Aiden & Lisa

Part I

"Shit. Shit, shit, shit. Shit," Lisa muttered, pacing back and forth, running her hands through her hair. "Shit." The classroom was empty—everyone else was out at lunch.

Aiden sat slumped in his chair, his head pressed against his desk, silently praying she’d sit down. He felt like he might vomit. Her pacing wasn't helping. He breathed in and out, loudly and slowly, spinning the fidget ring on his finger.

"Shit."

"Okay. I’m really fucking scared right now, so I need you to say something other than 'shit.' Preferably something that isn’t swearing."

"Aiden, are you sure?"

"I'm pretty sure, yeah. I did the bloody test twice. That was £11.98 at Boots. I told my dad I needed the money for a new textbook."

"£11.98? Jeez. Why didn't you go to that Crew place? They do them for free."

"That's not the point," Aiden hissed, slamming the tests onto the table. Both showed a plus in the tiny window.

"But we were so careful. I used a condom and everything." Lisa bit her lip.

"Well, they're not always effective, are they? They said that in PSHE."

"Shit... sorry." Lisa stopped beside him. "Are you alright?"

"No. I'm not."

"Come here, babe." She wrapped her arms around Aiden, holding him close.

"I don't know what to do."

"Have you told anyone?"

"Only Yas, Robin, and Kim. And my brother walked in on me—" he gestured at the tests, "—because the bathroom lock was broken. He congratulated me. And now... You know, too."

Lisa opened her mouth, paused, found nothing to say, and closed it again.

"So yeah... surprise. I'm going to be a dad. And you're going to be a mum."

"Shit. I mean... okay. This is … this is a lot to process, Aiden. I mean, what about our A-Levels?"

"Again, why do you think I'm shitting bricks?! Ugh, I can't deal with thinking about exams right now."

"Yeah. Yeah, of course. Are we... going to need a baby name book?"

Aiden blinked, caught off guard. "We?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah. I mean... well, I figured that’s why you told me. That you want me to be involved. Or have I completely misread everything?"

Aiden stared down at the tests once more.

"Would it be so wrong if I... kept it? I mean, we graduate next summer. I’ve got the unconditional to Stirling, and then... I don’t know. I could get another job. And my parents—my parents will... screw it. They'll probably flip out and disinherit me. Or worse—murder you, then me. Maybe not in that order." He let out a glib laugh.

"They wouldn't really murder us... would they?"

"I honestly don’t know. It'll be that or a wedding. And they don’t even know I’m dating anyone—let alone that it’s you."

"Why? What's wrong with me?" Lisa’s voice sharpened suddenly, more hurt than angry.

"Nothing—nothing! That’s not what I meant." Aiden shook his head. "Really. That’s not what I meant."

"Then what—your parents wouldn't approve? Is that it? Wait... are you ashamed to be with me?!"

"What?! Of course not—no! Are you—NO! For fuck’s sake, I can only deal with one thing at a time!" Aiden reached for her hand. "You’re an idiot. You know that, right? A complete, lovable idiot." He exhaled shakily. "And I do love you. You hear me? I love you. Deeply. I chose to be with you. But... Dad told me to focus on school, so he doesn't know I have a girlfriend. Have... have you told your mum we’re dating?"

"Um... I did," she said sheepishly, averting her eyes. "She said you were a nice lad, and if you made me happy, she’d be happy too. She also told me to wear a condom if we ever..." Lisa trailed off, cheeks pink.

"Did you at least keep the wrapper to show her we used one?" he nervously joked.

Aiden laughed—hoarse and uneasy. It was either that or cry, and he’d done enough of that in the past twelve hours.

"That's not funny," Lisa began, but soon she was laughing too.

They clung to one another, laughing into the void.

=====================================================

Part II - Six Months Later

"Ooh, how about Ella?" Robin asked, flipping through the baby name book and marking pages that interested him with Post-It notes. It was a slow, methodical process, going through one name at a time.

"After Enchanted or Vaday?" Kimberly asked, not looking up from her Instagram.

"Err... Vaday, of course. Tsk. What a question!" Robin continued to read, opening a packet of rainbow belts and passing them around to the group with his free hand. Powdered sherbet scattered across his lap like glitter. "Damn it. These trousers were only washed yesterday."

"Are we sure it's even a girl?" Yasmin asked as she stuffed the stringy sweets into her mouth.

"Yes, it's a girl," Aiden replied, rubbing his stomach. "Or... at least that's what the scan said. They're fairly accurate, aren't they, Leese? Lisa?"

Lisa sat beside them, but she wasn't paying attention. She was too busy feeding a robot baby simulator, cradling its head and softly cooing as she moved the sippy cup close to its lips. "There we go. There we go. Just a bit more, yeah?"

"Never mind," Aiden said with a smile. "She's been like this nonstop since we got the thing. It's actually... really cute." He chuckled and took a sip from his water bottle.

"Well, thank goodness Mrs O'Neill had one of these left over from last year; otherwise, you both might have been using a bag of flour. And that would have been... messy."

"Why does Mrs O'Neill even have these?"

"It's for this exact scenario—when a student goes and gets themselves knocked up," Chloe Grange sniffed, peering superciliously down her nose at the group.

"Oh great... Buzz off, will you, Chloe?" Kim swatted at her with a lazy hand.

"What? You asked a question, Kimmie. I am only answering it. And correctly at that. Must make your parents so proud, mustn't it, Tiffany? Oh, wait, that's right, they disowned you. Hmm. Guess they saw you to be a proper disappointment."

Aiden flinched. It had been a long time since he'd heard that name, and it still made him queasy. His stomach churned violently, the weight of the word pulling him back to a place he didn't want to revisit. It felt like he’d been punched in the gut all over again.

Carefully setting aside the simulator, Lisa scowled at Chloe.

"Just ignore her, babe."

She reached out to hold Aiden's hand, but he shrugged her off.

"What’s the matter, Chloe? You can’t handle anything outside your narrow little world of hate?" Yas tutted.

"Yeah, go back to X, Fascist Barbie." Kim stuck up her middle finger and returned to her phone.

"Real mature, Kimmie. Or maybe, just maybe, I ain't afraid to tell the hard truth and burst your bubble.  Ryan—she gestured dismissively to Lisa—"got Tiffany knocked up, and Tiffany got kicked out. It's you who are living in a fantasy world if you think I have to entertain this delusion of 'Aiden' and 'Lisa.' Ha. Please. Freaks."

"Okay, that's quite enough from you, you Regina George knockoff. Take a long hike, and while you're at it, step on some Lego." Robin was on his feet, stepping between Aiden, Lisa, and Chloe.

"Aww, what's the matter, Tiffany? Need your pet fag to defend your honour?"

"Wow. How original, calling me a fag. Truly groundbreaking. Seriously... Take a bow. Honey, keep using all the slurs you like, but I ain't ashamed of my sexuality. Nor of my friends. Maybe you should try being a decent human being, then you might actually have people to sit with at lunchtime, instead of bothering us with your nonsense."

Chloe’s eyes darted briefly to the group before she folded her arms and muttered, "I have friends. Lots of them," though her voice lacked conviction as she pursed her lips.

"Yeah? Very happy for you. Now go talk to them."

"Don't tell me what to do, you... You pathetic femmboy!" Chloe spat. She turned on her heel and stormed off.

Aiden exhaled sharply, his breath coming in short, uneven pulls. The air felt too thick, his heart pounding, his chest tight. It was over—but her words clung to him, bitter and lingering, like a foul taste he couldn’t shake.

No one said anything right away. His hands were trembling slightly under the table.

Then -

"Femmboy?... Femmboy?" Robin said at last, repeating the word as he looked over his neon pink nails and breaking the unbearable silence. "Am I really that femme?"

"And in other breaking news: water is wet." Yas winked at him.

"Noice. Has a nice ring to it." Robin grinned, adjusting the pink, white and blue butterfly clips in his tight black curls.

"Totally suits you. I can see your OnlyFans bio now."

"Wow, Robs... That was incredible." Lisa began.

“Didn’t think I had it in me, did ya?” He grinned. “Stick with me, kiddo. I can show you more where that came from.”

"There he goes again, promoting his OF account." Yas snorted.

"Is that you expressing interest in seeing it? Because I can give you mates' rates."

"Hah. Save it for Jamie Todd."

"Oh, didn’t you hear? We’re official—BFIs: Boyfriends Indefinitely. He’ll be right on camera with me." Robin flashed her the widest grin, waggling his eyebrows. "Mr and Mr Robin Todd. Me in short skirts, tights, and crop tops, him in his rugby kit. Total power couple."

“And you a total power bottom.”

"Guys! Please! Not in front of our baby! Save it for after we get Little Ella down." Lisa grinned, throwing her beanie at Robin with the precision of a pro. After all, she hadn't been captain of the rugby team for nothing. The hat hit him softly in the face, but he caught it effortlessly in his outstretched arms before it hit the floor.

"So, she was listening after all."

"Maybe."

"And you agree Vaday over Enchanted?"

"Meh." Lisa shrugged.

"You didn’t have to do that, Robs. Stepping in like that, I mean. Not that I don’t appreciate it — because I do. I really, really do. I just... Thank you." Aiden finally said, leaning his head on the table.

"I know, but I had a bone to pick with her after that comment she made about Kyle Evans in first period. Everything else was just... kindling. So, no sweat, mate. No one hurts my friends and gets away with it. Besides, she got off lightly."

"Wait, what did she say about Kyle?!" Kim snapped. For the first time that entire lunch break, her phone was out of her hand, lying forgotten on top of the book of baby names.

"Oh, you know, the usual bigoted crap she spouts to anyone who doesn’t nod, smile, and regurgitate her GBeebies-approved bullet points. Mainly about Kyle being Pan. She says he’s just doing it for attention, blah blah blah."

"Bitch," Kimberly spat, shaking her head in disgust.

Robin covered his mouth in mock horror. "Never thought I'd ever hear you say it."

"Bitch," she said again, louder. "And I don't use that word lightly. Total bitch. How’s Kyle?"

"Thought you'd ask that. Well, Kimberly, as you can see, it had zero effect on your Prince Charming over there. In fact..." Robin dramatically gestured to the far side of the dining hall, where a large Year 13 with sandy blond hair was balancing a metal spoon on his nose to the cheers of his friends. He was in his element, striking, happily lapping up the attention. He caught Robin's eye, beaming and waving enthusiastically, before returning to his antics.

“Totally fine, if you ask me.”

"Yeah. He sure is," Kimberly mumbled dreamily, taking in the sight with a besotted sigh.

Yasmin grinned through a mouthful of rainbow belts. "Oh my God. Will you just ask him out already?"  

"I will, I will. Don’t rush me, alright? I'm playing it cool."

"Wait, what? You? Kimberly O’Brian… playing it cool?"

"Bitch."

"Word of the day."

"Anyway, who are you playing it cool for? If it's for Kyle, you should know, he doesn’t do games... Well, he’s into Buckaroo, but when it comes to people, he just wants honesty. If I remember correctly, he says that’s the only 'straight thing' he likes."

"Yeah... That sounds about right."

"If you want to ask him out, just ask him out. But maybe don’t take too long. I hear Lincoln Rose is on the scene."

Kim sank lower in her chair. "Ugh! How can I compete with Lincoln Rose? I swear, he’s an angel."

"He’s not. I mean, he's a great guy, but definitely no angel." Robin smiled mischievously.

“Do I even want to ask?”

“I don’t kiss and tell.”

“Bollocks.”

"You know, Robs, you’re way too nice about your exes."

"What can I say? We broke up on good terms."

"Yeah, Kim. Not everyone throws vodka over their ex at a party and storms off."

"That was only once."

"One time too many, babes." Yasmin reached for a third handful of laces, but Robin batted it away.

"Oi. I’ve only had one."

"Fine. I'll ask him out after Music. But you have to chum me, Robs."

"Will do. This works out well because I’ve been meaning to ask Kyle about his sea monkeys. Heard from Ewan they’re getting pretty big."

=====================================================

Part III - Two Months Later

"I got one!" Robin shouted, rushing into the dining hall at full pelt. He skidded to a stop at the table, nearly sending a tray flying, where Aiden, Lisa, and the others were already seated.

Kyle and Kimberly were holding hands, gazing into each other's eyes with the most smitten looks.

"You… you didn’t?!" Aiden’s mouth hung open.

"I did!"

"Oh my God, mate, that’s amazing!" Lisa jumped up, lifting Robin into the air and spinning him around.

Several curious heads turned to watch them.

“How much do we owe you? I’m a bit short right now, but when I get paid, I’ll pay you back. I swear.” Lisa blushed, brushing her fringe out of her eyes.

No matter how hard she worked, her wages were barely enough to support them both.

Aiden had been working too, up until a month ago when the bakery shut down to make way for a Café Nero. Since then, he’d been searching for something else—anything that would take him on at eight months pregnant. Though he had yet to find anywhere.

Lisa’s mum, however, insisted he didn’t have to—urging him to focus on his mental health and well-being instead.

And while he felt guilty about it, he appreciated her advice. She wasn't the first—or the last—to point out that he needed constant reminders to slow down, breathe, and let himself be cared for every once in a while.

It had been a tumultuous eight months for the two of them.

Aiden’s parents were no longer in the picture. His brother, Hayden, and Hayden’s partner, Eevee, still were—but not them.

That bridge hadn’t just burned—it had been torched to ash the moment he told them.

It hadn’t been violent. No shouting. Just a cruel, cutting silence. The few words they did say were toxic: they called him a “slut,” a “whore,” said he’d wasted his education, thrown away his unconditional offer to university, and gotten himself “in trouble.” They even questioned his transition… his identity… his very being.

Their final, most devastating blow was seared into his memory: “Surely if you’re a man, you wouldn’t want to get pregnant.”

That was the final straw.

That was when Hayden intervened. Like a housecarl defending his thane, he gave them both barrels—furiously dressing them down for their damaging tirade.

When that failed, he led his dazed brother out of the house, telling him to stay with Eevee until things cooled down. He had promised to reach out if he ever made progress with their parents—but he didn’t sound hopeful.

Eevee opened their home to the shell-shocked, sobbing Aiden, offering him a safe space, a big hug, and some of the cookie dough that they kept in the back of the cupboard for emergencies.

By nine o’clock that evening, Aiden’s parents had lost two children.

Aiden was left to fend for himself. Yes, he had Hayden, Eevee, and his friends—but his family? Shattered. He couldn't stay at Hayden and Eevee's, not while they were in student accommodation, so they looked into other options.

Though it never came to rough sleeping. That was when Lisa’s family stepped in.

They'd been wonderful—taking Aiden in and treating him like one of their own—but everything that had happened still weighed on him. More than he could ever truly put into words—at least, not until therapy.

After that, the words came more easily. And while the pain still lingered—and probably always would—it felt more bearable with each passing day.

"Well," Robin said, beaming as he caught his breath, "with postage and packing, you owe me a grand total of... zero pounds and zero pence. It’s a present."

He turned his phone around. "Say hello to your brand-new pram. Hope the navy’s alright," Robin added. "They were out of black—and Mum said better that than red."

"It’s... Oh my God, it’s perfect. Thank you, Robin! And please thank your mum for us too."

"No probs, babes," Robin said, hugging Aiden and Lisa in turn.

"Mind if I squeeze in, Yas?"

Yasmin scooted over, moving her family-sized bag of rainbow belts off the chair. Robin immediately helped himself to one.

“So, I was thinking—for Sunday, if you guys aim to come over to mine for 4:00, we can do the fun stuff. You know, the gifts and all that. Is that too early?”

“You don’t have to go to all this trouble,” Aiden began.

“Oh, pish posh,” Yas said, waving him off and grabbing Aiden and Lisa’s hands in a tight squeeze. “Go on, we want to celebrate you both.”

“Yeah. I’ve never been to a baby shower before. Should be a right banger,” Kyle grinned.

“True enough. Robs has been on this for weeks. You should see his laptop,” Jamie added, resting his head against Robin’s shoulder. “He’s got a 15-slide PowerPoint just for plans.”

“Well, I take my job seriously,” Robin said, lifting his chin. “After all, I am the godfather. And by extension, that makes you, my consigliere.”

He held out his hand, proffering his silver tiger ring majestically before Jamie’s face.

“It’s not that type of godfather, Robs,” Lisa laughed.

“He knows. He’s just being cute. Think he wants me to kiss his ring.” Jamie shrugged and gave Robin a quick kiss on the cheek.

“Like you haven’t already…”

“No comment.”

“Should we invite Rose?”

“Go for it.”

“Yo, Lincoln? Lincoln? ROSE! Baby shower at Rob’s on Sunday. You’re coming, right?!”

Lincoln Rose, seated at the table behind them, looked up from his cottage pie.

“Oh, aye? You okay with that, Robs?”

“Sure, babes—of course, you can.”

“Noice. It’s a date then.”

“Ha. You wish.” Robin giggled.

“Interesting choice of words, Mr Pritchard. You too, Mr Rose," Jamie smirked, winking first at Robin and then turning to Lincoln, "If you’re good, we might form a polycule.”

"Oh?"

Robin’s face turned bright pink.

“I wouldn’t say no,” Lincoln said, his face flushing.

“Hmm... I bet you wouldn’t. Neither would I. And neither would someone else I know. Now, you might as well join us if you’re coming.”

“Are you sure? I wouldn’t want to intrude.”

“Don’t mention it, Lincoln. Of course, you can join us.” Yasmin gave Robin a knowing smile as Lincoln plonked himself down in the empty seat beside them.

“So! I’ve even got Nosecco. It’s shit, but it’s alcohol-free,” Robin rambled on, trying to regain his composure. His hands, however, trembled slightly as he fiddled with his school jumper, trying to attach the new pin badges he’d made at youth group. They read: "Godfather in Chief" and “Uncle Robin Will See You Now,” proudly nestled between "Trans Ally!" and "Sounds Gay: I'm In!"

"I don't say this enough, but you are the best friends we could ask for." Lisa glanced at Aiden, who gave a small nod of encouragement. "And… we wanted to tell you first that we've finally settled on a name."

Aiden smiled, taking her hand. "Yes. In about a month, Robyn Kimberly Yasmin Tilly will be joining our little family."

"Ooh! Bless your hearts. Come here!" Yasmin practically launched herself into the hug, pulling Kimberly and Robin in as well.

“Come on! Let’s get a photo!”

"Oh yes! We have to get a photo!"

"Shall I do the honours?" Lincoln asked, holding out a hand for Aiden’s phone.

"Thank you, Lincoln!"

"So… just the immediate family, then?" Kyle teased, stepping back toward Jamie and Lincoln.

But Kim caught him by the arm. "That means you, too."

"Yes, Kyle, you too. And you, Jamie—don't think we don't see you lurking."

They shuffled around, arranging themselves carefully so everyone could fit in the frame.

"Right," Lincoln called. "Everyone, say baby on the count of three. One, two, three—"

"BABY!"

He took over a dozen shots—some portrait, others landscape.

Then two more selfies. Lisa had pulled Lincoln into the family shot, placing him right beside Robin—much to Jamie's delight. The two exchanged a look as Robin flushed red, and without missing a beat, both wrapped an arm around his waist.

Robin leaned into them—first resting his head on Jamie's shoulder, then Lincoln's—a soft, contented smile spreading between the three of them.

All the photos were sent later that evening in the group WhatsApp chat.

As their friends playfully teased each other over expressions, angles, and who blinked when, Aiden and Lisa sat at the heart of it all, exchanging a quiet smile—grateful for this wonderful band of misfits they called family.

---------------------------------------------------

Part IV

“Who’s a little cutie? Yes, you are! Yes, you are!” Aiden laughed, cooing as he tickled Robyn’s tiny toes through the crib bars. She giggled and wiggled on the foam mattress, her star-spangled socks kicking excitedly in the air. “Do you want Pirate Foxy? Do you? Yeah? Yeah? Then here comes the captain!” He reached behind him, grabbing the soft pirate fox puppet lying haphazardly on a pile of fresh babygrows at the far end of the settee. Slipping it onto his free hand, he turned the fox’s stitched muzzle toward Robyn and adopted the gruffest pirate voice he could muster.

"Well now... which young buccaneer's ready for an adventure?"

Robyn gurgled, reaching out to grab the fox’s hooked paw.

“Then you’ll be me first mate, me bucko—me brave little lass!”

“Oh, this is too adorable. I can’t cope!” Robin laughed, squeezing past Aiden to grab his camera. He snapped a picture and turned the screen toward Aiden.

“You hear that, Robyn? I think Uncle Robs is jealous you’re stealing all the attention.”

“Am not!”

“Are too!” Aiden grinned, blowing a raspberry at Robin.

“The photo?” Robin asked.

“That’s a keeper,” Aiden replied.

"Lovely. I'll get it printed and framed for you both this weekend."

“Thanks, mate.” He turned toward the hallway. “Lisa, hun, can you grab Robyn’s dinosaur blanket from the overnight bag? It’s in the spare room.”

“Yeah, I’ll get it now. Just finishing my hair,” Lisa called from the bathroom, her voice muffled by the hairdryer.

“Hey, no, you won’t. I’ll get it. What part of ‘night off’ do you two not understand?”

“It’s one job,” Lisa protested.

“Yes, one job that turns into another, and then another. Well... not on my watch. I’ll get it.”

“Okay, okay, you win," Lisa relented with a huff, knowing she wasn’t going to win this one.

Robin returned with the blanket and handed it to Aiden. “There. Sorted.”

“Thanks, Robs. Now, are you sure you don’t mind looking after her?” Aiden asked for what felt like the twentieth time that evening. “Because we can call it off if...”

“Not at all. Now you two go and have a great night out. We’ll be fine. Won’t we, you little terror?” He looked down at Robyn, who was staring intently at her mobile. “See. She's golden. Go. And don’t worry, we’ll be perfectly fine.”

“Okay... well, we're just a call away,” Aiden smiled nervously. “If she doesn’t get to sleep right away, her bunny’s in the bag. And also—”

“Aiden, mate, relax. I’ve got this. This isn’t my first rodeo.” Robin laid a reassuring hand on Aiden’s shoulder. “Go have a lovely night. You both deserve it.” He gave a theatrical gasp. "Ooh, look at you two—like a vision!"

Lisa stepped into the room with a twirl, dressed in a red-and-white polka-dot dress and heels.

“Well? Am I stunning, or am I stunning?”

“Wow... Leese, you look... You look... I mean—wow.” Aiden stammered.

“Ooh, thank you. You look ‘wow’ too,” she joked, resting her head on his shoulder and giving him a peck on the cheek.

Since Robyn had come home from the hospital, their lives revolved around her. Sleepless nights and endless mistakes—it hadn’t been easy. But with the help of friends and family, they’d somehow muddled through.

It had been a stressful time for both of them, but all things considered, they were coping relatively well.

Their friends had suggested the couple go out to the cinema to blow off some steam. Though hesitant at first, they couldn’t help but appreciate the chance for a night just for the two of them. It had been far too long.

“What time are the others coming?” Lisa asked, double-checking she had everything.

“Half six. So it’s just me, Jamie, Lincoln, and Bluey until then.”

“Ah, the domestic dream team.”

“You know it.”

“Okay. Well, we’ll be off. Bye-bye, sweetheart. We’ll see you soon.” Aiden blew Robyn a kiss.

“Yes, bye-bye, darling.”

“Say bye-bye to Momma and Dadda.”

Robyn gurgled, waving a tiny balled fist farewell.

*****

“That was an awful film,” Lisa laughed as they stepped out of the cinema, cool night air brushing against their faces.

“I know.”

“Truly awful.”

“Oh, I know.”

“I mean, next-level awful.”

“Why do you think I picked it?”

“Ugh. I hate you.”

“Love you too,” Aiden smirked, slipping his hand into hers as they strolled across the car park.

The sky was still light—clear and cloudless—a perfect night for a drive.

“Let’s go to the beach,” Aiden said suddenly.

“The beach?” Lisa blinked, surprised. “When have you ever wanted to go to the beach?”

“Since now. There’s one about an hour from here.”

“But you hate the beach.”

“I know. But you like it.”

“And you don’t. So why…?”

“Come on. It’ll be an adventure. Just like old times.”

“Okay… but… what about Robyn?”

“She’ll be fine. She’s with Robs and the boys.”

“I know. But we only said we were going to see the movie. By the time we get home, it’ll be late, and that’s not fair on Robs… and I’m doing it again, aren’t I?” Lisa looked down at her feet.

“A little.”

“Sorry.”

“Hey, you’ve got nothing to be sorry for. It’s adorable how much you care.” Aiden smiled, cupping her chin so she’d meet his eyes. “Now, if I call Robin and ask if he minds, how does a trip to the beach and some fish and chips sound?”

“Oooh, that does sound nice. Fine. It wouldn’t hurt to ask.”

“Of course it’s fine. Grab yourself some dinner. She’s all settled here—out like a light, in fact.” Robin’s voice came softly over the phone, whispering so as not to undo all his hard work. “You go enjoy yourselves. And watch out for seagulls this time—you don’t want a repeat of Brighton.”

“Satisfied?” Aiden asked as he hung up.

“Yes.”

“Then let’s go.”

*****

The drive at this time of night was easy enough. There was barely any traffic, so Aiden cruised down the motorway, humming along to the radio. Every now and then, they poked holes in the movie’s plot or laughed at some of the cringy dialogue. By the time they arrived, it had just turned eight.

“This has been lovely,” Aiden mused, smiling to himself as he finished the last bite of his burger.

“The burger?”

“No, this. You. Everything.” He blushed a little. “Though the burger was nice too.”

“You’ve got something on your face. No, no—the other side. I’ll get it.”

Lisa licked her finger and wiped away a small blob of ketchup from his lip. “There.”

“Thanks.”

“Yeah, this really has been lovely.”

“I love you, Lisa,” Aiden said softly.

“I love you too.” She leaned her head against his shoulder. “We’re going to be okay, aren’t we?”

“Yeah.” Aiden looked out at the horizon. “We’re going to be okay.”