Eleven hours of uninterrupted deep slumber last night and today I feel like a different person, completely refreshed and raring to go.

Out of the two worries weighing heavily on my mind one, at least, has eased. Percy seems resigned that however persistent he is with chewing his paw bandage, it isn't budging so he's given up trying. My other concern is more complicated. Mick. After my outburst at him on Wednesday, I had half expected him to telephone mum but she hasn't said anything so I can only assume that he hasn't made contact, yet.

The other thing I've pushed to the back of my mind is my conversation with Olive yesterday about him. She knows me better than anyone else and the over analyising part of me has been going over and over why he has taken up so much of my thought space over the last four weeks and why he gets to me so much.

As arranged, I park up outside Olive's house at 8pm looking forward to our girlie night.

When we were 8 years old, Olive moved into the area and was new to my primary school. Being seen by the teachers as a responsible girl, I was selected to be her buddy and help her to settle in. Our teacher had strange ideas and getting to know your neighbour was one of them. Each member of the class swapped their new academic year exercise books with the person sitting next to them. That person then had to write the name of their neighbor on their books for them. Being paired with Olivia I filled out her name on all her books but wrote Olive by mistake. She didn't speak to me for a week after that, despite us having to spend every day together. Eventually she forgave me my error just to shut me up because I kept apologising profusely over and over and as she put it "enough now, you're doing my head in with your apologies!" We became the best of friends and ever since then I've called her Olive.

She is naturally sassy, sexy and spontaneous and oozes confidence in bundles. She'll talk to anyone and everyone and loves to give her opinion. But underneath the sometimes brash exterior lies my loving, caring, supportive and encouraging friend who I wouldn't change for the world. We're so close and would do anything for each other. We complement each other and our opposite nature brings out the best in each other and is why our friendship works.

She greets me with her trademark hug, throwing her arms around me and squeezing the breath out of me. I manage to say a quick hello to her mum before Olive drags me straight up the stairs.

It's like an Aladdin's cave in her bedroom. There is not a surface that isn't covered with beauty products, creams, sprays, perfumes, polishes or make-up. Fashion, hair and beauty has been her passion ever since she was 10 when she would spend every school lunchtime braiding or platting my hair. Through our teenage years she would dye my hair a multitude of colours, much to my parents disapproval. That is until I was sent home from school for having an unacceptable hair colour and my parents finally put their foot down and said it must stop. After that she just experimented on my hair during the long summer holidays and in truth, I looked forward to our first day off to see what masterpiece would be atop my head.

Into our more grown up teenage years she changed from joking around and started taking her styling and beauty seriously. Keeping up to speed with what's in and what's out, what's new and what's hot. My make-up routine then and still today is a touch of foundation, eyeliner, mascara and a dab of lip gloss but I always felt a million dollars when we went clubbing at the weekends because she'd do my hair and make-up for me and although it was more than I would ever put on myself, it boosted my confidence no end.

Her personality suits her passion perfectly, it's a match made in heaven.

I throw my bag on the bed and hand her a bottle of white wine.

"First things first, are you feeling better today?" She eyes me carefully.

"Yes much, I slept like a baby last night, I so needed it." I confirm relieved.

"Good, now second, I thought we'd order Chinese if that's ok with you?" She hands me the takeaway menu to peruse.

"Sounds perfect, I'm starving. Just the usual for me please." I say reeling off my order that she writes down.

"Thirdly, wine." She smiles wickedly grabbing the already half empty bottle from her bedside table and pouring me a large glass. "Cheers!" she clinks her glass against mine.

"Cheers Olive, thanks for suggesting tonight." I offer thankfully with a smile.

"I think we both needed it hun. Now. fourth and finally, put your PJs on whilst I phone the order through." There is an air of authority about her instruction.

"Yes ma'am!" I place my wine glass down and stand to attention, saluting her.

"Behave you" she smiles grabbing her phone to dial the takeaway.

I grab my PJs out of my bag and head into her bathroom to change. She's just ending the call when I return and we settle down on her king sized bed. She leans with her back up against her headboard, legs stretched out in front of her and cuddling a pillow. I sit crossed legged at the end of the bed facing her.

"So, tell me, apart from Percy what else was on your mind yesterday and don't deny it because I know there was something." She wiggles her finger at me and pouts her lips.

After yesterday I resigned myself to the fact that she was not going to let the discussion about Mick go so we might as well get it over and done with and then get on with our night. I really don't want to give him too much of my mind time when I'm trying to relax.

I hold my hands up in defeat. "Ok, ok, I completely lost my rag at him."

"Again. Why?" She sounds surprised.

"I went to tell him about a delivery, the door was open and he was on the phone so I waited until he'd finished but he thought I was prying. We argued about it." I confirm with a sigh.

"Were you listening in?" Olive tilts her head questiongly at me.

"Umm," I nibble nervously on the tip of my thumbnail.

"Well?" Her eyebrows raise expectantly.

"Ok, yes, but I don't know why I did it, I know I should have walked away." My tone of voice is trying to justify my actions.

"Well I can see why he was annoyed." She purses her lips together.

"I felt so guilty about it that I turned it around and tried to blame him." I place my head in my hands and shake my head in disgust at myself.

"See, this is exactly what I was trying to say yesterday. This is not normal behaviour for you. There's something about this man for you, I just know it."

"Ok, I admit it I'm intrigued by him. Is that what you want to hear?" I glare at her.

Olive holds her hands up, palms facing me. "You don't need to justify it to me. All I'm saying is in all the years I've known you I have just never seen you like this over someone before. What did you say to him anyway that's got you so uptight."

"Fuck you, do your own bloody gardening."

"Woah, really, Lil what is happening to you? My usually serene bestie is turning into a vixen around this man." She smirks like she's proud of me.

"I'm not proud of it, blaming him and swearing at him, not me at all but that's not the best bit." I say shaking my head in embarrassment simply thinking about it.

"There's more, blimey?" Olive crosses her legs and leans forwards in anticipation.

"He literally wound me up some much I burst into tears in front of him."

"Oh." Olive's mouth exaggerates the word. It is very rare for her to be left speechless but this is one of those times.

"Yes oh, he's just so moody and obnoxious, like I should be grateful for him letting me garden."

"Question is though is he gorgeously moody or just moody." She raises a sarcastic brow.

I look at her with my nostrils flaring and pout my lips in contemplation of her question then take a sip of my wine to try and delay the inevitable answer.

"Lily?" Olive's voice is low and questioning.

I close my eyes and let out a big sigh, "ok, yes I admit it he is gorgeously handsomely moody."

"Bingo, I knew it," She flicks her fingers in glee, "you like this Mick don't you?"

"Let's not get carried away, I mean looks wise he is gorgeous but his personality, he's kind one minute then so uptight the next. He's mysterious and complicated. Nothing is going to happen we just argue too much."

"Hang on you just practically admitted you do fancy him."

"No, I said he was handsome."

"Same thing in my book. You say you dislike him but actually I think you like him. Perhaps he feels the same which is why you argue all the time."

"No, no he doesn't." I disagree vehemently.

"How do you know? She shrugs her shoulders.

"What is this, interrogate Lily, I just know."

"I'm not being rude here but your track record isn't exactly what I'd call 'experienced' in the men department if you know what I mean." Olive at her most diplomatic, say it as it is.

"Oh that's it, hit a girl whilst she's down why don't' you. I'm not as sexy and confident about myself like you are."

"Well you should be because you are beautifully stunning and caring and the most wonderful person I know. You deserve someone to make you feel special Lily, you just need to let yourself. You're too hard on yourself."

"Anyway he's got a girlfriend so let's not waste anymore of our evening discussing him. What other possible candidates have you got in mind?" I can see her mind ticking over with possibilities.

"Well you didn't mention anything about a girlfriend, have you seen her?"

"Yes, last week, she is beautiful so that's that." I offer with a defeated shrug.

"Well, what about Daz, he's single, good looking and fun. I think you two would get on great."

"Hang on, Daz as in Darren Hayes, as in didn't you and he once, you know, during last year's Summer Beach Party." I wiggle my finger backwards and forwards trying to recall his face in my mind.

She waves it off like it's nothing. "Yeah but it was a one-off."

I screw my nose up disapprovingly. "Oh no, that just isn't right, I couldn't."

"We could compare notes!"

"I've heard it all now, just stop, you are insatiable for sex, is there anyone left in college that you haven't been with I wonder." It's my turn to raise my eyebrows at her.

"Nothing you can say to me Liliana Jefferson will ever make me feel guilty. I service my own needs, they service theirs, we are safe, it's a win, win."

"Listen I wasn't judging you, I'm sorry." I realise my unintentional words have overstepped the mark.

She reaches forward and squeezes my arm. "Hey you, don't say that, this is me you're talking to, I don't take things personally. You, however, my bestie do, I know that. My lifestyle isn't yours and that's why we get on so well. I try to coax the naughty side out of you that I know is held deep within you and in return, you keep my feet grounded just very occasionally!"

"So tell me, who's the latest squeeze then?"

"Steven James."

"You have got to be kidding me." I am shocked to say the least.

"Listen, what he lacks upstairs he more than makes up for down there if you know what I mean, he is a monster between the sheets."

I hold one hand up, palm facing her. "Too much info."

"Come on, you need to start kissing more frogs or you'll never find your Prince. How long's it been since The Cheater?"

"Nearly twelve months."

"Oh Lil, that is far too long to be self-servicing."

"Olive please."

"I am just saying. Look, once exams are over we are so going to hit the town and find you a man."

I sit up straight and respond proudly, "I, unlike you, don't need a man."

"No but that doesn't mean you can't have a bit of fun Lil. Live a little, let go. Think about it, for me." She flutters her eyelashes ferociously at me.

"Ok, ok, I'll think about it."

"Right now that the subject of men is sorted it's over to your hair. Sit on the golden chair please Miss Lil and let my fingers work their magic."

We both rise from the bed and she pulls the chair out from under her dressing table, beckoning me to sit down.

"Here's my portfolio and scrapbook. I've got some ideas but want to hear yours first."

"Wow this has grown since the last time I saw it." I state in awe of the brightly coloured book bulging with hairstyles.

"A stylist needs to keep on top of the latest celebrity trends." She answers matter-of-factly.

"So that's your excuse for buying all those celeb mags it is, I've heard it all now," I reply grinning.

"Absolutely, it's important to keep one step ahead."

"Yeah yeah keep telling yourself that."

The scrapbook is Olive's bible of style. It is literally stuffed full of stuck-in images of hairstyles and trends she's been compiling for the last few years.

"There are so many lovely ones but I like this one." I hold up the book, pointing to a small picture.

"What the dip dye?" She nods in agreement. "Yes that would look fabulous on your hair and it also fits the exam brief." She combs through my hair then takes a section in her fingers to explain her idea.

"I'd take about an inch off the ends as it's just a tad too long, then cut in long layers to give it texture and graduate a long fringe to frame your face. Next I'd colour the top a rich dark brown and extend the colour down the lengths getting lighter towards the tips."

As I look at her in the mirror I must look worried as she continues. "Don't panic though it wont' look like a patch of brown and a patch of blond, it'll blend subtly. I want to go subtle because of your style and personality, I know you wouldn't feel comfortable with something too flashy. Your hair is naturally wavy and that's how I'd finish it off. It will look fabulous. Turn the page, there's an example there."

I dutifully oblige and see what she is referring too. "Yes I love it." The photo shows the back of a girl's head with her style floating effortlessly down her back.

"So, we're decided then. It was easier than I thought."

"Yes, what time do you need me at the college salon."

"Well, exam starts at 10.00 so if you could arrive around 9.45. I am being shadowed the whole exam by the examiner, like a one to one so...."

"Don't worry I shall remain quiet and discreet the whole time."

"Thanks hun and thanks for doing this for me. It is so important and I can't think of anyone's hair I'd rather style for this important day than yours." She glances at me in the mirror and her eyes are tearing up. I turn to look her in the eye.

"Olive come here." I pull her into a big hug. "So there is a softy in there amongst all that sass."

"Stop it you'll ruin my reputation." She pulls away swatting my arm.

"You were born to do this, you'll be amazing and pass with flying colours and I am proud to be part of that."

"Thanks bestie, love you."

"Yeah love you to."

Our moment is interrupted with Olive's mum shouting that the takeaway has arrived. We shoot downstairs to get it then spend the rest of the evening sat side by side on the bed, scoffing down Chinese with more wine and a chick flick before falling asleep.

-*-

The next morning Olive is up and at it early in the shower whilst I am still dozing in bed. I sit up rubbing my eyes and notice the scrapbook lying on the bed. I didn't get a chance to look all the way through it fully last night. I pick it up and finish flicking through the women's styles just as she comes out the bathroom.

"Morning, are you still ok about everything we discussed last night about your hair or have you found an alternative?" Olive asks.

"No, still really happy." I answer still flicking through the pages. "Oh you've got men styles in here now too." I say turning the double page spread of men around towards her.

"Of course, I'm doing Dylan's hair for my male style piece."

"How is he, I've been so busy I haven't seen him in a while."

"Yeah he's good. You know I always thought you and him would end up together."

"No, we've been friends for a long time but he's more like a brother. I don't see him that way and I don't think he sees me that way either." I answer honestly.

"How long's he been with Ellie now?"

"Ooh, it must be about 18 months. She is so lovely and they are really good together. I'm so happy for him." I respond heartfeltly.

"See there's hope for us all!" She giggles.

"Hmmm." I'm still flicking through the book as we chat. "This style would look good on him."

"Yes, totally agree. That's Liam Payne."

I look towards her vacantly. "Who?"

"I sometimes wonder about you Lil. Liam Payne, as in from One Direction."

"Oh right, that boy band from X Factor, are they still together?"

"Yes and that there is Liam's girlfriend. She is so pretty." She points out the picture of a girl with long dark brown hair that is stuck in next to the photo of Liam.

"Wow she does have beautiful hair."

"Yes she's so natural Sophia and a lucky girl because he's so manly." Olive gushes.

"Manly! I never thought I'd hear you say the word manly Olive."

"Well, compare him to Louis and Niall on that page and you'll see what I mean.

"Louis and Niall?" I look blankly at her again.

"Yes, his band mates! They are good looking in their own way but not as buff as Liam."

"Oh they are still nice to look at though in their individual way, it'd be boring if they all looked the same. Who is that he looks about 12." I keep my finger next to the picture as I turn the book around to show her. The eyes of the dark curly haired boy look familiar but I don't know from where.

"Who is that, who is that?!!" Olive throws her hands up in the air in irritation. "Come on Lil, have you been hiding under a rock for the last few years. That is Harry Styles, the man who singlehandedly does things to women that most other men cannot do. For me however, my only interest in him is the transformation of his amazing locks over the years. It is literally poetry in motion."

"Yeah, I can see that in a baby faced, far too young curly sort of way."

"Oh that picture is from about five years ago. Turn the page and learn baby, turn and learn."

I take a sip of my cuppa as I grasp the corner of the page in between my finger and thumb and slowly turn it over. In places Olive has been a bit slap-happy with the glue and the pages are stuck together.

As the warm liquid hits my throat and a series of 9 pictures comes into view, the tea travels down the wrong way and I cough it back up into my mouth, spitting it into the mug. My eyes bulge wide at the double page spread as I lose control of my mouth that falls open in complete shock. The title reads 'The Transformation of Mr Styles' Locks' and it is the last picture that literally beats my heart so hard in my chest, I think I might pass out.

"You ok Lil, you look like you've seen a ghost? Lil, Lil?"

I am aware of fingers clicking in front of my face but don't respond to her. I am held in a trance, my mind mulling over the images before me. I turn the page back - Liam, Sophia, Louis, Niall are all names I have heard recently. All names that graced the lips of Mick.

"Holy Shit!" Comes flying out of my mouth as I slam the book shut.

"You ok Lil?" Olive looks surprised.

"Umm, yes, I need to go, I've just remembered something, sorry Olive." I immediately stand up and throw the book on the bed like it is suddenly white hot at my touch. I grab my bag and stuff my PJs in then head for the door.

"Lily, what's up, wait?" Olive is concerned.

I stride down the stairs, "Nothing, nothing at all, I'm fine, I promise I just, umm, just remembered that I promised Mum I'd be back this morning to help her with something. Thanks for a lovely evening. See you on Monday at College." I give Olive a swift hug.

And with that I leave.