The Other Side Of Fear[1]

Chapter 12

Thank you so much for continuing in with this book! I hope you make it to the end and don't forget to post your thoughts.

I returned to work the following Saturday and was greeted by a smiley and cute little woman standing behind the counter as I entered. I was looking forward to being back here; it took my mind off things and I loved spending time with Jack.

'You must be Bethan!' she smiled, clasping her hands together.

'I am,' I nodded with an awkward smile as I approached the counter.

'I'm Wendy,' she smiled. 'Jack's wife.'

'Oh! Hi! So nice to finally meet you,' I said. 'Where is Jack?'

'He's right out...oh here he comes!' her smile turned excited.

Jack appeared from behind her carrying a small white cake with a little candle lit on top.

'Welcome back!' he smiled.

'You guys,' I blushed. 'You shouldn't have!'

'Wendy made it for you,' Jack smiled proudly at his wife as he placed the cake on the counter. 'I told her all about your accident.'

'You poor thing!' she rubbed my arm. 'I know all the kids are doing it down there but it really is a shock when we hear of something like this happening.'

'Yes, especially when I got a call from your father saying you wouldn't be in work,' Jack told me. 'I was worried about you.'

'Aw thank you, Jack,' I smiled, feeling totally flattered by the warmth the two of them were giving me. 'I'm fine though. Just a broken arm and a few bruised ribs.'

'Well,' Jack began. 'You shouldn't be back at work but I admire your commitment. Take it easy and stay on the counter. No stocking shelves or carrying heavy goods!'

'Heard,' I saluted him with a giggle and moved behind the counter and into the back.

As I stepped into the backroom, my eye was caught instantly by an item hung up on the wall. A gilet; with my name on it. I smiled and moved towards it to put it on before heading back out to the counter.

'It fits!' Jack grinned.

'Sure does,' I chuckled. 'Thank you so much!'

'How about I make the teas and cut up the cake?' Wendy smiled brightly.

'Sounds good,' I nodded.

She picked up the cake and moved into the back followed by Jack.

I served a customer and tidied up the counter before Wendy and Jack returned. She placed my tea and cake on the rear counter and returned to the back and Jack headed out front to tidy up the store. I continued to stock up the bags and boxes behind the counter whilst serving customers in between when the jingle of the doorbell rang and I plastered on my usual friendly smile and turned to greet our next customer; only to find that smile drop when my eyes were greeted by Cal.

He stepped inside and paused for a second while he studied me. His eyes moved down to my cast and he continued to stare at me as he gently closed the door. I wasn't sure what it was within me, but something told me that I didn't need to feel afraid or nervous of this man now; he had literally saved my life.

'Hi,' I said, with a hesitant smile.

He didn't speak; he simply continued to stare.

'What you did,' I dared to bring it up. 'Thank you.'

He frowned at me gently and quickly glanced around the store before looking back at me, then down at my arm, then to the floor before turning quickly and dragging open the store door to which he stormed out, slamming it behind him.