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Faith in Love – By Kazza RATING: PG-13 to R
Coming
Back – by Stephen Gately When
you do that thing you do You
fill me with desire Maybe
it’s because of you I
can’t get no higher You
may not be right for me But
I don’t give a damn cause What
I feel is exact That’s
all I need I
don’t care about what people say I
keep coming back, coming back Coming
back for more I’m
still up for one more round Let’s
play I
get so high, high And
though you lie, lie I
just don’t mind, mind Coming
back for more My
friends they say, say You
gotta get away, away You
know the next day I’ll
be back for more Baby,
you’re enough for me I
don’t need no other And
all the time I’m not with you Babe,
I miss the fire Some
may think it’s scandalous Some
may say it’s crazy They
can’t see what’s going on Between
you and me I
have never felt like this before I
keep coming back, coming back Coming
back for more Tell
me what am I to do I
need more and more. PART
7
“Hi Maria, I’m home.” Michael called out as he arrived home from work. “Hi Michael, I’m in the kitchen.” She called back, smiling to herself as she chopped up the carrots for dinner. “Hi babe.” He said, kissing her cheek before sitting down at the kitchen table. “What’s for dinner?” He asked as he picked up some mail that was sitting beside him. “Chicken, baked potatoes and carrots, hope that’s ok, it’ll be ready in about ten minutes?” “Yeah, it’s fine, erm ‘ria, what’s this?” He asked holding up a pair of little white booties. “Oh yeah, aren’t they sooo cute, I just couldn’t resist them.” Maria giggled “Right!” Michael replied, rolling his eyes before heading into the bedroom to freshen up before dinner. As he walked in, the first thing he noticed was a large brown teddy bear lying in the middle of the bed. Shrugging his shoulders once more, he headed into the bathroom. After washing his hands, he reached for the towel, and was shocked what he found in it’s place. Picking it up, his eyes nearly popped out of their sockets as he touched the tiny light green babygrow. “Ok Maria, what’s going on?” Michael asked heading back to the kitchen with the offending items in his hands. “What do you mean sweetie?” Maria replied sweetly, slowly turning round to face her man. “Teddies, booties, babygrows, something you wanna tell me?” “Take a wild stab in the dark Michael.” She replied wiggling her eyebrows at him. For a whole two minutes, Michael stood there in front of her, holding the items and moving his eyes backwards and forwards from each item. “You’re not?” He said, suddenly realising what she was getting at. “Yeap, I am Spaceboy. In six months time there’s gonna be a baby Spaceboy for us! Or Spacegirl of course.” She replied beaming. “Oh my god, I don’t believe it!” He yelled, dropping the items in his hand to the floor, sweeping Maria up into his arms and spinning them around. The huge grin that was spread over his face confirmed to Maria how truly happy he was with her news. Nearly two weeks later, Liz was able to bring Ellie home from the hospital. Apart from the lightweight cast on her arm and a couple of dulling scratches and bruises, Ellie had no lasting effects from her tumble. As soon as the little girl walked into the house, she could sense something was different. Her eyes drifted to Max’s jacket was hanging up in the hall, his briefcase on the coffee table, shoes in the kitchen, she knew something had changed. “Go on sweetheart, you’re home now, it’s ok.” Liz said watching her little girl who was standing frozen in the hallway still. Turning slowly, Ellie looked back at her mother and father who stood behind her and then grinned widely. “Daddy, you’re home now aren’t you?” She said innocently. Max and Liz exchanged a glance before Max answered. “Yes I am, is that ok?” He asked crouching down to her level. “Of course it is!” She yelled, putting her arms around his neck and hugging him. “How did you know Ellie, we were going to tell you once you were settle in again?” Liz said, as Max stood up with Ellie in his arms. “I told you, I can sense things. I knew you’d get back together eventually.” She replied smiling. “I guess you’ve got a gift that I didn’t know about.” Max replied glancing at Liz with a scolding look before smiling. “I want to go and play now.” Ellie said wriggling out of Max’s grasp and dashing upstairs. “Well she took that well.” Liz said, putting her arms around Max’s waist. “I think so, now what’s this about her being able to sense things.” He asked pulling her around to face him. “It’s a long story, I’ll tell you about it later.” She replied lifting her head up to kiss him. “Mmm, make sure you do.” He replied before deepening the kiss. As they stood in the hall, engrossed in each other’s embrace, a little voice called out. “Eeeww!” Ellie called from behind them, screwing her face up. “What’s wrong, aren’t I allowed to kiss your mummy?” Max asked looking at his little girl from over Liz’s shoulder. “No, kissing’s yucky!” She replied before running out into the garden with her doll. “That’s the sort of attitude I like to hear from my little girl. Do you think she’ll be able to keep it till she’s at least 30?” He asked moving a strand of hair from her face to behind her ear. “Sorry Max, but I’d give her about eight years before she finds out about the wonders of boys and kissing.” Liz replied. “Oh no, I can’t even comprehend the thought of my daughter dating.” “Well we’ve got a few years yet.” Liz replied, staring into his deep brown eyes. “Yeah, and I intend to be right here for every one of them.” He replied, covering her lips once again. The following weekend, Max and Liz arranged a barbecue, inviting Isabelle, Alex, Michael, Maria and their parents. It was partly to welcome Ellie home, but also to congratulate Michael and Maria on their news. “Oh Liz, it’s so good to see her running about again.” Diane Evans said as Liz handed her a drink. “I know, I have to admit there were a couple of times when I didn’t think she would. Thankfully though she’s got no lasting scars, I don’t think she remembers very much of it.” “Children have a great way of bouncing back from anything, no matter what.” She replied smiling before Liz walked away. “So, did you ask her?” Philip asked his wife. “No, I can’t
just come out with it, what if we’re wrong.”
Diane replied. “So Michael, are you ready for all the mood swings, demands and cravings now Maria is in her ‘condition’.” Alex joked. “Uh oh baby talk, I’m outta here!” Max added, heading off to check on the food cooking on the barbecue. “Yeah funny Alex! When’s your turn?” Michael whipped back, as he cuddled his girlfriend. “Well I’d have one tomorrow if it was down to me, but you know I kinda have to get Isabelle to agree first.” He replied smiling at his wife. Out of all of them, Alex and Isabelle had been the only couple to get married, two years previously, and they were the only ones without children now. ”Hey don’t look at me like that Whitman, and don’t get any ideas either! There is no way you’re getting me pregnant, I’m not ready to lose my figure just yet! No offence Maria.” Isabelle retorted as she swatted her husband’s arm. “None taken. But just for the record, it feels great!” She replied snuggling further into Michael’s arms. As Liz looked on, she couldn’t help but feel amazing happiness for Maria. It had been hard for her, getting Michael to open up and admit he really did care for her. Their relationship wasn’t as plain sailing as others, but they had finally accepted they both needed each other, and the baby was a sign of their lives together. “Hey, what’ya thinking?” Max asked, leaving the barbecue, coming up behind Liz and circling his arms around her waist. “Just looking at how happy ‘ria and Michael are, I’m so pleased for them both. They’re gonna make great parents.” She replied. “Yeah, I don’t think we’ve done too badly in the parent department either, Ellie’s turned out to be a great kid.” Max replied watching Ellie playing with her doll. “Yeah, even after everything we’ve put her through. Most kids would be confused as hell, but not Ellie.” Liz replied “So what about
you two, when’s it gonna be your turn again?”
Michael asked, looking at how cosy Max and Liz were with each other. “Uh oh, no way!” Max replied quickly. “Yeah, one’s quite enough for us ‘ria.” Liz added smiling. “Oh you don’t mean that, she’s sooo cute.” Maria replied hugging the little girl. “Yeah thanks Maria, don’t go putting ideas in her head. Like Liz said, one’s quite enough for us!” Max added smiling at Liz as she turned to face Max. Over her shoulder, she could see Diane and Philip watching them. “By the way, I
think it might be time to talk to your parents, either that or they’re gonna
think that you’re two timing me with Tess!”
She replied. “Erm guys, there’s something Liz and I want to tell you.” Max said “Let me guess, you and Liz have finally seen sense and got back together?” Philip asked. “Philip!” Diane lectured. “Does anyone not know?” Max asked stunned by what his father had said. “Sorry son, but it’s pretty obvious. And I might add it’s about time too, your mother and I never understood why you two split up in the first place.” Philip replied honestly. “Dad!” Max exasperated. “It’s ok.” Liz whispered, squeezing his hand. “Mum, dad?” Liz said looking her parents. “Well I guess at least Ellie will have a proper family life then.” Nancy retorted. “Look I know you don’t like what I have done with my life. Yes I have made some mistakes, but I’m a better person for them. Are you ever going to forgive me, or will I be punished for the rest of my life?” Liz replied angrily. “Yes Liz, you made a mistake, getting pregnant at 16 was certainly a mistake and a big one at that. You had so much to live for, and now look at you.” Nancy snapped back. “Yes, look at me now. I have a wonderful little girl, who is more perfect than I could ever hope for. I’m in the last semester of my Micro Biology Degree, and I have my own house. Not bad for someone who does waitressing at their parent’s diner is it?” Liz whipped back. “We don’t mean it like that Liz, we’re just disappointed for you.” Her father said. “Well get over being disappointed for me, ‘cause I wouldn’t change my life one bit. Now either you accept that or I don’t want to know you, I can’t keep trying to make it up to you, keep trying to please you. I can’t do it, I can’t turn back the clock and make it different. Accept me or forget me.” Liz replied sharply, giving her parents an ultimatum. She was so upset that even after everything she had been through with Ellie over the previous week, her parents still harboured on the one mistake in her life she had made. Seeing the stunned looks on her parents’ faces, Liz couldn’t cope, and decided to walk away and make sure Ellie was ok. As he watched her walk away, Max could see Liz begin to wobble slightly. Dashing over to her side, he caught her up in his arms as she began to fall. “Liz, you ok?” He asked worriedly. “Yeah, just feel a bit faint.” She replied with her eyes closed as Max helped her to a nearby seat. “Liz?” Maria called rushing over to her friend. “You look awful, are you sure you’re ok.” He asked crouching down in front of her “Max is right you know.” Michael added “Thanks! I’ll be ok, honestly. Just give me some space and a few moments to get my head back to normal.” She said, laying her head on Max’s shoulder to try and stop it spinning around. She didn’t know why she had felt faint, a few moments before she had been fine, and she never normally felt dizzy. Once the faintness had passed, Liz lifted her head. “I guess my parents words affected me more than I thought.” She replied trying to smile. “I guess so.” He replied unconvinced. “Here drink this, it’ll make you feel better.” Isabelle said handing Liz a glass of soda. As the cold drink trickled down her throat, Liz started to feel better and the colour in her cheeks slowly started to return. “I think you need to slow down Liz, or you’ll make yourself ill.” Max said sternly. “I’m ok Max,
it’s probably because I haven’t eaten much today.”
She replied. barbecue on it. “Now eat.” Max said watching as she picked up the burger and took her first small bite. “Look guys, drama over, you can all go back to doing whatever you were doing.” Liz ordered. “Is Liz ok?” Jeff Parker asked as Max walked over to their group. “I think she’s ok, she’s had a lot to cope with over the last couple of weeks.” Max replied. “She doesn’t look very well, she’s lost weight too.” He added. “Having your child really sick in hospital often does that. She did spend three days and nights by Ellie’s bedside willing her to wake up. It’s no wonder she looks ill.” “Was Ellie really that sick?” Nancy asked. “Yes she was, it was touch and go for a while there. The doctors just didn’t know if or when she’d wake up.” Max replied, trying not to think about what could have happened. “We should have been there for her Nancy, no matter what mistakes she’s made, she still needs us.” Jeff said mellowing somewhat in his views of his daughter. “Are you saying we should forgive her for ruining her life?” Nancy asked. “I’m saying maybe we should forgive and forget. The first time in her life she needed us and we failed her Nancy, I want to mend the bridge before it’s too late.” Jeff replied, watching Liz hug Ellie. “I don’t know, it’s hard to forget.” “It would mean an awful lot to Liz, to know you’re on her side again.” Max added. “And you, are you going to stay around this time, or drop her like before.” Nancy accused. “There are a lot of things you don’t know about Liz and I, and I’m not about to go into them. But to answer your question, yes I am going to stay around, I love your daughter and want to spend the rest of my life with her.” Max replied sincerely. “I think maybe you should go and talk to Liz, and tell her what you’ve decided.” Max added. “Ok.” Jeff replied getting up and taking his wife over to their daughter. From a distance, Max could see the look on Liz’s face. It went from being angry, to being cautious to eventually being very relieved and happy. He knew that her parents had finally forgiven her and maybe they could all get their lives back together.
Heal
me – By Ronan Keating Heal
me, steal me, feel me, heal me When
things don’t turn out right And
it feels like you’ve lost the fight When
things don’t work out quite the way Friend
you can look my way Oh
let’s start thinking with our hearts Then
this world, can make a new start, start Why
won’t you, heal me Love
won’t you, steal me Into
the night, feel me I
believe, I believe, I believe Heal
me It
there’s been a change of plans Someone
let go of your hand When
things ain’t looking quite the way You’ve
got a place to stay Oh
let’s start thinking with our hearts Then
this world, can make a new start, start Why
won’t you, heal me Love
won’t you, steal me Into
the night, feel me I
believe, I believe, I believe Heal
me And
there ain’t no reason for us to lose our faith in this world If
only us people on earth can just change the love will unfurl Heal
me Love
won’t you, steal me Into
the night, feel me I
believe, I believe, I believe Heal
me If
they stole your rights And
you’re lost in the night When
skies don’t look bright My
friend don’t lose sight When
you just cannot fight no more That’s
when I need you That’s
when I really need you That’s when I need you to call me PART
8
“So Maria, how’s the morning sickness been?” Liz enquired as they sat down at a table for lunch. They were out shopping at the mall, looking for things for Maria’s baby which was due in five months time. “I’m fine, really good. I can’t believe how calm Michael is though, I’ve got five months to go and already I’m panicking.” Maria said as the waiter came over to take their order. “Two ham salads and two iced teas.” Liz ordered for them. “You’ll be fine ‘ria.” Liz insisted. “It’s ok for you, you’re not going through it again are you!” Maria joked. The downward cast of Liz’s eyes didn’t go unnoticed by her friend. “You ok Liz?” “Yeah I’m fine. Now, what do you want to get today?” Liz asked changing the subject. “Some clothes, erm booties definitely, I love them they’re sooo cute. Maybe have a look at cribs and buggies if that’s ok.” “Sure, of course it is.” Liz replied as the waiter came back with their drinks. “So what’s it like to have Max living with you?” Maria asked. “Strange at
first, but it’s been a month now and he’s part of the furniture.
I love it really though, he works too hard, but then that’s him all
over, takes after his father, neither of them know how to delegate!
Ellie gets way too excited still when he comes home each day though.
She loves the fact she can crawl into bed and snuggle up with both of us
instead of just me!” “Didn’t someone tell you ‘ria, when you have kids your love life goes out the window.” Liz said keeping a straight face. “I really hope you’re joking.” Maria replied worriedly. “Mmm, I guess you’ll just have to wait and see.” Liz replied smiling as the waiter returned with their food. After the hectic shopping trip, in which Maria seemed to buy out the entire baby store, Liz collected Ellie from Elementary school and headed home. As she peeled potatoes for dinner, Liz heard the front door open. “Hi babe.” A husky voice said, encircling his arms around her waist. “Hi. You’re home early; I wasn’t expecting you for well over an hour. If I’d of known I would have started dinner earlier.” She said putting the peeler down, turning to face him and putting her arms around his neck. “The case finished early and I wanted to surprise you.” He replied rubbing his nose against hers. As he gazed into her eyes, their lips brushed against each other. “Mmm, I missed you.” He murmured against her lips. “Maybe I can show you what you missed.” She replied seductively. Feeling the undercurrent of sexual tension in the room, Max tilted his head and nudged at her lips with his tongue to encourage her to grant him access. Just as Max started to deepen the kiss, a little voice called out. “Daddy!” Ellie screeched, running into the kitchen. “Hello sweetie, have you been a good girl for mummy today?” He asked, reluctantly breaking the kiss and lifting her into his arms. “Yes. I even sat quietly in the car after mummy picked me up from school, ‘cause she wasn’t feeling well.” She replied innocently. “Ellie!” Liz scolded, throwing an angry stare at her daughter. “You ok Liz?” Max asked, the concern in his voice very evident. “I’m fine Max, I just had a bit of a headache. Ellie wasn’t supposed to say anything. What happened to our deal pal?” She asked before going back to the potato peeling. “Why don’t you go and play outside for a few minutes, I’ll come out in a while.” He said, setting Ellie down on the floor before she bolted outside. “You sure you’re ok Liz, I could finish dinner if you want to lie down.” He offered. “I’m fine, really Max. It was nothing.” She replied. “You would tell me if something was wrong wouldn’t you Liz?” “Yes, now will you please leave me to finish this or you won’t be eating till midnight tonight.” She insisted brushing the conversation aside. “Ok.” He replied admitting defeat and heading outside to find Ellie. He didn’t know what it was but he knew something was wrong with Liz. Yet if she wouldn’t tell him there was very little he could do. Watching Max and Ellie playing through the kitchen window, she couldn’t help but smile. It was as if Max had always been with them, always a big part of their lives. Ellie had adjusted to Max moving in very easily, better than Liz could have hoped. As she watched Max swing Ellie over his shoulder, and the little girl roar with laughter, Liz realised it wasn’t just Ellie who had adjusted quickly. For the previous five years, she had struggled to bring up her daughter on her own, taking only the bare minimum from Max. Inside a month he had become her lover once again, left Tess, and moved in with them. It was all a bit overwhelming really, in all the nights she cried herself to sleep, she never once believed she would get him back, trying hard to forget how wonderful he was. Yet now it was as if he had never been away, all the pain of the previous five years wiped into obscurity inside four weeks. A warm glow spread inside her as she continued to prepare dinner, as she thought that life couldn’t get much better than it was that day. “Mum are you sure you don’t mind looking after Ellie.” Liz said, as they stood in the Crashdown. “Of course not, like I said Liz, it will give us a chance to get to know my granddaughter better.” Nancy replied stroking the little girl’s hair. “Now you be a
good girl tonight, and daddy and I will see you tomorrow.”
Liz said, kissing her daughter goodbye. “Of course we
will sweetheart. I promise we’ll pick you up tomorrow morning, ok?” “She will be ok won’t she?” Liz asked as she climbed into the jeep. “I’m sure she’ll be fine, don’t worry.” Max replied starting the engine. They were off for a night out with Michael, Maria, Alex and Isabelle, but Liz couldn’t help worrying about Ellie. It was the first time Liz had left her over night with anyone, even Max, and although she totally trusted her parents, she worried about Ellie. “You’ve got to stop worrying Liz, otherwise you won’t enjoy tonight.” Max said, rubbing Liz’s arm to reassure her. “I know, once we’re with the others I’ll be fine.” She replied. “Liz, it’s so good to see you.” Maria said hugging her friend. “Maria, it’s only been a couple of days.” Liz replied smiling. “And you’re looking radiant.” She added looking at her friend. It was true, pregnancy definitely agreed with Maria. She was five months pregnant, her ‘bump’ was getting bigger and she positively glowed. “Mmm, not sure I agree with you, I’m feeling a bit like a beached whale at the moment.” Maria replied. “I keep telling her she looks wonderful, but she won’t listen to me.” Michael added. “Yeah, but why am I so big already, I’m not supposed to look like this until at least seven months. You hardly showed Liz.” Maria piped up. “I guess I was
lucky ‘ria. You know though, now
I think about it you are quite big, maybe it’s twins!”
Liz joked. “One at a time is way too much for me though.” Isabelle said, her face turning a slightly green colour. “You ok Is?” Max asked seeing the change in his sister’s face. “Yeah, just all this baby talk makes me ill.” She replied taking a mouthful of water. Max and Alex exchanged a silent look, with Max trying to work out what was going on. “Anything you want to tell us Is?” Max probed. “No Max, should there be?” Isabelle countered “No, no, just a concerned brother wanting to make sure his sister was ok.” Max replied backing down. It was obvious if something was wrong with Isabelle she wasn’t about to tell him. Instead, he decided to make a mental note to quiz Alex when they were alone. “So, have you
started decorating the nursery yet?” Liz
asked. “Oww, Ok Maria, I get the hint. God I’m gonna be black and blue by the time she has this kid.” Michael joked to Max. “Hey, don’t forget who put me like this. You deserve some abuse for that!” Maria said looking at Michael. “Yeah, yeah, I know it’s all my fault and you’re hating every moment of it!” Michael replied conceding defeat, putting his arm around her shoulders and pulling her close to him. After ordering dinner, Isabelle excused herself to go to the ladies. After some prompting from Max, Liz and Maria followed her. “Ok Alex, what’s the deal with Isabelle.” Max said as soon as his sister was out of earshot. “I’m not sure,
I’ve tried to talk to her but she says it’s just a stomach bug.” “That’s what I said, but she says it’s nothing.” Alex replied. “So why don’t
you believe her?” Max inquired. “You think she’s pregnant?” Michael said suddenly working out where the conversation was leading. “Well what other possibility is there? My problem is when I breach the subject with her she gets all defensive and shuts me out. I know her feelings on children, and she definitely knows mine, but she won’t even consider the possibility that she could be.” Alex replied sighing. “Maybe the girls can persuade her.” Max replied taking a mouthful of his wine. “You know you didn’t have to come with me, I’m a big girl now and I can just about use the ladies without someone holding my hand.” Isabelle snapped as she washed her hands. “We know that Is, we’re just worried about you.” Liz replied concerned. “There’s no need, I’m fine.” “Yeah we can see that, that’s why at the mere mention of babies you turn green.” Maria said. “It’s just children make me ill.” Isabelle replied keeping up her ice princess facade and not making much sense. “Children in general, or your children, or perhaps child?” Liz probed. “I don’t follow.” Isabelle replied slightly confused. “Ok, I’ll be blunt, are you pregnant Isabelle?” Liz asked. “No!” Isabelle snapped, then paused for a moment, “Well ok, I don’t think so …… well maybe …….. ok yeah I think I could be.” She conceded as tears welled in her eyes. “Oh Is, it’s ok.” Liz replied hugging her friend. “Oh god Liz, what do I do. I know how much Alex wants children, but I don’t know about me, I don’t know if I’m ready to be a mother.” She sobbed. “If I told you that was a natural reaction, would it make you feel any better?” Liz replied. “Huh?” “I felt exactly the same way when I found out I was expecting Ellie. Ok I was 16, but that aside I didn’t feel I would be able to cope with a child, someone who would need 24 hour supervision and depend on me for everything. It’s a huge responsibility Is, but the rewards are amazing. Ellie has got me through the tough times; her smile makes it worth getting out of bed each day. Children give you unconditional love, and make your life complete. Don’t look at it as the end of your life, look at it as the start of your new life, yours and Alex’s. Your love for Alex made this baby, and you’re love will help it grow into a person.” Liz replied looking at Isabelle’s tear drenched face. “But what do I say to Alex.” “Are you kidding? Alex will be over the moon, how could you doubt him.” Maria replied offering Isabelle a tissue. “Oh I don’t know, I guess I’m just being irrational.” She replied drying her tears. “That settles it then, you’re definitely pregnant, being irrational is totally expected, for nine months at least!” Maria replied as both Isabelle and Liz giggled. “Poor Michael, I don’t even wanna think about the hell you must be putting him through.” Isabelle replied. “Hey this is his doing remember.” Maria whipped back pointing at her bump. “Oh of course ‘ria, and you had nothing to do with it!” Liz replied as they headed back to the table. “You
ok?” Alex asked softly, taking
hold of her hand as they sat down. “Take care sis, you know where I am if you need me.” Max said hugging his sister. “Thanks Max, don’t worry about me I’m fine. I’m sure Liz will fill you in later.” Isabelle replied. “Call me Is, we’ll have to go out for lunch soon.” Liz added hugging her. “Yeah, that would be nice, I might need someone to talk to, someone to help me through this.” Isabelle said quietly. “I’m always here.” Liz replied. As they drove home, Max proceeded to quiz Liz. “So, what’s going on with Is? Is she, you know, expecting?” Max asked. “Yeah, I think she is. She was really stressing over it, I don’t think she’d even admitted it to herself until ‘ria and I talked to her tonight, but I think she’s gonna be ok.” Liz replied. “Course she’ll be ok, she’s got lots of friends to help her. You’re an old hand when it comes to kids now.” Max joked. “Thanks, you make me feel like an old woman!” She replied gently punching his arm as he pulled up in their driveway. “Oh I’m sorry!” He replied unconvincingly as he pulled her into his arms. They sat together entwined in each other’s arms for a few minutes, with just the quiet sound of soft music on the radio. “Max.” Liz said not lifting her head from his chest. “Mmm.”
He replied with his eyes closed and chin resting on her head. “Huh? Where did this come from?” He asked opening his eyes and looking down at her in surprise. “It’s nothing, just a question.” Liz replied, not meeting his gaze. “Ok.” He said pausing for a second to think of his answer. “I’d be lying if I said I’d considered having more yet. I love Ellie to bits, but another baby would be a big handful, and Ellie’s enough of that already. I think I’m happy as we are, if that’s ok?” He replied kissing the top of her head. “Yeah, ‘course it is, I was just curious, nothing more.” She said breaking free of his arms and climbing out of the jeep. He noticed how quickly she broke away from his grasp after their conversation. Was something going on there? Shaking his head and putting it down to ‘women’s things’, Max followed Liz into the house, looking forward to spending a quality night together without a certain little interruption.
When the World was mine – By Ronan Keating It
never rained, the sun was always shinning Every
traffic light was always green There
was time when every door was open The
universe was mine, or so it seemed Every
roll was seven or eight That
it would ever end never crossed my mind I
was flying higher than the heavens Back
when the world was mine Sometimes
man can’t see When
he has it all Take
a look at me Oh,
how the mighty fall Once
I ruled the earth Once
upon a time When
I had your love That’s
when the world was mine On
the changes I’d make if I had the power How
could I have so much and be so blind But
at least for a bight and shining moment I
had you, and the world was mine. Sometimes
man can’t see When
he has it all Take
a look at me Oh,
how the mighty fall Once
I ruled the earth Once
upon a time When
I had your love That’s
when the world was mine Once
I ruled the earth Once
upon a time When
I had your love That’s
when the world was mine When
I had your love That’s when the world was mine PART
9
“Oh god, please say it isn’t true.” Liz whispered to herself, squeezing her eyes shut. As she sat on the edge of the bath, she stretched out a shaky hand towards a white implement on the bathroom counter. Taking several deep breaths, she picked the object up and stared back at it. “No!” She cried to herself as tears drenched her face. In the space of two minutes Liz felt like her whole world had come crashing down around her. “But it can’t be, it was just once.” She said to herself looking back at the object for confirmation once again. As she stared at it, she tried to take in what it meant. “How am I going to tell Max?” She asked herself before sinking down on the floor, dragging her knees up to her chest and pouring her heart out through her tears. “Hello.” A voice on the telephone said. “Maria, it’s Liz, can I see you?” Liz asked trying calm her voice. “Sure, ‘course you can Liz, you ok?” Maria asked, sensing something in her friend’s voice. “I’ll explain later, is now ok?” “Sure, come straight over.” Maria replied before the connection was severed. Liz definitely sounded strange on the phone, her voice quavering like she’d been crying. She didn’t know what was going on, but hoped Liz would get there soon so that her overactive imagination wouldn’t go into hyperdrive! Ten minutes later, the doorbell of Maria and Michael’s apartment rang. “Hi, come in.” Maria said, ushering her friend inside. “Thanks ‘ria, I hope I’m not interrupting you from something.” Liz replied quietly. “No of course not, don’t be so silly Liz. I’ve always got time for you. Do you want a drink or something?” Maria offered. “Juice would be great.” Liz replied sitting down at the kitchen table. As she watched Maria pad around her kitchen with her ever growing stomach, Liz was powerless to stop the tears welling in her eyes. “Right, juice. Now talk to me Liz, tell me what’s wrong?” Maria asked sitting down next to her friend and looking at Liz. “Oh Liz, what is it?” Maria added seeing two tears tumble down her face. Realising that Liz was unable to speak at that moment, Maria did the only thing a best friend could in that situation, she threw her arms around her sobbing friend and held her tightly. After a few minutes, Liz managed to regain her composure and lifted her head from Maria’s now tear soaked shoulder. “Oh god Maria, everything is such a mess.” She said sadly. “What is Liz? I don’t understand. Tell me, maybe I can help.” “There isn’t anything you can do, but thank you for the offer. You see, I’m ……. Oh god I don’t think I can even say it. When I do it will mean it’s true.” Liz replied. “Say what?
Please Liz, it can’t be that bad.” “Oh Liz that’s wonderful.” Maria said happily. “No it’s not,
don’t you understand this changes everything.”
Liz replied sadly. “Oh Liz, I’m sure Max will be ecstatic when you tell him. When you asked him in the jeep, it was just a hypothetical question, but if you’d of told him you thought you might be pregnant, then I know his answer would have been different.” Maria said, trying to lift her friend’s spirits. “But how do you know ‘ria, what if he doesn’t want any more? What if, because I’m pregnant again, he wants to leave me? I can’t go through that again, I just can’t.” She replied weeping openly again. “You’ve got to
tell him Liz, you need to know one way or another.
How far along do you think you are?” “Don’t be so hard on yourself Liz, Max has to take some responsibility too.” Maria countered. “I know, but I
can’t help blaming myself.” “Promise me Liz! You will only make yourself ill with worry otherwise, and that’s not good for the baby.” Maria replied sternly. “Ok, I promise to
try to tell him. He’s been working late this week on a really important
case, if he comes home really tired then I won’t say anything. I’ll wait until the right moment.” “I should go, I’ve taken up way too much of your time, and you’re supposed to be taking it easy. Michael will kill me if he thinks I’ve been worrying you!” “Michael wouldn’t dare right now, I’d snap his head off! You didn’t tell me that being pregnant made you irate at the slightest thing. He’s gonna be so grateful once this is over, I don’t know how many more bruises he can take!” Maria joked. “You two love it really.” Liz replied smiling as she got up. “Remember what I said Liz, and you know where I am if you need to talk some more.” Maria said hugging her friend. “Thanks, you’re a good friend ‘ria.” Liz replied before heading out into the afternoon sunshine. After picking Ellie up from school, Liz headed home. She was feeling really ill by the time they got there, and the first thing she did was head to the bathroom. It seemed to Liz that now she had finally admitted she was pregnant, morning sickness was attacking her body with venom. “Morning sickness, it’s 3.30pm in the afternoon, I shouldn’t be getting it now!” She complained to herself as she laid out on her bed. “Mummy, are you ok?” Ellie asked, climbing onto the bed. “Yeah sweetie, I’m fine. Mummy just doesn’t feel too good right now.” Liz replied with her eyes shut. “Maybe I can help, maybe I can make the pain go away.” Ellie offered as she started to place her hand on Liz’s head. “No Ellie, I’m fine, I just need to rest for a moment.” Liz replied quickly. The last thing she needed was Ellie to connect with her and find out about the baby. Five year olds weren’t known for keeping secrets, or being tactful, and Liz didn’t want Ellie to blurt the news out to Max before she had a chance to tell him. “Are you sure mummy?” “Yes I’m sure sweetie, the best thing you can do for mummy, is play quietly in your room. I’ll be feeling better soon I promise.” Liz replied closing her eyes once more. A few seconds later, Liz felt Ellie slip away from her side and walk quietly out of the room. “Hello sweetie, where’s mummy?” Max asked walking into the lounge when he got home from work. “She’s
sleeping.” She said, turning her
head from where she sat on the floor. “I don’t know.
She was sick, then she laid down and fell asleep.” “Erm, I don’t know, I think the big hand was on 12, and the little hand was on erm … 4. Yeah that’s right” “Wow, that was
over two hours ago. You’ve been quiet for all that time?” He asked touching her nose with the pad of his finger. “Ok, well you keep playing quietly, and I’ll check on mummy.” He said getting up and heading upstairs. As he pushed open the bedroom door, Max saw Liz sprawled out on the bed. Her hair was fanned out over the pillow and her arm resting over her eyes to block out the light. She looked so peaceful sleeping, he didn’t want to wake her up, but he desperately wanted to make sure she was ok. Just as he had decided to leave her for a while longer, she stirred and slowly moved her arm. “Max!” She said startled. “Hi. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you, I just wanted to make sure you’re ok.” He replied moving to kneel down beside the bed. “What time is it?” She asked weakly. “It’s just after 6.30pm.” He replied. “Oh no, I
didn’t mean to sleep that long, I haven’t even started dinner.”
She said starting to get up. “Yeah, it’s just a stomach bug I think.” She replied turning her head away so Max wouldn’t be able to read the lie in her eyes. “You sure Liz?”
He asked. “No, you stay here, you still look really pale and I don’t want you to pass out on me or anything. I’ll order pizza and you can come down when it arrives if you’re feeling better.” He replied kissing her lips gently. “Thanks Max.” She replied quietly before he walked out of the room. As she rested her head back down on the pillow, Liz wished she’d had the courage to tell Max the truth. She knew Maria was right, he needed to know, but she just couldn’t tell him yet. “Right Ellie, how does pizza sound for tonight?” He asked taking the menu down from the pin board in the kitchen. “Yay, pizza, my favourite!” She squealed. “Ok, which one do
you want?” “Ok, a Hawaiian it is then. Now, you set the table and I’ll order the pizza.” Max said heading out to the hall to the telephone. “Just be careful with the ……… glasses.” He called back just as the sound of shattering glass vibrated through the house. “Ellie, you ok?” He asked, rushing back into the kitchen. “Yes, I’m
sorry. It was all slippery.”
She said close to tears. Twenty minutes later, all remains of the glass had been cleared up, the table laid and the piping hot pizza delivered. “You sure you should be down here Liz, I could have brought the pizza up to you.” Max said as she walked into the kitchen. “No I’m fine Max, I’m feeling a lot better actually.” She replied sitting down. “Mmm, well you
still look a bit pale.” He added,
placing a piece of pizza with extra pineapple on Ellie’s plate. “When was the last time you ate something?” He enquired. “I had some toast this morning, but I wasn’t feeling too good at lunch time so I didn’t eat anything.” She replied honestly. “Well that probably doesn’t help. You’ve got to eat something Liz, or you really will make yourself ill.” He replied sternly. “Yes doctor.” She replied seriously as Ellie giggled. “Hey, I though you were on my side.” Max complained looking at his little girl. “We’re both on your side Max. I know you’re right I should have eaten something earlier. I promise to try to make sure I eat regular meals from now on.” Liz replied with pleading eyes. “Ok, I’ll let it slip this time, but don’t let it happen again.” He replied sternly, before being unable to hold back on the smile that spread across his face. Liz laughing and joking was a good sign, he though, it must mean she’s feeling better. That night, as they cuddled up in bed, Liz tried to tell Max her secret. “I went to see Maria earlier today, she’s looking really well. I’m still convinced she’s expecting twins though.” Liz giggled. “Yeah poor Michael, he won’t know what’s hit him, especially if they have Maria’s tendency to beat him up.” “How’s Isabelle, I meant to call her today but didn’t get round to it.” “She’s fine, adjusting well. I think she’s struggling with the morning sickness thing though, she isn’t used to feeling so ill. Alex can’t stop grinning though, every time I have problems with my computer and he comes to fix it, the grin is permanently glued to his face. It’s pretty sickening really.” Max replied. “I’m so glad
she’s ok, it’s a pretty big something to get used to.”
Liz replied. “Mmm, if you’re feeling better, we could always practice though.” He whispered seductively. “Actually, I’m not feeling too good now, I think that pizza didn’t agree with me.” Liz said breaking free of his grasp, jumping out of bed and heading for the bathroom. She made it to the bathroom just in time before she threw up. Tears stung her cheeks as she sat back on the floor beside the toilet. She knew it wasn’t necessarily the so-called “morning sickness” that had caused her to throw up, but more likely Max’s words. She had worked herself into a state all day, and he just seemed to confirm her fears, as the words had fallen out of his mouth, her stomach had started to churn. “Liz, you ok?” He asked standing in the doorway. He had been lying in bed listening to her retch until he could stand it no longer and had to make sure she was all right. “Yeah, I’ll be ok, just give me a few moments.” She replied weakly. “Maybe you should go and see a doctor, you can’t keep being sick all the time.” He said sitting down beside her and pulling her gently into his arms. As she laid there, Liz took in deep breaths to calm the churning in her stomach. “No really Max, I’ll be fine.” She said trying to brush him off. “Please Liz, for me. I want to make sure you’re ok.” He replied, wiping away her tears with his finger. “Ok, I’ll go, but he’ll probably only say it’s a stomach bug.” She replied. It was only a half lie, she knew she would have to go to see her doctor, just to make sure everything was ok with the pregnancy, she could just pretend to Max it was stomach bug. “Are you ready to go back to bed, or do you still feel sick?” He asked softly. “No, I think I’m ok now.” She said starting to stand up. “Hey, let me carry you, you look exhausted.” He replied, sweeping her into his arms before she had a chance to object. As he laid her in bed, he looked into Liz’s eyes, there was something there, was it fear, he thought. What was Liz afraid of, why wouldn’t she tell him? Holding her tight, he prayed she would tell him whatever it was that was wrong soon. TBC ...........................!
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