Alex's POV

"Alex dear, thank you so much." Helen chirped as we carried boxes from one room to the other. Somehow, I got the feeling she didn't really need to do this and she was just taking advantage of me being around. However, I didn't mind and went along with it.

"So, I borrowed some of your bands music CDs from Sophie the other day and you've got a voice of an angel."

"Thank you ma- Helen, I appreciate that." Helen smiled, hugged the box tighter and quickly glanced around. I guessed she was looking for something. I was just about to ask to help but she piped up with, "what's that song called? Umm the one about roads and white roses. Cinderella something?"

I smirked at how thoughtful she looked. "Cinderblock Garden," I replied.

Helen's smile grew. Excitement filled her eyes. "That's it. That song's lovely."

I leaned against the wall. "That's Lily's favourite," I said, with a slight smug tone. I loved that my girlfriend's mother loved me and took an interest in the band's music. It felt great.

Helen placed the box down on the little table next to her. "My daughter's got great taste. She takes after her mother after all," Helen giggled, then winked.

Out of nowhere, something deep down told me Lily was in some sort of trouble. "Can I ask you something?"

She narrowed her eyes, at my more serious tone. "Sure, let's go sit down," she ushered for me to follow her downstairs.

I did and glanced at my watch. I sighed to myself. Helen had me here for over an hour, thought I'd be in and out pretty quickly. Don't get me wrong, Lily's mother is great. I was just really missing her.

Helen and I entered the living room, then sat down. "What is it dear?"

"Lily told me about Pete." With the mention of his name, Helen's eyes narrowed.

"Well ma'am, did you know he was abusive to her?"

She nodded. "I knew he was trouble the moment she brought him home. Charmed his way into the family and then treated us like dirt. Lily would come home with new bruises and practically in tears. She was a mess and now these nightmares...is she alright Alex?" Helen finished, nearly in tears herself.

I walked over and held my arms out. Helen eyed me over in suspicion. "Ma'am, you're upset. Give me a hug."

She didn't need anymore persuasion, her arms flew around my waist. I gave her a reassuring squeeze and let go. Helen beamed as we pulled away. "Oh my, my daughter has done well."

l chuckled. "Actually ma'am, technically I'm the one that's done well."

She giggled and patted my arm. "Thank you dear, go home to Lily. I'll call if I need you again. You know living without a strong man around the house has its limits."

I laughed. "Helen, I'm weak as. Next time, I'll bring my friend Zach around."

She grinned and began muttering something under her breath. Then it became clear. "Zach? Hey?" Her eyes lit up, "Oh that's the lovely young lad in you're band? The one with the blonde streak?"

"Oh no that's Jack. Zach is the one with the muscles."

She smiled and clicked her fingers. "That's right, I always get those muddled up."

"Easy done with the names. Well let me know if something comes up and I'll drag him along with me." Helen nodded, gave me another hug and told me to go as her favourite tv programme was about to start.

All up I was there for two hours. "Lily, I'm home!"

Lily rushed out of the living room and smiled. "Oh I was wondering if I was going to have to come rescue you."

"Well let's say she had me moving boxes that I don't think really needed it."

Lily laughed. "That's my mum for you."

I began to walk in when I saw Zach sat down on the couch.

"Hey, you here on your own?"

Zach looked up and nodded. "Yea," he glanced at his watch and back to me. "I've got to go meet Gemma now. I'll catch ya both later."

"There's something I should tell you." Lily heavily sat down on the couch. "Zach was here because I called him over to talk."

"Ok..." Maybe my gut feeling was something...

"I fell asleep on the couch today, I had a nightmare, Zach was in it. He raped me, Alex." Her voice shook. I rushed over and wrapped my arms around her. "It's ok, I'm not doing so great on the over thinking thing."

She pulled back with a guilty smirk. "I had Zach on my mind. He'd said about how lucky you were to have me. I took it out of context, bottled it up so...so it just erupted all over the place."

l breathed in deeply, knowing about what he'd said already. Zach had told me before I got back on the tour bus. "Relax, I know all of this. He told me. It's ok. Well babe, are you alright?"

Lily nodded with a smile. "I learned how to play the bass." Her smile grew, she seemed extremely proud of herself. The thought of her playing an instrument was hot, not going to lie.

"That's awesome. So when's Zach out of the band?" I winked.

"I'm pretty close to replacing him." She giggled.

Notes

Here's a lighter chapter. I really like this one. Hope you do as well. :)