Chapter 16 (Another short one. Sorry)
Carl sat back on the sofa, numb with shock. Martha placed her hand on his shoulder. 'Say something' she spoke, desperate to fill the silence. Carl raised his eyebrows.
'I don't know what to say' he replied. He turned to face Martha. 'When?' he stumbled. Martha shook her head. 'A few weeks ago. I know I should have told you straight away but I didn't want to lose you'. She replied. Carl ran his fingers through his hair.
'Without saying a word, he stood up and began walking out of the room. Martha stood too and followed him. 'Where you going?' she asked as he reached the front door. Carl shrugged. 'I don't know. I just need to go for a walk. I just...I just need to be alone'
'Well, don't be too long. Please' she begged. Carl ignored her comment and opened the door. 'I'll see you later' he whispered. As he closed the door. Martha felt tears sting her eyes, falling down her cheek.
She slowly walked back into the living room. She felt confused. Carls reaction hadn't been what she'd though it would. It hadn't been what she hoped. She knew he'd be shocked, but she didn't think he'd react like that.
Suddenly she felt herself wanting to call Jack. In times like this, they'd turn to each other and help each other, but she knew that involving Jack would only make things more complicated. After he'd walked out of the door, she'd told herself over and over again to forget about him, but she just couldn't.
He was her best friend. He knew everything about her. Without him, sh almost felt like something was missing. She just wanted the chance to tell him how she felt. To tell him that no matter what happens, he'll always be her best friend.
But most of all she wanted to tell him that she did love him. That she always had. But deep down, she knew she couldn't. No matter how big the temptation, she had to resist. Slowly, she slumped onto the couch whilst tears rolled down her cheeks.
Nothing made sense to her. The events of the last few weeks had changed her life, and the truth was, she wasn't sure how she felt any more. One thing she had realised was that she couldn't marry Carl yet, not whilst things were still so complicated...