Chapter 25

"Hello," Sara said looking at her feet.

"Are you really calling about a job for your brother?"

"Yes."

"Get me a copy of his CV and I'll talk to someone," Teddy said, "I want to talk with you."

Tim interrupted and said, "Hurry this up I have luncheon waiting at home."

Teddy who heard his comment said, "lovely for him."

Sara laughed and repeated Ted's comment as she handed the mobile back. She heard Tim say, "I'm sure I'll be feeding you tomorrow, I always do."

Sara walked away as the brothers were still talking. She had just walked into her flat, when her mobile buzzed. She knew it was him without looking.

"Hello," she answered.

"Hello yourself. How was your morning? Tired?"

"I was when I woke...not so much now."

"What's all this about your brother?"

"He came to London well over a month ago looking for a job. He has been staying with me. Now he is stepping out with Lydia. I need him to get a job and move out," she explained.

"I will ask my father-in-law to meet with him. He has connections in the world of finance."

Father-in-law, the term surprised her. Since last night, she had been thinking of him as not married. Now she was reminded that it wasn't so simple.

She responded, "Thank you."

"So I've been thinking of you."

"You've been texting me all morning."

"I'm sorry. When are you going for your run?"

"Not sure. Why?"

"Well I think we might be in the park."

"Are you sure that's a good idea?"

"What? We like to go to the park and you like to run."

"I'll be sweaty."

"You'll still be beautiful."

"Nobody thinks I'm beautiful. I'm invisible." She said quietly.

"I think you're incredibly beautiful," he responded, "So the park?"

"Okay. I'll text you before I start my run. I am going visiting first."

"See you."

She held her mobile. She knew she shouldn't, but she wanted to see him.

Lily was so much worse. It broke Sara's heart. Christine seemed to be holding up considering. Sara knew that the hospice provided a lot of support, still Sara worried about Daphne. Christine commented about being thankful for Dr. T and his visits.

"You said you've known the family for years. Did you know his wife?"

"No. She wasn't an East Ender. She had some important bank job. I did know more than I should, because my cousin was the nanny for their babies."

"Nanny? They don't have a nanny now."

"No, she was right back at work after each baby. Traveling too. She didn't spend much time with those little ones."

"But he loved her?"

"Oh yes, they were together for years before they got married. I think they had to," Christine whispered.

"Had to?"

"You know."

"Oh."

Sara took in everything she learned. She felt guilty for snooping. Still she wanted to know more. She didn't stay long at Lily's. On the way home, it occurred to her she could probably find more information on the internet.

Once home. she turned on her old laptop and typed in his name. The first thing that came up was the link to East End GP, then his university credentials. There it was, the obituary. Well actually two, the other one was for Dr. Patrick Turner. Below the obituaries she laughed, Tim was right, Ted was a football star and there were articles to prove it.

If she had thought to do this a while ago she would have know he wasn't married. Aside from the football article there was one with an account of the accident that took her life. Sara saw the photograph of the mangled car, but chose not to read that. Instead she read the obituary.

The life of the woman that Ted married was spelled out. Melissa, not Turner, she kept her own last name. Her professional successes were numerous, her academic achievements as well. She was also listed as wife, mother, daughter, friend. But the words did not tell her about who they were as a couple or a family. She found she had more questions than answers.

She was drawn to the obituary for the late doctor. His life in medicine interested her. The first thing that stood out was 1909. She didn't think that Mrs. Turner was eighty yet. The age difference must have been quite large. Sara wondered just how old Ted was and about their age difference.

The account of his professional life was humble and focused on the years he served the East End and mentioned his service during the second world war. It included briefly that he grew up in Liverpool. The majority of the words were used to acknowledge him as a father and husband, including to the late Marianne (Parker) Turner. She knew that was Tim's mother. She wished she could have met him.

While she was still on her laptop. Her mobile chimed.

Heading to park now. See u?

Yes. Getting ready now.

She logged off and went to change into running clothes. She was tempted to walk to the park, but knew she needed the run. It was good for her stress and peace of mind. So she was hot and tired when she reached the park. Slowing to a walk she scanned the crowds for them.

She saw them sitting in the shade. As she walked toward them she knew the moment he saw her. His face light up and she smiled back. She was unsure if she would feel awkward after last night. What she did was quicken her steps because she wanted to get to him.

"Look it's Sara! What a surprise!" he said.

Bernadette jumped up and ran to her. Before she was too close, Sara said, "Stay back, I'm sweaty."

"You're running again?" She asked.

"Yes. I like to exercise. What are you doing here today?" Sara asked.

"Football again!" She said quite dramatically, "but we stopped to rest."

Turning to the others, Sara said, "Hello Patrick, hello doctor."

"Nice day, isn't?" Ted said.

"Absolutely."

"Come have a sit. We have some extra water."

Did he just wink at her? She was not sure about all this deception. Still when he passed her the water their fingers brushed and it felt like they had an electrical charge. She sat and began to chat, mostly with the children.

Sara never questioned why Bernadette took to her so quickly. Now she realized that it was because she didn't have a mother. She was looking for a maternal connection. She wondered whether Ted realized that as well.

Ted asked, "How was your visit?"

She shook her head, and asked, "How long do you think?"

"I can't say, but not very."

"What daddy?" Asked Bernadette.

"Nothing love. Just about a patient," he answered patiently.

Sara imagined that to someone passing by they looked like a family. The East End was small and with the university and hospital nearby anyone could see them.

"I need to go," she said and abruptly and stood up.

He opened his mouth to stop her, but what could he say?

"Dad, can we go to the playground?"

"Yes," she heard him say as she ran off.

By the time she got home she had text messages from him. She imagined him sitting on the bench watching his children play.

That was hard. I wanted to kiss you x

Thanks for coming

Let me know when you get home

Sara:

I'm home

We'll never be alone

Teddy:

We'll find a way. Tuesday!?

Sara:

Yes!

Teddy:

We'll be together Monday

Sara:

I know I'm worried about it.

Teddy:

Can't keep your lips off mine

Sara:

Ha, ha

Teddy:

I wasn't joking. I want to kiss you

Sara:

Me too.

Teddy:

Can I call you tonight?

Sara:

YES!