The twins had taken four exams each. Academically, Frankie was probably the brighter of the two. Trouble was, she had never particularly liked school, which resulted in her never fulfilling her potential.

‘Look, if you’re missing Dominic that much, why don’t you invite him out tonight? Dad ain’t gonna know anyone in the Berwick Manor, is he? Mum and Dad think we’re staying round our friend’s anyway. You and Dom can book a room somewhere. Having a bit of the other might cheer you up a bit.’

Joey playfully thumped her. He was tempted, but unsure. ‘It’s too dangerous, Frankie. I promised Mum I wouldn’t see Dom locally and if she finds out, she’ll kill me.’

Frankie had always been the daredevil out of the two of them. ‘Don’t be such a wuss. Ring Dominic, enjoy yourself. Live dangerously, Joey, I most certainly do.’

Joey laughed. Dangerous was his sister’s middle name. ‘How are things going with Jed? Is it still serious?’

Frankie’s face broke into a big, silly grin. She had seen Jed almost every day since they had met and she worshipped the ground he walked on. ‘I love him so much, Joey. When I’m old enough, I’m gonna marry him and have loads of kids.’

‘That’ll please, Dad,’ Joey said sarcastically.

‘I don’t care. Sod Dad! It’s my life and I’ll do what I want with it.’

Walking around Tesco, Jessica smiled as she checked her shopping list. Positive she hadn’t forgotten anything, she made her way to the checkout.

Sunday was to be a special day for her and all the family. Her parents, Raymond, Polly, Gary and Ricky were coming over for dinner. Jessica had chosen to do a roast. She had bought two big ribs of beef and all the trimmings to go with it. It was going to be a double celebration. Her parents and everybody else thought they were coming just to celebrate the twins leaving school, but Jessica was now ready to announce that she was pregnant.

Apart from Eddie and Vicki, Jessica still hadn’t told a soul, not even the twins. She had been desperate to get over the dreaded twelve-week mark before she announced it to the world.

Jessica thanked the cashier and walked towards her car. She loaded her shopping into the boot and leaned against it for a breather. The sun was shining, life was good and she was so excited about her future. Thankfully, the Dominic episode had now blown over with Eddie. Joey had brought a girl round for tea and Ed had believed their relationship was kosher. Jessica smiled. She couldn’t wait for the new baby to arrive and at times like these she felt like the luckiest woman alive.