"You're an inspiration Miss Clarke, an utter inspiration without you my daughter would never have pursued her dreams and become the person she is today, on behalf of us both I thank you from the bottom of my heart"

What exactly did you say back to something like that?

Often Florence made the mistake of detaching herself from her readers thinking that her words were just words that couldn't affect or change anything, but seeing in front of her in solid flesh a Mother telling her how her book had changed and shaped someone she couldn't help but feel intensely proud of herself.

And at the same time she felt more panicked than ever, people were relying on her to help them get through their bad days, to reach the other side of the storm and come out stronger, she wasn't worthy of a position.

Florence couldn't count on her two hands how much times young girls and boys had come up to her today begging her to write another book, she'd said no too much times today.

She looked over to the girl standing holding her book like it was a holy artefact, she had the most beautiful brown hair that hung in a shiny wave, was slightly chubby and her glasses were too small for her face, she probably didn't think she was beautiful, the other girls probably called her names and made her feel like she wasn't worth her place on the Earth.

Though she knew Natalie wouldn't like it, there was a whole queue of impatient parents and clamouring children behind this girl, Florence stood up and walked over to her resting one had on her shoulder, the look of reverence she was met with made her want to weep, she didn't deserve such adoration.

"What's your name sweetie?"

"Alia"

"Well Alia that's a beautiful name, and you're a very special girl given what your Mother's been telling me and I just want to tell you that no matter what anyone says you can be whoever you want to be, you hold your head up high and you'll tower above people who consider themselves above you, never doubt that you are extraordinary, you can have two signed copies for free don't even think about paying"

The girl's face crumpled and she began to cry, that hadn't been what Florence had intended but looking at her she realised those tears were tears of joy, Alia held out her arms as if she wasn't sure how a hug would be received, Florence took her into her arms and hugged her trying to send a message straight to her heart, to strengthen it and make sure Alia would always be happy to be alive.

And so at the end of her second at on tour Florence felt like a changed person, like she'd somehow given a piece of herself to every eager reader that had approached her.

If she could live a hundred days like this she would die a happy woman.

She hadn't even considered her conflicting heart today, Andrew had sent her photo of an adorable African toddler with pink braids and a gummy grin, they were both trying to bring about happiness in their own way.

In a bad way she wished they could stay like this, with her doing her own thing and he doing his own thing, on different sides of the world but still content.

Did that mean she didn't want to be with Andrew?

The thought made her feel guilty, of course she wanted to be with Andrew she was marrying him.

Wasn't she?

Shaking her head Florence entered her house deftly turning the key and inhaling the smell of freshly baked cookies, a sign that her Mother was home, she came bustling to the door in a pink apron holding up her oven gloves and looking so happy.

"How was it my darling? Did you brighten up any lives today?"

Florence hugged her tight enjoying the feeling of realness that came with a Mother's hug, that was one thing that never changed the feeling of security and ease, as long as Caroline Clarke could still soldier on in the kitchen all was well in the world.

"It was amazing Mum, you should have seen it, come with me sometime the look on their faces when they see me, it makes me feel like I'm doing something, like for once the world isn't spinning too fast"

"I'm so glad honey, and of course I'll come, your Father and I were just talking about coming to see you before Cole came"

"Sorry who came?"

"Cole dear, you invited him for dinner, its quite alright that you didn't tell us, I always make more on Wednesday's and he brought a girl too isn't that just nice? I'm so happy that you kids have made up really I am"

She walked away like she hadn't just dropped a bomb in the hallway and left her daughter in the rubble.

What the hell was Cole playing at?

She certainly hadn't invited him, their last conversation had been less than friendly.

Florence felt like a lamb being led to the slaughter as she entered the kitchen, there was Cole sitting at the table like he came round for dinner every single day, beside him was a slender girl with a pixie cut that quite frankly looked ridiculous, she had silver rings on every finger and a vacant expression as she studied the salt and pepper shakers like they were the most interesting things in the world.

But she was unmistakably pretty, with a bird tattoo just visible above her ankle, she was the type of girl who at first didn't seem remarkable but once you studied her she seemed more and more interesting.

Why was her brain going into overdrive like this?

Sure this was both unexpected and rude on Cole's part but she needed to stop over-thinking, take a deep breath and try to act like she wasn't demented.

"Cole so nice to see you, and you brought someone I don't think we've had the pleasure of meeting before, you are?"

"Krystal"

"Ah Florence it was lovely of you to invite us here especially when we know how busy you've been, Krystal couldn't wait to meet you of course, the famous author, she's actually an illustrator, aren't you?"

Florence narrowed her eyes at him, how dare he?

"Yes it's an absolute honour, of course I'm small time compared to you but still I know this is purely non business but maybe we could talk soon?"

She'd rather eat a worm alive than talk to this simpering girl about illustrations.

"So how was your second day on tour?"

Cole was still talking, he was enjoying her discomfort way too much, she still didn't understand how he had orchestrated an invite and made his way into her house.

"I'm so sorry, Mum, Dad, Cole... Krystal I've had a really long day and I'm actually not all feeling well so if you'll excuse me..."

A look passed between her parents, great, they thought she'd invited guests and was leaving them now.

"Okay dear... did you want me to bring you up anything?"

"No, you stay here enjoy your meal"

She forced a smile and regarded them, if anyone had walked by and looked in they would probably assume this was a family gathering.

"I have some soothing music I could recommend for headaches, my friend Heidi is a masseur?"

She wanted to slap Krystal, who even was she?

She didn't want her stuck-up company or her stinking songs.

"No, no I'm fine probably coming down with something, as I said enjoy your meal"

Okay, she actually did feel sick now.

"She okay?"

Krystal's high-pitched tones followed her up the stairs.

"Oh she will be once she's had time to think and realise just how bad things could get"

Curse Cole, curse him.