Episode 39: Muggy Behaviour

                                    

                                          
Bobby is with Kitty, wrapping her in his arms. Daphs feels genuinely bad, but she isn't gutted. To be honest, the thought of Bobby leaving is more upsetting than Rocco or Kitty actually leaving. It's selfish, and it's wrong, but it is what it is.
     One of many in the crowd wanting to say goodbye, Daphs squeezes in a hug with Rocco. He holds her tight, running his fingers through her hair before she has a chance to let go and let Priya hug him goodbye. Daphs moves out of the way, thinking about saying something to Kitty, but chickening out when she sees her being hugged by Hope and Noah.
     "Hey."
      Daphs, in a world of her own, hadn't even realised Bobby was there, smiling at her. She breaks into a real smile before throwing her hands around his shoulders. He takes her in, squeezing her back. Daphs does not want to let go, and she doesn't let herself think about what any of the others might think.
     She can feel his heart thumping in his chest, the heavy fall of his shuddering breath down her neck. Daphs is so caught up in him that it takes someone else shaking her on the shoulder to break her out of the hug. Pulling out, she's faced with a forlorn looking Hope.
     "Come on, we're helping the guys pack."
     Bobby goes to pull her in again, like they're going to walk up in a couple, cuddled up and together, but Daphs catches sight of Lucas, his back to her as he talks to Noah, and she pulls away. Priya isn't far off, so Daphs heads to her, locking their hands together, and not looking back at Bobby.
     As everyone begins to move up the garden towards the Villa, Daphs reaches out to Lucas, slyly tickling him on the small of his back. He looks around, startled, spots her with Priya, and looks away again as Daphs reaches out to take his hand. He pulls away when he feels her touch.
     Daphs doesn't think about it, knowing he'll be fine. He'll be pissed about her long hug with Bobby, but he's bound to know why. Daphs has made it clear to him how she'd feel if Bobby left. She isn't worried about his grumpy mood with her lasting.
     Lottie and Hope head upstairs with Kitty as everyone else stays in the bedroom, gathering around Rocco's bed that he has shared with Marisol. She looks like she's close to tears as Rocco's suitcase is laid bare on their bed. Bobby goes over to give her a cuddle.
     When he's half packed, Daphs and Priya decide to go up and see how Kitty is getting along. Her suitcase is nearly full, Hope and Lottie being careful with everything she owns like it's all made of glass. Kitty catches Daphs eye as soon as they come in.
     "Oh," she says, turning back to the other two, "would you guys mind if I had a chat with Daphs out on the terrace quickly?"
     "Sure," Hope says, eyes flickering nervously to Daphs.
     "Is that okay with you, Daphs?" Kitty asks. Daphs nods, letting go of Priya's hand after Priya gives it a squeeze. "Okay, let's head out."
     Daphs isn't nervous one bit. In fact, it's the most relaxed she's felt about Kitty the entire time she's been in the Villa, but Daphs has already felt herself mellowing earlier in the evening. She wouldn't have been able to make her joke of Kitty shagging Bobby otherwise ... It's crazy to say, but if Kitty stayed in the Villa, Daphs and her might have been able to be friends ... maybe ... maybe ...
     The roof terrace feels mighty chillier than the garden. Daphs sits with her hands over her bare arms, not far from Kitty. They both sit with opposite legs crossed over.
     "So, Daphs, I want to make this quick," Kitty begins, her voice not nearly as high-pitched as usual, "but I do regret how our relationship was in here. From day one, we didn't hit it off, and I'm not going to blame either side because perhaps it was both, but either way, now that I'm going, I wish things had genuinely been different between us."