The Contract

10

The drive to Holmes Chapel wasn't that long. In reality it was only about two hours but the dread I felt the whole way there felt like hours. When we pulled up in front of the house, the sun was shining and I felt like it shouldn't have been such gorgeous weather on such a heavy and emotional day.

"Gee, it's gonna be okay," Tina said softly as we got out of the car. Harry had gone around back to unload our suitcases and nodded in agreement. His sunglasses were on hiding his eyes and I was actually glad to not see the emotions in his eyes because I didn't know what I could expect.

"Harry, Gee! And you must be Tina!" Anne's familiar voice greeted us and she embraced us all in a hug before leading us inside. Harry took the suitcases upstairs and I noticed Tina follow him and leave me alone with Anne.

"Anne, where's Gemma?" I asked.

"Oh her and David are out for some lunch. Should be back anytime now, though. Are you alright, dear? You look quite sick?" Anne's voice was filled with motherly concern.

I had felt sick all morning but now that she mentioned it I suddenly felt queasy again. I tried to push the feeling off. "I'm fine. Just hungover."

Anne raised an eyebrow. "Call it a mothers intuition Georgia, but it might be morning sickness. When was your last period?"

"Anne! I'm not pregnant. Sorry, I'm not though." But come to think of it I couldn't recall when I had last got my period but I had never had a scare before so why would I need to worry now?

She nodded. "Alright, Georgia. Shall I make you lot some tea and toast? I'm sure you must be all starved from the drive." Anne went to start the kettle and put some biscuits out on a plate for us while the water boiled. She set out four mugs and hummed to herself while i nervously played with my bracelet. I glanced down at the charm bracelet Harry had gotten me the other day. It was a pandora bracelet and he had filled it with charms that I would have picked out for myself. They summed up our relationship so far and it had been my favourite piece of jewellery he had gotten me.

The door opened and I heard Gemma's melodious laughter followed by David's voice as they walked into the house.

"Hi Gee!" Gemma greeted me. She pulled me in for a hug and David followed. I resisted the urge to kick him as he kissed my cheek and they sat next to me as Anne poured out the tea.

"How was lunch?" Anne asked.

I found myself zoning out as I listen to Anne and Gemma and David chatter on about their lunch date and how excited they were for everything.

"Harry! Come here baby brother. I've missed you!" Gemma pulled him in for a hug when he entered the room and she greeted Tina. I watched Harry shake hands with David and move to stand next to me. His hand rested on my shoulder.

"Gemma! Want to have some girl time? I'm sure the boys have loads to chat about and catch up," i announced. I glanced at Harry behind me and he caught my drift.

"David? Wanna kick around the football?" He asked.

David agreed and the boys went outside.

"Looks like it's just you and me for tea, Anne," Tina laughed.

Gemma gave me a questioning look but followed me regardless. We went upstairs to her childhood bedroom that was still decorated as if she was 17 except with pictures of her and David instead of her and her last ex.

"Everything okay, Gee?" Gemma asked when we sat down on her bed.

I swallowed hard. "Not really. I.. This is really hard to say."