The two placed their bags into the boot and got into the car. Not much had been said as they returned from the beach, back to their houses. When the engine had begun the radio began and some piano piece started.

"Oh, no. I am pretty sure I have PTSD from this bloody song. Mum practically held a gun to my head just to get me to practice it at all." As she went to turn it to another, any other station Jaren turned it all off. Clearly, he wanted an explanation. She guessed that as he said so. "My parents. Where to begin? I was raised in an Enid Blyton book. Mr Darcy would have called me, no, Mr Bingley would call me an accomplished woman. We were well taught in household chores. That did mean I had no washing machine from 12 to 16 as we had to hand wash and then leave to dry. I started learning the piano at four. I could swim confidently at four as well. We had the same chances Lilly and me. We never had any TV or technology. I can play cards and all of that. I have always read far above my age range and I can sew. Not to mention knitting and embroidery was a pain. I took ballroom classes from five till I was 18 when I left to work here in Canada. The art classes were the worst. I have never been a natural at any creative arts but I was taught to draw in all forms. Paint, pen, pencil, acrylics being the worst. I wore makeup from the age of 12 and I can ride a horse." Aletheia did resent her parents slightly. No moment was ever to be had alone. Unless she read and so that was all she did growing up.

"What did you do to escape?" He asked and that hadn't been expected at all as she had thought that he stopped listening.

"I read. Law books and also psychology ones as I found them interesting. Lilly always had a knack for all of it. Though it helped that by the time she hit the ages of learning and starting they relaxed. She was raised with a little more free time. I was often out and she was basically an only child as I was off at one of a million clubs. If they had done all of this now they would be done for cruelty. I did hate it. I would sit there and draw the worst thing in the world. Normally based on what I had read and it looked awful. Lilly had to pick up a pencil and it was a piece of artwork. She was always an outstanding girl who really didn't do anything wrong. I was always breaking shit." That seemed so shock Jaren as he had seen such a private and uninterested girl when she had come over. Lilly was only thinking of Aletheia or home.

"What changed?" Jaren had made Aletheia stop and think. Something had changed. She was conserved and private. Lilly was quiet and fretted a lot. She worried all the time. Not as out there as she was as a child but in England she was. The foreign place with all new people had squashed that.

"She is more out there in England. She walks to school alone. She is always with someone new. A boyfriend I mean but she has always been cautious. The turning point was me. I decided to stop fighting my parents when the reality dawned. I wasn't going to win an end. I would just resent my family. They had wanted the best for me but they didn't know how to do that. I began to listen and to put the book down and practice my arts. Almost instantly the piano became easier and also art. I used to do my homework at midnight because my parents had my day so full. I was always tired." Aletheia moved her hand up so that they were holding hands. The two felt happy.

"What about your life?" Jaren shrugged and spoke briefly. He had a standard childhood with friends he loved. Some he still saw on available nights. Most had moved on and some had children already.

"You got any secret talents?" Aletheia asked but he shook his head. Not much to report mainly because she already knew them. As he turned the question on her though she gave it some thought.

"I speak Latin. I am also pretty good at golf. Dad's old boss never had kids, he couldn't, so he asked if we fancied going instead. My parents trusted him. I even got to go alone on occasions. I used to beat him by the end. I still text him about life. Even now." The air was too hot and so Aletheia moved the AC up quickly.

When they got back to the flats Aletheia walked into her flat with Jaren not far off. He took the chance and kissed her. She was not expecting it but still, it was welcomed easily. They wrapped up in the other person as they kissed.

Finally, they pulled apart and Aletheia was quick to wash. Jaren seemed less fussed but Aletheia ended up pushing for him to wash first. Only rinsing and using some of the shampoo she had provided or left and Aletheia said he could use it. When he got out the pair passed and Aletheia stopped.

"I should tell you now. I didn't want to ruin the beach but Will always sent flowers on my birthday. He did it again this year and on the card, it said he would see me later so be on the lookout." Jaren nodded and kissed her on the lips. He sat on the sofa and pulled his phone out.

So I think I just got cucked.

Nah, dude. No one could cuck you but still, tell me what happened.

I got into a conversation. I made a comment and she told me our relationship was based on lust. I said 'I love your body' she wasn't super serious about it but still.

I then said that I loved her personality and her more.

I told her I love her and she said nothing back about it.

John. You gotta help me, brother.

All right. Give me time.

Perhaps she felt like it was too on the spot. Like it wouldn't sound sincere if she returned it. I mean, did you say 'I love you'?

Yeah. I did and she said nothing.

Perhaps she thought it was a joke. Give it time. Perhaps that dude before hurt her more than you think.

Well, she is showering but I should probably do something. You only turn 21 once.

I believe that you should fuck her right in the pussy.

Shut the fuck up John.

You pansy Smii7y. Get some balls.

Balls are soft and precious.

Well, stop being a pair of balls.

Not until you stop. Goodbye John.