Chapter Two

"J…J J Jackson."

He hadn't heard or spoken that name in over twenty years.

"Who is he? Your bit on the side."

"Shut up."

Aaron felt a surging pain as his breath caught in his chest.

"No come on. Lets be honest. That's what you want isn't it? I mean he must be special you call out for him in your sleep."

Aaron's legs literally felt like jelly and his stomach was doing somersaults, as his heart thundered madly against his ribcage. He was visibly shaking, but sweat was dripping off his face. He stumbled and grabbed the table for support. He'd been with Liam for over eighteen years, they had a daughter together, why hadn't he said something?

"Aaron? Aaron are you okay?"

"Just leave."

Gingerly he made his way into the lounge where he sank on the sofa.

"I can't leave you like this."

"Just go. Please. I'll be okay."

"I'm sorry."

"Go Liam."

Following his request Liam walked out of their house, genuinely concerned he sent Paddy a text. If anyone knew how to help Aaron he would.

'SOS at our place. Don't really know why. Maybe something to do with Jackson. Liam.'

Paddy was in the Woolpack with Rohna enjoying one of their rare quiet drinks when the message came through. Without so much as a 'see you later' his pint glass slipped through his fingers sending beer cascading across the table and his mobile smashed on the floor and he sprinted out of the building like it was on fire. Knowing that Paddy would only ever abandon her for one of two people and considering Marlon was currently behind the bar shooting daggers in her general direction, Rohna assumed he was on his way over to see Aaron. Being the loving and dutiful fiancé she was she collected their belongings and headed back to Smithy as it was likely to be a long and lonely night for her at least.

"Aaron? Aaron? Where are you?"

Thankfully Liam had left the door on the latch.

"In here Paddy."

Aaron managed to mutter feebly from his curled up position on the sofa, tears flowing freely as his breathing had returned to normal. He sat up gingerly and Paddy enveloped him in his arms, squeezing him tightly until he was all cried out.

"Shall I get you a drink or some pain killers?"

"A drink would be great. I really fancy a hot chocolate."

Paddy couldn't help the smile that played momentarily on his lips.

"Now we both have it on good authority that you are better at making those than me."

Aaron managed a slight smile. It was no big secret, but everyone he ever made one for thought it was magic. He used to mix warm milk with the chocolate instead of boiling water and then he topped them with whipped cream, hundreds and thousands and Malteasers instead of Marshmallows. Jackson used to say it was one of his many talents. He'd not had one of those drinks since he'd left Smithy and that was just before he turned nineteen. Maybe some things are meant to be left in the past.

"He asked me about Jackson."

"Who? Liam. How did he even hear about him?"

"He thought I was cheating on him, because apparently for the better part of our relationship I have been calling out his name in my sleep."

"But the last time you saw Jackson was…"

"Yeah the day I walked out of the hospital. I remember it vividly."

"Did you tell Liam that?"

"No. Me, Jackson and the accident has nothing to do with him and what happened with us."

"Don't you think you should have told him the truth?"

"He lied and cheated on me that's why I dumped him. I don't owe him anything now."

"What about Jen? Has she heard any of this?"

"I told her why Liam had gone, but she is at Debbie's tonight so I don't think she has a clue who Jackson is."

"It depends how loud you talk."

"I don't get why he never said anything? If he honestly thought I was cheating why didn't he leave?"

"Only he can answer that. Now about that hot chocolate…"

Paddy gestured none too subtly in the direction of the kitchen.

"I think I'll call it a night if you don't mind Pads? He recognized the familiar dismissal. I can feel Rohna's daggers in my back from here."

Aaron tried to lighten the mood.

"I better go and pay her some special attention then."

"Ewwwwwww. Gross. Paddy smacked his arm playfully. In some way he was still the immature pain the backside eighteen year old he had taken in all those years ago. Send my apologies."

"I always do. Aaron do yourself a favour and call him."

"Liam? I don't plan on speaking to him again any time soon. If Jen decides to see him that is up to her."

"As mature as that is I didn't mean him."

"I know. But even if I were interested I don't have his number so I can't call."

"How he is I can't help you with, but where I can. He moved back to town recently cos his mam's getting married as I'm sure you have heard."

"And your point Paddy?"

"I have his number. I'll leave it on the table for you."

"Don't bother."

"You never know you might need a builder some day."

As Paddy was walking away Aaron mustered the courage to ask the one thing he really wanted to know.

"Di…did he you know…em meet someone else?"

"Give him a call. You've got nothing to lose."

Paddy smiled encouragingly.

"Maybe. Thanks for coming round."

"It's okay. You know I am always here for you if you need to talk or anything, right?"

"I know Pads. Thanks. Night."

"Night, Aaron. Take care."