Pawned Virtue - #wattys2015 BK4 TPBS - Completed 1st draft

-19-

Not edited. 

The papers were endless. She'd never even considered the idea of going to a university let alone be sitting and choosing the best one to attend. Having received four acceptances had been mind blowing to say the least. A dream come true, a dream that she never had.

So here she sat with a notebook beside her making notes of the pros and cons of each of those who chose to accept her.

She was down to two. The pros and cons of both were equal. It made it hard to choose. Jones kept saying there was no choice, that she was actually only down to one. It was the university there in the city.

"Come on Tara. It makes sense. You can still live at home and" Jones was sitting to her left and his arms were flung dramatically around with his words.

"And nothing. It's my choice. I think Brisbane..."

Jones looked almost desperate at the thought of their girl moving away.

"Look, before you choose how about we ask Lucas what he thinks?"

She tried not to look at his face. She knew if he did then she'd give in.

"Please. Pretty please?"

Crap. She looked... and laughed. Jones was staring at her with a forced puppy dog look as he blinked his eyes to look cute. He'd even hunched over slightly to give the ultimate dejected appearance. How old was he again?

She sighed dramatically and threw her hands up in the air.

"Fine!" she huffed before pointing a warning finger at him "but you have to tell him that I get to decide.. and... that it's you who wants his opinion."

Jones sat up straight all of a sudden as his pouty expression was replaced with a grin and a mock salute.

"Yes Ma'am!"

Typing the message into the phone he'd removed from his shirt pocket he knew exactly what he had to do. First message sent, it'd be received with a proud grin. The second... well he suspected how it would go but one never knows with these things when it came to the way that Lucas thinks.

He watched Tara as she continued to look between the information in front of her and waited, almost impatiently, for the small bell sound that signified he had a new message. He tried to look interested as Tara pointed out a new fact about the university in Brisbane that now made the list!

While he himself wasn't actually a betting man if he had choose between the state capitals he'd first and foremost be loyal to his beloved Sydney. While he had nothing against Brisbane itself it was too far for Tara to be away from Lucas.

Finally! The bell.

I'm in my car. Be there soon. Talk her out of it!

His quick reply of I'm trying was answered with a firm Try harder!

It felt like a race against time when he read that message. Brisbane? No. There was no way in fucking hell he'd ever allow his wife to live so far away.

Turning off the Pacific Highway he headed in the direction of Mona Vale. The traffic was a nightmare. Damn Friday half day workers trying to get home! Damn drivers! Doesn't anyone drive carefully any more? Fuck! That arsehole just cut him off! If he had the time...

If he got another red light...

Fuck. What the hell could he sat to her that would have her wanting to stay? Why would she want to? Sure they were talking now but what words could he use that would convince her not to leave? He could always say he wouldn't pay... no he couldn't. He could... no.

Fuck! What the god damned fucking hell could he say?

**********

Yes I am aware it's short.