A/N: Okay, so here's another update! This is a longer chapter as a lot goes out with a biiiiiig finish to it, so let's see what you think :P Enjoy and don't forget to review!

The Unexpected Acquaintance

Chapter Twenty-One

Resolution

Lindsey sat in the small cell, on the tiny, thin bed, staring at the steel toilet bowl opposite her. She drew her legs up, shivering and pulling the blanket tight around her. She hadn't slept at all last night, tormented by demons and visions of what she'd done.

Lindsey looked down at her bump, her throat clogging with tears. She rubbed her hands over it, feeling the slight kicks. I've failed you, she thought miserably. Failed you before you were even born. When had she become such a terrible person? When had she stopped being the cheerful, feisty and strong woman she used to be? Maybe this was karma, for destroying Joe the way she did. For the lies and the secrets, for sleeping with his brother the moment his back was turned...

Lindsey felt bile rise in her throat. Her baby kicked again, harder. She rested her head back against the cold stone of the cell, tears running down her cheeks.

There was the sound of heavy boots from behind the metal door, the bolt sliding across. Lindsey wiped her eyes as a police officer walked in. 'We've had some new information,' he said, wrinkles deepening as he spoke. 'We've had a witness testify that it can't have been you at the scene, as they'd just seen you before it happened.' He eyed her with a look of scrutiny.

Lindsey sat up. 'I told you it wasn't me.'

He grunted. 'Well, you're free to go. You can collect any personal items at the front desk.' He stepped aside to let her out and she hurried down the corridor. Someone was a witness? Maybe Freddie had sorted something out; maybe he'd given her an alibi-

Lindsey slowed when she saw Gabby stood by the desk, holding her handbag and looking impatient. 'Your things.' Gabby gestured to the woman on reception, who was holding a clear plastic bag filled with her clothes and phone. Lindsey ducked her head and took the bag, going to the toilets to change. She returned a couple of minutes later and handed back the scrubs she'd been forced into.

Gabby led the way outside and down the steps, pausing in the car park.

Lindsey glanced at her, twisting her hands nervously. 'Thank you.'

'I didn't do it for you,' Gabby snapped, turning to her. 'I did it for your baby. What use are you if you're in jail?'

Lindsey looked down, cheeks flaming. She should have thought about her baby before grabbing the knife and heading out, but she hadn't. She felt ashamed at herself. 'I'm sorry-'

'I don't want to hear it.' She stared, green eyes blazing. 'I nearly died. Now, I've got you out of this, but I won't do it again. Just stay away from me and Joe. He's happy.'

Lindsey swallowed. 'I know.'

Gabby hitched her bag on her shoulder and glanced at her bump. 'Concentrate on what you've got. Move on.'

'Gabby?'

Both women jumped. Joe was behind her, frowning and Gabby sighed. 'I had to, Joe.'

Lindsey looked at him. 'It was you? You called the police.'

Joe said nothing. Gabby looked at her. 'I smelt your perfume at the hospital. I wasn't going to call the police.'

'I had to do something,' Joe growled, stepping forward. 'How could you stab her, Lindsey?'

'Joe, leave it.' Gabby sighed. 'Let's just go.'

'Wait.' Lindsey shifted on the spot. 'I'm glad you're happy. I really am.'

Joe glanced at Gabby, then back at her. 'I'm happy you finally got a chance to be a mum.' He put his arm around Gabby, and the two walked back towards the village. Lindsey let out a shaky breath, watching them leave and feeling an odd sense of relief. She turned, walking in the opposite direction.

Gabby was right. It was time to move on.

Ruby and Esther were in The Dog, writing up a big list of needs for the Halloween Party. The decorations they did have were tatty and old from years of overuse, and now the two girls were in charge, they decided a full deck-out was needed. Skeletons, included.

Ruby looked up as Ziggy strode in, straight from the garage and still in his overalls. He smiled, coming over. 'Afternoon, ladies.'

'Lunch break?' Ruby asked, setting her pen down and taking a sip of coke through the straw. He nodded, holding a list.

'I have orders. Joe's extra hungry, so he wants a double chicken burger.'

'What are you having?' Esther asked, deadpan. 'Salad? Maybe half a tomato?'

'Funny.' Ziggy gestured to his front. 'This body don't sculpt itself, y'know.' Esther rolled her eyes.

'Don't remind me. If I come across another one of your Men's Fitness magazines, I'll lose my mind.'

Ziggy grinned, leaning down to kiss Ruby's cheek. 'I might be a little late.'

'It's okay,' Ruby shrugged, showing him the list. 'We're catching a taxi soon. Will you be able to pick us up from the bus station in Chester this evening? Saves on fare.'

Ziggy nodded. 'Sure, jus' give us a call when you're nearly done.' He moved over to the counter to order lunch, as Ruby shoved the list in her bag and zipped it up.

'We best go,' Esther grinned as they finished their drinks and got ready to leave. 'I "borrowed" Frankie's credit card and I don't think she's noticed yet.'

Ruby winced. 'Quick, then. She'll be mad.' They hurried and left, already swapping ideas for how they could dress the pub up. 'One thing's for sure,' Ruby smiled, as they waited for a taxi at the depot. 'It's going to be the best Halloween party there's been!'

Emmy sighed as she doodled in her Geography book, listening to Mr Vane droning on about rock formations and mountains, waiting for the lunch bell. She was sat at the front, beside some geek who loved Mr Vane a little too much. She'd never seen any lick arse so much in her entire life.

She sighed, staring out the window.

Her dad hadn't been happy with her at all. He knew the twins, somehow, and she knew he was serious when he told her to stay away from them.

Difficult when she shared three out of four classes with them. And she hadn't missed Robbie's glare when he saw she'd moved seats, or the fact that his eyes had been glued to the back of her head every time she'd glanced around.

There was an element of danger about Robbie, an element she wasn't sure she wanted to get involved with. He seemed to have a thing about tormenting her about her problems and he was very, very devious.

Well, she wasn't going to listen to it. She was going to stay away from him, just like Trevor said. But, Jason?

Despite their fall-out, she still liked him. He was charming and funny, and extremely thoughtful. And he had a cute grin, which caused a dimple to flash in his cheek.

Not like Robbie's slow-burn grin, lifting at one side and spreading slowly to the other. Emmy risked a glance over her shoulder.

Yep, still staring. And glaring. Her stomach gave a funny flip and she clenched the pen tighter.

The bell rang and she jumped, pen clattering to the floor. She hurried to pick it up, as other students grabbed bags and left. Mr Vane yelled about homework behind the flow of heads departing the classroom.

Emmy grabbed her bag and headed for the door. To her dismay, Robbie was waiting outside. 'You moved seat.'

'So, what?' she muttered, walking past him. He fell into easy step beside her.

'Why?'

'Because you're a dick, that's why.' He grinned. Emmy rolled her eyes. 'That's not a good thing.'

'I wanted to say sorry for the other day.' Emmy stopped at the locker, narrowing her eyes a little. He shrugged.

'I don't trust you, Robbie. You're up to something.'

'You always think the worse of me,' he replied, putting a hand to his chest and doing his best to look offended. Emmy raised an eyebrow and held out a hand.

'My pills.'

He sighed and pulled them from his jeans pocket. He dropped them in her hand. 'Will you tell me what they're for now?'

Emmy hesitated. He'd given them up pretty easily- well, after two days- and maybe if she told him something, he might back off. She tilted her head, studying him. Robbie's own gaze was unrelenting. 'Well?'

'They stop me stressing out too bad. I get panic attacks; it's the only thing that helps.' She watched as he processed this, waiting for some stupid remark, waiting for that sneer...

It didn't come. 'You know, we're havin' a little get-together in the woods tonight. You should come.'

Emmy blinked at the sudden change of subject. 'I can't.'

'Why not?'

'I don't want to.'

He leaned closer and she caught the whiff of his deodorant. 'I ain't scared of your dad.' He looked her gaze and they stared for a moment too long. Emmy looked away, flushing brightly.

'I don't want to come; I have things to do tonight.' She turned her back, unlocking her locker and shoving in her Geography book. 'Thanks for the offer.'

'Shame.' She turned, noticing his eyes had been on her bum. He smirked. Emmy was ready to punch him one and he was lucky Jason turned up.

'Emmy!' He was grinning.

'Yeah, hello, Jase,' Robbie scowled. 'Ain't seen me for hours either. Y'know, your twin.'

Jason elbowed him, before looking back at Emmy. 'What are you doing tonight?'

'She's busy,' Robbie put in. Emmy glared.

'I don't know, why?'

'Well, we're having camp out in the woods,' Jason replied, glancing at his twin. 'Holly's gonna be there.'

Emmy hesitated, looking at Robbie. He'd gone still, just staring at her, waiting for her answer. She'd only said no because she thought it was just a ploy to get her alone. But, if Jason was going... 'I'd love to.'

Jason grinned. Robbie's face went black. 'Ace! Well, I'll tell Holly. She's bringing alcohol from her Mum's shop. Robbie...?' He watched, confused, as his twin stalked off without another word. He looked back, shrugging at Emmy. 'Dunno what his problem is. Anyway, what time can you get out?'

'It's Friday, so my dad will be out. I have to be back by 10pm, because if he realizes I'm gone he'll go nuts.' She felt nervous at the thought. But, spending time with Jason was worth it. 'Pick me up at seven?'

Jason grinned, that dimple flashing. 'See you then.'

Lindsey pushed open the front door and stepped inside, never feeling as grateful about being home as she did now. She shut the door and leaned against the wood, taking in all the familiar objects and the homely smell.

Freddie appeared in the hallway; he looked tired and she knew he probably got as much sleep as she did last night. He was frowning at her, brow creased and deep, deep bags under his eyes. He clutched a coffee cup in one hand and a slice of toast in the other. 'Linds? What happened?'

Lindsey's bottom lip trembled when she tried to speak. She paused, taking a breath and looking down. 'The police knew I'd done it.'

'How did you get out?' He still hadn't moved from the spot and it worried her. She wanted nothing more than to be wrapped up in his strong arms, protected from everything outside. Instead, she stood still, back to the door, hands twisting nervously.

'Gabby told the police that she'd seen me moments before the attack. She said it couldn't have been me.'

Freddie looked surprised. 'She did that?'

Lindsey nodded. 'Freddie, I know I've messed up. But, being in that cell...' She rubbed her eyes, trying to keep the tears at bay. 'It put everything into perspective, you know? It made me realize how lucky I am to have you, and to have our baby. I've been given a second chance and I nearly threw all of that away in a stupid moment of madness.' She looked at him. 'You'll never understand how sorry I am. I wish I never did anything to that woman.'

Freddie was in front of her in three long strides, pulling her close to his chest as she sobbed, unable to hold it back any longer. He soothed her, fingers running through her long dark hair, and she gripped his shirt and kept it close.

'I love you, Freddie,' she gasped, looking up, tears clinging to her lashes. Freddie cupped her cheek, staring down at her.

'I love you too, Lindsey.' His words were soft, filling her with the comfort she needed. 'I'd do anything to make you happy. I want you to be happy.'

'I'm happy with you,' Lindsey replied, reaching for his hand. 'I want to be with you, I belong here.'

He smiled, mouth lifting at the corner. 'We'll be okay. But, I meant what I said yesterday. We need a fresh start.'

The idea was very tempting. She sighed, pressing her face into his chest. 'I'll go anywhere as long as it's with you, Freddie. I mean it.' He led her into the front room, giving her a soft kiss.

'Stay here; I'll make you'll somethin' nice. I know the food they serve is shit.'

She chuckled softly, resting back against the chair as he left for the kitchen, hands on her bump and feeling for movement.

A fresh start, for them and for their baby. She was going to be the best mum she could be; she wasn't going to risk losing that chance again.

'A few other lads from my year are gonna meet us down at the camp,' Finn said, as he gelled his hair in the twins' wardrobe mirror. 'Bringing tents, the lot. Gonna be a great night.'

'As long as Holly turns up with the goods,' Robbie muttered, lounging on the bed. 'Who else is coming? Any birds?'

'Don't think so. Just Holly an' that Emmy girl your brother likes.' Finn glanced in the mirror, noticing Robbie's sour expression. 'Fuck me, mate, why the long face?'

'Nothing,' Robbie scowled, straightening up and grabbing a clean jacket from behind the door. He slid it over his tee.

'Bullshit; last time I seen a face like that, it was on Katy when she wasn't allowed a cookie. You aren't happy.'

'I said it's nothing,' Robbie muttered, shoving the younger lad out the way and sorting his hair in the mirror.

'You fancy her, don't you?' Finn goaded. Robbie glared. 'Gettin' green-eye?'

'Shut your fuckin-'

'Green-eyed about what?' Jason asked, coming into the room and pulling off his shirt. He moved to the wardrobe, looking through the clothes. Robbie glared silently at Finn.

Finn cleared his throat. 'Green cause... I pull better birds than him.' Robbie frowned and Finn shrugged. Jason grinned over his shoulder, sliding on a red t-shirt.

'I ain't seen either of you with birds. Not since the Phoebe fiasco.'

'Yeah, cause you're rolling in pussy, ain't ya?' Robbie snapped. 'Hurry the fuck up, I want to get out of here.'

Jason sighed, knowing how fiery his twin could be at times. He probably needed a fag. He grabbed his aftershave from the side and slapped it on his cheeks, giving himself the once-over with a can of deodorant before following the other two out the room.

Finn grinned, bouncing down the stairs behind Robbie. 'Let's get hammered!'

A large fire burned in the middle of the clearing, logs marking benches around the flames and two large tents set up behind them. Holly managed to be true to her word, bringing plenty of alcohol; beer, alcopops and a couple of bottles of wine.

Robbie and Finn were sat on the other side of the fire, smoking what smelt like a joint, laced with burnt wood. The fire crackled, licking the air.

Holly was stood with some boy from Finn's class, twirling her hair and giggling a lot over her bottle of WKD.

Jason and Emmy sat together, pressed against each other for warmth. Though it was mid-October, it was still cold, a definite chill in the air. 'Having fun?' Jason asked her. Her teeth chattered in reply and he laughed, curling his arm around her back and drawing her close. How he could wear just a hoody in this weather was beyond her. She was wrapped up to the eyeballs and still cold.

Emmy sighed, resting against him. Her hand fell to his stomach and she could feel the tough abs rippling beneath her touch. 'I'm just happy you're here. I wasn't going to come.'

'Someone asked you?'

'Robbie.' She stared into the flames, not seeing the frown on Jason's face, or his eyes seeking his twin across the clearing. She sighed, stretching her legs. 'I've never been to a party before,' she admitted.

'What, never?'

'Not even a birthday party.' Emmy shut her eyes briefly, remembering back to her painful childhood.

'Your mummy's a tramp!' the other kids yelled and taunted, pulling her hair and pinching her arms. 'My daddy says she's an alco...alcoholist!'

Another memory, even worse to remember.

'Mummy?' Emmy stood trembling in the bedroom door, clutching the birthday invite in her hands. She was trembling, but she forced herself to speak louder. 'Mummy?'

Someone stirred in the bed. Heather groaned, rolling over in a drunken stupor. Emmy stepped in, bare-foot on the carpet. 'Mummy?'

Steve sat up and she froze in terror. He looked at her, his face reddening, eyes widening like they always did when he was mad. 'The fuck do you think you're doing?! Waking us up, you know you shouldn't come in here!' He was charging out of bed, balding head and beer belly, stomping across the room.

The first blow hit her cheekbone and her head glanced off the door frame. 'I'm sorry, I'm-'

He grabbed her up by one arm, twisting hard. Spittle speckled the bottom of his chin. 'How many times do I have to tell you?!' His large hand came up, swinging down-

'Emmy?'

Her eyes snapped open. She swallowed hard, straightening up. 'Sorry.'

Jason was frowning at her. 'Is everything all right?'

Emmy forced a smile, trying to act as normal as she could. 'Sorry, I was away with the fairies. What were you saying?'

He looked at her for a moment longer, before seeming satisfied that all was well. 'We'll have to start walking in a bit, if you want to get home in time.'

She nodded, picking up her bottle and taking another sip. They'd been here nearly two hours and she was still on her first bottle, some fruity beverage. Good going, she thought. She wasn't going to get drunk and make a fool of herself. She was a real light-weight as it was.

Jason put his arm back around her and she took a moment to look around. Holly and the boy were making out, his hand going places it really shouldn't have been. She blushed and looked away, noticing Robbie saunter over. He was still smoking that joint, eyes glazed and lidded. He took a slow drag, watching the two.

'Where's Finn?' Jason frowned, trying to look around his twin.

'Gone for a piss.'

Emmy felt the first droplets of wet on her cheeks, glancing up. 'Great.' She was definitely going to be ill tomorrow.

'We're going soon, Rob,' Jason said, shoving up his hood as the rain started to come down a little harder. Robbie nodded, glancing at Emmy.

'Not staying the night then?'

'Emmy needs to be home.'

Robbie glanced at him, cocking his head. 'Ain't you a gentleman.' He laughed, looking at Emmy. 'You taken your pill today?'

Emmy stared at him, wishing the ground would swallow her up. Jason was frowning between the pair, but she was unable to look away from Robbie. She narrowed her eyes and stood up.

'That's my business.'

Robbie smirked, took a drag and blew it in her face. Emmy growled and shoved at his chest. He raised an eyebrow. 'So violent.'

'Robbie, leave it out,' Jason sighed, also on his feet. 'C'mon, Emmy, I'll walk you home.' She turned, grabbing her WKD and with a last glare at Robbie, followed him from the clearing. Jason looked at her when they were out of earshot.

'Your pill?'

Emmy glanced at him, chewing her bottom lip. 'It's to help with my anxiety, that's all. Robbie saw them; he thinks they're my mental pills.' To her relief, Jason grinned, shaking his head.

'Trust Robbie to blow things out of proportion. He's quite good at that.' He reached out, sliding her hand into his. Emmy looked up, surprise overtaken by a big smile. He squeezed her fingers gently, before leading her along the dirt path towards the track, the grin not leaving his lips.

At the camp, Robbie watched them go, jaw tense. He only turned at the yell of his name, Finn running out the woods. 'Look what I've found!'

'Please tell me it ain't a dead body,' Robbie muttered, shoving past Holly and her tongue-tied beau, jogging through the trees after his best mate. The others, curious, followed, until they reached an old broken down Morris Minor. 'How fucking old is this car?'

'What does it matter?' Finn grinned, already sliding into the driver's seat. 'It still works.'

'Yeah, right.' Finn winked and turned the key in the engine. It spluttered into life. A grin spread across Robbie's face. 'Brilliant! Give us a blast, then.'

'No chance,' Holly butted in, swishing forward. 'I provided the alcohol, I get the first ride.' She smirked, nudging Robbie out the way with her hip. She slid into the passenger seat, giving the door two slams to shut it. 'Whose do you think it is?'

Finn shrugged. 'Fuck knows.' The rain was falling heavier, the windscreen wipers inching painfully slow across the glass.

'Let's go!' urged Holly, bouncing in the ripped leather seats. She flashed Robbie a grin. 'See you on the other side!'

The Morris Minor churned dirt as it drove off through the trees and disappeared into the rainy night, the roaring engine fading into silence.

It was already dark by the time Ziggy pulled up in the Fiat, rain hammering on the windscreen. Ruby and Esther came running out the bus stop, laden with bags, throwing themselves into the car. Ruby grinned, her curls soaked to her head, slamming the passenger door shut. 'Lovely weather.'

'That's Britain for you,' Ziggy replied, glancing in his wing mirror before pulling away from the curb. They hit the road and he narrowed his eyes, trying to see through the rain.

'We got some amazing deals,' Ruby continued, rifling through the bags on her lap.

'We got loads for the Halloween party,' Esther added from the back seat. 'The Dog's going to look great this year. We really want to go all out.'

'I look forward to seeing it,' Ziggy replied, taking a turn and heading back towards the main road. 'It'll be great with you two in charge.'

Ruby smiled, reaching out to squeeze his knee. 'I tried on my dress today. I'm not going to buy it until February, but I couldn't help wearing it.' She let out a dreamy sigh, resting her head against the headrest. 'I can't wait for you to see it.'

Ziggy glanced at her, eyes crinkling in the corners when he smiled. 'You'll be the most beautiful bride I've seen.'

'I'll be the most beautiful bridesmaid!' Esther called. Ziggy chuckled, focused on the road ahead. The rain was heavy, pounding the road as he sped along. His headlights didn't help, even on full beam.

'Ziggy.' Ruby caught his attention, and he glanced at her. She was twirling a red garter, a devious look in her eye. She smirked. 'I bought something for the wedding night too.'

'It'll be worth the-'

'ZIGGY!' Esther's scream cut through the air. He jumped, looked ahead and slammed on the brakes, but it was too late. The tyres locked and he skidded, as a car collided with his.

His stomach was in his mouth as the car flipped in the air, over and over, the girls screaming, metal grinding, glass shattering and-

His whole world went black.

Don't hate me!