This chapter was a meanie to write. It just wouldn't get itself in order. I can't apologize enough for how long this chapter took to be uploaded. It's not...my most favourite chapter, it's mostly filler but the story will start to pick up soon! Anyway, thank you for the reviews and for reading and I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Hopefully (Not making promises) I'll update again near the end of this week.

Hopefully being the main word.

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The sun was glowing in the sky, radiating Martha's face making her feel warm. The sky was also a bright blue and all in all, it looked beautiful.

Martha loathed it.

She loathed it as much as the birds that tweeted and sung loudly in the morning and the leaves on the trees that were turning beautiful shades of green. It was all too happy and bright. She didn't feel happy or bright, she felt stony and cold. She wanted the harshness of the winter back, the grey skies and the freezing cold wind. She couldn't stand the sight of anything remotely bright or happy. She was beginning to feel extremely cynical. There was still a part of her, telling her it was stupid to be acting this way. A part of her telling her she should go back to how she was and stop acting like a brooding teenager. Her cynical side was winning though, making her bitter and not a force to reckon with. Even Helen was sick with being around her, although the sensible side of Martha couldn't disagree with her.

Even the cynical side of Martha knew that it was harsh that she told Helen to stop come up with a different topic to talk about while she was talking about William. Helen had snapped at her, saying that at least William wrote to her and she knew that he was alive. Martha nearly burst in to tears and Helen promptly apologised, saying that she didn't mean it and she knew Nixon would be alive. Martha didn't apologize for what she said though; instead she walked away and hadn't seen Helen since. Helen had tried to contact her but for once, Martha was stubborn.

Squinting as her eyes looked up at the sky, Martha's thoughts once more were occupied by Nixon. It was as if she couldn't think of anything else but him. Martha had chosen to try and block out the news as a way of not getting too worried. The last thing she needed was to be hysterical.

Sighing lightly, she ran a hand through her hair, thinking of how she had become to be like this. It was borderline pathetic. It was obsessive and it wasn't doing her any favours. After all, Nixon could be gone for months, even years and her being miserable weren't going to help anyone. Yet, she couldn't get out of her state. Even with thoughts at how it wasn't helping.

"Martha!"

Her mother shouted from downstairs. Glancing at her bedroom door, she sighed before responding.

"Yes?"

"Could you come down here love?"

Sighing once more, she made her way across her room and down the stairs. Martha walked in to the living room to see what her mother wanted. Her mother was sitting, sewing on some buttons on one of her father's coats. She looked up at Martha, a smile gracing her features.

"I was wondering if you could help me with some bits and pieces. I've got a pile of clothes that need repairing in some way."

Martha nodded silently and took a seat next to her mother on the sofa. Without saying a word, she threaded a needle and picked up an item of clothing. It was one of her father's shirts. It had a small rip on the arm. It was a simple sewing job which pleased Martha slightly. She wasn't exactly an expert when it came to sewing.

"I don't know what your father does to cause all these rips," Her mother said with a cheery smile, "All I see him do is read the paper!"

Martha didn't say a word. She didn't smile either. All she did was sew up the rip in silence. Martha felt like she could hear her mother frowning.

"Right," Her mother said placing the coat on the ground, along with her needle, "I think we need to chat."

"Why?" Martha asked as she continued sewing.

"I can't stand another day of you being bloody miserable, that's why." Her mother said folding her arms across her chest.

Martha sighed and slowly set her sewing down, and looked over at her mother. "Well you can't expect me to be happy can you?"

"No, I can't and I won't. Still, I don't think being miserable is going to solve anything."

"I know that. It's not like I want to be like this." Martha huffed, glaring at her mother slightly.

"Well do something about it." Her mother said as though it was the simplest thing.

"But it's not that simple! What am I meant to do about it?" Martha said clearly frustrated.

"You're meant to keep living. Remain normal."

"But how?" Martha questioned as she started feeling emotional, "how can I when...when Lew might be?" Martha sighed, feeling defeated.

Her mother smiled sadly at Martha, her arms wrapping themselves around her daughter's frame.

"You just do sweetheart. You just do...it might not be today or tomorrow but it'll happen someday. It's just going to take time. Like when Edward went. You just need to keep your friends and family close..."

"I need to go and see Helen." Martha murmured in to her mother's shoulder, relaxing in the warmth of the embrace.

"That would be a good idea love." Her mother said leaning back slightly. She used her finger to lift Martha's chin up.

"Chin up and soldier on." Her mother smiled.

Martha nodded and pulled away from her mother, smiling slightly. "I'll see you in a couple of hours...I've got to try and sort this thing out with Helen."

"You do that. I don't want you to be moping when you come back."

Martha nodded, smiling brightly. "I'll try not to be."

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"Oh," Helen said surprised, "I wasn't expecting you." Helen said crossing her arms over her chest as she leant against the door frame.

Martha grimaced slightly, her stomach churning. She felt nervous and slightly sick. "I...I need to apologize to you."

"Well that would be...appreciated."Helen said, pursing her lips slightly.

Martha winced lightly and sighed. "Could I come in?"

"I suppose." Helen said opening the door for Martha.

Martha walked in, her stomach not settling at all. She walked through the hallway and in to the living room.

"Do you want anything to drink?" Helen said politely, although she looked like that was the last thing she wanted to offer.

Martha shook her head, "No thank you."

Martha turned to Helen, frowning slightly. "No need to beat around the bush...I'm really sorry Helen. I should have snapped at you or have been...so rude. I was just upset."

Helen nodded, remaining tight lipped.

"I hope you can forgive me...one day." Martha said with a small sigh.

"I forgive you. It's been a bit lonely without you to talk too." Helen said with a small shrug.

"Same here," Martha said smiling, "Have you heard anything from William?"

"Not since last time. What about you? Anything from Edward or Lewis?"

Martha shook her head. "I'm sure they'll write soon, all three of them."

"Men, huh?" Helen said with a slight smirk.

Martha broke out in a grin and hugged her friend. "I'm sorry for being a complete brat."

"We have our moments." Helen said with a small shrug, "Just as long as you're back to normal."

Martha nodded, pulling Helen over to the sofa.

"So, I think we have some catching up to do." Helen said sitting down.

"Definitely."

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Dearest Lew,

My family and I are well; there is no need to worry about us. It's you we need to worry about. we're not the one fighting in a war. I'm absolutely fine. I am now anyway. No doubt when you return Helen will tell you how much of a grump I was but all is fine now. I can't wait to see you again either, it's not the same without you around.

Hopefully it won't be too long until we see each other again. I miss you. Like I've said, it's not the same without you. At least I know you're alive and well. Not that I ever doubted that for a second. It's just reassuring to know.

Love, forever and always,

Martha

P.S I've got a bottle of Vat 69 waiting for you back here. If that doesn't tempt you I don't know what will.