Pen Beneath The Bush

Closure (The Letter VN)

Hannah looks back at me, sighing with a bitter smile. One minute she was mumbling about flowers as if she was reading poetry, then she closes her eyes. "And then when everything's all said and done, you're going to leave me?"

I lean besides the window. "We'll still keep in touch."

Her eyes roam over me and it's not long before her hands explore my waist. My instincts tell me to push away but it felt warm and inviting. I can't hold back the shivers running down my spine as she inspects me. Her arms come around my neck. "It's been so long...Marianne."

"Mrs Wright?"

I know I've upset set. She looks at me like a lost puppy. Out of nowhere her fuzzy voice mimics an Irish accent. "You don't have to be so formal with me, just Hannah will do. Or if you want... you can call me Lorraine."

"Huh?" Of all the names she could have picked why her name? She reminds me of her, and the sorrow and regret. I feel my heart thudding against my chest. I can't find the words to speak.

"You're speechless I see."

"I just didn't see it coming." Hannah pours her heart and soul into all the conversations she's had with me. I must be a figure she can trust – it's a fundamental business element. I didn't know I would end up in this mess.

"I knew that destiny would bring us together again," Hannah says with a smile on her face. "When Inspector Lee mentioned your name, I found my chance. I'm so proud of you. You've done so well for yourself."

"We knew each other before we took on this project?" I ask. No way. No way could it be her. Could it be her? No! Lorraine had amber eyes like the sun. And Hannah's eyes – they're the ocean. Dreamy metaphors aside, I swear to God I've never met her before until this project.

Tears roll down her eyes. "I can't believe you don't recognise me after all these years." Her wipes away her tears sooner than they drip from her lavender dress. Her Irish accent returns. "M...it's me!"

I gasp, trying not to scream. I'm still on duty – I must be professional. Instead, I nearly bite her head off. "This is all some sick joke!" Lorraine disappeared from my life after I rejected her. The only person I ever truly loved. What would possess Hannah to do such a twisted trick like this? Does she like the taste of salty tears or something?

"No," Hannah insists. She's smiling and squeezing me. "It's really me."

"Is this to get back at me for sleeping with your husband?" I regret shagging Whiskey, but I we were drunk and stupid. Oh I hope Hannah can still forgive me so we can wrap up this project on a high note.

"You slept with him?" Hannah doesn't seem surprised. "You wouldn't be the first...or the last. Listen to me, I know my Irish accent wasn't as good as it once was. But it really is me."

"But Lorraine... You can't be Lorraine."

"I'm here, I'm right in front of you? What more proof do you need?"

"Lorraine had amber eyes – not blue."

"Take a look!" Hannah digs her hands into her pocket and pulls a little red box. The same box that Lorraine used to keep under her pillow every night. She said it contained something very special that reminded her of home. She left it in my care many times, but I would never dare open it. I promised her I wouldn't.

It was a music box. Lone Heart Beats True was playing. I know the song very well – Lorraine and I used to sing it in the gardens when everyone was asleep. It was in the box that finally made be believe – amber contact lenses and the hairpin with the big heart on it.