CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE

Martha slowly walked back up the stairs towards the apartment. She'd gone and sat at the beach for about an hour after her outburst at Macca. She was going to apologise; she had been a birch and it was totally uncalled for. Macca didn't deserve to be treated that way.

She knew that he would eventually have to go back to the farm, but she wasn't expecting him to announce it today. She had been selfish; her other brothers needed Macca aswell. She couldn't be greedy and expect him to stay just for her. She couldn't keep him to herself.

She walked into the apartment and moved into the kitchen, where Macca was standing and drinking a coffee.

"Have you cooled down yet?" he asked her.

"Yes, and I'm sorry for being a bitch. I was being selfish," Martha answered. "I just wasn't expecting it, that's all. I am sorry," she said.

"But you do understand that I have to go back? The boys are really struggling and they need me back," Macca told her.

Martha nodded. "Yes, I understand. But I'm really going to miss you," she exclaimed.

"I'm going to miss you too bug. But I'll be back after that kid is born, I promise," Macca pulled her into a hug.

"Okay," Martha sniffed.

"Don't start crying yet. I've still got another week here," Macca then said.

Martha smiled. "Good," she exclaimed. "Now, onto the important stuff; where's my sandwich gone?"

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THE NEXT DAY

"I completely flipped out at him. I felt like an idiot and a selfish cow," Martha told Jack as they walked hand and hand up to the front door of Sally's place.

"He probably thought you were nuts," Jack teased.

"Funny," Martha glared at him as she knocked on the door.

"Hey guys, come in," Cassie smiled at them.

Martha walked up to Cassie; giving her a quick hug.

"Where's Sal and Flynn?" Jack asked.

"Oh, they just had to pop down to the shops and grab a few more things for dinner," Ric answered.

Martha smiled as she watched Cassie give Ric a kiss on the cheek. They had decided to give their relationship another chance. Ric and Belle had broken up, and Belle was also now dating Drew.

Martha walked over to the couch and sat down. "Hey Pippa," Martha cooed to the little girl sitting on the floor.

Pippa looked up at her and smiled. She then stood up and walked over to Martha; crawling up onto the couch beside her. "Baby," Pippa said softly as she poked at Martha's stomach.

Martha laughed. "Yeah, that's a baby," she said.

"I can't wait until the baby comes," Cassie sighed.

"Me neither. I just want it out. I'm sick of looking like a cow," Martha smiled.

"Hey, you look great," Sally exclaimed as she walked through the door with Flynn.

"That's what I keep saying," Jack agreed.

"So, thanks for inviting us for dinner," Martha said. "Grandad and Macca should be here soon".

"Great," Sally nodded.

"So Martha, how are you feeling?" Flynn asked.

"Okay," Martha answered.

"The baby is doing okay then?" Flynn then asked.

"Yeah, it's been starting to kick a lot more over the last couple of weeks. And I've also got another ultrasound coming up soon, so we're really looking forward to that," Martha explained.

"That's great. If you have any other questions at all, you know you can come to me," Flynn assured Martha.

"Yeah, I know. Thanks," Martha smiled.

Sally then walked over and sat down. "After dinner we can go upstairs and have a look through some of Pippa's stuff from when she was baby. Anything you want, you can have," she told Martha.

"Thanks, I appreciate it," Martha thanked her.

"Good. Now who wants a drink?" Sally asked.

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A WEEK LATER

The next week went by quickly, and it was now time for Macca to leave. Martha was really upset; she wished her didn't have to go. But she knew he had to. Alf was driving Macca to the airport, so he was busy packing Macca's bags into his ute.

Macca shook hands with Jack. "Look after bug for me," he said.

Jack nodded. "Don't worry, I will," he promised.

Macca then moved towards Martha and pulled her into a warm embrace.

"I'll miss you," Martha whispered.

"I'll miss you too," Macca told her. "If you ever need to talk, just call me okay. I'll always have time for you," he said.

"I will," Martha nodded.

"Make sure someone calls me the minute that kid is born," Macca added.

Martha smiled and hugged him again; crying into his shoulder.

"Stop that crying," Macca laughed. "You're going to be fine without me," he insisted as he pulled away. "Bye," he gave her a kiss on the cheek and moved towards the car; jumping into the passenger seat of Alf's ute.

Jack wrapped an arm around Martha's shoulders and pulled her closer to him. Macca stuck his hand out the window and waved as the car drove away.

Martha sighed and looked up at Jack. "It's going to be weird not having him around".

"Yeah," Jack nodded. "You want to go back to my place?" Jack suggested.

Martha nodded and took Jack's hand as they walked off towards his car.

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