The Rolling Saviours

Chapter Four

Alyssa sat with Theodora, listening to various records and relaxing.

Theodora, lying stretched out on her stomach, looked nothing like a rockstar's daughter in her navy tracksuit bottoms and a hot pink t-shirt.
She simply looked like any other fifteen year old girl.

There was a knock on the door and, when Theodora called, "Come in," her mother looked into the room.

"Everything alright? You got clothes I see Alyssa."

"Everything's fine, thank you Mrs Richards," said Alyssa with a shy smile.

Patti smiled.
"Hansen actually," she corrected gently, pushing a stray strand of blonde hair out of her eyes.
"But call me Patti."

"Mum kept her maiden name when she married," Theodora explained.

Alyssa nodded in understanding.

"How're the ribs?" Patti asked.

"Painkillers are still working."

"Good. Just let someone know if you need more okay?"

"I will," Alyssa replied, though privately thinking that they didn't need to waste their painkillers on her. She didn't deserve them.

"You know where the bathroom is if you want to shower or bath and Theo will lend you pyjamas tonight and clothes tomorrow, won't you?"

"Of course Mum," answered Theodora.

Patti smiled at her daughter, then at Alyssa.

"Is Dad still in his study?" Theodora asked.

"Yeah. He's playing guitar in there. Ronnie and Krissy are dog walking with Shirley."

"What's Alex up to?"

"Her and Sally are watching something downstairs, taking advantage of the fact the television is free."

"Why? Where are Calvin and Austin?"

"Outside kicking a ball around," Patti answered, resting her hip against the door frame as she turned her gaze onto Alyssa.

"What's your father's name?"

"Joshua," said Alyssa quietly.
"Joshua O' Connor."

"Alright, thanks," said Patti.

Alyssa didn't ask why she wanted to know.
She figured it was probably something to do with the Stones adopting her.

Theodora turned to flip the record they were listening to over and Patti smirked slightly.
"Alice Cooper I'm guessing Theo?"

"Of course," Theodora replied with a grin.

Patti shook her head with a smile as she turned to leave the room.

"Shopping trip tomorrow morning Alyssa," she said over her shoulder.

"Okay," Alyssa agreed reluctantly, not really liking the idea of someone spending their money to buy her things.

"I'm taking you shopping, buying you clothes and things and you're going to fucking like it, okay?"

Alyssa was slightly shocked to hear Patti curse, then realised she was married to Keith, who had cursed several times since she'd met him.

She nodded and Patti smiled.

"I'll be in the living room if you want me," she said, closing the door behind herself.

"I like your mum," Alyssa said to Theodora.

Theodora smiled.
"Good. I can tell she likes you too."