Friends Forever

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Part 1

Sharing a house with your two best friends is cool. Even if one of them is famous and you have fans knocking on the door at 2 in the morning just to say hello. It's every person's dream to live with friends, and until a few months ago, it was mine too. I have two best friends - one girl and one boy. Things were perfect until became famous. the three of us spent hours talking or chasing each other around the house. I'd always been really close to him, we grew up next door to each other. moved here when we were eleven, but she's always been part of the gang. I think that's probably because fancied her, but she's a pretty cool girl. Nothing ever happened between them, because he's not her type. He's a typical boy - loud and lairy. And an absolute fanatic. That's where him and me disagree. I'm a fan, have been since I was born. Match days are always a big deal with us, we're both very competitive and we can't stand losing. I have to admit, there have been a few tears in the past, we've even come to blows, but we always kiss and make up.

We did go too close for comfort once, but we were both hammered. I don't think our parents found out because mine think I'm waiting until I get married. Yeah, right! I'll be waiting forever. I can't remember who made the first move, I think it was me. We'd been to a party and I got too drunk. His parents were away, and mine would have killed me if they'd seen me in that state, so he said I could stay with him. We were sat in his room watching horror films. He was stretched out on the bed, I was curled up next to him, resting my head on his stomach. I had one arm stretched out across his legs and he was playing with my hair. I remember him doing that when we were little, it usually meant he was upset about something. I shifted across so I was lying next to him on my front. He didn't blink for a few seconds. The next thing I remember was waking up the next morning, having forgotten where I was until he shuffled and yawned. I don't think either of us realised what had happened until later. He walked me home and apologised to my parents for not bringing me back earlier. After that, he left and I went upstairs to have a shower and get changed. I was feeling a bit sore, but dismissed it until I saw a few drops of blood. I knew my period wasn't due for another week and instantly realised what had happened.

Thankfully, nothing changed between us. Well, not really. We still talked, and we were still close. Something inside me changed though, and I started seeing him in a different way. I'd always thought he was cute, and I knew a lot girls in school were jealous of our friendship, but I wouldn't have said I found him attractive. I'd never really thought of him that way before, it didn't seem right. was the first one to notice. I denied it for a while, hoping in time I wouldn't feel that way anymore, but in the end it became apparent that hiding it didn't change anything, so I told her everything apart from what had happened that night. I didn't know what to do to get him out of my head. I started going out different boys in an attempt to forget about him. Soon, I had a different guy every week. I didn't like what I was becoming, but at the same time, I was powerless to stop it. Me and started growing apart, and I lost count of how many arguments I had with . She wanted me to tell him how I felt, but I was either too stupid or too stubborn. It took a confrontation with to stop me acting like a slapper. It felt good being able to talk to him again, but it also made me see what I was missing. I got really jealous whenever he started going out with any girls, and I sabotaged most of his relationships. Of course, he never found out it was me, which is probably why he's still speaking to me.

The three of us got a place together. Me and share a room and 's got one all to himself. It was fun at first, but when his band hit the big time, things changed. 's been going out with for ages now, and on his rare days off, he comes round. Sometimes, he spends the night, which means I have to share with . He's got two beds in his room, but we usually end up sharing one. We don't do anything, it's just comforting. A few times, I've left my nightie in my room, so I've had to sleep in my underwear. Those are the most awkward nights. The feel of his skin against mine makes me tingle all over and I can't get to sleep. I think he can sense it because we usually stay up all night talking. When we go downstairs the next morning, we are shattered, which is the main talking point as far as and are concerned. He's convinced there is something going on between me and . He gets it all from a few games of truth or dare. Everytime the bottle lands on me or , our dare is to kiss each other. If you got that dare every time, you'd liven it up a little, right?

The first few times, we did as we were told, but then it got boring, so we used tongues. Last week, we got dared to do it again, so we gave them something to talk about. Before you get any ideas, no, we didn't go that far, although we weren't far off. We were in the garden along with , and . The bottle landed on me, and I looked at . We both knew what was coming. We didn't even wait for to finish speaking. At first, it was a normal kiss, but when they stopped timing, we didn't pull apart. Instead, I laid back onto the grass and he lay on top of me. My arms were wrapped around his neck and he was supposedly trying to undo my bra. The others obviously felt uncomfortable, and started leaving one by one. Once everyone was gone, we pulled apart and fell about laughing.

I don't actually know why me and never got together, we'd gone further than most of our friends. We had such a close friendship, stuff like that didn't bother us, we saw it as normal.

Part 2

The latest twist in the story was last night. had some girl from school in his room, so I wasn't allowed in. Me and were lying in bed trying to sleep, but a constant stream of giggle from the mystery brunette were keeping us awake. I covered my ears in an attempt to block out their laughter, when everything went silent. It didn't last long, a shrill voice was heard seconds later. Obviously, his attempts to get laid were not very successful. I heard his voice then the shrill voice again, then silence. Just as I was drifting off, a moan was heard from next door, followed by his name. switched the light on and looked across the room to where I was still trying to block out the sounds coming form 's room.

"You ok, ?" "I would be if Minnie mouse shut up." A knowing smile spread across her face. "You're not jealous are you?" "Why would I be? I got there first. Oops." I covered my face, realising what I had just said. "You and ? When? Where? How?" "You are not to breathe a word of this to anyone, not even . It happened when I was 16, just after Jodi's party. We were both hammered, and I don't remember much. But that's pretty much when I fell for him." She got up and padded over. "Come on, spill the beans. What's he like? Is he as good as he is at kissing." " !" "What, I want to compare notes. And don't give me that crap about being too drunk to remember. You weren't too drunk to remember sleeping with him, so you can tell all." I went bright red, but I knew she was right. I wasn't going to get out of this. "In answer to your question, yes he was. Out of the whole list, he's the best, hands down. And trust me, it's a long list." "So how do you deal with seeing him every day even though you're..." "What, in love with him? It's easy, I just focus on being friends with him." The moans got louder and I reached boiling point. "But dealing with that is hard. He does it on purpose, because he knows I get pissed off if I don't get a good night's sleep." "Do you seriously feel that strongly about him?" " , I want to be with him for the rest of my life." "Then you have got to tell him. And babes, he is mad if he doesn't feel the same way." I flashed her a smile. "You're right. I'm gonna speak to him tomorrow."

But the next morning when I went downstairs, and his latest girlfriend were sat at the breakfast table. I walked in on them mid-snog. "Guys, keep it clean at the breakfast table please." He pulled away from her reluctantly as I reached into the fridge for an apple. "Nice meeting you." I walked back out and my heart sank. It was never a good sign if last night's date was still there in the morning. He excused himself and followed me out, grabbing my arm and dragging me out of earshot. "What the hell crawled up your arse and died? There was no need to be so rude." "Like she was so polite. She probably kept half the neighbourhood awake last night, so I'm sorry if I'm a little ratty today. I don't like being kept up and especially not by Minnie mouse." "What is wrong with you? You never used to mind." "That's because I couldn't hear them before. Why don't you go back and check on her. We have mousetraps in the kitchen." He let go of my arm. "You have serious issues." "And you want to know what crawled up my arse and died. Whatever it was, it's nowhere near as big as whatever crawled up yours." " ." "Piss off, . I'm going back to bed, and I'd appreciate it if I got some sleep this time." I didn't wait for a reply and stormed back up the stairs, slamming the door to make a point.

I closed my eyes and counted to ten to try and calm down. I curled up in bed and pulled the covers over my head. I didn't realise that wasn't in the room. I decided that going for a walk would be better than moping around, so I put my tracksuit and trainers on. I looked out of the window and saw that it was raining, so I took the nearest top, which happened to be one of 's hoodies and pulled it on over my shirt. I made my way downstairs but left without seeing anyone.

Part 3

Back at the house, as soon as the door closed, bounded downstairs. was sat watching TV, with his back to the door, slumped in his seat. I don't know why, but she must have mistaken him for me. "Hey, how did it go? I heard the door slam and reckoned it must have gone badly. How did he react when you told him, cos he's mad to overlook you in the first place." She paused for a second. looked round at her. " , what are you on about? How did what go?" She covered her mouth with her hand. "Nothing. I thought you were ." "Do I look like her? Are you gonna tell me what you're talking about, because I'm really confused. Who was she meant to tell what?" "It's not my place to say, it's between you and her." "Is this to do with Emma staying over, because I’ve already had that conversation once." "You know?" "Yes, I know." "Then where is she?" "I don't know, we had an argument. I thought she was upstairs." shook her head. "I heard the door and assumed it was you, cos she was wearing your hoodie. What did you say to her?" "I told her she has issues?" smacked him lightly round the back of the head. "The girl pours her heart out to you and tells you she's in love with you, and you told her she has issues?" "Whoa, back up! She said what?" "You said you knew!" "Yeah, but I didn't think you meant that. She never said that. Shit, , why didn't you tell me earlier." He got up and pulled his trainers on. "Stay here and call everyone we know, someone's got to have seen her. I'm gonna go look for her." "Ok, but you are doing this because?" "I'm in love with her too. Yeah, yeah, big shock. Come on, this is the first girl I had a crush on, the first girl I kissed, the first girl I slept with. You don't think all of the dares were just dares do you? They meant something. and your boyfriend is a godsend. You really should have him round more often." "Why? You and only share a room right?" "I think 's a bit closer. She has slept in my bed, usually in her underwear, or those skimpy little things she calls pyjamas. Do you have any idea how tempting that is? For any guy to have a half dressed girl in his bed is good, for me to have her...it's a dream come true. We don't even sleep, we just stay up all night talking. Anything to stop me thinking about her, cos then you wouldn't be complaining about the noise last night. We did actually go further than talking a few months ago. She is the only girl that has ever had that effect on me from just one kiss, so can I go and find her and tell her what I just told you? Please?" nodded, gob smacked and pushed him out of the door. " , it's raining, put a t-shirt on or something." He didn't stop or even flinch as the cold rain pelted down on his bare skin.

I was walking through the park when I spotted a toddler standing a few metres away from me. I walked over and knelt down. "Are you ok, sweetie? Where's your mam?" The little girl started crying, so I picked her up and gave her a cuddle. "Come on, lets go find her." I took the hoodie off and wrapped it around her. The rain lashed down on my back, soaking my shirt in seconds. I walked around the park, clutching the little girl, while trying to hold my tears in. It looked like me and had fallen out for good this time. Perfect timing, because our night together had left me scared that I was pregnant. My period was over a month late.

" ?" What are you doing in the rain. You'll freeze." "Get stuffed! Now's not the time for you to start pretending you care." "I'm not pretending. Why won't you believe me?" "Gee I wonder. We've slept together at least twice, probably more, we go further than kissing on dares, we've kissed each other more time than I care to remember, and we are still only friends. When are you going to stop messing me around and admit that's all we're ever going to be." "I don't... , it's not like that." " , if you can look me in the eye and tell me that's no the truth, I'll stay." "I..." "That's what I thought. Bye , I'm gonna miss you."

I went to kiss him on the cheek, but he moved so I got his lips instead. He pulled me closer to him and deepened the kiss. When he finally pulled away, I couldn't think of anything else. "I don't know how else to say it. I'm head over heels in love with you ." I leaned into him so that our foreheads were touching. "I’m head over heels in love with you too." We were interrupted by a shriek. "Tasha, where were you sweetie? Mummy's been worried sick about you." She reached over and took the little girl from my arms. "Thank you so much for finding her. You have no idea how much she means to me, I'd have died if anything had happened to her." I looked over at , then back up at her. "I think I have an idea." The lady thanked us again before heading off. "Take you hoodie, put it on. You must be freezing. Why the hell did you leave the house without a top on? And as for that hair..." I trailed of, knowing how sensitive he was about it. "Don't care. I had to find you before you did something stupid." "Like what?" "Like not coming home or moving back in with your parents. They'd love it if we had an argument, then they'd be able to say I was only after one thing." "Aren't you?" " , if I was, I'd have nothing more to ask from you, because I got it years ago. I honestly don't care about any of that, all I care about is you. Come on, lets go home. By the way, I'm willing to bet your hair is a lot worse than mine."

He started to walk back to the house, but stopped when he realised I wasn't following him. "What's wrong?" "Is staying over tonight?" He shrugged. "Ask about that. But I know everyone's coming round now." "Can we not tell them for a bit? I just want it to be you and me." He kissed me gently, draping an arm around my shoulder. "Whatever you want babe." We broke apart as we reached the house to be met by a very concerned looking

Part 4

" , I'm sorry, I thought he knew." I smiled at her to reassure her. "It's fine, we talked about it and decided we're better off as friends for now." "Ok. Dry yourselves off and come downstairs." We nodded and rushed up the stairs.

I was drying my hair when came into the room. "Out! I haven't done my hair yet." "It looks fine to me." "Shows what you know." I knew I was going to regret saying that. He reached out and messed my hair up. " ! I have just spent the last twenty minutes getting it perfectly straight." He grabbed me round the waist and dragged me into the bathroom where he proceeded to soak me, getting my hair wet again. ! I'm gonna kill you." "You love me really." I stopped towel drying my hair and looked up at him. "Oh, I do?" He pinned me up against the wall. "Yeah." Before I could protest or reply, he kissed me. I knew this was one battle I wasn't going to win so I wrapped my arms around his neck and closed my eyes. That's how caught us a few seconds later. "I only came to see if you were ok. Just friends, huh? Why don't I get a greeting like that ?" We both went red and looked down. " , you can't tell anyone. We didn't want to lie to you, but you know what they're like." She laughed and hugged us both. "You're forgiven. And don't worry, I won't tell anyone, but if you're not downstairs in the next five minutes, they're gonna come to their own conclusions and I refuse to lie to them." She went back downstairs and I went into my room to get dressed.

I was ready a few minutes, my hair still dripping. We went downstairs, where immediately noticed my hair. " , you've been drying your hair for the last half hour. Why is it still soaking wet?" " 's idea of a joke." "So that's what the shrieking was about. We did wonder." "Yeah sure. What we doing?" grinned before holding a bottle up. "Your favourite game." I pretended to be grumpy. "Again! Don't you lot ever get sick of that game?" "Nup. You and make it fun, cos you're the only ones who pick dares and actually do them." "Whose turn is it?" " just picked truth. We want to know what the biggest lie he's ever told a girl is." "I did once tell a girl I was moving to America, just so I could go out with her best friend. She wasn't too pleased when she saw us." They spun again and the bottle landed on . "We all know I'm gonna say dare." "And you know what the dare is. Get to it, ." "Are you staying over tonight ?" He nodded and I cheered inwardly. "So it looks like you're sharing with . Again!" "I don't mind. It's fun, we get to talk." "So that's what they call it. , how about we go upstairs to 'talk'." She giggled and took his hand as he led her off. I looked at . "Maybe we should go check on them, make sure they don't 'talk'." He whispered something in my ear and I nodded. "Guys, there's probably food in the fridge, help yourselves."

As soon as we were out of sight, pulled me towards him and kissed me, before leading me into his room and locking the door. We fell down onto the bed in a fit of giggles. "You do realise that and are probably listening right now." "So, lets give them something to talk about." I reached up and pulled him down. We could hear and talking and laughing in the next room. Suddenly everything went silent and then 's voice was heard followed by 's and 's laugh. got up, messed his hair up a bit, took his t-shirt off and threw it to the floor before marching over to the door and yanking it open. "Guys, if you really have nothing better to do that listen to what's going on in here, feel free, but don't make it so obvious." A laugh was heard next door. "Sorry mate. But, I mean, nothing's gonna happen, you're best mates. Best mates just don't do that." " , you can tell them now, seeing as they're too thick to work it out themselves." "You sure?" "Yeah." "Ok. Guys, listen up. This may be a bit hard for you to grasp, but and are actually going out, so if he says it's gonna happen, trust me, it's gonna happen." All the guys groaned. "Eew, and you were gonna let us listen?" I popped my head round the door. "No! You don't think we would with you lot listening. That's sick. And before you ask how I knew you were there, a stampede up the stairs and a constant stream of giggles gave you away. Now if you don't mind..." I watched as everyone filed out. " , that means you too. Come on, out." "Now we know why you don't mind sharing with him. Talking indeed." I pushed him lightly to keep him moving.

As soon as I was satisfied everyone was gone, I turned to . "We should have left them in there. At least they wouldn't spy on us anymore." "You really want them to hear?" "Oh please. I can control myself." "Yeah, but I can't." He pulled me into his room, closing the door once more. "You know what I love about skirts?" I shook my head. "Easy access." "Aw, you're so romantic." "Hey, what can I say, that's my middle name." "But there's nothing easy about this girly. You want me, you're gonna have to work for it." I'm not telling you the next part, cos it's a bit personal, but let's just say, he didn't have to work very hard. I woke up in the middle of the night and turned to face him. I couldn't believe that after so long, I finally felt whole. I snuggled closer to him and closed my eyes, trying to get back to sleep.

Part 5

I must have dozed off because the next thing I remember is waking up to find him looking at me. "How long have you been awake?" "A while. I didn't want to wake you. Nice dream?" "Not as nice as the reality." He kissed the tip of my nose. "Is that all I get now?" I pretended to sulk. "What else do you want?" A cheeky smile spread across his face. "I was thinking more along the lines of this." I pulled him towards me, putting my other hand between us when we were just centimetres apart. He pushed my hand away and kissed me properly this time, shifting slightly so he was on top of me. "Was that to your satisfaction?" "Don't get cheeky and kiss me. I wasn't paying attention." It's a good thing we were under the covers, because walked in on us a few minutes later when we really didn't want to be interrupted. "Guys do you...aw , why didn't you lock the door. Jeez, it's too early in the morning for this."

She made her apologies and left the room, closing the door firmly behind her. "Do you think she knows..." "Yeah. And the other four probably do as well now." We laughed and went red at the thought. We were never going to hear the end of this. We got dressed and went downstairs, dreading the reaction we were going to get from the others. "Didn't interrupt anything did we?" "Not really. We were just talking." "You must be good at that. Have you been talking all night?" "Not as long as you and ." went red and didn't bring up the subject again.

Me and went into the living room and flopped down on the sofa. I was sat next to him with my legs stretched out across his lap. His arms was resting on the top of my leg. "Maybe we shouldn't have said that to him, did you see how quiet he went?" "He'll be fine, he's tough." "I hope you're right ." "Babe, trust me. He's fine." walked in on us for the second time that day. "Will you two get a room? Seriously, it's like watching a nature show on rabbits." I reluctantly pulled away from and glared at her. "Coming form the queen rabbit." "Shut up! Me and aren't as bad as you two. Look, you can't keep your paws off each other. Don't get me wrong, I think it's cute, but give it a rest now and then." was sat there with his head slightly to one side. "We were in a room this morning. You don't wanna see it, then knock. It's not nice being interrupted halfway through." "Whatever. You have a lock on your door, use it. And am I to take it gets to stay over more often now you two have finally got it together?" "Yeah, I guess. But if he stays over any more often, we'll have to start charging him rent." "What's this about rent?" walked into the room holding a glass of water. "Nothing." He shrugged. "If you're sure. By the way , your hair looks much better wet."

Before I realised what was happening, all five of them poured the water over me, soaking me and splashing in the process. " , you good for nothing, lousy little bastard. You are so gonna pay for that." I charged after him into the garden and cornered him. "That wasn't very fair." I jumped on his back and ruffled up his hair. he staggered around the garden, trying to shake me off. " , I'm sorry babe. I have to do it." I looked over and saw standing by the hose. Suddenly a huge jet of ice cold water hit me. I screamed and let go of , who ran for cover behind the tree in the corner. I saw standing at the door and screamed at him to turn the water off, but he was too busy laughing to notice. I walked up to and whispered something in her ear. She nodded and ran indoors, closing the door and leaving outside.

I grabbed the hose and turned to face him, soaking him from head to toe. He stopped laughing and looked at me, shaking the water out of his hair. I hadn't noticed creep up behind me and switch the tap off, stopping the water. he walked up to and clapped him on the back. "Never laugh when a girl is getting soaked. It will backfire no you - big time." took his t-shirt off and wrung it out, before rolling it up and whacking me across the legs with it. "Ow, that hurt." He feigned horror. "Oh no. I'm sorry, did that hurt." He whacked me again. "Stop it!" "Or what?" "Or I won't kiss you again. EVER!" "What you won't kiss me if I do this." He whacked me softer this time. "No, I'll do this instead." I took my own t-shirt off and rolled it up, whacking him across the back, much to the amusement of the others. 's jaw dropped. "Don't even think about it or I'll hit you again." "Come on, just one kiss. Just one, I promise. I won't even use tongues." "Fine, if it shuts you up. But your hands go anywhere near my bra, I will kill you, you understand?" He nodded. "Scout's honour." "You were never a scout. And I mean just one kiss." He turned and winked at before giving him the thumbs up. I tapped my foot impatiently while the two exchanged a private joke. In the end, I spun him round to face me and practically pounced on him. It was one of those situations where pretty much all of the rules got broken.

Part 6

I pushed him down onto the chair, and his hands automatically rested on my hips, while mine were wrapped firmly around his neck. My hair fell across, hiding our faces from the others, but him being a boy, broke his promise and gently teased my tongue with his. His hands ran up my back and I was vaguely aware of someone throwing a blanket over us. By now, everyone had gone inside and we took our chance, rushing up the stairs and into his room.

After a while, as we both lay there, I suddenly realised, I still hadn't taken that pregnancy test. I'd have to do it soon before he fond the test in my bag and all hell broke loose. We'd talked about it before, and he said that he didn't want any kids until he was at least 25. I didn't really mind, as long as I'd finished college, but I'd always said that the last thing I’d want is an abortion. I don't believe in them. I listened as his breathing slowed and figured he must be asleep. I got up, trying not to wake him and got dressed. I quietly crept out of the room, took the test out of my bag and locked myself in the bathroom. Five minutes later, I came out. I'd suspected, but never actually thought I was pregnant. I put the test back in the box and hid it in the back of my wardrobe. I curled up in a ball on my bed, with one hand resting on my stomach. I didn't know what I was going to do.

came in and sat down next to me. " , what's up? have you and had an argument?" I turned to face her, tears filling my eyes and sat up. "I'm gonna lose him , and it hurts." She hugged me. "Babes, you're not going to lose him. He loves you, ok. He worships the ground you walk on. I've seen the way he is around you, there is no way you'll lose him." appeared at the door and got up to talk to him. "Can you give us a minute? 's really upset and I'm trying to find out why." He nodded and turned to leave. "No, it's ok. He can stay. He might as well hear it, he'll find out sooner or later. Just shut the door, I don't want anyone else hearing." ushered him in and shut the door, before coming back to where I was sitting. "Guys, promise me everything I say remains between us. It cannot leave this room." They exchanged concerned looks before promising they'd keep it a secret. "I'm pregnant." 's jaw dropped and gasped. "No way, babes. I'm not keeping this from ." " , you promised me." "It's his baby too, he has a right to know." "Yeah, I know. And I'll tell him in my own time. Please , you promised you wouldn't say anything." "That was before I found out. You cannot hide this from him." " , I'm begging you. I don't want to lose him. I can't lose him, it would kill me." She sighed. "Look, I won't tell him, but if he guesses, I'm not lying to him. He's my friend too." "I'm not asking you to lie, I'm just asking you to keep a secret until I figure out what to do."

The door swung open and walked in, rubbing his eyes. He walked over and sat down next to me, wrapping an arm around me. "What to do about what?" and exchanged glances. "Am I missing something here?" They got up and walked over to the door. "Tell him . Tell him ,or I will." "Tell me what? , what's going on here? You're not ill or something. Oh, I get it. There's someone else, isn't there? You're breaking up with me." "No! It's nothing like that. There's no-one else, I'm fine and I'm certainly not breaking up with you. , I love you ok. Nothing is going to change that." "Then what?" His voice was filled with concern. "Don't flip out. I'm pregnant." I watched as the colour slowly drained out of his face. "But how? I mean, you can't get pregnant in a day." "We slept together a few months ago. I was going to tell you earlier, but I've only just found out myself. , say something." I was crying freely by now. "We can't have a baby, . We're too young." "So you want me to get rid of it?" "I didn't say that, but we can't have a baby. This isn't about how I feel or how you feel, it's logic. I'm not saying have an abortion, but we can't keep it. Babe, you know I'm right. There's adoption and stuff." On hearing this, I completely lost it. "Screw adoption . If I decide to go through with this pregnancy, I'm keeping the baby. That's regardless of whether you help me or not. I'm not handing my baby over to complete strangers, and if you were any kind of human being, you wouldn't even consider it." I stormed out of the room and through the front door, slamming it shut. As soon as I was outside, I sat on the doorstep and cried.

I finally dried my tears and ran down to the surgery. I got a number for a clinic and walked over to the park. I sat down on the swings and dialled the number carefully. It rung two or three times before someone answered.

Part 7

"I'd like an appointment for an abortion please." "When?" "As soon as possible." "Our next free date is 20th of May." I looked at my phone quickly. That was in three days time. "That's fine, thank you." I gave my details and ended the call, tears running down my cheeks. I couldn't go back to the house, I didn't think I could face . I didn't want to go to my parent's house either. There was only one place I could go.

I reluctantly headed towards the house, desperately trying to pull myself together. I knocked on the door and 's mum opened it. " , it's lovely to see you dear. 's not here I'm afraid." "I know, that's why I came. , I feel really awkward asking you this, but is there any chance you could put me up for a few days." "Don't be silly, of course you can stay. You're like a daughter to me. Now, are you going to tell me what's going on with you and my ." "You already know, don't you?" "He did call, yes. He told me to call if you turn up." I looked up at her in horror. "No, you can't! It's only until Thursday." I looked down, unable to bring myself to say it. "Does know?" I shook my head. "He doesn't need to. He made it clear he wants nothing to do with this baby."

Over the next few days, 's parents tried to get me to change my mind, but I'd made my decision. "Thanks for everything . Here's the number of the clinic, the address is on the back just in case you need it." She hugged me. "Take care of yourself . Call me when it's over." I got in the cab just as arrived. "I'm sorry, I had to call him." The cab driver pulled out and started the journey. "Mum, what's going on? I told you to call me as soon as she got here, where's she going?" "How could you say that to her ? She is going through the most difficult thing in the world, and thanks to you, she's going through it alone." "What do you mean?" "You won, . She couldn't bear the thought of losing you, so she's sacrificing her child. Your child." "And you let her go? Mum, I need the address, now." "You are not driving in that state." "Mum, I need to get to that clinic now to tell the girl I love that she is making the biggest mistake of her life. I know I said I don't want kids right now, but I want that one, and I want her. If I don't stop her, I'm gonna lose her, because I can assure you she'll never speak to me again." "Get in the car and shut up. I'll drive you." "Mum, I don't mean to be rude, but step on it. If we go any slower, we'll be going backwards." "I'm driving at the speed limit." "Screw the speed limit. What's more important? That or the life of your grandchild, because if we don't get there in the next fifteen minutes, there won't be a grandchild."

They got to the clinic just as I was being prepped. "Is there a booked in?" "I'm sorry, sir, that information is confidential." He slammed his fist down on the reception. "Don't give me that crap. I love that girl and she is about to get rid of our baby. I want to tell her not to go through with it." "I'm sorry, she's already gone in." "Well, can I at least see her? Please? Lady, I'm begging you, if you have ever been in love, you will know how I'm feeling right now. I can't let her do this." "Stay here, I'll see what I can do." She came out a few minutes later. "You're a very lucky man. Any later and you'd have been too late. through there, third door on your left." "Thank you." He rushed down the corridor and into the room. " , what are you doing here?" He took my hand and helped me sit up. "I can't let you go through with this . I don't want you to spend the rest of your life hating me because I made you do this. I love you too much to let that happen." " , I don't hate you. I could never hate you, but you really don't have to do this. I know you don't want a baby right now." He cupped my face in his hands and brushed my tears away with his thumbs. "If this was any other girl, I'd agree with you, but it's not. It's you, , and you break all the rules. Yeah, I don't want A baby, but I want this baby - our baby. Just please say you'll change your mind. Whatever happens from here, it's just the three of us." I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him. "You're sure?" "I've never been more sure of anything in my life. Come on, let's go home." I nodded and apologised to the doctors who all had tears in their eyes and applauded us.

Part 8

We walked out into the reception area hand in hand to be met by flashes from cameras and questions from reporters. he pulled me closer to him, wrapping an arm around my waist protectively and sticking his finger up at a reporter. We were going to be all over the front pages tomorrow, but I didn't care. I wanted the world to know we were together. We got into the back of his mother's car and shut the door, locking it to prevent reporters opening it.

He ran a hand through my hair. "You would not believe how much I've missed you." "It's the longest we've ever been apart, so I think I have an idea." I leaned in to kiss him, sealing the bond that had once so foolishly been broken.

The next morning, as I'd predicted, we were on the front page of every newspaper in the country. picked one up and started reading. "Yesterday afternoon, millions of pop fans were left broken hearted as it emerged that is dating his childhood friend . The couple were spotted leaving the south London clinic hand in hand." She threw it aside and picked up another one. "Is she or isn't she? was yesterday spotted leaving an abortion clinic hand in hand with boyfriend . The couple were smiling, so could there soon be the patter of tiny feet? They are thought to be expecting their first child in December." She looked through the pile again. "Jeez, don't they have anything better to do. It's none of their business." "Up until a year ago, you'd be right, but now, they make it their business." "She's right . They might make it their business, but what happens is between us. They are just going to try and make it their business to ruin things for us." "You're not having doubts about us are you?" He looked worried at the thought. "No, of course not. I love you, and I want to be with you. Nothing is going to change the way I feel, especially not a couple of poxy reporters." "It's not gonna be easy ." "Nothing worth fighting for ever is, and I think we're worth it." He pulled me onto his lap and kissed me. "I think so too."

I was used to being in the papers, it came from having a famous brother, but the treatment I got from some of the fans shocked me. There were mixed reactions. Most were happy for us, but until everyone had accepted that me and were together, I had the lot. Anonymous phone calls, letters warning me off him, even death threats. didn't leave my side, he was desperate for the fans to accept me. Eventually, the week before he went on tour, they realised that we weren't splitting up and gradually, the phone calls and letters stopped.

By this time, I was six months pregnant and had a considerable bump. The day was due to leave, I got up early to avoid missing him. We stood outside facing each other. "Babe, come on, don't cry. It's only for six weeks." "I know, but it won't stop me missing you." He pulled me close, kissing my hair. "I'm gonna miss you too. Both of you." He gently rested a hand on my stomach and I felt the baby kick. he knelt down and kissed the bump. "You look after your mam, and don't give her any trouble or I'll be having words when I get back." He stood up and kissed me again. "Call me if anything happens." I nodded and brushed my tears away. The baby kicked again. "Looks like we've got a footballer in the making. , watch out. You've got a new signing." "Yeah right, he's going to ." " , come on! We're late enough as it is." 's shout came from the car. kissed me again. "I'll see you soon, I promise. I love you." "I love you too." I watched the car go down the driveway until it disappeared from sight before going back to the house. "Sweetie, don't cry. He'll be fine." "I miss him already, how am I going to cope for six weeks?" Time passed quickly though, and before I knew it, the six weeks are almost up.

Part 9

called every day and we'd spend a few hours talking on the phone. I missed him like hell.

Two days before he was due to come back, I heard talking on the phone to someone and assumed it was . "No, I have to be somewhere tonight." There was a pause. "Babe, we can't tell her, it would kill her." Another pause and then 's angry voice. "Well, if you'd kept an eye on him like you were supposed to, it wouldn't have, would it? How the hell am I supposed to hide it from her when it's in every paper. And quite frankly, I don't give a shit how he feels, cos it's nothing compared to how 's gonna feel when she finds out. He shouldn't have done it." My head shot up at the mention of my name. "I love you too, and I'm sorry for snapping. It's just doing my head in. I'll speak to you tomorrow." She put the phone down and I heard the rustle of a newspaper.

As soon as I walked into the kitchen, she folded it up and held it under the table. " , what are you doing up so early?" I put a hand over my stomach. "Couldn't sleep, this little one's been sharpening up his footie skills. What have you got under the table?" "Oh, it's nothing." " , what are you hiding? Give me the paper." She threw it down on the table. "I'm sorry , I didn't want you to find out like this." I looked down and the headline jumped out at me instantly. 'Love Rat'. Below it, there was a picture of kissing another girl. "Is it really over for and girlfriend ? The young pop star was spotted backstage laughing and joking with one of the band's fans. The pair were then seen kissing in hot new club, Ego." I tried to hold back the tears and I was vaguely aware of hugging me. I clung onto her, shaking with each breath I took.

"How could he do that ? He said he loved me, how could he do it?" "He's not worth your tears babes." "What kind of person cheats on their girlfriend, especially when she's seven and a half months pregnant? I thought I knew him ,but I obviously don't know anything about him." She tried comforting me, but to no avail. "It's not even like I've got anywhere else to go. I can't go to my parents, I can't go to his. I can't go and visit my brother, he's too far away." "You're leaving?" "I can't stay here." I gasped as a sharp pain shot through my body and clenched my teeth until it passed. " , are you ok?" I nodded and made my way into the living room. "You're leaking. Oh, God, please tell me this isn't it? Do you want me to call , he wanted to be here." I shook my head, doubling over as the next contraction started. "He gave up any rights to this baby when he kissed another girl. Call an ambulance and tell them to hurry."

rushed off to find the phone. "It's ok, they're on their way. You're gonna be fine, just breathe through it. Here, take my hand." I grabbed hold of it, squeezing it tightly as the next contraction came. The doorbell rang and rushed off to get it. "Get out, she doesn't want you here." I looked up at the door where was standing. " ." I picked up a cushion and threw it at him. "I've got nothing to say to you." " , I'm sorry. It was a mistake, it didn't mean anything. I love you." "I don't care. The fact is you kissed another girl. It doesn't matter if it meant something or not, what matters is that you kissed another girl while I was sat at home, seven and a half months pregnant with our baby." "Don't do this, . I love you, and I know that you love me too. We can work this out, please babe." I looked up at him and shook my head, my eyes filling with unshed tears. "We can't come back from this . You're right, I do still love you, part of me always will, but as far as we're concerned, it's over. It's too late for apologies...too late for us."

There was another knock on the door and the ambulance crew came in. "Just go, . if you have any feelings for me, just leave." "It's never gonna be too late for us." He looked straight at me, his eyes piercing through my soul and stirring all sorts of emotions in me. I blinked and looked away, knowing that if I met his gaze, I would see the guilt and sincerity in his eyes and take him back.

Part 10

The labour was the most painful thing I have ever experienced, and I wished was there with me. I gave birth to a little boy, . We were both allowed home the next day.

When I got back, I discovered that had moved out and was now living with his parents. In a away, I was sad, because I'd wanted him to be the first person to see our baby.

One evening, had gone out somewhere with , leaving me and on our own. I'd just managed to get him to sleep when there was a knock at the door. I wasn't expecting anyone, and opened the door to find myself face to face with . I hadn't seen him since the split and was shocked at how much he'd changed. His normally perfect hair was messed up, his eyes were bloodshot and swollen, and his cheeks were tearstained. It was obvious he'd been crying and the sight of him made me want to throw my arms around him and kiss him, just to see a smile on his face and that sparkle in his eyes. "Come in, he's upstairs."

I reached out to shut the door at the same time as him. His hand rested on top of mine and our eyes met. I looked down and pulled my hand away sharply. " , don't!" "Don't what?" "Don't do this to yourself. Just accept that its over, I don't love you anymore." The lie slipped out easily enough and I noticed a flicker in his eyes. "Yes you do, I know you . I know when you're lying. What are you so afraid of?" "I'm not afraid of anything. My head is telling me this is wrong." "And what about your heart? What's that telling you?" "I..." "I'm not giving up on us, so you might as well stop this now. I'll make you a deal. One kiss - if you pull away, I'll know you mean it and I'll leave you alone. But if you don't I will fight until my dying day to get you back, because I can't live without you. I feel like a part of me is missing. Without you, I'm nothing."

I knew he was making sense. If I really wanted to be with him, I'd have to take chances, and right now, every inch of me was aching to be with him again. I watched as he moved closer, waiting to feel the intensity of his kiss. Our lips met, and I knew that this was where I wanted to be. He pulled away after a while and I opened my eyes. "Did I say you could stop?" I wrapped both arms around his neck and pulled him towards me again. I hadn't been with anyone since was born, and I didn't know if I'd be ready, but within minutes, I was reaching out for him, pulling him down on top of me. As we lay in each other's arms, he kissed my neck, pulling me even closer to him. We heard a door close downstairs, followed by 's cry.

I quickly pulled my dressing gown on and ran downstairs, taking him form , rocking him gently. "I was only up there for a bit, don't look at me like that." "I bet you had company." "Maybe." "I told you that you and are like rabbits. Your little boy is less than a month old, and you two are at it again." "What makes you think it's ?" "His shoes are by the door, and he's sat at the top of the stairs. gave you a month before you realised you couldn't live without each other and got back together." " 's a clever git then, isn't he?" I suddenly stopped and looked at her. "Is everything ok with you two?" "Yeah. I'm just really happy, cos we're kinda moving in together. We thought we'd leave you and to it." " , that's great. I'm gonna miss you though." "You've got a family to think of now. Take that baby upstairs and let his dad hold him."

I nodded and carefully made my way to the top of the stairs where was sat. I put into his arms and he looked down at his son for the first time. "He's gorgeous ." "He's got your eyes. That means he's going to have all the girls after him." pulled me towards him. "Hopefully, he'll find himself a stunner like you and not be stupid enough to nearly throw it all away. I hope he never has to feel the way I made you feel, because I love you so much. it killed me to see you in so much pain, pain that I'd put there. I want to be there for you forever. Marry me ."

Part 11

He pulled a ring out from behind him. I sat there in shock, looking from him to the ring and back. "You don't have to answer now." "Are you joking? I knew what the answer was before you even asked. Yes." "Yes?" "Yes, I'll marry you, you idiot." He slipped the ring on my finger and sealed the commitment with a kiss. If hadn't decided to take upstairs right at that minute, a kiss wouldn't have been the only thing sealing it. She raised an eyebrow as she walked into her room. Soon, giggles were heard, followed by a thud, an shout from and then silence.

Me and stood up, careful not to wake . I watched as put him down in his cot and tucked him in. He noticed me watching him and walked up to me, putting an arm around me and leaning close to me so our lips were almost touching. "What?" "Nothing, you're really good with him." "I have a lot of talents you don't know about." "Wanna show me some of them?" I pulled away from him slightly, pulling at the tie on my dressing gown. I'm going to have a shower, think about it and tell me when I come back."

I turned my back to him and let the dressing gown slide off me, leaving it in a crumpled heap on the floor. I heard him take a sharp breath as I walked towards the en suite bathroom. I got in the shower and turned the hot water on, letting it trickle down my body. I had my back to the door and the room was steamy. I didn't hear the door open and almost jumped out of my skin when someone kissed my neck. A pair of arms wrapped around my waist.

" , what are you doing?" "I thought I'd show you some of my hidden talents." He whispered huskily, turning me to face him. "I know all about those talents." "You won't mind me sharpening my skills then, will you?" "Are you trying to take advantage of my innocence Mr. ?" "As if!" I pushed him against the wall and kissed him. He grabbed my wrists, pinning me up against the wall and holding my arms at head level. he pushed his tongue into my mouth, leaving me breathless, before pulling away.

"So, what do you think and are up to?" He released my arms. "Do you care?" "Not really." Suddenly, the water turned cold and we both yelled out. I could hear laughing. "There goes the romance." I kissed him before getting out and drying myself off. "We've got all the time in the world for that. Now, I'm going to go and let that band mate of yours have a piece of my mind, because that was out of order."