Great Expectations. - Now Complete

Chapter 29

They settled into a regular routine. George would ring, arrange contact with Alexander then come to collect him. Each time he would spend a little more time with Alice before saying good bye to them both. One particular day in August 1968, Alice was in the garden with Alexander when George suddenly appeared from the kitchen.

"Dad - deeeee!" Alexander launched himself at him.

Alice looked startled.

"I tried knocking but you didn't hear me. I could hear you both in the garden." he explained, holding up his house keys.

Alice nodded. "It's still your home George. You're more than welcome to call."

He smiled and picked up Alexander. "Will you go and play in your sandpit whilst I talk to mummy a minute sunshine, then daddy will play too. OK?"

"Ok daddy." Alice watched as the little boy hugged him then ran off to his sandpit.

"Would you like a cold drink or something?" asked Alice. already nervous about why he wanted to talk to her.

"A cold drink would be great thanks."

She made him a drink whilst he kept an eye on Alex. Alice watched him, kneeling down and digging in the sand. She could see how both the men in her life adored each other. It made her sad to think of how they were missing out on time with each other. Fixing a smile on her face, she carried three drinks outside.

"Alexander!" she called.

 He turned to face her. She held up his drink for him. He came running in a race with George. Alice was giggling as George sat down, puffing and panting after running across the garden.

"You sound like you've just run a marathon!" she told him, "It's all those horrible cigerettes!"

George grimmaced, knowing she was right. He sipped his drink and watched Alexander wander back to his sandpit, drink in hand. The little boy sat down next to his beloved trucks and diggers and enjoyed his drink.

"He's a happy little soul isn't he?" said George.

"Usually," said Alice honestly, "But I know he does miss you a lot."

George nodded. "Anyway, I wanted to ask you something, that's why I called."

"OK."

"Paul, his new girl friend, me and Ritchie's gang are having a get together the day after tomorrow. It's for Cyn and Julian. To say good bye before she moves back up to Liverpool."

"Is that what she's doing? I didn't know."

"The divorce has already started going through." George looked at her. "I wondered if you I could take Alexander for the day. He enjoys being with Julian and the other kids so much?"

"No problem."

"And I also wondered if you wanted to come too." he looked at her, "I've been missing you Alice." He looked at his feet and shuffled unconfortably in his seat. "I'm beginning to realise just how much being with you and Alex means to me. Alice, I'm sorry for being such and idiot." He looked up at her and gave her the oh so familiar loving smile. "I love you so much Alice. Seeing the mess John and Cyn are in has made me realise how much I value what you and I had."

She looked at him, stunned. This wasn't what she had been expecting him to say. She was totally unsure what to say but was thankfully saved by a sudden scream from Alexander. She was out of her seat and spinting across the garden to him within seconds. By the time she got to him, the little boy was holding his arm, sobbing. After a quick glance, Alice could see he'd been stung by a bee. Carrying the still sobbing little boy into the kitchen, she sat him on the countertop and dealt with the sting. After plenty of ice and hugs from mummy and daddy, he was soon smiling again. He leant sleepily on Alice as she sat with George in the garden chair.

"I think it would be better if just you and Alexander went to see Cyn and Julian," said Alice suddenly, "It might be a bit awkward if I'm there. I haven't seen any of them for such a long time. Will you give Cyn my love though? Tell her to give me a ring once she's settled. I'd like to keep in touch."

"If you're sure..." He looked disappointed.

Next time, George was unusually early. Alexander wasn't quite ready so he came in and waited. He chatted with Alice over a cup of tea and tried once more to persuade her to come with him. She declined. After seeing them off, she went back into the house and settled down for a day on her own.

Later, Alice was getting worried. It was now well past Alexander's bedtime but George hadn't brought him back. She had rang both Paul's and Ritchie's house but there was no answer at either of them. She sat now, worried. She hoped George wasn't going to try to keep Alexander from her. Her mind went into overdrive, so much so that when she heard a car door slam on the driveway, she shot out of the house demanding to know where Alexander was. First Paul climbed out of the driving seat, a blonde woman Alice had never seen before, in the passenger seat. George was in the back, Alexander clearly asleep in his arms.

"Why are you so late?" she exclaimed, "Did it never occur to you that I would be worried!" She stopped when she saw George's grave face. "What's happened? What's wrong?"

Paul got back into the car and drove away whilst George carried Alexander into the house. He settled the little boy into bed then sat by the sleeping child, Alice with him.

"We're late because Alexander had a bit of an accident." He told her calmly. "I had to take him to the hospital." He saw the colour drain from Alice's face.

"What kind of accident?" she whispered, looking down on her sleeping son.

"He was running around with Julian and the others. He fell Alice love. It was nothing more than an accident I promise you. He cut his head quite badly here."

Alice looked at where George was pointing. A long deep gash had been shaved and stitched on the side of her son's head.

"It looks much worse than it is Alice love. They've said that the scar won't show. It'll be covered by his hair. He's fine really. Except the hospital has said he'll need watching over night. There's a risk he could vomit in the night from an head injury. I'll stay with him OK. I'll make sure he's OK and I'll call you if he's not."

Alice looked at him. George moved to her. "You look exhausted. He kissed her forehead as he gave her an unexpected hug. "You go to bed. He'll be right as rain tomorrow."

She moved from his hug and, after kissing Alexander good night, she left him with his father. She climbed into bed. Her mind was all over. Concern for Alex mixed with the way George had held her and kissed her. She began to cry. Quietly as possible, she tried to stem them but they unstoppable. all her pent up fears and emotions came from her. She sobbed. Heart broken, sad and afraid.

She didn't hear the bedroom door open.

 Nor did she realise he was getting undressed.

It wasn't until she felt the bed dip that she froze, aware she was no longer alone.

The covers were lifted as her husband slipped into bed beside her and wrapped his arms around her.

That was enough. She began to sob once more. Heart rending sobs. George made calm, soothing noises and gently rocked her. Finally, after much persuasion, she turned to face him.

"I'm sorry Alice. I love you so much. I never wanted to hurt you the way I have." He whispered, kissing away the remaining tears, " Be my wife again Alice and I promise I will cherish everything that we have. I'll never do anything to make you so sad as you are now."

He began to kiss her lips. At first she pulled away but then she couldn't help but respond. He was her George and she loved him. That would never change. Their kissing continued and then, without any resistance he began to undress her.

"Love me." she begged, "Love me George. Show me that you still love me!"

"I adore you Alice Harrison. I adore you! I want you forever. Forgive me for all the hurt I've caused you." He kissed her again, their tears now mingling, mirroring what their bodies began to do.

It was a slow, gentle coupling. They clung to each other, wanting to make it last as long aspossible. Inevitably though, they both climaxed and held each other. Almost immediately he bagan to kiss her again, Passions growing between them, he made love to her again. Finally, emotionally and physically drained, they fell asleep wrapped around each other.