"Ten metric shit loads fit into a fuck ton. I have won a case on this one sole fact. I am a truther in that. The man asked for a 'fuck ton' of gravy and he only received a 'shit load' so, the more you know.' Anthony was at that point laughing and joking. Clearly, he had not expected an answer but an answer he got.

Will grew closer and the hand on Aletheia's thigh got a little tighter. She smiled it off and pretended not to notice. It wasn't until he was closer that there was any attention to be given. Mainly because of the hand he was holding.

"Real downgrade for you Aletheia," Miah commented and as she said that she pulled up tighter against the side of Will. He was for all intents and purposes happy but for a man in law, he wasn't good at keeping all of his emotions in.

"You are right. I have left behind a Mr Sandman looking ass who had a failing law firm, all because he shagged his way through life, and cared more about a married woman than he did his life long business partner or girlfriend of nearly two years. I mean, he is a cheating ass who can't tell the difference between love and a purposeful relationship. Miah, I work for a better company. Say all you want but I have done well. I just needed to realise what was holding me back." The end seemed calmer and more forgiving. Like she had accepted it.

"Lilly." He tried to speak to her but she was caught up with the two chimps at her side and she was laughing. Actually happy and it made Aletheia happy. She had done the one thing she wished she had done more of as she grew up. Made her little sister happy.

Will seemed to realise nothing was going to come about from him and Miah so he began to walk to a table far from them. The pair were in Aletheia's eyesight but she seemed to block them better than ever.

"Jaren. I want to go home. I can walk but I'm not willing to take Lilly with me. Can you be careful with her? She looks okay but she really isn't. She doesn't like being without me or mum and dad." He looked at her and then a pair of brows bunched and he lifted his chin slightly.

"Chilli squid," Was his response but she shrugged and went to stand but the hand was still on her thigh so he used it to pull her down again.

"Come on. It's boring without you here. I am surrounded by idiots." The end he said a little louder and the table announced all of the possible insults and profanities. Not too loud but loud enough for him to hear.

"She wants to leave." Lilly looked across to her and her eyes widened. Silently Lilly had pled for Aletheia to stay. She wasn't sure on what to do but space was needed. Time to give a thought about her life and what had to happen. Unfortunately, her reflective time happened when Lilly was there.

"Lils." Was spoken but nothing changed in the facial expression of Lilly. She was far too scared to be left without family or one of her close friends.

"If you go I will." That seemed to be a really reasonable idea for Lilly. Aletheia had other ideas though.

"Look. I need to get work done. I will be only a phone call away and I have made sure you are safe. If any strangers dare to hit on you, I doubt this as you are in a gaggle of men, if they do, you'll have someone. I promise on all of my possessions that if I didn't feel safe or happy with you being here I would say." The promise made Lilly think and nod, anxious to say the least.

"Right, I'll be off." Jaren let her leave that time and she walked away, swaying her hips as she did so. The walk was three miles but it was almost all flat and so it was manageable and almost pleasant. The sun was in her eyes but her sister still had her shades so it was only ignored. Her phone began to buzz and the name read 'Marshmallow' and Aletheia let her eyes roll at how quick she was to text.

How far have you got? I promise not to follow you.

I am on the main street that will lead to my flat. Why?

Your squid came. We will eat it. Well, Smii7y will.

Why did you leave?

Lils, I have a lot of work to do and you also know I am starting work at this new firm filled with posh lawyers, the best of the best. I need to go over everything. Tomorrow I have my induction so you can come too.

Why did you really leave?

Will. He may be my physical past but he is not in my mental past. It's a fact that when you love someone you never stop.

What are you going to do?

Slip into a pit of despair and I was thinking about taking Sammy up on the offer of a date. We both need to empty our heads.

Who is this?

What do you mean?

This isn't Lils. Everyone knows that when you hear that someone wants to slip into a pit of despair you respond by saying you will go with them.

Now I know for next time.

Who is it?

John.

Jaren. You fool. Anyway, how did you manage to get Lilly's phone?

I asked for it. I said I wanted to text you. How do you know it's me?

Name association. John was next to me and your names start the same way. With a J. Look, I am going to turn my phone off now until I get home. Lilly trusts you far too much. I wouldn't trust you to spell my name.

Your name is Sausage on here. Lilly has told everyone now and I still found it funny. Well, you are called Elithia.

Aletheia. The Greek goddess of truth or disclosure. Elithia is a variation on the name.

The phone was put into her pocket but it was never turned off. She felt three buzzes but she ignored them and walked. Finally, the flats came into view and a small sweat had formed. She sighed and checked her phone. It had more than three texts but clearly, she had blocked it all out. The doors were open and she got into the lift. Feeling too tired to climb the steps.

It wasn't until she got into the flat that the texts were read. Lilly, the ones from Jaren had been skipped over, messages had been sent, loads of them on all she got up to. They were not good influences on her. As she had done all of the things that Aletheia would have told her against. She had tried every single thing though and there was a threat or promise of new clothing for Aletheia.

One unknown number messaged her and it was odd. Surely no one from work would have sent it. Then she smirked. Looking at the messages. It was Jaren, he had clearly taken the number from Lilly's phone and he used it.

Eat my ass.

Pussy.

Grow up Jaren. You need to grow up and look in the mirror. You aren't nearly Mr Sandman enough for me. Besides, you are a little on the short side.

I am taller than you. My chin is as high as you are.

Oh, I believe that. You have little man syndrome. You should be more like dear Mini. He is tall and thicc.

Feck off.

I have. I am home unlike you. Also, a letter came to mine for you. Well, postcard. There is a dog on it and they will bring it to you soon.

Octavia.

Why are you calling me by my last name?

No. That is my dog's name.

That's the only bitch you are ever going to get.

Her nose is as long as Mr Sandman's.

Shame your dick isn't that long then.

Oof, hitting it hard.

Unlike you.

Are you twelve?

I am younger than you are. Dick cheese.

You really hurt me you know.

Oh, is ickle wickle Smii7y sad?

I thought we had something.

Eat shit did you. We have known each other for a couple of weeks. Even then we speak very little.

I can change that. ;)

It is time for you to feck off.

Love you too bitch.

I don't love you.

Wow. All right, no need to get personal.

I am so sorry. You are right. You are all I have ever wanted. Please, take me.

Fine. If you insist.

You is thirsty.