DON'T OWN ANY OF THE CHARACTERS IN THE FICTION...

Aaron felt happy enough, felt relaxed enough to head back home. For the first time in a long time he felt ready to face the world on his own...without Jackson. But this didn't stop him from groaning when they landed in England and he saw the heavy rain. A far cry from the beautiful sun, sea and sands he had just left behind. He said his goodbyes to Adam and made his way into the quiet and empty house of Dale Head.

The days following their return from Lanzerote Adam and Aaron had barely seen one another. Probably a healthy option after spending a whole week in each others pockets.

Now he was back, he wasn't necessarily bored with life but he wasn't exactly jumping around with joy either. Now the holiday was over he felt he had no real reason to get out of bed apart from the days he was working. On his days off he would just lie there watching television and waiting...waiting for next months envelope. He wondered what journey Jackson had planned for him next. He knew his friends wouldn't be est pleased with him especially as he had been so positive on holiday, but when Jackson was alive he loved for him and now he was gone he lived for his messages. The phone rang.

'Hello'

'hey mate, how are you?' Adam asked happily.

'oh full of the joys of life here mate!'

'Me too...me too'

'What s got you so happy?'

'Oh nothing much. Just life in general. Anyway I'm calling to invite you out tomorrow night. I know it's short notice but what ever you have planned cancel!'

'Ok..hold on a sec and I will just consult with my diary' Aaron said full of sarcasm in his voice. 'Oh look whaddya know? I appear to be free tomorrow night!.'

'Good, we're all meeting in La Tasca at seven.'

'Who's we?'

'Oh just a few of the family. See you tomorrow.'

Aaron felt angry as he hung up the phone. Had Adam completely forgotten that he was a grieving boyfriend and that life just wasn't a barrel of laughs for him any more?

Aaron arrived at the restaurant a little late. As he walked to the table he stopped in his tracks and his heart sank. Couples.. He wasn't sure he could go through with this. He quickly ran for the nearest exit in the hope that he wouldn't be seen. Once outside in the cool air he started trying to formulate a excuse to tell Adam.

'Hey Aaron'.

He slowly turned round, realising he had been spotted. It was Daniel. He was leaning against a wall smoking a cigarette.

'Hey Daniel. I didn't realise you smoked.'

'I don't normally but I'm trying to decide whether to join the happy couples in there, and this is helping' he said pointing to his cigarette.

'Yeah tell me about it. As soon as I saw them I made a run for it!'

Daniel just laughed. 'I won't tell them I saw you if that helps.'

'You going in then?'

'Yeah. I gotta face the music at some point, may as well get it over and done with now!'

Daniel laughed at the expression on Aaron's face as he realised that he too would have to face them at some point. 'You don't have to come in. I promise your secrets safe with me. Although it would be nice to have the company of another loner though.'

Aaron smiled at him. It was comforting to know that he wasn't the only one feeling alone.

'Just to warn you though Daniel, I plan on leaving as early as possible!'

'Good, I'll drive you.'

'You don't have to do that!'

'No I don't. But it gives me a good excuse to leave as well doesn't it. What time are we planing on our getaway?'

'I wanna be outta there and at home before half eleven.' he had planned on being at home and opening his next instalment of envelope by twelve.

'Sounds like a plan. We will just tell them you will turn into a pumpkin if your not home by then'

and they both laughed as they made their way in to the restaurant. After making their apologies for being late and saying there hello's to everyone they took a seat at the table. They were just finishing off there main courses when Adam piped up

'Ok everyone, I know you all would like to know why I invited you all out tonight.'

'Understatement of the year' Daniel muttered under his breathe and Aaron sat there laughing at him.

'Well me and Mia have an announcement to make. We are getting married.'

Aaron had certainly not seen that one coming. It was a shock to say the least. Tears filled his eye's as he went over to congratulate the couple. This was all too much for him. Everyone clinked their glasses together and Aaron just sat there in silence eating his pudding. how about we make the escape a little earlier than planned aye' Daniel whispered in Aaron's ear. Aaron just nodded in agreement.

They both just sat in the car in silence trying to digest the nights events. Aaron really wanted to be happy for his friends and deep down he was but he just couldn't shake off the feeling of being left behind. It would seem like everyone else's life was moving along just nicely, apart from his. He was stuck in limbo and there seemed to be no way of getting out. They pulled up outside of Dale Head and out of politeness he asked Daniel if he wanted to come in for coffee. But really he just wanted to be left alone.

It was nearing five past twelve and Daniel seemed to be in no hurry to leave. They sat making small talk for a while and Aaron was relieved to say the least when Daniel grabbed his coat and headed for the door. After saying their goodbyes he headed straight for the kitchen. He picked up the envelope off of the kitchen table where he had left it earlier that evening. Right Jackson Walsh...what have you got in-store for me this month?...

Thank you to everyone that is following this fic and is still interested in this...