Chapter 28
Jack remained in front of Martha. He opened his mouth to speak, but he couldn't seem to find what he wanted to say. Martha bit her lip, praying he would say something...anything and break the awkward silence. She reached out her hand to touch his, but he pulled away. Slowly he backed away from her, steadying his balance as much as possible. Martha looked at the expression that stayed painted onto his face, and she couldn't tell whether he was going to cry or laugh. "Jack, please. Say something..." she said, trying to hold back the tears. Jack placed his head into his hands. "I...I have to go" he stammered. Martha watched him as he backed away, towards the door.
"Go where?" she asked. He blinked a few times and grabbed the door handle. "To...err...I don't know...anywhere...bye" he said. His breathing seemed to be pacing. He grabbed the handle of the door with his hand, which was shaking and opened it. Martha watched as he walked out, closing the door behind him. Standing still for a moment, she contemplated going after him, but decided against it. She knew he would need time and space, she just wondered how much time and space.
As he walked onto the beach, Jack headed for a secluded spot just beside the sea. He walked over and sat down. Picking up a handful of sand, he watched as it slipped back through his fingers, grain by grain. He wiped his hands together, removing any remaining sand and placed his head into his hands. Not long ago, he and Martha had been so happy, so in love. Now everything was going wrong.
Martha sat on the couch. She was fidgeting uncontrollably as she tried to gather her thoughts. One by one, they piled up in her mind, and she couldn't seem to budge them.
Jack sat with his head in his hands. He did love Martha, and he knew she loved him, but now so many things were changing, not only was she married but she was pregnant. He hadn't even considered asking if the baby was his. All he could think about was the mess they were in, and he was left wondering if there was any way back for them...
