I ambled over, awkwardly trying to lighten my steps. Mortimer, with his greying hair and black designer suit, clapped his hands together when he saw m.... “Caroline,” he greeted me, “this is exactly what I’ve been hoping for. I’m so glad you could both settle your disputes.” I paled. Helen hadn’t…? The jingle of a spoon hitting on fragile glass told me she had, and all eyes were suddenly on us. “Ladies and Gentlemen,” Mortimer announced, “before we turn over the calendar to a new year, let me. For some reason the idea of him catching me didn't scare me , I became even more aroused when I realized he was alone . Before he could say anything I moved to the edge of the bed , '' I sorry Mr M , but I '' , he seemed to relax , '' I get these urges and cant help myself '' , crossing my legs in the short skirt , '' Let me explain before you yell at me please '' . Don told me to go ahead and explain , he seemed relieved that he didn't have to ask me why , I could see him relax and become at. Mum is an excellent cook and we all enjoyed ourselves like the normal happy family we were – or at least used to be. Even the parts that I cooked were good, though I say it myself and I had the stains on my dress to prove it. At table, Mum and Dad sat next to each other with me and Jake sitting opposite them on a bench seat. There wasn’t much room so we had to squeeze tightly up against each other. This was uncomfortable and in the past would have resulted in squabbling but that evening it gave. “Mum says I shouldn’t have more than two cups a day and I’ve already had at least four.”“Well I’m going to have one. Would you like something else?” I reeled off a list of options and Mel declined them all until I offered chocolate. I nuked a mug of milk in the microwave, then watched as Mel helped herself to drinking chocolate powder and sugar in case I needed to replicate her choices.I found myself thinking about Mel as I sat there, studying her while I sipped my coffee. Her deprived.