Thank you to people who have reviewed, it means a lot to see what you think. I'm sorry that this is still a rather short chapter, the next few will be longer a I get deeper into the story.
Disclaimer: Forgot to add that I don't own, but simply love, the characters of Desperate Housewives.
Hope you continue to enjoy and review, many thanks, M x
The next day was poker day and Bree was dreading it. Today was her time to host the weekly event where her friends would enjoy some food, drink and gossip as they played their friendly game. A few months ago Bree would have been delighted to spend time with the women, her friends, whom she loved so dearly. Now though, she was always on edge about what they might ask her, what they'd think and say if they knew how weak she was – and worse; what he would do to her if he thought she had exposed him for what he really was…
Bringing her out of her thoughts was the noise of talking as her friends let themselves in.
"Hey Bree, we're here!" called Lynette.
Walking out from the comfort of her kitchen Bree faced her friends with her most perfected smile before greeting them; "Come in, I've set up the table, now who'd like some freshly baked scones?"
Bree had slaved over the afternoon's food selection, finding release in the comfort of what she knew best.
As the game flowed the topic of conversation smoothly moved from Gabby's latest shopping trip, Susan's disaster of a meal for her mother-in-law and Lynette's troubles with Tom. Bree braced herself as Gabby asked, "Soo Bree where's that sexy boyfriend of yours hiding eh?" The others laughed at Gabby's flirtatious nature that was so different to Bree's seriousness.
"Oh he's at work today, I expect he'll be back soon really so we should probably end the game. I need to get dinner on for him you see he works so hard and I wouldn't want him to feel..." Bree was talking incredibly quickly and the others looked at each other and then back towards Bree, a little alarmed so she stopped talking.
"Bree, are you okay?" Asked Lynette; comfortingly placing a hand on Bree's wrist. Silently wincing in pain as Lynette inadvertently put pressure on her bruise, Bree yanked her hand away.
"Yes I'm fine, just please all go now!" Her voice had raised more than she'd wanted it to and she hadn't realised she'd stoop up from the table.
"Bree this isn't like-" Susan tried to say but was interrupted by a now shaking Bree,
"Just get out! All of you! I'm fine I just don't need this right now, goodbye!"
Not wanting their friend to get into a worse state the housewives decided it would be best to leave her alone for a while. However, this didn't stop them from being very concerned about watching the women who always appeared to be holding it together, falling apart.
Bree tried desperately to pull herself together as she was left alone feeling ambivalent. In one sense she was glad that she had not broken down and admitted to her friends the awful mess she had let her relationship get into. However, on the other hand she simply longed for their comfort and for help – but something Bree Van de Kamp never did, was ask for help.
Hearing the door open once more Bree quickly wiped her tears ready to tell Lynette or one of the others that she was absolutely fine. However, it was Alec that walked in, him, the man she'd thought might actually be the saviour of her awful track record regarding love. Trying to read his expression as he walked towards her Bree thought of all the men she had loved and lost and began to think that maybe this was the pay back for all her failings in life.