Background: Angela is shocked when William, an old friend from her past, who she hoped never to see again, comes back into her life, after he applies for a role at her work and successfully secures the job. William’s sudden reappearance puts Angela on edge. She’s terrified he’s discovered her secret, which she needs to protect her family from. William’s convinced Angela knows what happened to his former girlfriend, Caz, who hasn't been seen for twenty years, and that something terrible happened to her. The only person, who can help Angela, is her once best friend, Michelle, but Angela hasn’t seen Michelle for more than a decade. Faced with the threat of William’s return, they know they’ll need to work together to save their future, even if this does mean reopening old wounds, and revisiting a past they'd rather keep buried.

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January 2000

Michelle came back last night, the day after New Year’s Day, looking like she’s been away for a week on a wellness course. I suppose she and her parents would’ve been going out for hikes every day. They love a walk. She keeps saying how we need to go to their place in Norfolk at some point for a break, although I don’t quite think she wants to extend the invitation to Hayley and Lauren, so she’s never made any official plans yet. She’s never discussed it in front of them.

‘I hope you’ve got that money in the bank to send off for the course,’ Michelle says.

It’s the first Monday back after the holidays, and I’ve been dreading it after Christmas break. A full on working week doesn’t seem right somehow.

‘Yes, I’m doing it this week,’ I say.

‘You should’ve done it weeks ago, Angela,’ Michelle says. ‘How many more times have I got to tell you? It was way back in June when we gave you the money for your birthday. I’m sure you could’ve already got the cheque off to them by now.’

‘I’ve just had other things on my mind,’ I say, William’s face appearing in my head. I shake it away. No. He’s not in the picture now to distract me. I don’t want anything more to do with him.

Michelle nods. ‘So, did Caz and William come round for your New Year’s Eve party?’

‘Yeah, they did, but you’ve not got to worry because I’ve packed it in with William. I told him to get lost. I realised what sort of person he really is.’

Michelle raises an eyebrow. ‘And it took you this long to realise. What about Caz, does she know?’

‘She knows nothing about what happened between us. It was just one stupid, drunken kiss, Michelle and it’s not going to go any further. I promise. Not now.’

Michelle looks like she believes me.

I arrive at Alex’s Flowers ten minutes later, waving at Michelle. I step into the shop.

‘Hi, Angela,’ Stevie says, she has a big grin on her face, and her eyes are filled with curiosity. That’s odd; she’s never this pleased to see me. ‘You’ve got a visitor.’

She motions towards the back of the shop. I’ve never seen her look so animated before. I look towards the back where I see the shape of someone. I know who it is. My spine seizes up. I want to back out of the shop right this second, run after Michelle. Get away from here. But I push myself forward.

‘What the hell are you doing here?’ I ask.

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Character List:

Angela Watkins - Protagonist 

Paul Watkins - Angela's husband

Rebecca Watkins - Angela's daughter 

Michelle Blake - Angela's former best friend 

Kirsty - Receptionist (Angela's friend) 

Olivia - Angela's boss

William Harris - Angela's former friend 

Caroline (Caz) - Angela's friend 

Hayley - Angela's former friend

Lauren - Angela's former friend