Chapter 10

Jackson sat at the kitchen table, clutching a cup of coffee like his life depended on it. He glanced at clock and groaned. it was only 6am. Around 5am, Daniel had woke up and insisted that both Aaron and Jackson had to get up and get ready, so he could go and see Chas. The giggles escalated into shoutings and squeals from Daniel who was determined not to give up. As hard as Aaron tried, the little boy wouldn't calm down. They gave up the fight over half an hour ago and despite Aaron being in a surprisingly amazing mood, Jackson was still struggling to keep his eyes open.

Paddy came downstairs dressed in his dressing gown and laughed when he saw Jackson. "You look cheerful! Had a few too many did we?"

"Nah. Daniel woke up at about 5am and wouldn't go back to sleep."

"So where are the boys?"

"Aaron's upstairs helping Daniel get ready. He wants to go and see Chas today."

"So what are you planning to do for the next five hours? You nknow how Chas likes her Sunday lie-ins!"

"You are kidding? It's Sunday and I'm up at this time?"

"Well, You're gonna have to get used to it Jackson. It's gonna be happening more and more."

Thunderous footsteps whwere heard on the stairs and Daniel raced into the kitchen "Uncle Paddy!"

"Hello little dude. You had breakfast yet?"

"Can i have coco pops please?"

"I don't think I've got any mate. You want some toast?"

"I want coco pops!" Daniel yelled

"I'm sorry Daniel, There isn't any."

Aaron entered the kitchen sweating and breathless "Bloody hell. Didn't realise I was so unfit. Fifteen minutes of chasing that little monster around and I'm knackered!"

"Aaron, Uncle Paddy won't let me have any coco pops!"

"Listen Dan, I haven't had the chance to go shopping yet, If you want when I take you to see Mum you can stay with her for a while and I'll go get you some."

Daniel pouted at sat at the table "Ok. Uncle Paddy, Aaron was in bed with Jackson last night!"

Jackson spat out the mouthful of coffee he just took and blushed

"Sorry?"

"Jackson was in Aaron's bed last night! Do you know why?"

It was now Aaron's turn to blush "Mate, Can you remember what I told you last night?"

"You told me that Jackson's speccy."

Paddy laughed and placed the toast infront of Daniel, he made his excuses and left the kitchen to get ready for work.

"No mate, Special. He's really important to me, so You'll be seeing a lot of him. Is that ok?"

"Only if he stops being so grumpy in the morning."

Aaron laughed and sat down at the table, placing his hand on Jackson's arm. "You ok?"

"Yeah. I'm fine. I'm sorry. I haven't been up this early in a long time. I'm just not used to it."

"Are you alright Grumpy?" Daniel asked, causing Aaron to laugh again

"Yeah i'm ok Daniel. Tell you what, After you have been to see Chas, what do you say to me and Aaron taking you to the park to play football?"

"YEAH! Can I be David Beckham?"

"You can be whoever you want mate!"