Emma being on the ward was a complication Jac didn't need. Not today.
"Slapping another child?" said Frieda "again?"
"Again" Jac sighed
Currently Fletch was doing battle with Emma in her office. He emerged hassled
"That kid's nearly killed me" he complained to Frieda
Jac took control of the situation
"You just gave to be firm"
"Demanding, infuriating, totally uncooperative. where does she get it from eh?"
"You've been waiting to say that all day"
"Weeks" added Frieda
"Months" he said affectionately and then he looked at her. A half smile that melted her heart. She found herself smiling back with barely concealed affection of her own.
Oh god had she done the right thing. Just friends? Of course that's the right thing to do. Frieda took Emma off for some Petrenko style hallowe'en make up.
Jac, unable to settle at doing anything headed for Fletch's office. Taking a deep breath she entered. Leaning on the door she gazed at him sitting on the easy chair
"You were right, there is something between us" she paused as he sat up "if was gonna be with someone I'd want it to be you . But I can't. I'd find a way of screwing it up"
"And you're not willing to try"
"You know I can't be what you deserve, and if the kids got close and this went pear shaped "
"Who says it would go pear shaped and the kids, well,they would cope"
"I don't want to risk all that we have. Assuming you still want to be my friend"
He approached her and she could hardly breathe
"You're trying to protect me again, I'm a big boy Jac I don't need protecting"
She looked into his eyes, resisting the urge to kiss the face off him.
"Head ruling your heart"
"My head tells me that I don't need anyone" she paused "but my heart.."
Frieda burst in with Emma
"May I present 'Jacula '"
Jac and Fletch made a big show of being scared of her and then he chased her out "come on let's go and get some treats"
This left Jac gazing affectionately after him, realising he'd captured another little piece of her heart. Who was she kidding her heart told her she needed him.
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I can only apologise for this chapter. I've basically just written out tonight's episode but how could I not use lines like " if I was gonna be with someone I'd want it to be you "
Promise more actual fiction in up coming chapters x