(Subplot) Reunited

Lexie was sat on the grass outside, quietly contemplating everything that had happened to her recently, when she heard footsteps approaching from behind and an all too familiar voice call out...

"Hey there, Lily!"

Lexie turned around and smiled as April walked over and sat down next to her, placing a hand gently on her knee.

"I've been dying to catch up properly with you ever since I got here" the shop keeper explained "But I thought, under the circumstances, I should give you some space first. I just wanted to say how lovely it was to have you keeping me company at my place, even if it probably wasn't that much fun for you"

"I had fun too" Lexie responded warmly "And I will never forget how kind you were to me during such a difficult time in my life"

"It was my pleasure, dear" April threw an arm around Lexie;s shoulder and kissed her on the forehead "Ever since my Tony passed and my two beautiful daughters flew the nest, I had felt so alone. Now look at me! None of this would have happened if our paths hadn't crossed"

"I'm grateful to have met you too" Lexie was tearing up a little as she spoke.

"So what are you out here pondering, my lovely?"

"It sucks that I'm in the highly susceptible group for whatever happens next" Lexie sighed "I should be on the front line like usual, now Chantelle is going to want to wrap me up in cotton wool and keep me away from the action. I feel so useless these days"

"You are far from that, Lily. You don't mind if I call you that do you?"

"Sure, but nobody else gets to!" Lexie laughed.

"That Chantelle is a clever one for sure. She will have a plan for everyone, and she speaks incredibly highly of you. Everyone does, especially Barbie"

"Yeah, I guess if things had gone differently I wouldn't be friends with Barbs or have met you. I have to look on the bright side" Lexie mused.

"How are things with you and Melanie?" April asked.

"We'll be good, eventually" Lexie nodded "She handled our situation terribly, but I know she didn't realise those conversations she had with James were public. Also, she was going through a horrendous ordeal and he was there for her. I wasn't, because I shot my mouth off without thinking about the consequences the moment she got in trouble. I believe that sometimes you just have to accept everything happens for a reason"

"You are wise beyond your years, Lily" April smiled warmly before drawing her friend in for a hug "If you ever need me for anything at all, at any time, i am always here for you"

"Thank you, I appreciate that!" Lexie smiled.

"And I appreciate you, my precious little frog!"