‘No.’ There was plenty; the pregnancy for starters, but Lindsey had made it clear she didn’t want anyone to know in case her parents found out. She was terrified they would make her have an abortion.

‘Only your mother and I think it’s odd that you come back every weekend.’

‘It’s just to see Lindsey.’

‘You don’t seem that happy when you’re home.’ He paused. ‘You seem … weighed down.’

‘I don’t know, Dad. I’m fine.’

‘Well, if you ever want to talk, I’m here to listen. You can tell me anything, you know that, right? I’m your dad, and most of the time I’ll be able to help. So, anytime you want to talk, I’m ready to listen. No judgement, OK?’

‘Thanks, Dad.’

‘And if there are any problems, we can find a solution.’

Not for this we can’t, he thought. There’s no solution to this.

3

Lindsey took his hand and placed it on her stomach. The skin was smooth and warm.

‘The baby’s three inches long,’ she said. She smiled at him. ‘It’s a little person. Our little person.’

He felt as though he should be sensing something underneath his palm, as though the presence of another human being should register in some way.

He felt nothing. Her stomach was exactly as it had always been.

‘When do you start showing?’ he said.

‘In a few weeks. It’s different for everybody.’

‘You’ll have to tell your parents.’

She shrugged. ‘It’s winter. I can wear baggy clothes. I don’t want them to know.’

He took his hand from her stomach. ‘You don’t think we should tell them? It’s a big deal.’

‘No!’ She shook her head. ‘Don’t you dare say anything. They’ll try to stop us having it.’ She scowled, her eyes hard. ‘They’re my parents, Matt. It’s not your choice to tell them.’

‘OK,’ he said. ‘I was only asking.’

4

His sister was talking to him, but he wasn’t really listening. He was thinking about what Lindsey had said.

They’re my parents, Matt. It’s not your choice to tell them.

‘Matt,’ Tessa said. ‘I asked you a question.’

‘Sorry,’ he said. ‘I was miles away. What were you saying?’

‘I asked if you love her.’

‘I don’t know, Tess. There’s a lot going on. It’s hard to tell what I feel.’

Tess rolled her eyes. ‘She’s a great person,’ she said. ‘We’ve been spending a lot of time together and she’s so lovely. I know you had a few arguments – she told me she shouted at you sometimes – but she said she’s more relaxed now.’ Tess shrugged. ‘Maybe it’s the baby. She feels more secure now she knows you two will be together.’