I stand watching them, deciding what to do. I imagine myself storming over and confronting them. I'd ask her why she lied and she'd look down in shame, and then beg for my forgiveness. Instead, I come to my senses and walk on, pretending I didn't see them. It's her choice if she wants to lie.

The picture of them floats around in my mind as I stroll along the sidewalk with them hehe cool breeze steadily pushing me along. I wonder who he is, where she met him, and how long she's been seeing him. Most of all I ponder on why she is keeping him a secret. Poppy knows how passionately I hate lies.

I suddenly become distracted from my thoughts when seeing a curled up figure slouched against the wall, their legs sprawled across the pavement, their crooked toes looking a mixture of grey and blue. "Can you spare any change, Miss?" the old man asks me. I shake my head in an apologetic way, trying not to look at him, I quickly walk past.

There are usually a lot of homeless people on these streets, especially around dusk. Curled up in shop porches, bus stops and damp alleys. The lucky ones covering themselves with their sleeping bags and the not so lucky ones savaging pieces of newspaper to cover their cold feet with.

I feel guilty for walking past, feeling snug in my wooly fleece jacket, my purse full of change. But if I spare some for this old man, I'd feel like I'd have to for the next, and the next and the next.

Before I know it I'm walking up my drive, squeezing past my dad's car, looking at my mum's empty parking space. I hear the tv in the living room as soon as I step foot through the door, and I know my dad's the only person in the house. I know this because my mum cannot stand the tv being so loud. I open my mouth to say hello when walking in, but the man's face on the tv catches my attention. I instantly recognise him, knowing I've seen that long shabby beard and small beady eyes before.

"Hey Charlotte, how was work?" he asks, quickly sitting up and flicking the tv off, his face looking panicked.

That's when I realise who the familiar looking man is, Dr Reed. My mum went to the effort of blocking all news channels on our tv, showing how strongly she feels towards the world topic. "I won't let this family be destroyed because of one man's twisted stories. We will live our normal loves and let everyone else get on with theirs!" I remember her bellowing, before calling the tv company.

I look at the tv, following the cable to my dad's laptop. "What's happening? Are they finally interviewing him?" I should, grabbing the remote. Dad doesn't object, I know he doesn't agree with my mum and her unfair actions.

"Is that everything you'd like to share Dr Reed?" A slim new reporter asks, staring at the short man who is sitting comfortably on the red love seat, twiddling his fingers.

"It is. However, I'd just like to clarify everything I have said today is what I believe to be the truth. I have seen many reports, posts and articles warning people to stay clear of me, but I'm not hear to scare anyone. I'm here to share the truth that has been kept away from you for too long already."

"Great, so we missed it! What were they saying before you switched it off?" I shout.

He looks at me for a few second, trying to process what I have said, I have a habit of speaking too fast. "He was just answering questions people bad asked. He said the lights in the sky were caused because of radiation, too much of it is trapped and it is escaping in dangerous amounts. That was it."

"He must have said more than that! What questions did he answer?" I perch on thr arm of the sofa, staring into his eyes. I feel my cheeks beginning to burn, as I sit with my jacket still on.

"I can't really remember Charlotte. Come on, we need to tidy up before your mum gets back," he said, getting up to unplug his laptop.

I feel as though he is keeping something from me and I intend to find out what it is.

I pick up my bag and walk upstairs and nearly trip over Jasper, who is laying across the fifth stair.

I rip off my jacket and throw it on my bed, and scramble through my bag for my phone. I press the speed dial button and a picture of Poppy flashes up, a ringing tone filling my ears.

"Hey Charlotte-" she says, sounding distracted.

"Hey Pop, have you been watching the news? See the thing is-"

"No I haven't. I'm at the doctors Charlotte. I have to go," she interrupts, then hangs up.

I feel my blood boil.

I feel angry for the rest of the evening, a mixture of what happened on the news and because of Poppy's lies.

I hear the front door creak and presume it's my mum.

"Oh hi. You don't look so good dear, are you okay?"

"Yes.. Is it alright for me to see Charlotte please?"

"Of course, just go straight up Poppy!"

I sigh, wondering why she's not over so late, and without at least texting me.

I get a shock when she walks in, my dad is right, she really doesn't look good. Her face is flushed and streaky, her eyes looking heavy and dull.

"What's happened?" I ask, not looking up from my laptop, showing a lack of interest due to my annoyance.

"Charlotte. Somethings happened." She manages, her eyes quickly filling with tears.

I can't remember seeing this side of Poppy before, I'm only use to seeing her hyper and bubbly. I pat the bed next to me and she slumps down. Her body ice cold against mine.

"Oh Charlotte, what am I going to do?" She sobs, resting her head on my shoulder.

"Poppy, what has happened?" My heart starts to race at her genuine worry.

"I'm pregnant."

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Authors Note: I've finally posted the ninth chapter, at last! I hope you like it ^.^

Questions of the chapter: What are your thoughts on the ending?

Don't forget to show your support through leaving feedback, so I know whether or not you're enjoying it. Thanks for reading! Don't forget to add 30 Days To Say Goodbye to your library to receive update notifications! :)

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