Chapter 101

            Indigo, Priscilla, Gaz, Lexi, Iona, Yeardleigh, Moxie, Henrietta, Wilson and Sabrina sat in the backyard. Gaz says “So, she’s like your student now?”

            Priscilla says “Yes. I’m a Jedi master.”

            Iona says “Sith Lord more likely.”

            “Depends on your perspective. Either way, Moxie is now my apprentice.”

            Yeardleigh says “Should I worry?”

            Iona says “Yes.”

            Moxie says “Yeardleigh, I would never hurt you. You know that.”

            Indigo says “Although, following Priscilla’s guidance, she will mess with you the most.”

            Yeardleigh says “Why?”

            “You’re her best friend. I believe she works on a scale.”

            Priscilla says “I don’t remember sharing my secrets with you.”

            Iona says “You don’t mess with me.”

            “Why would I? You have no sense of humor.”

            Lexi says “You’re awful.”

            Gaz says “I don’t think so.”

            Summer walks over and says “That’s because you’re whipped.”

            “Not yet, but I’m willing to give it a try.”

            Henrietta says “Gareth.”

            Sabrina says “Where’s Ethan?”

            Summer says “He fell asleep, so I put him in Gaz’s room. I hope that’s ok?”

            Wilson says “Of course. I though you could all stay the night.”

            Moxie says “You want us to have a sleepover?”

            Sabrina says “The way the girls drink, it’ll be more like a pass out. I hope you can keep up.”

            “Well, at least your boss will know how you end up needing to apologize to me after most weekends, right, Yeardleigh?”

            Yeardleigh says “Shut up.”

            Priscilla says “Do we have a lightweight?”

            Moxie says “You’ll see.”

            Gaz says “I’ll get the booze. Is it in the garage, Pops?”

            Wilson says “It is. Enjoy yourselves, kids.”

            Indigo says “Where are you going?”

            “Bed. I’m worn out. Goodnight, everyone.”

            Summer says “Thank you for today, Mr Wyatt.”

            Wilson stands up and puts his hand on Summer’s shoulder. “No need to thank me. You’re family.”

            Wilson walks into the house. Lexi stands up and says “I’m going home.”

            Henrietta says “Why?”

            “I have things to do.”

            Indigo says “Lexi, it’s Sunday tomorrow, and Summer’s birthday today. You can put it off.”

            Summer says “It’s ok, Indi.”

            “No, it’s not. She’s been avoiding you all day.”

            Lexi says “No, I haven’t. I was helping Mama, and playing with Ethan.”

            Gaz says “Indigo, drop it.”

            Indigo says “Why should I?”

            “Because you don’t want to ruin today, do you?”

            Summer says “No-one is ruining today. Lexi, if you need to go, I understand but, can you at least stay and have one drink with me?”

            Lexi says “I can’t. I’m sorry.”

            Henrietta says “A word, Alexandra.”

            Gaz says “You’re in trouble.” Lexi glares at Gaz. “I’m getting the booze.”

            Gaz walks away. Henrietta and Lexi walk into the house. Summer sits next to Indigo and says “What was that about?”

            Indigo says “She’s been avoiding you. I just wanted to know why?”

            “She said she’s been busy.”

            Priscilla says “Busy avoiding temptation.”

            Indigo says “Meaning?”

            Iona says “We all saw how your sister looked at Summer when Priscilla undressed her.”

            “Seriously?”

            Moxie says “Did she see her abs? They’re enough to tempt any woman.”

            Priscilla says “You’ve seen Summer’s abs?”

            “No, but I’ve had my hands on them and got a mental image.”

            Summer says “Lexi would never look at me like that.”

            Sabrina says “Summer. I saw what they saw. That girl looked like she was in shock. Has she ever seen you like that before?”

            “No.”

            “Then that would have been an eye opener for her.”

            “Erm, why?”

            Indigo says “You hide quite a body under your clothes.”

            Priscilla says “That you do. Even Iona agrees.”

            Iona says “I never said that.”

            Yeardleigh says “You slept with her, you must have found her attractive.”

            Moxie says “Get out of that one.”

            Iona says “It was one drunken night. It meant nothing.”

            Yeardleigh says “it always means something.”

            Summer says “We were a distraction to each other. No feelings involved.”

            “Can we change the subject, please?”

            Sabrina says “Yes. A mother shouldn’t hear these things. Especially not sober.”

            Gaz says “Then let’s get drunk.” Gaz puts various bottles of alcohol on the table. “What are we discussing?”

            Indigo says “Summer’s body.”

            “Do we get to see it again?”

            Summer says “No.”

            “Shame.”

            Priscilla says “Let’s drink away the pain.”

            Lexi says “Gaz, get everyone a shot.”

            Indigo says “Including you?”

            Lexi sits down. “Yes.”

            Summer says “What changed your mind?”

            “Mama reminded me what was important. Family.”

            “Does that include me?”

            “Yes.”

            “I’m important to you?”

            Lexi slaps Summer’s head. “Drink your shot, birthday girl.”

            Gaz passes the shots out and says “Small toast. Sums, despite your long absence it feels like you never left. You are as much a part of this family as my sisters and, as such, I will be me here if you, Ethan or Sabrina need me. Love you, Sums. Happy birthday.”

            Everyone raises their glass then drinks. Summer’s phone rings, she answers it and says “Hello?... Thanks… Are you kidding me?... You can deal with that… Silvain, put on your happy face and play nice… What for?... Have you explained why I’m not there?... Why not?... F**k sake. Fine… Yes, she is. Do you want to explain this to her?... Didn’t think so… As soon as I can… I don’t know… I’ll text you when I’m on the way… You owe me. Bye.”

            Sabrina says “Don’t say it.”

            Indigo says “When?”

            Summer says “Now, I guess.”

            Sabrina says “Wait until I get hold of him.”

            Priscilla says “What’s going on?”

            Summer says “I have to go to work.”

            Lexi says “I stay and you leave?”

            “Not for long, and I really don’t want to.”

            Gaz says “Then don’t.”

            “I have to.”

            Priscilla says “Then we’ll all go. Free drinks for us.”

            “I can’t do that.”

            Moxie says “Sure you can. Add it to the bill as overtime and a call-out fee.”

            Priscilla says “Settled. I’ll call a cab, you go get changed. And I’ll call Reuben. I can’t believe he’s not here.”

            Summer says “Mother, can I get a ruling?”

            Sabrina says “I’m with Priscilla on this, but Silvain will pay any extras. Do you have a change of clothes?”

            “No.”

            Indigo says “I may have some of your old clothes in my old room.”

            Iona says “Did you keep everything?”

            Priscilla says “Less bitching, more getting ready.”

            Indigo and Summer go into the house. Lexi says “What are you up to?”

            “No-one should work on their birthday.”

            “But what are you up to?”

            Priscilla grins. “I’m going to say, applying for a job.”