Lauren to Lozza

Becky's POV

I woke up to the soothing sound of Benny snoring beside me. I rolled out of bed as I needed to piss. I threw on my shorts and t-shirt. With one last look at Benny fast asleep, I slowly walked out of the room.

Heading into the bathroom, I quickly had a piss and then felt like a nice morning cuppa. I had my phone in my hand and checked the time, and it was still early. I could slip back into bed and enjoy my tea. I went downstairs and could hear the TV. As I entered the living room there was Greg sat on the couch, his eyes closed, mouth slightly open. He had clearly come home from his night shift at the warehouse and hadn't even made it to his bed, falling asleep in front of Sky News.

He must have just dozed off exhausted after his shift. He had an obvious pit stain, and his boots lay by his feet. A mischievous thought crossed my mind --what if I changed the channel to some adult station and then woke him up? It would be a laugh, watching his panicked reaction, explaining how he must have leant on the remote. But thought, nah, I'll have a little word with him. I might be only a young woman, but I knew my shit and it's time he leant how he could get by living around here. I hovered for a moment before heading into the kitchen. Greg was in a slumber.

I made myself a cuppa; I found a biscuit too. I also sorted Greg some water, putting a glass under the tap and brought everything to the couch.

I made myself right at home. Sitting on the other end of the couch, one leg tucked under me, the other stretching out lazily until my bare foot met his leg. He didn't stir. I was facing Greg. Dipping my biscuit into my tea, I looked at the TV. The news tells you the world is falling apart; a shit show and what happens? Nothing, everyone deals with their shit and carries on. After a few minutes of news, I thought it was time to wake wakey! I gave Greg a poke in the side with my bare foot before pulling it away. He lightly stirred but didn't wake. A couple of more pokes and he groggily woke. He rubbed his eyes and sat up. He then noticed me sat there. He looked confused as fuck.

"Morning," I said, dead chipper, smirking. I held out his water, "got you a drink."

He grunted, shifting into a sitting position, rubbing a hand over his face. He took the glass. Having a sip, he then said, "errr, thanks. I didn't know you was still here."

"Yep, it was a really good night." I said with a smile, before sipping my tea. I give my foot a scratch before saying to Greg. "you don't have to work like a dog yanno."

Greg glanced at me, unimpressed. "That right?"

Taking another sip, I said, "That place won't care if you're busting your arse, because if you are like a ghost they won't even pay attention."

Greg drank some more water and didn't exactly look impressed. "Right, no offence young lady, but should I take advice from someone who is barely an adult."

"Wouldn't be the worst idea." I shrugged. "Most of the lads in that place got the job when they were 16, 17, 18, and they stuck around. I know most of them. They stick together like brothers. If bosses think the guys they are looking at for promotion don't get on with them, then they are fucked."

Greg seemed interested suddenly, but still pushed back, "I'm getting on just fine with everyone. I'm just focusing on doing a good job."

I winced and give it to him straight, "and look at how it's going. Big sweaty armpits." He had been rubbing his hair, he looked at his pit and dropped his arm quickly embarrassed. "Passing out through exhaustion on the couch. Leaving the wife all alone in bed. It's only been over a week. How long can you slog it out for?"

He looked like he wanted to respond, but couldn't think of an answer. He had another sip of his water, I jumped in, "let me tell you, Greg. Blend in, get on with the lads and I mean really get on with them. Become one of the lads. Then take it a little easier at work for a bit. Don't push yourself to the limit; just work as hard as the others. When you are solid with them, you can show your talent and hard work, and the lads will notice. Then the bosses will also notice because your mates will be bigging you up, and it won't just be, 'Oh, this is done. I wonder who did it; anyway, let's have a brew.' Work smarter, man. Do you understand?"

Greg puffed his cheeks. He might not like me, I can tell. He sees me as a bit of rough, a piece of trash that he hopes his family can shake off when they rebuild, but I could tell he was about to go along with me. He responded, "okay, you may have a point. I've been invited for a night out Saturday."

I smiled at him. "Did you say yes? Let me guess, you said, 'I'll let you know,' or something." He nodded, so I asked, "What will you say tonight?"

He sighed. "You're right. I'll tell them I want to go."

I was nearly finished my tea. I took another sip and smacked my lips, "Ah, lovely. Greg, some more advice: go with the flow. Don't act like anything is beneath you, or the lads won't take to you well. Let's say they're talking in a crude way or about some girl they shagged, just laugh, join in on the banter." He looked surprised at what I was saying. I carried on, "Men banter; us women know it. So don't look surprised. Chill, Greg," I then took the last sip of my tea.

He got up. He still looked knackered, he thanked me. "Thanks, I guess. I'll head to bed. Are you..."

I interrupted, "I'm gonna make myself another cuppa and one for Benny. Have it in bed. How many sugars does he take?"

He told me he took two before giving me one last glance before heading to bed. I sat back for a moment, getting comfy on his couch. Greg would be giving a lot of thought to what I said, I knew it. I better move my arse and make this second tea. I'll have this one in bed with Benny, then head back to mine and get ready.

With a smirk, I turned the TV off. I headed back into the kitchen, feeling like I owned the place.

I made the tea. I now knew how Benny liked it. The biscuits I'd found earlier were still on the counter, so I snagged a couple more for later. I made my way upstairs. I gave Benny's bedroom door a little kick and walked in. Balancing the biscuits, my phone, and the tea, it required a kick.

Benny was awake, or at least, his eyes were half-open as he squinted his eyes at me. "Morning, gorgeous," he mumbled.

"Morning, Sexy Bum," I replied with a grin, handing him his tea. He sat up a bit, taking the cup with a grateful nod, the nice cuppa would wake him up.

I set my tea down on the floor before stripping off. Benny smiled as I did. I picked up my tea and slipped into bed.

"You've been busy," he commented, nodding towards the teas.

"Just making sure my man is taken care of," I said, giving him a little nudge. We munched the biscuits and then my phone pinged.

Misty: *"Thank you sooo much. Sorry I didn't reply last night. I was drawing, it's done. I really hope you like it."*

I smiled. Looking at Benny I said, "hey, your present is getting closer."

I just needed to see the size to then sort the frame. Benny smiled and told me he couldn't wait. I replied, "gonna have this tea, and then get to mine to get my arse ready. Hope you don't think I'm running out on you, Sexy Bum."

He waved away any concerns. "No I understand you have college. How is it going?"

I wondered if Lozza had mentioned anything about Mark. He didn't show sign of it. I told him, "It's good. I don't mean to brag, so let's keep it between us, but I find college work easy." I decided to open up a little. "I didn't fancy going to uni. Fuck that shit. I belong here and not there. College for a bit, and then I've got a few options." We chilled in bed, Benny with an arm wrapped around me, after he finished his biscuit, and we enjoyed our little chat. Once we finished our cuppa, we shared a kiss and a cuddle before I got dressed. I told Benny just to chill in bed and I'll see myself out. I got my gamestick and walked out the room there was Lozza coming out of her room in her PJs.

Lozza's POV

I had a bit of a difficult sleep. I had been feeling a little aroused, but stopped myself doing anything about it. I ended up getting the earmuffs and sticking them on. Lying there, my mind started thinking. How long will it take for us not to reach the level our family was at pre-COVID, but just getting our feet a few steps up that ladder? Meanwhile what's the plan here? Become leader of the group. How would Becky react? I think not very well but she'll have to get with it. Why do I want to be leader of the group? To be the positive influence, at the moment I'm stuck with these girls and they are tight and loyal. We were getting along better than I could have wildly imagined really. Even though this lot was far below my high standards of class, there was something nice about how tight-knit they were compared to my usual social circles. I suppose when you have nothing, living around here forces people together. For example, growing up, I can imagine them always playing outside rather than sitting in on expensive tech.

Back to Becky again she was a little scary, well more than a little. I could handle Becky, I told myself; the cream will rise to the top. Once all the girls considered me beautiful, smart, ambitious, and so on--I could go on all day--then Becky would accept change. I then thought about Becky's tattoo talk, I figured since I can't sleep, I might as well think of a tattoo for her; I'd agreed to think of one. Well, I hadn't agreed, I'd bet with her--that's it! It should be gambling-related. Becky loves a bet. I started thinking of gambling related objects as I drifted to sleep. Before I knew it my alarm was going off and I woke up and stretched out a yawn. I rubbed my eyes, but couldn't rub the tiredness away. Getting out of bed, I ran my fingers through my hair, and it felt like a mess--nothing a good brush wouldn't sort. I'd headed to the bathroom to have a quick wash before breakfast. As I walked out of my room, Becky also walked out of Ben's. She looked concerned. "Lozza, are you okay?" She hugged me before I could react. Breaking the hug but still holding onto me, she asked, "did you have a bad date?"

I shook my head, I was tired and Becky must have assumed I was upset. "no, just tired. The date was really good."

Becky breathed a sigh of relief, "oh thank God. Sorry, Girl. You don't look that bad like and it's early in morning but hey, nothing a good makeover wouldn't sort."

I felt a bit self conscious now. I twirled my hair a little, "definitely need a good brush. Are you staying for breakfast."

Becky shook her head, "no, I'm gonna shower in mine, Babe. Cute PJs by the way. They so gives me a fun little idea for movie night. Yes it's a little childish but we should make it a PJ night. I'll stick it in the chat. Want to see me out?" I agreed. We headed downstairs and Becky slipped on her sandals and I waved her off. At least I had some peace before the walk to college. I went back upstairs to the bathroom.

Becky's POV

I put in the chat about the PJs idea, and the girls were on board. They posted a picture of themselves in the chat from last night. A blanket was around them, with Aimes in the middle and Jess and Dani close to her. Aimes's mum must have taken the picture. They revealed a surprise about the night. For a change, Jess didn't fall asleep; she must have really liked this drama. I was just chatting to my Mum whilst waiting for Lozza to knock at ours.

Mum asked me, "So any plans later? If not fancy heading into town after college. Some shopping? We can go that all you can eat Chinese you like."

I nodded, "that sounds awesome. Let's do it."

Lozza soon knocked and I was out the door. Kissing Mum on the cheek as I left. I was straight into it with Lozza, "Spill the beans, Lozza! How was your date with Harry?" I asked. She looked a lot better than she did first thing this morning when she had proper bedhead.

Lozza almost didn't pause for breath. She went into detail about the night. She said about how jumpy she got while watching the movie and asked if we could not make it a horror on Sunday. I agreed to that. She talked about the driving saying she thought she did well and that Harry was great teacher. I smirked at that and couldn't resist teasing, "sure he's been teaching you a lot in bed too." I gave her a playful nudge at that. She went a little red, then carried on. She had a beer with Harry in the pictures after all the excitement driving. Shared popcorn and it was a really good night. I had to ask, "So, Did anything... interesting happen? You know did use do anything to make the popcorn extra sticky?"

Loz's cheeks flushed, and she almost whispered her reply despite nobody being around, "Well, Harry did try to convince me to, you know, do something in the car park."

My eyes widened in surprise. "Oh, Lozza! You should have! A fuck in public is an experience everyone should try. Let me just say your brother will experience it at some point. Sorry, maybe too much information. Anyway back to you."

Lozza responded, she wasn't even surprised by my response. "I told him I wasn't comfortable with it, and he was really completely fine." She paused for a moment and then said, "I'm going to try weed with him after work tonight."

I let out a whoop of excitement. "Lozza, what an experience! I'm so down to hear all about it. You have to tell me everything, okay?"

Lozza was starting to let loose and have some fun. And with Harry by her side, that will surely continue. Speaking of Harry, Lozza's phone pinged. She typed out a reply so I asked, "anything important?"

Lozza replied, "Harry, he said he's likely to be the Ronald McDonald for that Tony son's birthday on Saturday. If he doesnt find anyone that fancies doing it. He said in his words if he finds someone then great, but he's not arsed. He said if he does do it, do me and the girls want to come down for a bit. We can go for drinks after it."

"Yeah, Lozza, that sounds a laugh. Don't worry about Tony, he'll be fine with you now." I answered Lozza. I knew by the look on her face she was slightly worried so I eased her concerns about Tony. Once we were at college we met up with the girls. I told them about the great night I had with Benny playing games in his. They chatted about the drama they watched and Lozza talked a little about her night with Harry. Mark took the day off apparently, which is understandable to have a rest after his little accident. College wouldn't be as eventful today, well you never know, just do the classes, at some point see Misty to get the drawing, right now though I needed the toilet. I turned to Aimes, "just going the toilet, Babe." Aimes offered to come with but I said, "nah, it's okay. Don't need to stand around waiting for me, Aimes."

Off I went towards the toilets. I dropped Misty a text asking if I can get the drawing later in the day as saves me carrying it around and she's already got her art stuff. She replied, *"of course. I actually have a plastic envelope for you to keep it crease free. If you could give it to me back then that'd be great, but no rush or issue or anything. Let me know whenever is best and I'll meet you and pass you it."* Great I thought to myself as I entered the toilets. Entering the crappy stall. Stuff was written all over it but at least the lock worked. Most important thing aswell is the seat is intact. I can go about my business.

Lozza's POV

I hoped for a quiet day, and so far that's what I've got. Becky has just gone to the toilet. We are between classes now. We were just discussing Saturday. The plan looks like it will be to head to McDonald's, go to that pub over the road before heading into town. Aimes suggested, while we are in the pub, that Harry can get home, really try and scrub himself clean, and come meet us.

Dani started chatting to me about seeing Harry in work later. Jess laughed, "maybe you can convince Harry for another.." she then done air quotes with her fingers, "driving lesson? If that's what we're calling it now."

She was just teasing, I even let out a little laugh, "it was just a driving lesson. Honestly."

Aimes jumped in, "bet he loved being all strong and holding you when you was shitting it at the scary bits." I couldn't disagree with that. We carried on chatting. Jess was going on a jog with some guy she's been chatting too. It's hard to keep track with who Jess is talking too or seeing to be honest. Aimes was going to see her Nan as it's her birthday and they getting a takeout.

Dani then said, "Becky's been ages, hasn't she? Should we check on her? Drop her a text."

Aimes gave me a slap on my arm, "I need a piss. Fancy going with me, Lozza. Let's go make sure she hasn't fallen down the bog or something." I didn't answer. Instead I just followed.

Aimes called out Becky's name as we entered the toilets, "Becky you in here?"

We heard a laugh, "yeah, I haven't been that long have I?"

Aimes called back, "it's fine. I needed to go in the end anyway." Aimes entered an empty stall. I checked myself out in the mirror, still getting used to the more heavy makeup look. Aimes was quickly done, but Becky was still in the stall. I'd definitely prefer not to wait in this grim toilets. Before we could leave, Emma entered.

Emma looked Aimes up and down and went to pass her but stopped. It's like she couldn't resist saying something. Emma glared at me and then Aimes. She said to us, "you going to grass and say something to Becky if we have words now?"

Big mistake; Emma has no idea Becky is in the stall. I almost feel like warning her. Aimes smirked, "You know I tell Becky everything." Well, thank God; at least Emma can get away with this.

Emma gave her a dirty look, "I thought as much."

As Emma went to the stall, Aimes called after her, "Although, maybe I can make an exception."

Emma took a step back and almost got right in Aimes's face. She aggressively said to Aimes, "I ain't going back to Jake. Maybe a tiny bit of me regretted the break up, but once he slept with a skank like you he's damaged goods. If I was him I'd get my myself checked for everything."

Aimes was angry, "listen you didn't put out, so don't get angry with me because even boring Jake got bored. You think I won't do anything to you because Becky isn't here?"

Emma looked a little more scared now Aimes was getting angry, but she stood her ground, "I'm just telling you how it is. Jake is a loser for touching you. Accept it. Let that be the end of us discussing it."

I actually felt sorry for Aimes with how nasty Emma was being. I was even more on her side when Emma turned to me, "you'll keep your mouth shut aswell. I'll tell everyone you reneged on your word if you do."

The cheeky bitch. Just as I and Aimes were about to respond the toilet flushed. Becky shot out the door and got right in Emma's face. Emma's demeanor shifted completely; "Becky, I... we were just..."

"Having a go at my crew, I warned you. I told you would be going headfirst into that toilet didn't I?" Becky roared.

Emma gulped, "please, I'm sorry. What can I do? I'll apologise."

Becky glared at her. She paused for a moment before saying, "I have a little idea. You can avoid getting that hair wet if you do it. Interested?" Emma was nervous. She didn't know what to say. Becky carried on, "Aimes, Lozza. Give me 5 minutes please. I want to suggest my idea to Emma. Trust me you'll love it." Aimes urged me out. We left the toilets.

I turned to Aimes, "What is she going to do?"

Aimes laughed, "fuck knows. Whatever it is I trust Becky to teach that bitch a lesson."

Becky's POV

I tugged on Emma's collar. The nerve of this bitch. I warned this snotty bitch once and she ignores me. "Sooo, I've got a little job for you. You know Dani and now Lozza work in Maccies. Well, they ain't working Saturday, but Harry, who Lozza is seeing, needs a Ronald McDonald and that's where you come in." Her face was brilliant. She was wondering where my waffling was gonna lead and still looked confused. Whatever I was gonna say she knew it weren't going to be good, but this stops her head going down the toilet. I carried on explaining, "So you have two options. You will be the Ronald in McDonald's on Saturday for a kids birthday party. Have a good laugh, or I'll call the girls back in and you head goes in the shitter. Your choice." As she went to answer I jumped in, "remember I heard you say every word to my friends then. I'm pissed, but do this and we call it quits."