Chapter XXIII

''What do you mean, he left?'' Gwen asked. She and Anna were sitting on the couch the morning after Anna had finally found the courage to kiss John.

''He said 'I can't,' and just left,'' Anna replied, resting a cup of tea on her lap.

She really had no idea what had happened. He had kissed her back, she was certain about that. His hands had pulled her closer, but when she had wanted to take the next step, he had simply pushed her away and run.

''Did you phone him?''

''Phoned, texted…I've done everything. No response.''

''What do you think happened?''

''I don't know.'' Anna shook her head. ''All I know is that I feel terrible for pushing him too far.''

''Anna, don't...''

''But it's true. He told me he wasn't ready for anything to happen between us. And I just wouldn't listen.''

''Anna, this is not your fault.''

''I know that. Damn John Bates and his stupid handsome face!'' Anna chuckled, trying to make herself feel better. ''Good god, Gwen, he looked so good…I just couldn't stop myself!''

''Anna!'' Gwen laughed.

''He's so fit…but he's also kind and he listens - he actually listens to me when I speak to him.''

''Don't forget to mention his body,'' Gwen teased, knowing all about the time Anna had gone by his house and had found him wearing nothing but a towel.

''Ohh, don't even get me started!'' Anna wailed, covering her face with a cushion.

''I think he's scared.'' Gwen's John suddenly appeared at the door, having overheard the entire conversation from the kitchen.

''No shit, Sherlock! What could possibly make you say that?'' Gwen rolled her eyes at him.

''No, I mean…listen…'' He sat down next to Anna and pulled the cushion away from her face. ''…look, I don't know any bloke who would run from a woman like you...''

''Hey!'' Gwen slapped his shoulder playfully.

''If something's holding him back, it isn't you, Anna,'' John continued. ''Something must have happened to him at some point. And maybe it had to do something with a child or children. You say he spends every Monday at the children hospital, right?''

''Gwen!'' Anna glared at her best friend. She was the only person Anna had told all about John's Mysterious Mondays.

''What? He's my fiancé; I tell him everything!''

''Yes, she does.''

Anna shot her a look.

''And you say he gets emotional around children. He was perfectly fine that one evening until Freddie called him daddy, right?'' John continued.

''Oh, for god's sake, Gwen! Did you tell him everything I've told you?''

''No.''

''Gwen!''

''OK, yeah, I did, but come on - he's making some sense, don't you think?'' Gwen rationalised.

''Yes, I suppose he is,'' Anna admitted.

''Look, I don't what happened to him, but I do know there probably isn't a single straight man in this entire world who would not kiss you or sleep with you, if there wasn't something significant holding him back,'' John said, standing up.

''Except you, you mean?!'' Gwen quickly added, well-aware that he'd had a crush on Anna, before she herself had met him. Anna, of course, had no idea.

''Yes, except me,'' John added quickly.

''Because I'm in love with Gwen, my fiancée,'' Gwen prompted him.

''Yes, of course,'' John said quickly, and left the sitting room before she could take the conversation any further.

''What was that about?'' Anna asked.

''Forget about it,'' Gwen replied. ''So what do you think? Could he be right? Could this have anything to do with a child?''

''No idea. All I know is that he hasn't seen his wife in years. I don't even know why they split up. Maybe your John is right…maybe there is a child involved. Maybe they had a child and Vera doesn't allow him to see him or her,'' Anna speculated. ''But what could that have to do with him not wanting to get involved with me?''

''I've got it!'' John walked back into the room. ''He's gay!''

''Oh, shut up!'' Gwen picked one of the cushions and threw it directly at his face. ''Anna, don't listen to him. He's not gay.''

''I know he isn't,'' Anna chuckled.

''How do you know?'' John teased, as he left the room.

''Because Thomas tried making a pass at him once years ago, and almost got fired.''

xXx

''Gwen, come on - we're going to be late!'' John called from the stairs a few hours later.

''Coming!" Gwen shouted. "I'm sure I've forgotten something…I just don't know what…'' She and John were heading to meet their wedding planner for the very first time. They had finally set the date for their wedding, and Anna was thrilled for them.

''Just go, Gwen. I'm sure it's nothing important…''

''Oh, god!''

''Gwen! Come on - let's go!''

''I'm coming!'' Gwen called again. ''What's his problem?'' She turned to Anna, exasperated.

''My problem is that I can't wait to marry you,'' John replied, walking back into the flat and taking Gwen's hand.

''You're an idiot,'' Gwen smiled, and gave him a kiss.

''But I'm your idiot!'' John said, and literally pulled Gwen out the door with him. ''Bye, Anna.''

''Bye! Have fun!'' Anna managed to say, before they closed the door behind them.

And here she was, all alone. She had to admit that the conversation they'd had that morning really did make some sense – John's reluctance might somehow be connected to a child. But she still could not understand what that might have to do with her.

Pouring herself another cup of coffee, she had just made herself comfortable on the couch again when the doorbell rang.

''Oh, Gwen…'' Anna groaned, and started to untangle herself from all the blankets she had wrapped herself up in.

''So…what did you forget…?'' she began, as she opened the door.

But it wasn't Gwen standing in front of her...it was Green.


beta: ANNAMBATES! ahhhhh i know i say this all the time but you really are the best!

first Vera and now Green...I know, I know...and for those who asked about John and Vera,...yes they are still married ;)

and thank you for reviewing! it means sooooo much xoxox