Shattered Glass

[Taniya_K]

It was because of lil Jamiekins! Such a sweetheart... But chapter 16 is a VERY close 2nd. So close, that you can hardly see the gap between them

[Zetti]

Aww My Jamie!

Mickey Mouse Jamie has to be the bestest! :D

Aww!

No Kirsty! Yayy! My favourite chapter as well

[wrongturntaken]

AWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That was the most adorable, cute, sweetest chapter ever!!!!!!! Seriously LOVED it!!!!!!!!

I loved the things with the cakes, and that Belle got him so many presents, loved when Jamie said Belle was his mummy, loved the bit with Nicole and Aden talking, and just generally i loved the light humour with the undertone of seriousness. It seemed like all the adults were putting their true feelings aside for the kids at the party.

Excellently written too as always!!!!

Can't wait for another update!!!!! SOON PLEASE!!!!!!!!!

[Inactive User]

Loved the last chapter. Jamie is so cute! Loved how he is beginning to accept Belle as his mummy Update soon

[Adelle_fan1000]

Awww i loved it... LOVE jamie.. soo cute

[KaiyaBlake]

Such a good chapter. I don't even know where to start

Can't wait for more!

[xknomex]

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

That has to be my favourite chapter!!!! it was soooooo cute. That last bit with present number 5 was just adorable. it was such a perfect ending to the chapter!

Please please please can Aden come to his senses!!!!!! Nicole is right!

anyway back to the cuteness, LOVED Mickey mouse, and I loved how Kirsty and Belle couldn't make cakes. thank God for Roman

xxx

[Louise_2983]

Chapter 23

9 weeks later

“So...” Matilda began hesitantly as they both sat at the dinner table drumming their fingers against the hard wood of the round structure.

“Has Aden forgiven you yet?”

Belle instantly stopped drumming and rested her chin against her palms, her elbows sat on the tabletop.

“Well, he seems to have finally conceded that it wasn’t my fault that Coleen decided to announce Jamie’s existence to the world’s press” she sighed deeply.

“Which it wasn’t”

“No but it was my fault that they were here in the first place. And we both know what Coleen’s like we can’t blame her. She didn’t know they were journalists”

“You can’t blame yourself either Belle” Matilda sighed.

“ You didn’t ask Johnny to go into rehab”

“Actually I might have suggested it” she winced, knowing that she had been the catalyst for recent events.

“I just didn’t expect his management to announce our break up in the same press statement! It was obvious the minute they did that that the press would be on my doorstep wanting to know how

Johnny’s drug problem had caused the breakdown of our relationship”

“That still doesn’t make it your fault” Matilda reached out a gentle hand to rub Belle’s arm soothingly.

“Maybe not but he’s my son and it’s my job to protect him not to have dozens of photographers all over town trying to get a shot of him!”

“You did protect him, they didn’t get a photo of him did they?”

“No but I think that was more down to the fact that Aden would have killed them if they had than anything I did Mattie” she laughed softly to herself.

“He was pretty mad” Matilda chuckled remembering the look of fury that had permanently occupied Aden’s face when the press had set up camp in the Bay.

“But it was that article you wrote in return for them leaving you all alone that really made the difference! Seriously I have no idea how you managed to reveal so much and yet not tell them anything at

all!”

“I used to be one of them remember Mattie? I learnt a few tricks back then” she smiled feeling quite pleased with herself that she’d managed to get the press of their backs without having to reveal what

Johnny did to her or why she’d left Aden and Jamie 5 years ago.

“You totally played them at their own game and won, I’m proud of you” Mattie grinned momentarily forgetting the matter which had been troubling her all day.

“Thanks, but that’s not going to change the fact that Aden still won’t let me near Jamie. It’s been ten days Mattie, I miss him so much it’s killing me! Speaking to him on the phone isn’t enough. I

understand that Aden was trying to be cautious at first in case the press were still following me but they’ve gone now and he’s just being stupid”

“Maybe you should just go around there?”

“What and have a massive fight with him in front of Jamie? That’s not going to help” she shook her head sadly.

“You know he won’t fight with you if Jamie’s there. And if he is you get to see him at least”

“That’s true, I’ll go round there this afternoon” she declared adamantly resolving that Aden wasn’t going to keep her away from her son any longer.

“But first we have to resolve matters here, how long now?”

“Two minutes” Matilda shuddered in fear as she glanced down at the delicate, silver Tiffany watch, a birthday present from Belle, perched on her wrist.

“I’ve done this before, numerous times” Belle giggled, trying to get Matilda to relax a bit.

“I know how horrible the 5 minutes can be”

“It wouldn’t be so bad would it?” Matilda questioned clearly asking herself rather than Belle.

“I mean, if I am pregnant it could be amazing. So what if it’ll ruin any chance I have of making partner, I would be having a baby with Ric! And he’d make an amazing father I know he would!”

“Yeah I can just see him now, training Little Ric up for his first illegal fight” Belle joked in a slightly insensitive attempt to make Matilda feel better.

“Oiy!” Matilda exclaimed, slapping Belle on the arm with slightly too much force.

“I’m joking! Ric would be a great father”

“Yeah he would” Matilda whispered, a small smile dancing on her pale pink lips.

“And look at you and Jamie. He loves you and he is so adorable. I wouldn’t mind one of those”

“You might need Aden to help with that, not Ric” Belle grinned cheekily.

“I’ll just give him a call now shall I?” Matilda giggled, twirling the pregnancy test she was clutching round and round in her hands.

“Don’t you dare! I’ve already got enough competition for him thank you very much!”

“Belle, I think that competition is all in your head. From what I’ve seen Kirsty isn’t even in the running!”

“He’s married to her!”

“False start, doesn’t count” Matilda laughed.

“When Aden wakes up to himself and realises the race has started again she’ll be disqualified and you’ll be the one lifting the trophy!”

“Ok, now you’re confusing me with your metaphors or euphemisms or whatever they are”

“Aden loves you simple as” Matilda stated bluntly.

“And it’s really great that everyone else seems to think that but he’s the only one who needs to and he seems to have decided that whatever he feels, it isn’t enough. So I’m accepting it, I’m getting on

with things”

“Are you trying to tell me you’ve got a date Belle Taylor? Hey?” Matilda raised her eyebrows suggestively.

“No but I’m open to the idea. So if Ric’s looking for something to do whilst you’re busy with Aden...”

“Or someone to do you mean?!” Matilda chuckled.

“Do not even suggest that! Ric’s mine!”

“Hey! You started it making eyes at Aden, don’t blame me!”

“ As good a guy as Aden is, I think I’ll stick with Ric”

“That’s great especially seen as you might be carrying his child” Belle told her quietly nodding towards the thin white stick Matilda was still using as a baton.

“We’ve been together almost ten years, I guess it was always going to happen sooner or later but I just thought we’d be married and settled but everything’s so up in the air right now. We’re struggling

to get together the money for Ric to buy the garage and I’m working almost every hour god sends to try and make partner. If I have to go on maternity leave we’ll never be able to afford the garage

and if I keep working then my baby will be brought up by strangers and I don’t want that Belle!”

“Woah! Calm down!” Belle ordered soothingly as Matilda finally took a breath. She reached across the table and gently took her friend’s hand.

“If you are pregnant then you’re not going to be alone. You’ve got Ric and I’ll be there and Tony and Rachel and we will all help you. Whatever happens you’ll get through it. We’ll make sure of it”

“Thanks Belle” Matilda managed to smile as her friend squeezed her hand gently in a show of support.

“Time’s up” she whispered as she took another quick glance at her watch.

“So?” Belle asked anxiously, feeling nervous for Matilda, as she examined the small window of the white stick.

“It’s negative” Matilda whispered.

“I’m not pregnant”

“You sound kind of disappointed?” Belle asked hesitantly.

“I am a little” Matilda replied, the realisation that she was actually saddened by the result of the test suddenly hitting her.

“Maybe I should give Aden a call after all hey?” she laughed trying to make light of the situation.

Belle ignored the quip knowing that her friend was just trying to hide the pain that she hadn’t expected to feel and now didn’t know how to handle.

“Matilda if you want a baby then you and Ric should talk about it”

“I don’t want a baby. Or at least I didn’t think I did. I don’t really want one right now, it’s not the right time I know that but I’d sort of convinced myself that I was pregnant and I know it sounds weird but

I feel a little like I lost something when I saw the negative result”

“It does sound a little weird” Belle laughed teasingly.

“But we all feel different things, no one says you have to jump for joy just because a blue line appeared instead of a pink one”

“Hold on pink is for positive?”

“What? Mattie?!”

“Joking!” she giggled, waving the stick with its bright blue line in front of Belle’s face.

“Not that upset then?” Belle laughed, her gaze catching sight of the box on the table before her.

“S**t” she cursed herself, she hadn’t expected this at all.

“Belle, what’s wrong?”

“S**t” she repeated again in a whisper.

“Belle? What is it? You’re scaring me!”

“Well” she told her quietly.

“You might not be pregnant, but I am”

“What?! But you can’t be?!” Matilda exclaimed, her eyes bulging wide in shock as she examined the pregnancy test resting on the box before Belle, pink line and all.

“But you only took that to make me feel better! So I wouldn’t feel so alone”

“I know that” she gulped still staring at the small white stick that had just changed her life forever.

“Belle” Matilda whispered, suddenly solemn as she reached out and took her friend’s hand.

“Everything you just said to me, the same applies. Whatever you want to do, I’m here. I’ll help you”

“I don’t have any choice Mattie”

“What? Of course you have choices. I mean I’m guessing you’re not going to tell Johnny given that you’ve only just got rid of him and he really doesn’t seem like the baby type”

“No, he sure isn’t” Belle couldn’t help let a chuckle escape at the thought of Johnny with a baby.

“How long is it since he was here? Is there still time for you to have an abortion?”

“About 9 weeks so yes” Belle nodded as if she was programmed to give an automated response.

“But I can’t Mattie. Not after last time, it was horrible. It almost destroyed me, I couldn’t. Not again”

“Look Belle” Mattie broached her next sentence gently.

“You wouldn’t be alone this time, it wouldn’t be the same. I’m not saying you should have an abortion but if you don’t want to have this baby then you don’t have to”

“I can’t have an abortion” she whispered again, shaking her head gently.

“I can’t get rid of Aden’s baby”

“Aden’s baby?! What?! When?!” Matilda cried out in shock.

“About the same time Johnny turned up. He told me he loved me and that he missed me and I slept with him. And then he just went running back to her”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Sleeping with a married man, it’s not exactly my proudest moment in life Mattie” she sighed.

“I thought he’d come back to me. I thought he was going to leave her”

“Oh Belle” Matilda whispered soothingly, wrapping an arm around Belle’s shoulder.

“I wish Irene was here” Belle murmured sadly.

“So do I, I never know what to say. So far all I’ve done is told you that you have the option of getting rid of your baby, sensitive huh?”

“Irene probably would have said the same thing” she admitted.

“Just in a different way”

“Good grief girly, you do get yourself into some sticky situations but you have got options you know!” Matilda told her in a perfect imitation of Irene’s voice.

“Exactly!” Belle chuckled, a smile gracing her face for the first time since the pink line had come into her line of vision.

“Belle are you sure it’s Aden’s baby?”

“Oh here we go again! Belle’s pregnant for the fourth time in her life so we must discuss the issue of her being a skank!” she snapped.

“That’s not what I meant. But Johnny was here around that time and I remember you telling me about the awkward situation when he came out of your bedroom barely dressed and Aden and Jamie

were here”

“Sorry I shouldn’t have snapped”

“It’s ok you’re in shock right now I get that” Matilda told her, rubbing her arm gently.

“I didn’t sleep with Johnny. He slept in my bed but that was all. This is Aden’s baby”

“Yeah I figured as much and given how tight Johnny’s leather trousers are I doubt he even still has the ability to reproduce these days” Matilda grinned, nudging Belle gently with her shoulder. Belle

couldn’t help but laugh.

“So I have to have this baby because this baby is mine and Aden’s and it’s Jamie’s little brother or sister and they’re going to be just as perfect as he is. I could never get rid of something so amazing

Mattie”

“Another little Jamie” Matilda sighed slightly enviously.

“Some people get all the luck!”

“What if it happens again?” Belle suddenly blurted out in a whisper.

“What if I can’t love this baby either?”

“Belle” Matilda smiled knowingly.

“From that look in your eyes and the fact that you’ve already subconsciously placed your hand protectively over your tummy I’d say you already love this baby”

Belle let out a breathy giggle as she looked down to see her hand covering her tummy just as Matilda had said. As shocked as she was she knew without a doubt that she wanted this baby.

“How could I not? He or she is part of me and part of Aden. And I love him so much Mattie even if he is an idiot who can’t make up his mind about what he really wants. How could I not love our baby?

But I loved Jamie the minute I knew I was carrying him too, it was only after he was born that everything went wrong”

“Belle I’m sure the chances of that happening again are really, really low but you’ll be prepared this time. We know the signs and there are so many people here who will help you, me especially. No one is going to let that happen to you again, I won’t let you leave Jamie and your baby I promise!”

“What you going to do hold me hostage?”

“If I have to” Mattie told her grinning cheekily.

“I might ask Aden for some tips!”

“Matilda!” Belle exclaimed, her head tipping back as she chuckled loudly.

“Belle everything will work out” Matilda told her gently.

“I hope so” she whispered skimming her hand tenderly over her flat stomach.

“So if you’re about 9 weeks then surely you should have had morning sickness by now? Have you seriously had no symptoms at all?”

“None at all”

“You don’t think it’s ectopic again do you?” Matilda asked hesitantly.

“No, I was really sick back then. I was literally hanging around the toilet bowl more than anywhere else” she grinned.

“And I didn’t have any morning sickness at all with Jamie so I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about. I’ll book myself into the doctors as soon as possible though and get everything checked out”

“When are you going to tell Aden?”

“I’m not” she replied adamantly, shaking her head.

“What?!”

“I’m not going to tell Aden”

“But it’s his baby too! Don’t you think he has a right to know?”

“I guess but I can’t Matilda. If I tell him he’ll leave Kirsty I know he will”

“Ok I’m confused, isn’t that what you want?”

“Not like this”

“Belle, this is your chance to be a proper family! You, Aden, Jamie and little Matilda in there!”

“I can’t tell hi- hold on a minute! Little Matilda?!”

“Well you’re obviously going to name her after her godmother. And if it’s a boy you could called him Matthew I guess” she grinned cheekily.

“Who say’s you’re going to be godmother, never mind that I’m going to name the baby after you?”

“Who else are you going to ask to give moral guidance to your baby? Nicole?”

“Annie” Belle told her, sticking a tongue out at her playfully.

“You don’t get more moral than Annie Campbell”

“Argh damn” Matilda sighed in defeat.

“I forgot about her”

“Of course you’re going to be godmother” Belle smiled.

“But my baby is not going to be named after anyone. They’re going to be original and unique. And I’m not telling Aden no matter what you say”

“Belle I don’t get it”

“If Aden knows that this baby is his then he’ll leave Kirsty I don’t doubt that at all. But he’ll leave her because he feels like he should, because it’s the right thing to do. He’ll leave because he feels

obligated to and I don’t want that! I want him to leave her because he loves me and wants to be with me. I don’t want to be an obligation Matilda”

“Belle, I don’t think he’d see it that way. It seems to me that he just needs a catalyst to make him realise what he really wants and this is clearly it!”

“I’m not telling him!” she told Matilda adamantly, the look of determination on her face telling her friend that she was never going to convince her otherwise.

“So what are you going to tell him? Because pregnancy’s pretty hard to hide when you get to the size of a house so he’s going to find out sooner or later”

“I’ll just tell him the baby’s Johnny’s. He already thinks we slept together that night anyway”

“Do you know something?” Matilda asked with an overwhelming undercurrent of sarcasm.

“Do you know who Jamie really reminds me of? Aden!”

“I know what you’re trying to say”

“So what are you going to do if this baby is a mini Aden too? Because if the baby looks anywhere near as much like him as Jamie does the whole town will know never mind Aden!”

“I’ll deal with that if it happens but right now it’s my decision Mattie and I’m not going to tell him. Please just respect that and don’t nag me about it. This is going to be hard enough as it is, worrying

about whether it’s going to happen again”

“Ok. I don’t agree with it but it’s your decision and you’re my best friend so I’m here to support you no matter what”

“Thank you” Belle replied sincerely, hugging her friend as her mobile began to ring from her pocket.

“Roman?” she asked surprised as she answered, his name having flashed up on the illuminated display.

“Is everything ok?”

“Look Belle don’t panic ok but it’s Jamie...”

I just have to say wow to Zifiso who had this sussed right from Chapter 16!

[Taniya_K]

Jamie!!! :o Don't hurt him!!

Right, back to the rest of the chapter... wow! She's pregnant. Knew there would be some kind of longterm consequence from that, but I didn't think you'd make her pregnant again. Can't believe she's not going to tell Aden that it's his kid! I get that she doesn't want him to leave Kirsty for her out of obligation or because people would know that he cheated, or whatever, but still! He has a right to know Poor Aden.

I hope Belle gets to see Jamie soon [even in the hospital] and I hope he's ok. Otherwise it's not gonna just be Jamie that gets hurt

Cannot wait for more

xoxo

[Zetti]

You cannot hurt Jamie. Please? Please? Please? Please? Please? Please?

I second Tan, if you hurt my Jamie I will not be responsible for my actions

She's pregnant again but Aden still wont know so he can leave Kirsty