Flint strode into the offices of the Wizarding Wireless Network. He couldn't believe he had to do an interview about his love life. Why was everyone so interested all of a sudden? At least he'd be talking to that Goldie bloke, and not some simpering, romantic, starry eyed witch.
He was early. He began to pace outside Goldie Dorato's studio. Apparently the bloke had just had his first child. He spent his entire show talk bout how great his son was, how beautiful his girlfriend or wife was. Marcus supposed it was alright really. This Goldie bloke was probably a nice enough guy.
He heard the door open and a voice ask: "You ready?"
"Yeah let's get it over with."
Marcus followed the young assistant into the small studio. Goldie was already chatting away. It was to be a short interview. Flint was on probation for the punch at Wood, and seriously considering quitting altogether. His team's manager was not happy with him. He was now a grown man suffering the shame of a curfew. Maybe he'd try talking to another team? See if they'd take him on if he promised to tone down his temper.
"And we're joined tonight by Falcon's fighter Marcus Flint." Goldie started. "How's things mate?"
"Not bad, thanks for having me on."
"Our pleasure Marcus. So you're here to clear up a few things right?"
"Right. First of all I'm single, I'mnot looking, I'm not interested. All these rumours about who I'm dating are doing my head in. And I'm not gay either. And even if I was Wood wouldn't stand a cat in hell's chance with me."
"Not your type?" Goldie asked laughing.
"Definitely not. Mind the Falcons all had bets on when he'd be coming out. Guess we were wrong."
"Haha. So Marcus, on to the more important things. You're on probation at the moment aren't you?"
"Yeah it's driving me nuts. I can't do anything."
"And why are you on probation?"
"I punched Wood."
"As if we didn't know. And I believe that's why you were rejected from the England Squad?"
"Yeah but I don't regret it. Not one bit."
"So can I ask why you did it?"
"He, uh upset a friend of mine. I couldn't really control myself."
"Yeah, you're quite famous for your temper."
"Hey mate if something's worth it you should always fight."
"I completely agree mate, couldn't have put it better myself. So how long you on probation for and what does it involve?"
"Indefinitely. I'm on a curfew, I'm going to be a good boy and go home straight after this. Anymore bad behaviour the boss has told me will earn me the boot. And I doubt another team would take me on after that."
"Ouch that sucks. Well I wish you all the best mate, and I bet a lot of our listeners do too."
"Thanks mate."
Marcus left, feeling good about himself. It hadn't been so bad, it was over quick enough. He had the rest of the evening to himself, although all he could do with it was go home to read or knit. It was sad what his life had become. At one time he would have been out with the lads enjoying himself. Now he was defending his sexuality on national radio and knitting. But he was content with the change. It wasn't so bad. He wondered briefly if Ayla's friends had heard the interview, and what they were now speculating.
Ayla sat on the sofa, debating what to do next. She had finished yet another book, and didn't quite have the energy to start another. She looked around the empty room and sighed, she was beginning to feel like a prisoner. She felt a rush of warmth as the fireplace burst into flame and jumped to her feet. She hadn't been expecting anyone.
"Hello my chicken!"
It was Chelsea.
"Hey, you've put on a little… oh Merlin you are pregnant! I knew it. And it's Wood's. But he's married to Kate. Wow this is bad."
"Uh yeah."
"Oh I knew it. I knew it, I saw it. I should have warned you. But this isn't how it's supposed to be. You're supposed to be with Wood, not Kate. What are you going to do?"
"There's nothing I can do. Something must have happened to change your vision."
"But what?"
"I don't know." Ayla lied.
"Why haven't you told us?"
Ayla shrugged.
"You are keeping the baby?"
"Yeah. I just , I don't know. I guess I don't want to explain it all."
"But we'd understand, you know that."
"I just I…look I'm going to be raising this baby alone. So I just want to do this on my own. Prove that I can."
"But you don't have to prove anything to us. And you don't have to do it alone. We'd all help."
"I know, I know. I just…it's what I want to do. I feel like it's what I have to do."
"But you don't-"
"I know! Look I'm sorry I shouldn't shout at you. It's not your fault. And it's great to see you. It really is."
"Well I hadn't seen you in a while. Not since little Owain was born. You should see him Ayla, he's gorgeous, looks just like his dad."
"Yeah?"
"Look, I don't want to make you do anything you don't want to. But come back to your parents with me. They'll be so happy to see you. And to hear your news."
"Chelsea I can't. I'm not ready. Not yet. I promise I will tell them. Just not yet."
"Well it's your choice. You know I could always tell them for you?"
"Thanks but I should really do that myself. You won't say anything?"
"No darling, I promise. But you should really do it soon."
"I know, I will. I promise."
"Good. So what are you having? Boy or girl?"
"I don't know. I was too scared to find out."
"It doesn't seem real at first does it?"
"Not really no."
Wow I am amazingly stupid! I could have sworn I posted this onFriday. I've been in a mood all week because no one reviewed. I'm seriouslylosing the plot.Anyway some clever person asked what Ayla's doing for money now that she's not working. Basically she's living off of her savings. Sorry I completely forgot to mention that, but now you all know so yay. Enjoy!
