Part 3:- Love and Marriage. (Part 3. Complete.)

Chapter 14

"Jo! How are you?" Helena opened her front door, surprised to find her friend stood there. "I didn't know you'd been discharged from hospital!"

"This morning," she said, forcing a smile, "So I thought I'd come and see you. Let you know I'm OK.

Helena nodded.  She had been friends with Jo for over twenty years. There was something about her that told her all was not well. Jo sat down and said nothing. She was picking at her fingers, a habit Helena knew meant Jo was stressed and unhappy. She watched as her friend began to chew on what was normally a neat shaped nail.

"Fancy a drink?" she asked quietly.

"No." Jo's answer was short. "Thanks" she added, as if an after thought. She began to bite another nail. Helena gently took her hand away from her mouth and held it. She gave it a squeeze.

"What's up Jo? The doctors said you're OK didn't they?"

Jo slowly shook her head.

"What! Oh Jo, what's wrong?" Helena felt her throat constrict, fearful for her friend.

Jo sat silent. Helena realised she was crying.

"Jo, please. What is it?"

"I'm pregnant."

Helena stared at her brieflly then suddenly smiled. "Oh Jo! That's amazing news! Paul must be so excited!"

"He is."

"And you?"

Jo shook her head. "I can't do it Helena. I can't have this baby."

Helena cound not believe what her friend was saying! "What do you mean? You aren't seriously considering a......well ending your pregnancy?"

"What choice do I have?" Jo's voice was quiet, tearful. For the first time she looked up at her friend. "You know what it was like when I was pregnant before! What Rob did? I couldn't stand for Paul to feel like that about me! Then, what if things go seriously wrong Helena? Like last time? There's millions of risks because of my age anyway!"

After considering her friends comments for a moment, Helena took her hand. "Joanne McCartney, I envy you so very much! You met and married Rob. And despite problems, you loved him and he loved you. You had three beautiful babies with him. Then you met Paul. He adores you and I know you feel the same about him. OK, being pregnant at 48 isn't ideal but I'd give anything to be you now! Dave and I have tried for nearly 15 years to conceive!" She shrugged. "It's never going to happen for me so Jo PLEASE reconsider! This baby is important for you and Paul. It would make you a family instead of just a couple!" She paused for a moment. "You know something, I dont think that this reaction is about you and your age. It's to do with Rob and then Ruby. Isn't it?"

Jo looked at her friend, more tears falling. She nodded.

"Paul doesn't know does he? About Rob and Ruby I mean?"

Shaking her head slowly, Jo whispered. "I had no need to tell him so why should he?"

Helena stood up, surprising Jo. "Right Mrs McCartney, I'm taking you home. You need to explain to your husband why the thought of having this baby terrifies you so much. That way you can discuss this with your doctor and sort things out!"

"I...I can't tell Paul!"

"Look Jo," said Helena, looking angry now, "Don't get me wrong, I love you dearly but I'm not being a bolthole everytime you have a problem! You NEED to talk to your husband, not me! If YOU don't do it then I will!"

"NO!" Jo stood up, grabbing her friends hand. "Please Helena I beg you, don't tell him!"

Helena shook her head and moved away from her. Jo saw her pick up her car keys and head towards the door.