Lost | Elektra and Liam | The Dumping Ground

Nine

Frank loitered outside the red brick wall, a few moments away from the Dumping Ground, biting the end of his thumb. His mind was clouded with feeling and morals, all at once. He'd tried to forgive Liam, tried to understand, but it was impossible. The Liam he knew had gone; he couldn't understand why he would ever do such a thing.

But he had to give Liam the freedom to sort out the mess on his own terms. That's if, Liam would ever actually tell Mike.

"Frank?" someone queried.

Frank whipped his head around, relieved when he saw Faith. It was her last day, and Frank planned to meet up with her early at 6, to ensure she wouldn't be caught sneaking out.

He offered her a smile. "Well done, on surviving the DG!"

Faith returned the smile vaguely. "Frank... what's this really about?"

Frank ducked his head, settling on a decision. He knew Liam would hate him for telling Faith, but two heads were better than one...!

Before

Elektra sat leisurely on a bench near Hyde Park. She'd worked really hard at the store, made friends with her colleagues and now she had her first day off! She allowed herself a small satisfied grin, swigging from her water bottle.

Things were turning up for her. True, she didn't want to be working in a supermarket all her life but she could now envision a future; something which had seemed impossible before.

She had found herself a dab hand at managerial roles, whilst her creativity also shone through various jingles she had brainstormed for the store's mascots. She'd even started thinking about her A-Levels, and getting back to college or even getting Charlie back.

Charlie. She'd be old enough to attend proper school, by now...

Elektra sighed and tried to swallow her guilt. Leaving Charlie, had been the most heart-wrenching of decisions, but she knew deep down that she had no choice. Hopefully, Sally was still holding out Charlie for Elektra. But for how long?

Even with Callie by her side, Elektra was still struggling. Improving, but she had no home, no family and no friends discounting Callie. Although Callie, hadn't really been around what with her gang drama obviously being pretty serious, but Elektra didn't want anything to do with that. She just wanted a mate.

Taking in the warmth of the shimmery sun, Elektra peered into the distance at some teenagers mounting off a school coach. The nostalgia hit her like a ton of bricks, as she remembered the groaning noises of the bored teens at her school, and the troublesome ones playing pranks on all the teachers, sniggering quietly.

Life was so innocent then.

Elektra closed her eyes as some chattering floated along a breeze towards her. The loudest of them all was a ranting girl, her voice cutting through every conversation.

"I swear down, if Mr. What's-His-Face, even says the word 'Homework', I'm literally out of here! 'Cause like the whole point of a school trip is that there ain't no homework, just fun and getting lost, innit Tash!"

The said Tash didn't have time to reply as Miss Chatterbox struck up the conversation once more.

"Learning's for losers! Anyways I'm going to get a job doing nails like, where do they teach that at school?!"

"I bet you could do the Queen's nails, Zoe!" a laughing male tone buzzed over the crowd as said 'Zoe' promptly replied "Shut up".

Elektra's eyes snapped open. It was a coincidence. Being in London, hearing that Cockney tone was normal. Yet, it didn't sound like just anyone. She couldn't help but peer at the crowds of kids, scanning for someone, something.