AN: We've decided to only post a short scene again this time to address the aftermath of John/Eamon's talk. We'll be back to our Journal entries and regular scenes next time.
Giving Comfort
Anna knew, as soon as she saw him, that questions wouldn't be necessary. His eyes were tired and red, his face fallen and a long sigh escaping from him as he hung his cane on the back of a chair. He looked at her then, managing a small constrained smiled, and she stood from her place on the sofa to walk to him.
'The children are in bed,' she told him. 'We all missed your story.'
'I'm sorry...I took longer than I thought I would,' he replied, downcast.
'We understood,' she reassured, approaching him.
His arms came immediately around her shoulders, pulling her to him. 'All I want now is to go to bed and to hold you until morning comes,' he whispered into her hair.
Anna nodded, feeling his lips softly against her temple, the warmth of his chest so inviting. She could live in embraces like this for the rest of her life.
After a few minutes of silence they went upstairs; John snuck a look at his son and at his daughters, making sure they were sleeping soundly as Anna had informed. He then washed and dressed for bed while Anna waited under the covers, knowing too well he wanted to share a few words about it before going to sleep.
When he got in bed she shifted in her place, giving him space to lay on her pillow, one of her hands running through his silky damp hair while the other supported her head as she lay on her side looking down at him.
'You alway make me feel so much better,' he said, closing his eyes into her caresses. The motion of her hand was making him rather sleepy.
She took that wonderful lock of hair she loved away from his forehead, before placing a kiss there. 'Just as you do,' she smiled, her fingers smoothing his eyebrows before returning to his head once again.
'I told him to stay...maybe you are right, maybe time will make me feel differently about all this,' he said in a low and steady voice.
'That's good, my darling. I'm proud of you.'
'I knew you would be,' he chuckled. 'He likes you, of course he does...and well, as you said, no harm can be done in waiting. I just...how can I forgive him?'
'You're stronger than you think, John. I'm not saying you will forgive him overnight, or that you ever will, but...everyone deserves a second chance, and he did the best he could, under the circumstances, didn't he?'
John looked at her questioningly.
'I mean, he worked hard to send money to you and your mother. It's just like having a father away working to send money home, in your case you didn't know he was doing it, but he was, and that happens to many, many families.'
'I suppose but...why did they have to lie to me?'
'He wasn't going to come home any time soon, was he? Your mother didn't want you to linger, waiting for him, or to have you go after him. She couldn't lose you too. I really don't know and we probably never will but all that she did was because she loved you very, very much. People sometimes do things with their own reasons, and to them, it makes sense.'
'Yes,' he sighed.
'He wasn't the family man she thought he was...he wasn't born for that, maybe staying would make him bitter and angry and nasty to you and your mother. Maybe his going away spared the two of you from something graver. Better a good master away than a bad one at home.'
'You're right… as always,' John smiled softly, looking up at her. She was gazing at him tenderly, her blue eyes making him feel so peaceful and loved. 'Was William very sad I didn't tell him his story?'
'Ever so sad,' Anna pouted playfully, trying to lighten up his mood. 'And so was I. You know how much we love your stories. And Finn and Fee were fussy, they missed their daddy too.'
'I bet they didn't notice I was gone,' John scoffed.
'Don't say that! Of course they did. They love you so much, you silly beggar.'
'As I love them...how could I ever live without all of you?'
Anna sighed at his words. Neither could they live without him. She kissed his forehead again. 'You should sleep now, my love. Rest, and tomorrow is another day and you'll feel better about it.'
'Not before you give me a kiss,' he winked, smiling that cheeky grin of his.
She shot him a teasing look, happy that he was able to cheer up, even if just a little bit, before acquiescing to his demand. His hands coming around her shoulders to pull her to him as he deepened the kiss, and she gave in willingly, as she always did. How could she resist him after all?
'Are you settled for the night, Mr Bates? Or do you want a bedtime story?' she asked when they broke apart.
'I'm good...but,' John smiled, closing his eyes as he took her hand and placed it atop his head. 'Keep doing that,' he groaned.
'Until you start snoring,' she chuckled.
'I don't snore…'
Anna shook her head lovingly, and soon, as expected, his gentle snores were heard in the room. His mouth half opened and a heavy look on his brow. She sighed looking down at him, her hand never stopping its gentle motion. Tonight she would spend as much time as she could just staring at this man. A man that had given her so much without asking anything in return. A husband that loved and cared for her above all things. A father that would do everything within his power for his children. She was a lucky woman, indeed, and all that she wanted now was to see him happy and serene once again, and for that she prayed for him as he slept. Prayed for peace and forgiveness. For second chances to succeed, and for his father never to disappoint him, ever again.
Her prayers would be answered.
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Next week, let the Christmas season begin!
The Journal entries are written by Handy For the Bus & Terriejane.
We'd like to thank the lovely annamays (aka/fuzzydream) for being our beta.
Thank you for reading. Your reviews are very much appreciat
