Jigsaw Chapter 7d

“I'll be fine.” Tilly looked up at the windows of the staff block. “It must be nice living here.”

“Do what?” Dean laughed. “It's like a battery farm! Stack of shoe boxes.”

“I mean with all the other people around. I'm above a betting shop and I don't even have any neighbours.” Tilly said.

“You get a bit lonely eh? It's not hard to see.” Dean said kindly.

“I'm OK most of the time. It's usually when I go to public places, like the golf club. It reminds me on that there are other real people in the world.” Tilly laughed. “I'm a hermit.”

“Well we all have times where we want to be alone, and times when we don't. That's why I asked if you'd be OK.” Dean said.

“I usually am.”

“I could shake you at times.” Dean raised his eyebrows at Tilly. “That isn't an answer. You're more than welcome to come up there with me. I said I'd be there for you and I meant it.”

“OK.”

“I'd only be sitting there worrying about you anyway. I know you're a private person and I respec ... what?” Dean frowned at Tilly.

“I said OK, that's if Joe won't mind.”

“Joe ... Joe ... is not important at all. In fact he'll probably pass out in shock.” Dean said, almost passing out in shock.

They walked into the small, messy flat to a very disturbing sight. Joe's rear end in the air, clad in bright yellow shorts, while he rummaged about under the stereo system.

“Frigging remote is well named.” He puffed. “The shite that's on that telly is unbelievable. Go get a porno out ... OO!” He'd turned round and saw Tilly. “Out! Yes, out altogether. Foul things. Tilly! Nice to see you.” Joe said brightly.

“It's not nice to see quite so much of you, Joe.” Dean rolled his eyes.

“Huh? Oh! Yes I'll go put my pyjamas on. Get the beer out, Dean.” Joe darted into his bedroom.

“I feel like I'm imposing.” Tilly said awkwardly.

“Nah. You're only five feet tall. Sit yourself down if you can find a gap on the sofa.” Dean tutted and wandered off to the fridge. “I've no orange or coke or anything. I can make you a coffee if you like?”

“Sprite!” Joe was back, tracksuit covering his shorts, can of Sprite in his hand.

“Ugh! Has that been under your bed?” Dean pulled a face.

“Certainly not. It was in the window sill.” Joe sniffed and handed Tilly her can. “Good night?”

“No it was shite.” Tilly said flatly, then snorted a laugh. “And that's without a drink.”

“Shite? Dean you creep! How was it shite?” Joe laughed.

“Oh not Dean's fault. Mr. Paxton from surgical started slobbering on me.” Tilly pulled a face.

“Yack! You beat him up, Dean?” Joe cringed.

“Almost.” Dean smiled. “Tilly just needed a bit of company.”

“Well you're always welcome here.” Joe nodded. He'd realised this was all still platonic. “And some of us are up at 5am so I must bid you both goodnight.” He smiled and disappeared into his room.

“Give me two minutes to go and throw all my junk under the bed. It's like a pig sty in there. I'll have the sofa.” Dean stood up.

“No, you don't have to do that!” Tilly objected.

“I know.” Dean smiled and went to clear a path through the landfill.