This is brilliant! I was teary in Andromeda's section--you encapsulated all the levels of drama in her family so well.

I love Hilary and her budding friendship with Lyall.

I completely LOLed at the following lines:
"I know what sex is," Lyall assured her.

"I should go, if Mum finds out I've spent Christmas Eve with some strange bloke I met while shoplifting, she'll have a fit."

Hilary started to leave through the window; Lyall considered telling her she could just use the door now, but decided to let it go.

Wonderful job! :)