Over at number six, tensions were high. Angus got an earful from Jen for asking how her day at work had been. The Appaloosa council had grown in her absence… and gotten more frustrating and complex.

She apologised the moment she finished ranting. She didn’t know was got into her. Angus just gave her a big hug, work could be stressful – he understood.

He suggests they have a party with their neighbours. He’d like to meet them and she could do with a break.

It was a nice do. They invited the neighbours, and the musical ones among them brought instruments and had a jam. Angus got to meet everyone all at once, and Jen caught up on all the gossip.

At first Jen had trouble relaxing, watching to make sure her guests were happy even when trying to dance herself. But Angus spotted her doing it, and forced her into enjoying herself instead.

As the light began to fade, and the effect of the drinks make themselves felt, Angus pulled Jen in for a kiss. They grinned at each other, but didn’t go for another. As the guests floated away they stayed up chatting and joking around on the lawn.

She didn’t want to blame her dad for how her life had turned out. That would be too easy.

Looking in the mirror even she didn’t like who was looking back. Who’d want to hang out with the severe looking woman in front of her? Where had the real her gone?

Once again, Ariette had not been invited.

She took Peps down to the beach to look out over the water and cry a bit. It helped a little, but she still hurt inside.

Remounting, she vowed that things had to change. She wasn’t sure how, but she was lonely and didn’t want to be anymore.

The next morning she moped about a bit, her clothes were all quite severe, even with her hair down and makeup toned down.

But then she dug out a few old clothes from her rebellious period. As she slipped them on, she felt herself snapping back to who she really was. Still respectable, still wanting the best for her family – but much more relaxed.

She and her father had a daily discussion about family finances and so on, which were usually a chance for him to vent at her for not doing enough. Today, he frowned and started on her outfit with renewed venom. It was just not suitable. What kind of example was she setting her daughter?

For once, Ariette just grinned at him. It was like something had snapped. He could growl as much as he wanted, she could dress and do as she liked. He’d signed his debts over to her years before. She was in charge.

It felt so good to put her father in his place. She felt herself, she felt comfortable, and the future could only get better. When Annette got home from her sleepover tomorrow, she would hardly recognise her mother.

The next morning, bright and early, Ariette rang her financial advisor. She had a few plans to run by him…

No. 2The Bailey Family.Warren , Teresa , James and Megan

No. 6Jen Potter and Angus McKirrick

No. 1Trinity and Belladonna Darkstone

No. 5Alfred Hennrick

No. 4Bernice Kasitova and Ambrose Merrihall

No. 3The Williams FamilyMarley, Aimee and Malika

No. 7Ariette Vickers, her father Harry and daughter Annette

Deasil Street

Are Jen and Angus really attracted to each other, or was it just the party atmosphere?

Will Allain go back to school?

Find out next time on Deasil Street!

Next Time…