5.31

Deasil Street

5.3

NO. 3 The Williams HouseholdMarley and Aimee Williams

Aimee and Marley moved to Deasil Street to save their marriage, pure and simple. Their friends had, for reasons unknown, created rumours and spiteful gossip designed to split the two up. When they finally confronted each other on the accusations of affairs, gambling and drugs the stories fell apart and they realised none of it was true. So, the decided to relocate to Appaloosa. It would be a welcome relief from the poison they’d experienced in the rat race.

Aimee had been a teacher, but dreamed of starting fresh as a chef in the new town. Marley is also starting on a new career path, starting again as a fledgling fire-fighter

They’ve been quite unsociable so far, concentrating on each other and building up trust. But they’re now starting to venture out and make friends.

NO. 3 The Williams Household

Malika Williams

Aimee and Marleys only child, Malika is a quiet, thoughtful girl. She spent most of her life listening to her parents being just horrible enough to each other to avoid a big row, and the new status quo of a happy family is alien to her. She wonders when the bubble will burst.

She is friends with Megan and Annette, but often feels like the third wheel in an established friendship group. How much of that is her own imagination remains to be seen. Certainly, she is more studious than the others, and sees the world much more seriously.

Annette was now spending most weeknights at the Club or at the stables with Peps. She hadn’t forgotten how hard her mother and grandfather were making her life as a Vickers, but perhaps there were some perks after all.

While Annette was at school, Ariette decided to go for a ride. Just so Peps could stretch her legs of course.

Away from the house and her father, Ariette rode peps out to the middle of nowhere, to a large pond far from town. She had felt so… free. It had been a while since she’d known anything but the crushing weight of duty. Peps was well worth the money.

Back at home, Ariette talked to Annette about her ride. For the first time, mother and daughter were on the same page about something. At last, they were beginning to bond.

At dinner, Harry scolded Ariette over her trip. She had missed an important social engagement thrown by a local charity. There had been a four course lunch followed by a game of golf - and her absence had been noted. Ariette ignored him for once. It had been worth it.

Bernice’s partying worries Teresa – they’re getting a bit old for all that.

Bernice was holding another gathering, but was disappointed by how early people were leaving. Teresa tried to explain it was a week night… people had work or the school run to plan for. Bernice wasn’t having any of it, she and her best friend were going out like in the old days.

Bernice dragged her friend out to a club. Teresa looked a little out of place, and felt a bit awkward to begin with. But she did find herself unexpectedly having a good time.

Away from her children and husband, Teresa got swept away by the music and drinks and they ended up staying out till the morning.

Returning from their night out, Teresa studies herself in the mirror. She’s happy with how she looks, but the night out seems to have taken it’s toll. She’d had a great time but was worried about Bernice. How was she managing to go out like that almost every night?