Chapter 16

Martha lay still on her bed, staring at the ceiling. She didn't know what to do with herself. She wanted so badly to go to the hospital and see Jack, yet she knew she'd have no chance with Alf being in the next room. He was concerned about her and right now he couldn't bear to let her out of his sight. He feared for her. Going through so much. He knew how much her relationship with Jack meant to her. He knew she doted on him and would do anything for him. Seeing him go through this made him realise she was an adult. Not the little girl she was all those years ago.

Lucas paced up and down the corridor of the hospital whilst Tony sat on a chair with his head resting against the wall. "How long has it been?" asked Lucas. Tony lifted his head up and looked at Lucas. "Half an hour" he said. Lucas' eyes widened. "Is that it?" he exclaimed. Tony sighed. "Yes, Lucas. It has been half an hour and in another half an hour it will have been an hour and so on, so there really is no need to ask me again, ok?" he snapped. Lucas stared at him, shocked. Tony shook his head. "I'm sorry, Luke." he said, signalling for Lucas to sit down. They sat besides one another. "It's just" Tony began. "Him being down their just reminds me of when he was there with his ear. All the waiting around we did. I'm sorry" he said. Lucas placed his hand on his Dad's shoulder. "It'll be ok, Dad" he said. Tony looked up at him and smiled. He knew that, whilst he was worried about Jack, Lucas was too, and he needed looking after as well.

"Mr Holden?" Tony looked up, and saw a doctor watching over him. He quickly stood up. "Hey doc how is he?" he asked. The doctor smiled. "He's still in theatre but it's all going well we're just hoping this will sort it" he said. Tony smiled and shook his hand. "Thanks" he said. The doctor smiled again. "I'll keep you informed" he said, and turned and headed back towards theatre. Tony turned and looked at Lucas. A smile shared between them, and they embraced in a hug.

"Thanks Tony" said Alf, as he put the phone down. He turned to face Martha, who had now sat back in the front room. "That was Tony. Jack's operation is going well. They're hoping it won't be long now" he said. Martha smiled. "That's great!" she said as tears filled her eyes. She stood up. "Where are you going love?" asked Alf. She looked at him. "To the beach. I'll be fine Granddad" she smiled and headed out of the door.

As she sat back on the bench besides the sea, Martha thought of the previous few weeks. Her and Jack finally together again. She'd spent the last few hours thinking of him, and had come to the conclusion that as soon as se could she would go to the hospital and tell him the truth...