"Hello Alison."
Ringo. What was he coming back here for? "I have some news. Ryan's been sent away to a children's prison for 2 years and then he will go to the proper place for 20." Before Ringo had even finished the sentence Alison almost burst. He was gone! The boy from hell was gone. "Really?" Alison just needed to make sure.
"Yes, really." Ringo smiled.
Alison propped herself up and gave Ringo a hug. "He's gone Ringo," she whispered, "we will never see him again."
Ringo didn't say anything, he just kept a tight hold of Alison for a while. "I have two more things to say," he announced.
Alison let go of Ringo and looked at him curiously, "go on."
"Well... You know how the fire brigade saved you?"
"Yes, that's what they do," she laughed
"They didn't."
Alison was confused, "who did?"
"Me."
Ringo!? He saved her from certain death!
"Ringo you are incredible!" She kissed him on the forehead and gave him a long, loving hug.
"Well, George helped.. Y'know," he stuttered.
"You still saved me," she smiled. Suddenly her elation turned to sorrow. Where was she going to live?
"What's the matter love?" Ringo looked at Alison supportively.
"Where.." She said painfully, "am I going to live?"
Ringo looked at Alison and smiled sympathetically.
"That's what I was going to tell you just before you left today."
"Pardon?"
"Well I bought myself a new place. Nothing special but if you like you and your family can stay until you get back on your feet again."
Alison was speechless. Was there any stopping his generosity?
"Really? I mean you don't have.."
"I want to!" Ringo interrupted.
"How can I thank you enough?"
"Just get some rest and then you can think about the future." He smiled and stood up, "Goodnight Al." He kissed her lightly on the forehead. Alison savoured the moment. They weren't even a couple but he was being so nice to her. She needed to make a move one day. She laughed to herself as Ringo pulled away.
"Bye," she smiled and closed her sleepy eyes.
"Ms. McClean?" A friendly doctor softly woke Alison up and handed her some water. "You can go later once the wounds have been treated." She smiled and left. Alison looked up at the clock. 4 hours until she started fresh. No more Rya... In her head she crumpled the name up and threw it away. He was old news. A year of torment and abuse was destroyed. She shivered remembering the bad times. They were gone now. She stared at the bare walls of the box room she was lying in, it was so dull. Her daydream was soon ended, knock knock "hello love!" Alison's Grandma shuffled in, smiling.
"Grandma! I'm so sorry about everything."
"It's okay love. It isn't your fault." She sits down, "how are you feeling."
"Much better thanks." She smiled
"Good, we're going soon."
Alison almost explodes with joy.
"That Ringo boy is awfully kind." Her Grandma continued, "and handsome" she winks.
"Stop it" Alison laughed, "we're just friends."
We're just friends. The words lingered in the air.
