Incomplete Strangers

Chapter Two

October 2014, London, England

Chris was looking down the train carriage, trying to figure out what was going on, when he felt his arm being grabbed. The emergency lights came on, and he turned, looking into the icy blue eyes of his neighbour.

‘I’m so sorry,’ she said.

‘It’s fine,’ he replied, smiling. ‘Are you alright?’ He noticed the terror in her wide eyes, and wondered what was going through her mind. He had seen her before on the train. She was heartbreakingly beautiful, but he’d never managed to work up the courage to speak to her. The smile that he exchanged with her was one of the best parts of his day and made the long commute slightly more bearable.

‘Uh, I…’ A flush of embarrassment spread across her cheeks, but her grip on his coat sleeve didn’t loosen.

He didn’t know what she was dealing with, but he wanted to calm her down. ‘It will all be fine,’ he said gently. ‘They’ll fix whatever’s going on and we’ll be on our way.’ He smiled at her. ‘I’m Chris, by the way.’

‘Molly,’ she said. ‘Nice to meet you. So sorry about grabbing you.’ Her grip loosened on his coat sleeve, and she winced.

‘It’s not a problem,’ he said mildly. As he opened his mouth to speak, the lights flickered on, and off again. When they came back on, he noticed that the colour had drained from her face. She was breathing heavily, and frantically scanning the train carriage. On her forehead he noticed a small scar, still purple, indicating it was fairly recent. What had happened to her?

‘Everything’s going to be just fine.’ He spoke slowly, trying to calm her. ‘Take a deep breath,’ he said, and he found himself breathing in sync with her.

An announcement blared through the train, making all the passengers jump.

‘We are deeply sorry for the unscheduled stop. We hope to get on our way very soon.’

After what felt like a lifetime, the lights came back on, and the train rushed off as if nothing had happened.

‘Molly, are you OK?’ he asked. Her chest was still heaving, and her breathing was still heavy.

‘I will be,’ she said quickly.

Her eyes met his, and he held her gaze for a few seconds, before she returned to her book, and he to his, but he couldn’t concentrate on it. He was too fixated on her.

When the train arrived at the station in Canterbury, he put his Kindle back into his bag, a battered Star Wars satchel that his mum had bought him for Christmas years ago.

Molly shoved the dog-eared book she was reading into her own bag and buttoned her coat up.

‘Um, I’m sorry, can I get out?’ she asked, her face colouring again.

‘Sure,’ he said, and slid out of the seat. ‘This is my stop too.’

‘I’m sorry I made your journey home weird,’ she said as she followed him off the train. ‘I just…’ she trailed off.

‘Hey, it’s no big deal,’ he replied. ‘You didn’t make anything weird. I’ve never seen that happen before.’ He was reluctant to leave her. Although she’d plastered a smile onto her face, she seemed vulnerable, afraid.

‘At least it didn’t delay us too much,’ she said.

He nodded. ‘I know; that’s a relief. The commute is long enough as it is.’ As he reached the door of the station, he turned back. ‘It was nice to meet you, Molly. See you again.’

‘Same,’ she replied. ‘And thank you. You really helped me.’ She clutched the strap of her satchel tighter and gave him a huge smile.

‘Anytime.’ He walked out of the station, into the cold, dark air, changing direction as his apartment building appeared in front of him, and walking into the city. He needed company. And advice.

***

Molly watched Chris walk out of the station, trying to process what had just happened. She had just grabbed a complete stranger! And even though her head had been screaming at her to let him go, she just…couldn’t. His voice had been calming, almost meditative and the way that his grey blue eyes had locked onto hers had made heat pool in her lower stomach.

She’d always thought he was handsome, but up close, he was stunning. And she had been close. So close that she could study the neat line of his beard, the sweep of his dark blonde hair. She’d gone from terrified to intrigued in a matter of seconds. He hadn’t objected to her clinging onto him like a limpet. Rather than pushing her away, he’d comforted her, something that had caught her off guard. He was a stranger, yet she felt like she knew him. And now, after tonight, he wasn’t a complete stranger. He was someone she wanted to get to know more about. The bitter evening air whipped her hair across her face as she loitered by the station entrance, scanning the car park, hoping that Saskia hadn’t forgotten to pick her up.

A few minutes later, Saskia appeared, wearing a leopard printed furry coat, paired with flip flops and tracksuit bottoms. Her damp hair was pulled into a messy bun on the top of her head and her cheeks were flushed. ‘Evening, gorgeous. How are we doing then?’

Molly threw her arms around her sister, breathing in the strawberry scent of her shower gel. ‘I’m alright,’ she said.

‘I’m sorry, I’m a bit wet,’ Saskia said. ‘I forgot the time and had to dash out of the door before I was totally dry.’

Molly laughed, then followed Saskia across the car park to her car, and got in, her breathing slowing back to normal. ‘Are those my tracksuit bottoms?’

‘Yes. Sorry.’ Saskia winced as she drove out of the car park. ‘I couldn’t find mine.’

‘Doesn’t matter. I’m so glad you’re here.’ She paused. ‘I spoke to Cute Train Dude. I feel like such an idiot though, I’ve totally embarrassed myself.’

Saskia’s eyes widened. ‘What did you do?’

‘I’ll tell you when we get in. I need to make sense of it all,’ Molly replied.

‘Was he wearing a navy bomber jacket?’ Saskia asked. ‘I’m sure I saw him walking into the city when I drove past the Westgate Towers. Dark blonde hair, fancy beard. That sound like him?’

‘That’s him,’ Molly said, nodding.

‘I can’t wait to hear about it. I knew you’d be stressed out when you got in, so I’ve started dinner.’ Saskia grinned. ‘I’ve made a ragu from scratch for spaghetti Bolognese. I used Ezio’s recipe.’

‘Yum! I’m looking forward to it already,’ Molly replied.

Ezio was the head chef at the restaurant where Saskia worked and his authentic Italian food was as good as she’d eaten on holiday in Rome the previous year. He frequently sent Saskia home with foil trays of food for her and Molly.

‘He’s like the Italian dad we never had.’

Saskia laughed. ‘Yeah, unlike the French dad we do have who never cooks for us.’

‘Very true. We do eat out a lot when we go over to see him,’ Molly replied.

‘Yes, and why do you think that is?’ Saskia asked. ‘He loves all the attention he gets in the restaurants. Signing autographs, meetings fans, that’s his thing.’

Molly nodded. ‘He’s like you. He was born to be famous.’ She could remember the hard times, before her dad’s career took off, when they had little money, when winters were cold, and he was never at home. Fame came with a price though. Now, when she saw her dad, she was slotted into his busy schedule, and it was always far too brief.

‘Food shopping is all done too,’ Saskia said, bringing Molly out of her thoughts. ‘Today I’m the domestic goddess. Don’t worry, I’ll be handing the mantle back to you tomorrow.’

She drove slowly down their narrow road, looking for an empty space to park in.

‘Impressive. What was it like doing the food shopping?’ Molly asked, then winced as she watched Saskia complete a very cavalier parallel park.

‘As hideous as expected.’ Saskia unclipped her seatbelt. ‘Come on, I’m starving.’

The porch light came on as Molly unlocked the door, breathing in the familiar scent. Home. Her favourite place. She and Saskia had grown up in this Victorian end of terrace, taking their first steps across the wooden floorboards of the hallway.

‘Now, will you tell me what happened with Cute Train Dude?’ Saskia raised an eyebrow.

‘Maybe. Let me get changed first. These clothes aren’t meant for spaghetti bolognaise,’ Molly said, grinning. Her body had relaxed now she was home, in her safe space.

Saskia studied Molly’s knee length pencil skirt. ‘No, that skirt alone probably cost more than my whole outfit.’

Molly laughed and followed Saskia into the kitchen, the scent of tomatoes, basil and garlic hitting her. The tiles were cold underneath her feet, and she grabbed her slippers which were by the back door.

The kitchen hadn’t changed in years. The white butler’s sink sat below the sash window with a view over the decking, all the way to the pond at the bottom of the garden. The marble worktops were covered in onion skins, splodges of sauce and a variety of knives and spoons, which she pretended not to notice. The chaos was worth it as Saskia’s cooking was so much better than hers.

Leaving Saskia tending to her sauce, Molly went upstairs to change. After their mum died, Molly and Saskia stripped the threadbare carpet off the stairs and sanded them, so that they matched the floorboards in the hall. It had taken them longer than either of them expected, but they had needed something to keep them occupied.

She went into the bright pink bathroom, and washed her hands and face, before tying her hair into a ponytail. Walking past Saskia’s bedroom, the door half open, she wrinkled her nose. There was no way she could function in that mess.

Next to Saskia’s room was their mother’s bedroom, perfectly preserved. Her clothes still hung in her wardrobe, and her photos still stood on her dresser, lovingly dusted every week by Molly.

Molly’s bedroom was the last room on the corridor. It was immaculate, with everything organised, clean and tidy.Her wardrobe was organised by colour, every outfit picked out ready for the next day.Thick velvet curtains draped onto the floor, but they were never drawn, allowing her to gaze at the stars, and imagine that her mum was watching over her. It was her sanctuary away from the chaos and disorganisation of the living room, which Saskia covered in magazines, abandoned craft projects, and scripts.

She sat down at her dressing table, taking off her rings and necklaces and putting them back into her jewellery box. Opening her make-up bag, she smoothed some moisturiser onto her skin, smiling at the tiny, framed photo of Molly and Saskia squished in their dad’s arms, which stood on the top of her dressing table, along with her collection of make-up brushes and bottles of perfume.

She picked up the other photo on her bedside table, the one of her mum. ‘I did it, Mum. All they keep saying is how brave I am, but I still feel scared. I miss you so much, but Saskia is being a good mother hen. She’s looking after me, just like you did.’ She studied her mother’s smiling face, feeling a familiar tug of sadness in her heart. She put the photo down, then changed into a pair of leggings, and an oversize t-shirt, then followed the smell of the rich pasta sauce back into the kitchen.

‘Ah, now you’re ready for spaghetti bolognaise. Let’s do this.’ Saskia grinned at Molly. ‘I got your biscuits today.’ She nodded to a packet on the counter.

‘Thank you. They remind me of staying with Papa,’ Molly said as she put the packet of palmier biscuits into the cupboard. She frowned at the contents. ‘Saskia, seriously?’ She shook her head. ‘You bought more sweets?’

Saskia winced. ‘I might have got a few bags. Don’t nag me about it. I picked up some of that beer you like as well.’

‘Great, I need one after today.’ Molly pulled two cold bottles out of the fridge and popped the tops off, handing one to Saskia.

Saskia took a gulp of her beer. ‘Now are you going to tell me about Cute Train Dude?’

Molly turned to face her sister. ‘Yes, but it’s so cringey. We’d left London when the train just stopped, and the power went out. The whole train was just darkness, apart from a million phone screens obviously.’ She took a swig of her beer.

‘Just what you needed today.’ Saskia shook her head.

‘I know, right?’ Molly rolled her eyes. ‘Anyway, I was sitting right next to Cute Train Dude, and I jumped and grabbed what I thought was the arm rest, but it wasn’t, it was his arm. I just grabbed it.’

‘No!’ Saskia shrieked, thumping her beer bottle down onto the worktop, sending bubbles everywhere.

‘I was so embarrassed, but he could clearly tell I was absolutely petrified and just talked to me, told me to take a deep breath, and he just held my gaze until I felt calmer,’ Molly smiled at the memory. ‘Then the train sprang back to life again, like it had never happened.’

‘Then what?’ Saskia stared at Molly.

‘Then we just read our books, until we got back to Canterbury.’ Molly paused.‘His name’s Chris, although I still like Cute Train Dude. It’s so accurate.’

Saskia was transfixed. ‘You weren’t wrong about him. He’s an incredibly unique kind of hot, the kind that just hits you like a truck.’

Molly laughed. ‘I know! I agree with you. He’s stunning. Tonight started off as a nightmare, but it ended up feeling like a weird dream.’

‘What about moron Mark?’ Saskia raised her eyebrow.

Molly gulped down the rest of her beer. ‘Just because I have a boyfriend doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate a beautiful man.’

‘Maybe you could do a swap. I feel like Chris would be a serious upgrade.’ Saskia cocked her head to the side while stirring her sauce.

Molly frowned. ‘Saskia. He’s my boyfriend, and I love him.’ She opened the cutlery drawer and got out some knives and forks, taking them into the dining room and laying the table.

‘You love him. He makes the bare minimum of effort with you!’ Saskia shouted through to Molly. ‘I mean, has he even contacted you to ask you how you got on today?’

‘He’s working late tonight.’ Molly said defensively, walking back into the kitchen. ‘I’m sure he will once he finishes work.’ She gripped the cutlery more tightly.

‘Has Liz messaged you today?’ Saskia got another beer out, popping the top off and taking a gulp.

‘Twice. Once on the way in and once on the way home,’ Molly said. Saskia had got a point; her best friend had been far more supportive than her boyfriend, but she wasn’t exactly surprised by this.

Saskia drained the pasta, before turning back to Molly. ‘Liz works twelve-hour shifts, dealing with sick animals, and she has a toddler, and still managed to text you twice today.’

‘Fine. You know what, he didn’t text me and I am annoyed about it, but I’m dealing with enough right now, I don’t want to start an argument with him.’ Molly sighed and leant against the worktop, tears pricking at her eyes. ‘I just wanted to get through today without any drama and I didn’t even manage that.’

‘Woah, hold on, Molly. You did get through today without any drama. You were so brave this morning to get on that train.’ Saskia put the pan of pasta on the stove and wrapped her arms around Molly. ‘You handled the power cut as best you could. There was no drama. Yes, it sucks that Mark didn’t text you, but that’s what he’s like. The important thing is that you did it, and tomorrow you’re going to get back on that train and do it again.’

Molly nodded. ‘I feel bad for Chris now. He didn’t know why I freaked out and he got caught in the middle of it all today. It’s not his fault and I’m not going to drag him into my mess.’

Saskia squeezed Molly tightly. ‘I do want to continue this conversation, but I also need to serve the dinner, so I’m going to let go of you for just a second.’ She pulled away from Molly and scooped the spaghetti onto their plates. ‘Stop worrying about everyone else. You know what the commute is like; every man for himself. This guy clearly wanted to help you. If he didn’t, he wouldn’t have. So, move on.’

Molly smiled and wiped her eyes with her sleeve. ‘You’re the best, you know that?’

‘I love you more deeply and more fiercely than anyone on this earth.’ Saskia spooned the Bolognese sauce onto the plates of pasta. ‘I’m here cheering you on every step of the way.’

‘You are so dramatic, and I love that.’ Molly picked up the plates and took them into the dining room.

Saskia followed and sat down opposite Molly. ‘You should be proud of yourself. I bet Karl was so pleased to see you back today, wasn’t he?’ Saskia clumsily twirled her pasta around on her fork.

‘Yeah, he was so sweet. He walked me to the station, told me to ask if I needed anything.’ Molly replied.

‘He’s a total DILF,’ Saskia giggled through a mouthful of pasta.

Molly put her head in her hands. ‘You’re never coming to my office again.’

‘Sorry, Mole. These things just slip out.’ Saskia shrugged.

‘I stand by what I said. You’re banned.’ Molly shook her head. ‘You can help me make some cookies to take in tomorrow, though.’

‘Count me in,’ Saskia said. ‘You know I’m your best taste tester.’

***

Chris threw open the heavy glass door of the bar and walked over to an empty stool at the counter, sitting down. He’d only been there a few minutes before Scott appeared.

‘Alright mate, want a beer?’

‘At least two,’ Chris said, sighing heavily as he sat down.

‘Good day?’ Scott wiped his hands on his apron.

‘Weird day.’ Chris took a deep breath.

Molly was something else. He could still feel where her scarlet nails had dug into his arm. He hadn’t been able to think about anything else for the entire walk here.

‘Huh?’ Scott frowned at him. ‘Hold on.’ He gestured towards a couple at the end of the bar. ‘I’ll be right back.’

Scott came back with a bottle of beer and handed it to Chris, before leaning his hands on the bar, the rolled-up sleeves of his shirt revealing his tattooed arms. ‘Tell me what happened today, why was it weird?’

Chris pulled his wallet out of his pocket and handed a note to Scott. ‘I’m still trying to figure it out myself.’

Scott rolled his eyes and took the money, checking the note before putting it into the till and handing Chris his change. ‘Let’s go out the back for a minute, I’m due a break.’ He turned to the pink haired barmaid. ‘Jo, I’ll be back in ten.’ She nodded and gave him a thumbs up as he grabbed his water bottle.

Chris picked up his beer, took a gulp and followed Scott out to the back door of the bar. He sat on one of the stone steps, watching the stars in the darkness.

‘Tell me about today then.’ Scott leant against the brick wall and lit a cigarette.

Chris took a sip of his beer. ‘I spoke to her today.’

Scott smiled. ‘Cute Train Girl? What happened?’

‘On the way back from London I sat next to her, and we had some kind of power cut. The train stopped and the lights went out. She panicked and grabbed my hand, thinking it was the armrest,’ Chris replied.

Scott”s eyes widened.‘No way? What did you do?’

‘I talked to her, just like Mum used to do with you when you were scared.’ Chris replied. ‘The train started moving again and she seemd a bit calmer, so we talked a bit. Her name”s Molly. She lives in the city too.’

‘What happened when you got back here?’ Scott asked.

‘We just said goodbye. Then I came here. I…’ Chris sighed. ‘I can’t stop thinking about her.’

Scott stubbed his cigarette out on the wall and flicked it into the bin. ‘You like her, right? But you couldn’t ask her out because it wouldn’t have been the right thing to do and now, you’re wondering what to do next.’

‘Very good. You got it in one.’ Chris rubbed his hand over his chin. ‘She’s obviously dealing with something pretty huge.’

Scott rolled his eyes as he shoved a piece of chewing gum into his mouth. ‘Let me guess, you think you’ve worked out what it is.’

Chris nodded. ‘I think she was mugged. Last time I saw her was a couple of weeks ago. I noticed her bag, it was one of those super expensive ones like you bought for Angela, before she dumped you…’

‘Thanks for reminding me,’ Scott said, shaking his head. ‘Please continue, Sherlock.’

‘I haven’t seen her until today. She pretty much jumped out of her skin when the train broke down, and I saw a new scar and a faded bruise on her face, as well as a new bag, which she clung onto for the entire journey.’

Scott considered this for a minute. ‘You’re wasted in IT mate; you should be a detective.’ He chewed furiously on his gum. ‘It’s those books you read, I’m sure of it.’

‘I agree.’ Chris picked up his beer bottle and took a gulp. ‘There was one where Inspector Rousseau was training a recruit and was teaching him how to notice things that everyone else misses. Those techniques kind of stuck with me.’

‘If you’re planning to ask her out, then “did you get mugged” is not the best opening line.’ Scott deadpanned.

‘I can’t ask her out, Scott. Not until I know what she’s dealing with.’ Chris stood up and launched his empty beer bottle into the bottle bin.

‘I agree,’ Scott said, pulling the door open. ‘Don’t rush it.’

‘That’s not my style.’ Chris followed Scott back into the bar. ‘You know that.’

‘I know.’ Scott nodded and let out a long exhale. ‘If I’d stayed out there any longer, I’d have had another smoke.’ He shook his head angrily.

‘You’ve cut down,’ Chris said quietly. ‘It’s a start.’ He sat down on the stool as Scott walked off, reappearing behind the counter of the bar.

‘It’s not good enough,’ he said as he passed Chris a menu. ‘I’m guessing you’re eating here tonight?’

‘Yeah, Alex is coming down later to talk about this weekend.’ Chris replied, studying the menu.

‘I’m excited for you, mate,’ Scott said, leaning towards Chris. ‘The last DJ we had in here was absolutely shit. You and Alex will smash it.’

‘It’s a different crowd than we’re used to.’ Chris bit his lip and scanned the room. ‘Are these guys ready for two drum and bass DJs?’

‘Don’t start doubting yourself.’ Scott frowned at Chris. ‘I’ve seen enough DJs to know that you guys will go down a storm here.’

‘Thanks, mate,’ Chris replied.‘I needed to hear that.’

Scott shrugged. ‘You’ve put me back on my feet enough times, about time you let someone do the same for you.’

***

Saskia wrinkled her nose at the dining table which was splattered with sauce and crumbs from their garlic bread.

Molly followed her gaze. ‘I’ll clear up. You’ve been so good to me today.’

Saskia smiled. ‘You should be proud of yourself. I know Mum would be. I can’t imagine how scary it must have been to go back into the station again.’

‘Ah, please stop it. I’ll start crying.’ Molly tucked her head inside her T-shirt so that Saskia couldn’t see her face. She didn’t want to admit how hard today had been. She pulled her head back out, wiped her eyes and got up, collecting the plates and cutlery, and taking them into their tiny kitchen.

‘It’s alright to cry, Mole.’ Saskia appeared behind her. ‘Let it all out.’

‘No, thank you. I don’t want to have to stuff it all back in again.’ Molly gave Saskia a teary smile.

‘I get what you mean.’ Saskia leant against the fridge as Molly loaded the dishwasher. ‘But you do have to get this stuff out. I just channel it into my characters.’

‘Your characters at the restaurant?’ Molly raised an eyebrow.

‘I’m going to get back into acting.’ Saskia eyed up the cookies on the cooling rack. ‘I just need to find the right part.’

‘What characters?’ Molly raised an eyebrow.

‘I’m going to get back into acting.’ Saskia eyed up the cookies on the cooling rack. ‘I just need to find the right part.’

‘I hope you do,’ Molly said. ‘You need to be on the stage.’

‘I know,’ Saskia said quietly. ‘It’s just been…hard.’

Molly slid her arm around Saskia. ‘You’re the most fearless person I know. The perfect part is out there for you. Just promise me that if you find it, you’ll fight for it.’

‘Oh you know I will,’ Saskia replied, grinning.

‘Good,’ Molly replied. ‘Now clear off and let me clear up.’

‘I know better than to get between you and your cloth.’ Saskia bowed dramatically and left the room.

Molly put her phone on the worktop and turned the volume up, scrubbing the counters, the sink, and the stove, while singing at the top of her voice. She couldn’t sing as well as Saskia, but singing made her happy.

Once the kitchen was clear, Molly pulled out a tin and put some of the cookies into it, and a couple onto plates for her and Saskia. She put the kettle on and stared out of the window at the stars twinkling above her, wondering where Chris was right now. Did he go home to a family, did he have kids and a wife? How old was he? The kettle clicking off as it boiled made her jump, and her stomach lurched with guilt. She wanted to push him out of her mind, but the way he’d allowed her to cling to him, and the concerned expression on his face as he’d comforted her had stuck with her.

She took Saskia’s tea and a plate of cookies into the living room.

‘Ooh, thanks love.’ Saskia was curled up on the sofa, reading a book. The gentle light of the lamp glinted off her nose ring, and a splodge of sauce nestled on her cheek.

‘You’re very welcome.’ Molly put the plate and mug down on the coffee table and went to get her own mug and plate. ‘Are they any good?’ she asked as she sank into the sofa next to Saskia.

‘So good,’ Saskia said through a mouthful of cookie. ‘Do you have to take them into work tomorrow? Can’t you just leave them here?’ She fluttered her eyelashes.

Molly shook her head. ‘No, I’m taking them in. Karl and my team have been so kind, so no, they’re coming in with me. I’ll make you some more.’

‘Fine. In that case I’ll allow it. You can take them.’ Saskia took a large gulp of her tea.

***

Before she went to bed, Molly stacked the last cups and plates into the dishwasher and switched it on. Saskia had fallen asleep on the sofa and would never remember to do it. She was about to go and wake her sister up when her phone started ringing. She picked it up, smiling.

‘Mark, hi! Where are you?’

‘I’m at the bar,’ he replied. ‘I’m having drinks with our clients. How are you?’

He sounded drunk.

She sighed. ‘I’m fine, thanks. The train journey was a bit…rough, but I got through it.’

‘Of course. It was your first day back today, wasn’t it? I’m sure you smashed it.’

He hadn’t remembered. That’s why he hadn’t rung earlier. She gripped her phone tightly and gritted her teeth.

‘Yep. It was fine. Karl walked me back to Victoria.’

‘Ah, he’s a good man. I like Karl,’ he said, raising his voice over the cheering in the background.

‘Sounds like you’re having fun.’

Her skin felt hot and prickly. If he had time to party with his clients, why hadn’t he had time to contact her?’

‘We have to show the clients a good time, Molly,’ he replied. ‘I’m glad you’ve got back into the swing of things. I knew you would. You’re tough.’

‘I have to be,’ she replied. She had to be tough so that she could support everyone else. ‘I’ll see you when you get back. Love you.’

‘Love you, babe.’

She hung up, walked back into the living room and sat down next to Saskia, giving her a gentle shove. ‘Come on, love, you need to go to bed.’

‘I’m up.’ Saskia pulled herself upright. ‘What time is it?’ She rubbed her hands over her face.

‘It’s ten thirty. I’m not letting you fall asleep here again. You won’t sleep properly if you do.’ Molly held out her hand and pulled Saskia to her feet.

‘You’re right. As always.’ Saskia traipsed upstairs. ‘Night, Mole.’ She kissed Molly on the cheek. ‘You did an awesome thing today. Be proud.’

‘I’ll try,’ Molly said. ‘Night.’

In the rosy glow of the bathroom, she cleaned her teeth, then went back to her bedroom and changed into her pyjamas, climbed into bed, and gazed out of the window. Instead of thinking about the night she was mugged, as usually did before she fell asleep, she thought about Chris, remembering the strangely calming effect that he’d had on her, and the feeling of contentment that washed over her as he spoke to her. Whatever it was that had passed between them, she knew she would never forget it.