Karen gave Amy an apologetic look, and Amy didn't need to be told twice - she had to go. Brushing past them both, she stood at the bottom of the stairs and called out to Leah. Leah came down hesitantly, wondering why she was being called downstairs.

Leah: Have I done something wrong?

Amy: No, but we have to go.

Leah: Why?

Amy: I'll tell you later, c'mon.

Leah: But Mum, I want to stay. You said I could.

Amy: Things have changed, I'm sorry Leah.

They both fell silent as Neil's raised voice echoed from the kitchen.

"So that's why you're with me, eh? I should've known you were nothing more than a selfish, money-grabbing..."

Tears stung Amy eyes as Karen pleaded with him as he shouted profanity after profanity at her. Amy put her hand to her mouth and Leah let out a little cry as they heard a fist hit what Amy could only imagine was Karen's jaw. They both looked up as they saw Megan on the stairs, tears welling in her eyes.

Megan: What's going on?

oh god that was heartbreaking but you have to do more pleasssssssseeeeeeee i have to know what happens!! LOVE IT!!

All 3 of their heads spun round as the kitchen door flew open and Neil came storming out, straight towards Amy. It was only when he came face to face with her, that he spoke, venom seething from his eyes.

Neil: I hope you're happy with yourself, whoever you are.

He looked down at her disgustedly, then walked out, knocking her shoulder as he passed.

Amy didn't have time to think about what had just happened, as she was reminded of Karen, whos sobs could be heard from the kitchen. Rushing in, Amy knelt down beside her and lifted her face. Her jaw was swollen, and her eyes were filled with tears.

Amy: We need to get you out of here.

Karen shook her head firmly.

Karen: I can't... my home...

Amy: You can come and live with me for the time being. You're not safe here.

Karen: But what about Megan? She needs her Dad...

Amy: And who's to say he won't turn on her next time he loses his temper?

Karen: No, no he would never hurt Megan.

Amy: How can you be sure?

Karen fell silent, for the truth was, she couldn't be sure of anything to do with her husband anymore.

Amy: I'm gonna go and pack some of your stuff up. You're coming to mine and that's final.

She turned to Leah, who stood in the doorway.

Amy: Leah, get an ice pack or something and hand it to Karen. That swelling won't go down on it's own.

She then turned her attention to Megan, who stood beside Leah, a combination of fear and confusion on her face.

Amy: Megan, you'd better come with me and pack up some of your stuff.

Without questionning, Megan did as she was told, and led Amy upstairs.

Karen and Neil's room was just like the rest of the house - perfect. Amy wondered if Karen spent her whole life cleaning - perhaps she did, with a husband like that, Amy wouldn't blame her for doing so. And perhaps it was just another way she tried to convince herself that her 'dream' life wasn't a complete and utter nightmare.

It's well good! I wish I could write as good as you!

FAN FLIPPIN TASTIC

brilliant

really good

this is fantastic!!!

i see you there girl from the village lol, will we be getting anymore soon? heehee, im just a bit addicted to it thats all

quote:

Originally posted by lauren4rick2004:
i see you there girl from the village lol, will we be getting anymore soon? heehee, im just a bit addicted to it thats all

Aww sorry lol i was just browsing cos I've got loads of revision to do (exams next week) and I'm not feeling too well so I'll probably get to bed early tonight.

I will try to keep updating as much as I can though, and thank you all for the lovely comments, they mean a lot to me.

oh no! I hope you feel better soon and your exams go well, i hated when i was doing mine (gcses, alevels whichever ) good luck! fingers crossed for you

Everywhere he went - Fletch couldn't avoid them.

Babies. In cafes, shops, wailing in their buggies strolled along by their mothers in the streets. He halted his morning journey to work as came up to a Baby clothing shop. Bibs, babygrows and bonnets were all displayed proudly in the window. Fletch placed his hand upon the cold glass as he gazed at them, in a mixture of pain and awe. He anxiously looked over his shoulder, half expecting Josh or Amy to be standing behind him. Of course they weren't, but Fletch wasn't in the mood to take chances. He let out a breath of relief - no-one was around. No-one would know.

He slowly pushed open the door and stepped inside. Almost immediately, he was approached by a young, blonde female shop assistant, who's name tag read 'Laura Haynes'.

Laura: May I help you?

Fletch: No thanks, I'm just browsing.

Laura: What gender are you... browsing for?

Fletch: Not sure yet.

Laura: Ah, I see. Congratulations.

Fletch wished he could thank her, but her congratulations couldn't be any further from the truth.

Fletch: Yeah, I've um... got to go... late for work...

He dashed out as quickly as possible, cursing himself for succumbing to weakness by going in there in the first place. He looked down at his watch. He was still early, and desperately on edge. One drink wouldn't do any harm, and with still half an hour to kill, he couldn't think of anything better than a trip down the pub to fill up the time.

awww poor little big fletch (that saying hes 10 years older ) that was really sweet, more as soon as you can manage heehee xxx

On the journey back home, all Amy could think about was how unfortunate Karen was. Pregnant by an abusive partner she didn't even love and practically homeless. She made Amy's life seem like a dream. And the more she thought about Karen's misfortunes, the luckier she realised she was. Granted, Fletch wasn't perfect, but Amy knew he'd never even dream of laying a finger on her. He cared, otherwise he wouldn't have come over to see her the week before. Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea to get in contact with him again. After all, he was entitled to the right to be a part of his child's life. And maybe he could even be a part of Amy's as well. The thought alone warmed her heart - if this was love, she felt like the luckiest person alive for simply being able to feel it.

this is brilliant!

beautiful i love it!!

OMG NOOOOOOOOOOOO I NEED MORE :P PLEASE WRITE MORE SOON XXX

Fletch: Can I get another one here, mate?

The barman raised his eyebrow at the sight of Fletch and sighed. He'd seen it all before - young guys who think the only way of escaping there troubles is through alcohol. But he served Fletch anyway, as it was his business to sell the stuff, and he'd be a fool if he let his conscience interfere with business.

Fletch downed it all in one go, much faster than the barman expected.

Barman: Steady on.

Fletch (slurring): If you had a life like mine... you'd be doing the same... believe me...

The barman looked up as another punter walked through the door. He wasn't a local, that was for sure. Too smart and wealthy looking. In fact he looked so smart, the barman what on earth he was doing in such a dingy place.

Barman: What you 'avin?

Josh: Oh, just a small cider for me and - Fletch?

Josh' attention had completely diverted to his best mate who he hadn't noticed for a good ten seconds since stepping in the pub.

Fletch looked up, sluggishly.

Josh: What're you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be at work?

Fletch' eyes widened as he looked down at his watch.

Fletch: Oh god, you're right, damn...

He stood up too quickly, and consequently had to hold on to the edge of the bar to keep himself upright.

Josh: How many have you had?

Fletch squinted as he tried to remember.

Fletch: Um, I dunno, 2 or 3, maybe 5...

Realising he wasn't going to get any sensible answer out of Fletch, Josh turned to the barman.

Josh: How many has he had?

Barman: God knows, he's been in here practically all morning.

When Josh turned back round to Fletch he found his friend had staggered over to the door, but was clearly struggling.

Josh: Right, that's it, I'm taking you back.

Fletch: No, I need to go to work...

Josh: You can't go to work in this state, honestly. Just sober up first, then go this afternoon and tell them you weren't feeling well. C'mon.

He reluctantly put his arm round Fletch's shoulder and slowly led him back home, his plans for the day well and truly ruined.

fantabulous love it love it love it

love it--xXx--

great

Barely seconds after they stepped into Fletch's flat, Fletch felt a surge from his stomach. Gripping onto his mouth, he rushed into the bathroom. Josh flinched as he heard Fletch throw up. Long gone were those days - the last time he got into such a state was almost 5 years ago. The hangover afterwards shocked him into never doing it again. The odd beer was fine, but he was older now, and wise enough to know better. He thought Fletch was in the same boat, until earlier that morning.

Josh knocked on the bathroom door.

Josh: Erm, you alright in there?

Fletch: Yeah, I-

But his stomach overcame him once again, and he couldn't even finish the sentence.

After another half hour Fletch re-emerged, looking rather worse for wear.

Josh: Need a drink?

Fletch raised his eyebrows.

Fletch: You kidding me?!

Josh: I was talking about water.

Fletch: Oh right... thanks.

Once Josh had left the room, Fletch slumped down onto his sofa and rubbed his eyes, sighing heavily as he did so. He was jolted awake once more as his phone buzzed inside his coat pocket. His heart raced as he saw the name appear on the screen. Just as he was about to answer, Josh returned into the room, with a glass of water and a bacon sandwich in his hands. Fletch reluctantly rejected the call, and placed the phone onto the table in front of him.

Josh: Who was that?

Fletch: No-one.

Josh: Ah, I see.

Fletch: What?

Josh: Someone you'd rather forget?

Fletch: Something like that, yeah.

Josh: So c'mon then, what's wrong with her?

Fletch: What?

Josh: Whoever it is that won't stop hasselling you. Let me guess, one night stand who can't let go?

Fletch: She's only called the once, I wouldn't call that hasselling.

Josh: Ah, well I didn't tell you this before but you got two missed calls whilst you were throwing your guts up in there. Same number.

Fletch bit his lip. Something must've happened. What if something had happened to her - or the baby? Or what if she'd changed her mind, and wanted to get back together with him? Fletch pushed the thought out of his mind - for starters they were never together anyway, and even if something had happened, there wasn't much he could do about it now. He could barely stand up, let alone sort all that out. He would have to go back later, after work perhaps.

Josh: So...?

Fletch groaned loudly.

Josh: Alright, alright! I get the hint - subject dropped.

Fletch: Cheers.

Josh: D'you need anything else or can I get back to what I was going to do before you decided to get wasted?

Fletch: That's a point - if you weren't coming to see me, what were you doing round here anyway?

Josh hesitated.

Josh: I was... going to see Amy.

F