Alexine and Simon

Settled in their home near Pearson's Park Hull Alexine feels everything will run smoothly. However even the best-laid plans fall apart. Alexine has always been devoted to Simon and loves her children passionately so is surprised when as teenagers they cause her numerous concerns and heartaches. Many come out of the blue like Eleanor having an illegal abortion and almost losing her life. Edward telling Alexine he is gay, something she finds hard coming to terms with. While dealing with these issues Simon is diagnosed with testicular cancer and the four youngest children run away from home. Amongst the good times are Simon and Alexine's anniversary and their cruise. They celebrate Samuel's marriage and him finally becoming a fully qualified doctor. Alexine meets Benjamin a relative of her father and visits him in America but many problems arise, Benjamin has been through a traumatic time and tried to commit suicide after being sexually abused by his father and his mother dies. Eleanor throws a tantrum when her parents refuse to let her marry Nigel on the rebound from Alexavier Benjamin's cousin. In retaliation Eleanor rakes up her mother's past and reveals her findings to her father and Nigel. This becomes too much for Alexine and she collapses. Eleanor is shocked at what she has done and feels she has gone too far, and losing Nigel in the process. As the children leave home to start their own lives Simon and Alexine start planning their future and buy a house in the countryside and Simon plans his retirement, but even that does not turn out as expected. There are many surprises and shocks to be discovered before the story concludes. Soon the children's story will start to unfold.