Forever yours

Chapter 8 Part 9

When Jeff did not return, they called a taxi to take them back to the hotel. Marie picked up the phone to call him and then hung up. What could she say to him? She had been quite blunt and she knew he was angry. They had their night, no strings attached. Why did she have to explain anything to him?

Robert's phone rang and she jumped. He was talking to the caller and then the tone of his voice changed and he turned pale.

'Oh my God, when?'

'I'm so sorry Richard. We will try to be there as soon as we can.' He hung up and turned to her his eyes tearing up and his face in total shock.

'Oliver was killed in a car accident last night.'

Marie stood without moving a muscle. Maybe she had not heard correctly.

'Marie, did you hear me?'

She could not answer. Oliver cannot be dead. They had seen him not so long ago and he had called to wish them for Christmas.

'Marie, we have to get back. Are you listening to me?'

Her legs gave way and she landed up on the floor with a heavy thud. Robert picked her up, shaking her.

'We have to go back.'

She nodded.

'I'll call the airlines and see if there are any earlier flights available.'

Marie felt as though she was autopilot. She listened to Robert calling the airlines and trying to change their return dates. She moved to her room and started packing her things. Robert appeared half an hour later holding his phone.

'One of us can fly early morning tomorrow and the other the next day.'

'I want to go. Oliver and Richard saved my life. I have to be there.'

Robert went back to the call to speak to the agent.

Marie finished packing and then sat down again. She and Robert never cried but she felt very close to tears. She fought it until her throat ached and her head was sore. Robert tried calling Jeff to tell him of the change of plans but he did not answer.

'Why don't we take a walk there?' Marie suggested.

'Maybe you should. I think you owe him an apology.'

Marie walked over to the apartment block and asked the doorman to let her in, telling him she wanted to surprise Jeff. She felt nervous all of a sudden. She had been harsh but she could not understand why he would take offense to it. He was the one who told her he did not want to commit.

Knocking on the door, she took a deep breath and stood back. The door opened and Sienna was standing there in a short silky dressing gown. Marie lost her tongue for a minute.

'I'm sorry. I did not mean to disturb you. I just wanted to say goodbye to Jeff.'

'He is ......busy .....at the moment but I'll tell him you were here.' Sienna looked like the cat who got the cream.

Jeff's stepped out of his as bedroom with his shirt open, tying his belt. He stopped short when he saw her standing in the doorway.

'I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you. I had better go.' Marie turned and left, her face burning with humiliation.

Jeff saw the malicious look on Sienna's face. 'What did you say to her?'

Sienna shrugged. 'I told her you were busy. You told us not to disturb you.'

Jeff rushed out the door but Marie was already in the elevator and the doors were closing as he ran up. She had an anguished look on her face as the doors beginning closing.