The Rolling Saviours

Chapter Five

Alyssa was awoken by Theodora getting out of bed.
"What time is it?" she asked sleepily.

"Damn, I was trying not to wake you. It's nearly ten," answered Theodora, stepping into a pair of slippers and lifting a dressing gown.

Alyssa ran a hand through her hair as she got out of bed.

Theodora tossed her a dressing gown.
"Don't bother getting dressed. Nobody cares how much time you spend in your pjs here. You can shower and dress before you go shopping, which probably won't be until two or three."

Alyssa slipped the dressing gown around her shoulders.

"How're your ribs?" Theodora asked.

"A little sore. Nothing too bad and definitely better than they were yesterday," answered Alyssa with a smile.

Theodora smiled back, leaving the room with her.

They met Patti on the landing, tying the belt of a leopard-print dressing gown.

"Morning Mum," said Theodora, wrapping her arms around her in a hug.

Patti returned the hug, kissed her daughters forehead, then turned to Alyssa, opening her arms.

Alyssa hesitated. Theodora nudged her.

"Go give Mum a hug. That's all she wants."

"She doesn't have to hug me Theo." Patti said gently. "Hugs are a choice."

Alyssa stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Patti's waist. Deciding she liked and trusted her enough to hug her.

Patti gently returned the hug.
"How are your ribs?" she asked.

"Okay," Alyssa replied. She hadn't moved out of Patti's arms yet, finding she liked the hug.

Finally, Patti released her.
"You didn't mind the long hug?" she asked.

Alyssa shook her head, following Patti and Theodora to the kitchen.

Shirley was sitting reading a magazine, a steaming mug in front of her.
Buddy sat beside her, his head on her knee and she occasionally scratched his ears between sips of tea or turning a page.

She glanced up with a smile.
"Morning."

"Morning," Alyssa replied, watching as Theodora put bread into the toaster.

"Is anyone else up Shirley?" asked Patti, feeling the kettle before flicking the switch.

"Mick's boys, Ronnie and Charlie, who's showering," answered Shirley.

Theodora glanced at Alyssa. "Toast and tea okay for breakfast? Or I'll do some eggs and-" she glanced into the fridge "-sausages if you like."

"Toasts fine," said Alyssa.

Patti set a steaming mug in front of her, along with the milk.
"You don't take sugar do you?"

She shook her head, thanked Patti and put milk into her tea.

Theodora set two slices of toast in front of her after a moment.

As she was eating, Charlie came into the kitchen, kissing Shirley's head as he sat down beside her.

He smiled at Alyssa, then glanced at Patti. "Is there tea made?"

"Kettle's just boiled."

Patti put sausages into a frying pan.
"Keep an eye on them, I'm going to wake your dad," she told Theodora, who raised an eyebrow.
"He won't like that."