As Johnny began his story, Jo drew Sophie to one side. "Sophie. I'm sorry to bother you, but I have a wee problem. I'm late."

Sophie dragged her attention away from the trio round the computer. "Sorry. What do you mean? Late?" She paused, "Oh! You mean, Late, possible happy event, late!"

"About a couple of weeks. I'm usually as regular as clockwork."

"How's it possible? I mean, sorry, you know. Is it, Colin?"

"Colin? Don't be daft! We've never, ever... Actually, I wish it was him. At least Inga almost likes him." She stopped.

"Have you told Inga about this?" Sophie looked at her.

"Oh, God no! Mind you, she's no daft. We're usually pretty synchronised, but she's been that busy lately. Anyway, I don't know for sure yet."

"You'd better get one of them kits double quick, then." A new thought struck her. "Who is the father then?"

"Do you remember that body piercer and tattooist we had sleeping on our floor for a couple of weeks?"

"The one on his way back to California after the Edinburgh Festival? I thought he was gay."

"So did we. Inga had to go away for a couple days wae her performance troupe to Cheltenham. We'd had a few drinks and a toke and he offered to show me a couple of his intimate piercings." She paused, "I asked to see them, thinking about it. One thing, as they say, quickly led to another. I must have been out of my mind."

Sophie laughed. "Sorry, it's no funny. Was it true about the bolt?"

Jo nodded. "Very!"

"Hmm. Have you decided what to do if you are pregnant? Were you wanting to talk to me in a professional capacity, me being a med' student and all? Or, as a friend?"

"Friend and professional. I don't know, I think I'd like to keep it, if I am. Who knows when I'd have the chance again."

"Well, If you are, you'd better not hang around before telling Inga." Sophie hesitated. "There's one other thing, what about AIDS and stuff? You really ought to think about getting tested. Just in case."

"That's been running round and round in my head for weeks, actually. I've got to do something."

"We'll, do it tomorrow." Jo looked in danger of bursting into tears. "Look, come here." Sophie gave her a hug.