The R Word (On Hold)

Chapter 32 - Once More (Alfie's POV)

Alfie was in the kitchen, at the modernised island with a bowl of corn flakes; his mum beside him, Jane's parents leaning against the counter with cups of tea in their hands. It was a dull day, just after ten; clouds covered the sky and there was that familiar smell of damp in the air. He'd heard the storm last night, but it hadn't bothered him in the slightest. He'd kept his small window open to take it all in. He'd found it rather nostalgic; the patter of raindrops as they hit the window, the rushing, gentle sound like rice in a tube. It was a sound he'd always enjoyed hearing. It reminded him of days curled up on the settee with his mother; watching Disney movies or Coronation Street before it got boring and repetitive. It reminded him of his childhood and how close and content he was with her. But a lot had changed since then. His father was gone, never to be seen or heard from ever again. Not that he would ever give him the second chance.

"Alfie. Alfie!"

He startled, looking up from his bowl; meeting Kate's worrying gaze. "Sorry, what did you say?"

"I told you and Jane not to go to bed late," she laughed, the worry dissolving and amusement settling in. She placed her empty cup in the sink and crossed her arms. "I said, would you mind going and waking Jane?"

Alfie glanced round quickly, suddenly realising his girlfriend wasn't present. What on earth was keeping her? She was fine last night. They'd stayed out by the fire until midnight, by which time she was fast asleep and he'd had to carry her inside, bridal style and all. He surpassed a grin, remembering how tightly she'd held his hand; asking him without words to stay. He didn't. He didn't trust himself. And he certainly didn't trust Robert. He always had a habit of showing up uninvited. Sensing three pairs of eyes on him, he jumped to his feet.

"Yeah sure. You can make a start if you want and we'll meet up with you," he suggested; holding onto the back of his chair.

He tried not to look at Robert as he said that; not wanting to give him cause to suspect he was up to something. He maintained eye contact with Kate, almost willing her to say fine, to go and leave them alone; if only for a little while. After all, she was the most understanding of the couple. She knew what it was like to be in love and to want time alone. She'd proved that last night. Kate smiled.

"No, that's fine," she said, utterly surprising him. "We'll wait. Maybe the weather will clear up by the time she'd done."

He forced a chuckle, rubbing his mother's back as he passed her. "I wouldn't count on it. You know the British weather," he jested, turning his back on them - hiding his annoyance from their view - and continuing through the house, towards Jane's bedroom.

The place really was spectacular. It had more than enough rooms. Seven in total, and all fully furnished, modern and clean cut. It must have been built recently. He reckoned the other 'cabins' in the park weren't this stylish. He walked through the place, gazing at the minimalistic paintings dotted about the white wash walls, and looking through empty bedrooms to see the forest and lake beyond. He sighed. He would miss the place. He didn't want to return to reality. He didn't want to remember he had work and bills and college to worry about. He just wanted to stay in the peace and quiet. He wanted to be free.

If only it were that easy, he thought miserably. He then arrived at Jane's door and knocked twice; listening carefully.

"Jane?" he called after a long silent moment. "Jane, time to get up."

Still nothing. He frowned, opening the door slowly and as quietly as he could. Alfie poked his head round and his heart faltered. She was asleep still, but in the most awkward of positions. Jane had slept upright, her pillows protecting her head, her body slightly slumped.