Yesterday - Now Complete

Part 20

Annie awoke feeling decided fuzzy headed, almost like a hangover. She peered into the early morning gloom of her room.

"Mum?"

She looked at the chair by the bed, puzzled as to why her mother was asleep there, a blanket covering her. She stirred.

"Mum? Why are you sleeping on the chair?"

"Oh Annie, how are you feeling today?" Her mother asked her anxiously.

Annie felt even more confused. "I'm fine! Why?"

"Don't you remember what happened last night love?"

"Last night?"

Her mother sat on the bed and held her daughter's hand. "You got upset at something on the news Annie. You were hysterical! In the end I had to call the doctor. He gave you something to help yo sleep. Thanks goodness you're so much calmer today!"

Annie thought for a moment then groaned. The reporter that had caught her hand in hand with Paul!

"Annie, what is it? it's not the baby is it?"

Annie shook her head. "I'm fine mum. I just remembered the news last night! I wonder if Paul saw it?"

"He hasn't rung or anything love." Annie's mum studied her for a moment. "Annie, do you remember what you told me last night? About Paul?"

Annie looked wary. "Last night?"

"You said that you loved Paul and that he loved you. Is that true?"

Annie blushed and nodded slowly. She looked her mother in the eyes.

"And has he asked you to live with him?"

Again she nodded.

"What do you intend to do love?"

"Do? Isn't it obvious mum! How can I move in with Paul? First of all people know that Anthony has only just died but it's more than that mum."

"What is love?"

"The baby mum. How's Paul going to feel once he or she is born? Another mans child?"

"Have you asked him?"

"Yes." Annie sighed, "He says he would love the baby no matter because it's part of me. He made it sound so simple mum but..." She looked at her mother. "What would you do mum? If you were me?"

"Well, I think that if I loved someone such as Paul, I want to be with him but, like you say, the baby is a possible problem."

Annie nodded in agreement.

"So, I'd maintain my link with Paul. I'd try to involve him with as much of the baby preparations as possible and see what happens once baby is born. Take things slowly Annie love. You've been through a lot physically and emotionally. Don't rush."

Annie lay back against the pillows and sighed. "That's pretty much what I thought mum but...mum, I've done something stupid."

"What?" Her mother exclaimed in alarm.

"I slept with Paul."

"Oh Annie!"

"I wanted to mum. I virtually begged him to!" Annie sighed, "And it was amazing! Anthony never made me feel like Paul does when we make love. Is it wrong to say that mum? About Anthony?"

Her mother shook her head. "No, not really." She smiled at her daughter, "Annie, if you weren't pregnant, what would you do?"

She grinned. "I'd be with Paul already!"

"Then life is too short to waste Annie love. Follow your heart."

A short while later Annie walked through to the living room. The TV was on with news about herself and Paul once more. Seeing it, Annie went pale. She headed to the telephone and dialled Paul's number.

"Hello."

"Paul, it's Annie."

"Hi."

Annie was surprised, his greeting was unexpectedly brief. "Erm.. Paul. Have you seen the news?"

"Yes. I've had BLOODY REPORTERS RINGING AND KNOCKING ALL MORNING!" He sounded cross.

"Oh. Sorry about that Look. I'll go and leave you in peace."

"NO! ANNIE WAIT!"

"What?" she asked timidly.

"I'm sorry I raised my voice! it's not your fault the press are hanging around. Sorry love."

"It's..it's ok."

"How are you today?" His voice was filled with loving concern and she melted once more.

She told him about the upset the previous evening.

"What did the doctor say Annie?" he asked in alarm, "And are you alright today?"

 "I'm OK now. Really I am." She then confided with him about her talk with her mother that morning.

"That was very brave and honest of you Annie.  And what did your mum advise love?"

Annie laughed. "She told me to follow my heart."

Paul laughed. "So?"

"So I've decided to follow what my mum says. After all, mum always knows best."

"Ok...and what does that mean?"

"Well if you still want me despite me growing fatter by thew day and that you think that you can put up with comments and criticism from the press, then I'd like to be with you Paul. In London. Together!"

There was a long pause.

"Paul," asked Annie anxiously, "Are you still there?"

"I'm here baby." he replied, "So when do you want to move in?"

"That depends on how soon you can come and collect me."