The End Of Walden's War

IV

Condition

Loretta and I found ourselves in my home, cups in our hand as we sipped on the tea she had made for the two of us. The change in atmosphere from the crowded, rowdy pub to the peaceful place I called home was a blessing. Which was why I was so grateful for the friendship I had with Loretta. She understood that I was completely different from Finnegan and the entire family, and she really appreciated my different preferences. She often told me she felt like more of a lady after every conversation we shared.

On average, I would spend more time with Loretta than I would Finnegan, not that I would ever complain. She made me miss home a little less whilst he, on the other hand, made me miss it more.

"What's made you suddenly miss home Maddie?" Loretta asked, sipping at her tea peacefully.

"It's just dawned on me that it's been a year." I replied. "I have only spoken to my mother over the telephone, not once have I seen her or my father since my wedding day. I haven't seen my siblings for just as long."

"But surely-" I interrupted my dear friend, finding myself so thoroughly frustrated that I couldn't help but continue to voice my annoyance.

"They are all so near, a short journey is all. But I have had no chance to see them in a year and, frankly, I think every one of them is too scared to come close to this part of town. There may be no more hostility but there is certainly fear."

"Madeleine, it's not a crazy thing to ask for." Loretta smiled at me, "like you say, it's a short journey."

"It's an impossible journey. Finnegan will never agree to go. It will disrupt the business and would mean someone else would need to be left in charge. He despises doing that." Loretta looked at me, pity in her eyes.

She knew my feelings of staying with Finnegan sometimes. The place I lived was never going to be as great as my family home. I lived in a loud part of town now, Loretta being my only true friend there, and I had no way of seeing my family. Or Bayliss. She often pitied me. She may have only got on with Finnegan in her family, but her family was there and she fit in well.

I envied her sometimes.

"I'll talk to him Maddie." She smiled at me. "I promise." I nodded in response. I knew that, no matter what she would say, there was no way that Finnegan would change his mind. After all, he hadn't for a year.

Loretta left after she finished her tea telling me briefly that she would find Finnegan for me. I tried to tell her not to worry about it, it was an idiotic request after all but she didn't listen, she left the house and headed back to the pub. 

I stood with our teacups, washing them and carefully placing them away as I tried to think of a way to enjoy the time I was now spending alone. 

"You should have Loretta help you before you let her leave." The deep voice I had regretfully come to always recognise, spoke abruptly from behind me. 

"Finn!" I called out as my body shook from the sudden appearance of him, the saucer in my hand nearly falling to the countertop. "What are you doing here?" I asked, turning to face him. 

"Can I not spend my anniversary with my wife?" He replied as he took a step towards me. "And, it's come to my attention that I am yet to get you a present." 

"Finnegan, we agreed not to. There's no use." 

"Maddie, it may not have been in the best way but you're still my wife and have been for the past year."

"It's an unconventional marriage, there's no use in continuing the conventional parts of one." I responded beginning to walk passed him to go up stairs. 

"Maddie, I'll take you to your parents." He spoke as he stopped me, taking hold of my elbow. I stayed silent as I waited for him to continue. "But I have one condition." I sighed as I looked over to him. 

"This is my family Finnegan, you can't keep me away from them." I spoke quietly, "You get to see yours every day. You have no idea how I feel here. I've spent a year away from them, I can't get there myself. I will not let you blackmail me just so I can see my sister."

"Maddie, please don't overreact. Hear me out here." He spoke, pulling me closer by the grip he had on my elbow. 

"What is it?" I asked, not planning to agree no matter what he said. 

"I want to have a kid."