Will We Talk?

3- Flawless

"I've had a lush couple of hours, thank you Nic." I smiled as we sat in the place we met that day.

"Anytime, pet. If you need owt, call me, call anyone." she smiled back bittersweetly.

I'm not a huge hugger, but something came over me- an urge. I pulled Nicola into a hug over the gearstick, once again fighting tears.

"Till Tuesday." she commented as she closed the car door.

I had to drive for a while, in search of a car park where I could have myself a little cry. There was no way I was making it until I got home. Times like these called for a killer amount of alcohol, but I'd made myself and my friends and family a promise.

Composing myself took a whole 15 minutes. My mascara, luckily, was waterproof so I had no streaks running down my face. The only thing about my appearance that had changed was my eyes that were red raw.

Making my way back home, I rang my mam, just so I knew I wouldn't do anything bad to myself.

"I'm coming over, okay mam?"

"That's fine, my precious girl. Just you be careful, aye?" she replied, I could sense the smile through the phone.

"Yes, I love you mam." I sighed before hanging up.

A smile lingered on my face as I made my way back into North Shields, admiring the coastline as I made my way back to my old home.

North Shields isn't exactly gorgeous, nor is it the type of place you'd drink through a wine glass, but it was home to many. Home to me. It was also rough as the roads. Every corner you turn, there's something that looks like a slum, but that's what adds the sense of community there. If you didn't know the family, you'd heard of their surname. The surname says it all when your living in such a small area.

I made sure to live up to my surname as I knew my dad had many friends and acquaintances. One wrong move, and my family would face the wrath of the whole of North Shields.

*****

"Guess who." I called through the house, slipping my shoes off in the process.

My mam appeared around the door of the kitchen, releasing the smell of Yorkshire puddings and a cooking chicken. It smelt delectable, and I knew it would taste it too.

When she realised it was me, she ran to come and hug me, like that one scene in Mamma Mia. Her arms slipped around my waist, pulling me into the tightest mam hug I'd ever had.

"My god, you've lost tons of weight." she gasped, not fully noticing how uncomfortable it made me.

"Enough Catherine." came my dad's booming voice, "The bairn's in recovery man, you cannit be saying shite like that."

Dad had always stuck up for me, and I was happy he was there at that moment, approaching me for a hug. His eyes shot his wife a filthy look as he passed her to see me, immediately his body softened upon my touch.

"Sorry, darling. You look as ravishing as ever." Mam smiled weakly, rubbing my shoulder in reassurance.

"It's fine mam, honestly." I said, making my way into the living room, "Have yous redecorated in here? Or is it just tidy for once?" I joked, causing my dad to laugh.

"No, cheeky. We've had it repainted and I got new coffee tables the other day." she squealed, getting more excited as she explained her new furniture. Only my mam would get excited over some tables and cups.

*****

I remained in the comfort of my parents' house for ages until Rylee texted me, suggesting a girls night out as a reward. At first, I was quite apprehensive with being in recovery, but I know not to let myself get terribly drunk now. So I agreed to go out.

Rylee: fancy going to the Low Lights tn?

Evelyn: Aye sure, what time?

Rylee: fran said she's take us around at 8 ish

Evelyn: Fran not coming?

Rylee: she's on night shift

I hadn't had a night out with just Rylee in a long time. Ever since we adopted Fran into the duo, she always came with us so we didn't get into fights. We're grown now, so surely we won't, right?

After receiving the text, I headed home and immediately whipped out my record player and ABBA's 'Voulez Vous' vinyl. The sound of Chiquitita played around my room, getting me in the mood to dress myself and put some effort in for once.

By 6:45, my outfit was chosen and I'd finished up in the shower. It was an everything shower where I washed my hair, shaved everywhere and just put me in a great mood. I decided I'd wear my hair naturally, therefore opting not to dry it as I wanted my curls to be set free.

I searched around my drawers, trying to find a matching pair of lace underwear, incase anything special happens- which I highly doubt. According to my friends, boys often looked my way when I was out and about, but I was too hung up over Joseph that I never realised. Maybe tonight would be a smack back into normal life? Might a bit of sex be the cure?

Eventually, I found a pair of green underwear and a black bra that matched. Over that, I wore a dress that hugged me in all of the correct places, emphasising my curves.

After getting ready, I checked the clock that read 6:52 and decided it would be a good decision to start on my makeup. I slotted the headband over my head, pulling the stray hairs back. Although I'm not a makeup professional, I decided to do a nice job on the eyeshadow- something I did only when I was feeling myself.

I must say, after doing my makeup, I looked flawless, the best I'd looked in a long time. My hair wasn't fully dry so I stuck the hairdryer on it for a few minutes.

7:35 hit the clock and I was ready, wearing my heels and my bag tossed over my shoulder. That called for an instagram photo.