"I thought you were going to cook us all dinner before you went." There were times when I could cheerfully thump Simon, this was one such.

"No way, I have to save my energy for Des." I smirked back at him, the look on his face was probably more satisfying than a slap.

Stella giggled then said, "I hope you have your sexiest lingerie."

Easy As Falling Off A Bike.
by: Angharad.
part:193.

Tom and I went back to my car and drove out of the road, Simon and Stella followed us in his car. We went back to my father's house, where I made us all a good cup of tea. Tom reported on our meeting with Stevie's parents.

Simon felt angry, "How dare he criticise his son like that, the poor bugger is almost breathing his last and all his dad is concerned about, is what the neighbours think. What an arsehole!"

"There are plenty of people like it Si," said Stella picking up a chocolate hobnob. "These biscuits are my favourite, Cathy."

I winked back at her, they were amongst mine as well, but the rate at which she was eating them meant I might not get a look in this time.

"We did what Stevie asked me to do. I hope I did it gently. I didn't want to fight it out with Mr Naylor because there could be no winners. He can only win if he learns to see beyond his prejudice, as my father is trying to do now, but only because life has forced him to. Prejudice ultimately destroys those who hold it."

"You did okay Cathy," said Tom squeezing my shoulder. "It's never easy to tell a parent something like that, especially a double whammy."

"That is a horrible expression, Tom." I groaned at my esteemed colleague and mentor.

He looked at me and chuckled.

"I do hope they get to see him before he becomes any sicker." I thought this was the most important thing.

"Yeah, but dear old dad arriving and performing could make him worse." Simon was still angry, maybe because in being a man himself, he felt Andy Naylor was letting the side down by acting like a primitive.

"Don't worry, the ward won't let him perform and I suspect the boy's mother won't either. She won't want her last hours with him to be remembered for infighting between Steve and his dad." Stella seemed to have a very moot point.

"But by then the damage is done Stel, the boy will be stressed and his immune system will worsen, not to mention his desire to live." Simon also made a valid point.

Simon then looked at me, "Right my beautiful, angelic messenger, what are you going to do?"

"I'm going to see my dad and have a chat with Des. Then travel back down tomorrow and hopefully will pop in to see Stevie sometime tomorrow."

"Won't the family be there then?" asked Simon.

"I don't honestly know, why?"

"Well apart from the numbers around the bed, won't it risk your own position in terms of being detected or them remembering where they saw you?"

"The daughter, Mandy, did remember."

"Well she might blab."

"She said not."

"You don't believe her do you?"

"Simon, just because her father is an arsehole doesn't mean she is. He is still a student of mine and we never did finish the tutorial."

"I find your adherence to duty commendable if unfeasible," smiled Tom.

I looked at the time, do you need me for anything, because I'm going to change and pop and see my dad.

"I thought you were going to cook us all dinner before you went." There were times when I could cheerfully thump Simon, this was one such.

"No way, I have to save my energy for Des." I smirked back at him, the look on his face was probably more satisfying than a slap.

Stella giggled then said, "I hope you have your sexiest lingerie."

"Gonna put it on as soon as you're gone." I replied and she giggled even more.

"Am I to be cuckolded by my good friend?" Simon stared at the floor.

"Only if he's a very lucky boy." Stella was really getting back to normal.

'More than lucky!' I thought to myself, recalling the stupid car insurance advert and the dog called Lucky.

I went up and changed into jeans and a top to go and see my father, the others took the hint and set off for their return to Portsmouth. I was sad to see them go, the house seemed very lonely without them. Someone had washed up the cups, for which I was grateful.

Daddy was really pleased to see me, he'd seen stuff on the news including my interview on the news. He'd also kept one or two press cuttings for me. The one in the Daily Mail surprised me by not denigrating my marriage to Simon, playing instead upon my recent exploits with burning cars, bag snatchers and jumping, incontinent dormice.

The Torygraph wasn't so pleased, suggesting that as I couldn't produce an heir, there should be some law preventing it. It surprised me, I know it represents rather conservative views, but it seemed to excel itself in the stupidity stakes this time. I was pleased to see a letter criticising the editorial in the next edition. I decided they wouldn't get an interview, except to talk about dormice or other British mammals.

Daddy ate up his soup with gusto, I had to buy some bread on the way in, I'd also bought some cheese and bread for later, wondering if Des would bring more wine. The forecast for the next day wasn't too bad, so a ride might be possible. Better to wait and see.

I reminded Daddy that although I'd be up to see him over Christmas, I was going to hospital on New Year's Day. He nodded his understanding.
I also realised I had loads of shopping to do for presents and food. Oh boy, life is a pain at times.

I excused myself and drove back home and changed into something a bit more interesting for Des' visit. Just because I wouldn't or couldn't have sex with him, didn't mean I couldn't flirt with him. At least that was what I told myself as I adjusted my push up bra.

XS XS XS XS XS XS XS XS XS XS XS XS XS XS XS XS XS XS XS XS XS XS XS

Do you agree with some users of this site, that this story is about 189 episodes too far? Please leave comments.