The NSC Boxset: Heart of Stone

by D H Sidebottom

  * * *

  It was finally time to move on and to do this I had to face him, to collect my things from his house so picking up my phone and swallowing harshly I texted him, not summoning enough courage to actually ring him.

  ME

  Hey, I was wondering if it would be okay to collect my things from yours sometime this weekend.

  Ava x

  It took me 35 minutes before I made myself hit send. I got a reply almost immediately.

  MASON

  Sure, when?

  It was short and sweet but at least he had replied.

  ME

  Whenever is best for you, just let me know x

  MASON

  Tomorrow, lunchtime?

  ME

  Okay, I’ll be there about 1pm x

  A forbidden bubble of excitement fluttered in my stomach at the thought of seeing him and I scolded myself. “We’re going to see Daddy soon peanut’s.” I smiled as I placed my hands over my belly.

  I was still smiling to myself as I flopped into bed that night, my pregnancy was exhausting me. I was still struggling to sleep as my body couldn’t adjust to being alone in bed.

  I missed Mason’s quiet steady breathing at the side of me, the warmth of his body snuggled against me. The result of my insomnia had my skin pale and blotchy and I had large black circles under my eyes, so I was relieved tomorrow was Saturday, I was adamant I wasn’t surfacing from under my duvet until dinnertime.

  It was after 4am that my body and mind finally gave in to the craving for sleep but by 7:30 I was once again wide awake, even though I was still exhausted. After an hour of tossing and turning I climbed out of bed and made my way to the kitchen for coffee, even though since I had found out about my pregnancy I had been drinking the under stimulating crap of ‘decaf’; another craving my body was missing.

  Filling my cup and grabbing the huge jar of pickled gherkins and peanut butter from the fridge, I sat and sighed with ecstasy as I dunked a gherkin into the butter and took a huge bite.

  My pregnancy cravings had been some of the most unusual I had heard or read about, last week it had been ready salted crisps and strawberry jam. I had an intense craving for soap and had eaten a few bars much to Courtney’s horror. She had then ensued to remove every bar from my house and bought me some shitty squirty stuff, and I had actually sat and cried as she had held me down and refused to let me out of the house to buy more.

  I moaned with pleasure as I took another bite, grumbling to myself when my phone rang, although I smiled as Courtney’s name flashed up on the display.

  “Hey you,” I greeted happily as I took another crunch.

  “Hey mama, fancy breakfast?”

  “Of course,” I chirped, already thinking of the breakfast menu.

  “You’re already ordering aren’t you?” She laughed and I grinned, she knew me so well.

  “Hey, I’m eating for three here. I need sustenance.” She laughed again and we ended the call arranging to meet in a couple of hours.

  I showered and squeezed myself into a green shift dress, my swollen belly protruding tightly against the strain of the material.

  I would seriously have to do some shopping for maternity clothes soon but I was hoping some of the clothes I had left at Mason’s would be more accommodating and roomy. I was mostly living in jogging bottoms and a couple of Mason’s T-shirts he had left here. I had thought about returning them to him this afternoon but I couldn’t bring myself to part with them. Apart from my peanuts, they were the only things I had left of him.

  * * *

  When I walked into ‘The kitchen’ at 10 O’clock, Courtney was already seated and nursing a coffee, another cup sat on the table waiting for me.

  I grinned widely at her. “Morning, hun.” I hugged her and plonked down opposite her.

  “You still not sleeping, babe?” She asked with a scowl. “You look like death, Ava. Have you asked the doc if they can prescribe anything?”

  I shrugged, “Even if they I can, I don’t want to put some crap into my body and take the risk of hurting my babies.”

  She cocked her head, “Ava, I’m sure the doctor won’t give you anything that will harm them, besides I don’t think you can ingest much crapper stuff than soap.”

  “There’s only one thing that will help me sleep,” I whispered, staring down at my coffee as I stirred in some sugar.

  Her hand rested over mine as she nodded slowly. “I know, babe. You heard anything from him yet?”

  I smiled timidly. “I’m going to his at lunchtime to collect my things,” I told her, trying to hide the grin that wanted to erupt over my face at the thought of seeing him again.

  “Ava . . .” she warned when the smile broke free and filled my face.

  “I know, I know. He doesn’t want me,” I grumbled. I knew this but I just wanted to see his beautiful face, smell his gorgeous muskiness again and simply be near him.

  She nodded resignedly. “So long as you remember that, then you’re safe.”

  We both looked up as the waitress approached with a pleasant smile. “What can I get you guys?”

  “Ooh let’s see . . . I’ll take a large full breakfast with extra tomatoes and mushrooms, ooh and an extra sausage and bread and butter, toast and a side order of fried potatoes, and do you have peanut butter?”

  She stared wide eyed at me. “Sure, you want peanut butter on what? Toast or bread?” She was still scribbling down my huge order.

  “I’ll just take the jar please,” I grinned happily.

  Her eyebrows quirked and her jaw dropped. “She’s pregnant,” Courtney informed her frankly with a roll of her eyes.

  She smiled and nodded. “Ahh, I see.” She smiled happily at me. “When are you due?”

  “Early June.” I smiled and rubbed my bump.

  Her eyes widened in shock. “Wow you’re big to say you have another six months to go.”

  I rubbed my tummy again. “Twins.” I smiled and her eyes widened further.

  “Oooh, good luck. I bet Daddy’s pleased,” she laughed and my smiled dropped.

  “Mmm,” was all I said, then ended the conversation as I shifted in my seat and picked up my coffee.

  Sensing my discomfort Courtney dived in. “I’ll just take pancakes and syrup please but could you double the order please cos’ I know she’ll be finishing them off and if I don’t double up I don’t get any.” She scowled humorously at me.

  The waitress chuckled and nodded and then retreated to the kitchen.

  Courtney was silent for a moment, I could tell there was something on her mind. “Out with it.”

  She smiled awkwardly, “I’ve got something to tell you.” She squirmed a little and my brow furrowed.

  “What’s wrong?”

  She coughed slightly but then straightened her shoulders. “I’ve been seeing someone for a few weeks.” She looked down at her coffee with a slight guilty expression.

  I cocked my head and regarded her, “Okay . . . and?”

  “Well its Greg . . . Greg Chambers,” she cringed.

  “Oh, well that’s okay, why are you worried?”

  She relaxed a little and gave me a small smile. “It’s just with him being Mason’s accountant, I didn’t want you to think I was fraternising with the enemy so to speak.”

  I grinned. “Courtney, I’m pleased for you. Greg’s a great bloke and it’s about time you found somebody decent.”

  The waitress placed our plates on the table in front of us, my many dishes balanced all the way up her right arm and the peanut butter wedged under her arm pit.

  “Enjoy,” she smiled and wandered off.

  My stomach rumbled in anticipation and hunger. I immediately unscrewed the butter and dipped a fried potato slice in it. As soon as it hit my tongue my eyes closed and my mouth watered around it.

  “Good?” Courtney asked with a grin, her head cocked to one side. I nodded enthusiastically and dipped another one.

  “I have another confession.” S
he winced severely now and I raised my eyes over my coffee cup sceptically.

  “Go on.”

  She swallowed slowly, “Well, he’s taking me to France for the week and I won’t be able to make your scan on Monday. I’m so sorry Ava.”

  “God girl, I thought there was something seriously wrong then. It’s fine, don’t worry. I’ll go alone or ask Kerrie to go with me,” I told her around a mouth full of bacon and beans.

  She smiled and gave a relieved sigh, “Thanks, babe.”

  I nodded. “Enjoy yourself and don’t kill him you horny tart.” She grinned at this, her eyebrows waggling enthusiastically.

  I demolished all my breakfast and half of Courtney’s pancakes and sat back in my chair, stuffed to an extreme.

  “Oh my God, I hope my little peanuts appreciate your discomfort Ava.” Courtney laughed, “You are gonna be in pain for at least an hour.”

  I puffed. “Your little peanuts are devouring everything as we speak, give me an hour and they’ll be ready for more,” I said frankly and signalled for the bill.

  Our friendly waitress brought us the slip. She stared at the plates. “My goodness, well done,” she said wide eyed at the empty plates, I think she thought the amount of food would challenge me.

  Silly girl!

  CHAPTER 2

  AT 1 O’CLOCK I pulled up in front of Mason’s with my stomach round my ankles and my heart in my throat. I was so nervous I was actually trembling, not knowing how he would act towards me. Our last encounter still made me shiver and I touched my neck instinctively in the place where he had bitten me hard enough to draw blood.

  I peeled myself from the car and approached the door on wobbly legs. Taking a deep breath I knocked quietly. The door swung open almost immediately. My lips parted to pull in a deep breath at the sight of him, my heart soared in response to being so close and the vision of his hard muscled perfect frame had my insides clenching in desire.

  We silently studied each other for a few moments, both seeming to appreciate the vision in front of us.

  “Hi,” I said timidly.

  His face darkened and there was a flicker in his eyes. “You look like shit Ava,” he said sternly and I nibbled furiously on my fingertip.

  Hey, nice to see you too!

  He frowned deeply when I didn’t give him a response. “Are you sleeping?”

  I just shrugged. God damn him! He didn’t have the right to bark questions at me anymore but I couldn’t help cowering down to him, even after the end of our relationship.

  “Can I come in to get my stuff?” I asked quietly.

  He bit his bottom lip furiously. “I asked if you are sleeping Ava, why won’t you answer me?” His forefinger swept across his bottom lip and I tracked it with my eyes.

  “Mason please,” I swallowed heavily and he huffed.

  “Sorry, come in.” He moved aside, finally allowing me to pass.

  His unique scent assaulted my nostrils as I passed him and I inhaled deeply, locking the aroma into my memory. I was sure I heard him sniff up at the same time and the thought made my insides warm.

  I stood timidly in the hallway, still chewing on my finger. I heard him swallow and take a deep breath. “I’m afraid I haven’t had time to bag your things.”

  I nodded. “I’ll . . . go and do it then . . . if that’s okay?” I asked tentatively.

  He scowled at me and sighed. “Of course,” he near barked and I gulped.

  “I’ll go then . . .” I trailed off as I saw his eyes drop to my stomach and widen when they took in the swell.

  “Wow, you’re getting big.” A small smile tugged at his lips.

  I shrugged. “Twins.” I stated simply as though that one word was all that was needed to explain, which of course it was.

  He gulped and his hand lifted as though to reach out to my bump but he dropped it back down as a painful expression flittered across his face.

  “I’ll just . . .” I continued and gestured to the stairs. He nodded once and I dragged my trembling legs up the stairs and into the bedroom.

  My heart slammed against my chest and the damn wedge developed in my throat, the one that struggled furiously to keep the tears at bay.

  I bit my bottom lip and walked over to the bed; the bed we had shared together wrapped tightly in each other’s arms and had made love so beautifully and passionately in.

  I sucked in my lips and trailed my fingers over the duvet . . . the new duvet. It was now a slate grey one, the dark blue one we had shared had been replaced. That saddened me and I wondered if it was Mason’s or Rebecca’s undertaking.

  I walked to the wardrobe and pulled off my suitcase that was still in its usual spot. Placing it on the bed, I went back to the wardrobe and as I opened it I gasped. My clothes were still hung at the side of Mason’s; still in the same position I had left them in ten weeks ago.

  I ran my fingers down one of Mason’s shirts, the need to touch something of his encompassing me. I sighed and ordered myself to do what I came for so I grabbed a handful of my clothes and rammed them angrily into my case then repeated the process until I had removed them all.

  Entering the bathroom I frowned when I saw all my toiletries still in their original place; my shampoo and conditioner was still on the shelf in the shower cubicle, my perfumes, creams and cotton balls were still on the vanity. I sighed as my eyes fell on my toothbrush, still sat next to Mason’s in the holder.

  I breathed out on a huff and reluctantly removed it from its spot, detesting the idea of separating the touching items, items that had been inside Mason and had been inside me.

  As I took hold of it my nostrils twitched at something that excited my senses and stomach.

  Soap!

  I groaned in appreciation as my mouth watered at the sight of it. Quickly snatching it up I took a huge bite. “Oh God, Yes!” I rumbled in pleasure, the taste of it calming my craving immediately.

  “WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?” Mason demanded. My eyes flew open as I cringed and swallowed noisily.

  “Well . . .” I spluttered around the mouthful of soap. His eyes were wide and fixed on my mouth. “Uhh . . .” I whispered guiltily but slowly sneaked it up to mouth.

  I saw him step forward so I hastily took another mouthful.

  “God dammit Ava,” he bellowed as he tried to wrestle the soap from my hand. “Why the hell are you eating soap?”

  We both struggled to keep a hold of the bar. I scowled and tried to stop him from opening my fingers. “Ava! Give me the bloody soap,” he growled.

  I shook my head, pouting and sulking. “No, I need it.” I snarled at him, pulling at it again as I tried to force his hand that still had a grip on it up to my mouth.

  He growled and whipped it out of my hand and held it behind him. “Give it me,” I pleaded as I tried to reach around him.

  “What is wrong with you?” he scowled and moved it away again.

  I stood still as my bottom lip actually stuck out and trembled and I started crying; I needed the damn soap, my body was screaming out for it.

  Mason gasped at the sight of me, his features softening immediately. He gently took hold of my arms. “Ava, what’s wrong?”

  My heart rejoiced at his touch, my pores and skin thrilled with his contact but my hormones and taste buds were crying out for the soap. The emotions clashed and I let out a huge shuddering sob. “I need the soap Mason . . . please.”

  His jaw dropped open and his eyes widened. “Ava . . .” Another sob broke free and the tears flowed freely.

  He ushered me into his arms and kissed the top of my head. “Don’t cry baby,” he soothed. “Ssshhh.”

  My eyes closed as I sagged against him, tentatively slipping my arms around him, allowing myself a little bit of pleasure from his embrace. His face settled in my hair and we both let out a hefty sigh, as though our bodies had been needing this moment for a long time. Our souls revelled at the reunion and our bodies hummed in delight at the connection as my libido soared, arousal already
seeping into my knickers at his touch.

  I closed my eyes and silently reprimanded myself. I shouldn’t be doing this, I was letting myself get carried away and it would be heart wrenching to break free but I knew I had to do it.

  I noticed Mason seemed reluctant to let me go as I gently pulled away. His eyes flinched as I stepped back. He looked in pain and my eyes flicked over the huge swell at his crotch, very evident against his grey joggers.

  I was overjoyed; No! I was damn delighted to know he still desired me as much as he used to. My lips twitched and I bit my bottom lip to stop the smile that was threatening to lift my lips.

  He coughed slightly and looked away. An angry expression marred his beautiful face and my stomach plummeted at his obvious annoyance that his body had reacted to me.

  “If I could just have the soap, I’ll be going,” I said sadly, still hurt by his resentment.

  “Why do you need the bloody soap Ava?”

  “Because Courtney won’t let me have any,” I snapped, now infuriated with him. How dare he keep me away from the soap!

  “Well isn’t that fucking obvious. Why the fuck are you eating the stuff anyway?” he snapped back, his fury rising.

  I glared at him. “Isn’t it obvious? I need it. I crave it Mason. It’s called being fucking pregnant. Not that you could give a shit!” I cried, so bloody angry that he hadn’t the slightest interest in his babies, yet here he was telling me what I could and couldn’t eat.

  He grit his teeth at my outburst, the fire in his eyes was blazing and his fists were clenched severely at his sides. “Of course I fucking care,” he growled.

  I scoffed, “Oh really, then where the hell have you been so far?”

  “Ava . . .” He warned and my fury snapped.

  “Oh, I’m sorry, my names not fucking Rebecca is it” I threw at him and stomped over to my case.

  He sucked in a hiss of air. “What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”

  I shook my head in despair. “It means . . . that you attended each and every one of Rebecca’s antenatal appointments but where the hell have you been for mine, eh?”