'Witness' - The White Bridge Crime Series 3 - LGBT, manXman

2

Freddie switched off the shower and wrapped a warm, fluffy towel around his waist with a sigh.

He went into the bedroom he shared with Tom, and pulled a clean pair of pyjamas from his dresser. He dried off and pulled on the soft pyjamas, before clambering into bed.

He flicked off the lights and closed his eyes.

The bed felt empty without Tom.

Tom usually fell asleep first; for two years, Freddie had fallen asleep to the sound of Tom snuffling gently in his ear.

Freddie didn't mean what he said; he loved living with Tom.

He loved Tom.

He just hated showing it, because he knew it was all a lie.

Rolling over, Freddie cuddled closer to Tom's side of the bed, hugging Tom's pillow to his chest.

He didn't want to keep lying to Tom, but how could he tell him the truth after so long.

He wasn't allowed to tell the truth.

*

Tom unlocked his car with trembling fingers, and slid into the driver's seat.

A sob burst from his throat as he started the engine. Tears started tumbling down his cheeks as he pulled out of the driveway and onto the road.

After a while, he had to pull over; the tears were falling so thick and fast he couldn't see where he was going.

He pulled onto the verge and flicked his hazard lights on so that other drivers would see him, before burying his face in his hands and letting his cries overwhelm him.

*

Freddie awoke the next morning feeling cold and lonely in the large bed.

He rolled over and glanced at the clock, before stumbling out of bed and heading for the bathroom. He showered quickly, before returning to the bedroom to dress.

After a moment's consideration, he decided to wear one of Tom's shirts; it always excited Tom to see Freddie wearing his clothes.

He went downstairs and ate a quick breakfast of cereal and orange juice, before going out to his car.

Tom's was still gone from its usual spot.

When he arrived at work, Fred found Adrian was already there.

His boss looked up as he came in.

"Are you alright, Freddie? You look... ill."

"I'm fine. Just... fought with Tom."

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah. Just... Are you going to fire me if I get drunk at work today?"

Adrian smiled sympathetically.

"Why don't you save it, and come over for dinner tonight. You can tell me all about it."

"Alright."

Freddie went over and switched on the till. He unlocked the alcohol cabinets and put a bottle of champagne requested for a birthday dinner later into a bucket of ice in one of the fridge's to chill.

He checked all of the glasses were clean and neatly organised on their various shelves and racks, before taking out a damp cloth and wiping the bar-top.

Glancing over at the spot where he and Tom had made love the previous night, Freddie felt tears spring to his eyes, and quickly brushed them away.

"Hey," He felt Adrian's arm slip into his, and tug him gently away from the bar.