He did not need this right now.

Carrie watched Andrew’s face carefully. She knew he was not taking the news very well. Why should he? Andrew and Carrie were still at school, hopes of passing their forthcoming GCSE’s. Carrie had made plans to go to college to study English and Andrew hoped to do the same, only with I.T. There is no hope of them fulfilling their plans now. They are trapped!

Both their lives and future were over for good.

Carrie called out Andrew’s name. He did not answer. Carrie repeated herself, this time whispering as if it was her last breath in her body. Andrew again did not respond. Instead he turned and stared at her. His light blue eyes suddenly changed to a deeper shade of blue, his face darkened against the roaring flames of the open fire. Andrew’s hair, black as the ace of spades, created a different atmosphere. It was as if Andrew had become this dark figure that Carrie did not know. Carrie sat back; she did not like what she saw.

Finally Andrew spoke "What" he replied bitterly

Carrie’s heart sank; she did not like the way he responded. Does that answer my question? She thought. It was as if she was dying from an incurable disease, Andrew was the only cure and he was not prepared tom save her. Carrie got the impression that Andrew was far from pleased with her news and did not want to rush out and buy a box of nappies. Carrie suddenly got a gut feeling Andrew did not want any part of their child. Although he had not said much, she considered the possibility of self-supporting their child very high.

If there was a deep, dark and dirty hole present in that lounge that evening. Carrie would have gladly jumped right in it. Nothing was going to be easy from now on. She had hoped so much for Andrew’s support as she knew her father would turns his back on her. Carrie had promised on a number of occasions that she would not get pregnant before the age of 18. She can still remember when her sister Yvonne fell pregnant at 14; her father threw her out onto the street. Her mother was heartbroken, but could not undermine her husband’s authority. Carrie can still hear her sister’s screams as her father pushed her out of the front door. She had never seen him so angry. Yvonne was helpless; Carrie had tried to help her but was told to stay out of it. Carrie swallowed hard, she knew she was going to be next. ‘Looks like a case of history repeating itself’

Tears streamed down Carrie’s face as she stared into the burning fire. How am I supposed to cope? I’m only 16! I don’t want this responsibility to face on my own. Why can’t Andrew be more supportive, is my pregnancy such terrible news? Why won’t he understand I want him to be a part of our baby’s life? Why does everything have to be so difficult! How am I going to tell mum and dad, dad will throw me out for sure! I know I’ll end up like Yvonne. Alone, unhappy and with a child that I cannot afford to support!

Despite all the anguish, fear and regret that Carrie was feeling she was not sure if she wanted to terminate the child. Termination is such an ugly word for her; she did not want to resort to such a drastic measure.

Andrew sat in silence, staring into space. What is happening? What is happening? I can’t believe Carrie has done this to me, I thought she cared. Why has she got herself into his mess and trying to drag me into it? I mean, she is not the most sensible person in the world, but she has got sense. Well, I thought she had. I assumed she was taking contraception, I thought she would be sensible enough to consider me. How could she do this to me? I had my whole life ahead of me and her selfishness has just taken any chance away of my living it. I thought Carrie cared about me, obviously she was just out for herself and having this child. What a selfish cow!

Andrew spoke:

"What are you going to do about all this?" he asked still looking away from her. He did not want to see her face.

Carrie looked at Andrew "Me?" T he words rang in her head like an old school bell, ringing and ringing. "What about you?"

Andrew laughed a laugh of mockery and disconcen "You’re the one who has to deal with it" he retorted

The words You’re and it burned Carrie's inside like a candle on a dark night, she ignored the pain. "What do you mean? Aren’t you going to help me?" Carrie was asking Andrew questions, which she already knew the answers.

Andrew turned to look at her. He shook his head as if she had asked the silliest question in the world (maybe she had) "No. I’m not gonna help you. This pregnancy is your problem, not mine" he replied firmly. How could she think that I want any part of this child, I’ve got my education to consider.

The ringing was getting louder for Carrie, was this a wake up call? Carrie’s heart sank; it sank so, low that she could feel it moving down her body. At that moment Carrie could have burst into a flood of tears, begged for Andrew’s reconciliation until morning. Instead Carrie chose to hold in all her emotions until later. Carrie stood. I’ve gotta be strong, she thought. I won’t cry, not gonna cry, can’t cry,

"Oh thanks Andrew, just when I need you. You turn your back on me"

Andrew shrugged "Life’s a bitch and then you marry one"

Carrie was not listening "This baby needs you Andrew, it’s your child" she said pointing to her stomach. Why is Andrew saying this? Why is he turning his back on our child? He must know that I have to keep this child.

Andrew glared at Carrie "DON’T put all this pressure on me. I don’t want it and I don’t need it. This is your child, your problem and your mess" he hissed

Carrie sat back down in shock. She could not believe what she was hearing. It’s my child; it’s my problem and my mess? My god, why is he being such a pig? Any body would think I planned this pregnancy, it just happened, just like anything in this world. We have to deal with this, whether Andrew likes it or not, this is his child. Carrie could feel all her emotions boiling up inside her. Everything that had gone throughout her mind that evening was about to explode into Andrew’s face. How dare he do this to me, pass it off as my problem. It was his fault too. He didn’t ask me if I was using any contraception. Andrew didn’t care, now he’s paying the price. Well, that’s good. Okay, so I maybe looking at a chance of being homeless, but it’s Andrew’s duty to help me. He has to support me, he as got to! He must!

"You can’t do that! I have no one else to turn to!" Carrie cried. She could feel her tears of anger, fear and sadness welling up in her eyes. Carrie tried to blink them away, but she could not. She slid down off the seat onto the floor.

Andrew stood up, glaring right into Carrie's emerald green eyes. Carrie was surprised by his determination not to accept any responsibility; it was as if Carrie was not even carrying his child. "I don’t care if it’s my child, I couldn’t give a monkeys. I’m not going to look after it. I don’t care that you have no one else to turn to. Like I said, that’s your problem. I can do what I like, you can’t stop me"

Carrie was now sobbing like a lost child in an Army & Navy department store, she wanted to stop, but everything was getting too much for her. She began shaking her head, not wanting to believe what Andrew was saying, but deep down she knew it was true. Andrew did not want their child and that was final. Carrie cried some more. What am I gonna do?

Andrew listened to Carrie’s quiet sobs, he hated to hear her cry and more importantly he hated to be the cause. I don’t want it; I want a life, not someone else’s. Why should I give up everything I want up for a child? (Because it’s yours and you should take some responsibility) No, I refuse. I don’t care if it’s mine. All I ever wanted was for Carrie and me to be together and her stupid mistake has ruined everything.

Carrie’s sobs got louder; she just could not stop.

Carrie’s sobs were softer now and she raised her head. Her face was wet’ her eyes were as red as roses and her ebony black hair was everywhere. Carrie looked a mess, but she did not care, as she wanted Andrew to see what he had done to her. There were a few seconds silence, all that was heard was Carrie’s and Andrew’s soft breathing.

"Why are you doing this to me?" she whispered shaking her head "Why, why are you? I can’t-I don’t understand, why are you leaving me and our baby?"

Andrew rolled her eyes in frustration. Every time he heard the words "Our baby" he felt like smashing Carrie in the face. I don’t want to hear about my child, our child or whatever the hell it is, as far as I’m concerned I have no child.

Carrie straightened herself up and looked at Andrew. Her eyes were slowly clearing up "Just give me one reason, one reason why you don’t want our child"

Andrew clenched his fists "I want a life" Andrew said simply "I want something other than health bills, tins of SMA and Cow&Gate baby food stains on my clothes" He sighed "I don’t want any kids until I’m married with my own home, not now. Forget it. I’m sorry Carrie, but you’re on your own" Andrew got ready to go. I need to get out of here; she’s putting too much pressure on me. He headed for the door.

Carrie watched him "Where are you going?" she felt like crying again "Andrew don’t go, you can’t leave me. We have to talk" Carrie pleased, she was about to get up

Andrew shook his head; he was desperate to leave. I can’t stay here anymore, I need to get out, Stop pressuring me Carrie! Reaching for the door handle, Carrie began to panic.

"No! Don’t go! I can’t cope on my own. Dad will throw me out like he did to Yvonne" Standing up right on her knees she walked on them "Please Andrew. Don’t you care?"

Andrew’s back was to Carrie; he had had enough of Carrie’s constant persuasion. Give it up Carrie, I’m not backing down. He did not want to hear anymore. As he turned the doorknob, he faced Carrie "I repeat" he began through clenched teeth "I don’t want this child and I don’t want you!" Andrew pulled the door and left.

The world of Carrie Shannon has just crumbled into dust. She screamed out Andrew’s name before she fell in a heap on the floor. Carrie burst into tears, tears that she had never cried in her life before, Carrie had never felt so alone in her life and she knew this was only the beginning.

Andrew sat on the brick wall outside Carries’ house; he had been there for a while.

The night was cold and there was a silence there was that symbolised the coming of a frightful event. There were not many people out on the street, only a few cars out on the roads and the odd light from one out of the ten houses showing. Andrew assumed the night was too child for any of the local juveniles to cause any trouble. Despite what Andrew had said to Carrie he still felt upset over that has happened. He did not want things to end the way it did, telling Carrie he did not want her was a lie. Telling Carrie he wanted a part of the their child’s life was an even bigger lie. Andrew had to tell her did not way anything to do with her and their child for he knew he would have to maintain them both.

Looking down at his trainers, Andrew could only see the outline. He did not want to spend the rest of his life changing nappies and collecting dole money every Wednesday morning. Andrew knew his parents would be far from pleased about the news, this was another reason why he did not want their unborn child as they have already told him being grand parents as the age of forty would not go well at all. Andrew sighed, the thought of not seeing Carrie did cause him some concern, but the subject of their unborn child was still closed. I don’t care what happens now, it’s me and me alone now and that’s fine with me. Andrew turned his head to the direction of Carrie’s home. Her could still see Carries’ shadow in the distance. Oh what the hell, turning way in disgust. This is your fault Carrie. It’s her problem now; I’m out of it he thought before setting off home.

Carrie’s cotton sheets were soaked with tears that night. Her eyes were red and her throat felt dry. She could also feel a headache approaching. Although Carrie had been crying for the past two hours, she still could not believe what Andrew had said and she was bout to face mother hood alone. Carrie would feel content to be sure of her parents blessing, but she knew that would be last on their minds. Her parents has gone out for the evening, she felt glad for the solitude as she felt unsure how she would have handled everything if they had been home. Carrie turned over onto her left side; she then began to think about what she was about to expect of life alone, she knew she would be homeless. Her father would ask her to pack her bags and go, even if she was to tell him that Andrew has abandoned her and she has no where else to go. Her mother would stay almost silent, but occasionally attempt to stand for Carrie’s defence.

Carrie felt her life was about to end before it was to start

The thought of sheltered homes made Carrie feel sick, she was not sure whether she would be able to live in one. Carrie wanted to live at home, but he did not have nay choice in the matter.

Turning on to her back, she looked at the ceiling in her bedroom. She saw nothing. The darkness lingered and the silence was almost too silent. More tears rolled down Carrie’s cheeks and shook her head. What am I do to now? I might as well just run away and never come back. I mean, what’s the point? It’s not as if I’ve got anything to live for. Andrew’s left me; my parents are going to kick me out on the streets. I’ll be homeless and alone. I might as well just end it all right now; I’ll save myself a lot of pain.

Carrie sat up and stared ahead of her. The darkness still lingering in front of her like smoke from a chimney. Why not do it now? No body will miss me, especially Dad and Andrew. I’m certain I won’t cope on my own. What if my baby gets sick and I can’t find the bus fare to take he or she to the doctor? Suppose something happens to me, anyone could easily take my baby away from me. What if I live on a park bench somewhere?

What about the birth? I’ll be alone. There will be no one to hold my hand and tell me I’m going to be all right. No one to say what a beautiful baby and say I can depend on them. My baby will have no body, but me. What can I give my child? Nothing, I might as well not even bother go through with it. Carrie tilted her head back who am I kidding? I’ mot fit to be a mother, I’m not fit to be anything. Staring ahead again, Carrie could not think straight. What if I need money to buy food, I have to sell by baby. I don’t want that!

"I want my baby, but what choice do I have?" she said aloud, Carrie began to sob "That’s it, I’ll do it" she said through her tears

Carrie turned to her bedside draw; leaning over she pulled it open. Inside was a jar of 400 aspirins that she often took for stomach cramps. Carrie held the jar in her hand and shook it. The small tablets rattled together like a dangerous omen. Well this is, Carrie thought. The end of the line, she sniffed before twisting the childproof cap that cracked as she turned it anti-clockwise. Carrie took off the cap and shook three tablets then another three into the palm of her hand. She looked at them. Is all this really worth it, am I willing to put my life in the hands of these six painkillers combined with a glass of vodka? Looking down at her stomach, Carrie shook her head. I suppose I’m not ready, I suppose my child is not worth the agony and selfishness that I’m going to leave behind, especially with my mum. Even though Carrie knew her father and Andrew would not care, she knew her mother would reach her grave very early. Carrie placed the tablets back into the jar, replaced the cap and put the jar back in the draw.

Laying back down Carrie stared up at the ceiling, she still could not believe how Andrew had reacted, it was as if she had planned the pregnancy to spite him. She wanted so much for Andrew to be apart of their child’s life, for him to take her or she out, feed it and give their child a name. To teach their child all the values he grew up with and tell their child he would always be there for he or she and Carrie. Andrew’s sharp words: ‘It’s your problem. I don’t want it. You deal with it’ spun around her head so fast that she could not think. Why did he have to refer to our baby as ‘it’? Anybody would think our baby is going to be a UFO or something featured on X-Files- Reopened. Carrie sniffed, but she felt too tired to cry. She rubbed her stomach and felt convinced she could feel her child. Although she was only a week into her pregnancy, she still felt convinced. I can’t give up on our child Andrew; it’s the reminder I have left of you. This baby will be you and I. this baby will be of two people who love each other, when you see your child you’ll realise how much you will love it. You and I will be together. Oh what’s the use, you know it’s not going to happen Carrie.

" I can’t believe this is happening to me" she whispered. "What have I done to deserve this?"

Carrie sniffed again before closing her eyes and silently wishing she had taken the tablets.

Andrew slammed the front door behind him before heading down the garden path leading from his home. He needed to get away from everything, he did consider going away for a few days but he had a limited amount of places to stay. Andrew can still hear Carrie’s pleased in his mind and her constant persuasion, he could not think straight. He also could see Carrie’s face full of tears and hope that he would change his mind. Andrew shook his head, You’re hope is out as I don’t want any kind of responsibility.

The day was bright and sunny, but he felt no reason to bring out his shades and grin from ear to ear. After returning home last night, he decided not to tell his parents what was going on and to forget Carrie. Andrew felt certain she had forgotten him. He just wants to get on with his life. Even if he knows meaning losing the best think that has ever happened to him in his life.

A ray of sunlight burned through Carrie’s bedroom window, casting a heated shadow over her pale face. She woke, opening her emerald green eyes and slowly yawning into her pillow. Carrie did not want to wake; she wanted to stay in bed forever. The reality of being a single mother who will be homeless in less than three hours was not something Carrie wanted to get out of bed for. She tried closing her eyes, hoping to fall in a deep sleep, but she could not. She could her mother and father moving around downstairs. This gave her another incentive to stay in bed. Carrie had never dreaded anything me in her life than telling her parents what she was about to tell them. Carrie knew she had no choice, she not could leave, as it would be too suspicious.

Sighing with dread, Carrie slowly pulled back her duvet covers. This is going to be the hardest thing to do in my life; I have faced anything like this and don’t want to either. Carrie placed her feet on the soft rug and stood. Instantly Carrie saw her reflection in her bedroom mirror. I look awful. Pale, so thin she could see the outline of her neck bone, withdrawn and under nourished. Her emerald green eyes were a little blood shot from crying and her lips were dry. The yellow dress that Carrie has been wearing for the past twelve hours hung on her like a garment on a wire coat hanger. Carrie looked as if she had been left to starve. Carrie went to her cupboard and took out a pair of jeans to put on; she then pulled down a back top from the top shelf before pulling off the dress. I can’t do down in that dress. Carrie pulled the top over her hand and reached for her jeans. Sliding each leg in she nearly lost her balance, fastening the zip and button she stood in front of the mirror again.

She reached for a brush on her dressing table and began to brush her hair slowly. After two brushes the put it down as she did not have the energy to continue. All she could think bout Andrew and what he said to her. Carrie began to think maybe she was better on her own, maybe she would be able to cope. Shaking her head, Carrie knew she would not. She turned to her bedroom door and sighed. I better make the most of this; I won’t be here for long.

Carrie lifted her top and rubbed her extremely flat stomach and felt a little sick

"Whatever the outcome at least we’ll have each other" she whispered. Taking a deep breath, Carrie she put her hair behind her ears and left her bedroom. As she stepped out onto the landing she saw her father heading for the living room, her throat felt dry and her stomach felt weaker than ever. I can’t turn back now, for she knew running away would only make matters worse. It was time to tell her parents, what ever the consequences were she had no alternative.

Andrew quickly opened a can of Tenants he took from the fridge at home, gulped some down before taking a cigarette from behind his ear and lit it. As he blew out the cigarette smoke into the warm air he thought about Carrie. Despite the anger he had for her, the baby and having to end their relationship so suddenly, he still loved her. Andrew could not get Carrie out of his mind, no matter how much he tried to think ahead he always found himself smiling about memories that he shared with her. He even had her photograph in his wallet and by his bedside.

He watched passers by and noticed what everyone seemed to be in world of their own. Sighing Andrew flicked the cigarette onto the ground. He did not feel like smoking it all, Andrew then stepped on the lit cigarette and blew the remains of the smoke into the air.

"All that’s left to do is to get on with my life," he said aloud

Carrie pushed the cream kitchen door and walked in slowly. Her mother was sitting at the kitchen table drinking a cup of tea and about to read the day’s newspaper. Now, it’s time to catch up with the news she thought. Having been on her feet since half past six this morning she felt entitled to sit down for five minutes and relax.

Well, this is it. Whatever the consequences are I’ll have to suffer. Carrie coughed to get her mother’s attention and it worked. Carrie’s mother looked up at her daughter and smiled "Morning daughter"

Fiona Shannon is five feet five, oval and kind face. She has thick, brown curly bobbed hair with strands of grey and green eyes. Slim, pretty and quiet Fiona is content with her life and likes nothing more than a chat with her youngest daughter. Dressed in Marks and Spencer’s sweater, jeans and blue fluffy slippers that Carrie bought her for her birthday two years ago. Fiona’s eyes met Carrie’s, instantly she knew something was wrong. Fiona could always sense when her daughter’s not happy, just by looking at her face.

Carrie pulled up a chair and sat opposite her mother, she then placed her hands on the table in front of her and began "Mum I have something to tell you"

Her mother attempted to open the newspaper closed the front page "What is it love?"

At that moment Carrie wished the ground would open up and swallow her, she did not want to do this. Talking a deep breath, she heard Yvonne's screams in her mind and saw her father pushing her out of the door. Those visions were about to become reality.

"It’s about me and Andrew"

Fiona took of her reading glasses; she felt a chill go up her spine for she did not like where this was leading to "What about you and Andrew?"

Taking her hands off the table, Carrie put them in her lap and looked down. She could not look her mother in the eye, as she felt ashamed. She started to babble "Well you see. I mean, you um, Andrew and I, well mum, I’m pregnant"

Fiona looked at her daughter with horror and fear burning in her eyes. She did not know what to do but shake her head from side to side. No. No. No. Not again "What! You’re so young!" Fiona exclaimed standing up

This is not happening, again! For Christ sake, not again! "What were you think of? You know how your father was with Yvonne. You know that’s forbidden Carrie!" Fiona put her hand on her head and looked out the kitchen window, outside was their garden. There are no flowers in their garden, only weeds.

"I know I’m young, it just happened and I can’t do a thing about it" Carrie said still looking down, she felt like a child who was about to be told off for not brushing her teeth.

Fiona turned to Carrie "How can it just happen? Why didn’t you protect yourself and realise what you were doing? Don’t you remember what happened to your sister? You’re only 16! Carrie things like that doesn’t just happen! What’s the matter with you?" Fiona sat back down in front of Carrie

This is going to be unforgettable day for the Shannon’s

Carrie shook her head and suddenly broke down in a flood of tears "Please don’t turn your back on me. Andrew has already said he doesn’t want anything to do with me and the baby" she sobbed "Help me mum. I know dad’s gonna throw me out. What am I going to do?"

Fiona’s bottom lip quivered as she watched her daughter slowly get herself in a state that he and her eldest daughter were once in. Fiona had not heard her daughter plead and cry sop many tears of fear, rejection and anguish. Fiona reached out her hand; she did not have the heart to turn her back on Carrie.

"Don’t worry Carrie. I’ll see that nothing will happen to you"

Carrie sniffed "What about Dad? I know he’s gonna make you throw me out, he’ll make me leave. I knew he will, just as he did to Yvonne"

"I won’t let him do that," Fiona said, but she herself was not convinced

For the past thirty years Fiona Shannon has lived under the thumb of her stubborn, cantankerous and short-tempered husband. She ahs never plucked up enough courage to stand up to his ridiculous values, especially concerning their daughters. Fiona has tried but each time to no avail. She hated to admit it, but Carrie too was going to be homeless and she would not be able to do anything about it.

Carrie reached out her hand and held her mothers and sniffed again. She has never felt so relieved in her life and wished Andrew were there to hear that everything was going to be all right, maybe he could reconsider about our baby she thought. "Are you going to tell dad or me?" Carrie hoped her mother would say, "No, I am"

Fiona shook her head "No, you are"

Carrie nearly lost her breath "I can’t" she exclaimed "Dad will kill me mum!"

"Carrie, calm down. I’ll be there for you. Like I promised I won’t let him throw you out" Fiona lied

Carrie was calmer, but she was still worried

Andrew pressed the doorbell and waited. Seconds later the front door opened and a broad five feet nine bot, blond hair and hazel eyes. Dressed in a t/shirt, faded Levi’s jeans and white socks, he looked surprised.

"Alright Andrew, what’s up?"

Andrew sighed "I need to talk"

Stepping aside, Andrew walked in

The front door slammed shut that afternoon, Carries’ heart nearly stopped. It was time. Her hands began to get sweaty and clammy, I can’t do this! I just can’t. Looking at her mother who sat before her, Fiona gave her a nod. Carrie’s hear beat faster as she stood and headed for the kitchen door.

"Remember, I’m right behind you" Fiona called out after her, but she knew it would not make any difference

Carrie could only nod as she all she had to say was to her father.

As Carrie walked along the hallway, she felt the seconds that went by beat inside her head like an orchestra of drums. Each beat was a second; each seconds it got harder. Her father has taken off his coat and headed straight for the lounge. He wanted to catch up on the racing results, hoping that his horse had come in 2 to 1 and earned him few pounds to see him until the end of the week.

Carrie approached her father before she realised. I wish mum were here, she said she’d be right behind me. I wish I wasn’t here, for things would be better for me to handle. Stopping at the doorway of the living room and watched him carefully while going over in her mind what she was going to say. Oh god help me, please help me.

Clark Shannon is five feel eleven inches, the right weight for his height and medium build. He has a round unshaven face, a few spots, a scar from a fight ten years ago and a cut above his lip. Clark’s black hair is slowly thinning at the top and once brown eyes are red from early mornings. Clark is a workaholic and made is his duty to provide for his family as he considers it a ritual for a man to be able to provide for his family and look rugged at the same time.

Okay Carrie, this is it. There is no turning back now; you have to tell him. Carrie approached her father "Dad" she began "I’ve got something to tell you"

Clark looked at Carrie before slowly sitting down in the armchair; closing his eyes he tipped his head back and sighed with relief "Yes Carrie, what is it?"

Oh, oh. I don’t wanna tell him, I know he’s gonna throw me out so why bother. Carrie put both hands in her pockets "Um"

Fiona appeared behind her daughter and put both hands on her shoulders "Go on Carrie, tell him"

Carrie’s stomach churned "Dad. ER, Andrew, I-. Well this wasn’t mean to happen"

Clark opened his eyes and looked at Carrie "What wasn’t meant tot happen Carrie?"

Digging her hands in her pocket deeper to stop them shaking, she had never been so scared in her life. "I’m, p-pregnant"

Clark’s face turned crimson, his eyes widened as she stood "You are WHAT?"

Fiona decided it was time to step in and help Carrie "Now Clark, don’t do anything stupid" she stood in front of Carrie and tired to reach for Clark’s arm

Clark glared at Fiona "Keep out of this!" then back to Carrie "How could you be so stupid? What’s the mater with you? Don’t you know anything about protection" oh my god, I am going to kill her

Carrie looked down at the floor; she could feel her knees weakening and her eyes filling up with tears of fear. "Yes, I suppose we forgot" she replied in a whisper

"Forgot!" Clark spat. Stepping closer to Carrie he wanted to hit her, so hard it would knock her to the ground "Forgot. How can you forget? What are you, dumb?"

Carrie shook her head as she looked up at her father "No dad, it just happened. It wasn’t meant to" she said quietly oh my god, I know he’s going to hit me

"Oh don’t give me that rubbish about it wasn’t meant to! It’s too late. It has happened and you are going to have to deal with it" Clark swung around and faced the mantle piece. What is my family trying to do to me? Carrie knows how I feel about young pregnancies; she knows what will happen. Didn’t she learn anything from what I did to Yvonne? Why me god? Why do I have two insubordinate daughters who continue to undermine my authority? That’s it, it all stops here.

Clark turned and faced Carrie "so, what does Andrew’s parent’s say about this?"

"I don’t know" Carrie replied looking at her father she could see anger burning red in his eyes. Carrie felt convinced she could see flames rising higher and higher.

Clark could not believe what she was hearing "You don’t know" he said slowly "You are going with this boy. He is the father I assume or is that something else you haven’t told me?"

Fiona’s eyes widened in horror. He came near to calling our daughter a slut "Clark!" she cried

Clark pointed his finger at Fiona "You can shut up. You most probably put her up to this, you yourself have done it so it wouldn’t surprise me"

Suddenly Fiona could not breathe. How could he say that to me? He promised he would never mention that to me again. It wasn’t my fault I too feel pregnant young and we were forced to marry young. How could he use that against me?

Clark did not regret a word he had said. He felt too disgusted with Carrie.

"What do you mean you don’t know, have you not told Andrew? Or are you planning to keep that from him?"

"No!" Carrie cried. All her father’s constant questions and accusations were starting to get to her, she felt like she was taking the Spanish inquisition. Looking at her father Carrie felt she was standing in court facing charges of murder, Carrie admitted to the crime but was pleading her defence. "Andrew said he doesn’t want me or the baby. He doesn’t want it; he blames me for everything. Andrew has left me dad, I’m so alone"

Clark tutted as cut his eyes away from Carrie. He could not believe how irresponsible Carrie was. What was she thinking? She’d be able to get a free ride by living here with that child? Did she really think I would let her bring up any child under my roof? Nine times out of ten I would have to provide for it while she would be out ‘raving’ every night. No! I won’t have it! I expected more of Carrie, I thought she was the brightest out of my two rotten children. Carrie has let me down, I don’t know whether I can forgive her.

Carrie watched her father, she should have known better to tell him. She knew she should have made up a false story and left home, or just left. Tears rolled down her face, she felt like dropping to her knees and begging for her father’s mercy. She wanted to do something drastic, like slit her wrists or stand in front of a moving bus; just to show how desperate she was to have her father’s support. Nothing would have been too much for Carrie, just to have a secure home for her and her child.

Clark crossed his arms and glared at Carrie. Carrie could see the hate, disappointment and anger in his eyes. She thought she had been it all then he looked into Andrew’s eyes the night before, but this was much worse. Oh my god, help! I know what’s going to happen to me!

"Since you have everything so planned" Clark began, trying to maintain a level tone "You can go about this pregnancy alone"

Carrie’s and Fiona’s eyes widened in horror "Dad no! Please"

Fiona swallowed hard, she knew what she was about to do would take all the courage she had "Clark. You can’t do that, she’s only 16!" well done Fiona darling "We’re her only hope!" she cried

Clark looked at his wife and shrugged, he could not care less "Tough! She should have thought of that before she acted like a tart with her boyfriend"

"Dad, I didn’t mean for this to happen" Carrie protested

Clark gave Carrie a look "Shut up! I don’t want to hear another word from you"

Carrie fell silent.

"Clark, she is 16. She is our daughter, how can you say that!" Fiona exclaimed, "You can’t throw her out"

Clark closed his eyes and shook his head "I am sorry Fiona, but I don’t want her living here"

Fiona looked at Carrie. Is this the person I married thirty years ago? Am I going to let him throw out my baby onto the street just because she bears a child? Fiona stepped forward and stood in front of her husband, she looked into Clark’s eyes "You can’t Clark, she’s a baby"

Clark pushed his wife aside "Too bad. Carrie you have to go"

Carrie knew arguing would only make things worse, if there was a possibility. She knew her father would be happier if she left, she couldn’t understand why. I’m only pregnant; I don’t have an infectious disease. I’m just pregnant. Carrie turned to leave the room.

Fiona glared at her husband, she swore she had a knife in her hand she would have easily rammed it into his stomach. Clark Shannon is being totally unreasonable; he was the same with Yvonne and again with Carrie. "What do you think you are doing? She’s our daughter for gods sake!"

Clark looked Fiona right in the eye "I don’t care! She got herself into this mess and she can get herself out" he said bitterly

Fiona was beginning to get fed up with her husband "Oh okay. So she and out grandchild will just die on the streets instead" she said flippantly

Clark guided Fiona aside "Yes! As far as I am concerned I have no daughters" and to that he left the room

Fiona stood in the middle of the lounge with both hands by her side. Feelings of rage and anguish boiled inside her. Why isn’t he listening to me? I don’t want to lose another daughter. Why does he have the idea that everything he says is right? It isn’t, Why is he being so unreasonable? Doesn’t he realise this is tearing our family apart? Clark you are one nasty piece of work!