One Shots 'The nursery nurse'

A missed Chance Part III

Winter was more than surprised when he found Marjorie in his kitchen in the morning. The manager had made herself a coffee and was leaning against the kitchen counter.

"What are you doing here?"

Marjorie took a sip from her cup, the tiredness that plagued her was not visible. "I brought Autumn home," her voice was stern. Winter hadn't called Autumn all night. Something could have happened to her if Marjorie hadn't gone to her.

"I see, thanks." Winter poured himself a cup of coffee. "And where is she now?"

"In the living room." Marjorie saw Winter leave the kitchen. " She's asleep! Please leave her!"

The man raised his eyebrow. " Whatever." He sat down at the kitchen table.

Marjorie looked at her phone again. She had texted Reece to pick her up, he also hadn't texted her the entire night. It wasn't long before he turned up.

Marjorie watched from the kitchen as Reece stood in the hallway and looked into the living room. Autumn was still sleeping, but it was obvious that she had been crying all night.

Reece entered the kitchen and rubbed the back of her neck. "Hey, Gorgeous..." he didn't even bother to look her in the eye, let alone go towards her.

Winter was now staring at Marjorie. "So where have you been all night? What happened?"

"Yes, Marjorie, did you get anything out of her?"

Marjorie put her cup down and crossed her arms. " We were in Hyde Park all night."

"And? Did she say anything?" asked Reece.

" No."

Winter rolled his eyes. " No surprise."

"You both know Autumn doesn't like to talk about her feelings. But I was with her, and I think that helped her.," said Marjorie.

"Anyway, thanks, Marjorie," said Winter dismissively.

Marjorie shook her head, she just felt so misunderstood. If Autumn had to experience this every time, it was no wonder she didn't talk about anything anymore. Reece and Winter began talking, but she went into the living room.

Autumn was still lying there on the sofa. Even in her sleep, she looked completely exhausted and burnt out. Her eyes were still a little swollen and red. Her lips were dry and brittle, and now that Marjorie saw her like this, it seemed to her that Autumn was thinner than she had been a few weeks ago. She seemed to have a restless sleep, as she was only half covered with the blanket.

Marjorie sighed. How could she help her? Deep down, she knew the answer. But she couldn't really admit it to herself yet. She stepped up to the sofa and tucked Autumn in properly.

On the journey home, Marjorie was silent while Reece talked about the same thing over and over again.

'She needs therapy.'
'She needs to drink less.'
'If she carries on like this, she'll lose the people around her.'

Everyone talked about Autumn, but no one really spoke to her, and Marjorie herself was in the shadows, Reece no longer saw her either.

Autumn woke up hours later, she was alone. On the one hand she was glad, on the other she had hoped Marjorie would still be here. Her stomach growled, she only now realised how hungry and dehydrated she actually was.

As she sat down in the kitchen with something to eat and drink, she heard footsteps. Winter was here.

He entered the kitchen, he didn't even have to say anything, the tense atmosphere was heavy in the air. Eventually, he sat down opposite her and just watched her. He seemed to be waiting for something from her side.

But Autumn didn't want to speak, she just kept quiet. She was no longer hungry and would gladly exchange her water for wine.

So Winter finally began to speak. "Autumn, it can't go on like this, we have to work on it, you can't keep going...."

Autumn was no longer listening, she was just staring into space. She just didn't have the strength anymore. Without really thinking about it, she began to play with the ring on her finger. The ring who was actually so perfect for her. Then she looked at Winter, who was still talking, and Autumn felt nothing as she looked at him. She only felt indifference.

"..... That's why it's important that you go back to therapy to finally get over the loss because..."

"Winter." Autumn interrupted him.

He looked at her expectantly.

"I want a divorce."

It wasn't long before Reece's phone was constantly vibrating. Marjorie noticed this, and as Reece was in the shower. She went to see what was going on.

It was winter, and when Marjorie read the message, her stomach sank. Autumn wanted a divorce and had run away from the house.

Marjorie didn't even tell Reece, she left quickly, she knew exactly where she would find Autumn.

The bar was barely crowded at lunchtime. Marjorie saw Autumn straight away, she was sitting in the corner again.

"Autumn..."

The woman didn't even look up. She just let out a heavy sigh. Marjorie sat down next to her.

"It's better this way..." Autumn mumbled.

She looked so tired, so exhausted, her eyes had lost their lustre, they seemed so lifeless.

Marjorie carefully placed her hand on Autumn's. "No matter what happens, I'll be there for you."

Autumn looked at her, the alcohol clouding her senses, and before she knew it, she had pulled Marjorie to her and kissed her.

Marjorie was startled at first and wanted to push her away, but she had to admit to herself that a dream had just come true. So she returned the kiss.

But the pair was suddenly interrupted.

"Marjorie!"

Startled, the two women looked in the direction of the angry voice. Reece was standing there.

He gave his sister and Marjorie a dead stare and then turned around.

"Reece, wait!" Marjorie jumped up and ran after him.

Autumn was alone again.