Leah didn't speak to Amy at all during the taxi ride - and she didn't change her tune when they got back home either, despite Amy's efforts.
Amy: C'mon Leah, you can't keep this up forever.
Leah longed to say 'watch me' - but she was determined not to break her silence, and consequently let her Mum off the hook.
Amy sighed, then delved into her handbag as she heard her phone ring. Anger rushed through her as she saw the name on the screen - she had a right mind not to pick it up at all, but, in fairness to him, the situation was more Amy's fault than his.
Amy: What is it?
Fletch: Amy, we need to talk. I'm just outside now. I thought I'd ring you before just dropping in unannounced.
Amy: Well, I suppose it was polite of you to let me know, at least now I'll know who I'm locking out.
Fletch: Oh c'mon Amy, just five minutes, please.
Amy: Alright. But after 5 minutes, you're out.
Sure enough, barely a minute later, the doorbell rang.
Fletch wiped his clammy hands on his jeans and breathed out slowly as he tried to prepare himself for what he was about to do. He didn't want to do it - in fact, he couldn't think of anything he wanted less, but with the situation being how it was, he didn't feel he had any other choice in the matter.
His heart skipped a beat as she opened the door. He smiled nervously.
Fletch: Can I... come in?
Amy: If you must.
Amy took a quick look upstairs to check if Leah's bedroom door was closed, and after seeing that it was, returned backstairs to Fletch.
Amy: What is it?
Fletch: It's about us.
Amy: Wait, now just listen to me, there is no
us. There never was and there never will be. Because of
us, as you put it, my daughter could've lost her life. She's the only important thing in my life, and I'm not risking her for the likes of you.
Fletch: What? What happened to her?
Amy: She got hurt. I'm not going into details - but basically I wasn't here for her, and I let her down. When we were... y'know... she was in pain. I don't think I'll ever be able to forgive myself for that. I'll feel guilty enough as it is, and every time I think about you, even now just looking at you, it makes me feel so guilty I could throw up. So please, just leave me alone. Tell Josh I quit the band. This isn't working.
Tears stung Fletch's eyes, but he fought them back. She was the last person he wanted to see him cry.
Fletch: Fine. I'll go then.
Amy: Fine.
She opened the door and stood to the side, to let him out.
Fletch: But just to let you know, I was-
He was about to tell her that he had actually come round to tell her it was over anyway, but he realised that saying that then would just make him sound bitter. So, he held his tongue, and left without another word.
________________________
Life is what happens to you whilst you're busy making other plans.
