The Odd One out – Chapter 4

(Erica's POV)

I didn't sleep much that night, I could hear the footsteps every hour or so when someone would come and check on me. I climbed out of bed pulled on my dressing gown and stumbled sleepily into the kitchen where I got a bowl out of the cupboard and made myself some cereal. Everyone was arguing, the radio was on and dad was messing with his tie. Things were back to normal.

"Dad… I don't feel like going to school today…" I said

"Justin, hurry up! We've got a therapy session this morning!" Dad shouted up the stairs

"DAD!" I shouted

Everyone fell silent until just the radio was playing quietly in the background.

"I don't want to go in today…" I said quieter

"Well tough Ricky, there's no one to look after you we have to go to work. Get dressed we need to leave soon" Mum replied

I sighed deeply before getting up and going to my room. My parents went back to arguing with Leo about his computer and it was like I didn't exist all over again.

I quickly got dressed in my black skinny jeans, shirt, blazer and black converse shoes. I quickly brushed my hair into a ponytail, brushed my teeth and grabbed my black rucksack rushing downstairs.

"Come on Ricky get in the car" Dad said

"I'm going to walk today; I could use the fresh air"

"No you're not; we've got a session, car."

I was the youngest and the shortest so I drew the short straw of going in the middle. I had to listen to Justin and Leo bickering all the way to school. I was so glad when I got out the car. Our parents ushered us to dad's office where the counsellor was already waiting.

"So sorry we're late" Dad apologised

I took a seat and tried to turn invisible.

"How are you this week Leo?" The counsellor asked

"Why are you asking me all the time? It's supposed to be family therapy. Justin's far from perfect; he's got a different girlfriend every week. Dad can't leave work at work, mums on the verge of another breakdown and Ricky tried to off herself yesterday!" Leo blurted out

"I didn't" I told her but she didn't seem too convinced

"Okay, so you're a junkie then, whatever" Leo threw back

"You're just grumpy because you can't play your stupid game anymore! Get a life Leo" I told him

"It's not stupid and I might have a slight gaming problem but at least I don't do heroin!"

I stood up and walked out. That was it. I pushed through the crowds on the corridors, I found the nearest empty classroom and slipped inside, sliding down the back of the door to the floor and letting the tears flow.

I hadn't been crying long when I heard a familiar click of heels on the floor and then suddenly a warm pair of arms wrapped around me. I buried my face in the scent of perfume and I couldn't control the tears anymore. I couldn't remember the last time I'd cried, I always felt like I had to keep my true feelings hidden for some reason but this was different.

I felt… safe.

(Lorna's POV)

I didn't know the right things to do, with students it was different. But, Erica wasn't just a student and I didn't know if that meant I should do something different. I wasn't sure what to say to her so I just held her close to my chest and let her cry out whatever had upset her.

We were there a while before she calmed down enough to pull away slightly and look at me.

"I'm sorry…" She sniffled

I cupped her face in my hands and wiped the tears from her cheeks with my thumbs gently, giving her a soft smile.

"What are you sorry for?" I asked

"Being a mess" She said quietly

"You're not a mess…" I reassured her "What are you doing in school after yesterday?"

"Mum said there was no one to look after me"

I actually couldn't believe it. If it was me I'd have put her before work, before anything yet they'd forced her to come in because work was more important.

"Why don't I take you home? I've got a free day and you look like you could do with some sleep" I offered

She gave me a small smile. "Thanks Miss"

I helped her up off the floor and gave her a tissue so she could compose herself before we braved the corridors.

A/N: How do you think Olga and Vaughan are going to react when they get home to find Lorna in their house?