Chapter 21

Martha sat in front of Jack, still holding his gaze. "You...you don't mean that!" she said, standing up. He took hold of her hand. "I do, Martha. I love you" he repeated. "Stop it, Jack. Stop it!" she cried, and ran from the house.

She ran onto the beach and collapsed to her knees by the sea. She sobbed heavily. Why did he have to say that? Now of all times? She knew how much harder it was going to be to tell him the truth. She wrapped her arms around her knees. Here vision fell upon a young couple a few feet away. They were around her and Jack's age and were kissing and splashing each other with water. They looked so happy. She wanted to scream as she realised that was how she and Jack should be. Young and in love. Not young and unhappy. Why did she have to screw up so many times?

"Martha!" a voice called. Martha swivelled round and saw Jack walking towards her. She quickly gathered to her feet and began walking away from him. She could hear him calling her name again. "Martha!" he called. This time his voice was edging closer and closer. She picked up her pace, desperately trying to escape him. Then suddenly he stood in front of her, his hand clasped tightly on her arms. "What's going on?" he demanded. She looked at him and remained silent. "Martha please!" he begged.

"Jack. Let go of me!" she demanded, trying to wriggle free from his grasp. He remained gripped to her. "Martha tell me" he snapped. She looked at him again. He looked so serious and upset. She couldn't help but let soft tears fall from her eyes. She gave him a weak smile and took her hands into his. "Jack, we can't do this" she said. Jack looked at her, confused. "What?" he said. "I don't understand what's happening" he cried.

"Jack, please. Just...let me go. Find somebody else. You don't deserve me"

"What! That's crazy! I love you!" he said. She backed away from him. "Stop saying that! Just let me go" she cried. Jack watched her as she backed away further, until she eventually disappeared from sight. He collapsed to his knees, sobbing. What was going on?