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Great Writing - Home > Extended > Let no man put asunder - chapter 24
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Extended Work
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| Let no man put asunder - chapter 24 | |
| By LynB | ||||||||||||
| 08 December 2006 | ||||||||||||
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Sorry this chapter has been so long in coming. Was it worth waiting for? Only you can tell me that. Maybe I've been away too long. I hope not...... Chapter 24 It was around 2.30am, when Eliza suddenly stirred and turned over in the bed. As she sighed contentedly, and reached over to the other side, she realised there was an empty space. She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes, as she tried to gather her thoughts together. She got out of bed, and, wrapping her robe around her, she made her way into the living room. “Jon?” she said, as she switched the light on. “Why on earth were you sitting here in the dark?” “I don’t need a light on to think” he said, glancing at her. “I couldn’t sleep. I’m sorry, Eliza” “What for?” she replied, sitting down next to him. “What are you sorry for?” “I don’t really know. For everything, for…. I’m not making any sense, am I?” “No” she smiled, putting her arm around his shoulders. “Not much! Then again, people often don’t make sense when they’re tired. You look tired – did I wear you out?” “It doesn’t take much, these days! I must admit, Eliza, it was nice to feel wanted again. It took my mind off all the shit that’s going through my mind at the moment.” “Is that the only reason you enjoyed it?” she said, sounding hurt. “I’m just a diversion, is that it?” “No, Eliza. You’re far more than that. It’s so difficult to explain. During the day, when I’m with you, I can do things to take my mind off what’s happening to me. I mean, sometimes, for just a few minutes, I actually feel quite sane! It’s during the night, when everything is quiet, that I have time to think and it all comes flooding back. I sometimes wonder if I’ll ever be the same again, and it scares me…. I want my life back, Eliza…..” “You’ll get it back, love. There’s no need to be scared – I’m here for you to lean on, when the going gets a bit tough. It won’t happen overnight – you’ve gone through too much for that – but it will, if you don’t expect too much.” “Is it too much to expect my little boy to call me daddy?” he whispered, tears rolling down his face. “That’s all I want right now, Eliza. I must have slept at some point tonight, because I had a dream – a wonderful dream. My little boy was running towards me, holding his arms out to me and smiling, and he was saying ‘Daddy! Daddy!’. Then I picked him up, and swung him round, and he put his little arms around my neck, and wouldn’t let go. Then I woke up, and he was gone – my little boy was gone. That’s why I can’t sleep, Eliza! It’s because I know I’ve lost him. He calls another man daddy, and that’s something I have to try and accept, but I can’t! I had so many plans, Eliza! I was going to play football with him, take him fishing – do all the things my dad did with me! Now it’s all gone, it’s all gone, Eliza, and there’s nothing I can do…..” “That’s enough!” she said, firmly, holding him close. “You can’t give up now! Remember what I said? One day, something you say or do will remind him of who you really are – and you have to hold on to. You love him, don’t you, Jon?” “What kind of question is that? Of course I do – more than life itself!” “Then, fight for him!” she replied, her eyes bright with hope and passion. “He’s yours, Jon – not Steve’s – he’s yours! Fight for his love, and never give up until you have it in your grasp! He will call you daddy one day, and when he does, it will be one of the most wonderful moments of your life. Promise me, you won’t give up! Please?” “I don’t want to give up, Eliza, but – but it’s so hard….” “I know” she whispered, kissing him gently. “but it’ll be worth it, I promise you. Now, come back to bed. It’s a special day tomorrow – we have to celebrate!” “Why?” “It’s my birthday! I want to do something special! In the meantime, I want to take you back to bed, and make mad passionate love to you, until you beg for mercy!” “Sounds good to me! Do you know something, Eliza? You have the same effect on me as a certain brand of lager!” “Come again?” “If I’m lucky! I mean, you reach the parts other girls can’t reach! Ow! Holy shit, Eliza! You don’t half pack a punch!” “Bastard!” she retorted, laughing at the expression on his face. “Oh, I love it when you talk dirty!” he said, picking her up and carrying her into the bedroom. “Now, let’s go and make sweet music together!” “Well” she said, a mischievous glint in her eye. “If you’re as good at that as you are at singing, I’m in for one hell of a time!” “I’m not usually lost for words, Eliza, but right now I really can’t think of an answer to that!” When she woke the next morning, she realised that the space next to her was empty. She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes, and turned over, just in time to see the bedroom door open. “What are you doing?” she said, gesturing to the tray of toast and coffee he was carrying. “What does it look like? I’ve made you breakfast in bed! You told me when your birthday was, not long after we met – and I actually remembered! That’s why I bought you this!” He handed her a small box, an expectant expression on his face as she opened it. She gasped as she saw a gold chain, with a gold heart, complete with a tiny little diamond in the centre. “Oh, Jon!” she whispered, her eyes bright with tears. “It’s beautiful! It’s just perfect! Thank you so much!” “You’re worth it” he said, as his hands gently framed her face. “You’re my saviour, Eliza – you turned my life around, when I thought there was nothing left. For that reason alone, I love you. Do you really like it? I didn’t know whether….” “It’s perfect!” she replied, turning around so he could fasten it around her neck. “I love it! You couldn’t have made a better choice.” “If it’s all right with you, I’ve booked a table for two at that little restaurant you like. How does that sound?” “Are you sure?” she said, looking a little doubtful. “I didn’t think you were too keen on crowded places, at the moment. Don’t do anything you’re not comfortable with. I’m happy just to be with you.” “It’s very sweet of you to say that, Eliza, but I’m sure. I have to start living again sometime, and that means going out and facing people. I feel I can do it as long as I’m with you.” “Well, in that case, it sounds wonderful! Promise me, though, if you feel at all uncomfortable, tell me, and we’ll come home. I’m sure you’ll be fine, but if you’re not obliged to stay, then it should make it easier for you. Am I making sense?” “Of course you are. I’ll be fine, Eliza. As I said, I have to do it sometime!” They spent a quiet day together, just talking and listening to music, trying to forget the rest of the world existed, just for a while. Eventually, it was time to get ready. He stood there, waiting nervously, for Eliza to come out of the bedroom. As she appeared, he felt his heart flip at the sight of her. Her dark curls framed her face, and she wore a beautiful midnight blue dress. It fitted in all the right places, accentuating her curves and her ample bosom. She could not help but notice his smile, and the look in his eyes. “Will I do?” she said, walking slowly towards him. “You look beautiful, Eliza” he whispered. “Absolute perfection…..” “Thank you, Jon” she replied, smiling. “but my face is up here….” “Sorry” he said, his face burning. “you’re beautiful from head to toe – every inch of you.” “You don’t scrub up too badly yourself” she said, kissing him gently. “I love a man in black!” As they sat there at a quiet corner table, he realised that he was enjoying Eliza’s company, and all the old fears seemed, for the moment, to be pushed to the back of his mind. He could not remember the last time he had ventured out into a public place, and not felt afraid, but right now he was feeling the way he had thought he would never feel again – relaxed and at ease with himself. The restaurant was not overly crowded, and there was plenty of space around them. For once in his life, he was glad that the other diners were not taking any notice of him – that was the way he wanted it. He wanted the chance to enjoy some precious time with someone he cared for, without having to plaster on a smile, and pretend everything was all right with the world. With her, he could show his true feelings. The knowledge that he could be himself with Eliza made him feel safe and comfortable with her, and he hoped that this was the start on the road to recovery. As they talked, he heard the doors open, and loud talking as a group of people entered the restaurant. They made for the tables near to them, and sat down. At first, they glanced at Jon as if they recognised him, but did not say anything. As he realised that they were sitting between him and the door, he began to feel a little uncomfortable, but tried to shrug it off. He was with Eliza, he would be all right with her. Somehow, she seemed to sense his unease, and gave him a reassuring smile, trying to engage him in conversation. At first, it worked, then she noticed one of the group approaching their table. “I read it in the papers” she said, leaning very close to him. “Is it true?” “Do you mind?” snapped Eliza, her eyes blazing. “We’re trying to have a quiet meal, in case you hadn’t noticed. Would you kindly leave us alone?” “I just wondered” continued the girl, as if Eliza had not spoken. “You haven’t been around for a while. I heard it was because you cracked up, big time! Is that true?” “How dare you!” fumed Eliza, standing up. “Leave him alone! He doesn’t have to take that from the likes of you!” “The likes of me!” said the girl, derisively. “Well, from what I’ve heard, you completely lost your marbles! You couldn’t even hang on to your wife! Who’s this then? Your counsellor, maybe? Or your shrink?” “That’s enough, Jo!” remonstrated the man with her. “You’ve gone too far, now. Leave the poor guy alone. He doesn’t deserve this! I’m sorry, mate! Sometimes her tongue’s too big for her mouth, when she’s had a few!” “Shut up, you!” she snapped, giving him an icy glare. “Well, come on then, Jon! Give us a song, then! Rumour has it you’ve lost your touch! Why don’t you try and prove us wrong! Come on, give us a blast of ‘Nessun Dorma’! Don’t be shy! Show us you’ve still got what it takes….” Jon had not said a word up until now, but, suddenly, he lost it. He stood up, and leaned over the girl, his fists clenched. “Why can’t you just leave me alone? Just go away, can’t you? Leave me alone!” “I will, when you give us a song! Come on, lend us a tenor…” The whole restaurant cheered, and erupted into laughter. He felt everyone’s eyes boring into him, as they all chanted for him to ‘give us a song’. He looked helplessly at Eliza, as she tried in vain to shut them up. Suddenly, he felt as if the walls were closing in on him, and he began to find it difficult to breathe. Eliza stared in horror, as he began to take in great gulps of air, and, shoving people aside, he fought his way out of the restaurant, with Eliza in hot pursuit. She found him leaning on the car, sobbing and fighting for breath. Not knowing what to say, she just stood there, gently rubbing his back, as his breathing gradually slowed. As they stood there together, Eliza heard footsteps behind her, and noticed a friend of the girl who had been hounding Jon. Her face was grave, and she looked genuinely sorry; Eliza waited to hear what she had to say. “I’m really sorry for what my friend said to you, Jon” she said, putting a gentle hand on his shoulder. “It was totally uncalled for, and I just want you to know that I don’t agree with anything she said. You’ve got my wholehearted support in everything you do – I’ve loved you right from the start, and I’m standing by you through everything. I’d love to hear you sing again, but only when you’re ready. I’ll be here, and so will all of your true fans. Don’t take any notice of her – she’s just a bitch.” “Thank you” he said, tears still flooding down his face. “thank you for saying that, you’ll never know how much it means to me!” “I think I do” she said, softly. “You’ve brought so much joy into my life, it’s only right that someone should do the same for you. You hang in there, sweetheart. I’ll leave you alone, now, but you look after yourself, and take as long as you need to get better – we’ll be waiting.” With that, she walked back inside, leaving him staring after her. Her words had touched him more than he could say, but he could not get the other girl’s cruel, vicious accusations out of his mind. He drove in silence back to Eliza’s flat. As he closed the door behind him, he turned to face her. The look of love and concern on her face broke him completely, and he covered his face with his hands, as he began to sob. “I’m sorry, Eliza! I’ve ruined your birthday! I wanted it to be so special – I’ve been planning it for weeks, because I wanted it to be just right! I stuffed it up, didn’t I? Just like I stuff everything else up! Everything I touch turns to dust! What is it about me, Eliza? I must be cursed! Why are you still here, Eliza? I’ve ruined everything! I’m sorry! I’m so sorry….” “That’s enough!” she ordered, taking him in her arms. “I don’t want to hear any more talk like that! That girl was just a vicious, drunken cow – don’t pay her any mind! You heard what her friend said! Your true fans love you, and they’ll wait for you, as long as it takes! That must mean something, surely!” “I bottled it, Eliza! I couldn’t even stand up to her! I just panicked, and ran! Leave me, Eliza! Go as far away from me as possible! Find yourself a real man!” “Stop it right now!” she retorted, leading him over to an armchair, and ordering him to sit down. “I’m not going anywhere! Just think of this as a temporary setback – you can get over this! As for finding myself a real man – I already have, and I love him! Everything will be fine, so just shut up and let me kiss you!” He closed his eyes, and gave himself up to her embrace. If only he could have heard the conversation that was taking place between Steve and Donna right at that moment, he would have realised that everything was, in fact, far from fine. Donna was trying to work out the best way to break the news to him – news that would, in all probability, break the fragile hold he had on his sanity.
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