Dust to Dust (A UK Youtuber Story)

Chapter 4 - Re-introductions

Mara had been seeing Stephen for 3 months and they had a struck up a very strong friendship. A party was being held at Will's block of flats and Stephen wanted to take her as his plus one. It was quite a daunting prospect for Mara. Stephen hadn't told anyone who he was bringing along, the majority attending were hoping it would be a girlfriend. Mara was nervous about a potential clash of her personal and work lives.

"I don't know about this Ste, I feel like it's not professional of me going back there in a casual context" said Mara.

"I understand your worries Mar, but this lot aren't going to be trouble, I promise." said Stephen with kind, soft eyes.

Mara felt more at ease, "Ok Ste, I'll go and get ready" she said smiling.

Stephen was happy he'd reassured her. He was looking forward to his friends seeing the more personal, social side of Mara, instead of her determined professional one.

Stephen was waiting at the door ready to leave as Mara came down the stairs draped in a ravishing purple dress, looking bright and happy, mystifying Stephen.

"You look absolutely gorgeous" he said perplexed.

"Thanks Ste, you're not looking too bad yourself." replied Mara winking at him, not doing anything to halt Stephen's racy thoughts.

She looked at him, "don't get any ideas you, or I'll kick your arse!" Mara said laughing, Stephen laughed, but deep down he knew she could and he was slightly upset by this knock back.

They later arrived at Will's flat, loud music blaring, the policewoman in Mara making her want to enforce rules on the level of noise, but her social side quickly shut the door on this ludicrous thinking, she was there to enjoy herself after all. She was going to be thrust into the world of YouTube like she had when solving the assault three months previously, but she was hoping for a much smoother evening this time. Stephen knocked on the door and it swung open to reveal Will.

"Will! Hello mate!" exclaimed Stephen

"Come here big Ste!" yelled Will bringing him into a hug.

"Will, my plus one" said Stephen gesturing towards Mara.

"PC Bloom???" said Will shocked and slightly nervous.

"Hi Will, call me Mara!" she said holding her hand out for a shake.

Will tentatively put out his hand and shook hers, wary about her presence.

"Come in anyway guys, Stephen, can I talk to you privately for a minute?" asked Will

"Sure mate" replied Stephen.

Mara made her way into the party. Stephen hadn't told anyone about their friendship because he was a bit worried about how Will and others would react. Bringing Mara without warning was perhaps a little badly thought out, but he was confident in her ability to be sociable, it was in reality, a considerable gamble, but he believed in Mara. Will was incredibly shocked however and dragged him over to one side.

"Stephen, what the hell are you thinking???" exclaimed Will in a heightened whisper.

"Mate, you have to trust me and I can explain" said Stephen soothingly, trying to calm Will down.

"The night I was meant to come to your release celebration, I saw her leaving the apartment building and I recognised her from the Sidemen party and I just thought do you know what, I'll ask her about what's happened. We got talking and she turned out to be great company!" said Stephen happily

"So you bailed on seeing me after my release to spend some time with the woman who arrested me?" said Will baffled

"Yes."