We’re trying to rekindle our friendship,” I explained.“That’s nice,” said Cheryl. “I feel safe with you. Most boys can’t wait to start g...oping me but I know you’re not like that.”I felt a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach, but I didn’t say anything.It turned out that Cheryl lived further from the school than me, but as it was in the same general direction the walk home would only be a few hundred yards.“Why don’t you come in for a bit,” said Cheryl. “You can help me with my math. "Tom, don't put yourself down. You're obviously gifted too, in a different way. There's nothing wrong with manual labour, or getting dirty to do something necessary. It's a pity if you lose touch, but ... love will find a way, you know." She didn't give her opinion of a girl who couldn't be bothered to scribble a note to a boy she'd been with for three years, however busy and pressured she might be.They finished their tea while Tom explained what was going on with the barges, how Reminder had. “Yes,” the minotaur hisses. “You were taken away from me and I was turned into this. But now you have returned to me with the thing I seek.”“The book?”“The book is a mere fancy,” the creature says. “It is the power inside you. The power given to you by your father.”“What?” the witch asks, seeming confused. “What power?”The shit you’ve been doing recently, you dunce. Your father used you, the evil bastard.“The darkness,” Arseus growls. “The darkness I need to free myself. And now you will give. Gladys turned the water off, noticing it was just deep enough for Daphne to have a good soak without danger of drowning. She left the young trannie to luxuriate.Returning to the bedroom, Gladys assessed the damage. The beach towels were soiled beyond description, as she had anticipated. She removed them and took them to the laundry room. My'esha would not be pleased when she picked up the laundry, but it would not be the first time she had to clean these towels. Besides, she charged enough..