I watched as she spoke with desperation in her voice, I would hear her out and if she had a good reason then I would help her, god knows she would need help Andy was pig headed enough to just keep throwing her out for good.

“Libby, I am a very good friend of Andy’s I know you don’t know me but if you tell me what is going on I may be able to help. I may even be able to get her to listen. But it better be good, your sister has been through a lot in the last eighteen months and I will not have anyone upsetting her, you understand?”

She looked at me and I was shocked again by the striking resemblance to Andy, they must have been like twins as teenagers, except she was obviously younger. She took a deep breath and started talking.

“Ever since I can remember mum has had a drink problem, when I was young she used to take it out on Andy, hit her and scream at her put her down and generally make her feel worthless. She never let her get to me though and would always make sure I had what I needed, from a bedtime story when I was young to books and school supplies when I was older. Dad just told her she was making it up he was always away so he did not believe her. She was more of a mother to me than our real mum ever was. Even when she was struggling to pay her way through university she would visit and bring me money and clothes and make sure I was ok. It was worse when she was away but she came as often as she could.

It was strange she never gave into the abuse it seemed to make her strong and proud and so determined to succeed. After she had graduated she moved home, she said to save money but I think it was to save me. Then she told mum and dad that she was *****. I was shocked I had no idea. I was sixteen I had just finished my G.C.S.E’s and they kicked her out. She told them she had papers they could sign so that I could go with her she would be my legal guardian. As much as they would have loved to get rid of me they could see how much it meant to her and told me they would only sign if I chose to go.