Broken

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 11

Ella moved slowly down the stairs hearing talking and laughter. She moved to the doorway into the lounge and watched for a minute before watching Roman smile and look over at her. His action caused the conversation to quiet down and others to look over in her direction.

“Hey.” He said softly.

“Ok how did he do that?” Danni asked Mike.

Mike shrugged and gave her a grin in response.

“Could tell you it’s about training. We’re taught to listen for unusual things like different footsteps or to hone in on different scents. Mum is wearing her usual Strawberry stuff. But I think its more like this connection they have.”

Roman half shook his head before smiling as Ella moved over to his side taking the spare chair.

“Hungry?” he asked her.

“Dad made curry.” Meggy told her.

“I’m jealous.” Danni told Mike quietly.

Mike smiled at her before leaning over and kissing her quickly.

“A little.” Ella murmured. “Did you check homework?” she asked Roman.

“Meggy got…” Roman stopped and nodded at his daughter to finish the sentence.

“An A on my maths.” She murmured.

“Well done Baby girl.” Ella said quickly smiling proudly at her.

“Me baby girl.” Lily shouted out frowning at Ella.

Roman laughed before easing from his seat and moving into the kitchen. Returning a moment later with a plate of food for Ella placing it in front of her.

“Anybody want more?” he asked.

Mike nodded his mouth full.

“It’s in the kitchen help yourself.” Roman murmured grinning as he watched the disappointed look cross over Mike’s face.

“May I be excused?” Sophie asked.

Ella nodded.

“Yes.” She said a second later.

Sophie stood and took her plate through to the kitchen placing it on the side before she headed up the stairs.

“She hadn’t eaten very much.” Roman murmured sitting next to Ella.

“I know.” Ella responded. “She’s been like that for a few days now.”

“We don’t have to worry about her…” Roman began to ask lapsing into silence when Ella placed her hand on his knee and squeezing.

“So what brings you two over tonight?” Ella asked Danni and Mike changing the subject.

“Just wanted to spend a bit of time with you.” Danni murmured.

“Uh huh.” Ella said slowly. “And what else?” she asked.

“Eat your food.” Mike supplied. “We are both poor students you know.”

“I would believe that but I’m still giving Danni and allowance….”

“You are?” Roman interrupted and saw her nod. “But she’s like moved out.”

Ella smiled at him.

“So has Nic but she still comes round to borrow my clothes. And Mike has a trust fund.” She finished.

“But it’s just a small trust fund.” Mike said smiling at his mum. “Barely pays for anything.”

“I’ll ignore that designer watch then.” Ella shot back grinning as Mike flushed.

“That ugly thing is a designer watch?” Sammy burst out with.

“Yes mate.” Mike chuckled at his little brother.

“I preferred your old one.” Sammy told him.

“You can have it.” Mike said to him.

“No he can’t.” Ella overrode her son ignoring the disappointed sound that Sammy made. “He has a watch.”

Mike looked over at her and nodded. His old watch was the one he used when he was in the army. It had a compass and showed the time in three different time zones. He wasn’t surprised his Mum made the connection.

“Sorry mate.” He grinned at his brother.

“S’ok I suppose.” Sammy said with a sigh. “I do like my watch.” He added.

“Sorry Samson. I’ll let Mike take you surfing to make up for it.” Ella said to her son watching the excitement on his face.

“Really?”

Roman looked up in surprise when the excited sounding question came from Mike.

“Yes. You too Georgie.”

Georgie nodded.

“Thanks Mum. When can we go?” he asked Mike quickly.

“I don’t know how to surf.” Sammy murmured after a few minutes.

“That’s ok I’ll be teaching you. We’ll go shopping after school tomorrow and pick up some body boards so you can start learning.” Mike told them unable to keep the excitement out of his voice.

Ella chuckled. She felt Roman putting his arm around her on the back off the chair and she grinned over at him before he leaned forward and kissed her.

“What about me?” Meggy asked.

“I’ll teach you.” Ella told her. “And Sophie if she wants to learn.”

“Could you teach me?” Danni asked shyly.

“Sorry.” Mike said immediately to her. “I never thought to ask.”

“It’s ok.” Danni told him quickly.

“Still.” He said with a grimace.

“How did you get on with James?” Roman asked Ella referencing her Tai Chi lesson.

“He thinks you’re a fraud.” Ella murmured.

“Because you are picking it up easily?” Roman asked her grinning.

“No just in general.” She said and chuckled at his affronted expression. “You didn’t let on about my gymnastics did you?”

Roman shook his head.

“Forgot to mention that.” He admitted.

“So like his first lesson was about balance. “ she murmured.

“What did you do?” Meggy asked her seeing the expression on her mum’s face.

“I can’t tell you because your dad will have a heart attack.” Ella said to her daughter and laughed when Roman paled.

“Ella.” He said.

“I know I’m supposed to be doing it to keep my blood pressure in check, keep limber and use it as exercise for when I’m unable to do any other exercise.” She told him smiling at him.

“Now I’m even more intrigued by what you did.” Mike said leaning back in his seat.

“Just a handstand.” Ella said looking at Roman slyly.

He shook his head.

“Ella.” He muttered.

“And maybe a cartwheel.” She added.

Roman groaned and shook his head again. He spotted Meggy trying not to laugh and gave her a glare.

“So anyway we skipped some of the basics.” Ella said with a shrug. “He did ask why you weren’t showing me yourself.”

Roman flushed at the question.

“I’m not the Tai Chi type.” He muttered avoiding eye contact.

Ella giggled and found Roman taking hold of her hand giving it a squeeze.

“Are you going to teach me gymnastics?” Meggy asked. “I really want to learn to do it.”

“Sorry Megs I can show you some stuff but you’d have to practice in a gym every day for hours to do some of the things like somersaults.” Ella murmured to her daughter.

Meggy frowned and pursed her lips as she thought about it.

“Mummy.” Georgie began.

“Yes.” Ella said slowly.

“I have something I want you to sign.” He began gulping as he spoke.

“Is this something that I’m not going to like?” she asked slowly putting her fork down on the plate in front of her. She eased her free hand out of Roman’s grasp and placed it in her lap.

“It’s my form to join.” He stopped looking around the room and then back at her. “To join the Army cadets.” He finished.

“Georgie.” Roman said his tone bitter.

“I’ll sign it now if you get me a pen and bring the form to me.” Ella said quietly.

“Mum?” Mike said quickly disbelievingly.

“He asked me.” She said softly. “It’s what he wants.”

Georgie nodded and stood up moving over to his school bag. He pulled out his pencil case and the form bringing them over to her.

“Thank you Mummy.” He said quickly fiddling in the case before he pulled out a pen handing it over to her.

Ella looked at it and scanned down the paperwork before she signed at the bottom and handed both the pen and the form back to him.

“Better start calling me Mum though.” She said to him. “Don’t want to get a bad reputation.”

Mike chuckled.

“Yeah, and seriously, don’t have your dad rescue you. That’s really embarrassing.” He said to his brother.

“Hardly, I don’t intend to get caught.” Georgie pointed out.

“Er I hope I haven’t made a mistake signing that form I didn’t realise they sent cadets overseas.”

“Oh Mum.” Georgie groaned rolling his eyes before he laughed.

Mike chuckled at the joke before looking at his mother.

“Have you finished because we brought cheesecake for desert.” He told her.

Ella nodded.

“I have. Could you do me two small slices please?”

“Two?” Danni questioned standing up from the table and started clearing plates.

“She wants to go check on Sophie.” Sammy said to her as he too stood up.

“Smart cookie.” Ella smiled at her son before turning to Roman. “Babies need to be in bed soon.”

He nodded.

“Do you want pudding?” he asked Lily and William.

Lily nodded.

“What about you little man?” Ella asked William.

“Sleeps.” He said lifting his hands up asking to be taken out of the highchair.

“Tired babes?” Ella asked him.

William nodded.

Roman smiled at his son and was struck once more by imagining how Marcus would have been as a baby. He gave a little sigh acutely aware of Ella sitting next to him.

“Come on babes.” He said slowly moving to lift up his son.

“No.” William told him waving his hand in the direction of Ella. “Mama carry.”

“That right babes?” Ella said softly. “Let Daddy do it.”

William frowned looking from one to the other before shaking his head and holding his hands out to her once more.

“Mama.” He called out.

Ella laughed and shook her head at him.

“Better take him up sounds as though he’s about to have tantrum.” She murmured to Roman.

He nodded and moved into the kitchen coming back with the wipes cleaning his squirming face and hands before he lifted him out of the highchair. He began kicking his legs before sucking in a deep breath gearing up to scream.

Ella stood and moved over to him.

“See you soon little man.” She crooned softly to him. “Mama needs to eat her dinner now.”

He looked at her and blinked a few times before frowning. Roman used the distraction to carry him out of the room and up the stairs.

“Here you go.” Mike said to her placing two portions of the cheesecake in front of her.

“Thank you. I’ll be back down in a bit.”

“Can we watch tv?” Sammy asked.

“For a bit.” Ella told her son as she moved out of the room. She headed up both sets of stairs and into Sophie’s room.

“Hey.” She called out.

“What?” Sophie asked rudely.

“Thought I would bring you some cheesecake and maybe talk a little.” Ella persisted, moving over to the spare bed and easing down on it. She placed the spare desert on the top next to Sophie and picked up her own spoon.

“Nothing to talk about.” Sophie declared.

“Are you on a diet?” Ella asked her.

“No.” she shot back.

“Good then you can eat that can’t you?” Ella smiled at her daughter and watched as she reluctantly picked up the dish and spoon. She dipped the spoon in it and looked over at her.

“Is it true?” Sophie muttered.

“Is what true?” Ella asked her daughter.

“That Dad has another kid.” Sophie asked bitterly.

“I really don’t know.” Ella supplied. “But if it is true then he’s part of this family.”

“I don’t want to meet him. And I don’t know how you can be so calm about it. He cheated on you.”

“Sophie I know you are upset but it isn’t your place to be mad at him for that. It’s mine and trust me I’m plenty upset. He is still your Dad and he loves you to bits. Cut him some slack babes, he’s as upset as you are about this business.”

Sophie flushed guiltily.

“How did you find out anyway?”

“I heard someone talking about it.” Sophie confessed.

“Well we were planning on talking to you all this weekend. It’s true that there is the possibility this little boy may be your dads.”

“So he did cheat.”

“Maybe.” Ella said softly. “But there were things going on that you don’t know about.”

“Oh so what? He tripped and landing on top of that other woman naked and accidentally put his….”

“Sophie.” Ella interrupted her daughter’s angry tirade. “Thank you for pointing out that he put his …” she began and saw Sophie pale. “see I can use that word too. Like I said there are other factors involved that you don’t know about and until us adults have all the answers we can’t possibly give you the information you want.”

“Mum.” Sophie muttered.

“I know that you are mad Sophie I get that and there is nothing I can do to help you through that. Because I’m just as mad about this as anyone.” Ella told her. “I’ll let you eat in peace.”

“Mum.” Sophie said stopping Ella in the doorway.

“Yes babes?”

“Will he stay here?” Sophie asked. “Because where will the babies sleep?”

“Babies won’t be here for a while.” Ella said quickly. “I don’t know. Maybe you’ll have to move into the stable.”

Sophie gave her a look.

“Actually.” She began tilting her head to one side. “That could be kind of cool.”

Ella shook her head.

“See you love that horse more than us.” She said to her.

“The horse doesn’t talk back.” Sophie replied.

“Good at keeping your secrets?” Ella asked slowly.

Sophie nodded.

“Are there any secrets you want to tell me Sophie?” Ella asked her again slowly.

Sophie looked at her before looking down at the floor.

Ella shut the door and moved to sit next to her daughter placing the dish to one side.

“Sophie.” she said quietly.

“Just really sad inside.” Sophie told her.

Ella nodded putting her arms around her daughter and holding her as she began to cry.

“You know that your Daddy is still my hero don’t you?” Ella asked her quietly. “There is nothing that he wouldn’t do for us.”

Sophie looked at her.

“You still think that?” she gasped out. ”Even now.

“Especially now because if I went downstairs and told him that we couldn’t deal with this and wanted to move away he would do it.”

“But he loves Summer Bay!” Sophie exclaimed looking up in shock.

“He loves us more. That is why I’m trying not to get too upset about this because it’s only fair that he finds out if that little boy is his son.” Ella said softly.

She took Sophie’s face in her hands and wiped away her tears.

“I’m going to go back downstairs. We’ll be waiting for you if you want to join us.” She said kissing her daughter before standing up and once more moving to the door with her dish. She headed for the stairs grinning as Sophie followed behind.

“Do you think I could get some cheese on toast?” she asked. “I’m hungry.”

“Ask your dad.” Ella murmured. “Unless you actually mean pizza?”

Sophie groaned.

“It’s like any excuse isn’t it.”

Ella nodded.

“Of course, durh.” She said to her daughter hearing her chuckle. “Love you Sophie.”

“You too Ma.” Sophie grinned.

“Ok?” Roman asked when they walked back in the room.

“Yeah but we need some cheese on toast.” Sophie answered. “The babies told us.”

“Sneaky.” Ella murmured.

“I’m not your daughter for nothing.” Sophie replied sitting on the sofa next to her.

“True.” Ella smiled putting her arm around her. “Maybe you’ll inherit cooking form your dad?”

Sophie gave her a look.

“Why are pizza delivery places all going to go out of business?”

Ella gasped.

“So don’t even joke about that. I swear that is the stuff of nightmares.”

“When you two have finished.” Mike interrupted them. “There is still cheesecake left.”

Ella and Sophie looked at each other and shook their head.

“Nah!” they said in unison. “Cheese on toast.”

Roman laughed coming out of the kitchen with a plate of it.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Warning: contains some description of Abuse

Chapter 12

“Hello Sophie.”

“What do you want?” she gasped out looking around.

“Is that polite?” he murmured quietly stepping towards her. “I just want to be friends.”

He reached out and stroked her arm ignoring her flinch away from him.

“I don’t want to be friends with you. I have to go.” She picked up her schoolbooks and stepped to one side. He moved then and cornered her, she couldn’t move either one side or the other. She gasped with fear, swallowing.

He smiled, the same way a cat smile when it catches a mouse, letting the small creature think it’s going to get away but just playing with it. That is how she felt now. She shook her head trying to shake the mental image.

“I like you Sophie, you are special.” He told her. “My special girl.” He added in a slow whisper.

She flinched once more sucking in a sharp breath when he began to stroke her arm.

“Stop.” She muttered.

“Or what? You’ll tell your parents? I told you they don’t care about you. I was right about that brat being your dads wasn’t I?” he said insidiously. “Only I care about you Sophie.”

“No.” she ground out pushing at his chest.

He used the chance to grab hold of her hand and pull her forward leaning down and kissing her.

“Stop no.” she cried out before his lips touched hers. She suffered his kiss before lifting her foot and kicking his shin. He stepped back in surprise long enough for her to dodge past him and escape. She ran out of the classroom and along the corridor not stopping to look back until she met her dad at the school gates.

“Hey Sophie.” Roman murmured.

“Where is mum?” she asked breathlessly looking behind her.

“She’s having a lay down. Are you ok?”

Sophie gave him a look and nodded slowly. She moved to the car and began to climb inside.

“Where is your bag Sophie?” Roman asked her.

“Oh, I forgot it.” she murmured.

“Go and get it.” her Dad told her. “It’s got your phone and purse in.”

“Doesn’t matter I’ll collect it tomorrow.” She said desperately.

“Sophie.” Roman muttered.

“Hello there. I have Sophie’s bag she left it behind.” A third voice added holing out Sophie’s schoolbag.

“Thanks.” Roman said giving Sophie a glance before he stepped forward and collected her bag for her.

“No worries.” The other man stated. “See you tomorrow Sophie.”

Sophie gave a quick nod before taking her bag from her dad and getting inside the car. She opened it up and put her books inside before sitting back in her seat.

“Sophie.” Roman said quietly after a minute. “Is there something you want to tell me?”

She shook her head before biting her lip.

“Ok.” he murmured quietly.

“Hey Dad.” Sammy called out running over to him.

“Hello.” Roman grinned at his son.

“Daddy.” Meggy said.

“Car you two.” He murmured to them “ Gotta get something for your Mum tonight.”

“Is she ok?” Sophie asked quickly.

Roman glanced at his daughter.

“Yes Sophie she’s fine. She’s resting at the moment. “ Roman told her gently.

He helped the others into the car before leaning close to Sophie.

“She’s fine Sophie. If you want to tell her something you can’t tell me that’s ok. You can go sit with her.” he whispered near her ear.

Sophie nodded biting her lip again.

“Ok babes.” He said quietly.

“Sorry.” Georgie murmured running over to them. He put his bag in the back of the car and climbed inside sitting next to Sophie. “Ok sis?” he asked slowly.

She nodded and moved to look out of the window avoiding his questioning glance.

Roman watched the byplay and moved to get behind the wheel. He drove them home via the pharmacy, helping them out of the car and into the house. They moved towards the table with Sophie casting a glance at him.

“Want to take this up to your Mum Sophie?” he asked giving her an excuse to go upstairs.

“Ok.” she said slowly taking the packet from him. She turned around slowly before marching to the stairs and running up them. Within a minute she’d moved into her parents bedroom.

“Mummy.” She cried out bursting into tears.

Ella sat up quickly coming awake.

“Hey baby girl. You ready to tell me your secret?”

“How did you know?” Sophie gasped out.

“Because of how unhappy you were last night.” Ella whispered to her. “And when I mentioned that the horse heard all your secrets.”

She moved to sit up in the bed moving the pillows behind her. She lifted the covers and smiled as Sophie climbed in next to her kicking off her shoes. Ella put her arm around her and cradled her just like when she was little letting her cry for a time.

“Mummy there is someone at school who is creeping me out.” Sophie began slowly.

“Ok.” Ella said calmly.

“He cornered me today and tried to kiss me.”

“What did you do?” Ella asked quietly.

“I kicked him and ran out but he followed. I had to leave my bag behind and he brought it out.” Sophie whispered.

“You know that it is wrong for him to do these kinds of things don’t you?” Ella murmured.

Sophie nodded.

“I don’t want him too.” She whispered. “It makes me feel…”

“Sh Sophie, its ok.” Ella said to her stroking her hair. “He’s evil for doing this. Can you tell Charlie what he does?”

Sophie shuddered.

“No.” she whispered.

“Ok, can we tell Miles?” Ella asked her. “We need to stop him Sophie.”

Again she shuddered.

“Or I could tell yoru Dad and he’ll go kill him.” Ella suggested.

Sophie looked up tilting her head to one side.

“Do we have to tell Daddy?” she asked.

“What do you think?” Ella murmured. “He needs to be able to take care of you that’s his job babes. And there is nothing you can tell him that he won’t understand.”

“Because of what the bad man did to you.” Sophie asked in a hurt whisper.

“Exactly.” Ella said to her.

She moved in the bed lifting Sophie up and sitting her in her lap.

“Mum I’m too heavy, The babies.” Sophie protested.

“The babies are fine. I’m more worried about my little girl right now.”

“I’m not so little anymore.” Sophie said with a sniff

“You’ll always be my little girl even when you are grown with a family of your own. That’s how it works.” Ella said to her.

“Love you Mummy.” Sophie said slowly.

“I will always love you no matter what.” Ella told her resting Sophie’s head on her shoulder as she rocked her gently in her arms.

Roman walked up the stairs slowly balancing the two cups of chocolate in his hand. He moved to the bedroom door and knocked on it.

“That’s your dad.” Ella murmured to her daughter.

“He’s knocking?” She asked lifting her head and looking at her mother.

Ella nodded.

“He’s protecting your privacy.” She explained slowly. “And letting you know he’s there if you want to talk.”

“Come in.” Sophie called quickly before she could change her mind.

“Here you go.” Roman said quietly. “Two cups of hot chocolate.”

He placed them on his bedside cabinet and turned to leave the room.

“Daddy.” Sophie whispered,

“Yes?” he said looking at her.

“Can I tell you my secret?” she said slowly her voice full of emotion and sounding so vulnerable that he wanted to punch whoever had hurt his daughter.

“You can tell me anything.” He said to her.

He eased down on the bed and listened to Sophie as she told him about the man who was hurting her.

“Are you sure it’s the same man who brought your bag out tonight?” Roman asked quietly.

Sophie nodded.

“He told me about you being the dad of that little boy too.” She explained.

“What do you want us to do Sophie?” Roman asked her.

“I don’t know.”

“We have to protect you.” Roman managed to say with growling and getting up to go punch someone.

“And we need to make sure that he won’t do that to someone else.” Ella said softly.

“Meggy.” Sophie gasped.

Ella looked puzzled for a moment.

“Why would you think he would hurt Meggy? Oh god no.” she gasped.

Roman met her gaze before looking at Sophie.

“Because the man who hurt me is Jacob.” Sophie explained slowly. “Jacob tried to kiss me.”

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 13

“How are we going to deal with this Ella?” Roman asked quietly as he lay next to her in the bed, Sophie had been sent downstairs to do her homework with the others in an effort to keep her focused and not let her dell on what happened.

“We’re going to talk to Miles and find out the best way to handle this from the education board perspective.” She said finding a voice from somewhere.

“Ella?” Roman asked quietly. “Could Sophie be….”

“Making it up?” she finished for him her tone bitter.

“No.” He stated. “I wasn’t going to say that. I was going to say misinterpreting his motives? He is after all Gabby’s fiancé.”

Ella shook her head.

“Not with this amount of hurt Roman. This happened.” She stood slowly from the bed and moved to the bathroom coming out after a minute.

“He’s over there now with our other daughter and we sit here powerless.” Roman ground out.

“Now you know a little of how Sophie felt this afternoon.” Ella snapped out.

“Ella.” Roman muttered standing up and facing her his hands on his hips. “I had to ask that question.”

“Why? Why could you believe our brave daughter when she came to you and told you she was assaulted? “ Ella shouted at him.

“Ella.” He said quickly moving towards her. “You need to keep calm, ok? I had to ask the question. It’s nothing to what is going to come fired at her you know that,”

“Yeah me off all people.” She said bitterly.

She clutched at her side suddenly her face paling.

“Ella.” He called out running over to her.

“Don’t touch me.” She whispered. “Oi.” She cried out. “Oh my god.”

“El come on lets get you on the bed.” He murmured trying to take hold of her arm.

“I said don’t touch me.” She snapped out to him yanking her arm away. She doubled up in pain and panted through it trying to step forward.

Roman flinched at her tone but put his arms around her and guided her to the bed. He eased her down on it paling as he felt her pull away from him to curl up into a ball in the middle of the bed.

“Ella I need you to relax ok. I want you to focus on the babies here. We need to find out what is going on.” He told her in a calm voice disguising his fear.

“Call Mike.” she told him through gritted teeth.

“Ella?” he asked puzzled.

“I want him to take me to the hospital.” She whispered closing her eyes.

Roman groaned and stood moving away from her. He felt ice inside him at the way she was rejecting him and then the possibility of her losing the babies struck him and he moaned low under his breath. With a shaking hand he dialled Mike’s number as he walked down the stairs. The call went through to voicemail. Moving through the house he looked out the back and over to the pool house and seeing lights on he ran across the grass and knocked once before walking inside. He saw Gabby sitting on the sofa immediately and then scanned the room, Jacob was in the kitchen with Danni. Mike walked out of the bathroom a towel slung around his hips.

“What’s up Dad?” he asked.

“Get dressed your mother needs you.” Roman muttered folding his arms across his chest. He tried not to glower at Jacob but he felt a deep rage at the way the family was being broken up by him. He flexed his hands feeling the urge to take the other man outside and beat the cr*p out of him.

“What’s up?” Mike asked him slowly.

“She needs you.” Roman repeated. “to drive her to get ice cream.” He invented seeing Gabby’s worried look.

Mike looked at him and nodded slowly before he spun on his heel and moved into the bedroom. He was out in two minutes and he followed Roman over to the house and up the stairs.

“God mum.” Mike exclaimed seeing her.

“Hospital.” Ella got out through gritted teeth.

“Yeah.” He said giving a puzzled look to Roman.

Mike walked over to the bed and lifted Ella into his arms cursing silently when he felt her flinch with pain as she moved. He turned and walked down the stairs taking it as slow as he could all too aware that Roman was watching him with a look of distress on his face.

He moved to the door and waited a second for Roman to open it and then took her over to his car. He placed her in the back seat closing the door gently.

“Dad I’ll call.” He promised as he climbed behind the wheel and set off. He watched his Dad still standing on the front veranda watching them leave until her pulled out of the drive and moved down the road.

“Want to tell me why I’m taking you and not dad?” he asked quietly.

“Because I don’t want Sophie alone.” Ella snapped out.

“Sophie?” Mike asked puzzled.

“Doesn’t matter.” Ella muttered groaning. “Mike I’m losing the babies.” She whispered slow tears falling down her face.

“We’re nearly there, hang on ok Mum.” He told her putting his foot down.

It still took precious minutes before he got them there. Paling even more as he lifted her out of the car and into the hospital itself.

“Help.” he called out. “Help us.” He gasped.

Ella looked up at him her eyes rolling back in her head. She shook her head and looked at him again.

“Tell Roman sorry. Protect Sophie.” she gasped out before pain forced her to black out.

He nodded before placing her on the gurney they had run over to him and moving back helplessly while they wheeled her away. He put his hand in his pocket taking out his phone and moving back to the car. He saw the missed call from Roman from earlier before dialling.

“Yes.” Roman answered on the first ring.

“She said sorry and to protect Sophie.” Mike said immediately. “They are with her now.”

“Protect Sophie?” Roman gasped out. “That’s why she pushed me away?”

“Yeah, want to tell me what is going on Dad?” Mike asked him. “Because this is …”

“The same situation as with William. Putting her kids first before her.” Roman told him quietly. “Listen. Sophie was assaulted. We can’t say by who.”

“Dad?” Mike groaned. “My sister?”

“Mike you were great with your Mum when she was hurt, so I expect nothing less here ok.”

“I’m coming home. I’ll be there soon. I’ll stay with the kids so you can be with Mum.” Mike decided.

“Mike I can’t let you do that.” Roman said emotionally.

“You are not letting me, I’m telling you that is what is going to happen.” Mike said climbing in his car.

“Then you need to know.” Roman’s voice broke. “Keep Jacob away from Sophie.”

“Dad?” Mike muttered pulling out of the parking spot and spinning the car around on it wheels as he put his foot down once more for the return journey.

“Just ok.” Roman muttered and hung up before spinning around and running up the stairs and into the bedroom grabbing a bag from the wardrobe. He filled it with bits and pieces for her and then moved out of the bedroom. Going down the stairs he saw Sophie standing in the doorway of the lounge watching him. None of the children had seen Ella being carried out thank god, otherwise he would have to console them.

“Dad?” she whispered looking at him.

“What’s up?” he said pinning a smile on his face and moving over to her side.

“Where is Mum?”

“Mike took her for a drive. “ Roman said. “Is your homework finished?”

Sophie shook here head.

“Liar.” She told him pinning him with her blue eyes as she looked into his face. “What happened?” she asked her voice rising.

“Sophie,” he said moving over to her.

“No.” she gasped folding her arms around herself. “No not because of me.”

“Please Sophie, I need you to stay calm Princess. We knew that this pregnancy was high risk. She’s getting the best care. Please don’t let the others know just yet.” He told her kneeling down in front of her.

“Oh god no.” she gasped out. ”Could we lose her? Because eof me? I should have let him do what he wanted and not told you.”

“Sophie.” Roman groaned out. “No. God No.”

He pulled her resisting into his arms and held her as she sobbed against him.

“I love you my little girl. You’ve been so brave today. Be a little braver ok, I need you to look after the babies for me. Can you do that?” he whispered his voice hoarse.

“Me?” she asked pulling back and looking at him.

“Yes, ok you’re in charge of the little ones. Can you make sure they get dinner and have a bath before bed?”

She gave a slow nod.

“Good girl Sophie.” he said wiping at her tears. “Go wash your face hey, don’t let them see you upset.”

She gave a slow nod and moved quietly up the stairs.

Roman watched her go before standing and moving to the door. He looked out as he saw headlights moving up the drive.

“Dad.” Mike muttered jumping out of the car and walking quickly over to him.

“Don’t leave Sophie on her own. I’ve put her in charge of the babies. The kids need feeding.” He murmured.

Mike resisted the urge to stand to attention as he received his orders from the other man.

“Was it…” he began to ask.

“If that man comes near my baby again you kill him.” Roman growled out unable to keep his anger from his voice.

Mike took a step forward and put his hand on Roman’s shoulder.

“I’ll keep her safe.” He promised.

“Well you have to do a better job than me. I let him into the family.” Roman said bitterly. “I’ve got to get to Ella.”

Mike nodded and looked on as Roman walked to his car and got behind the wheel. He saw the other man drive off before spotting Sophie on the stairs.

“How much you hear kid?” he asked.

“I heard Daddy tell you to kill him.” she whispered.

“Always an option just say the word.” Mike told her quietly.

Sophie shook her head.

“I wish I’d never told anyone.”

Mike walked over to her and sat on the stairs patting the step next to him. She eased down next to him feeling his arm go around her shoulders.

“I was at boarding school when the bad mad hurt Mum but I remember how brave she was. You telling us about what happened, well seriously, that just reminds me of Mum. You are so like her Sophie. Just think of you and her last night laughing and joking. Sometimes you sound just like her and I have to turn my head and check that it’s you. So I know that all the good stuff she gives us, pride in ourselves and self respect and strength will help you to deal with this.” He said quietly. “So many times I’ve seen Mum hurting because of some really bad stuff going on and yet here she is still the same wonderful Mum. And maybe you don’t believe that you will get through this baby sister, that it’s too much and too painful but you just need to know that you aren’t alone. Mum and Dad will do anything to help you and I’m here and I know that Danni and Nic will be there for you.”

Sophie gasped and snuggled into his arm for a moment. She blinked back tears before standing and moving down the stairs.

“We need to feed everyone.” She told him slowly.

Mike nodded.

“Pizza or Chinese?” he asked her. “Because I don’t actually cook you know.”

She rolled her eyes as she looked at him.

[TelephotoMarigold]

I hope Ella & the babies are okay ! They had better be. I loved that chapter. Poor Sophie. Update soon, that was another great chapter & I look forward to the next one. Well done Tele.

Love Carina xxx

Uh huh... they had better be?? Which one of us is writing this story...?? :-)

Chapter 14

Aden walked down the corridor to where Roman was sitting. He took in the down turned head and the slumped posture of the other man and knew what he had to tell him would be a surprise.

“Roman.” He said softly.

Roman nodded and looked up.

“She’s asking for you.” Aden told him quietly.

Roman stood and moved quietly down the corridor into the room that they had assigned her. He saw her laying back on the pillows her face almost as pale as the white cotton pillowcases.

“Roman.” She called softly.

He dropped the bag he had been clutching and moved to her side taking gentle hold of her hand.

“Sorry.” She whispered lifting her hand to his face. “Sorry I pushed you away.”

“It’s ok don’t worry about that now.”

“No.” she shook her head weakly as though she didn’t have any strength left. “I hurt you and I’m sorry. I just…”

“Ella this is our daughter and something horrible happened to her but I had to ask that question. I needed to say the words. It does not mean…”

Ella eased up moaning slightly and kissed him cutting his words off.

“I’m sorry my husband.” She told him tears falling down her face.

“Ella our babies.” He gasped out.

She nodded watching as he pushed the side rail down on the bed and sat next to her.

“They are fine.” She told him. “It was stress.”

“Really?” Roman gasped out convinced of the worst.

Ella nodded.

“Feel.” She told him moving his hand to her bump.

Roman gasped once more before sighing, a single tear fell down his face before he smiled.

“Will you hold me please?” she asked him after a time sensing his reluctance. His fear of getting another rejection from her.

He nodded and moved on the bed feeling her shake as she put her arms tight around him.

“Sorry.” She said again.

“Ella.” He called her name quietly.

“No Roman I’m sorry for putting you through tonight. I hurt you.” She whispered. “And I nearly lost our babies.”

She clung to him as she began to sob feeling him shake.

“It’s ok. We’re going to be ok.” he promised. “You knew I was here.” He added after a minute.

Ella gave a heartfelt sigh before she spoke.

“I called for you.” She whispered. “and I felt you.”

Roman sighed.

“I told Mike.” he admitted.

She nodded.

“I thought you might. She’s going to blame herself.”

Roman gave a reluctant smile.

“Already does, witch.”

Ella eased back and looked at him.

“You told her…?” she asked slowly.

“That we knew this pregnancy was high risk. And that she was my wonderful daughter.” his voice broke as the emotion got to him. “Ella we nearly lost our babies tonight and I thought you hated me.” He whispered.

“I know my husband. I’m sorry. I would have done anything to keep them safe but pushing you away wasn’t part of that. I just couldn’t bear you near me. I was…..” she trailed off.

“I know.” He echoed. “You were reminded of Gardy and what happened and I couldn’t keep you or our daughter safe and that kills me Ella. All this bad stuff happening again. How are we going to cope? I can’t imagine what I would do if I lost you again.”

“You are never going to lose me.” She whispered. “I know I was horrible to you tonight but I felt your strength here inside.” She placed her hand above her heart and looked into his eyes. “But just for a few moments I remembered everything I went through and thought about just what Sophie will have to go through and ..” she paused and looked at him. “And when you asked that question it was like being in that dark place all over again.”

Roman flinched but felt Ella’s hand on his before she moved in the bed and he lay next to her being very careful as he took her into his arms.

She clung to him as slow tears fell from her eyes.

“It’s going to be ok.” he promised her.

Ella gave a tired sounding giggle.

“Liar.” She whispered.

He leaned down stroking her hair back from her face and kissed her.

“Got your phone?” she asked him.

He wriggled on the bed as he tried to get it out of his pocket.

“Hey careful.” Ella cried. “I’m not really in the mood right now.”

Roman took a moment before he got the joke.

“I’m surprised.” He whispered. “This was where William was conceived.”

Ella blushed.

“Phone.” She muttered.

He leaned over and placed it in her hand before pressing a kiss to her lips.

“Love you husband.”

He smiled and watched as she dialled Sophie’s number.

“Dad.” Sophie called out answering.

“Not quite babes.” Ella said quietly.

“Mummy.” Sophie said her voice wobbling.

“Me and babies are fine. I’m staying in hospital tonight though.”

“You promise Mummy?” Sophie asked her voice breaking with a sob.

“I promise that we are ok Princess. Is Mike taking care of you all?”

“He brought us pizza.” Sophie gave a brief smile as she heard Ella groan.

“That isn’t fair.” Ella muttered.

“Do you want to say goodnight to the others?” Sophie asked after a minute.

“Put me on speakerphone.” Ella instructed.

She heard the click of buttons then the echo as the speaker came on.

“Hello.” Ella called out.

“Mummy where are you?” Meggy asked.

“I had a funny turn so I’m at the hospital but everything is ok.” Ella told them.

“Mummy?” Sammy asked worriedly.

“Promise I’m ok.” Ella said quietly.

“Ok Mummy.”

“I’ll be checking homework tomorrow like normal.” She told her children and heard a groan from Meggy. “That’s what you get when you have pizza without me.”

Sammy giggled.

“It was Mike’s idea.” He told Ella.

“Way to keep a secret.” Mike groaned. “Not!”

Sammy giggled once more.

“Anyway my babes, I’m getting tired so I want to say night to you all and love you.” Ella said her eyes closing.

“Love you Mummy.” They chorused.

“Can someone kiss the babies for me please.” Ella asked. “Sophie take the phone off speaker and hand it to Meggy for me.”

“Hey Mummy it’s me.” Meggy said after a few minutes.

“Hello babes. Need a favour.”

“What Mummy?” she asked immediately.

“Can you stay with Sophie tonight she might need some company.”

“Ok Mummy. Is this got to do with her crying.” Meggy asked quietly.

“Something like that babes.” Ella said sleepily.

“Love you Mummy I’ll take care of her.”

“I know you will. I’m going to buy you all a nice present when I’m home.” Ella promised.

“I don’t need a present Mummy.” Meggy said quickly.

“Love you.” Ella said closing her eyes.

Roman took the phone from his wife and eased off the bed.

“Hey Megs its Daddy can you hand the phone to Mike.”

“Hey Daddy he’s here.” She told him.

Roman heard the phone exchange hands and Mike come on the line.

“Danni and I are going to stay here.” He announced.

“Thanks Mike.” Roman said quietly.

He looked at Ella and saw that she had fallen asleep.

“How is Mum?” Mike asked.

“She’s ok.” Roman murmured watching her.

“Gave you a scare.”

“Just a little.” He murmured. “Keep ..” he began.

“Don’t have to tell me Dad. Sophie will be protected.” Mike promised him. “How are we… What are we going to say to Gabby?”

“God Mike I don’t know. I’m hoping I’ll wake up tomorrow and this will all be a bad dream.” Roman said rubbing a hand over his face.

“I don’t think we will be that lucky.” Mike groaned.

“I’m going to stay here tonight. “

“No worries Dad, give our love to Mum and see you in the morning.” Mike said.

Roman ended the call and put his phone back in his pocket. He looked up and saw Ella give him a smile and pat the bed next to her.

“Witch.” He murmured.

“Knew you’d want to check on the guard.” She whispered drowsily.

He gave a reluctant smile before easing back on the bed with her feeling her immediately curl up in his arms. He pressed a kiss to the top of her head and smiled when she pulled up the spare cover over them.

Jacob waited until Gabby was asleep before he eased guiltily out of the bed pulling on jeans as he walked through the house. Looking over to the main house he watched silently as the lights clicked out before padding barefoot into the kitchen and taking out a beer. He clicked off the top and went to sit outside to drink it. His phone buzzed and he pulled it out of his pocket and looked at the screen.

“What do you want?” he snapped out.

”I want to know what is going on.” a disembodied voice asked.

“Nothing that need concern you.”

“I told you that I want that woman to pay. Just stick to the plan and everything will be fine.”

Jacob rubbed at his face.

“I’m following your plan on one condition. That when this sick game of yours is over I never have to see your face or hear your voice again. I hate you.” He gulped in fresh air into his lungs. “And I hate myself.” He added after he’d hung up the call. Tilting his head back he leaned back in his seat and looking up at the stairs he blinked back tears before closing his eyes tiredly and falling into a troubled sleep.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Hey, is gabby pregnant with Jacobs baby? If so I feel sorry for her and the family.

Hey Saraz, Yes Gabby is pregnant with Jacob's baby! - Tele

Chapter 15

“Ella are you going to tell him?” Rachel asked striding into the hospital room. She took one look at Ella standing by the bed packing everything into her bag and paled.

“Well hello to you too Rachel.” Ella muttered slightly defensively.

“Well?” Rachel stood her hands on her hips and faced the other woman.

“Rachel as my doctor I expect you to keep doctor patient confidentiality.” Ella said slowly.

“You think I would betray you?” Rachel asked and looked at Ella’s face. “Good point.” She murmured after a minute.

“I will be fine.” Ella said softly.

“Your liver is failing Ella Harris. It’s not a question of getting some bed rest and eating healthily. It simply can’t take the strain of this pregnancy. You should have told us about your backache when you were pregnant with William.” Rachel said stridently.

Ella moved over to the other woman and placed her hand on her arm.

“I’m nearly twenty weeks. I just have to hold on for four to six more weeks and we can go for delivery.” She murmured.

“And what if your body can’t hold on for those four weeks?” Rachel asked blinking back tears.

“It will.” Ella said slowly. “I refuse to think of the alternative.”

“You mean an abortion. A Medically recommended abortion.” Rachel told her.

Ella shook her head as she looked at Rachel.

“I can’t ok.” she muttered. “I can’t even think about it.”

“Hey.” Roman said walking in the room. “Everything ok?” he asked slowly sensing the tension between the two women.

“Rachel was just telling me off.” Ella explained.

“Rachel?” Roman asked looking at the other woman. “Everything ok?”

Rachel nodded slowly.

“Yes everything is fine. We’ll want Ella in for a scan next week. Going to keep and eye on those babies.” She told him before glaring at Ella.

“Thank you Rachel.” Ella said softly.

She handed her bag to Roman before kissing his cheek.

“Let’s go home.” She told him.

Roman smiled and put his arm around her guiding her out of the room and along the corridor. He noticed that Rachel had followed them out and was watching them go and he frowned before looking at Ella and seeing her smiling face.

“What are you thinking about?” he asked her.

“Honestly?” she grinned up at him. “Pizza.”

“Ella Harris.” He groaned before laughing.

“Hey can we stop on the way home?” she murmured. “In the Sand dunes.” She added in a seductive whisper.

“No!” he muttered. “Pizza and hormones?” he asked after a moment.

She nodded.

“Are you not tempted?” she said leaning up to kiss the spot behind his ear.

She heard his chuckle before he swotted her behind.

“Behave.” He muttered.

“Uh huh? Or what?”

“Or I will order the biggest gooiest cheese covered pizza and make you watch while I eat it.” he threatened.

“You so wouldn’t.” she gasped placing a hand on her bump. “But I’m pregnant with your babies. You’d do that to me?”

Roman smiled before catching sight of Gabby and Jacob in the distance.

“They must be here for a scan.” Ella said all trace of humour gone.

“Ella.” He called out when he saw her head directly toward them.

She shot him a look over her shoulder before breaking out in a run hearing his footsteps behind her as he ran after her. He missed grabbing her arm by centimetres as she stood directly in front of Jacob and Gabby. Her hand moved of it’s own volition as she slapped Jacob round the face.

“I could kill you.” She screamed at him. “How could you do that to her?”

“Ella.” Roman called out trying to get her attention at the same time Gabby gasped and called out “Mum.”

“You were family.” Ella shouted her rage too great to stop her. “You hurt my little girl. She’s 12 and she’ll never be able to trust another man again.” She swung her hand once more slapping him with all her might before Roman caught hold of her and pulled her sobbing into his arms.

“I don’t know what you are talking about.” Jacob murmured.

“Jacob what’s going on?” Gabby asked looking puzzled.

“He’s a pervert.” Ella snapped out. “Get out of my house. I’m going to report you to the police.”

“If he goes then so do I.” Gabby said to her standing up straight and looking at her parents.

“Gabby you don’t know what he’s done.” Roman began.

“I don’t care. He’s the father of my child.” She told them.

Ella gave her daughter a pitying look before glaring at Jacob.

“Then you better hope that its not a girl.” She hissed at her.

Roman shook his head before he half-dragged and half led Ella away and to the car. He heard Gabby talking to Jacob asking him what was going on but his wife took priority and he had to get her in the car. She slumped down in the seat pale and sobbing hysterically. After he shut the passenger door he ran around the front and got in behind the steering wheel. He threw her bag in the back of the car before reaching over and fastening her seatbelt..

“We kept Sophie off school. Mike suggested taking her to studio for the weekend and maybe doing some shopping and dinner out.” Roman said after a while.

“You think I was wrong?” she asked wiping her eyes.

“Well let’s see you ran when you know you should be taking it easy. Then you had a go at him in front of Gabby.” He sighed before reaching out a hand to her. “Ella.”

She stiffened and eased away.

“You don’t know what its like.” She whispered.

“To be assaulted? No, thank god!” He said quickly as they pulled up in front of the house. “But I do know what it’s like to feel small and helpless. My wife was raped, my daughter was hurt in a similar way and then my little baby girl was assaulted. As long as I live I will never be able to get over not being able to stop any of them.”

Ella gasped as fresh tears fell from her eyes.

“No I’ll never know your pain, or Nic’s pain or now what Sophie is feeling and I’m sorry I can’t empathise with you but seriously Ella don’t think that it doesn’t hurt me.” He shot out.

She flinched, pulling further away from him before unfastening the seatbelt and stumbling out of the car. He sprang out the other side and ran round the front towards her groaned as she slapped at his hands and ran into the house. He watched her run up the stairs and heard the bedroom door slam. It wasn’t quite enough to completely muffle the sobs he heard coming from the other side and he groaned before following. He pushed against the door swearing when he felt the resistance of the lock.

“Open up.”

“Leave me alone.”

“Don’t do this to me Ella.” He called out.

“I need to be alone.” She sobbed. “Please.”

He knew then that she was in some way reliving what had happened to her and he swore before turning his back to the door and sinking down until he was sitting. He waited the other side of the door his hands on his knees and his head down turned for nearly an hour before the door opened and Ella sat the other side.

“Never could follow instructions could you?” she whispered her voice hoarse from crying.

“Not where you are concerned.” He said softly.” Ella are you ok?”

“I didn’t know how much you hurt.” She still whispered unable to talk louder.

“Yeah well it’s nothing compared to…” he stopped and looked at her. “Hey, were these tears for me?” he asked reading her expression.

Ella slowly nodded.

“If you’d come in then you’d have stopped me crying.” She explained.

Roman nodded.

“True.” He admitted.

She leaned forward and kissed him.

“It’s never going to go away but he can’t hurt me anymore. “ she told him placing her hand on the side of his face.

“I love you wife.”

She nodded.

“Then take me to bed and hold me.” She said softly.

Roman nodded and eased up before picking her up off the floor and striding over to the bed. He lay down besides her holding her tight in his arms.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 16

“Mummy.” Sophie called running into the house.

“I’m here.” Ella said softly getting up from the sofa and moving to the door.

Sophie ran over to her and put her arms around her.

“You’re ok?” she asked.

Ella nodded leaning down and kissing her daughter.

“We’re going to the studio later so I need you to go upstairs and pack.” Ella explained.

“Is that…” Sophie began to ask.

“That is so we can spend some time together and give you a little break.” Ella told her softly.

Sophie nodded slowly before glancing over at Mike.

“You made Meggy sleep with me last night.” She muttered.

“Have you two been talking?” Ella asked them glancing at the pair of them. “Come sit down.” She added speaking slowly trying to control the pain in her back and side with deep even breaths.

They moved into the lounge and over to the long cream sofa sitting down. Ella made sure she placed cushions behind her back to add support.

“When the bad man hurt me a long time ago I went to your Dad and had him hold me.” Ella said quietly. “Lots of people told me that was really unusual but he made me feel safe.”

Sophie nodded understanding.

“So I asked Meggy if she would keep you company and she said yes.” Ella finished explaining.

Mike gave Sophie a smile.

“See she wasn’t checking up on you.” He murmured to his sister.

“Checking up on you?” Ella asked.

“I thought that you might.” Sophie stopped and looked at Mike as he stood up and faced the door.

“What the hell were you thinking going after Jacob like that?” Gabby screamed out. “What the hell has he done?”

She slammed the door shut behind her stalking into the lounge.

Ella stood and moved over to her.

“Get out of my house.” She told Gabby simply.

Gabby paled and reached out an unsteady hand.

“Mum?” she asked slowly not understanding.

“Out.” Ella called.

Gabby gave a gasp and walked slowly back out the front door unaware that Ella was following her. She stopped next to her daughter.

“Jacob assaulted Sophie.” Ella told her. “He’s not welcome in this house. We will be taking further action.”

“Jacob.” Gabby groaned. “No he wouldn’t. He loves me.”

She placed her hand on her stomach.

“We’re having a baby.” She said to her mother.

“I know.” Ella said quietly.

“I can’t believe it.” Gabby said again.

“Gabby I love you but he betrayed our family and I can’t have him close to Sophie.”

“Is she telling the truth?” Gabby asked.

Ella nodded.

“I have to give him the benefit of the doubt.” Gabby said eventually. “We’ll be packed and out of here by the end of today.”

“If that is your choice.” Ella murmured sadly looking at her daughter.

“This is final isn’t it? If I go with him there is no coming back?”

Ella shook her head as tears began to fall down her face.

“I’m sorry Mum.” Gabby said stepping forward and down the step, symbolically, away from the house.

“I know.” Ella said quietly.

She turned away from Gabby and moved into the house closing the door quietly.

“You can’t let her go.” Sophie cried out. “Not after just finding her.”

“Sophie it’s not my choice.”

“I was lying ok, he didn’t do anything, please Mum.” Sophie cried out. “I don’t want to lose Gabby.”

“Sophie.” Ella called her name.

She took one look at her mother and shook her head, tears falling from her blue eyes.

“I hate you.” Sophie cried out turning and running up the stairs. A few minutes went by before they heard the slam of the bedroom door.

“Are you sure about this Mum?” Mike asked her.

Ella nodded and bit her lip sighing. She eased up the stairs slowly a hand on her side as the pain got worse. Walking into her bedroom she got as far as the bed before she cried out in pain and fell on to it. She crawled under the covers just as the pain intensified and she collapsed unconscious.

Roman carried William and led Lily by her hand as he moved through the supermarket doors and over to the trolleys. He placed his son in the seat before turning and picking Lily up and putting her next to her brother. He was struck by how in a few months they would have another two babies to care for and he felt a shiver of panic. Why had he wanted Ella pregnant again? He asked himself one more time. Surely he was happy with the children they had now. But then his thoughts drifted to Marcus the little boy that could also be his and he sighed sadly at missing out on first steps and first words.

“Dada sad?” Lily asked him.

He looked down at his daughter before glancing at William.

“No sweetie Dada is ok.” he murmured catching hold of the hand she lifted up to him and kissing her fingers. And then it struck him the answer to the question he had been asking himself. He hadn’t been there for William’s birth or those first few weeks of his son’s life and missed out with Lily. Her first steps had been when he and El had been separated. Missed her first words. Because of Ella taking her away from him for whatever reason. So getting Ella pregnant, tying her irrevocably to him a result of his own insecurity? He questioned himself some more before sighing and focusing on the weekly shop.

His musing and self possessed drivel answered one question for him, he was going to find out if Marcus was his and if the boy was he was not going to miss out on anymore of his life.

Aden moved into Rachel’s office and sat opposite her in one of the chairs normally reserved for patients.

“I can’t.” Rachel murmured.

“Cant’ what?” Aden asked with a smirk. “I haven’t even asked you anything yet.”

“You are here as a member of the family so anything I discuss with you is not a medical consultation.”

Aden nodded and eased up from the chair. He moved over to the door and out of it closing it softly behind him. Waiting a fraction he knocked on the door.

“Yes?” Rachel called a reluctant smile on her face.

“Doctor do you have a moment?” Aden asked after opening the door a fraction.

“Just a moment.” Rachel confirmed with a nod. “What can I do for you doctor?”

“I was there when Ella Harris was admitted last night but haven’t been able to see the notes. I wondered if you had them.” Aden murmured walking into the office and closing the door quietly behind him.

Rachel uttered a small laugh before opening her desk drawer and pulling out the blue file. She handed it over to him.

Aden sank back down in the chair he’d occupied a moment ago and opened the file. He looked down at the notes before looking at Rachel.

“Does Roman know?” he asked a few minutes later.

“That her liver is failing and she’ll probably not survive the pregnancy?” Rachel asked. “And we’ve recommended a termination on medical grounds.”

Aden’s head shot up at the blunt way Rachel spelled out the situation.

“Ella has instructed me that I am not allowed to break patient-doctor confidentiality.” She murmured slowly.

“So what do we do?” Aden asked her.

He looked up from the paperwork in front of him and saw Rachel’s face pale.

“Hope for the best.” She murmured. “Because we are going to lose either Ella or the babies.”

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 17

Ella eased out of the car and moved over to the house. She paused on the veranda and watched the kids pile out of the car. Sammy and Meggy first followed by Georgie and a sullen Sophie. Roman moved over to her next with Lily and William both in his arms.

“Getting used to carrying two babies?” she asked him with a smile.

He smiled at her before leaning over and kissing her.

“Maybe.” He murmured.

“Mummy is everyone coming over?” Meggy asked.

“Just about Babes.” Ella smiled at her daughter. “And they’ll be here soon so you have just enough time to get ready.”

Meggy grinned and ran in the house ahead of Sammy.

“You need to go see to the horses.” Ella told Sophie as she walked in front of her.

“Arthur’s still here?” she murmured asking about Gabby’s horse.

“I don’t know. I assume so.” Ella shrugged. “Why don’t you go and check?” she suggested.

“I’ll come with you.” Georgie told her.

“I don’t need a bodyguard.” Sophie snapped out.

“Good.” Georgie murmured ignoring his sister’s temper. “Still coming.”

Roman watched them go out the back before placing the two babies on the floor in the lounge.

“Suppose I better start cooking.” He murmured giving her a look.

“Go on then.” Ella said unremorsefully.

Roman sighed before leaning over and kissing her.

“Good job I love you.” He said smiling.

“Kitchen now.” She instructed him.

He shook his head still smiling as he walked ahead of her into the kitchen.

“You do salad?” he asked.

Ella nodded washing her hands before she took out everything to make the salad and began preparing it. Roman smiled watching her move round the kitchen singing under her breath. He chuckled as he recognised the tune before stepping into the lounge and switching on the stereo. A couple of clicks of the remote and he began playing the same tune.

“Thank you hun.” She called out and began singing again, this time louder.

He moved back into the kitchen and began watching the way she wriggled her hips in time to the music.

“Hey.” He called softly.

She turned and looked at him.

“Liking the view, huh?” she asked him.

Roman nodded.

“Damned sexy.” He said with a slow wolf whistle.

Ella chuckled and moved over to him putting one hand on his waist and the other taking hold of his hand. She led him to the middle of the room and began dancing in time to the music. Roman laughed as he joined in his hands sliding automatically around her waist. He felt her press herself close to him and he inhaled her perfume.

“Are we going to make love tonight?” He whispered in her ear as he lowered his lips to the side of her neck.

“Maybe.” She told him.

He spun her around and moved closer to her his thighs pressing and moving against hers as his hands went around her waist to rest on her bump.

She ran her hands down his arms and, not for the first time, marvelled at his strength and how safe he made her feel. She leaned back still moving in time to the music.

“We interrupting a moment?” Nic asked walking through the door.

Ella grinned and eased out of Roman’s embrace to go over to her and hug her.

“Hey Step-mama.” Nic said looking a little puzzled by the enthusiastic welcome. She met her dad’s gaze and saw the same puzzlement on his face.

“Sorry I think I’ve reached the emotional stage.” Ella said easing away and looking at her. She rubbed briefly at her eyes before stepping back.

“Hey don’t I get a hug?” Geoff asked breaking the sudden silence.

Ella grinned and put her arms around him hugging him too.

“Where is Sophie?” Angel asked her first thought about her aunt.

“Gone to the stable to see to the horses.” Roman explained to her. “Want to take some carrots down for us?”

Angel nodded accepting the carrots that Roman passed to her before running out of the back and down the garden.

“Lily.” Mira called out.

Lily ran out of the lounge and over to them.

“Mira.” She grinned taking hold of her hand and moving back into the lounge with her. They heard William greet the other girl before the sound of them all playing together.

“Can we do anything to help?” Nic asked.

“Just help yourself to a drink.” Roman said. “There is wine and beer.”

Geoff grinned before stepping into the kitchen. He took out a glass and poured out the chilled white wine for his wife before getting a beer.

“Perfect.” Nic said with a smile as she tasted the drink.

“Go make yourselves comfy.” Ella told them [pointing to the back veranda and watching as they stepped out.

“Where’s Robbie?” Roman asked them.

“With Tyler. They had a sleepover last night.” Geoff said.

“We should have the kids over soon. We haven’t done that for a while.”

“Ella.” Roman gave a groan. “You are supposed to be resting you know.”

She looked at him flushing guiltily.

“I know but the kids shouldn’t be punished because I’m knocked up again.”

Roman frowned at the tone she used.

“El.” He said slowly.

She gave him a quick grin before opening the fridge and taking out a bowl of fruit. He kept watching her as she cut up oranges and lemons putting them in a tall plastic jug with orange juice and lemonade. She added ice and took out beakers from the cupboard before placing them on the table. With that done she moved back into the kitchen and concentrated on the salad.

Roman frowned at her before stepping out the back and looking at the kids walking slowly up the garden. He went over to the shed and began taking out the extra chairs and tables.

“Want a hand?” Mike called out moving out of the pool house with Danni.

“You can take over for me.” Roman said quietly. “Seen Irene around?”

“She’s spending some time with the girls in the city.” Danni murmured referring to Ruby and Annie.

Roman nodded before heading back into the kitchen. He saw the salad done and Ella working on making coleslaw.

“Ok whet is going on with you?” he asked stepping close to her.

“Mummy can we have a drink?” Meggy asked walking into the kitchen with Sammy.

Ella nodded and moved to the table pouring out some of the drink she’d prepared and handing over the beakers. She poured out extra for Angel, Sophie and Georgie before walking back into the kitchen.

“Nothing.” Ella answered his question.

He nodded watching puzzled as she went back to preparing food before stepping over to sink and washing the potatoes he placed on a backing sheet and putting in the hot oven.

“Hello.” Aden called out walking into the house with Belle.

“Hey.” Ella said slowly.

She looked over his shoulder to Amy-Belle and smiled at the girl.

“Hello.” Amy-Belle said quietly.

“Brett is working.” Belle told them guiding Robbie and Tyler in.

“Drinks for the kids on the table. Beer and wine in the kitchen.” Ella said slowly.

Belle grinned and moved over to get drinks for the boys.

“How are you?” Aden asked her with quiet emphasis.

Ella looked at him before pinning a smile on her face.

“Fine.” She told him before walking back into the kitchen. He followed after a moment and poured out a drink for Belle before getting a beer for himself. They walked out the back.

“Where is Brett?” Mike asked quickly.

Aden grinned.

“Working. Although I suspect that who he is working with is off more importance than the wage slip.”

Belle gave her husband a glare before accepting the glass from him and easing slowly into a seat.

“Kids.” Ella called out moving out the back.

“Yes?” Sammy asked standing next to Robbie and Tyler.

“Dinner will be about 40 minutes. Do you want to go watch a movie or play?”

She listened as they debated before heading into the lounge putting on a film smiling as she heard Lily telling them which movie she wanted to watch.

“Ok.” Roman said moving out of the kitchen. He shut the door and then closed the French doors before sitting facing everybody.

“Dad?” Nic began. “Is this to do with Martha?”

Roman nodded.

“Should have known that nothing is secret in Summer Bay.” He said.

Aden looked at everyone before giving Ella another look.

“What are you going to do about it?” Geoff asked.

“It?” Roman murmured,

“The situation.” Geoff explained.

“Oh.” Roman shrugged then looked over at Ella. “I have to find out if he is my son.” He said apologetically.

She gave him a nod before standing.

“I need a minute.” She said slowly.

She walked into the house one hand on her side ignoring the look that Aden gave her as she went past him. Stepping carefully up the stairs she groaned as the pain ran through her. It took more minutes than she bargained for to get up the steps finally collapsing on the bed.

“She’s ok?” Nic asked looking at the direction Ella had gone.

“We’ve had a bad week.” Roman said.

He looked through the doors and over to where Sophie was sitting and then told the others what happened.

“Poor Sophie.” Amy-belle said quietly. “And poor Gabby. She was so happy with Jacob at the wedding.”

Roman nodded.

“She’s still with him.” Roman supplied catching Mike giving him a look.

“They’ve moved into an apartment on the sea front.” He said quietly.

“Thanks Mike.” Roman said.

“So back to Martha. If this kid.”

“Marcus.” Nic told them.

“Yeah, if Marcus is yours are you going for custody?” Aden asked him.

Roman shook his head slowly before he spoke.

“Yes.” He said feeling the admission was being torn out of him but a part of him needed to keep the boy safe and make him feel loved. “I know how selfish that makes me but I want to know that little boy.”

He looked up and saw Ella standing in the doorway of the house watching helplessly as she paled and looked so incredibly hurt. He stood to move over to her but she shook her head at him.

“Ella.” Aden called out standing too. He ignored the look from Nic as he moved over to her side.

“Aden.” Ella whispered one hand on her side. “Can you drive me over to Miles’ place please?”

“Mum.” Mike called out.

She shook her head at him.

“Sorry, but I really need some space from everything.” Ella explained. “Sorry to be so dramatic.” She added frowning.

Roman looked crushed by her announcement.

Aden nodded and led her out to his car. He helped her inside and got behind the wheel.

“You haven’t told him have you?”

Ella winced putting on the seatbelt.

“No.” she said. “And you aren’t either.”

“Ella Harris what are we going to do with you?” Aden muttered pulling away from the house.

“Aden I don’t need a lecture right now ok. I’ve just heard my husband declare that he wants his lovechild.” Ella whispered.

“What about what other people need El?” Aden asked softly. “Because I sure as hell know that Roman needs you far more than those babies you are carrying. Mike and Danni need you. Sophie needs you especially now.”

Ella gasped.

“Roman told you?” she muttered.

Aden nodded.

“He had no right.”

“Ella calm down ok.” Aden tried to soothe her.

“No.” she muttered rubbing her bump.

He eased the car to a stop outside Miles place and watched in concern as she climbed out and walked over to the door. Climbing out he moved to follow her.

“Thanks for the lift.” She stated coldly.

“Ma’am.” Aden said tugging an imaginary forelock before getting back into the car and turning it around setting off back

“Ella.” Miles called out seeing her walk into the house.

“Sorry. I need a place to stay for a while.” Ella murmured slowly breathing in deeply.

“What’s going on?” he asked her.

Her eyes rolled back in her head and she crumpled to the floor in a dead faint.

“Ella.” Miles cried out running over to her.

He eased her up and lifted her carrying her over to the sofa.

“My god what’s happened?” Leona cried out walking into the room from upstairs.

“She asked if she could stay and then fainted.”

“This must be about Martha.” Lee said slowly.

“Martha? What has that cow got to do with anything?” Miles muttered looking over at her.

“Nic told me that she’s back and she has a kid.” Lee murmured softly.

Ella gave a slow groan before waking up and easing herself up into a sitting position.

“Well Mrs you gave me a scare.” Miles told her.

“Sorry. I’m suffering a bit with the pregnancy.” Ella said slowly.

“And With someone being back.” Miles said to her.

She nodded.

“Is it ok if I stay. I want to be close to the kids.” She whispered.

“And your husband?” Miles asked and heard his phone beep. He looked at Ella and saw her give him a slow grin.

“Tell him I’m ok.” she said.

He nodded and moved over to collect his phone from the table reading the message that was from Roman.

“He’s going to come over. Thinks you need to talk.” Miles announced.

Ella grimaced and pulled out her own phone. She dialled and waited a moment before the call connected.

“Don’t.” she told him. “I need space Roman. Don’t come and see me. Don’t phone me.”

“Ella.” He groaned.

“You lied Roman. You want that boy don’t you?”

“Yes.” He whispered.

“Then you have to know you can’t have us both. Not playing happy families with Martha as part of the picture.”

Ella hung up the phone.

“Let me show you upstairs.” Lee told her.

Ella nodded and had to let Miles help her off the sofa. He watched them go before dialling himself.

“Roman.”

“What’s up?” Roman asked walking a little way off from the group.

“That’s what I was going to ask. Ella looks like hell and is in pain.”

Roman swore.

“I’ll be right over.

“Don’t do that mate she’ll spit like an angry cat at you. I just wanted to know if there is something wrong with her.” Miles spoke quietly.

“No.” Roman said.

He spun around and looked at Aden.

“Not that I know of anyway.” He added in a soft voice. “Speak to you later.”

Miles looked at his phone as he disconnected the call. He stepped into the kitchen and put the kettle on. Leona walked back into the room.

“She’s asleep.” She told him.

“That was quick.” Miles said with a frown.

“I think there is something wrong with the pregnancy.” Lee murmured worriedly.

“I know.” He said. “And now so does Roman.”

“She’s been hiding it from him?”

Miles looked at Lee and swore.

“Must be pretty serious.” He said at her raised eyebrow.

Lee paled and looked over toward the stairs.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 18

Ella eased off the bed and reached for her phone. She dialled Roman’s number from memory and was unsurprised when it was answered on the first ring.

“Hey you.” She said softly.

“I wasn’t expecting you to call.” He admitted his voice husky sounding despite the static of the phone reception.

“I knew you’d be worried and stressing.” Ella said honestly.

Roman laughed.

“Very worried. I tried beating up Aden but he still hasn’t told me what is wrong with you.”

“Are you sitting downstairs with Miles right now?” Ella asked easing back on the cushions.

“I thought about coming over but I’m trying something new.”

Ella giggled despite herself.

“Actually listening to me?” she asked him.

Roman nodded before he spoke.

“Are you ill Ella?” he asked quietly. “Should I be panicking here?”

“I’m not sick like I was before.” She said after a moment. “But the pregnancy is wearing me out.” she prevaricated.

“You would tell me wouldn’t you?” Roman said after a pause..

“Yes.” Ella promised.

She childishly crossed her fingers as she spoke.

“So where are we El?” Roman asked her moving into the kitchen and getting himself a beer.

“From the sound of it you are in the kitchen and I’m in Miles’ spare room.” she grinned imagining the look on his face at her feeble joke and then laughed as she heard his groan.

“You so know that isn’t what I meant.”

“I love you Roman Harris.” Ella told him softly. “But this Martha stuff really hurts me. Every time I close my eyes now I see you and her naked in our bed and as much as I want to be with you I’d rather be here than risk us arguing and forcing each other to do stuff that we don’t agree with.”

“Sounds ok.” he said. “But I missed what you said after you told me you loved me.”

Ella laughed and reached a hand up to wipe at the tears on her face.

“You know what I mean. If I’m there I might stop you from finding out about the boy.” She told him.

“Ella.” He breathed her name.

“You have to find out.” she whispered her strength leaving her at the moment replaced by pain.

“I do.” He agreed cursing himself knowing what he was inflicting on her.

“Then do it.”

“How will we cope if I’m the Dad?” he asked her slowly.

“I have no idea Roman. It doesn’t mean I’m hoping you aren’t though because I know how wonderful you are as a father and if that b*tch hasn’t changed then I pity the poor little boy and he’ll need you to provide some balance.”

Roman gave a small gasp before sinking to the floor his back against a kitchen cabinet.

“El.” He said quietly.

“I’m going to go now.” She told him. “I’ll speak to you tomorrow.”

“Love you.” He told her before he hung up. He rubbed at his eyes unsurprsed to find he was crying before looking over and seeing Sophie standing in the doorway.

“Was that Mummy?” she asked him.

He nodded.

“Is she coming home?”

“Now for a while. But she’s only at Miles’ so she’ll be around.” He said quietly.

“Is that to do with me?” Sophie said quietly.

“No absolutely not. It’s because of me.” Roman told her standing up and moving over to his daughter. He was struck suddenly by how tall she was and realised that she had inherited that from him. He smiled as he thought about the best bits from both him and Ella went into their children.

“Then why has she left?” Sophie asked him.

“She hasn’t left us she is taking some time out. You know about Martha and her little boy?” Roman decided to tell his daughter the truth.

Sophie nodded.

“Well the whole business hurts your Mum so she’s gone to stay with Miles to make sure that it.” he stopped and looked at his daughter. “To make sure that I’m ok.” he finished. “That if he is my son I won’t feel pressured into not making contact.”

Sophie gave a little gasp and put her arms around his waist.

“She is super cool.” She announced.

“Never let her hear you say that.” Roman warned his daughter.

She gave a little giggle before looking up at him.

“Do you want any help with the little ones?” she asked him.

“Sophie Nicole Harris you are kind of super cool yourself.” he told her kissing the end of her nose. “Thank you.” He accepted her offer knowing she wanted to help and watched blush before she ran off to help get the babies in bed for him.

Ella walked carefully down the stairs. She could hear Lee and Miles talking and a third voice. It took a few moments before she recognised Rachel’s honey tones and she grimaced before stepping into the room.

“Ella.” Rachel greeted her immediately causing Miles to frown worriedly even more. “I heard that you’ve been fainting.”

“It’s been a stressful time.” Ella said shooting a hostile glance at Miles. “What are you doing here?”

“I called her.” Miles said slowly a tide of red creeping over his cheeks. “I was worried about you. Silly me.”

Ella bit back a swearword at the hurt look on his face before glancing at Rachel.

“I’m fine.” She said softly. “Please don’t worry about me.”

“How can I not worry about you Ella?” Rachel asked immediately.

She was just about to blurt out about Ella’s medical condition when she remembered her surroundings and who was in the room.

“Because I’m fine. I know what I’m doing and.” She stopped and glanced at Miles and Lee before continuing. “And what I’m risking.” She murmured finally.

Rachel gave a single nod before standing up.

“Never the less I want to give you a quick exam.” She announced.

Ella smiled and eased up from her seat before leading Rachel towards the stairs.

“Oh Miles, I just spoke to Roman in case you were worried. He’s ok with me staying if its ok with you.” Ella said quietly.

Miles nodded looking more relieved and watched as the two women disappeared up the stairs.

“So?” Lee asked him.

“I think she’s ill. Seriously ill. You don’t know but a few years ago she had leukaemia.” He murmured.

Lee moved quickly to his side and took hold of his hand.

“You think this is the same?” she asked him and watched as he nodded. “Poor Roman and poor babies.”

Miles looked at her before he put his arm around her and snuggled closer.

“She’s fine.” Rachel told them slowly after walking back into the room.

“But it’s serious isn’t it?” Miles said quickly. “Just answer one question.”

“You know I can’t tell you anything that violates my patients confidentiality.” She told Miles.

“Rachel I’m worried about her. You’re worried about her. Want to tell me again its not serious?” he said. “Is it her cancer come back?”

Rachel shook her head before she could stop herself.

“Thank god.” Lee said from beside Miles.

“I have to go.” Rachel muttered. “Stop asking me questions.”

“Just one more.” Miles grinned as he spoke. “Should we be right to worry?”

Rachel nodded before she schooled her features into a bland expression.

“She’s coming to see me tomorrow.” She announced. “Don’t let her forget her appointed please.”

Miles nodded before standing and leading Rachel over to the door. He watched the woman walk with determined strides to her car and climb behind the wheel. She started the engine and slowly pulled away.

“We should tell Roman.” Lee suggested.

“Tell him what?” Miles asked looking to the stairs as though expecting Ella to come down any second and interrupt them. “We don’t know what is wrong with her apart from it’s serious.”

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 19

Ella looked over at Gabby and sighed. Her daughter looked tired already let alone when her baby actually came. She looked around the waiting room and saw other mums and their babies before looking at her daughter again. Standing up from her seat she moved over and sat next to her.

“Hello.” She said quietly.

“Mum.” Gabby said worriedly.

Ella sat down next to her.

“Looking tired.” She commented to her.

Gabby sighed.

“Jacob quit his job so I’ve been doing extra shifts at the supermarket.” she told her mother.

“Why did he quit?” Ella found herself asking.

“Because he decided not to work with children.” Gabby announced a hint of bitterness in her voice.

Ella nodded.

“Must be hard.” She said softly.

“Oh Mum.” Gabby cried. ”It’s horrible. He won’t talk to me. I know there is something going on.”

“He still hurt Sophie.” Ella said quietly.

“Gabrielle Smith.” The nurse called.

Ella looked at her daughter when her name was called out.

“We got married.” Gabby said slowly her voice sounding flat and unemotional. “Last week.”

She stood up and walked into the exam room without looking back.

Ella sighed and stood up walking over to look out of the window. She’d already had her appointment with Rachel and had stayed behind when she saw Gabby sitting in the waiting room.

“Mum.” Gabby called out a half hour later coming over to her. “What are…” she began to ask.

“Is everything ok?” Ella cut her off.

Gabby nodded.

“Come on then show me where you are living.”

Gabby paled before nodding.

“Ok.” she said with a small betraying gulp.

She led Ella out and walked over to her car. Ella moved to hers and pulled out of the parking space a few moments after Gabby. She followed the other woman through town and to a small apartment block the other side of the Bay Parking next to her in the front of it.

“The lift doesn’t work.” Gabby announced as she led Ella inside.

“Let me guess you are on the top floor?” she asked her.

Gabby shook her head.

“Nope just two floors up.” She murmured.

Ella sighed and moved over to the stairs as she followed Gabby. Climbing up them after her she felt a tug in her side as a stitch began.

“Ok?” Gabby asked after noticing her mother slowing down.

“Twins remember.” She muttered pressing a hand to her bump.

Gabby gave a smile.

“Here we are.” She said slowly at the door. “Mum.” She whispered biting her lip.

“Open the door.” Ella said. “I need a sit down.”

Gabby sighed and pushed open the door to the apartment. Ella immediately took in the drab curtains and the sagging sofa.

“I know it’s grim.” Gabby murmured folding her arms across herself.

“It’s fine.” Ella said moving into the room. “But well…” she paused tilting her head to one side. “Perhaps if we moved the table over there and the sofa here. We could get the tv from your bedroom.”

Gabby chuckled as Ella began outlining the changes she would make and then gasped as Ella pulled out her phone.

“What are you doing?”

“Getting reinforcements.” Ella told her.

She dialled and waited for the call to connect.

“Mother.”

“Hello Mike.”

“You are about to tell me you’ve gone in labour because you know I’m in lectures.” He said quietly.

“Ouh yes. Oiw.” She murmured and heard him bite back a chuckle before he explained that it was a medical emergency and apologised to someone. She heard a door closing behind him as he seemed to be moving.

“Ok what do you want?” he asked her.

“I need my craft box from the study, the spare curtains that used to hang in the dining room and the matching tablecloth. The TV and dvd player from Gabby’s room. The bottles and jars from the recycling.” Ella said quickly.

“Ok and you expect me to be able to find all this stuff?” he asked her.

Ella gave a small chuckle.

“no I expect you to go fetch Danni and she’ll find this stuff for me. Oh and spare bedding and cushions and stuff.”

Mike groaned before he took out a pencil and scrawled a list.

“Towels?” he asked her.

“Yes and there are some throws too. In the laundry there is a cupboard where I keep all this stuff.” Ella explained. “Or some of it may be in the attic.” She eased on to the sofa as she thought about it.

“We’ll find it. How is Gabby?” Mike grinned as he asked the question.

“She’s fine.” Ella answered looking over at her daughter.

“Ok I’ll get Danni and we’ll see you soon.” Mike ended the call and looked at the list before grabbing his bag and stuffing his things inside and making a run towards his car.

“Mum I can’t let you do this.” Gabby told her.

“Of course you can. How about getting me a glass of water before we get started.”

“Started?” Gabby asked her.

Ella nodded.

“We’re going to spring clean.” She told her daughter. “This is your home isn’t it? Your first home so you need to make it yours.”

Gabby smiled and moved over to sit next to Ella feeling her mum put her arms around her.

“I’ve missed you so much. Sophie has been texting me but I didn’t want to answer.” Gabby blurted.

“Mike knew where you were.” Ella said quietly. “Do you think we wouldn’t have made sure you were ok?”

“Mike knew?” Gabby asked.

Ella nodded.

“He’s very protective of all his brothers and sisters.” Ella explained slowly.

“Even though I married a monster.”

“Gabby you have to see something in Jacob that we don’t. Otherwise you wouldn’t have put your trust in him. I believe he did something to Sophie. She wouldn’t have made it up.”

Gabby shivered in her arms.

“I don’t know.” Gabby whispered. “If he did something why would he let me marry him? He’s not a monster.” She added contradicting herself.

“Then maybe he’ll tell you what is going on.” Ella told her quietly.

“I hope so.” Gabby whispered.

Ella nodded before easing up and moving into the kitchen. She took one of the glasses from the side and poured out some water for herself before taking a few sips.

“Where do you keep your cleaning stuff?” Ella asked.

Gabby pointed to a cupboard before she shook her head.

“No mother. You are nearly six months pregnant you are not cleaning.”

Ella gave her daughter a smile.

“Of course I am and so are you.” She announced taking out everything she needed to begin cleaning. Within minutes she had begun cleaning all the tiles in the kitchen scrubbing at them until they gleamed.

Gabby shook her head at her before picking up cleaning clothes and the cream cleaner and going into the bathroom. She tackled the sink first and then the bath and finally the shower.

Ella walked over to the door and let in Danni and Mike.

“This is the first lot.” Mike told her frowning at her as he tugged the box into the room.

“Ok.” Ella nodded.

“Is she ok?” Danni asked quickly.

“She’s fine.” Ella said pointing to the bathroom.

Danni grinned and moved into the small room. They heard muffled voices as the two girls greeted each other.

“So what did you want with the jars and bottles?” Mike asked her.

Ella bent down and picked up a couple of the jars taking them onto the kitchen she placed them in the sink.

“She doesn’t have any storage.” She explained slowly. “And as for the bottles well I have something in mind.”

She paused and looked at him.

“Can you move the table?” she asked him.

Mike gave a groan and nodded taking the chairs out from the table and beginning to move it out of the corner. He gave her a look and she pointed to the other corner watching as he gave her another meaningful look before dragging the sofa out of the way and putting the table in its place.

“Where do you want the sofa?” he asked.

Ella pointed to the wall where the table had been and watching him move it. She went into the box and took out a couple of throws placing them over the back of the sofa before adding the cushions.

“That looks better already.” Mike found himself saying before he could stop the words escaping from his lips.

Ella grinned.

“I’m actually pretty good at this decorating business.” She told him.

Mike laughed before putting the chairs back around the table.

“I’m going to fetch the tv.” He murmured and disappeared out of the door.

Ella nodded absentmindedly as she delved into the box and took out the curtains. She moved to the window and dragged a chair over before she climbed up on it to change them.

“Mother.” Danni shouted out.

“Nearly done now.”

“Done giving us a heart attack you mean?” Gabby asked her frowning.

“There.” Ella said and eased back to the floor.

“What she do?” Mike asked placing the TV on the old coffee table. He manoeuvred it to the end of the room and plugged the TV in before hooking up the dvd player.

“Curtains.” Danni said.

Mike looked up and smiled.

“They look better.” He commented.

“Men.” Gabby muttered.

Ella grinned and folded up the ones she had taken down before taking the matching tablecloth and spreading that out on the table.

“See?” she asked.

“Yes it looks very nice.” Danni muttered. “But do you think you can stop being superwoman for five minutes. You’re pregnant remember.”

Ella turned to her daughter and moved over to her.

“I’m fine. Clean bill of health from Rachel this morning.” She lied.

“Well I would feel better if you didn’t climb on anymore stuff.” Danni told her.

“Me too.” Gabby echoed.

Mike looked over at them and chuckled.

“What are you laughing at?” Danni demanded.

“Well you two trying to change Mother and also like you aren’t going to do similar stuff when you are pregnant.” He told her.

Danni blushed and looked away.

“Hay, can we have less of making me a grandmother please.” Ella muttered.

Gabby laughed.

“Sorry granny.” She murmured and watched as Ella glared at her.

Mike laughed.

“Right off to get more stuff.” He muttered and disappeared out of the door.

Ella moved back into the kitchen and saw to the jars she had picked out. She wet the labels and took them off before drying the insides and tipping sugar in one, screwing the lid tightly before putting it on the top. A second one she used for teabags standing that next to the first.

“Thank you.” Gabby said softly coming to stand next to her.

“Is it ok?” Ella asked in turn.

“Oh Mum it looks amazing.” She told her looking around the room seeing the transformation.

Mike walked through the door once more and heading over to the table. He placed the last box down and muttered something under his breath.

“Heavy?” Ella asked him.

“Dad sent some stuff over.” Mike explained.

Gabby frowned before stepping over to him. She opened up the bag on top of the box and looked inside.

She took out some of the teabags she liked and put them on the top before adding a number of tins that he must have taken out of the pantry. She gave a gasp and looked at Mike and then Ella before lifting out a number of folded bills.

“This is too much.” She exclaimed bursting into tears at the money Roman had sent over.

“Better put your stuff in the cupboard.” Ella told her after a minute.

Ella moved to pick up the wine bottles giving them a rinse out before diving into her craft box and taking out candles. She scattered them about the room.

“Ok that’s it.” She announced. “I’ll put this bedding in your other room.”

“Mum no.” Gabby muttered moving quickly to the closed door at the end of the room.

“What is it?” Ella asked quietly.

“It’s nothing. I’ll put this away.” Gabby said slowly looking down.

“Ok babes.” Ella handed over the covers and added the towels to the pile. She caught sight of the bed seeing that only one pillow had an indent in it and schooled her expression not to show any surprise at the discovery that Jacob wasn’t sharing the bed.

“We’ve cleared the rest of the stuff away.” Danni said into the silence.

Gabby moved out of the bedroom closing the door behind her.

“Thank you.” She told them.

“Ok we’ll be off and let you get some rest.” Ella murmured.

She walked over to her daughter and gave her a hug before heading to the door.

“Text me yeah?” Danni said hugging Gabby too.

“Promise.” Gabby said softly.

“See you around sis.” Mike said going over to the door.

Gabby watched them go before looking around her new home. She smiled and then remembered the money that Roman had sent her and moved to where she left it on the top. She picked it up and did a quick count before taking it and moving into the bedroom. She hid it in the back of her underwear drawer hoping to keep it safe

Ella made her way into the diner and sat at a table. It wasn’t long before Roman joined her.

“Hey.” He said softly.

“They’re married.” She announced.

“Well that was quick.” Roman said with a frown.

Ella nodded.

“Thank you.” She added.

“For?” he asked.

“Sending the money.”

“Ah.” He said with understanding. “It was just what I had in my wallet.” He added with a shrug. “Not much.” He dismissed.

“Meant a lot to our daughter.” Ella paused. “And speaking of daughters…” she began.

“Annie is babysitting Lily and William.”

“Not that I thought you’d leave them home alone.”

“Are you kidding?” Roman exclaimed. “Lily would change the locks and engage a lawyer to sue us for custody of Liam.”

Ella giggled before she felt Roman’s hand gently caress her face.

“I spoke to Martha today about doing a DNA test.” He said quietly. “We’re going to see Rachel tomorrow.”

Ella nodded biting her lip.

“It will be ok El, we’ll find a way of dealing with this.” He promised her. “I’m not going to let this break us.”

She took a deep breath trying to stem the tears that threatened.

“I believe you.” She told him finally.

“But?” he asked her.

“Its unfaithfulness.” She whispered. “You know that I’m going to struggle with that.”

Roman nodded and tipped her head up so she was forced to look at him.

“You kissed someone Ella and it killed me so I do not expect this to be easy for you to handle.”

She nodded but remained silent.

“But you need to remember that whatever happened it was not of my choosing. Why would I want that instead of my beautiful wife?”

“You did once. You even told her you loved her.” Ella said before she could stop herself.

“We’re going to keep going round in circles here aren’t we?” he muttered. He removed his hand from her face and rubbed at his eyes.

“I’m going to go.” Ella declared.

She stood from the seat and made to move away.

“She reminded me of you.” Roman said the word torn from him.

Ella stopped and looked at him.

“What?” she asked.

“All the women that I dated reminded me of you in some way. The way Charlie was so feisty. Martha’s smile was similar to yours and she made me laugh. There were others. Laura had her hair just like yours. Marie had freckles on her nose just like yours.”

“Roman?” Ella asked her voice shaking with emotion.

“I looked for you in each of them. And it was wrong.” He stood from the table and moved into the kitchen away form her and what he’d said.

Ella watched him go too shocked to follow him.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 20

Nic looked over at Aden and sighed.

“Spit it out will you?” Aden said eventually.

“Well you and Ella.” Nic murmured looking at him.

“Nothing between me and Ella.” Aden said knowing that he sounded defensive.

Nic moved to sit on the chair opposite him and crossed her legs, each movement delicate.

“Really?” she asked him raising her eyebrow and giving him a look.

“Nic will you stop and just shut up?” Aden said grumpily. “I kissed Ella like a million years ago and its over, in the past. I just wish it could be forgotten.”

She looked at him and pushed her hair back from her face ensuring that it was tucked behind her ears.

“But when you jump up and…” Nic began.

“Hold it right there.” Aden told her. “I’m a doctor.” He began and then realised he had made a mistake taking that line.

“Yes?” Nic asked calmly.

“And she’d pregnant. Of course I got up when she got upset. “ he tried to provide an excuse but one look at Nic’s face and he knew he hadn’t fooled her for a moment.

“Try again?” she suggested.

Aden shook his head and cast a look around his lounge. He saw photos of him with the kids and with Belle amongst their stuff. Years of being together with his wife and the only thing he could think of telling Nic was that he had the hots for Ella instead of the fact that she was probably going to die if she continued with her pregnancy.

“Ok I’m in love with her.” he told Nic in a quiet voice. “I love Ella.”

She looked at him in horror before looking past his shoulder. He saw her expression and knew that Belle was standing behind him without looking. He stood from his seat and turned. There was a look of pain on his wife’s face that he never wanted to see.

“Belle.” He gasped out.

“I think you should go.” Belle said in a cold voice. “Pack your things and get out.”

“Belle please.” Aden said moving over to her.

He reached out and tried to take hold of her arm but she shrugged him off.

“I said get out.” she hissed at him her eyes shooting sparks at him in her fury.

Aden shook his head and looked back at Nic before looking at Belle and he knew he couldn’t tell either of them the truth.

“We need to talk.” He tried again.

Belle shook her head and stormed out of the room. She headed towards the bedroom returning a moment later with his bag and threw it at him. He caught it on reflex.

“Talk to my solicitor.” She muttered. “Out.”

Aden gasped and took a step back and away from the anger in her face. He knew from past experience that he would not be able to talk to her right now. Turning he cast a look at Nic before heading to the door.

“Happy?” he heard Belle ask Nic. “You should go to.”

“Look Belle …” Nic began.

“I said get out.” Belle shouted. “Go on.”

Nic moved to the door following in the footsteps of Aden.

Sammy looked across the playground and saw a small boy surrounded by bigger boys. He frowned as he saw the younger one put his thumb in his mouth and then get pushed by one of the bigger ones. He saw him fall backwards and groaned before running over to them.

“Hey.” He called out. “So there you are.”

“Stay out of this Sammy.” The one called Josh muttered. “This little kid needs to know who’s boss of this playground.”

“No he doesn’t he already met my brother.” Sammy told them narrowing his eyes. “You know Georgie.” He added pointing to his taller brother.

Josh looked over in Georgie’s direction and stepped back.

“Look Sammy just because your brother is on the footy team doesn’t mean anything. I bet I can….”

“What’s up Sammy?” Georgie called out running over to them.

Sammy looked at Josh and saw him swallow nervously.

“Josh was just leaving weren’t you?” Sammy murmured folding his arms across his chest. He watched as the other two boys ran away across the playground and turned to the smaller boy.

“You ok?” Sammy asked him.

“Yes.” He mumbled.

“I’m Sammy and this is my brother Georgie. You’re new here aren’t you?” he told the younger boy.

“My name is Marcus. I just started.”

“Cool.” Sammy gave him a grin. “Want to come over and eat with us?”

Georgie smiled and walked with the two boys over to the bench where Meggy and Sophie were sitting.

“These are our sisters. Meggy and Sophie.”

“Hi.” Marcus greeted them.

“Sit down kid.” Meggy grinned at him.

Marcus eased into a seat on the bench and looked at them.

“Where is your lunch?” Sophie asked him.

“They took it.” Marcus admitted after a moment.

The four looked at each other before they offered Marcus bits from their own lunch.

“You don’t have to.” Marcus told them slowly. “I’ll be ok.”

“Yes we do.” Meggy declared. “Go on have my drink.”

He accepted the small carton of juice slowly.

“And my sandwich.” Sophie murmured. “It’s cheese and tomato.”

“Thank you.” Marcus said politely.

Georgie grinned before breaking his sandwich in half and sharing it with his twin. He picked up his chocolate bar and passed that to Marcus.

“Sorry I guess that leaves sharing my apple.” Sammy told him. “Daddy grows them in the garden.”

Marcus smiled at them.

“So are you living here?” Sophie asked him.

Marcus nodded as he took a bite of the sandwich. He chewed and swallowed before answering.

“Me and mum came back here. She’s not been well and thought that the sea air would help.” he murmured.

Sophie nodded.

“Our Mum isn’t well.”

“But that is because she’s having a baby again.” Meggy told him. “Well two actually it’s twins again.”

Georgie grinned at his sister.

“Twins?” Marcus asked. “Wow. I’d like a brother or sister. Actually I have a brother but I never really see him. “

“That’s a shame. I think we’d like to be only children sometimes.” Sophie said quietly. “It gets a bit noisy when everyone is there.”

Meggy nodded around her bite of sandwich.

“But it’s good though too. Nic, Danni and Gabby are our older sisters and they are cool. Mike was in the army but he’s home now.”

“Wow you do have a big family.” Marcus said his blue eyes huge in his face.

Georgie chuckled.

“Don’t forget Lily and Liam.” He pointed out.

“Our younger brother and sister.”

“And Aden.” Meggy added. “Our foster brother.” She explained to Marcus.

“It’s time to go back in.” Georgie told the other looking at his watch.

They stood up form the bench and tidied up their lunches before they made their way to class.

Roman walked slowly along the beach. He caught sight of Ella sitting in the distance her knees folded up and her head down turned. He sighed as he moved over to her.

“Hey.” He called softly.

“Hey yourself.” she murmured just as softly. “That was a bit of a bombshell.”

He dropped to the sand beside her and looked over at the water.

“I guess it was.”

“Explains why you were so embarrassed each time I mentioned your past.” She added after a moment.

“I wasn’t embarrassed Ella I was sick with guilt. I didn’t even know I was doing that until you came back into my life.” He said shielding his eyes with his hand as he looked at her. "Until then I didn’t know that I was going for a type that resembled you so much.”

Ella sighed.

“I did the opposite.” She murmured quietly. “Anyone I dated was totally different to you.”

Roman groaned.

“Hearing about who you’ve dated isn’t exactly helping matters.” He said and then groaned once more when she looked smugly at him.

“Yeah.” She said seeing his look. “Dated. Had hot kinky sex with other men.” She added.

Roman glared at her feeling himself losing his temper before sighed and calming himself down.

“Feels pretty crap doesn’t it?” she asked him after a few minutes.

“I don’t want to imaging you with anyone else.” He told her.

“Neither do I but I have that image in my head and it won’t go away.” She told him sighing. “I’m sorry.”

Roman looked at her.

“Why are you sorry?” he asked.

“Because as much as we say we’ll get through this we aren’t going to. You slept with Martha and she might very well have had your child. How do I get past that?”

“Ella?” he gasped out.

She eased up off the sand and picked up her shoes in her hand.

“I’m going home to collect some clothes and then back to Miles’ place.”

“El.” He said softly reaching up and grasping hold of her hand forcing her to stop and look at him.

“What?” she asked.

“I got past you being attacked.”

She sucked in a deep breath before snatching her hand away from his and turned running away down the beach.

“Ella.” He called out.

She stopped and looked over at him.

“How dare you bring that up?” she screamed at him.

He shot to his feet and ran over to her.

“Because it’s the same thing.” He said to her. “I used to close my eyes and see what that monster did to you. I used to hold you as we made love and know that you were thinking about him about what he did. I got over that because it’s not about us. We are more than that.”

Ella shook her head.

“No. It’s not the same.” She said. “You were flirting with her before it happened. You were looking. I saw you.”

He frowned and shook his head.

“No.”

“Yes.” She insisted. “We were barely together. That once a week quickie wasn’t enough for you was it? “

“Ella.” He gasped out her name. “No no no. I wasn’t looking. I didn’t want another woman then or now.”

“No you don’t want one now. Because I act out the whore in the bedroom to keep you entertained.” She snapped out. “Letting you do anything you want to stop you wandering.”

“Ella.” He grabbed her by her upper arms and shook her once before forcing her to look at him. “All this time I thought we were making love.”

She shook her head dragging her arms out of his hold.

“No.” she muttered bluntly.

She spun on her heal and moved away from him down the beach. He watched her go sinking down to the sand and burying his head in his arms.

Ella bit back tears and lifted her head looking at where she was going. She staggered to her car and climbed behind the wheel gasping as the pain in her side and back increased. She barely got the key in the ignition before starting the car and pulling slowly out of the parking space. She crouched over the steering wheel as she drove slowly towards Miles place. Staggering out of the car she made in into the house and over to the sofa before she collapsed.

“Roman.” She called out in a pain-lined voice before lapsing into unconsciousness.

Miles and Lee walked into the house with Millie. The little girl ran over to the tv and switched it on before turning and spotting Ella. She opened her mouth and screamed.

“Millie.” Lee said rushing over to her. “Oh god Miles call an ambulance.” She shouted to him.

“What is it?” he asked moving to them. “Ella. Ella can you hear me?” he said moving to kneel next to her. He checked that she was still breathing before taking out his phone and making the call. “Ambulance please.” He murmured into the phone. “Quick. I have a pregnant woman about six months. She’s unconscious and bleeding.”

He gave the address before going over to Lee and Millie.

“Take her upstairs ok.” he instructed.

Lee nodded.

“Better call Roman.” She said before easing out of the room with her daughter.

Miles looked down at Ella before picking up his phone once more. He got the answer phone and left a message for Roman to call him back.