Its been 17 years since Eli and I have known each other. We ended up getting married when he was 25 and I was 24. I got a job as journalist for the Toronto Sun and Eli took over his dad's radio station. Things are great between us. Yes we had our ups and downs (especially when we were dating in high school. We broke up for a bit and I started dating my friend Jake). I haven't talked to Jake in a while. Last I heard he went to school become a business man and got his girlfriend pregnant at age 20.
But as I said before, things between Eli and I are great. We have two beautiful children; Annabelle Marie Goldsworthy, age 7 and Eric William Goldsworthy, age 5. We love our children with all our heart. We're very protective of Eric because he is a small, fragile boy. He almost died after I gave birth to him from having such a low body weight. We keep a close eye on him, but his sister is always there to protect him. It so cute when I see them play outside, she holds his hand sometimes. Those were the good old days.
I'll never forget that one evening when I came home. The babysitter just left and the kids ran into my arms as I gave them each a kiss on the head.
"Mommy," said Eric. "Some man came to us today while we were playing and said he was a friend of yours. He was telling us about the word of God!"
I was puzzled by this. Where was the babysitter when this was happening?
"What did this man say his name was?"
"Mark FitzGerald"
My blood ran cold. Not Fitz! Last time I saw him he told Eli that him and I have a "spiritual connection". I told my children to stay away from Fitz because Mommy was not a friend of his anymore. They didn't ask why, which I'm grateful for. I went to call Eli while he was at work.
"Hey sweetie! How was work?"
"Great. Um, there's something I need to tell you. Fitz came by today when I was at work. He talked to the kids."
There was silence followed by Eli's cursing.
"That bastard! I don't want him near anyone in this family! I'm going to find him and kill him"
"NO! Don't say that! I'm going to find him myself! I'll talk to him and tell him if he doesn't leave us alone, I'll get a restraining order"
"No Clare. That's too much of a risk! What if he hurts you?"
"Eli! I can handle myself! Don' worry!"
"Please Clare, don't do it! Promise me you won't go looking for him."
I didn't say anything right away. I thought that I can talk to Fitz another time and Eli doesn't have know about it.
"I promise"