Hey peeps! Another quick note to say-for the next few chapters, Toni’s not in this. Yeah I know it’s a bit weird but things do go on behind her back . . . wait until you read chapter 23, which btw, I am writing through a writer’s block. I think it’s this restless feeling I have. Any who, very naughty goings on to type about. Toni should be back about . . . 24? 25? Not too long from now! Bear with me! xxx zee xxx P.S. I think I can remember which font to use in which instance now. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but in the last few chapters they’ve been muddled.

           “And I promise not to leave her alone. So what do you say?” Paul was on his knees, pleading. Siobhan’s mother looked at the floor where he knelt, then at her dressed up daughter, whose face mirrored Paul’s in its hopefulness.
           “I don’t think so, not after the ruckus your friend caused.”
           “Listen, Mrs. Collier, Mark won’t be able to disappoint her tonight, she and I will just spend the time talking. It’s the only chance I have in a while to get to know her better. I’ll make sure she’s taken care of. I arranged a bed for her and everything.” He maintained eye contact with her, and could see her weakening to his charms. She broke away.
           “I don’t know . . . Siobhan? Do you really want to go? I know you don’t like parties.”
           “I don’t, but I still want to go. You always say I should get out more, and it’ll be good practise for when I get into the business. Please mamma? Paul’s nothing like Mark, he says he’ll take care of me and he will. I’m sure you can have his number in case something comes up.”
           Her mother looked again at Paul, who nodded emphatically. She glanced back at Siobhan.
           “Well . . .”
           “Mamma, please, I didn’t let Reema give me a make over to sit in my room all night. And I love you mamma.”
           She sighed, and looked back at Paul, whose eyes finished the job.
           “I want your phone number, she isn’t travelling anywhere without you. She has to be in bed at a reasonable hour, don’t let her get drunk, no drugs whatsoever, and she’s to be home by the time I get in tomorrow.”
           “Of course!” Paul exclaimed, and passed her a piece of paper, his number already scribbled on. He stood up finally, and grinned at Siobhan. “Ready?”
           She nodded, holding up her overnight bag. He thanked Siobhan’s mother and pulled her out of the door.
           “Bye mamma, see you tomorrow!” She called. As they walked up the driveway, they became a lot more animated.
           “That was a piece of cake, you made me think she was a right dragon.” He laughed, and opened the front door for them to get into.
           “She can be. I don’t know what you did to make her cave so easily.” She leaned over and hugged him on impulse. “But then again, tomorrow evening she could really go for it.”
           He hugged her back, subtly smelling her hair.
           “Want me to face the music with you?”
           “It’s probably best if you don’t.”
           “Okay. It sounds like she’s really worried about you.”
           “She’s not. But if she is, I can’t see why. I can take care of myself, I know right from wrong.” She detached herself from Paul and gazed out of the window. He shuffled over to her, and caressed her short hair.
           “Well, tonight, you can forget it all, just enjoy yourself with me.”
           “Okay . . . don’t you have to talk to all the media execs though?”
           “Yeah, but you have to stay by my side.”
           “Oh, fun! . . . Paul?”
           “Mm-hmm?” He wrapped her into another hug.
           “Are you really going to leave?”
           “Yeah.”
           “When’s it going to happen?”
           “I dunno, when the time’s right.”
           “Well, when it happens, I’ll support you. You know, be here when you need a shoulder or whatever.”
           “Thanks.”
           Silence fell in the car, and once again Paul shifted closer. The only result was Siobhan finally holding him back. He sighed.
           “What’s up?”
           “It’s nothing.”
           “Okay.” Silence fell again, and once again she interrupted. “Paul? Am I what you expected?”
           “I dunno. After hearing Ben and Mark, I expected a goddess crossed with a gargoyle. Not that you suit that description.”
           “Oh, so what am I then?” She teased, squeezing him slightly. He forced a smile.
           “I dunno . . . girl-next-door?” He said uncomfortably.
           “So in other words-”
           “Can we not do this?” He stopped smiling, and looked away. Siobhan felt guilty.
           “Paul, I wasn’t-”
           “Just drop it.”
           “Can I just finish? I was going to say, in other words, I’m better than I think.”
           Paul looked back, and half-smiled. Siobhan took the opportunity to snuggle into him, unaware that his smile grew as she did so.

           “Well, that’s our flight.” Paul smiled, and took her by the hand to lead her towards the gate. She nodded and followed silently.
           “Hey, whatcha thinking about?” He squeezed her hand as he asked.
           “Well, Mark’s on the other side of this plane ride.”
           “Yeah, he is, but you don’t need to think about that. I’m not going to let him near you, it’ll bring the both of you down.”
           She nodded unsurely, and he pulled her into another hug.
           “Trust me babe, after tonight, you’ll forget all about him.” He kissed her cheek and led her through the gate towards the plane. As they walked arm in arm, Siobhan brought up what was really on her mind.
           “We can’t be like this in Norway, can we?”
           “I don’t see why not, they’re pretty liberal-just look at Chris.”
           She smiled briefly, and explained herself.
           “No, I mean, what with Ben and Mark, us even looking at each other would give them the wrong message.”
           “Good, I’m snogging you right in front of them, make the message loud and clear.”
           “But I don’t want Mark to-” Paul placed a finger gently on her lips to prevent her from continuing.
           “Listen Hun, you and Mark are over. And I promised your mum that you’d stick with me. Besides, I want you myself, why should he get all the booty?” He kissed her nose and led her onto the plane. They took their seats, and Siobhan turned to him.
           “That’s not funny.”
           “What’s not funny?”
           “What you just said.”
           “You heard me say that to your mum.”
           “No, you saying . . . you saying you want me. It’s not funny.”
           “Good, because I meant it.”
           “No you didn’t.”
           “Yes I did. I’ll prove it if you like.” He smiled at her and she turned away.
           I don’t know what Mark’s said to all of you but you can stop this right now.”
           “Is there something wrong with me wanting you?”
           “We both know the answer to that.”
           “Hey, Mark chucked you, so Ben can go screw himself if he objects.”
           “Thanks for that reminder.”
           “No, I just . . . come on, I mean, is it to do with the age difference too?”
           “Age difference?”
           “Yeah, about ten or eleven years. I’m ready to ignore it.”
           “What’s age got to do with it? And ten years is nothing. I just don’t want Ben to yell.”
           “I’ll deal with Ben. Just give us a shot.”
           “I’ll think about it.” She conceded. He took her hand and spent the entire plane journey thinking of how best to convince her to let go of Mark and be with him.