Will We Talk?

60- Sleepless

Evie: anyone fancy a sleepover tn? x

Rylee: out with the lasses from work, sorry xx

Fran: on the wards for a lovely 12 hour shift, sorry darling xx

Evie: its fine, have a nice night xx

*****

Yvonne: Did someone say sleepover?! xxx

Evie: my guardian angel, come round as soon as u can xx

Yvonne: Bailey refused to tell me what's going on, promise you'll tell me when I get to urs? xxx

Evie: Pinky xx

Yvonne: See you soon! xxx

*****

Sam: Hiya darlin, sry for telling the lads, i just didnt want u to be upset or anything xx

Evie: Honestly, Sam, thank u for that. Bailey came and sorted me out xx

Sam: R u okay? Do u want me to come over? I'm here for u, u know xx

Evie: I know Sam. I'm fine now and its fine Yvonne's coming over xx

Sam: Alright, have a good night my darling xxxx

Evie: ❤️xx

*****

To keep my mind off things, and so I wasn't home alone, I desperately hoped that someone would be free, who isn't my parents or Sam. I wouldn't complain with either of them, but at this moment in time, its easier to just speak to a friend.

Yvonne had been in my life since I was young, being on and off with Bailey since they were 14-ish. She saw my family through our good and bad and we saw her through her highs and lows, so, ultimately, she was my older sister now. She was the one I went to for period talks and everything boy-related, basically everything I wasn't comfortable enough talking to mam about. I've been waiting since they were 24 for Bailey to propose, but he won't take mine, nor Bradley's or Yvonne's hints. They're 28 now with kids and need to speed this process up.

Our secret knock reverberated around the walls of my apartment, informing me that she was here. Excitedly, I hopped out from my sofa's throw and hobbled towards the door. When Yvonne was stood with a McDonalds in hand, I threw my arms around her, before welcoming her in.

"It would be rude not to, eh?" she chuckled, sorting our meals out.

My eyes glinted at the food before me, "Very rude."

It's been ages since I last had a McDonalds, and just in this moment, I felt like I could devour the whole chain of restaurants. Fast food wasn't something I often treated myself to, instead opting for whatever I have in the house, or whatever pub grub was on at the Low Lights.

"So, tell me, how is everything?" she asked.

Suddenly, this felt like a therapy session waiting to happen. Yvonne and Cassie were friends behind the scenes, and they were so similar. She was the one who recommended Cassie. The way that Yvonne always focussed on me, rather than herself always made me feel special- it was like a power she has.

"Fancy a fag, wine and the record player?" I replied with a slight smile.

Her face grimaced as soon as she heard the mention of smoking- it always had- but she always gave in at the end, "Go on then."

After setting ourselves up in front of my ceiling-to-floor window, we took a synchronised drag. There was a gritty cutting feeling in my throat that trailed down to my lungs, but it made me feel oddly calm. I could tell Yvonne felt the same way, with having twins, as she dramatically took another after and letting a sigh of relief. This activity we had was an occurring thing that Bailey disapproved of, but no man would ever tell Yvonne what to do, because she isn't naïve and too trusting like me.

"Fucking hate the things." she sighed, her forehead leaning against the window, "C'mon, what's up." she squeezed my outstretched leg.

"Well, I got erm- sexually assaulted the other night. He didn't do owt like..." I stuttered, " But it's still traumatised me a lot, hence why I've been wanting a sleepover."

"Excuse me?" she hissed, completely infuriated with what I'd just told her, "Do we know the cunt?"

"Language, Yvonne Greggson!" I gasped, "But no, I don't, and I don't want to talk about this anymore."

"Sorry." her voice trailed off as the two of us watched cars pass by in the night of North Shields, "And Sam was your hero?"

"How'd you kna?" I smiled at how predictable I am, "I can't not drift to him, Ivy."

"Did you just call me Ivy?" she whimpered, her eyes glossing over.

'Ivy' was what her grandparents used to call her, so it was quite insensitive of me to say, but it was too late now.

"My God, I'm so sorry Yvonne. I completely forgot." I excused myself, cleaning the tears from her cheeks.

She looked up and smiled, sniffing a little, "It's fine, Eves, its quite refreshing being called Ivy again."

After pouring our hearts out to one another, we let the music and comforting silence do all of the talking, as we sat at the window puffing on the ciggies in hand. Yvonne sat with her legs crossed and head against the wall's crevice, flattening her silky ginger locks. I sat with one bent leg, one straightened, and my hair flowing to my lower back. My posture mirrored Yvonne's as my head sat against the wall.

The cigarette I had had was soon starting to form into a small butt that I'd just throw out of my window. As it fell to the ground floor, the excess smoke satisfyingly withered away behind it. Then Yvonne's followed, her's hitting the ground a little harder than mine did. From our view, we could see the cigarette butts extinguish themselves, which was a sign for us to go and shower.

"I forgot how strong the smell was." Yvonne gagged, smelling her hair and clothes, "And how it just sticks to everything."

"You go shower and I'll open all of the windows." I suggested, starting to open all of said windows around us.

*****

Just the thought of going to sleep was making me panic, but at least it was only Yvonne who was here with me. Yvonne wouldn't tell anyone- probably only Bailey and Bradley. So, I was in the comfort of someone trustworthy, meaning I can sleep soundly tonight. Right?