No More Heroes
Chapter 11
(Sally)
It is now 4 months after I decided to move in with Richard. A few things have happened during the 4 months. Viv gave birth to a beautiful baby girl last month, which has given Westlife a break from working. Tia and Mark have been busy organizing their wedding. They don’t believe in long engagements, so they have decided to marry in 8 months time. Location is still undecided.
Jess and Nicky are building their new home in Dublin. The location they’ve chosen has some fantastic views. I’m half tempted to move in with them! Kelly’s baby bump is beginning to show now. Wherever Shane goes, he’s asked about the Kelly and the baby. They’ve refused to know what they’re having. They want it to be a surprised when the baby comes.
As for me, I’m still living with Richard. Surprisingly it’s been living with him. I had my doubts, trust me I did. But there was no need to doubt. He’s been treating me right, always home when he said he would be. He’s not really a big spender, but I don’t mind. Every now and then he’ll buy some chocolates or flowers. I’m happy with that.
There’s one thing I need to mention… I’m pregnant. Pregnant with Richard’s child. I haven’t told him yet since the results only came this morning. When Richard comes home from work, I’ll tell him. Am I happy? I don’t know truthfully. This was Richard’s true intentions when he asked me to move in with him. He should be over the moon with the news.
The front door opened and I knew Richard was home.
‘Sweetheart, you home?’ asked Richard
He asks this everyday, but for some reason it always put a smile on my face.
‘Yes. In the lounge.’ I said
A few seconds later Richard came walking towards me. He sat down next to me on the couch.
‘How was your day Ricky?’ I asked
‘Busy.’ Said Richard ‘It seems everyone wants to move these days.’
‘Maybe… maybe it’s time for us to move soon.’
‘There is no way am I moving.’
‘Maybe not now or anytime soon. But Richard with a baby on the way, we need room.’
‘Excuse me? Did you just say “baby on the way”?’
‘I took some tests a few weeks ago, and the results came today. Richard, I’m pregnant with your child.’
He looked stunned more than happy. I guess he wasn’t expecting this news so soon.
‘Richard say something… anything.’
‘Pregnant? So soon?’
‘Isn’t that what you intended?’
‘Yes but… not so soon.'
Knew it! If he didn’t want a baby so soon, perhaps he should have slowed down.
‘Richard we’ve been dating for the last 5 years. Perhaps fate…’
‘Don’t give me that rubbish. Look… I know you’re big into those things, but this? I really don’t think…’
‘Fate has played his part since the first day we met. He brought Shane and Kelly together and he brought us together.’
‘He also killed your mother.’
‘Mother was ill anyway.’
‘Do you really love me? Or are you just pretending?’
‘What? You know I love you. Ok it took me a while to realise I did, but I really do love you Ricky. What can I do to show you, to prove my love is real?’
The way Richard looked at me, told me. I regretted asking that question. I looked away and tried to figure out a way to avoid him. Then something came to mind.
‘I’ve got to call Viv, see how she’s doing. She might need something.’
I left quickly and headed up the stairs. I do really love Richard, but the way he ask me to prove it is just too much. I did it once, what a mistake. Surely words were enough? Surely carrying his child was enough? I went into my bedroom and closed the door. I lent against the door and got my phone out of my pocket. Who shall I call? I just want a long conversation to delay Richard…
Chapter 12
(Shane)
Somebody’s phone was ringing. It took me a while to realise it was my phone. Everyone was here, enjoying a drink or two at the pub, so who was calling? I picked up my phone since it was on the table and answered it ‘Hello?’
There was no answer. I said again ‘Hello, anyone there?’
Nicky had notice I was talking on the phone and raised an eyebrow.
At last the person said ‘It’s me.’
Sally! But why would she be calling me?
‘What’s up?’ I asked her
There was another long pause before Sally said ‘Just wanted someone to talk to.’
‘And you chose me?’
‘Surprisingly. I did say to Richard I was calling Viv.’
‘What your mind?’
‘It was an excuse to get out of the room. Also to delay Richard.’
‘Delay Richard? I though you two were lovers.’
‘Shane…’ another long pause before she continued ‘You know how Richard is.’
‘Knew. I think he would have changed by now.’
‘Don’t bet on it. Listen… Will you be able to pop round later tonight? I’ve got some news to give you.’
‘Why don’t you tell me now? I mean I’m everyone, it only makes sense.’
‘I want to tell you face to face, not over the phone.’
‘Richard’s there. You know we don’t get on.’
‘Please? It will only be 5 minutes, if that.’
I had to pause then. I needed to think before I answered. I looked at Nicky and knew he was listening. Some how the answer came to me then.
‘Ok… I’ll come over but only 5 minutes. I’ve got Kelly to get home.’
‘Why don’t you finish up first? Take Kelly home, and then come over?’
Why do I have this feeling that Sally wants me there longer?
‘Ok. Another hour here and I’ll take Kelly home and then I’ll come over.’
‘Sounds fair. See you then. Bye Shane.’
‘Bye.’
I ended the call and placed the phone on the table. Kelly had heard me say her name as she was looking at me, eager to know who I was talking to.
‘Who was that?’ Kelly asked
‘Only Sally.’ I said
‘Sally? Why was she calling you?’
‘Just wanted someone to talk to.’
‘Then why did I hear Richard’s name?’ asked Nicky
At this point the others have stopped talking and now all eyes were on me. Why was everyone interested when it comes to Richard?
Kelly looked at me with concern in her eyes. I held her hand in mine and said ‘It’s Richard and it’s Sally. Since that encounter at the Grand House, I’ve been…’
‘Been what?’
‘She’s been dreaming about you and Sally.’ Said Tia ‘Kelly’s afraid you two will fall in love with each other again and leave her.’
Kelly got up and left the group. She managed to look back and say ‘That’s the last time I’ll tell you anything Tia!’ before she walked into a table. She cursed herself and went into the ladies bathroom. Viv sighed and went after her friend. It took Tia a while before she realised what happened.
‘Did I just say that out loud?’ asked Tia
‘Yes you did Tia.’ Said Mark
‘Oh darn! I’ve got to stop doing that.’
‘Would be a good idea. Don’t really want you doing that at our wedding.’
‘I should be paying attention then Mark, considering who I’m marrying.’
Tia kissed Mark and they held each others hands and gazed in each others eyes.
Chapter 13
(Sally)
When we said goodbye it was like the Great Wall of China falling down. Now there’s nothing to delay Richard.
‘Sally?’ shouted Richard
My heart started thumbing. I can’t avoid him forever. I opened my bedroom door and saw Richard standing there, holding a phone. So glad that I called Shane on my mobile.
‘Why are you holding a phone?’ I asked
‘Wasn’t trying to listen in, I knew you would use a mobile.’ Richard said ‘My manager just called. There’s something that has gone wrong and we need to fix it.’
‘Can’t it wait until the morning? I mean… we haven’t celebrated.’
Just let him go girl! Shane will be here soon.
‘No it can’t. He’s fearing it could be a virus. Two computers are down already. We can’t afford all of them to go down.’
‘How long will it take?’
‘Depends on the damage. Listen… I’m sorry girl. I’m very happy we’re having a child. That prove for me that you love me. We will celebrate with everyone we know, even Shane and Kelly.’
‘Really?’
‘Really. I love you. Now get some sleep. I’ll be home soon.’
Richard kissed me and walked down the stairs. I crossed my arms and started to feel guilty. Maybe asking Shane to come over was a mistake. Especially now I’m on my own.
About an hour or so later I heard a knock on the door. I went to answer it and when I opened the door I was surprised to see, not one, but two people standing there. I was only expecting Shane, why is Nicky here?
‘Hi.’ They both said
‘Hi.’ I said, a bit uneasily
‘Nicky decided to tag along.’ Explained Shane ‘Mainly because of Richard.’
‘That’s nice of you Nicky,’ I said ‘But you don’t have to worry about Richard. He was called back to work.’
‘Oh,’ said Nicky, now feeling a bit uncomfortable ‘I’ll go and wait in the car then.’
‘No Nicky, you can stay. Come on in guys.’
They came in and I led them to the sitting room. I told them to make themselves comfortable while I got the drinks. Coffee for the lads and a hot chocolate for me. As I was placing the drinks on the tray, I was wondering how to tell them. I must have been ahead of myself because I realised I was carrying the tray. But I didn’t realise in time since I walked into one of the chairs by the table. I stopped myself from cursing and continued towards the sitting room.
The lads suddenly went quiet when they saw me walk in. It always make me feel uncomfortable when they do that. It makes me think they’re talking about me. I just hope they weren’t.
I placed the drinks on the table and I stayed standing up. I haven’t found a way to tell them yet.
‘So,’ said Nicky, breaking the silence that had filled the air ‘How are things with you and Richard?’
‘Things are great.’ I said ‘Better then I first thought anyway.’
‘What did you first thought?’
He had to ask! I said ‘Never mind. How are things with the band Shane?’
‘Things are going very well. An album coming out after the tour.’ Said Shane ‘The tour’s fantastic.’
‘How’s Kelly doing?’
‘She’s doing well. We’ve got another scan coming up. Still don’t want to know what we’re having.’
‘Good. And Nicky, how’s Jess?’
‘Excited about our new house.’ Said Nicky ‘She wanted an extra room put in, in case you change your mind.’
‘If only changing my mind was easy.’
‘What do you mean? He hasn’t made you do a deal with him has he?’
‘No,’ a little laugh escaped before I said ‘Richard has become a father.’
The look on their faces told me that this was the last thing they had expected to hear. But to make things clearer for them I said ‘Richard and I are expecting a baby.’
Chapter 14
(Shane)
Did I just hear what I thought I did? I looked at Nicky and saw disbelieve on his face. He was actually slowly turning pale. I don’t want to know how my face looks. All I know is how I’m feeling inside. Confused… guilt… why guilt? She chose to live with Richard.
‘I know this is not what you expected.’ Sally said ‘It’s something I expected but… not so soon after moving in.’
Something triggered Nicky. He just stood up and stormed out. He made sure he bumped into Sally, almost knocking her over. Then he slammed the front door shut, smashing something a long the way.
Sally went to see what had smashed and in a couple of minutes later returning with a picture frame with its broken glass. Tears started to come down. When she placed the frame on the table I saw the picture. Myself, Kelly, Sally and Richard back the way we were. Before leaving for Westlife. Before the car crash that changed everything. Why has Sally kept this picture?
Then it came to me, Sally was in Richard’s car when they crashed. She promised she wouldn’t.
‘Sally,’ I’m probably going to regret asking this but I have to know ‘Why were you in Richard’s car at the time of the crash?’
Sally knew one day I would ask the question, but she couldn’t find the words to answer. The she said ‘He was taking me to the hospital.’
‘Why?’
She swallowed hard and said ‘I was due for a-a baby scan.’
‘Baby scan? What the hell are you talking about? You were only 16…’
‘I know. Remember prom night? What we did after the prom?’
Images came flooding back. I’ve never truly forgotten that night. So much passion… so much love we had for each other back then. Something started to trigger in the back of my mind but I pushed it away. It’s too hard to believe.
‘It was some night.’ I said
‘It was' Said Sally, but there’s more to come ‘That night led to something that I didn’t want at that age. A baby… Shane you were a father.’
Was a father? Back when I was 18? From one news to another.
‘But why only tell me know? Why not back then?’
‘Westlife happened. You’ve been waiting for the big break for so long. I thought if I told you…’
‘What?’ I demanded, rage racing through me
‘You drop out. I wanted you to do Westlife. We were both young. And looking back I regret not telling you. If I did so many things could have been missed.’
‘Maybe, but not telling me because of Westlife! I mean… come on!’
‘I’m sorry! But if you knew what would do?’
That’s a good question. What would I have done? Say goodbye to my life long dream? Or still have the dream and enjoy family life? Or worse… say goodbye and leave Sally alone with the baby and live my dream?
‘I don’t know what I would have done but you still should have told me.’ I said ‘Yes things could have been avoided but we wouldn’t know.’
‘If I could turn back time, I would Shane and I would have told you. But I wanted you to have your dream even if I couldn’t have mine.’
The atmosphere suddenly changed. Reliving the past has turned on our feelings for each other. Truthfully my feelings never faded, they were just replaced. I didn’t want to relive a part of the past, so I got up to leave.
‘Thanks for telling me both news.’ I said ‘I’ve got to be going, especially since Nicky took the car.’
As I started to leave, Sally reached her arm out and pulled me into a hug. I hugged her back and soon we found ourselves kissing each other. Exactly the thing I wanted to avoid. But the longer we kissed the harder it was for me to pull away. I found myself getting deeper and deeper. I’m getting so deep I’m afraid I would drown. But there was nothing in the world that could stop me now. Richard could walk in any second but that would not stop me.
All the cares in the world have disappeared. All feelings have disappeared. My only worry is I will live to see the day that I would regret this crazy sensation.
Chapter 15
The next morning in Nicky’s and Jess’s temporarily home, Nicky walked into the kitchen and started on the breakfast. It took him a while before he noticed someone sitting outside. So he left the kitchen and went towards them. Nicky soon realised who it was. It was Kelly and it looked like she’s been outside for a while.
‘You alright?’ asked Nicky
Kelly jumped a little because she didn’t realise Nicky was there. She shrugged her shoulders and said ‘A bit worried about Shane. He didn’t come back with you and he’s still not here.’
‘I stormed out and took the car,’ explained Nicky ‘Shane probably did the right thing and stayed at Sally’s last night.’
‘Even with Richard there?’
‘He wasn’t there, that’s the thing. He was called back to work before we got there.’
‘Oh… so what did Sally want?’
‘I’m not going to repeat what she said. Shane can when he gets here.’
‘It can’t be that bad.’
'Depends on ho you look at it. Come on, I’m making breakfast.’
Nicky reached out his hand for Kelly to take so he could help her up. Once Kelly was on her feet, they walked into the house and Nicky continued making the breakfast.
Half an hour later, Jess joined Nicky and Kelly at the dinning table and they ate breakfast in silence. It wasn’t until they had finished when Jess said ‘Tia and Mark will be here in the next hour. The house is almost ready; I just need to make the bed.’
‘Jess you’ve done enough already. Give yourself a break and I’ll deal with the bedroom.’ Said Nicky
‘That’s sweet but you know what I’m like.’
‘I sure do but you need a rest. Let’s do a compromise… I’ll do the bedroom and you do the dishes.’
‘I’m not doing the dishes!’
‘Neither am I, I cooked and Kelly’s our guest so you don’t have much of a choice.’
Jess sulked as she started to stack the plates. Nicky laughed and left the girls to do the dishes.
While Nicky was doing the duvet, his mind was on Shane and Sally. He was thinking it was a bad idea to have left Shane behind, but he wanted to leave. He couldn’t quiet comprehend the fact that Sally was now carrying Richard’s child. It took him all the way back to the day when Richard told him Sally was pregnant. That was when she was 16.
Sally was certain the baby was Shane’s but Nicky always wondered why she never told Shane. He was sure it was because she wasn’t certain, and that she was afraid. Afraid a secret would reveal itself. A night shared with a drunken fool who was celebrating his new career.
Nicky kept thinking the baby was his but when she told him of her relationship with Shane, Nicky kept his thoughts to himself. And till this day Nicky hasn’t said anything. He gets annoyed with Shane which leaves Shane confused. He gets annoyed because things remind him of that night. He hates the
fact that Shane could’ve been the father and not him. An old wound never healed…
The door bell rang and Jess opened the door. It was Shane with Tia and Mark. But it was Kelly who saw a car she didn’t want to see.
‘Why is he here?’ asked Kelly
‘He gave me a lift.’ Explained Shane ‘and besides he’s got some news to give. Sally’s also here but she’s here because of the wedding plans.’
‘It’s not our house Shane.’
‘I’m sure Nicky will let them in. he doesn’t want to give the news just like me.’
‘What’s going on?’ asked Nicky
‘Richard’s here.’ Said Kelly ‘he’s got some news to give us.’
‘Right. Better come from his mouth and not ours. Come on in guys. Jess is in the kitchen Tia.’
‘I didn’t even have to ask!’ said Tia
Kelly went with Tia to the kitchen which left Nicky, Mark, Shane and Richard to stand in the silence.
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(Sally)
It is now 4 months after I decided to move in with Richard. A few things have happened during the 4 months. Viv gave birth to a beautiful baby girl last month, which has given Westlife a break from working. Tia and Mark have been busy organizing their wedding. They don’t believe in long engagements, so they have decided to marry in 8 months time. Location is still undecided.
Jess and Nicky are building their new home in Dublin. The location they’ve chosen has some fantastic views. I’m half tempted to move in with them! Kelly’s baby bump is beginning to show now. Wherever Shane goes, he’s asked about the Kelly and the baby. They’ve refused to know what they’re having. They want it to be a surprised when the baby comes.
As for me, I’m still living with Richard. Surprisingly it’s been living with him. I had my doubts, trust me I did. But there was no need to doubt. He’s been treating me right, always home when he said he would be. He’s not really a big spender, but I don’t mind. Every now and then he’ll buy some chocolates or flowers. I’m happy with that.
There’s one thing I need to mention… I’m pregnant. Pregnant with Richard’s child. I haven’t told him yet since the results only came this morning. When Richard comes home from work, I’ll tell him. Am I happy? I don’t know truthfully. This was Richard’s true intentions when he asked me to move in with him. He should be over the moon with the news.
The front door opened and I knew Richard was home.
‘Sweetheart, you home?’ asked Richard
He asks this everyday, but for some reason it always put a smile on my face.
‘Yes. In the lounge.’ I said
A few seconds later Richard came walking towards me. He sat down next to me on the couch.
‘How was your day Ricky?’ I asked
‘Busy.’ Said Richard ‘It seems everyone wants to move these days.’
‘Maybe… maybe it’s time for us to move soon.’
‘There is no way am I moving.’
‘Maybe not now or anytime soon. But Richard with a baby on the way, we need room.’
‘Excuse me? Did you just say “baby on the way”?’
‘I took some tests a few weeks ago, and the results came today. Richard, I’m pregnant with your child.’
He looked stunned more than happy. I guess he wasn’t expecting this news so soon.
‘Richard say something… anything.’
‘Pregnant? So soon?’
‘Isn’t that what you intended?’
‘Yes but… not so soon.'
Knew it! If he didn’t want a baby so soon, perhaps he should have slowed down.
‘Richard we’ve been dating for the last 5 years. Perhaps fate…’
‘Don’t give me that rubbish. Look… I know you’re big into those things, but this? I really don’t think…’
‘Fate has played his part since the first day we met. He brought Shane and Kelly together and he brought us together.’
‘He also killed your mother.’
‘Mother was ill anyway.’
‘Do you really love me? Or are you just pretending?’
‘What? You know I love you. Ok it took me a while to realise I did, but I really do love you Ricky. What can I do to show you, to prove my love is real?’
The way Richard looked at me, told me. I regretted asking that question. I looked away and tried to figure out a way to avoid him. Then something came to mind.
‘I’ve got to call Viv, see how she’s doing. She might need something.’
I left quickly and headed up the stairs. I do really love Richard, but the way he ask me to prove it is just too much. I did it once, what a mistake. Surely words were enough? Surely carrying his child was enough? I went into my bedroom and closed the door. I lent against the door and got my phone out of my pocket. Who shall I call? I just want a long conversation to delay Richard…
Chapter 12
(Shane)
Somebody’s phone was ringing. It took me a while to realise it was my phone. Everyone was here, enjoying a drink or two at the pub, so who was calling? I picked up my phone since it was on the table and answered it ‘Hello?’
There was no answer. I said again ‘Hello, anyone there?’
Nicky had notice I was talking on the phone and raised an eyebrow.
At last the person said ‘It’s me.’
Sally! But why would she be calling me?
‘What’s up?’ I asked her
There was another long pause before Sally said ‘Just wanted someone to talk to.’
‘And you chose me?’
‘Surprisingly. I did say to Richard I was calling Viv.’
‘What your mind?’
‘It was an excuse to get out of the room. Also to delay Richard.’
‘Delay Richard? I though you two were lovers.’
‘Shane…’ another long pause before she continued ‘You know how Richard is.’
‘Knew. I think he would have changed by now.’
‘Don’t bet on it. Listen… Will you be able to pop round later tonight? I’ve got some news to give you.’
‘Why don’t you tell me now? I mean I’m everyone, it only makes sense.’
‘I want to tell you face to face, not over the phone.’
‘Richard’s there. You know we don’t get on.’
‘Please? It will only be 5 minutes, if that.’
I had to pause then. I needed to think before I answered. I looked at Nicky and knew he was listening. Some how the answer came to me then.
‘Ok… I’ll come over but only 5 minutes. I’ve got Kelly to get home.’
‘Why don’t you finish up first? Take Kelly home, and then come over?’
Why do I have this feeling that Sally wants me there longer?
‘Ok. Another hour here and I’ll take Kelly home and then I’ll come over.’
‘Sounds fair. See you then. Bye Shane.’
‘Bye.’
I ended the call and placed the phone on the table. Kelly had heard me say her name as she was looking at me, eager to know who I was talking to.
‘Who was that?’ Kelly asked
‘Only Sally.’ I said
‘Sally? Why was she calling you?’
‘Just wanted someone to talk to.’
‘Then why did I hear Richard’s name?’ asked Nicky
At this point the others have stopped talking and now all eyes were on me. Why was everyone interested when it comes to Richard?
Kelly looked at me with concern in her eyes. I held her hand in mine and said ‘It’s Richard and it’s Sally. Since that encounter at the Grand House, I’ve been…’
‘Been what?’
‘She’s been dreaming about you and Sally.’ Said Tia ‘Kelly’s afraid you two will fall in love with each other again and leave her.’
Kelly got up and left the group. She managed to look back and say ‘That’s the last time I’ll tell you anything Tia!’ before she walked into a table. She cursed herself and went into the ladies bathroom. Viv sighed and went after her friend. It took Tia a while before she realised what happened.
‘Did I just say that out loud?’ asked Tia
‘Yes you did Tia.’ Said Mark
‘Oh darn! I’ve got to stop doing that.’
‘Would be a good idea. Don’t really want you doing that at our wedding.’
‘I should be paying attention then Mark, considering who I’m marrying.’
Tia kissed Mark and they held each others hands and gazed in each others eyes.
Chapter 13
(Sally)
When we said goodbye it was like the Great Wall of China falling down. Now there’s nothing to delay Richard.
‘Sally?’ shouted Richard
My heart started thumbing. I can’t avoid him forever. I opened my bedroom door and saw Richard standing there, holding a phone. So glad that I called Shane on my mobile.
‘Why are you holding a phone?’ I asked
‘Wasn’t trying to listen in, I knew you would use a mobile.’ Richard said ‘My manager just called. There’s something that has gone wrong and we need to fix it.’
‘Can’t it wait until the morning? I mean… we haven’t celebrated.’
Just let him go girl! Shane will be here soon.
‘No it can’t. He’s fearing it could be a virus. Two computers are down already. We can’t afford all of them to go down.’
‘How long will it take?’
‘Depends on the damage. Listen… I’m sorry girl. I’m very happy we’re having a child. That prove for me that you love me. We will celebrate with everyone we know, even Shane and Kelly.’
‘Really?’
‘Really. I love you. Now get some sleep. I’ll be home soon.’
Richard kissed me and walked down the stairs. I crossed my arms and started to feel guilty. Maybe asking Shane to come over was a mistake. Especially now I’m on my own.
About an hour or so later I heard a knock on the door. I went to answer it and when I opened the door I was surprised to see, not one, but two people standing there. I was only expecting Shane, why is Nicky here?
‘Hi.’ They both said
‘Hi.’ I said, a bit uneasily
‘Nicky decided to tag along.’ Explained Shane ‘Mainly because of Richard.’
‘That’s nice of you Nicky,’ I said ‘But you don’t have to worry about Richard. He was called back to work.’
‘Oh,’ said Nicky, now feeling a bit uncomfortable ‘I’ll go and wait in the car then.’
‘No Nicky, you can stay. Come on in guys.’
They came in and I led them to the sitting room. I told them to make themselves comfortable while I got the drinks. Coffee for the lads and a hot chocolate for me. As I was placing the drinks on the tray, I was wondering how to tell them. I must have been ahead of myself because I realised I was carrying the tray. But I didn’t realise in time since I walked into one of the chairs by the table. I stopped myself from cursing and continued towards the sitting room.
The lads suddenly went quiet when they saw me walk in. It always make me feel uncomfortable when they do that. It makes me think they’re talking about me. I just hope they weren’t.
I placed the drinks on the table and I stayed standing up. I haven’t found a way to tell them yet.
‘So,’ said Nicky, breaking the silence that had filled the air ‘How are things with you and Richard?’
‘Things are great.’ I said ‘Better then I first thought anyway.’
‘What did you first thought?’
He had to ask! I said ‘Never mind. How are things with the band Shane?’
‘Things are going very well. An album coming out after the tour.’ Said Shane ‘The tour’s fantastic.’
‘How’s Kelly doing?’
‘She’s doing well. We’ve got another scan coming up. Still don’t want to know what we’re having.’
‘Good. And Nicky, how’s Jess?’
‘Excited about our new house.’ Said Nicky ‘She wanted an extra room put in, in case you change your mind.’
‘If only changing my mind was easy.’
‘What do you mean? He hasn’t made you do a deal with him has he?’
‘No,’ a little laugh escaped before I said ‘Richard has become a father.’
The look on their faces told me that this was the last thing they had expected to hear. But to make things clearer for them I said ‘Richard and I are expecting a baby.’
Chapter 14
(Shane)
Did I just hear what I thought I did? I looked at Nicky and saw disbelieve on his face. He was actually slowly turning pale. I don’t want to know how my face looks. All I know is how I’m feeling inside. Confused… guilt… why guilt? She chose to live with Richard.
‘I know this is not what you expected.’ Sally said ‘It’s something I expected but… not so soon after moving in.’
Something triggered Nicky. He just stood up and stormed out. He made sure he bumped into Sally, almost knocking her over. Then he slammed the front door shut, smashing something a long the way.
Sally went to see what had smashed and in a couple of minutes later returning with a picture frame with its broken glass. Tears started to come down. When she placed the frame on the table I saw the picture. Myself, Kelly, Sally and Richard back the way we were. Before leaving for Westlife. Before the car crash that changed everything. Why has Sally kept this picture?
Then it came to me, Sally was in Richard’s car when they crashed. She promised she wouldn’t.
‘Sally,’ I’m probably going to regret asking this but I have to know ‘Why were you in Richard’s car at the time of the crash?’
Sally knew one day I would ask the question, but she couldn’t find the words to answer. The she said ‘He was taking me to the hospital.’
‘Why?’
She swallowed hard and said ‘I was due for a-a baby scan.’
‘Baby scan? What the hell are you talking about? You were only 16…’
‘I know. Remember prom night? What we did after the prom?’
Images came flooding back. I’ve never truly forgotten that night. So much passion… so much love we had for each other back then. Something started to trigger in the back of my mind but I pushed it away. It’s too hard to believe.
‘It was some night.’ I said
‘It was' Said Sally, but there’s more to come ‘That night led to something that I didn’t want at that age. A baby… Shane you were a father.’
Was a father? Back when I was 18? From one news to another.
‘But why only tell me know? Why not back then?’
‘Westlife happened. You’ve been waiting for the big break for so long. I thought if I told you…’
‘What?’ I demanded, rage racing through me
‘You drop out. I wanted you to do Westlife. We were both young. And looking back I regret not telling you. If I did so many things could have been missed.’
‘Maybe, but not telling me because of Westlife! I mean… come on!’
‘I’m sorry! But if you knew what would do?’
That’s a good question. What would I have done? Say goodbye to my life long dream? Or still have the dream and enjoy family life? Or worse… say goodbye and leave Sally alone with the baby and live my dream?
‘I don’t know what I would have done but you still should have told me.’ I said ‘Yes things could have been avoided but we wouldn’t know.’
‘If I could turn back time, I would Shane and I would have told you. But I wanted you to have your dream even if I couldn’t have mine.’
The atmosphere suddenly changed. Reliving the past has turned on our feelings for each other. Truthfully my feelings never faded, they were just replaced. I didn’t want to relive a part of the past, so I got up to leave.
‘Thanks for telling me both news.’ I said ‘I’ve got to be going, especially since Nicky took the car.’
As I started to leave, Sally reached her arm out and pulled me into a hug. I hugged her back and soon we found ourselves kissing each other. Exactly the thing I wanted to avoid. But the longer we kissed the harder it was for me to pull away. I found myself getting deeper and deeper. I’m getting so deep I’m afraid I would drown. But there was nothing in the world that could stop me now. Richard could walk in any second but that would not stop me.
All the cares in the world have disappeared. All feelings have disappeared. My only worry is I will live to see the day that I would regret this crazy sensation.
Chapter 15
The next morning in Nicky’s and Jess’s temporarily home, Nicky walked into the kitchen and started on the breakfast. It took him a while before he noticed someone sitting outside. So he left the kitchen and went towards them. Nicky soon realised who it was. It was Kelly and it looked like she’s been outside for a while.
‘You alright?’ asked Nicky
Kelly jumped a little because she didn’t realise Nicky was there. She shrugged her shoulders and said ‘A bit worried about Shane. He didn’t come back with you and he’s still not here.’
‘I stormed out and took the car,’ explained Nicky ‘Shane probably did the right thing and stayed at Sally’s last night.’
‘Even with Richard there?’
‘He wasn’t there, that’s the thing. He was called back to work before we got there.’
‘Oh… so what did Sally want?’
‘I’m not going to repeat what she said. Shane can when he gets here.’
‘It can’t be that bad.’
'Depends on ho you look at it. Come on, I’m making breakfast.’
Nicky reached out his hand for Kelly to take so he could help her up. Once Kelly was on her feet, they walked into the house and Nicky continued making the breakfast.
Half an hour later, Jess joined Nicky and Kelly at the dinning table and they ate breakfast in silence. It wasn’t until they had finished when Jess said ‘Tia and Mark will be here in the next hour. The house is almost ready; I just need to make the bed.’
‘Jess you’ve done enough already. Give yourself a break and I’ll deal with the bedroom.’ Said Nicky
‘That’s sweet but you know what I’m like.’
‘I sure do but you need a rest. Let’s do a compromise… I’ll do the bedroom and you do the dishes.’
‘I’m not doing the dishes!’
‘Neither am I, I cooked and Kelly’s our guest so you don’t have much of a choice.’
Jess sulked as she started to stack the plates. Nicky laughed and left the girls to do the dishes.
While Nicky was doing the duvet, his mind was on Shane and Sally. He was thinking it was a bad idea to have left Shane behind, but he wanted to leave. He couldn’t quiet comprehend the fact that Sally was now carrying Richard’s child. It took him all the way back to the day when Richard told him Sally was pregnant. That was when she was 16.
Sally was certain the baby was Shane’s but Nicky always wondered why she never told Shane. He was sure it was because she wasn’t certain, and that she was afraid. Afraid a secret would reveal itself. A night shared with a drunken fool who was celebrating his new career.
Nicky kept thinking the baby was his but when she told him of her relationship with Shane, Nicky kept his thoughts to himself. And till this day Nicky hasn’t said anything. He gets annoyed with Shane which leaves Shane confused. He gets annoyed because things remind him of that night. He hates the
fact that Shane could’ve been the father and not him. An old wound never healed…
The door bell rang and Jess opened the door. It was Shane with Tia and Mark. But it was Kelly who saw a car she didn’t want to see.
‘Why is he here?’ asked Kelly
‘He gave me a lift.’ Explained Shane ‘and besides he’s got some news to give. Sally’s also here but she’s here because of the wedding plans.’
‘It’s not our house Shane.’
‘I’m sure Nicky will let them in. he doesn’t want to give the news just like me.’
‘What’s going on?’ asked Nicky
‘Richard’s here.’ Said Kelly ‘he’s got some news to give us.’
‘Right. Better come from his mouth and not ours. Come on in guys. Jess is in the kitchen Tia.’
‘I didn’t even have to ask!’ said Tia
Kelly went with Tia to the kitchen which left Nicky, Mark, Shane and Richard to stand in the silence.
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