Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this made up story, except for Ian Stevens. The rest are owned by Ann M Martin.
A/N:Sorry for not updating in a long time. I've been so busy with other things. If this chapter doesn't make any sense, it's because I've got so much going on right now. So, just bear with me on this chapter and possibly more upcoming chapters. :)
A few days after my meeting with the Taylors', I was out on my front lawn, looking over my flower garden. Ian was out, so Mary Anne decided to come over to talk to me for a few minutes. She started to tell me about her latest doctor's appointment.
"Everything's fine." she said.
"That's great. So, um, how has Ian been acting lately?" I asked carefully. Her smile faded a little.
"Well, uh, he's been keeping his promise, if that's what you mean. He's just been acting .... weird lately."
"What do you mean, weird?" I asked, pulling a few weeds.
"Well, I usually tell him about my appointments, but today.... he didn't even say anything about anything! He just nodded and changed the subject."
I looked up at her and saw that her lip started to quiver. Uh-oh.
"Is anything wrong, Mary Anne?" I asked.
She nodded, a single tear falling onto her cheek. I went over to her and put my arm around her shoulder for support.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"It's just that.... I think that Ian is loosing interest in me. He never says more than two words to me and he's been so distant lately. You're the only one who asks about how my day was or how the baby is. Ian just sits there and ignores me."
I squeezed her hand and said, " I think that Ian's just ... overwhelmed with all that's going on around him. Just give him some time. I'm sure he'll come around in time."
"I hope so. Anyway, I better be getting back."
I smiled. "OK. Take care."
I watched her walk away and smiled. I certainly hoped that Ian would come around. I knew how head strong Mary Anne was, and I knew that , if worse came to worse, she'd fight her way out of her troubles. I also knew that she loved her husband very much and still wanted the best for their child. But, sadly, I also knew the so called "power" Ian had over her. I knew that he wouldn't leave. (At least, I didn't think he would? Who could hurt someone like Mary Anne that way?)
Which is why I was surprise one day when I saw Ian come out of the car, with suitcases in his hand. Hmmm. I wonder if she had finally got up the courage to kick Ian out, or if he chose to leave himself, for the good of his wife and child. As he left, I saw the look on his face. It was the look of failure and disappointment. When he saw me, for a split second, he gave me a look that I can only describe with one word: Guilt.