That Sunday was surprisingly warm for mid Autumn. Ace arrived at the Stratford's only to hear that Laura wasn't ready yet.
It was moving day for Caroline and Ace helped her move a few of the heavier boxes into the car before asking what the hold up was with Laura.
"She is inside getting aquainted with Mrs Morris," Caroline explained. "Well that's the last of it," she said as she closed the door to a car that belonged to a friend of hers that was helping her with the move. They had offered to drive down with her as they had grown up children who lived in Clairmont and were happy for an excuse to visit them.
"Hello Nancy, we're almost ready," Caroline called out to her friend who was bringing the last box from inside.
Ace was not at all surprised by the disapproving look that Nancy flashed his way, he turned his attention instead to Laura who was now making her way out of the house. Behind her stood a stern woman with thick gray hair pulled back into a tight bun and thinly framed glassed perched on her nose. She looked him up and down and Ace knew that his first impression had not been a good one. He did not care, now Laura had appeared they could be on their way.
He knew Laura well enough to know that if she and Caroline had a drawn out goodbye then Laura would be weeping for days. So he said goodbye to Caroline, gave her a brief peck on the chin and watched Laura do the same, her mother assuring her all the while that the week would fly by.
Ace caught Laura's hand and pulled her towards his car noticing the first few tears were starting to appear. Deciding instead to leave his car at her house and walk into town he dropped his shoulders down a little motioning for her to climb on.
She giggled a little as he hoisted her onto his back and began walking down the street. She tried to turn around to check that her skirts were pulled down properly when Ace surprised her by adjusting them himself. At the end of the street he set her down again before kissing her roughly.
"Are you tired?" she asked as his lips moved down her neck.
"No babe," he murmured, "I just can't have you pressed against me for so long without going a little crazy," he smiled, reclaiming her mouth. He was glad to see he had cheered her up. He stopped and pulled his shirt over his head, tucking it into his back pocket and reaching for a cigarette.
"It's really hot," Laura said as they started down the street again. Ace nodded, taking a long drag, puffing out a long white cloud.
"Yea it must be," he finally spoke, "to get you out of your cardigan."
She shoved him in the side playfully.
"But I know thats not the only way to get you out of your cardigan," he said softly, watching her blush. "And I know the way to get under your dress," he said, eyes twinkling, "but my favourite is when I get inside you," he whispered in his deep voice.
He smiled and kissed her on the cheek, "how are you still so sweet after all the depraved things I've done to you?" he asked her, draping his arm over her shoulders.
But he already knew, it was just how she was.
They walked back down the same roads on their way home that afternoon, their skin starting to chill as the sun set over Castle Rock.
Ace kept an eye out for the slightest shiver and when it happened he used it as an excuse to lift her off the gound again, this time on to his hip. Laura yawned and closed her eyes, resting her head on his shoulder. She was tired and without walking to keep her awake she was soon asleep.
She awoke again soon afterward as they reached the front of her house.
"Go have a nap," Ace advised her holding her for the last time before he said goodnight.
"It's nearly bed time," she replied, still half asleep.
"Well go to bed soon," he said kissing her goodnight before driving away.
Laura began to make her way toward her bedroom when she was greeted by a stern voice at the doorway.
"Late," Mrs Morris said and upon seeing Laura's dozy state began sniffing her for alcohol.
"I'm just going to go to bed," Laura replied.
"After dinner," Mrs Morris insisted.
They sat down at the table and Laura was greeted with a plate of peas, mashed potato and lamb chops. After a long winded saying of grace Mrs Morris allowed Laura to begin eating. Laura did not like peas but felt it would be best not to mention it to this frightening woman who seemed so nice this morning.
"Who was that boy?" she asked suddenly.
"John," Laura replied, also thinking that it was wise to avoid calling him Ace in front of her.
"How do you know him?"
"He's my friend," Laura replied uncertainly.
"I know his sort, you'd do well to keep away from him," she continued dispensing her unwanted advice. "He only wants one thing from you," she warned, "or maybe he's already gotten it," she continued looking Laura over carefully, as if she were trying to spot some indicator of sin.
Laura was finally able to excuse herself to get ready for bed. All of the warmth of the day had disappered and she felt cold.
She wasn't able to sleep for a long time.