BUNDLE OF JOY? - PART 1 - BY: BECKY ANNE

Based upon the beginnings of a story by UK Boglies on the UK Board.

Chapter 1

Evening was casting its shadow over London as Katrina began to clear her desk for the day. Usually she would be longing to leave her cramped research and escape the stickiness of London for the Scottish Highlands. But she knew that the start of recess meant decision time. Her contract was up at the end of the session and the representative for Strathspey had personally asked her if she would run for elected office from the small town. She couldn't believe that something she had always wanted—the chance to be in the thick of things, to be able to make decisions that could affect life for the good of the people—was causing her so much soul searching. She closed her eyes and sat there thinking…could she do it? Go back to Strathspey, move back to Glenbogle?…Perhaps she could-- she had her life and he had his. But the nagging thoughts at the back of her mind remained.

She heard a slight rapping on the door. "Who is it?" She heard no answer, instead the door slowly opened. Katrina backed up and looked around for something to pick up—"Lizzie!" Katrina screamed. "When did you get back from India? How did you get past security? Where's Martha…Oh it is so good to see you!"

"Still the same old Katrina," Lizzie laughed, "Questions, Questions, Questions. Actually, I was able to get a plane back this morning. Martha is fine, we are in London for a few days before we go up to Glenbogle, now what about you? You look fantastic! What's new? ´

Katrina thought, should she tell Lizzie now? Should she tell Lizzie at all? She was Archie's sister and whatever she told her was bound to get back to Archie. But then again, Lizzie was a confidant and good friend to Katrina. Katrina had been there when Martha was born and at the times when Lizzie needed her most. "Well, emm, actually Lizzie…" Katrina finally mumbled.

"Oh come on Katrina, I know that look on your face, you've got some news to tell me haven't you?" Inquired Lizzie, smiling devilishly. What is it, someone special in your life?" Katrina turned red. " Well you see it's just that…you haven't met my--…." Oh I knew it!" Lizzie smirked--.…um daughter." "What! You didn't tell me you were pregnant, you didn't even let on you were seeing someone! It's Alan, isn't it! I thought you two might get back together especially after the business with my brother!" " "Well actually…" Katrina was thinking fast. "It isn't Alan's. There was nothing to let on. It was a mistake, he doesn't know, and I have no plans to tell him, please Lizzie, no more questions. So are you back for good from India?"

Katrina was desperately trying to change the subject. It wasn't that she didn't want to discuss Emma, she just didn't wish to explain things, not right now, before she had time to think.

"mmmm. Okay for now, but Martha is longing to see her Godmother, in fact her Godfather is coming down to London tomorrow, and I thought about having a little get together. Archie has some new financial statements to sort out with the bank. Now I know that Archie is married, but you two are…were….such good friends. Isn't friendship worth saving? He told me about your last visit to Glenbogle.

Katrina was flummoxed. Seeing Archie! Her stomach turned to jelly, her hands turned white and clammy, her thoughts swam around in her head. But perhaps she should get it over now rather than later. If she moved back, she'd be bound to see him at any time of the day in and around town.

"Katrina, do you want to have lunch tomorrow? I'll bring Martha with me, Archie may also be there (she noticed the look on Katrina's face) um….Martha has never really seen London. We could take both her and your daughter out to the park."

"That sounds like a great idea." Katrina said, "I am sure Emma would love to meet her….Martha."

Lizzie looked at Katrina a bit puzzled, but she turned to the door told Katrina she'd see her tomorrow and left the office.