Behind The Curtain - When Cameras Are Off

[ilovekateritchie]

Thanks for all the feedback! You're all fantastic! xx

PART 90

“Can… can we take this kind of slow? I don’t want to rush into anything…”

Kate looks at Chris seriously and he smiles.

“Of course. This is not a first for either of us, so we’ll be careful.”

“Thank you.”

She looks up at him.

“So… you and Mandy… did you…”

Chris frowns slightly.

“No. We didn’t.”

Kate nods, biting her lip.

“If you did… you can tell me…”

“I said we didn’t.”

“Okay…”

Chris sighs, putting his arm around her.

“Look, Kate… let’s not talk about that please? Let’s just… think about now. Us.”

“Okay.”

“So… what do you want to put in the invitation? Hey you come to a ball but wear a mask and bring a gift?”

Nic looks at Amy seriously and she laughs.

“Anything but that… it has to sound more formal.”

“Formal. Right.”

Nic pulls a face and she hits him with a book.

“Don’t joke about this, it’s serious.”

“Does that mean I can’t wear my Donald Duck mask?”

“It definitely means you can’t wear your Donald Duck mask.”

Nic pouts and Amy giggles.

“Come on, Nic! Try to really concentrate on actually making this ball happen.”

“Okay, you have my full attention.”

Amy lifts a brow.

“Like that means anything. You have the attention span of a three year old.”

“And that is why you love me.”

“No, but I do love you – despite that.”

Nic grins and leans over to see what she has written so far.

“You’re doing a great job. Want me to go out and get some food?”

Amy looks up sullenly.

“I want you to be serious and help me with the planning. Is that too much to ask?”

Nic rubs his nose with the back of his hand and sits down next to her.

“Okay, I’m sorry. I’ll be serious now.”

“Thank you.”

She leans over to give him a quick kiss and smiles at him.

“You’re an angel. Sometimes.”

“And you are very stern.”

“Funny. So what do you think?”

She hands him the card and he nods.

“Perfect. Do we want the press at the party?”

Amy shrugs and shakes her head.

“I don’t know… whether I want to put that strain or our relationship. Not to mention Chris and Kate… íf they show how much they hate each other at the moment the press will have a field day...”

“Let’s ask everyone how they would feel about it…”

Amy nods.

“That’s a good idea…”

“Paul?”

Jodi looks at him seriously and he looks up, his eyes blank.

“Are you okay?”

He nods slightly and she sits down next to him.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.”

Jodi shakes her head sadly.

“You don’t mean that.”

“Jodi, just forget about it, okay!”

She stands up, looking at him seriously.

“I do want kids, Paul. I just don’t want to adopt them. And if that means not having them…”

She shrugs and he looks away.

“I’m going to bed. Good night.”

He stands up and walks out quietly. Jodi sighs and sits down on the couch, tears slowly forming in her eyes…

“You’re so beautiful… I could spend my whole life just looking at you.”

Chris looks at Kate seriously and she lifts her hand to stroke the side of his face.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

He pulls her close, capturing her mouth in a tender kiss, his arms circling around her thin waist.

She puts her arms around his neck, pulling her fingers through his hair and opens her eyes to look at him.

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“Giving me a reason to live again.”

In another house, not far from there, Jodi finally gets up from the couch, slowly walking to bed. Paul is already asleep and she climbs into bed quietly, cuddling up to him, her eyes closed. His arms go around her automatically and she smiles sadly, knowing that there is a gap forming between them – one that might be impossible overcoming…

[ilovekateritchie]

Nic and Amy are happy! Kate and Chris are happy!

For the time being!

PART 91

“So… we were wondering whether you think it’s all right to invite the press?”

Nic looks at his friends seriously and Kate thinks for a second.

“It depends on what you want, really. If you want to keep this low profile, then no. But if you guys don’t mind the press being there, I can’t see any of us being upset. The night is about you, not us.”

Chris puts his hand on Kate’s leg comfortably and nods.

“I agree with Kate. I don’t mind the press being there at all.”

“Okay, good.”

Nic looks at Kate and Chris suspiciously, noticing Chris’ hand lying on Kate’s leg intimately.

“Eh… Chris, mate… can we have a quick chat?”

“Sure.”

Chris turns to Kate smiling at her.

“I’ll be right back.”

“Okay…”

He pulls her close, kissing her passionately in front of the crowd – who all look at them in disbelief. Rhys is the first to get his voice back.

“Well finally.”

Kate blushes, putting her arms around Chris’ waist and burying her head in his shoulder.

Paul lets out a wolf whistle, smiling happily.

“I’m so happy for you guys! This is fantastic!”

“Thanks Paul.”

Chris looks at Paul seriously, his hand resting on Kate’s back protectively.

“And if the press wants to make something of this, let them. We love each other and we’re not ashamed of it.”

Jodi grins, looking at Kate and Chris happily.

“I’m so happy for you guys, honestly.”

Chris looks at Hayden – who is sleeping in Ada’s arms – fondly.

“Thanks guys. Hopefully Hayden won’t mind me dating his mother…”

Kate looks up at Chris blissfully.

“I don’t think he’ll mind…”

“What mask are you going to wear?”

“Hmm?”

Indi looks up at Rhys with a frown and he sighs.

“Indi! For Amy and Nic’s party.”

“Oh, that. I don’t know yet…”

“Are you okay?”

Rhys looks at his girlfriend seriously and she shrugs.

“I’m fine.”

“No, you’re not. Indi, something’s going on and I can’t help if you won’t tell me.”

Indiana stands up, her eyes blank.

“Nothing’s going on Rhys, it’s just your imagination. I have to go, see you tonight.”

“Okay.”

He sighs, looking at the roof dejectedly.

“Oh, Indi…”

“I think purple… It’s different.”

Kate nods excitedly.

“You’ll look fantastic! Amy said she was going to wear green, so I think we should refrain from that – make her stand out.”

Ada nods.

“You’re right. How about you, Jodz?”

Jodi grins.

“I’ve seen this really great red dress that I’ve been dying to buy – now I have a reason.”

Kate grins.

“This is going to be so huge, I’m really excited about it!”

Jodi winks at her.

“I bet that’s not all you’re excited about.”

“Of course not…”

Kate smiles dreamily rubbing her hands together.

“I can’t believe how happy I am. When Callan died… I thought I’d never feel like this again, you know. I thought I’d be miserable forever. But I’m not… I’m just not.”

Nic looks at Chris excitedly.

“Oh my word, she was shouting at you and you kissed her? That’s a way to stop a fight.”

Chris grins.

“I know… she was so shocked and then things were just… perfect.”

Paul frowns.

“What about Mandy though?”

“Mandy who? I’m a one-woman man, and Kate is my woman… She’s always been.”

“What about Carol?”

Chris shakes his head.

“Carol was a mistake… and speaking of ex-wives from hell, Nic, are you going to invite Clare to the party?”

Nic snorts.

“I’d rather chew glass than have her there to ruin it. I wish Ava could come though – I miss her.”

“Isn’t she supposed to come to you every other weekend?”

Nic sighs.

“Supposed is the word. Clare will do anything to see me miserable. Even if it means keeping my daughter away from me.”

[ilovekateritchie]

Thanks for the feedback... here's the next part!

PART 92

“You look fantastic, Madame.”

Kate smiles at Chris, lifting her head up to kiss him.

“So do you… love the mask…”

“Love the dress. Can you take it off?”

Kate laughs, slapping him on his chest. He immediately pulls her close, pressing his lower body against hers flirtatiously.

“Oh come on… you know you want to.”

“I want to go to that party Mr. Sadrinna.”

He sighs mockingly and kisses her cheek.

“Fine. Let us be gone!”

He takes her hand and they walk out to the car, completely content in each other.

“Wow…”

Jessica looks around her, completely amazed.

“This is amazing… Look… is that Kate and Chris?”

Mark nods when he sees the couple – who are in an intimate conversation, Kate’s hand resting on Chris’ chest.

“Yep. And there’s Indi and Rhys… wow… They look… wow…”

“They do! And Sharni and Ian…”

“Oh, I love Jodi’s dress! It suits her…”

Mark nods, looking at Jess fondly.

“Have I told you that you look amazing?”

Jessica thinks for a minute and grins.

“No, you haven’t…”

“Well I do now. You look amazing.”

“Oh, thank you…”

Nic looks at Amy affectionately.

“You have no idea how happy you make me.”

“I can guess…”

“I love you Amy. It’s crazy and totally scary, but I love you.”

“I love you too. More than anything. Nothing could ever change that.”

He bends down to kiss her, but jumps when he hears a familiar voice behind him.

“Well isn’t this sweet.”

Nic turns around, clearly shocked.

“Clare! What are you doing here?”

Clare looks at Nic with a malicious smile.

“You thought I was just going to let this go? That I was going to let you embarrass me by getting married to this girl?”

“Leave her out of this, Amy hasn’t done anything to you.”

“She stole my husband!”

Nic looks at Clare with disgust.

“She didn’t steal me, Clare! We got together after the divorce.”

Clare shakes her head disbelievingly.

“Am I supposed to believe that? Because I don’t.”

Nic puts his arm around Amy protectively, glaring at Clare through his mask.

“I don’t give a damn what you believe. But you’re not invited, so I think you should go.”

“You can’t make me leave, Nic.”

“Try me. I will throw you out of here myself if I have to.”

“No need. I’m leaving. But I’m going to make sure that you are miserable if it’s the last thing I do. Both of you. It’s what you deserve.”

She walks out angrily and Nic pulls Amy close.

“I’m so sorry about that, love.”

She looks up at him seriously.

“What did she mean, Nic?”

“I have no idea. But she’s not going to get between us. I won’t let her. I promise.”

Amy puts her arms around his waist, closing her eyes and frowning.

“Neither will I.”

“I can’t believe Clare came.”

Kate shakes her head, looking at Amy sympathetically.

“Are you okay?”

Amy nods and sighs.

“I’m fine thanks. I can’t believe she came either, what went through her head? And threatening to make us miserable… the woman is completely unstable.”

Kate squeezes her friend’s shoulder with a sigh.

“Well as long as she doesn’t succeed.”

“She won’t. We won’t let her. We love each other too much.”

Jodi squeezes Amy’s hand.

“Don’t give it thought, Amy. I think she was only threatening. Besides, what can she do?”

Kate bites her lip.

“Unless she uses Ava to break you up…”

Amy looks at Kate, her eyes wide.

“You’re right… I can compete against Clare… but not against Ava. What if she forces Nic to choose between me and Ava?”

Jodi frowns.

“Do you think she would?”

Amy sighs, shrugging sadly.

“I have no idea what she would do…”

[ilovekateritchie]

LOL! Thanks for all the feedback. Here's the next part. Light sexual references.

PART 93

Kate moans when Chris kisses her neck, his teeth lightly scraping her soft skin.

She puts her arms around his neck, her breath shallow and tense.

“Chris… we need to stop.”

She pushes him away lightly and he looks at her, confused.

“Why?”

“Because if we don’t stop now, we never will. Taking it slow, remember?”

“Right. Slow.”

He lets go of her, looking at her devotedly.

“I remember now.”

They look at each other and she turns away, blushing.

“That was… close.”

“Yeah.”

They look at each other for a few seconds, then Chris picks her up, kissing her hungrily. Kate encircles his neck with her arms, pressing her body against his with force. They slide down to the couch, their bodies tangled together, their hands grabbing onto each other for dear life.

Jodi sighs when Hayden starts crying again. She looks at Paul seriously.

“You’re the one who told Kate that he needed to stay with his godparents for the night. You stand up.”

Paul sighs and looks at Jodi.

“Fine, I’ll stand up.”

He walks out to Hayden’s room, picking him up tiredly.

“Hey, sweetie… You missing your mum?”

He strokes over Hayden’s little head fondly, while Hayden looks up at him sadly.

“Come on, you’ll see her again tomorrow… Please just stop crying…”

He holds Hayden against his chest closing his eyes.

“You know, I thought bringing you for the night would make Jodi broody. Make her consider adoption.”

He opens his eyes to look at Hayden fondly.

“But she won’t even have anything to do with you… which is weird because I know she loves you. But it’s like she doesn’t want to allow herself to get broody, which stinks, because we can be parents – if she’d just think about adoption. But she won’t… and it’s driving me crazy. She’s being so selfish. I hate myself for feeling like this, but I do. I love her, but at the same time I want to kill her for being selfish. I guess you don’t really understand that, do you?”

Hayden looks up at Paul, his blue eyes serious.

“I take that as a no.”

Hayden gives a big yawn and Paul smiles, putting him back in the cot.

“Okay, I get it. I’m boring you. Sweet dreams, little one.”

“I love you…”

Chris looks down at Kate’s body under his, wiping strands of hair out of her face. She smiles, looking up at him.

“I love you too.”

Chris bends his head down, caressing her face with his lips.

She puts her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.

“Promise me you’ll never let me go.”

Chris smiles at her earnestly.

“I promise.”

“What do you think she’s going to do?”

Amy looks at Nic seriously and he shrugs.

“I have no idea. Why, are you scared?”

Amy sighs.

“Terrified.”

“Don’t be. I love you and nothing Clare does will change that.”

“What if she forces you to choose between me and Ava?”

“She can’t.”

“But what if she does?”

Nic pulls Amy close, resting his lips against her neck for a second.

“I love you, Amy. I’m not letting you go.”

“Even if it means losing your child? Because I don’t want that to happen.”

“We’ll fight for our relationship and we’ll fight for Ava. Together.”

Amy nods, grabbing onto his hand.

“I’m so scared of losing you, Nic…”

“You’ll never lose me. I promise.”

She snuggles up to him, her eyes closed.

“I love you so much.”

“I love you too. We shouldn’t let Clare scare us, we shouldn’t even give it any thought, okay?”

Amy sighs, holding onto his hand for life.

“Okay.”

[ilovekateritchie]

I won't hurt Amy and Nic... there has to be one happy couple...

Next part:

PART 94

Jodi sighs when Hayden starts crying again.

“Paul. Paul, get up.”

She looks at Paul, who is in a deep sleep and sighs, dragging her body out of bed.

She picks Hayden out of his cot, holding him closely.

“Okay, stop crying please, Hayden… Come on now…”

Surprisingly, it doesn’t work – he keeps crying hysterically.

Jodi holds him away from her, frowning.

“Sshh… just be quiet, please… do you always cry this much? Your poor mum…”

“You need to hold him closer.”

Jodi looks up when Paul enters and pushes the baby into his arms.

“You’re the pro, you do it. I can’t.”

She rushes out and Paul shakes his head sadly, sitting down in the chair, holding Hayden against his chest.

“Don’t take it personally, Hayden… It’s not you, it’s me. I’m the one who upset her, and I guess I’m supposed to tell her that I’m sorry for pushing her to think about adoption. But guess what… I’m not.”

“Morning.”

Kate opens her eyes slowly, looking at Chris with a smile.

“Morning handsome…”

He puts his arms around her, pulling her closer.

“Sleep well?”

Kate starts laughing, kissing him tenderly.

“Better than ever… you?”

“I had the most amazing dream…”

He pulls her up against his chest, kissing her on top of her head.

“I need to know… are you sorry? About… you know…”

Kate smiles and nods against his chest.

“Yeah, I know what you mean and no, I’m not sorry at all.”

She looks at him seriously and he hugs her tightly.

“You were… it was…. Last night… It was the best night of my life.”

Kate grins, closing her eyes.

“Let’s not get up just yet. I want to lie in your arms for the morning…”

“Sounds like a plan to me…”

He holds her as close as possible, his muscles stiffening at the feel of her soft body against his.

He closes his eyes, his hand stroking her arm softly.

“Kate…”

“Hmm?”

“Nothing. I just wanted to say your name…”

Kate looks at him innocently.

“You said it last night…”

Chris smiles.

“More than once… but if I remember correctly, I heard my name out of your mouth quite a few times too…”

Kate blushes, pressing her face against his chest.

“Okay, let’s change the subject… how do you think Paul and Jodi are coping with Hayden?”

“Oh I think they’re doing just great… Stop worrying and come on over here…”

She laughs and he pushes her down on the bed, carefully placing his body over hers.

“You actually give me butterflies in my stomach.”

Kate laughs, cupping his face with her hand.

“That’s a good thing.”

“It is?”

“Definitely.”

Jodi groans, covering her ears with her hands.

“Paul, I can’t concentrate! I’m trying to learn my lines here, make him shut up!”

Paul glares at Jodi while jiggling Hayden.

“I’m trying here! You could help.”

Jodi turns her back on him angrily.

“Yeah, well I’m not in the mood.”

“You’re so selfish!”

“Excuse me?”

Jodi turns around, frowning angrily.

“Selfish?”

“Yes. Selfish. Everything is about you! Poor Jodi can’t have her own kids, so why bother with adoption, why bother with Hayden? Here’s a newsflash – not everything is about you so get over yourself!”

He storms out, leaving Jodi flabbergasted.

Chris looks up when the phone starts ringing, his face a picture.

“You have got to be kidding.”

Kate laughs and pushes him away.

“It could be Paul, maybe something is wrong with Hayden.”

Chris sighs and rolls to his side, looking at Kate longingly.

“Tell whoever it is that their timing stinks.”

Kate rolls her eyes and reaches for the phone.

“Hello?”

“Kate, it’s Paul.”

“Is Hayden okay? Something didn’t happen to him, did it?”

“No. He’s fine. Can I just… can I bring him over? He won’t stop crying, I think he misses you…”

Kate glances at Chris who is watching her silently.

“Yeah sure.”

“Great. I’ll be there in five minutes.”

[ilovekateritchie]

Thanks for the feedback! I decided to continue this up to chapter 100 and then start a new Part because this is getting a bit long... But I might be evil and wait a few weeks before starting the second part...

PART 95

Jodi looks up when Paul walks to the front door, opening it violently.

“Where are you going?”

“Out.”

“When are you coming back?”

“Late.”

He walks out, slamming the door behind him with force.

Jodi sits back in the chair sullenly, a frown on her forehead.

“Hey.”

Kate takes Hayden out of Paul’s arms with a grin.

“Was he good?”

Paul nods distractedly and Kate frowns.

“Paul, what’s going on?”

“Nothing.”

“Yeah right. Come on in.”

He walks in, his shoulders hanging.

“Jodi and I had a fight.”

“About?”

“Kids.”

Kate motions for him to sit down on the couch, looking over her shoulder.

“I don’t understand?”

“I asked her to consider adoption and she just flipped.”

“Oh, Paul…”

Paul shakes his head sadly.

“I want kids so badly, Kate. And it’s not like I’m asking her to get a surrogate mother or something… It’s not fair.”

Kate takes his hand comfortingly.

“Give her time. This is all overwhelming for her. And you haven’t been married for long, maybe you should wait a while.”

Paul nods and looks up when Chris appears in the living room door, covered by nothing more than a duvet.

Kate blushes and looks at Paul, who sniggers.

“So I take it you didn’t really miss Hayden then.”

Chris laughs and sits down on the couch next to Kate, winking at her suggestively.

“No. We could use the sleep.”

“Right… I’ll see you guys later… Thanks Kate. For everything.”

“Anytime. Thanks for looking after Hayden.”

“Anytime.”

Chris frowns when Paul walks out with slumped shoulders.

“What happened?”

Kate shrugs, shaking her head.

“Problems at home.”

Chris lifts a brow.

“Well we’ve had enough of those to be experts.”

“Yeah. The only problem is, I don’t have advice right now.”

Chris puts his arm around Kate’s shoulder, pulling her closer, smiling down at Hayden tenderly.

“It’s not your call, Kate. They’ll sort this out. They love each other.”

Kate sighs, resting her head against his shoulder.

“I hope you’re right.”

Chris kisses the top of her head tenderly.

“I’m always right. Let’s get this one in his cot. Come on.”

“Okay.”

“Indi! Lunch is ready.”

“I’m not hungry, mum.”

Indiana looks up when her mother opens her bedroom door and frowns angrily.

“Mum! Knocking!”

“Indi…”

“Just leave me alone.”

Mrs. Evans sits down on the bed next to her daughter, looking at her seriously.

“Indi, I saw the diet pills in your closet.”

Indiana looks at her mother in disbelief.

“How dare you go through my stuff!”

“Sweetie, I’m worried about you.”

“Well don’t be! I’m fine! I just wanted to lose a little flab so I got the pills, okay? I’m fine.”

“You’re not overweight, Indiana.”

“It’s not about that.”

Indiana looks at her mother seriously and her mom sighs.

“Indi… It’s not going to make him love you.”

“Mum, please. Just leave me alone.”

Mrs. Evans sighs and kisses her daughter on top of her head before walking out and picking up her phone, dialling a number that she’d found in Indiana’s phone book.

“Kate… sorry to bother you. This is Jill Evans… Indiana’s mother. I need your help. It’s about Indiana…”

[ilovekateritchie]

I know Tash - told ya I didn't have a life! Lol! Well here ya go... (And let me just tell you this is going to continue past 100 chapters if I still have readers...)

Here goes:

PART 96

“Hey Indi.”

Indiana smiles at Kate.

“Hi.”

“How are you?”

“Fine.”

They look at each other for a few seconds and Kate puts her arms around Indiana’s shoulders.

“I talked to your mum last night.”

Indiana rolls her eyes and Kate sighs.

“Diet pills, Indi? Why would you possibly want to lose weight?”

Indiana sighs and looks at Kate honestly.

“That’s not really what it’s about.”

“Is it about your dad?”

Indiana nods after a while.

“Yes. I thought that maybe if I could be perfect… he’d love us again. But… he doesn’t. He still loves her.”

“Her?”

Kate looks at Indiana with a frown and Indi sighs deeply.

“He cheated on my mum. With her best friend. Now she’s pregnant. And he’s all about her and the baby. He doesn’t care about me anymore.”

Kate looks at Indiana sympathetically.

“And that’s why you were so upset at what Bobby did?”

“Yeah… it’s just… it reminded me of what my dad did… and it upset me… I guess I over reacted a little.”

Kate shakes her head, looking at Indiana seriously.

“Indi, you just have to know that what happened… it’s not about you. Your dad loves you and nothing will change that.”

“Thanks.”

Kate looks at her seriously.

“So you’re going to chuck the pills?”

“Yeah.”

“Great. Because you honestly don’t need them.”

Indiana nods and smiles at Kate.

“Thanks for caring enough to talk to me about this…”

“Anytime… Now you just remember – if you have a problem, talk to me. Don’t try to deal with it on your own. Okay?”

“Okay.”

“And I think you should tell Rhys. It will help him understand why you’ve been acting the way you have with him around other girls. And with Bobby and Jess.”

Indiana thinks for a minute and then nods with a smile.

“You’re right… I’ll do that. Thanks Kate…”

“What time did you get in last night? You weren’t there when I woke up this morning.”

Paul looks up when Jodi talks behind him and shrugs.

“I stayed here.”

“Isn’t that over reacting a bit?”

“If you say so.”

Jodi sits down behind Paul, her arms around his waist.

“Paul, we can get through this. But we need to talk to each other.”

“I don’t want to talk to you right now. I’ll just say something that I’m going to regret.”

She moves away from him, her eyes shining with tears.

“I love you. Isn’t our love strong enough to get through this?”

“I don’t know. Because one of us is going to have to give in on this issue. And neither of us will.”

Jodi sighs and shakes her head sadly before running off. Paul just stares after her disappearing figure, ashamed that he has no desire to follow her.

A couple of guys look up with interest when Jodi enters the pub. She ignores all of them, looking at the barman seriously.

“I’ll take a whisky. Make it a double.”

“Bad day?”

She twirls the ring around her finger and sighs.

“You have no idea.”

“Where’s Jodi?”

Kate looks at Paul with a frown and he shrugs.

“No idea. She stormed out.”

“You guys have another fight?”

“No, it’s still the same one.”

“Paul…”

“Leave it, Kate. Please?”

Kate sighs and squeezes his shoulder before walking up to Chris, who immediately puts his arms around her waist, looking down at her seriously.

“Still not sorted out?”

“Nope.”

“Oh boy.”

“You can say that again.”

“Give me another one.”

The barman looks at Jodi seriously.

“I think you’ve had enough, Lass.”

“No, I’m a paying customer and I want another one.”

“Can I call you a cab?”

“I don’t want a cab, I want another drink.”

Jodi glares at the barman and he sighs before looking at her seriously.

“Okay, can I borrow your phone first, please?”

“You can have it!”

Jodi giggles and throws the phone towards him and he takes it, dialling the last number called.

[ilovekateritchie]

Thanks for the feedback guys! Next part:

PART 97

Kate, Chris, Ada and Jess all rush into the pub, almost running to wear Jodi is lying with her head on the bar. She looks up when she sees them.

“Hey guys! What are you doing here?”

Kate looks at her sternly.

“Jodi! You’re drunk!”

“I know!”

“It’s three o’clock! What’s going on with you?”

Jodi looks at her friends seriously.

“Where’s Paul?”

Kate and Chris share a look before Chris answers her.

“He’s busy shooting. He doesn’t know… we thought we could get you sober before he sees you again.”

Kate snorts.

“Mission impossible.”

Jessica and Ada take Jodi’s arms firmly.

“Come on. Cold shower time. You’re coming with us.”

“I don’t want to, I want to stay here.”

Kate glares at Jodi angrily.

“Well you don’t have a choice. You’re coming. Now.”

They walk out, practically dragging Jodi along.

Chris looks at Kate seriously.

“This is worse than I thought…”

Kate sighs.

“Yeah, you’re not the only one who feels like that… I feel so sorry for the both of them. I wish there was something that we could do.”

Chris puts his arms around her shoulders.

“There isn’t. We can just hope and pray that they sort this out before it’s too late…”

“Hey…”

Amy looks at Nic seriously when he sits down next to her, looking upset.

“Hey, love.”

“What happened? You look upset.”

Nic sighs, handing her his phone.

“I got another text message from Clare saying that I’ll be sorry. She’s really starting to scare me…”

Amy puts her arms around him and kisses him on the cheek.

“That’s what she’s trying to do – scare you. Don’t let her. There’s nothing she can do, okay?”

“I hope your right…”

Amy bites her lip.

“Although… you know how Kate thought that she might use Ava to… break us up. Do you think she would?”

Nic nods.

“Without batting an eyelid.”

“Then we have to do something.”

“Like?”

“Hang on… I have an idea…”

“What sort of idea?”

“The type that you usually have… but it has to work… It just has to…”

“Amy Matthews, do you take Nicholas Bishop as your lawful wedded husband, to have and to hold. From this day forward – in sickness in health, in good times and bad times, do you promise to love, honour and cherish him, for as long as you both shall live?”

Amy looks up at Nic, her eyes shining.

“I do.”

“Nicholas Bishop, do you take Amy Matthews as your lawful wedded wife, to have and to hold. From this day forward – in sickness and in health, in good times and bad times, do you promise to love, honour and cherish her, for as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.”

“Now, by the power vested in me by the law and God… I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Nic looks at Amy seriously.

“I know this wasn’t your dream wedding… but thank you.”

Amy smiles up at him blissfully.

“My dream wedding… no. But it’s my dream groom. And that’s all that matters.”

Nic puts his arms around her, holding her close. Amy smiles up at him.

“Now all we need to do is apply for custody of Ava… And then we’re going to be a happy little family.”

“I don’t want to take a shower!”

Jodi groans and Kate grabs her arm angrily.

“Well you don’t have a choice. Stop acting like a child and come on.”

She pushes Jodi into the shower with all her clothes on and the friends share a look when Jodi gives a little scream.

“It’s cold!”

Ada sighs.

“That’s the idea. I don’t think it’s cold enough though.”

Jodi pulls the shower curtain open, looking at her friends lightly.

“Oh, it’s a little too cold. Think you can make it hot?”

Jess, Ada and Kate all answer at the same time.

“No! Shower! Now!”

[ilovekateritchie]

Thanks for all the feedback! I actually just want to get to part 100 now so I can start the new one! That's why I'm going posting crazy.

Part 200 you say Jane?

PART 98

“Where is she?”

Paul looks at Chris seriously when he opens the door.

“In the shower…”

Paul shakes his head and walks in.

“I can’t believe it. She’s acting like a child, it’s pathetic.”

Chris looks at his friend quietly.

“Mate… don’t you think you’re being a bit hard on her?”

“No.”

Paul tightens his jaw and looks at Chris.

“If we’re all here… where is Hayden?”

“With Lynne.”

Paul shrugs.

“I’m leaving, I don’t have time for this.”

He walks out and Chris shakes his head before walking to the bathroom.

“I can’t believe we’re married.”

Nic looks at Amy with a smile and she grins.

“Yeah, neither can I. But I’m not sorry. At all.”

“You do realize that we’re not going to get a honeymoon though?”

“I realize that. But you know what, it’s okay. I love you. Every day with you is going to be a honeymoon.”

Nic grins as he lifts his wife up in his arms.

“You got that right…”

“Hey! Where’s Paul?”

Kate looks up at Chris when he enters the bathroom and he shrugs.

“He left.”

“What?”

“Yeah… he went to pick up Hayden… he’s really upset at her, Kate.”

Kate sighs, leaning against Chris with her eyes closed.

“This is such a mess.”

“I know…”

He puts his arms around her, holding her comfortingly. Jess looks at him sadly.

“So now what?”

Ada sighs, looking Chris and Kate seriously.

“I’ll take her home with me tonight. Chrys won’t mind…”

Kate nods.

“Thanks Ava. We really need to get her out of the shower now, she’s drunk enough to drown in a glass of water at the moment.”

Chris nods.

“I’ll go and make her some strong black coffee. Want anything?”

Kate smiles and stands on her tiptoes to give him a quick kiss.

“Just you… but I think Jodi needs that coffee.”

“I’m on it.”

He walks out and Ada smiles at Kate.

“It’s great to see you two so happy… I never would have thought you’d get together… You used to hate each other.”

Kate smiles.

“I know… it feels like a lifetime ago.”

They look at the shower when they hear something breaking and Kate pulls the curtain open. Jodi looks at her innocently.

“I think I broke your shampoo holder thingy… Is that going to be a problem?”

Kate rolls her eyes and pulls Jodi out of the shower, chucking a towel at her.

“You just get her… sober… I’m out of here.”

She leaves and Ada and Jess looks at Jodi who is trying to fold the towel over her face.

“Look, I’m a mummy!”

Ada groans and looks at Jessica with a sigh.

“It’s going to be a long night…”

Jessica looks at her seriously.

“I could take her to my place… Mark was going to come over, but I can cancel…”

Ada shakes her head.

“No, it’s fine… She can come to my place… Chrys won’t mind, you and Mark just go ahead with your plans.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course!”

Chris looks up when Kate walks into the kitchen and she shakes her head.

“I’ve never seen her like this, Chris. I don’t know what to do…”

Chris pulls her close, resting his lips on her head for a few seconds.

“I know, love. I know. Come here.”

He pulls her into a strong embrace, looking down at her.

“It’s going to turn out okay, Kate. It is.”

Kate looks up at him, teary eyed.

“I hope so…”

He pulls her even closer, resting his chin on her head.

“They have to sort this out. They love each other after all… Maybe with time, Jodi will decide that adoption isn’t that bad.”

Kate sighs.

“Yeah… maybe…”

[ilovekateritchie]

:

Why are you doing this to Paul and Jodi Kyle

You big meanie

You answered your own question!

For once, I totally agree with Rach.

You're horrible.

Well I got you two to agree! LOL!

I know I'm horrible - I own it. And it gets even worse... you are so going to kill me. LOL!

Small sexual references in this chapter. As well as lots of drinking and pain!

PART 99

“I don’t see why you’re all treating me like a child.”

Jodi glares at Ada, who simply shrugs.

“Because you’re behaving like one. Something to drink?”

“A glass of wine or a whisky would be great.”

“Keep dreaming. Anything else?”

Jodi groans.

“Fine mum! May I have a glass of milk then?”

“Sure.”

Ada hands her a glass of milk and she grabs it, walking to her room. Chrys looks at his wife seriously.

“She’s not handling this right.”

“Yeah, you’re telling me. I wish I could talk sense into her, but she just shuts down. It’s like she’s lost all interest in everything around her – including her marriage.”

Chrys shakes his head.

“And behaving like this… it’s going to cost them their marriage. They should talk to each other…”

“Yeah, you’re telling me. But Paul won’t talk to her, we called him over and he left… Jodi’s not the only one who is wrong here. They’re both being childish.”

“You called Paul?”

Ada looks around to see Jodi standing behind her.

“Jodi…”

“And he just left?”

Ada and Chrys share a look while Jodi grabs her phone out of her handbag.

“Excuse me…”

Paul groans when his phone rings.

“What?”

“Paul… You were at Kate’s house today! Why didn’t you try to sort this out?”

“Because I’m not in the mood!”

Jodi gasps.

“Is that what our marriage means to you?”

“Oh, and it means more to you? Whatever, Jodi. Just leave me alone.”

“Fine! I will!”

She throws the phone down and opens the window, climbing out carefully.

“Thanks for letting me stay here, Kate.”

“Anytime…”

Kate looks at Paul seriously.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. I just need a drink…”

“As long as you don’t overdo it.”

“Sure.”

She hugs him before walking to her room, where Chris is already lying in the bed, staring at the roof. Kate climbs into the bed and snuggles up against him.

“Oh, this is so wrong.”

“Yeah, you’re telling me.”

Chris puts his arm around her, pulling her close.

“It seems like yesterday when they got married and they were the perfect couple… but now… now it’s just… falling apart, and they’re not doing anything to try and save it.”

Kate nods against his chest and looks up at him.

“I hate seeing them like this. They’re so miserable without each other.”

“I know, love.”

Chris looks down at Kate before his mouth captures hers, his tongue slowly entering her mouth. Kate moans softly, pulling him over her. He pulls away and laughs.

“Did I manage to let you forget about every problem in the world?”

Kate smiles seductively, her hands making their way to his pants.

“Not yet…”

He kisses her again, but pulls away when the doorbell rings.

“Why now?”

Kate laughs, squeezing his hand.

“Come on, let’s go get it. It might be important.”

Chris sighs and follows her to the door. He opens it, stunned to find Mandy standing there, a smug smile on her face.

“Another one please!”

The barman looks at Jodi with lifted eyebrows before handing her another drink.

“Thanks.”

“Want to talk about it?”

“No. Just shut up and do your job.”

“Fine.”

She looks at him silently before downing the glass of whisky and holding it out to him.

“Another one please.”’

“Mandy? What are you doing here?”

Mandy looks at Chris and Kate arrogantly.

“I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

She shrugs when neither of them answers and turns to Chris.

“I just wanted to tell you the outcome of the test. It’s positive. I am pregnant.”