The R Word (On Hold)

Chapter 35 - Return to Reality

Jane walked around the room; taking in the beautiful view, enjoying the calm one last time.  It was sad, even a little painful to be leaving the place, for it had done so much for her and her family. In just two days she'd learned to relax, to enjoy herself and not worry about life. In just two days, she and Alfie had come back together; realised their love (and desire) for one another as if they were meeting and falling in love all over again. Her parents smiled easily. Julia had that amazing, healthy glow in her cheeks, a childish spring in her step. They had all needed the weekend away; the weekend to recharge, to refocus, to calm and it had worked. Miraculously. 

Her eyes then lingered on the grand bed and a flood of memories came rushing forward. Of course, she blushed; thinking of her passionate embraces with Alfie. Her body once more craved his. The feeling was familiar but alien, but wonderful all the same. She remembered, vaguely, how he'd tucked her into bed the night before, and how she'd wanted him to stay. She wished he had. She wished they had more time to be alone, more time to just be a normal couple. They were, after all, far from normal; given their recent history.

That caused Jane to think darkly, of her nightmare and her night reading Speak. She shouldn't dwell on them. She didn't want to. She didn't want them to tarnish her good mood, but she did and once that happened, there was no stopping it. She sighed, collapsing on the readymade bed; staring up at the high ceiling.

She lay there for some time, just wondering. Wondering what awaited her back home. She still had Debbie's homework to write up. Poetry was not her strong suit. Problems were guaranteed. Great, she thought; a hand to her forehead in despair. Then, there was Danielle and Steven. She trembled, thinking of them together, thinking of them happy and together. Something had to change. Something had to be done about them. As much as she didn't want to hurt Danni, Jane just couldn't let it continue. Steven had to be exposed for the monster he was. She shivered again.

"Oh for God's sake Jane!" she hissed angrily, rubbing at her arms, rubbing at her goosebumps. "Stop letting him under your skin! Just stop!"

"Stop what?"

Jane sat up quickly, startled, and saw Alfie standing in the doorway; a concerned look on his face. With the night drawing in, he'd put on a hoodie and tracksuit bottoms. And he looked downright delicious. She couldn't help but smile. It was just too easy, too natural to be happy around him. 

"Nothing," she dismissed, quickly, drinking in the handsome sight of him. "It's nothing. Forget it and let me stare at you in peace."

It was Alfie's turn to go red, but he did it in such a way that didn't make him look like a oversized tomato. He chuckled, pushing himself off the wall and walking over to her. He held out his hands, inviting and irresistable. Jane's smile widened as her hands slipped and fitted his perfectly; his strength drawing her to her feet. 

He sighed, like a parent would at a pouting child. "You can't lie to me, Jane," he reminded her softly, kissing her forehead. "What's wrong?"

"I don't want to go," she admitted. She felt better for saying it aloud, but only slightly. She knew it wouldn't change anything. They still had to leave. It was another family's turn to relax and enjoy the serenity of the lake house. 

"I know," he replied; his eyes omniscient, wide and warm. "We'll come back. One day. You and me...and maybe a kid or two."

Jane giggled, pressing herself against him; their hands stretched out to either side of them, their fingers curling round each other's. She loved it when Alfie talked about the future. Their future.

"Now we've talked about this," she said with a grin. "I want a big family. Four children. Three at the minimium."

Alfie pulled away, his lips pursed. "Still? Will you ever change your mind?"