Jen had a stressful day at work and took her frustrations out on Angus. She later apologized. Angus suggests they have a party to introduce Jen to the neighbors and help her relax. The party goes well, with music and dancing. As it gets dark, Angus and Jen share a kiss but don't take it further. The next day, Ariette is feeling lonely and isolated. She decides to dress more casually and assert her independence from her critical father, feeling more comfortable in herself as a result.

1. Over at number
six, tensions were high.
Angus got an earful
from Jen for asking how
her day at work had
been. The Appaloosa
council had grown in
her absence… and
gotten more frustrating
and complex.

2. She apologised the moment she
finished ranting. She didn’t know
was got into her. Angus just gave
her a big hug, work could be
stressful – he understood.
He suggests they have a party with
their neighbours. He’d like to meet
them and she could do with a
break.

3. It was a nice do. They invited the neighbours, and the musical ones among them
brought instruments and had a jam. Angus got to meet everyone all at once, and Jen
caught up on all the gossip.

4. At first Jen had trouble
relaxing, watching to make sure her
guests were happy even when trying to
dance herself. But Angus spotted her
doing it, and forced her into enjoying
herself instead.

5. As the light began to fade, and the effect of the
drinks make themselves felt, Angus pulled Jen
in for a kiss. They grinned at each other, but
didn’t go for another. As the guests floated
away they stayed up chatting and joking
around on the lawn.

6. Once again, Ariette
had not been invited.
She didn’t want to blame
her dad for how her life
had turned out. That
would be too easy.
Looking in the mirror even
she didn’t like who was
looking back. Who’d want
to hang out with the
severe looking woman in
front of her? Where had
the real her gone?

7. She took Peps down to the beach to look
out over the water and cry a bit. It helped a
little, but she still hurt inside.

8. Remounting, she vowed
that things had to change.
She wasn’t sure how, but
she was lonely and didn’t
want to be anymore.

9. The next morning she moped about a bit,
her clothes were all quite severe, even
with her hair down and makeup toned
down.
But then she dug out a few old clothes
from her rebellious period. As she slipped
them on, she felt herself snapping back to
who she really was. Still respectable, still
wanting the best for her family – but much
more relaxed.

10. She and her father had a daily discussion about family finances and so on, which were
usually a chance for him to vent at her for not doing enough. Today, he frowned and
started on her outfit with renewed venom. It was just not suitable. What kind of
example was she setting her daughter?

11. For once, Ariette just grinned at him. It was like
something had snapped. He could growl as
much as he wanted, she could dress and do as
she liked. He’d signed his debts over to her
years before. She was in charge.

12. It felt so good to put her father in his
place. She felt herself, she felt
comfortable, and the future could only
get better. When Annette got home from
her sleepover tomorrow, she would
hardly recognise her mother.

13. The next morning,
bright and early,
Ariette rang her
financial advisor. She
had a few plans to run
by him…

14. Deasil Street
No. 1 No. 3
Trinity and Belladonna Darkstone The Williams Family
No. 2 Marley, Aimee and Malika
The Bailey Family. No. 4
Warren , Teresa , James and Megan Bernice Kasitova and Ambrose
Merrihall
No. 5 No. 6
Alfred Hennrick Jen Potter and Angus McKirrick
No. 7
Ariette Vickers, her father Harry and
daughter Annette
Next Are Jen and Angus really attracted to each other,
Time… or was it just the party atmosphere?
Will Allain go back to school?
Find out next time on Deasil Street!