Written in the Rockstars (Completed)

Chapter 31- Shame

Jack's P.O.V

The car engine rumbled as it died down,  purring like a contented cat.  I glanced through the window,  looking up at Felicity's house that stood, bathing in shadow.  This house held awful memories.  Well.  A memory.  Abbey. 

I slipped out of the car,  locking it behind me.  I made my way up the driveway,  sighing at the shrivelled bluebells that wilted in the garden.  I rapped my knuckles against the door,  swallowing the lump that had formed in my throat.  When nothing happened,  I knocked again, this time with more persistence. 

Still no answer. 

I lifted the golden letter box,  peering through the black bristles that lined the inside. 

" Felicity? " I called, "It's Jack. Jack Rochester! "

I groaned in frustration, hearing no reply.  I rummaged around in my pocket,  pulling out my keys.  I fiddled around with them,  trying the many copper and silver keys in the lock.  Finally,  one fitted into the slot like a hand in a glove.  I grinned triumphantly,  pushing down forcefully on the door handle. 

" Felicity? " I shouted as I entered the carpeted hallway. 

I wandered around the downstairs,  poking my head around the glossy door frames. 

" Hello?" I continued to call. 

I raked my fingers through my hair,  before jogging up the stairs. The window sills were layered with dust,  the banister leaving trails of grey on my fingers. 

I entered Annabel's old bedroom,  still decorated with her butterfly wallpaper.  Her pink bed covers were pulled back from the pillow,  exposing the crumpled bedsheets. Someone had slept here recently.

I froze as a soft sob met my ears.

" Felicity? "

" Jack? "

I hurried over to the wardrobe,  where-to the side- Felicity was slumped,  hugging her knees.  Tears streamed down her cheeks as she rocked backwards and forwards rhythmically. 

" Hey, " I soothed,  "It's okay. "

I knelt down next to her,  resting my arm across her shoulders. 

" What's wrong? " I asked softly. 

" I'm pathetic, " She sobbed.

I shook my head.  " That's not true, Felicity."

" It is," She argued, "Don't you understand why I haven't called or spoken to any of you? " She paused, "It's because I'm ashamed.  I'm an embarrassment. "

I was speechless.  I was not expecting that. 

"I needed my daughter to save me.  She saved me because she was good at dodge ball at school, " She cried, "You don't know how ashamed that makes me feel. "

"That's ridiculous, " I said,  "There was nothing that you could do. I can't believe that your daughters are worried out of their minds, all because you're ashamed that you couldn't save yourself. "

She didn't reply,  not meeting my gaze.

" Annabel ended up in hospital with bruises, scratches and a bullet wound. All for you.  Now you won't even contact her.  You won't speak to her.  I think she deserves better treatment, personally, " I continued,  a crisp edge to my voice. 

She rubbed her face with her hands, sighing heavily. 

" You're right," She agreed,  "I'm sorry.  I've always been like this. You know,  when Annabel's dad died, I had to learn how to look after myself.  I shut people out and forced myself to deal with everything alone. When I had to wait to be saved, when I practically had to accept defeat, it really hit home.  I felt like I'd been through worse; I felt that I should've been able to sort it out... alone."

I smiled sympathetically.  " I understand.  But that doesn't mean you need to make Annabel and Lucy suffer. "

" I know.  I wasn't thinking straight.  I reckon it's this dodgy new diet I've got," She joked.

I chuckled, "And Felicity Anderson is in the building. "

" By the way,  I'd prefer it if Annabel didn't know the real reason why I didn't contact anyone.  I don't want her to worry about me," She told me seriously.

I hesitated,  but nodded. " Okay."

" Thank you. "

" That's quite alright.  Now,  you're coming with me.  There's a Gleek and a preggas lady sitting on a couch,  who are worried about you, " I grinned. 

Felicity's smile slipped from her face.  " Pregnant?" She snapped. 

I could feel the colour draining from my face as I was filled with dread.  She didn't know. When I thought about it,  it made sense that she didn't know. Lucy became pregnant whilst Felicity was suffering the wrath of Abbey Malone.

I gulped.  "Well. Um. I... I..."

"Spit it out, " She growled fiercely.

" Lucy's pregnant," I admitted. 

Her jaw dropped.  " My Lucy...A mother? She's so young! " She cried. 

" Listen, " I said,  "Why don't you take this up with Lucy? "

" Oh,  believe me.  I will. "

A/N: Hello everybody!  Thanks for reading! Keep commenting and voting ;-) I would say that there's 3 or 4 chapters left and an epilogue!  Also,  I would love some opinions on a name for Annabel's dad (the one who died of cancer). He will be mentioned a bit more,  especially in the epilogue. 

Happy reading!  ♥