Chapter 12

As he'd arrived at the house, Jack had held back on knocking for a few moments, whilst he tried gathering his thoughts together. He took a few deep breaths before knocking on the door. He tapped his fingers on the door frame whilst he was waiting for an answer.

'Hey Jack, come in. I'm just going' Carl had smiled, walking past Jack. Jack turned to see him hope down the front steps. 'You not staying?' he asked.

Carl shook his head. 'No. I'm going to meet some of the lads for a drink. If you get bored later, come and find us' he laughed. Jack smiled and nodded.

He watched as Carl walked down the street, his hands in his pockets and his head down. He then turned and walked in the front door.

'Mac, you here?' he asked. No reply. 'Mac?' he shouted again. He saw Martha apper at the top of the stairs, wearing only a towel, and couldn't control the blush creeping on his face.

'I'll be down in a minutes, I'm just getting dressed' she replied. 'Stick the kettle on'

Jack smiled and walked into the kitchen. He poured water into the kettle and placed it on the stand, flicking the on switch. A loud whistle echoed as the water began boiling.

Waiting for Martha, Jack sat down on the table and placed his head in his hands. A few moments later, he heard foot steps and turned to see Martha in the kitchen, dressed in jeans and a t shirt. Her hair was ringing wet and was dangling over her shoulders.

'So, what's up?' Jack asked. His stomach felt like it was spinning around. Martha pulled a chair out and sat on it besides Jack.

'I erm... I have something to tell you' she said. Jack nodded.

'Yes, I know that, but what is it?'

Martha looked down a bit her bottom lip. 'You remember a few weeks back, when Carl was away?' Jack nodded. 'Yes, I remember'

'Well I'm...pregnant'

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flashback - 6 weeks earlier

'Hey, you ready?' Jack called as he walked into the flat. He entered the living room and found Martha curled on the sofa, crying. He carefully approached her and knelt besides her. 'What's wrong?' he'd asked,so delicately.

Martha placed her head in her hands. 'We had a massive row about the wedding. He said he wasn't going to be there if Macca was there, after the fight they had last week. I screamed that if Macca wasn't there, then i wouldn't be. We ended up having a huge row, and I told him that if it was going to be like this, then perhaps we shouldn't get married. He stormed out' she sobbed.

Jack enveloped her into a hug, gently brushing his fingers through her hair. 'Shh' he whispered. 'It will all work out ok. I promise'

Martha continued sobbing. Eventually she lifted her head up. Jack smiled. 'He'd be a fool if he didn't marry you' he said, trying to make her feel better. Martha smiled gratefully.


'What am I going to do, Jack?' she cried. 'I feel like I'm being pulled between them'

Jack held her tighter. He remained silent, listening to her gentle sobs, and it broke his heart. 'Look at me' she said, a few moments later, peeling her head away from Jack's shoulder. 'You must think I'm a right saddo' she laughed. Jack shook his head.

'I'd never think that. You're the most beautiful girl in the world. Carl's the jerk, not you' he laughed.

Martha smiled. 'Thank you' she said, looking at him. Jack felt a spark fly between them, as their lips brushed together. He waited for a moment, expect her to pull away. When she didn't he continued. They began peeling one anothers clothes off, all the while, their lips still pressed together.

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Jack stared at Martha. 'You mean?'

Martha nodded. 'Yes Jack, there's a chance this baby could be yours'