The next day at breakfast they all pointedly ignored the fact that Herk was also there and, in fact after ten minutes or so, it rather stopped being awkward. Martin enjoyed the easy banter among them that he missed in his student flat. From the joking and comments, he gauged that Herk stayed over rather a lot; most nights that he wasn't flying in fact but he didn't say anything. It was strange, but not unpleasant to see Carolyn relaxed and smiling rather than tight lipped and worried about him and Douglas bankrupting her before tea time. After Martin had cleared away breakfast (very conscious of 'pulling his weight') Arthur suggested a nice summer walk with Snupadop.

'Be as long as you like!' came the call from the front room when Arthur asked if Carolyn would like to join them, so the two men set off alone. The area around Carolyn's house was gentle rolling English country side so the walk was lovely but not taxing. Most of the time Arthur and his Skipper walked side by side in comfortable silence, with Arthur speaking to give direction occasionally. They came to a lake that Snuperdop dived into gratefully (it was a hot summer's day) and they sat down on the bank, pleased for a rest.

Martin turned to Arthur, whose eyes were closed, enjoying the sunshine, 'Why are you doing this business exam anyway Arthur? You don't need it for MJN.'

'No, but Mum thought it might be good anyway.' Arthur picked up a blade of grass and ran it through his fingers. 'And, well she says, I might need it if I want to work anywhere else...'

Martin was baffled, 'Why would you ever want to work somewhere else?'

'Well, I wouldn't want to.' Arthur cleared his throat awkwardly. 'But I might have to. You know, if Douglas or you ever...'

'...Leave.' Martin finished the sentence for him. 'I see.'

Arthur hurriedly said, 'Which would be fine. Because Mum says that even you are too good for MJN and shouldn't stay forever. And I will be fine I am sure there is loads of Brilliant stuff I could do...'

But Martin could tell that, for once Arthur's enthusiasm was forced. At that moment Snupadop came a shook her coat all over them, sparing the awkward moment. They didn't mention the exam again that walk. Instead the whiled away the time playing 'yellow flower' and reminiscing about adventures they had enjoyed.

When they got home Carolyn came marching out of the sitting room and even the inexperienced Carolyn watcher could have spotted that she was at a force nine at least. 'Arthur, go and do some work.' She held up her hand as Arthur tired to object, 'DO NOT argue! Go.' Arthur ran off in the direction of the kitchen.

Carolyn rounded on Martin. 'A word. NOW!' Martin was terrified and genuinely couldn't think what he could have done wrong, but he dutifully followed Carolyn upstairs. When they got to the spare room, Carolyn marched towards the bed, and turned a piece of paper in her hand. Martin heart sank and he recognised the letter from Swiss Air. His acceptance letter.

'Ah, now Carolyn,' He ran a hand nervously through his hair. 'I was going to...hang on! That was in my bag!'

It was Carolyn's turn to look slightly embarrassed 'yes, well, it fell out when I moved you stuff to tidy.' She looked at Martin's doubtful expression. 'Honestly! And anyway that's not what this is about. Why the hell didn't you tell me?'

Martin stood awkwardly in the doorway. 'I was going to tell you and then...well, it was too hard and scary and. Well I don't think I am going to leave anyway.'

'That's what I am worried about Martin.' Carolyn was nearly shouting now. 'This is brilliant and you have to leave!' She waved the letter in his face. 'You were never even going to tell me that you got the offer were you, you idiot boy! For God's sake Martin, you have to leave.' The last words came out strangled and Carolyn fought to control herself.

Martin straightened his back, 'No Carolyn. No I don't.'

Carolyn sighed and then sat on the edge of the bed, her anger abating into resignation, 'Oh Martin, stop being such a fool.' She passed a hand over her face. 'This is an amazing offer and one that you are not likely to get again. You have to take it. Bugger us. Just think of yourself. I mean,' she gestured vaguely in his direction, 'look at yourself. You are homeless, jobless, moneyless...'

'Yes, thank you Carolyn. As much as I do love having my current predicament pointed out to me- that will do.'

'But Martin, this would solve all that. This is a proper job, with a proper salary and chanced of promotions.' She trailed off, gazing up at him.

Martin took a deep breath and then said what he knew he had to, finally making the decision he had known, ever since he got the job, he would make; 'I am not going to accept the job.' Silence hung in the room so long that Martin was forced to plough on.

'I know it is probably the wrong decision. Who am I kidding; it is definitely the wrong decision financially. But, I really don't have a choice.'

Carolyn held up a hand, 'Martin if you are about to start spouting about morals and how you need to stay for 'all our sakes' then I swear on everything...'

Martin cut across her, 'I do need to stay for you Carolyn yes. It is the truth so I will say it. Without me the company will fold and I am just not happy to be responsible for that. Douglas will be fine, he always is, but you and, more importantly Arthur, need me to fly. Don't try and prove me otherwise.'

Carolyn's voice was very quiet, 'that is...that is very kind of you Martin. But I simply cannot be responsible for you making this decision. We will fold eventually, we all know that. You staying simply postpones the inevitable. Take the job.'

'I may well only postpone it, yes, but there is another reason too Carolyn. If you don't like the moral approach then hear this,' Martin walked further into the room, closer to Carolyn and spoke loudly and clearly, 'I need to stay...for me.' Carolyn's head shot up. Martin smiled quietly at her, 'in the words of Arthur; what could I do that it more fun than getting to go up in Gerti the whole time with you lot.' Martin looked severely at her. 'Never, ever tell Douglas this, but it makes me happy, flying with you and if there is one thing I want to be in life, it's not money, or a house, I want to be happy.'

Carolyn simply gazed at him open mouthed. She opened and closed her mouth several times then stood, pressed the letter into Martin's chest and walked slowly out of the room without saying another word. Martin fell onto the bed and groaned into the pillow, 'bloody hell!'