Cruel Sanctuary

Chapter 35

My time moping in our bed didn't last for much longer, Owen wouldn't allow it. I wasn't quite listening to what he had said but it was along the lines of facing my issues head on. He told me that I am strong, mature and so on; pretty much everything under the sun to get rid of the dirty sheets that I had been collecting around me. 

Noah got what was coming to him. Lucy eventually found out about Noah deceiving her which, surprisingly, didn't come from anybody that I was close to at the time. I have strong suspicions surrounding Clara's involvement, however I cannot be sure. I suppose that remains an unwanted mystery.

I don't want to admit that Noah used me to get to Owen but I have to. How else am I supposed to move on? How else am I supposed to develop? My marriage is solid and I have three concrete friends; Emma, Owen and Luke. It seems a shame to whine about what one turncoat revealed himself to be when I have three true-blue friends flanking me. 

My concerns were voiced to Owen when I eventually rose from my slum, he reminded me that Noah appeared to have my back when nobody else did and there's no doubting that he managed to cheer me up during my lowest of lows. Noah knew me well, even if it was all an act. Owen ensured me that my disheartened feelings are justified. 

Which is why, whilst I tie the laces to my shoes, my deep sigh sounds through the living room as Owen stumbles down the stairs, chaotically slipping on his pre-tied shoes as he hops down each step, "I'd comment but I realise that you're another breed of stupid," I state sarcastically and Owen scoffs, "I'm done before you, aren't I?" I shrug in response, standing up to face him, "You're also closer to a broken neck," I raise my eyebrows, "Come on, let's go." 

***

Tina and Mike requested our presence at their house for lunch. It worried us at first but the thought of divine food rather than microwaveable slop perked our ears enough for our disconcertment to be dropped quicker than a hot plate. 

For reasons discussed, Owen is buzzing when he pulls the handbrake of his car. Without a bat of his eyelids, he teleports out of the car before I can take another breath. I follow. Immediately, the smell of fresh burgers hits us, not to mention the fried aroma of finely chopped onions. If I don't know any better, the Anstey's are having a barbecue. 

The drool is practically dripping from Owen's mouth as he glides to the front door like a bug in bright light, eagerly pressing the doorbell with the most enthusiasm that he's mustered for a long while, "Hungry?" I question and he hums, nodding in response whilst rubbing a smooth hand on his toned stomach through his pale blue shirt. Chuckling in response, I am cut off by the door opening and Mike's friendly smile greeting us. 

With knowing Mike since I was a young child, there are perks. For example, I can tell when his smile has a double meaning. Today, the added extra is a side of remorse. So I enter hesitantly. 

Without lingering inside of the house, Mike instructs us to follow him outside into the back garden where I am surprised to find my mum, dad and Jeremy, "Oh, hey, guys!" I exclaim, rushing round and hugging everyone around me, "Where's Jack?" I question when I reach my mum, kissing her on the cheek. She releases me from her hug, "He's with Lucy, she offered to have him for a play date with Everleigh," I am informed and so smile gently, "They'll be friends forever, I can feel it," I wink and my mum chuckles. To begin with after our wedding, it was tense between her and me but, like a mother and daughter do, we naturally overcame our differences before any real harm was done. 

After Owen has finished his round alongside me, we both sit on the Anstey's padded garden furniture, "How come everyone's here?" Owen addresses the whole group as Jeremy slides in beside me, nudging my arm with his boney elbow in an attempt to annoy me. Mike and my dad look up from the barbecue as Tina begins, "Well, we have some news," She tells us and both mine and Owen's faces drop visibly. Last time they had 'news' we were forced into marriage, "But first, the food is ready!" My dad announces.