-- TWENTY SIX --
Sitting perched on the end of the bed, Sarah put on her jumper and headed downstairs to where Pete was preparing breakfast. The smell of the sausages and bacon frying in the frying pan was over whelming and was starting to make her hungry. Morning! Didn't expect to see you yet.. Not that I'm calling you lazy or anything.. Pete replied. Oh, I've never been one to lie in too late since little one here began to grow. Before I got pregnant, I would lie in till lunch time, but now, well.. That doesn't happen. Sarah replied with a smile. You know, you can stay in bed for as long as you like - you don't have to sleep - just relax.. Pete smiled. I know, but I can't, needed the loo anyway, so thought I'd get up. Sarah replied. So, when are you kids due here? Sarah asked. Oh, not till tomorrow.. I have them every other weekend. They spend about the same amout of time here as they do with thier mother. That way, its fair. Pete replied turning over the bacon. Yeah, I see what you mean. Sarah replied.
Do you know how lucky you are, really? Pete asked. I think so... But, do tell. Sarah smiled. If it wasn't for the way things ended and the way we ended, then my children would still have a mother and father, living together.. Pete replied. Pete, you're a great dad, a fantastic role model and a really nice, down to earth, caring guy. Sarah smiled. Then, if that's all true, why haven't I found Mrs Right yet, eh? Pete replied. Mr Andre.. Don't keep putting yourself down.. In time, when you least expect it, Mrs Right will appear.. When the time is right, she'll be there, waiting for you. Sarah smiled. I hope you're right. Pete sighed.. I am, you'll see. Sarah smiled. How'd you and John meet, anyway? Pete asked. I met him almost three years ago, at a DVD signing. I wasn't looking for a guy to settle down with at the time.. I wasn't really looking for anyone, but things just happened.. You know, it all started because I asked him to follow me back on Twitter.. Never in my life did I ever think things would go from being friends to being engaged, let alone pregnant! Sarah replied. So, like I told you, Mrs Right will come, when you least expect it.. Sarah smiled.
You guys look so happy together, you seem to have everything set out infront of you, like you know where lives will take you.. Pete smiled. If only things were that simple... Sarah replied. What do you mean? Pete asked.. My life was never this simple before I met John. My life was hell, I was scared of things, worried about my future and upset I'd be left on my own... Sarah began. What do you mean? Pete asked. My ex boyfriend, Andy Sailcombe was a woman beater, he's beaten me several times, made me feel worthless and left me hurt, like I'd never love again. Sarah began. That's horrible! Pete replied. That's not the half of it. He cheated on me, many times, but made me forgive him. He's threatened my life, stopped me from seeing my friends and family.. Sarah continued. You know, it took me eighteen months to finally pluck up the courage to spend the night, alone at John's place, and even then, I was scared he'd loose his rag with me over something and lash out at me.. Sarah replied. How long was it before you shared a bed.. Not in that way.. Pete asked. Erm, nearly two years, I think.. Sarah replied. All this talk of him, makes me want to cry.. Sarah giggled. Stupid, I know.. She blushed. Its not stupid, its nice.. Pete smiled. Did you ever dream of meeting and/or dating a celeb? Pete asked. In my dreams, I did. Sarah smiled. Never realistically? Pete asked. Nope, not in a million years.. Sarah replied.
***
John lay in bed, looking up at the ceiling, thinking.. He had a few weeks to make things right, to make all this stop. Looking over to his right, there stood a picture in a frame of them, together, happy. No cares in the world, everything back then, was perfect. Oh, how he wanted those days back.. What have I done? John thought to himself. Looking up at the ceiling, his eyes began to fill with tears. Tears of anger and fear. For the reason that all of this could of been avoided if he'd of kept his nose out of everything. Clearing his throat and wiping his eyes with a tissue he folded back the duvet and sat up. Taking deep breaths, he knew what he was 'planning' to do, would make it worse. So, he plucked up the courage and decided to pay him a visit, see if he can get to the bottom of why he's been like he has. If, after everything he was about the try, failed, he knew he'd have to think up another tactic, without him suspecting anything.. After all, Sarah's health and safety was more important than a bust up with a thug.
Walking over to the window and opening the curtains, the sun shone through the window, hitting the far wall by the bedroom door. Picking up his clothes from the chair, he made his way into the bathroom to take a quick shower before anything else. Switching on the shower, the water spouting out if the shower head and bouncing on the floor of the shower, his phone bleeped:
Are you ready for today? We'll sort this out, once and for all!! Was the message. I have to do this, alone. If I can get through to him without any use of violance, I can win this... John replied. What about what we planned?! Came the reply. [/i]It can't happen, it won't happen. I can't let it happen. Gav, please trust me on this one, I know what I'm doing..[/i] John replied. If you think you can do it without violence, then good luck.. I think you'll need it... I'll be awaiting your reply. Just please, be careful with him...
Taking deep breaths, John stepped into the shower and closed the door...
***
Putting her plate in the dishwasher, Sarah smiled to herself. Somehow, she knew today was going to be a good day and everything will be OK. She stood, leaning against the worktop and exhaled deeply. What's with the sigh? Pete asked. Oh nothing, I just miss John and the boys. She replied. Whatever he's up to, I'm sure he's thinking of you as much as you're thinking of him. Pete replied kneeling down, closing the dishwasher door. I hope so. Sarah smiled. I am sure he is. Pete replied. Look, I know how much he loves you and how much you mean to him. He told me to- Nevermind. Pete replied, changing the subject quickly. He told you to what?! Sarah asked. Oh nothing, forget I said anything, I was talking nonesense, as usual.. Pete replied, leaving the room quickly.. No, Pete, tell me. What did he say? Sarah asked. I.. I can't say... Pete replied.
Pete, if you won't tell me, I'll ask him myself! Sarah roared. NO! Pete boomed, Sarah jumped.. I mean, no.. you can't. I was told not to tell you, I promised him. Pete replied. Well, why'd you begin to explain something, and then stop.. You should keep your mouth shut.. Sarah replied. So, now you've started, you have to finish.. Sarah replied. Like I told you, I can't. Trust me, you don't want to know.. Pete replied. You're not doing yourself any favours here.. Sarah replied. If you knew what I did, you'd freak. Pete replied. Please, Pete! I'm begging you here! What is it you're not allowed to tell me? Sarah replied. If he finds out that you know, he'll kill me! Pete replied. I promise you, I won't tell him you told me, if he finds out I know... If that makes any sense? Sarah replied. Just, please tell me, I want.. I need to know! Is John in trouble?! Sarah asked. Not yet, but Andy is. That's all I'm going to say... Pete replied and left the room..
Sarah stood in the kitchen, looking up into the sky, trying to work out what Pete was on about.. And then, it hit her - John was going to go after Andy! This wasn't going to end nicely - Not if Andy had anything to do with it.. Now she was scared.. if Andy had his way, John will be dead.. She had to do something to save him, but what?! What can I do? I need to do something?! She thought to herself. No you won't, he'll know I've told you! Pete replied as he heard her thinking aloud.. What? And you think leaving John like this is a good idea?! I don't think so! Sarah replied. It is a good idea - if you want this mess sorting! Pete replied. To be honest with you, I'd rather have John in one piece, than him lying dead in a gutter somewhere.. Sarah replied. We have to do something! She continued. What do you mean we? Pete replied.. Fine, I'll do it myself. Sarah replied. No, you can't.. You mustn't. If anything happens to you, he'll kill me! Pete replied. Well, you're going to have to help me then, aren't you? Sarah replied. OK, fine. But, if we get into trouble, this'll be all your fault. Pete replied. Yeah fine, OK.. I'll take the blame. I don't really care, I'd rather John be safe. Sarah replied.
***
John sat in the car on the driveway and contemplated what to do next when his phone bleeped.
I never meant for this to happen.. But, she knows.. I'm sorry, I never meant for her to find out. She's coming to find you, she's determined to stop you, there is no way I can stop her.. The message read. Oh for goodness sake, Pete! OK... Meet me in the park, I'll wait for you there. Hurry! John replied.
John slammed his hands on the steering wheel. She was never to know about any of this. Now, he had to be careful about what he would do next. How'd Pete manage to slip up? How can you do that, when you'd promised not too?? If Sarah got hurt now, this would be Pete's fault.
***
Fifteen minutes later, Pete and Sarah arrived at the park, and pulled up at the entrance. John's car was sitting on the other side of the carpark, when it turned around and headed towards them. Pete knew that, whatever happened next, his neck was on the line. He'd slipped up and told her when he'd promised John that he'd keep his mouth shut. John's car stopped dead infont of his and then reversed.. For a moment, Pete woundered why. Looking at John through his windscreen, John signaled to him to turn the car around.. Don't ask questions, just do it! John said to him and he read his lips so he turned around. Parking up, John parked beside him and rolled his window down. Why? Why'd you do it? John asked him. I don't know. I'm sorry Pete replied. Why'd you make me turn around? Pete asked him. Because, Andy's car is right there.. But, he's not in it.. John replied. And? Pete replied. He's waiting for me, in the park.. I told him to meet me here. Now you've stuck your ore in, you're going to have to help me. John replied. Babe, I need you to either stay here and stay down or make a run for it. Whatever happens after that.. I love you John replied.
Sarah stepped out of the car, kissed John on the lips and made a run for it. Now that she's gone, I can relax. You were NEVER meant to tell her. If you'd of done what I told you, THIS would never of happened! John replied. What would never of happened? Pete asked. You here with me, defending her safety. I won't be surprised if he's brought back up. John replied. He's not that bad, surely? Pete asked. To be honest, I've never met him, so I don't know the answer to that question. John replied. Come on. Time to do this.. John replied stepping out of the car. Did you bring anything? Pete asked. No, I came bare handed, like I told him I would. John replied. Well that was stupid.. Pete replied. I don't need weapons to talk. John replied. What if he doesn't want to 'talk'? Pete asked. Well then, in that case.. I'm screwed.. John replied calmly.
Entering the park, Andy was standing by the lake, waiting for him. Wait here. John told Pete. What happens if this gots wrong? Pete asked. Then you'll have to help get me out of there.. John replied walking away. Pete stood there, watching as John's figure got further and further away and he became nothing more than a dot. Pete wondered what to do next.. He knew he had to stay close by, incase he was needed so he sat on a bench and waited...
***
You came alone then? John asked Andy, who was standing with his back to him. Indeed I did, but I see you didn't Andy replied. Well, technically speaking, I did.. John replied. I saw you arrive with a friend, you told me you'd come alone.. Andy asked. And, I didn't realise you'd come alone either.. John replied. Anyway, I'm not here to agrue with you, I'm here to talk with you. John replied. And what was it you wanted to know? Andy asked. Why you're like you are? John replied. What do you mean? Andy asked. OK, I'll put it in lamens terms.. Why do you beat women? John asked. And don't try anything, you don't scare me. John continued. My, you are brave, aren't you?! Andy smirked. Because I like it. Andy whispered. How can you like beating up women? John asked calmly. Because its fun. Andy replied walking around him. You really are a physco, aren't you? John replied. Well thank you. Andy smiled. That wasn't a complement John replied.
Touchy you ain't you? Andy smiled. Not really, I just find you really repulsive.. I can't help it if I think you're a creep.. John replied. As John turned his back, Andy's fist came towards his face and he grabbed it. Andy's face dropped - no one was ever that quck to respond. Now now, violance never gets you anywhere.. That is, unless you're brusing for a bust up. And, quite frankly, I'm not really in the mood and I'm not the best person to be fighting with. John smiled. Scared, are we? Andy smiled. Of you? Nah, just can't be arsed with patheic excuses for a men, like you. John repiled calmly. You think you're funny, don't you? Andy replied. Oh me, I'm hillarious. You on the other hand, are weak, pathetic and useless. John smirked.
Try it, sunshine.. You'll regret it. John continued as Andy's rage got worse. You know, you could easily get out of this grasp, if you were strong enough. Its just that you, you're a weakling. Even your mother hates you. John replied. Andy went to kick John and John leant forward and Andy went flying to the ground. Give up, you won't win. John smiled - he had Andy right where he wanted him. Kneeling down, to Andy's strewn body on the floor, John clasped his hand around Andy's neck and squeezed.. Men like you are NOTHING.. And you know what the sad part here is? You know it! John whispsered. I warned your friend NEVER to cross my path, because THIS would happen.. John smiked. What would? Andy replied frantically trying to escape John's claw like grip around his neck. This..John replied and picked him up - still his grip around his neck and threw him to the lake. Stay AWAY from my family. Or, I'll kill you next time. He replied and walked away. Andy was left there, in the middle fo the lake, kicking and screaming like a school girl.. John knew he couldn't swim..
***
That was quick?! Pete shouted. I didn't really need to do much. He's a pathetic man, with no common sense John smiled. Next time.. Do as I tell you and don't ask questions. John smiled. Sorry. Pete replied. No worries. Now lets go find Sarah. John smiled running towards the car.
As they reached the car, Sarah was standing there, waiting for them, smiling. Didn't need to look far, then Pete laughed. I take it, by the look on your face, he got what was coming to him? Sarah asked. ...And a wet arse. John smiled. Come on, time for some pizza I think Pete smiled. Sounds good to me Sarah replied climbing into the car.
***
Sitting at the table in the Pizza resturant, while Pete was getting thier food ordered, Sarah sat there for a moment, contemplating something. She wanted to know, deep down, if John loved her as much as she loved him. John, may I ask you a question, before Pete comes back? Sarah asked. Of course you can. John smiled. For a little while now, I've been wondering if you only asked me to marry you because I am pregnant.. Sarah began. I don't understand, where's this come from? John asked. I don't know, sometimes, I get the impression that's the only reason we are where we are. Sarah replied. How can you think something like that? After everything we've been through, after everything I've done and tried to do for you. John replied.
I didn't mean anything by it, I just wanted to know what you truly thought of me. Sarah replied. I love you baby girl, you know - or should know - that by now. John replied. I.. I don't know what you're thinking, or what you've been told, but I love you.. You.. You mean the world to me and I don't know what I can say to make you think otherwise.. John replied, getting up from his seat. Where are you going? Sarah asked. I need to get my head around what you've just accused me of. I can't believe you'd think that of me John replied. I.. I'm sorry. Sarah replied. Too late, you've said what you've said. You've said your peace, now I have to live with it.. John replied leaving the building.
***
John sat on a bench outside of the pizza restaurant and contemplated what he'd just heard. He looked down at the table, a tear in his throat, he never realised, she thought like that.. He never knew she felt like that, felt like she was unattractive and unloved. His love for her was more than she could of imagined. She was his world, his life, his everything.. She means everything to him, he wasn't aware she thought otherwise. Now, he was determined to show her his true feelings.
As he sat there, playing with a straw he had in his pocket, Sarah walked out of the door.. Sorry She began. I never meant for it to come out the way it did. I wish now, that I'd never said anything. Please, will you forgive me? She asked him. No, its me, I should be the one that's sorry. I never realised the way I acted sometimes affected you the way it does, and I'm sorry. John replied, sitting with his back to her. I'm a person that doesn't usually like to say anything, that's my downfall. I know I should, but sometimes, I just can't bring myself to say anything.. Sarah replied. Baby, if you don't say anything, I'll never know. Please, if something I do, say or suggest isn't to your liking, just say. I won't take offense to it, I promise. John smiled. OK, I'll try. She replied. Do you forgive now? Sarah asked. Like I said, you have nothing to be sorry for. John replied. OK, but can I have a hug now? Sarah asked. You know you don't need to ask. John smiled standing up.
I know I don't need to be sorry for anything, but I am sorry anyway. Sarah replied. I know babe, I know.. John replied. Anyway, how are you feeling? John asked. Honestly? Sarah replied. Yes, honestly... John replied. Starving.. Sarah laughed. We better get back inside and go enjoy some pizza. John smiled. Sounds good to me. Sarah smiled. Babe.. John began. .. Yes? Sarah replied. I love you.. John smiled. I know, I love you too. Sarah replied. Good. John replied holding the door open.
