Floods and Tears

Chapter 5 - The Park

Jody found the others at the park. Charlie and Alex were sitting on a bench looking glum and Tyler was nearby hands in pockets scuffing his shoes along the ground as he paced up and down.
Hey said Jody as she reached them. Charlie and Alex shuffled over to make room for Jody to sit down. 
Looks like were just waiting on Ryan now
Tyler I thought you told everyone to be here at 2.30 complained Alex.
I did, not my fault he's late. Retorted Tyler
About five minute late they saw Ryan sauntering towards them and he wasn't alone
Er what's she doing here shouted Tyler nodding at Floss who was trailing behind Ryan
She followed me
And you let her? Interjected Charlie
If I hadn't she would have blabbed to May-Li.
Great exclaimed Jody sarcastically
Well sorry for gatecrashing your stupid meeting. I only came cause I thought it couldn't be anymore boring than Stoneybridge. responded Floss and pulled a face at Jody, who promptly made a face back.
This is why we didn't want any of the younger ones involved sighed Tyler
Ryan shrugged
Anyway the whole point of this meeting was to figure out how we can get this water damage sorted and everyone back to Ashdene Ridge asap. interrupted Alex, keen to get the meeting back on track.
May Li told us it could take weeks to get the pay out from the insurance company and then all the repair work has to be done. Interjected floss
Realistically we're talking a month or two before there's any chance of moving back in added Charlie grimly
Surely something can be done to hurry the insurance company up or maybe we can raise the money ourselves for the repairs argued Jody
Don't be daft, we're talking thousands of pounds. We can't raise that kind of cash overnight. Replied Alex

And I doubt there's much us kids can do to get the insurance company to pay out quicker. Joined in Ryan

Great so you say we accept the way things are, with everyone split up and the insurance company taking their sweet time. retorted Tyler 

At least your not stuck at Stoneybridge, it's like a madhouse, the Stoneybridge kids are awful. And I'm split up from Chloe. You lot have got it easy,young don't have siblings to worry about

The hostel is awful Ryan, we're stuck with a bunch of older teenagers who drink and smoke. Some of the guys give me the creeps replied Charlie

Don't worry we'll look out for you comforted Alex

Thanks

Maybe we could get some people off the telly to report about the flood. Harry once told me about when Lilly fell off the roof and suddenly the telly reporters found out and it was all over the news.

As if they would care about a flooded care home scoffed ryan

No actually I think Floss may be on to something. I can see it now Care home kids face more hardship. Flee flooded home. I'm gonna contact the radio station where I did my work experience. Maybe they'll help.

Well Floss and I had better get back before May-Li misses us but let me know if there is anything I can do. said Ryan

Ryan and Floss headed off and Jody got up and started towards the park gates as well

Wait up Jods exclaimed Tyler rushing over

Why what's up? said Jody turning to face Tyler

Nothing, I... Well I just wanted to make sure you were OK. 

Yeah I'm fine, why wouldn't I be?

Well you know, your mum hasn't exactly been the greatest in the past and... 

What's that supposed to mean?

Well.. I mean... 

Kingsley isn't around anymore and my mum has changed, she's been really great since I came home. She's gonna get takeaway for tea tonight

Well er that's great, but call me if you need me yeah

Stop worrying, my family are my problem and iv said things are different this time

OK if you're sure, just wanted to make sure your OK responded Tyler defensively 

I am so just leave it Tyler burst out Jody and she walked off