Living Without A Heart

I'm Not Sorry

It had been two years: FP and Gladys had been married for a year and a half, Mary had finished law school a year ago and had moved in with Fred, and Alice and Hal had barely spoken despite living together. She and FP had been spending more time together with Polly and Hal and Gladys were feeling threatened again.

Alice and Hal sat at Pop's with Polly. The two year old sat munching on a bowl of strawberries, grapes and banana. Hal was sat with a full English breakfast and a tea whilst Alice just had her 3rd coffee.

"FP will be here soon," Alice stated looking at her watch.

"Well I'm leaving for Greendale now - be sure to tell him our news!" He replied with a sneer.

"Bye." She said shortly.

Hal kissed Polly on her head and cawed "Daddy's going away for a few days for work Polly. I'll see you soon sweetheart."

"Bye, bye daddy!" She replied still eating her fruit "want hug!" She whined.

"You've got to put your strawberries down then!" He said tickling her. Polly giggled and Hal hugged her before standing to leave. As he got outside FP was jogging towards the door.

"Don't go getting any ideas snake." He spat

"Wouldn't dream of it princess." FP mocked.

"What did you just call me!?"

"Hard of hearing already?"

"Go to hell FP!"

"Seeing as though you're here, I already am in hell."

Hal just scowled, climbed into his car and left. FP tugged the diner door open and the little bell notified the customers of their arrival. Two little feet pitter-pattered across the tiles.

"FP!" She babbled.

"Princess Pol!" He beamed spinning her around in the air.

"I got 'nanas!"

"You got banana's? Where's mine?"

"I eat it!" She giggled pulling her tongue at him.

"Oh, I'll just have to buy a new one then!" He replied tickling her.

"Mummy!" She screamed for mercy.

"Is he getting you?" Alice chuckled. "We'll have to get him then!" She said suddenly tickling FP and Polly joined in

"I give up! I'm sorry! You win!" He squirmed.

Alice's eyes lit up as always when she saw how much FP and Polly loved and adored each other.

"Polly said she ate all my bananas!"

"Yeah and she ate my grapes too!"

"Oh she's a little monkey!"

"I'm going to get us some drinks," she laughed and whispered to Polly "You make sure FP doesn't get into trouble!"

She went and got two coffees and a drink of pure orange for Polly.

"Here you go my darlings,"

"Thank you Ali, say thank you to mama Pol,"

"Tanks mama!"

"You're welcome baba!" She replied giving her a kiss on the cheek "This is the 4th coffee I've had since being at Pop's."

"Yeah- usually people tell you to slow down with alcohol but you have always been one of a kind!" He jested.

"FP there is something I need to talk to you about..."

"Okay, what is it?"

"I... erm... I can't talk here."