1.37 Hate saying Goodbye

Jake drove Kay to the campus still not happy she was going to be there for a few weeks, “Can’t you study at home like you planned?”

“Jake, I told you if I’m going to become a doctor I need to sometimes be on campus. I don’t like it any more than you but it has to be done.”

“I know but the other side of the bed will now be empty and I’m getting used to you being there.” Kay put her hand on his knee and said, “I’ll miss you too.”

Once at the campus gates Jake was given a badge to enter. Kay was given a map to show where she could locate her dormitory. Kay unpacked, ‘Mr Bones’ and put him in the corner while Jake was bringing up the other bags. When everything was in her room Kay pulled him towards her to give him a kiss savouring his lips against hers without saying a word. 

Then Jake whispered, “Let’s take a photo.” When he was done he added, “I’ll get this framed and give it to you when I’m here next.”

“A week is so far away.” 

Jake grabbed her arm and pulled onto the bed and started kissing her with passion it was getting heated when there was a knock at the door and the voice said, “All newcomers please make their way to the main building for introductions and schedules.”

Jake let Kay go and said, “I have to go don’t I?” Kay nodded with a sad look in her eye, “I’m missing you already.” Jake wanted to stay but he had to pull her in for one last kiss, “I’ll miss you more until Friday. Love you.”

“Love you too.”

Kay heard the car speed down the campus road and thought, ‘Two more years in university then I’ll always be with Jake. I wonder when he’ll propose. Kay contain yourself three bloody weeks you have been dating and already you want a ring on your finger, what is wrong with you? Now get your sorry ass to the main building.’

Kay met a few students and professors but felt down and wasn’t in the mood to socialize. She phoned Matt to see when he was arriving as first year students always started on a different day. 

“Hay Matt.”

“Kay for the fifth time, I’ll be there next Friday, you know seven days from today.”

“How did you know what I was going to ask?”

“I know you remember.” Kay smiled and said, “I can’t wait for you and Hazel to be here.”

“I take it Jake left?” Kay didn’t answer. Matt sensed she was upset added, “He’ll see you next Friday and the great thing is he is bringing us with him. Is he staying the weekend?”

With excitement in her voice, “Can they stay?”

“You did read up on the university, right? If he applies for a weekend pass then yes he can stay but he has to leave by 5pm Sunday. One more thing he can only apply to stay twice in one month.” 

Kay didn’t even say goodbye to Matt and hung up on him. She quickly texted Jake and then notice her first class was first thing in the morning so decided to study to take her mind of her missing Jake. Kay pulled ‘Mr Bones’ out and started to study the different parts of the anatomy. 

Suddenly her phone went beep and she saw it was from Jake it read, ‘Missing you like crazy. I’ve applied so make no plans, other than me J’  Kay replied, ‘Can’t wait. Ring me at 9 so I stop studying and get some sleep.’

‘I hope that’s not the only reason?’

‘Lol, no it isn’t. Speak soon xxx’ Jake didn’t reply back but it meant for the next few hours Kay got some studying done.

“I’ll ask you again, why?” Kirsten looked at Andrew and thought for a moment before she replied, “It’s complicated…” Andrew cut her off, “So telling everyone we are engaged is complicated?”

“I told Jake…”

“Oh good, you told your brother. I want the world to know we are engaged yet you want to keep it a secret. I’ll ask you again, why?” Kirsten started to panic and didn’t know what to say other than I love you. Andrew was now angry and hurt and said very firmly, “When you are ready to tell me you can find me at the base and I won’t be back until I have your answer.” Andrew stormed out muttering to himself.

Kirsten fell to the floor wondering what just happened. The afternoon started off with them making love and then the arguing started. Jake walked into the room and sat next to Kirsten and said, “Andrew looked pissed. Do you want to talk about it?”

“He is mad because I don’t want to tell people we are engaged.”

“You love Andrew, right?” Kirsten looked at Jake, “With all my heart…”

“Why?” 

Kirsten got up and made her way to the sofa and Jake followed her, “I’m afraid that as soon as everyone knows, especially Mum and Dad, I’ll get when are you getting married? Other people will say oh you must be pregnant so Andrew has to marry you.”

“Are you pregnant?” Kirsten gave him a horrified look then her expression mellowed, “I want to be but Andy might not want kids.” Jake laughed, “Andrew loves you. He is marrying you because he’s head over heels in love with you. I think he’s ready to be a Dad too because I caught him pulling funny faces with a toddler.” 

Kirsten hugged her brother, “Thank you for listening. I just thought Andrew would think I was being pushy.”

“Just catch him before he gets on the base.” 

Kirsten ran out the house but noticed Andrew was pacing in the park. “Can we talk?” Andrew turned and sat on the swing quietly waiting for Kirsten to continue, “I was worried people would think you were marrying me out of pity but truth is I don’t care what people think. I only care what you think. The other reason is I want a baby with you.” 

Andrew moved closer with a smile and held her, “I hate arguing with you. The reason you were worried is because of what people would say when we got married. I thought you didn’t want a baby yet?” Kirsten squeezed Andrew tightly and replied, “When I said yes to you, it was like someone had turned on the switch and said now you want that baby.”

Andrew replied, “Look at me.” Kirsten looked into his eyes as he continued to say, “Do you want to marry me first or the baby first?”

1.36 I Want you back

Laura couldn’t believe she had her own place. It wasn’t has big as the family home had been when Jake and Kirsten were growing up but for one it was fine. She had two spare rooms so if she was finally given grandchildren then there was somewhere they could stay. 

When she looked around she suddenly realized that Jake had brought over the wrong suite from the house. It was the leather suite she hated but at the same time it had some memories.

Laura suddenly had tears in her eyes as she ran her hand across the leather chair remembering that Daniel used to sit in it night after night working hard to get the business up and running. She recalled one night after putting Kirsten to bed that he still had his head stuck in some papers while working on some figures. Laura tried to get his attention but nothing worked until she lost her temper and threw the paper work across the room. She had expected Dan to get mad but without warning he grabbed her pulling her onto his lap where he made love to her all night. Six weeks later they discovered they were expecting Jake.

Laura found herself sat on the sofa she hated so much missing Dan. She hadn’t seen him in four weeks and it hurt. Telling him they were separating was one of the hardest things she had to do. However they still had things to sort out and she had promised that when she was settled she would ring. 

Her hand started to shake as she dialled his number but was taken aback when she heard his voice on the line. “Dan, are you ok?”

 “No but I’m glad you called.”

“We still have things to sort out…” Daniel interrupted her, “The house is on the market. Jake has already taken some things with him. As I don’t know what will happen once I move. Kirsten is coming to get some of her things.”

Laura was in shock, “You put the house up for sale?”

“You left me so I’m doing what you asked.” Laura was almost in tears, “I asked for a separation not a divorce.”

“Do you still love me Laura because I love you?” Laura sat down and turned the video phone off because she didn’t want Dan to see her tears, “It was never about me not loving you; this was about you and that woman. You were the one who forgot about me, you were the one who stopped wanting me and then her.”

“Laura, turn on the video call right now. I want you to see me explain.” She turned it back on, “I made the biggest mistake sleeping with her and I regretted it as soon as it happened. Darling I miss you the only home I have is with you.”

Laura was trying to hold back to the tears but a tear escaped down her cheek, “I love you too but how can I trust you?”

“I am retiring from the business to be with you. The business will be handed to Kirsten and Jake.”

“Seriously Dan, you are handing over the business to the kids?” Laura felt happy by his gesture and asked, “You never wanted to live anywhere else but I want to be near the kids.”

“Where you are is where I need to be. The last few weeks have been hell.” Laura glanced at the leather sofa then back at Dan but before she could speak he asked another question, “Jake took the leather suite; do you know anything about that?”

Laura laughed slightly, “He brought it here. Jake collected the wrong one by mistake. I only just realised. Did you give Jake his birthday present from us?”

“He loved it and we played football but you and Kirsten weren’t there. Laura, I love you. What is your answer?” Laura was so pleased that Jake and Dan were finally getting on and was starting to fill up with tears again so couldn’t answer him and hung up but she kept looking at the phone. Do I send him the address or not? I’ll leave it and speak to him in the morning.

Laura settled down to watch a film. Half way through the film the doorbell rang. She saw Daniel standing there and her heart skipped a beat. She opened the door and let him in. Laura was in shock, “I didn’t send the address.”

Daniel smiled, “Jake gave it to me. The place is so you,” As he looked at Laura.

“Dan why are you here?”

“As I told you on the phone I want my wife back. You liked it when I use to turn up when you were away. So I decided to come after you.” Laura suddenly had a lump in her throat and as he got closer her heart started to beat faster. 

“Dan we need…” Laura couldn’t finish the sentence because Daniel kissed her. She knew all too well that kiss and if she was honest she wanted that kiss, his touch, and his hands gliding across her body. In fact these last few weeks apart regardless what had happened she missed him. These few weeks for her were more to do with making him feel guilty and it worked. Laura never intended to divorce the man she loved. All she ever wanted to do was give him a taste of his own medicine.

“Dan, I’ve missed you.” He kissed her again and replied, “Darling I missed you too. 

Where is the bedroom?” As she held on to Dan Laura replied, “It’s upstairs to the right.” Daniel didn’t need to be told twice. He took her upstairs and kicked the door open. 

As he laid her on the bed Laura asked, “Do you think we will ever have grandchildren?” He stopped and looked at her in the eye, “I adore you Laura but you should not worry so much. When the kids are ready to become parents then we will have grandchildren you can adore.” 

He kissed her softly but Laura needed to clear the air on more than just the affair, “Do you miss our daughter?” Dan looked at her with love and said, “Every day I miss her. Ava would have turned 21 next week 4^th June.”

“I can’t believe you remember. I still feel guilty; I blamed myself for her death.”

“My darling Laura; why didn’t you tell me sooner? You are not to blame; it was not your fault. Ava died an hour after being born. This is why I’m so proud Kirsten and Jake are close. Stupidly I backed off but we should have been there for each other instead.” Laura looked deep into his eyes, “I’m proud of them too.”

Dan kissed her more deeply and replied, “You look so beautiful tonight…” Laura interrupted him, “Make love to me and come home. Dan confirmed what he’d already stated, “I am home and I’m going to make love to my wife every night starting now.”

1.35 Visiting Mum

Tracy was making coffee when Spencer knocked on her door. When Tracy answered the door, Spencer tried to put his arms around her but she pulled away. “Have I done something wrong?” Tracy shook her head then replied, “No you haven’t. I just want to talk to Mathew before we do anything.” 

Tracy could feel her hormones starting to awake within her as she looked at Spencer and when he started to play with her hair it sent shivers down her spine and with each touch a tingle shot through her body wanting to betray her and surrender to the man she loved once more. “I can’t take this much more Trac. I got no sleep last night because all I could think of was being here with you.”

“I’m just nervous at what Mathew will say.” Spencer looked at her and replied, “You will be fine, and Mathew loves you.”

“I hope your right. When are you going home?” Spencer looked surprised and softly said, “I am home. I’m having a conference call with Estevan about opening a bar here so I’ll be here with you.”

“I thought…” Spencer interrupted her, “You thought I’d take off? I was hoping you wanted me to stay.” Tracy looked at the floor, “I do but I just want Mathew to be fine with this.”

“If he’s not at first, he will be.” He looked at his watch, “I have to go for the call; I’ll be back as soon as I can so we can talk to Mathew together. I love you.” Tracy wanted to say it back but couldn’t until she knew Mathew was fine with all this. So Tracy just smiled back and replied, “See you in a bit.”

Hazel was mortified when she saw how Matt was dressed, “You can’t go like that.” Matt snapped, “Tough I’m going like this. I didn’t sleep last night.”

“So what you slept alone.” 

Matt pinned her against the wall, “I wanted you last night, I mean really wanted you.” Hazel bit her lip and said, “Really!”

“I know you are still mad at me but please let me back in the same bed. I promise I won’t behave.” Hazel burst out laughing, “You said that so sweetly. I hate you can win me over so easily, so the answer is yes,” Hazel kissed him then persuaded Matt to change.

When Matt pulled up he couldn’t believe the house his Mum lived in. It looked neglected and run down. “Hazel, I can’t do this. I was mean to her the other day.”  Hazel cupped his face and said softly, “Stop worrying. Tracy is at the door.” 

When Mathew turned around he saw his Mum and when she smiled at him suddenly he felt like that little boy again who had a strong bond with his mother. “Hello sweet…” trailing off then she continued, “Hello Mathew, would you like to come in?” Matt smiled back at her and said, “Hi Mum, this is Hazel my fiancée.” He squeezed Hazel’s hand tightly as they walked in, “Hazel it is nice to see you again.”  Hazel just smiled back without saying a word.

Matt and Hazel looked around and couldn’t believe the furniture his Mum had. It wasn’t what he expected. “Would you like anything to drink?”

Matt looked at his Mum, “What’s happened to the furniture?” Hazel interrupted, “I’ll make the drinks while you both talk.” 

Tracy just smiled and sat with Mathew, “I can’t afford anything.” Matt was stunned, “You work at the hospital, don’t you?” Tracy took a deep breath and replied, “Yes but most of my money went on you. Your Dad told me yesterday that he never touched the money and it’s still there waiting for you.” Matt was in shock, “What money?”

“When I left I paid maintenance for you every month, 1,000 went into the account.”

In shock Matt asked, “How long has it been sitting there?”

“Your Dad said 9 years so that’s 108,000 at least.” Matt suddenly had mixed emotions about this. Hazel just sat and listened intently as they continued to talk. “Why did you leave?”

 “I don’t want to answer that.” 

Matt snapped at his Mum, “Well I need to know. Did I upset you? Was it Dad working away?” Tracy would now have to tell him everything and unravel all the lies she told him in order to protect Mathew from the truth. 

She leaned against the counter and started to tell the truth, “I never wanted you to know the truth…”

“Mum.”

“The reason I left was your Dad was in and out of prison. He kept promising a better life but he kept being sent down and I hated it. I never stopped loving you or your Dad.” Matt’s hands were shaking as he firmly said, “Dad was a criminal and you are still in love with him?”

“Don’t be hard on your Dad, he has changed because of you and yes I still love him. He’s the only man I’ve ever loved.”

“Dad told me he broke it off with Paris last night. He said he still had feels for you but I never thought you felt the same way about Dad.” Matt was in shock trying to take all the information in. 

Hazel hugged him then he turned to his Mum and asked, “What crimes did Dad commit?” Spencer walked in and had heard what Matt had asked, “I committed burglary and was a getaway driver.”

Matt hand was shaking as he pointed at his Dad, “All these years I thought my Mum didn’t care but it was you that drove her away.” Spencer firmly but softly said, “You are right I did drive your Mum away and I’m sorry. I messed up but I want a second chance with your Mum and with you.”

Matt looked out the window. “I blamed Mum when it was you all along.”

“Can you forgive me?” 

He turned to his Dad, “I want to be mad at you but I can’t. You raised me to be better than a criminal and now I know why. I just wish we stayed a family.” Tracy said, “Whatever happens we will always be a family.”

“Mum can I see you again?” Tracy had a smile on her face, “I’d like that.” Matt watched his parents look at each other, “I forgot how happy you too were together. I can’t remember when you looked this happy Dad.” 

Spencer just smiled then Matt asked about the money. “Mum the money you were on about earlier, I want you to have it.”

Tracy smiled but said firmly, “No it is your money.” Matt shouted, “Look at your home…” he didn’t get to finish when Tracy became upset. 

Spencer tried to interfere but Matt got angry, “Don’t you dare tell me to stop Dad. Look around you, if you love Mum like you say you do then get her out of here and into a nice home.” Spencer suddenly realised his son was a young man who was trying to help his Mum. “Tracy, he is right.”

“No,” she yelled, “I want my son to have the money he should have had growing up.” Matt now had to stop this before it got out of hand, “I’ll compromise with you. I will take 50,000 and you have the rest. Also I want to move back home with you; for a while.” 

Hazel was in shock, “You want to move back with your Mum…” Matt kissed her and replied, “I want to get to know her and help decorate the new place.” 

Tracy could see Hazel was upset, “First of all what new place? Mathew, Hazel would miss you if you moved in with me. Why don’t you stay the occasional night?”

Matt thought for a moment, “You need a better place to live and what days are you off?”

“I’m off Sunday and Monday.”

“Great I’ll stay over then.” 

Spencer now cut in, “Mathew I love the fact you want to make time for your Mum and I agree but I want time with your Mum too.” Matt listened intently as Spencer continued, “I’m moving here permanently, I had a conference call with Estevan and he wants to build new bar. He is letting me oversee the whole project then I’m to run it for him. I love your Mum and I would like to build my life here with her. Would you be alright with that?”

Matt started to pace the floor, “Are you back together?”

“We’d like to be together, if that’s alright with you? I will also be looking for a place for us but can I stay with you until then?” Tracy just stared at them both and asked, “Has anyone asked if I want to move?” 

They both looked at her while Hazel just sat there and Matt asked, “Do you want Dad back in your life?”

Tracy just smiled as she looked at Spencer, “Yes I want him back.” Then Matt firmly said, “Dad you mess up again and I’ll deal with you. Mum, would you like a better place?”

Tracy laughed, “Finally someone has asked me. I’ll have to if you stay once a week. I need a second bedroom.” 

Spencer went over to Tracy wrapping his arms around her, “I love you.” Tracy looked into his eyes as she stroked his cheek, “I love you too.” Matt watched his parents and he could only remember that they were always like this towards each other. Hazel whispered in his ear, “They look so in love.” 

Matt continued to watch his parents share their first kiss in 10 years and replied, “If we are this happy years from now then it will have been all worth it.”

“I think we should leave them alone for a while.” Matt looked at Hazel and cheekily said, “Now I remember, I promised I wouldn’t behave.” Matt didn’t wait for a response as he led her from his Mum’s house and took Hazel home.