarist in the band. She asked what I'd done, and I told her. She told me I was a stupid bitch, and I agreed with her. She said she would try to find out where Andy was, and let me know, as long as I didn't say where I got the information.

It was two days later I got a text from Haze. She gave me an address in Handsworth, close to where Griff lived. I let the dust settle for a few days before I visited him.

* * *

'Slim' Blake.

I'd established a bit of a routine after a few days. Breakfast at a café, then go to the pub. I'd have a few whiskies, always sitting alone, then go to the supermarket, buy myself a bottle, then go home and spend the rest of the day drinking it. Sometimes I could even get the image of Diane, on her back on our bed, out of my mind for an hour or two.

My band mates came round and knocked, but I never let on that I was at home. They left after a bit. I'd been in my flat about 5 or 6 days when there was another knock at the door. This one didn't stop. Bang, bang, bang! I gave in and opened the front door. There stood Haze.

"Alright, Slim? Fuck, you look like shit," she commented as she walked past me into the room.

"What do you want?"

"Came round to check for a pulse. You know we've got a local gig on Saturday?"

"Fuck."

"Yep. You gonna try to sober up, or do we look to replace you?"

"Replace me? I started the fucking band."

"Yep, and we can drop you if you're going to fuck it all up for the rest of us. Think about it. Oh and get rid of a few of these empty whisky bottles before Diane comes round."

"Diane? You told her?"

"Why not? She fucked up, she knows you're not coming back, but she needs to talk. You've gotta do it sometime."

I groaned. "She's the last person I want to see."

"Live with it. Get sober by Friday night, we've got a practice session. See ya!" She let herself out.

"Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!" I shouted. I had to get on stage this weekend, but I wasn't ready to see Diane again yet. My phone rang. It was Diane. I bit the bullet and answered it.

"Hello, Diane."

"Hello, Andy, Thank you for answering. I know you don't want to speak to me."

"Haze was here. She said she told you my address. She's pissed off with me."

"I hear you're drinking, Andy. I want to talk to you, but only if you're sober."

"Well I'm okay just now, if you must talk."

"OK, I'll come in. I'm outside."

I smiled. She knew me too well. When I opened the front door, Diane was standing on the step. She looked tired and her eyes were bloodshot. "You look as good as I do," I said.

She gave a weak smile, "Can I come in, Andy?"

I stood back and let her in. She found her way to the lounge and sat. "Fuck, Andy, how many bottles a day of this shit are you on?"

"Not enough yet," I sighed.

"Sit down," she said, "I know this is not what you want to hear, but I'm sorry. Sorry I did it, and sorry for hurting you. Is there any chance for us?"

I looked at her. "No Diane. I loved... love you, but I can't get the image of you and him out of my head. I've forgiven you, but I'll never forget. If I take you back, I'll always be checking up on you, I'll never be able to trust you again."

She nodded, "I thought that's what you would say, but I needed to ask."

I hesitated. "Are you with him?"

"No. It meant nothing. That's why I hate myself for doing that to us. He was my boss."

"Was?"

"I haven't been back. Couldn't face him and what I did. I'm trying to find a new job. I'll have to find a cheaper place to live though."

"The rent's paid for the month," I said, "Worry about it after that."

"Andy. Don't do this to yourself over me. I fucked up. I'm kinda lost, wondering if I'm the person I thought I was, but none of this is your fault. You've got to stop drinking, you'll ruin your health and your career."

"I need to get my shit together for the weekend," I said, "Haze told me we've got a gig on Saturday."

"I want you to get some help with this Andy. I'll help you if I can."

"I'll do my best. I don't want to punish you Diane, you're doing that yourself. I can see the guilt you have, and I would love to take you back, but what we had is gone, and I'll never find it again with you." She had tears in her eyes. Despite the hurt she'd brought me, I was sorry for her. If only I could banish that image of her with him, but it was burned into my memory.

"I'd better go, I've said my piece. Will we still talk, or do you want me out of your life, Andy?"

"Diane, I don't know yet. Call me sometime, we'll talk, just now I don't know what to feel."

She stood and gave me a stranger's hug, pecking me on the cheek. "I'll call Saturday, to check you're sober," she said.

At the door she turned and waved, then was gone. I went to the kitchen and found a fresh bottle of whisky.

* * *

Diane Clark.

I went home and cried some more. Seeing Andy had been so hard. He said just what I expected him to say. I had no idea what to do with my life now. Everything revolved around there being an 'us'.

My biggest worry, despite my personal misery, was Andy. It looked like he was drinking a bottle a day or more. I needed to stop him destroying his life over me. I picked up my phone and dialled the manager of The Twisted Ravens.

"Hello, Todd?"

"Hello Diane, what can I do for you?" He sounded like I was the last person in the world he wanted to hear from.

"I've been to see Andy, he's drinking, it's bad. Can you help him?"

"Why would you care," he threw back.

"Because I fucking do! Do you care about your boy or not, Todd?"

"Of course I do!"

"Right, get him a place in rehab somewhere, and tell me. Somehow, I'll get him there. Do we have a deal?"

"Are you two back together?"

"No, I fucked up big time, but I still care about him, and it's my fault he's like this."

"OK. I'll be in touch." He rang off.

Four days later I got a text. 'Ten Acres Clinic, Stratford-upon-Avon. He's booked in. Get him there if you can. Todd.'

* * *

'Slim' Blake.

I got kinda straight on Friday and went to the practice hall. We rehearsed the set for Saturday. I wasn't brilliant.

Saturday was not so good. I had a few whiskies to get rid of the shakes, after breakfast, then moved on to beer instead. Four cans later I was feeling no pain. Diane rang and wasn't happy with my drunken state. She came over and poured coffee down my throat for over an hour, then drove me to the gig. Griff looked at me and shook his head. "Snap out of it, Slim," he said, "we've got a show to do."

Onstage, I managed okay. I did all the numbers we'd scheduled and even managed an encore. Todd took me aside after. "You got away with it this time, Slim, but if you want to play in this band you've got to get dried out. We're not putting up with this."

I nodded at him, and Diane appeared to drive me home. She helped me into the house and sat me on the couch. "I'll make some coffee," she said, and went through to the kitchen. I wandered through a minute later to find her pouring a bottle of whisky down the sink. She looked at me.

"Is that the only one?"

I shook my head. "Bathroom cabinet."

She found the half bottle and poured it away too. "Get to bed and sleep," she said, "I'll pick you up in the morning."

"Why," I asked.

"We're going out for a drive."

I staggered off to bed and heard Diane leave just after.

* * *

Diane Clark.

I picked Andy up at ten o'clock Sunday morning. He was bleary eyed, but sober for a change. We had breakfast at a café, and then headed off towards Stratford. Andy dozed a little in the car, and when we arrived at the clinic, I nudged him awake.

"Where are we?"

"Ten Acres Clinic."

"Why? Oh, no you don't. Take me home."

"Andy. You're here now. I can't make you stay if you don't want to, but I'm responsible for your drinking. It's because of what I did. I've brought you here so you have a chance to get your life back on track. You're booked in, all you have to do is walk in the door. Will you do that for me?"

He looked at his hands for a minute, turning it over in his mind. "I don't have to go in?"

"No, you don't. This is all I can do for you, Andy. You step out of this car, and you have to do it on your own."

He leaned over and kissed my cheek. "Thank you. Come and visit me sometime?"

"I will," I said, "I will not keep on saying this, but I really am sorry. I fucked up two lives and a damn wonderful rock band. Go get dried out, not for me, but for yourself."

He opened the car door, got out, and shut it behind him. He walked to the front door of the building, never looking back. I knew what he didn't want me to see, so I drove off.

That afternoon I rang Shelly.

"Hi Shell, it's Diane."

"Diane! How are you guys?"

I swallowed. "We're not together any more, Shelly."

"What happened?"

"Can you meet me at Caffe Nero in half an hour?"

"Yes, but..."

"I'll explain then."

We met as planned and I went over the whole sordid business again. I was so ashamed. Shelly asked me why I did it, but I had no suitable answer, either for her or myself.

I explained that Andy was in rehab and asked if she would visit him for me. She agreed, planning to go in a couple of days time. We talked for a while, but I could tell I'd lost her trust and perhaps her friendship too.

* * *

'Slim' Blake.

I walked into Ten Acres Clinic. I'd refused to turn back and wave goodbye to Diane. My resolve may have weakened if I had, and I didn't want her to see the tears running down my cheeks.

The clinic was luxurious. Like a 5-star hotel, but without the bar. I was shown to a large comfortable room with an en-suite bathroom and patio doors onto the garden. I had use of the gym, pool and sauna, too.

I got settled in and found the one thing I was missing. I rang Haze.

"Hi Haze, can you do me a favour?"

"No, not if it's alcohol."

"No. I'm in rehab in Stratford. Any chance you could drop by my flat and bring me down my guitars?"

"Oh Slim, I'm so glad you're getting help. Who talked you into it?"

"Diane." She went quiet. "You still there?"

"Yeah, just surprised, that's all," she said. "What do you want me to bring?"

"Bring the black Antoria acoustic and Delilah. Take the little Marshall amp too."

"You sure about Delilah?"

"Yeah, I trust you. Bring her."

"OK, I'll come tomorrow. Is the key with Griff?"

I said it was, and she rang off.

Delilah.

Most guitarists have names for their favourite axe, mine was Delilah.

It started when I was fifteen-years-old. I passed a pawn shop on the way to school, and one day this thing of beauty appeared in the window. She was a 1972 blonde Fender Telecaster. I asked to see her. The guy in the shop was reluctant, I was just a kid, but he got it out of the window and I fell in love!

I played a bit and, though she was worn, she played like a dream. I told Dad about the guitar the next weekend when I visited. He asked how much it was, and I told him £450.00.

"Bloody Delilah!" he exclaimed. I assumed that was that. I guessed he couldn't afford it, and anyway, a couple of days later it was gone from the window. I asked the shop owner, but he said a guy came and bought it cash. Didn't even ask to play it.

My birthday is the day after Christmas, but Dad always got two presents for me, saying it wasn't fair to do a 'joint' present.

That year, Kim and I were at Dad's on Boxing day and opened our presents in the afternoon. We'd just finished, when Dad called me over to me.

"Andy, I don't usually get you a joint present for your birthday and Christmas, but this year's different." I nodded, disappointed that he'd changed his mind. Still, it must be a bigger present.

"Look behind the door in my bedroom," he said.

I ran off and opened his bedroom door, peering round to see what was behind it. There stood the beautiful 1972 Telecaster!

I didn't even pick her up. I ran to Dad and threw my arms around him. "Thank you. I love it. I'll call her Bloody Delilah!"

He looked at me and laughed. "Perhaps just Delilah would be more appropriate," he said.

* * *

Shelly Fraser.

I settled back in with my 'family' again and was more confident by the day. Mandy had given me the boost I needed, taking me back into her bed, making me feel loved and accepted.

Diane rang me one Sunday to say that she and Andy had split up. I was shocked, and even more so when I met her for coffee and found out why. She was racked with guilt and embarrassed by her actions, but I could not sympathise with her.

Andy had hit the bottle after the breakup, and Diane got him into rehab and asked me to visit him. I set off on Tuesday, getting a train and a taxi to the clinic.

Ten Acres was a huge Victorian mansion house with immaculate gardens and an air of opulence about it. I walked in the front door and a well-dressed woman, behind a reception desk, greeted me. "May I help you?"

"Yes, I'd like to see Andy Blake, please."

"Slim? Just go straight down the hall and follow the sound of the guitar," she said.

I walked down the hall and heard music coming from a conservatory at the back of the building. I walked into the room. Andy's old Fender guitar was on his lap, and he was playing a twelve-bar blues. Haze sat beside him, keeping time slapping her thigh. Across from him was a thin, older man who I guessed must be another 'resident'. He was playing an acoustic guitar and grinning at the two of them.

I walked over, and Andy spotted me, smiled, and stopped playing. He stood and, putting down the guitar, hugged me. "Shelly, it's so good to see you. Thanks for coming."

I hugged him back, then greeted Haze and gave her a hug too. "Thanks for coming, Shell," she whispered.

Andy turned me to the older man, and my jaw dropped. "This is my friend Keith," he said.

I took the hand he offered. "Pleased to meet you, Mr Richards," I said.

"You know who I am?" he asked.

"There are people who don't?" I said, incredulous.

"Yeah, anyone under forty!" He turned to Andy. "Slim, you do surround yourself with beautiful women."

"You have a reputation for that yourself. I'm kinda related to Shelly. Her sister is my step-mum. I guess that makes her my aunt."

"Man! I want an aunt who looks like that," said Keith.

We all laughed, and the men went back to jamming as we chatted.

* * *

Later, Haze asked Andy where the toilet was, and he got up to show her leaving me alone with Keith.

"Why did you come to see him, Keith?" I asked.

"After that cover of Brown Sugar, I wanted to meet the guy," he smiled.

"Yeah, but he's in rehab."

"Perhaps that's the best time to come and see him. He'll need all his friends over the next couple of months. Believe me, I've been here a few times. He may not always be nice to you, but he'll need you."

I thought for a minute. "He was there for me when I needed him," I said.

Keith smiled. "You two care about each other a lot, don't you?"

I nodded.

* * *

Crystal Blake.

Jimmy and I went to see Andy a couple of days after Shelly. We found him happy, but agitated. Jimmy hugged him for a long time and, when he released him, I took my turn.

"We're here if you need us," I whispered in his ear.

"I'm proud of you, Boy," said Jimmy, "It takes guts to come in here and admit you've got a problem."

"It was Diane who brought me in," said Andy.

"Diane? But I thought..."

"Dad, don't hate her. She fucked up, and she's beating herself up enough just now. I hate what she did, but I don't hate her. I've forgiven her, but she knows it's over between us, I could never forget."

Jimmy nodded.

"When did you get so wise, Andy?" I asked.

He smiled. "If I was that wise, I would have kept away from the booze, Crystal!"

We spent a pleasant few hours with Andy. He was starting some therapy work with a psychologist the next day and hoped it would help him cope better.

Jimmy and I drove home that afternoon hopeful for Andy's recovery.

We talked about Maura, my mother, who's trial was to be the next day. They had charged me with perjury, as I lied under oath when I was imprisoned for my father's killing. The judge found me guilty, but had waived sentencing as I'd served more that two-and-a-half years in prison already.

We knew mother would get a custodial sentence the following day.

* * *

We arrived at the court in plenty of time, and Jimmy sat in the gallery whilst they called me as a witness. I took the oath and stated my name.

The prosecution lawyer seemed to be on a mission to get mother charged with murder, despite the court accepting the plea of manslaughter. The judge was becoming annoyed with him.

"Mrs Blake, do you expect the court to believe that your mother had no idea that your father was coming home that night?"

"As it's the truth, Yes."

"Why should this court believe you Mrs Blake? You have lied under oath before."

The judge banged his gavel. "Where is this questioning leading Mr Pine? The defendant has admitted manslaughter. What are you trying to prove?"

"I am demonstrating that this witness is unreliable, Your Honour."

"Proceed with any further questioning that is relevant to the case, Mr Pine."

"Very well, Your Honour. Mrs Blake, why did you return home after being missing for four years?"

"To confront my mother with the fact that my father sexually abused me, and to prevent the same thing happening to my younger sister."

"So now you expect us to believe that your father was a paedophile?"

The judge was fuming. "Mr Pine, the guilt of Mrs Blake's deceased father has long been established. I'm calling a fifteen minute recess, both councils to my chambers!"

The lawyers left the court, following the judge.

Fifteen minutes later the judge and councils returned. The defence council looked happy, the prosecutor was frowning.

"Mr Pine," said the judge, "will the prosecution proceed?"

"The prosecution will call no further witnesses, Your Honour."

There was a brief summing up, and then the sentence was passed. The judge talked about my mother's lying and allowing me to serve time instead of her, then passed a sentence of seven years, with a recommendation to serve at least five.

My mother face blanched, and she was led away to the cells. I breathed a sigh of relief, it was over. We left the court soon after and headed for home.

* * *

Mr Cline, my mother's lawyer, rang me the next day.

"Crystal, I wanted to let you know that the money from your mother is in your account as discussed. I've also deposited four thousand pounds in your sister, Shelly's, current account with the rest in an account requiring the signature of you and your husband to release the funds. This should prevent her spending, if she becomes ill."

"Thank you Mr Cline. I need to decide what to do with the money to get the best from it."

"Property is always an excellent investment, Crystal," he said, "Perhaps you and your husband would like to move from 'above the shop'."

"Thank you Mr Cline, I'll take that advice on board."

* * *

Later that night, Jimmy, Mandy and I retired to bed. Shelly begged off another night with Mandy, claiming her pussy was too sore for any more finger fucking for a day or two.

"Who fancies what tonight?" I asked.

"I would love you to fuck me, Jim," said Mandy.

Jimmy smiled, "Your wish is my command."

"Fancy licking my pussy for me, while he drills you from behind?" I said.

Mandy grinned and slid down to Jimmy's cock. "Let's get this ready first," she smiled.

I joined her, and we both licked at Jimmy's swelling member. We ran our tongues up and down his stiff length, then I sunk to suck his balls while Mandy engulfed his cock in her wet mouth.

Jimmy groaned and gripped the sheets either side of him. I left his cock to Mandy, as I climbed up the bed and pulled him into a wet kiss. His tongue searched my mouth as he ground his lips against mine.

Mandy climbed over Jimmy and pulled my mouth to hers, snaking her tongue between my teeth.

She pulled back a little. "Lie down Red, I want to taste you," she giggled.

I lay back and Mandy dropped between my thighs. I felt her hot breath on my vulva as she licked me from base to tip. "Uuuuhhh!"

Mandy drilled her tongue into my tunnel as I gasped and pushed my hips up.

She licked again, then gasped. I looked down to see Jimmy's head disappearing behind Mandy's round ass. "What's he doing, Girlie," I whispered.

"Tongue in my ass," she mumbled, then groaned.

Jimmy was soon satisfied with the sloppy state of our girlfriend's pussy and I heard her muttering, "In me! In me!" as Jimmy jammed her mouth into my dripping hole with his first thrust.

We soon got into a rhythm that worked for all of us, Jimmy setting the pace with his pounding in Mandy's cunt as her face smashed into my wet hole, driving me closer and closer to my peak.

"My clit! My clit!" I squeaked.

Mandy's lips engulfed my hard button, and she sucked me, still keeping the pace of the hard dick thrusting into her from behind. Her tongue flicked over my captured clit and I shuddered. "Cumming, Girlie," I croaked, as my body stiffened and a squirt of girl cum blasted into my lover's mouth.

Mandy's tongue continued to lap along my pussy lips as Jimmy's pounding strokes speeded up in her slit. She started a low moan as Jimmy's face grimaced and his hips thrust erratically, depositing his sticky load into our lover. Mandy stiffened at the same time and froze as her muscles convulsed and she came.

After my lovers recovered enough to move, Mandy crawled up to lie by my side, whilst Jimmy laid his head on my other shoulder, panting. Mandy latched onto my stiff right nipple and Jimmy smirked and suckled on the other. I moaned at the unexpected twinge in my sopping sex.

I stroked Jimmy's head, pulling him tighter to my breast. "I want cock tomorrow, Sonny Jim," I requested. He nodded.

"Now I have both your attention," I said, "Can we talk about something serious?"

They both stopped their attentions to my tingling tits and looked up at me.

"We have a lot of money, and I want us to decide what to do with it."

"Red, it's your money, not ours," said Mandy.

"Everything is 'ours' Girlie, we share. The first thing I want to do is buy us some rings."

"Rings?" said Jimmy, "What for?"

"To marry us all, silly!"

"Make sense Red, you're married to Jim."

"OK, here's what I thought. Last week, I was passing a jeweller, and I saw the most gorgeous rings made of three gold bands. One red, one white and one yellow. I thought they symbolised us. I would like us to get the rings and have a brief ceremony to pledge ourselves to each other. I know it's not official, but it would mean such a lot to me, to 'marry' you both."

Mandy beamed at me. "What a lovely idea. Maybe we could wear them on our right hands instead of our left as we all wear wedding bands on that side."

"It's a beautiful idea, Red," said Jimmy, "when shall we do it, and who should we invite?"

"Just the people who know about us," I said, "Close friends and 'family'. We'll decide the when, later."

"I have another idea," said Mandy. "Can we buy a house? It would be nice to have more space. The girls are growing up, and Shelly still lives with us for now."

"Mr Cline said that property was an excellent investment," I added, "I have another idea too, Jimmy. How do you feel about opening another restaurant?"

"Not having the money, I'd never thought about it," he said, "But it's a good idea. I still want it to be in Birmingham, though."

"Well that's sorted then," I laughed. "We'll start looking at properties soon and investigate areas where we could set up another business in the city.

I smiled at the two people I was in love with and pulled them close. My lovers latched onto my nipples again and Jimmy's fingers slid through my sticky red fur and sank into my waiting kitty.

"Mmmmhhh!"

* * *

'Slim' Blake.

My sister, Kim, came to visit me a few days later. She was almost two years older than me and we'd been good friends growing up. She came into the conservatory where I was sitting and gave me an enormous hug.

"How ya doing, little bro?" she smiled.

"Better than I was a week ago."

"Yeah, I hear you were hitting the 'sauce' hard!"

I nodded. "How is the mechanical engineering course going?"

"Good, I'm really enjoying it. Only another year to go and I'll need to find a job. How is this place suiting you?"

"It's OK. I'm getting a routine. Each morning I either run or lift weights, I have a sauna every day and the food is great, healthy but tasty."

"Wow, where do I sign up?" said Kim, "I guess there's therapy, too?"

"Yeah, I have a good therapist, he's easy to talk to. We talk a lot about our childhood."

Kim giggled. "There's an entire book, right there."

We had a strange childhood. Mum and Dad separated when I was four years old. We stayed with Mum. It was the done thing back then and, since Dad worked in hotels, and had live in accommodation, he couldn't take us, anyway.

He came to see us every week and took us out to interesting places. We always ate out, and he was so proud of our behaviour in public, he said he could take us anywhere.

Mum was more of a problem. She drank. Not all the time, but she had binges. It was then that Kim took over and mothered me.

It was Dad who we talked to. He told us the things we needed to know. We talked about school and bullying, fighting and swearing, he told me how he expected me to treat a girl and Kim how to talk to boys. We had the 'sex talk' when we were about fourteen and sixteen, and he pulled no punches.

He told us everything he could think of and finished up getting us each to put a condom on a banana.

Kim spoke, pulling me back to the present. "Do you remember when my periods started?"

"Yeah, it was a good job we were at Dad's. I don't think Mum ever told you about that, did she?"

"No. We're so lucky with Dad. He told me to pack toilet paper in my panties, then he took me to the pharmacy and got me tampons. He told me all about the menstrual cycle, and we read the leaflet from the tampons together, then he sent me off to figure it out. Hey, you were there, too."

"Yeah, he said boys needed to know that stuff, too. It surprised Diane how much I knew about periods when we moved in together."

Kim gave a weak smile. "Are you speaking to Diane?"

"It's funny, Kimmie, I'm not mad at her. She's really beating herself up, but I forgave her a while ago. The problem is the trust, I can't forget catching them in the act."

"I guess. Maybe you'll still be friends?"

"It's up to her. I would kinda like that."

We chatted for a bit longer about her college course and the band, before she said her goodbyes and headed home. She was going to visit Dad before she returned to college.

* * *

A couple of days later Diane came to see me. She seemed very nervous.

"Hi, Diane, how are you?"

"I'm OK, I guess. I'm sorry."

"Stop apologising every time I see you."

"That's not the problem," she said, "there's something else."

"What?"

"Promise not to shout at me?" I nodded. "Andy, I'm pregnant."

I froze. I knew what I wanted to ask. I didn't ask it though. "Are you happy about it?"

"Of course I'm not happy."

"OK, put it another way. Will you keep it?"

"Dammit, Andy, ask me!"

"OK. Is it mine?"

"I don't know. I'm pretty sure, but I'll get a paternity test."

"Yes, that's best," I said. "If it's mine, you know I'll support you and the baby, don't you?"

"I didn't want to assume you would, but I thought that's what you would say."

"Let me know Diane. Please don't torture yourself over this."

Diane smiled and nodded. We talked a little about the therapy I was getting, and she told me she'd found a new job in a fashion boutique in the city. We hugged when she left, a genuine hug with a kiss on the cheek.

I talked to my therapist about the pregnancy, and he suggested I try to put it out of mind until Diane got an answer. I did my best.

* * *

Shelly Fraser.

I was feeling better about myself every day. The love that I got from Mandy, Jimmy and Crystal gave me value again and I'd found a volunteer job that I really enjoyed. I'd started going to the Birmingham City Farm four days a week. At first I just helped with the animals, feeding and mucking out, but I soon learned more about the running of the place and got to help in the office too.

The place was well organised, and the animals cared for, but it was suffering from a lack of investment. Maisie, the manager, an elderly lady who loved animals, taught me what she could, and I made some suggestions to improve the farm.

I met another volunteer who was working whilst in recovery from drug use. Alice Liddell was a tall, slender, blonde girl of about my age. We got on well and often shared jobs to get them done faster. She'd grown up on her grandparents farm and was used to animals and their care. She taught me a lot.

We were mucking out the pigs one afternoon and worked together to finish it. Once we were done, we were both sweaty and smelly. The farm provided changing rooms for the volunteers, so we could shower before going home. Alice went first, in the single shower stall, calling me when she'd finished. I opened the door and walked in, only to find her naked and still drying herself. I stopped and stared.

"Close your mouth Shelly," she giggled, "You'll catch flies."

"Should I wait outside?"

"No. You've seen a naked woman before, haven't you?"

I nodded.

"Get undressed and get your shower, I'm just drying off then I'll get dressed."

I stripped out of my clothes, but I couldn't take my eyes off her lithe frame. Her legs were long and toned, her hips added a perfect roundness without being big enough to be called 'full'. Her waist was narrow, and her pert breasts were a perfect handful, with large areolae and cute puffy nipples.

I took off my black lace panties, the last piece of clothing, and stood naked before her. She looked up from drying her hair and her piercing grey/blue eyes scanned my body from toes to head.

"That's better," she smiled, "now in the shower with you."

I slipped into the cubicle and washed myself. I could still hear Alice in the room as I rinsed my hair and squeezed the water from it. I shut off the shower and stepped out. Alice smiled and handed me a towel. She was standing in her pink bra and panties, watching me dry myself. "You have lovely tits," she sighed, "I wish mine were that big."

"Yours are perfect," I replied, "and such pretty nipples."

Alice smiled at the compliment. "Shall I dry your hair?"

She took a fresh towel and stood behind me rubbing my hair dry, her hands massaging my head through the towel.

"Do you want to go for a drink?" Alice asked.

"I would like that, let's get dressed," I smiled.

We got a bus back into the city and went to a popular bar. Alice got a beer, and I got a coke, and we sat at a table. We chatted about the farm and our plans for our future. Alice said she wanted to work the family farm one day, as her grandparents had no-one to pass it on to. I told her I'd planned to be a psychotherapist, but had become ill and given up on that plan. I said I enjoyed the farm, but couldn't see a job there. Alice heard that the manager, Maisie, was retiring soon and suggested that I tried for that job. I said I would think about it.

Alice looked me in the eye. "Did I embarrass you in the shower, earlier?"

"No. I come from an open minded household," I said, "You took me by surprise, that's all."

Alice put her arm around my shoulder and kissed me on the cheek. "That open minded?" she teased.

"Alice, you have no idea," I said. I reached for her waist, turning her body, as I planted a kiss on her lips. "You're gay aren't you?" I said.

She smiled. "I'm bisexual. You?"

"I'm Bi... probably." I said.

"Probably?"

"Well I've never been with a guy, but I find some of them attractive."

Alice pulled me close to her. "Want to come home with me, Shelly?"

I smiled at her blatant attempt at seduction. "No."

"Oh," she said, looking disappointed.

"There's someone else." Alice's face dropped. "We're not a 'couple', but it wouldn't be fair to her. I'm flattered Alice, and I hope you'll still be my friend."

Alice smiled. "You can't blame a girl for trying, though."

I laughed. "I really need a best friend, Alice, Thank you."

* * *

Jimmy Blake.

I woke to a soft hand sliding across my belly, as a warm body snuggled up to my side.

"Morning, Sonny Jim," mumbled Crystal.

"Morning Red," I smiled.

Mandy's head slid onto my shoulder, and her breasts pressed onto my chest, as she rolled towards me.

"Hello Girlie," we both called. She muttered a greeting, snuggling in deeper.

There was a soft tap at the door, and two tousled blonde heads peered in. The twins had, once or twice, caught us doing 'sex stuff' which they thought was 'icky', so they always checked before coming in.

Seeing that we were only cuddling, they ran to the bed. Roz stood beside Crystal while Becky opened the top drawer of the bedside cabinet and pulled out a pair of boxer shorts. She handed them to me, and I put them on. Once I was done, the two seven-year-olds wormed their way into the bed, Roz between Crystal and I, and Becky between me and her mother.

The women never covered up for the girls, but we'd decided it was not appropriate for them to see me naked.

"We have a question," said Roz.

"It's an important one," said Becky.

The twins always took turns speaking, finishing each other's sentences.

"We want to ask Uncle Jimmy..."

"... if we can call him 'Daddy'."

That stunned me. I looked, first at Mandy, then at Crystal.

"We know we had a daddy..."

"... but he died, and Uncle Jimmy does..."

"... all the things a daddy does..."

"... and we love him like a daddy..."

"... so can we?"

Mandy had tears in her eyes. "What's brought this on?"

"We want a proper family," said Becky. Roz nodded.

"Ask Jimmy," Mandy prompted.

"Uncle Jimmy..."

"... can we?"

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Yes Becky, yes Roz, I would be very proud for you to call me daddy."

The two blonde heads crashed into my chest as they flung their arms around me, hugging me as tight as they could.

Once they'd shown their appreciation, they sat back up.

"Next question," said Becky.

I glanced at Mandy, she shook her head mystified.

"Little Maja has a mummy and a mama..."

"... and we have a mummy..."

"... so can we call..."

"... Aunty Crystal, mama?"

Crystal and Mandy both dissolved into tears, and the girls looked surprised.

"Did we say a bad thing?" said Roz.

"No, my darlings," said Crystal, "and yes, you may call me mama."

I found myself under a pile of bodies, as everyone tried to hug everyone else at once.

* * *

'Slim' Blake.

All the guys from the band came to visit me over the next week or two, with Haze coming back twice to jam on the guitars with me. Kim came to see me at weekends and Dad, Crystal and Mandy all came over a few times. I'd lost the jittery feeling, and was more settled.

That ended on a Friday, when the receptionist came to find me.

"Slim, I just took a phonecall from Miss Diane Clark. She'll be in to visit you this afternoon."

I thanked her, and sat froward in my chair, sinking my head into my hands.

* * *

When Diane walked in at three o'clock, I was a nervous wreck.

"Hi Slim," she said, "How're you doing?"

"Tell me. Please Diane. Just tell me."

"The baby is yours," she said.

I jumped out of the chair and hugged her. "I'm so happy for you Diane."

"Happy for me?"

"I don't know what I would have done if the answer had been different," I said, "I know we're not together but, if you'll let me, I want to be a father to our child."

She hugged me back. "I would like that."

* * *

Shelly Fraser.

After a busy day at the farm, I was relaxing in front of the TV with Jimmy.

"Did I tell you I love you, Jimmy?"

"Oh?"

I giggled. "No, not in the 'I want your cock' sort of way. It's just that when you asked me to come home from Andy's, I realised that the centre of this 'family' is you. You hold us all together. Thank you."

Jimmy slid across the couch to sit beside me, putting his arm around my shoulder. He kissed the top of my head.

"That's one of the nicest things anyone ever said to me."

"Stealing my husband?" giggled my sister, coming in to the room.

"No, just appreciating him."

Crystal sat on my other side and hugged me too. "He's great isn't he?"

I nodded.

Mandy came in and found us all snuggled on the couch. I reached for her hand and she pulled me up. Jimmy and Crystal toppled together, comically. I looked at them.

"That worked well," I said, "Want to take me to bed, Girlie?"

Mandy's hand slid over my ass and drew me to her. She kissed me.

"I thought you'd never ask."

* * *

We stripped out of our clothes and climbed into bed together. Wrapping ourselves in each other's arms, kissing.

I slid down the bed, pushing Mandy's thighs apart, thrusting my face into her pussy.

"Someone's in a hurry," she giggled.

"Mmmph!"

I drilled my tongue between her shaved lips tasting her sweet juices as they flowed. Mandy groaned and thrust her hips up into my face. I cupped her buttocks with my hands, drawing her in tight, lapping at her sex. Mandy's hands twined in my hair, urging me on.

I soon moved my attention to her clit, trying to draw it into my mouth and lashing it with my tongue. Mandy whined and shuddered as her fingers gripped my hair. She went rigid, holding her breath, and quaking. I backed off, feeling her smooth thighs against my cheeks, and allowed her to recover as her breathing returned to normal.

I extricated myself from between her legs and moved up to kiss her. Her tongue lapped her sticky juices from my face, then thrust into my mouth, kissing me hard.

"Fuck Baby! So intense."

She gave me her evil little smile as she kissed her way down my body, "Payback time."

I moaned as her tongue found my trimmed, black furred, kitty. "Right there Girlie," I gasped.

She wormed her way inside me and delved into my depths with her agile tongue. My pussy was dripping as Mandy lapped up my pink lips. She bathed me with her tongue for what seemed like an eternity until I was squirming on the bed, then she relented and turned her attentions to my throbbing clit.

Mandy latched on to my tiny hard button and nibbled. My hand went to my mouth as I gave a muffled scream and came hard. The tremors went through my body in waves as she continued to torture my rigid nub with her tongue and teeth. I pulled her up the bed, hugging her tight and smothering her in kisses.

"Oh, Girlie. What did you do to me?"

Mandy grinned. "Pussy licking a speciality," she said.

I settled in her arms, my thoughts roaming to all the things on my mind.

Mandy interrupted my thoughts. "Who is it?" she asked.

For a second, I considered lying to her, but she would know.

"Come on, you were like a wild animal, and now you've gone all quiet on me."

"I was propositioned today, by a girl at the farm," I said.

"Is she pretty?"

"Yes, but I put her off, told her about you."

"Why Shelly? Live your life."

"She's a friend. I don't want a relationship with her."

"There's something else then?"

I nodded, looking down, ashamed to meet her gaze.

"Shelly, Baby, we both know this wasn't forever. I love you, but not in the same way as I love Jim and Crystal. I always knew you would find someone to spend your life with, one day."

I looked up at her. "You'll be mad at me," I whispered.

"No, I won't. Tell me."

"I think I'm falling for Andy," I said, putting into words what had bothered me for a few weeks now. "I enjoy being with him. He's kind, yet he's a proper man too."

"Does he know?"

I shook my head, "I don't think so."

"He's vulnerable just now, but you need to be honest with him. Remember when you told me about your feelings, when you were eighteen?"

"I feel like that was so long ago Mandy. I don't know if it would work with him."

"Honesty always works, Baby. You'll know when to tell him, just try to spend more time with him, show him you enjoy his company first."

I smiled at the woman I shared my body with over the last two years and stroked her face. "We're not finished yet, though?"

"No, but when the time comes, we'll celebrate what we've had, not mourn what we've lost, okay?

I nodded. "Okay."

* * *

'Slim' Blake.

I was ecstatic about Diane's news. It made little sense, as we were not together, but she agreed to let me have a part in our child's life. I also didn't want to think about what I would have done if the baby was not mine.

My therapist was helping me to deal with all these issues, but I think this outcome made his job a lot easier.

Shelly came to visit me again that weekend. I really enjoyed her company. We could sit and talk for hours but, if we had nothing to say, we could sit with neither of us needing to fill the gap.

We sat watching a video on Saturday evening. It was a chick-flick, but I didn't mind. Shelly sat beside me on the couch and, about half way through, leant into me worming her way under my arm.

I put my arm around her shoulders and she looked up at me and smiled.

We settled back to the movie, laughing at the antics on the screen. I don't remember when it happened, but I knew that her hand was on my thigh. I must have stiffened a little, as Shelly looked at me with a question on her face. My smile was the answer she wanted, and she settled back into my chest.

The film ended, and I removed my arm from her shoulders. She reached up and pulled me back into place. "No, it's nice. Leave it there," she whispered.

We sat for a while. I felt close to this pretty woman in my arms, but was unsure what she expected from me. I'd let her set her own pace. We'd both been damaged and had been there for each other. We were close, no matter what. What would be, would be.

* * *

Shelly Fraser.

I sat cuddled up to Andy on the couch at Ten Acres. We watched a movie together and were sitting close, his arm around my shoulders. I wanted to tell him what I felt, but I wasn't even sure I could put it into words.

I turned my head, placing a soft kiss on Andy's cheek. "Happy?" I asked.

"Yeah. You?"

I nodded. "This... Us... Are we....?"

Andy put his finger to my lips. "Let's be open, and let it be what it will be," he said.

I relaxed back onto his chest and sighed. The words would come when I was ready.

Andy lifted his arm and stood up, stretching. "It's late. I'll see if the guest room is free. You can stay here, if it is."

I stood and put my arms around his neck. Andy was just an inch or two taller than my five foot eight, with a wiry frame. I pressed against him as his arms circled my waist.

"That would be nice." I kissed him on the lips, then took his hand, "Let's see."

The guest room was available and Andy soon got me settled in. I kissed him, mouths closed, and said my goodnight. He set off for his own room, glancing back over his shoulder as he went.

I stripped to my panties and slipped into the crisp white sheets. I thought about Andy, and where our relationship might go. I wished I could be in bed with him at that moment, then realised that neither of us was ready for that.

* * *

I woke the next morning, showered and went downstairs. There was a large breakfast buffet and ten or twelve people serving themselves, or sitting eating.

I got a plate and filled it with bacon and sausages when a hand snaked around my waist.

"Good morning, Shell!" said Andy.

"Good morning. Are you just up?"

"I've been for a run and showered."

"Sit with me?"

He nodded and filled his own plate.

After breakfast, we walked in the woods nearby. We held hands and wandered, watching the birds and squirrels.

I looked at him. "You and me Andy. Have you thought about it?"

"Yeah. The 'related' thing, it doesn't bother you?"

"My sister married your dad. We don't share any blood."

"Maybe I'm on the rebound, Shelly. I never want to hurt you."

"We can take things as slow as you like. I'm in no hurry, but I like you a lot and I think it could be more."

"Mmm-hmm. Me too." He looked scared. "Shelly, I have to tell you something. No one else knows yet. Diane is having my baby."

"Are you and her getting back together?"

"No. It's over, but I want to be the baby's father. If that would scare you, we'd better not start."

I pulled him to a stop by his hand, putting my arms around his neck. Inches from his face, I spoke. "I'd have a problem if you didn't want to be there for Diane and the baby, but how do you think she'll take us being together?"

"I don't know Shelly, but she knows you, maybe that will help."

I took Andy's hand again, and we walked on for a while. We found a bench and sat down.

"I think I'll be out of here soon," said Andy.

"Where will you go?"

"I don't know. Not my flat, I don't want to be alone."

"Come to your Dad's," I said. "You know you'd be welcome there."

"OK. Ask him for me, when you get home, will you?"

"Will do."

* * *

'Slim' Blake.

A week later, I was back living at The Guilded Lily. It was a bit like going back in time, to my childhood, but I was glad to be back. The extended 'family' kept me busy, and I even did a few shifts at pot washing for my Dad.

Mandy's two girls seemed to think I was the best thing ever, and were all over me, given the chance. I noticed that they now called my dad 'Daddy' and called Crystal 'Mama'. Dad explained their request, made one morning, for a 'real' family. I must admit I got a lump in my throat when he told me. I loved the way they were never apart and finished each other's sentences. They used what Mandy referred to as 'twin speak', a secret language that only they understood. They used it when they were excited, or when they didn't want anyone to know what they were talking about.

Shelly and I became comfortable together, in the company of our family. We'd hold hands and kiss a little. Dad, Mandy and Crystal were aware of the fragility of our relationship, and steered clear of the teasing we might otherwise have got.

One Saturday night, after the restaurant was closed, we all sat watching a video in the lounge. Crystal was curled up in Jimmy's lap, and Shelly sat on the sofa, with Mandy on one side and me on the other. Part way through the film, Shelly lifted my arm and put it around her shoulder, then she lifted Mandy's arm and did the same cuddling into both of us.

When Shelly went for a pee, Mandy leaned in and whispered to me, "She's having trouble letting me go, Andy."

"There's no rush Mandy," I said, "maybe she wants us both."

Mandy shook her head. "No, she'll do it. Just be gentle on her until she's ready."

Shelly returned and snuggled into me this time. Mandy winked at me.

When the film ended, Shelly was asleep in my lap. I picked her up and carried her to her bedroom, placing her on the bed. She woke as I put her down.

Shelly smiled at me. "Undress me."

I nodded, slipping off her socks and unzipping her jeans. She lifted her butt so I could slide her jeans down her legs. I unbuttoned her yellow blouse and slipped it off her shoulders. Shelly sat up and removed it. She sat, smiling at me, dressed in just white panties and a bra.

"Your turn," she smiled.

I dropped my trousers, slipping my socks off at the same time. I pulled my tee-shirt over my head and stood in my boxer shorts.

"Will you stay with me?" she asked.

"I don't think we should..."

"No. It's too soon," she said, "But will you hold me?"

We slid into bed and I spooned behind her, my arm around her waist. My cock stiffened, and I pulled back from Shelly a little. "Uh Uh!" she said, wiggling back against me, "I want to feel you. I trust you Andy, I'm not frightened with you."

I cuddled close to her, my face buried in her sweet smelling hair as we drifted off to sleep.

* * *

Todd, our manager, rang me a week after I got home to see if I'd do a chat show on TV. He said I needed to have an acoustic number to do at the end of the show. I had just the song for it, so I agreed.

Shelly and I arrived at the TV studio in the afternoon and chatted to the production assistants. I sent Shelly out to meet Dad and Crystal, who were to be in the audience, while I did a sound check.

Our old guitar tech, Bones, was there with my gear and guitar. He was a godsend, and the only person I trusted with Delilah, my Fender Telecaster.

I took him to one side. "Bones, can you stay with Shelly while I'm on? She knows you a bit, and she gets a bit nervous on her own."

"No problem Slim. I'll keep an eye on her."

"Make sure she can see a TV monitor when I do the song, will you?"

Bones smiled. "Yeah, will do."

* * *

The chat part went well. The host, Gary Young, was popular, and he had interviewed us as a band, before. I told him in advance that I was happy to talk about rehab, and a 'relationship breakup', but if he mentioned Diane by name, I was walking off.

He smiled at that. "Still close to her?"

"Yeah. It's my only condition."

"No bother, Slim. There's plenty of other stuff we can talk about."

In the end, he was kind to me. We'd learned that it wasn't good to piss off chat show hosts, they can throw you a curved ball if you do.

The show drew to a close and Gary talked to camera.

"So, to play us out tonight, with a new single release out next month, it's Slim Blake with Falling Slowly."

I sat on a stool, guitar on my lap, as I played the opening chords to the love song.

I used to believe in a love at first sight,

for you and me Baby that doesn't seem right

'cos I'm falling,

into you.

Some people will tell you that love is a game,

for you and me Baby, the rules aren't the same,

'cos I'm falling

into you.

Falling slowly,

Falling slowly,

Falling slowly,

Slowly into you.

Falling slowly,

Falling slowly,

Falling slowly,

Slowly into you.

You're asking me baby if I wanna stay the night

But I've gotta tell you, I just wanna hold you tight

All night.

Some people will tell you that love is a game,

for you and me Baby, the rules aren't the same,

'cos I'm falling

Slowly into you.

The love that we have, is built upon trust.

And now that I've found you I know that I must

Keep on falling

Slowly into you.

Falling slowly...

The camera pulled in for a close up of my face.

I whispered the last line.

"... into you. I love you Shelly."