I DO NOT OWN EMMERDALE OR IT 'S CHARACTERS...THEY BELONG TO ITV1

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ELEVEN

EARLY-APRIL 2014

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Aaron laid back in the bath, the hot soapy water was all what he needed to feel relaxed after grafting at the garage all day.

All he could think about was tomorrow night. Tomorrow night he would be having drinks and dinner at Home Farm, hosted by his Mum and that scumbag Frank.

What pissed him off, was that it fell on the same night as Jason and Joe's leaving do at Bar West because they were leaving for London the Sunday morning.

Jackson was out tonight. Out with Joe. He was glad in a way because Jackson was being TOO sickly nice to him at the minute because of the arguement that they had the other night, when he mentioned to him about Mum asking them over for dinner.

Jackson hadn't been happy about it and said that he wasn't 'gonna go to that freakshow' but since then, he had changed his tune...announcing that he had changed his mind and now wanted to go with him.

Was he afraid of Frank coming onto him? Franks company isn't the one you wound want to keep normally.

Once he had drained the bath, Aaron dried himself and went into the bedroom to get himself dressed in his grey sweatpants and tee shirt.

Coming down the stairs, the door knocker was going, and he instantly pulled the front door open, Jason was standing there.

Aaron smiled at the sight of his friend, " Hi...it's not a bad time is it...I were just visiting Paddy and were on me way home, and thought...since you're not coming to our leaving do, we could have a drink..."

Aaron could see that it was about to belt it down with rain, and nodded his head for Jason to step inside. Paddy's cousin followed Aaron into the lounge where he gazed about him smiling at the recently painted room, " Looks good this...I did a pretty good job if I don't say so myself..."

Aaron slapped him on the arm, " Oi you! I helped inall!"

Jason stuck his hands into his pockets, " So...are you coming out all...?" he trailed off.

Aaron shook his head, " Nah...I've just hadda bath...I just wanted to relax with a beer..."

Jason sat down, " Is it alright if I join yah for one then?"

Aaron was already in the kitchen pulling out a few cans from the fridge, " Join me for a FEW if you want..."

Jason sucked in his cheeks, " errmm...go on then, I can always stop at Paddy's tonight..."

Aaron jumped on the sofa with a big smile and handing his mate a can, " Nice one!"

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At Bar West, Jackson had just thrashed Joe at a game of pool. Embracing his defeat, because he was used to it, Joe sat down and took a much needed sip of his pint.

Jackson handed the cue sticks to the next couple who were waiting to play, then sat and joined his mate, " So...I'm sorry about tomorrow night mate...I wish I was gonna be there, but..."

Joe nods his head, " It's alright mate, you said...you have to be there for Aaron, you can't let him go to Frank's place on his own, can yah...not of what you told me"

Jackson sat back in the chair, " Him and Aaron's Mum are getting close...makes me wonder if all this is building up for some big announcment..." he mused.

Joe raised his eyebrowes, " What? Them two getting married you mean? Have you said that to Aaron?"

Jackson looked at him as if he was dense, " Does it look like I've got a deathwish!"

Joe smiled, " Yeah...there is that...So'a...changing the subject like...what about this baby? When are you telling Jack he's gonna have a little bro or sis?"

Jackson leaned forward and picked up his pint, " Sunday...except...well...Sarah and Mike have decided it best that Jack doesn't know that I AM the father..."

Joe could see that Jackson wasn't happy about that, " Are you...going along with it?", he just knew that this would open up a whole new can of worms.

Jackson shrugged his shoulders, " I'm gonna have to, aren't I...but I'll tell you one thing...i'm still gonna be there at the birth...Mike or no flaming Mike...He's a right pratt him"

Joe sat back.

Jackson could see the face on him.

"What?"

"You...just remember why you're doing this, a?..."

Jackson nodded.

Joe smiled, " Just remember...call me when it gets rough..."

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At Hazels's house, Aaron was on his mobile, " Alright Jack...nighty night mate...I'll speak to you tomorrow..."

Jason grinned from where he sat on sofa with a can in hand, "You soft sod... You're like a second dad to that kid..."

Aaron glared at him playfully, " Are you taking the mick..if you are, then it's a good job you're off to London, innit"

"Yeah but...you twos are close aren't yah...doesn't Jackson mind that?"

Aaron shrugged, " Dunno...he's too wrapped up in this new baby to notice...Jack's gonna get left out if I don't make a fuss...especially when it gets nearer to the birth..."

Jason leaned forward, " sometimes I think you're too good for that pratt...BUT...I know you love him...and I know you love that little boy..."

Aaron stood up, " It's gonna be fine...I know it will, end of..."

Jason grabbed his jacket, " Right...come here you"

Aaron scrunched up his face, but let himself be bear hugged by his mate.

Jason kissed Aaron on his cheek and made for the door, " I'll call you..."

Aaron nods and watched Jason disappear out the door, he sighed and fell back onto the sofa grabbing the remote control and switched the TV on.

There was a knock at the door. Aaron pulled a smirk as he launched himself off the sofa, "Knew you'd forget something!" he said, because it was bound to be Jason.

Aaron pulled open the front door...

...to see Frank stood there...

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Sorry about the delay! I've been busy working again...Next time Who does Frank play hero too?