Des woke first the next morning, the alarm wouldn't go off for another half hour, he looked over at Sheelagh, she looked so content and peaceful as she slept, so as quietly as he could, he climbed out of bed and went to make her breakfast.
It wasn't long after he'd gone that she woke up to find herself alone in a strange bed. She rolled over and buried her face in Des's pillow and smiled happily.
"Morning" He smiled as he poked his head around the door.
"Morning" She replied happily.
"Breakfast, m'lady" He said as he handed her two slices of toast and jam.
"Aww, thanks Des" She said as she took the plate and cup of tea from him.
"How're you feeling?" He asked as he sat down on the side of the bed
"Tired" She grinned "But otherwise very good"
"Funny that, because I feel tired too" He laughed "I don't want to go to work though, I'd rather stay in bed with my favourite serge" Sheelagh smiled
Sheelagh smiled
"I don't want to go either but I need the rest!" She said reluctantly
She ate her breakfast quietly, Des sat watching her, a gentle smile occasionally crossing his lips. Sheelagh looked at him over her cup of tea and caught him looking.
"What?" She smirked
"Nothing" He laughed
"Tell me" She said, give him a gentle shove
"Just thinking how beautiful you look in my bedroom! He replied, looking slightly embarrassed.
Sheelagh blushed, it was a strange kind of compliment, but a good one.
"Can I get a shower?" She asked
"Sure, do you need any help?" He grinned
"No thanks, I'm sure I can manage" She chuckled
"Shame" He replied
She got out of b ed and wandered to the bathroom, her head so full of thoughts, how could she ever look Patrick in the eye again? She'd never been unfaithful in the past, so why start now? It was completely inexplicable but whatever it was she was feeling was unlike anything she'd ever known, it was so strong and impulsive, so right but so wrong. She couldn't understand how she lasted 20 some years with Patrick when she'd never felt this alive. She knew she'd betrayed him, and the kids, and she watched in the mirror as her reflection shed a solitary tear.
She wanted to know how long this would go on, how long she'd have to pretend to be happy in a relationship, that although secure, wasn't what she knew in her heart to be right.
Des sat on the bed drinking his tea, it was the first night in so long that he'd not had that dream, somehow having Sheelagh there in his arms, so warm and peaceful, reassured his troubled mind. He knew it was impossible to have her there every night but he wished he could, he longed for the day he could guarantee she'd be lying there in his arms when he opened his eyes. If only.
Sheelagh turned on the cold tap and splashed water over her face, hoping it would make her see sense, but instead it just made her cold and got in her eyes. She too wished that she could wake up in Des's arms each day, but it was a long time since she'd followed her heart, she was so used to trying to keep everyone else happy that it had just become second nature to her.
Des finished his tea and realised he hadn't heard the shower come on, he knew he was paranoid but he couldn't help it, so he got to his feet and peered around the bathroom door. Sheelagh was leaning against the sink with her head in her hands, she hadn't noticed him come in, and just continued to sob quietly to herself, a war of her emotions raging inside her.