CHAPTER 15

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The evening had melted away into darkness.
A pool of yellow glittered from the street lamps, as they bowed their heads to guide passers by.
Marina slowed the vehicle and looked to the sky. She needed some sort of Divine solace.
She could clearly see millions of bright stars, glittering, adding light to the black canvas which enveloped the night.
The lights of the stores and restaurants were adding colour to the night.
"I know of a good restaurant and bar!" Sara suddenly blurted out.
"It is right around the bend! Fun times Bar and Grill. They have the best food around!"
Stopping for a second to catch her breath, she continued.
"Tommy and I loved going there. Their service is excellent."
"Great!" muttered Marina sarcastically, wondering why Sara wanted to revisit her past, by going there. Tommy had taken Sara to hell and back, with his abusive, cheating ways. When the court had ruled in Sara's favour during the divorce proceedings, he was forced to leave his marital home, to roost in his childhood home. The Hartland Mansion.
Choosing an angle park, instead of perpendicular parking, so that she would have gotten a gentle turn, when leaving, Marina braked firmly and pressed the clutch down.
Easing the pressure off the brakes, but maintaining pressure on the clutch, to avoid a jerky stop, Marina finally parked.
Sighing exhaustedly, she leaned on the headrest and closed her eyes.
"Are you ok?" Her mom enquired gently touching her arm.
"Grabbing her handbag, Marina smiled warmly at her mom.
"Yes mom, I am ok. Just a bit tired?"
The rumbling of her stomach, reminded her that she had not eaten since breakfast.
That was a mere cookie.
Marina doubted very much if any morsel of food, would be accepted in her stomach.
Elegantly, exiting the car, the three ladies headed for the interior of the restaurant and bar.
Popular songs were playing on the jukebox.
Marina was so absorbed in her misery that she was not even aware of the music.
Thoughts of her kidnapped child, the funeral and Mrs. Hartland were swirling in her head.
Gratefully, they sank into leather cushioned, burgundy seats, which were situated opposite the door.
The waitress appeared, holding her writing pad.
Marina and her mom ordered long island iced tea.
Sara on the other hand, ordered gin and tonic.
Buffalo wings, Pastrami and fries were their orders.
Marina declined to order any type of food. Her stomach could not fathom one bite.
"You need to eat Marina." Her mom pleaded.
Marina remained silent, sipping at her iced tea and staring into space.
Sara respected her friend's silence. Marina had been through so much in such a short time.
Being there for her was all she could do.
Movements by the entrance, drew Sara's attention away from her dad thoughts.
The view was easier for her, as she was facing the doorway.
Sara froze!
Her face turned ash grey!
Hands flew to her mouth and her eyes became huge saucers!
For silhouetted in the doorway, was Isabella and Sara's ex husband Tommy.
Tommy was removing Isabella's coat as she turned to smile somewhat lovingly at him.
Turning to see what caused the ghastly look on her best friend's face, Marina was just in time to see Tommy and Isabella embrace each other, and join lips in a long, passionate kiss.

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