In 1970s Northeast England, best friends Polly and April are sitting up a tree, whispering about periods and swapping their hazy knowledge of the facts of life. They both expect to have families one day - it's the normal script to follow, isn't it? But, as they grow up, education and career become important, too, and they believe that they can have it all. Of course, the time has to be right...When, some years later, Polly settles with Jack, her career has taken off and she feels torn over whether or not to try for a baby. Has she left it too late? Did she have any control over that choice? Should she wait until they fix the roof of their damp flat? After repeated miscarriage and chronic illness take their toll, Polly and Jack have to face a very tough decision. As Polly looks back on her own expectations and those of her parents and grandparents, she has to confront what family means in a society where 'family' usually means 'children'.