James POV
-3 weeks later
The sun bursts through the blinds in the room, and a sudden appearance at the door makes me open my eyes.
-Good morning, Mr. Bond. I came with good news.
-Good morning, doctor. I hope is the one I can get out of here.
-Yes, they really are. But remember that you must not make effort for a few more weeks.
-Yes, I know and honestly I'm not really interested in anything at the moment, other than to disappear from this hospital once.
-Before you leave, I have to bring you the things that remained in the car, after the accident.
-Yes, well, I'm waiting for you here.
-Okay, I'll be right back!
I get out of bed, leaning against the edge of the bed.
(I can finally leave)
I get up easily and I realize that I can go again, without anything hurting me. On the coffee table, I see a net, in which are placed clothes and a note that says: We are waiting for you at home .
I smile, unpacking my clothes so I can take them. In the net there is a pair of socks, some jeans, a T-shirt, a pair of sunglasses, a beautiful Omega Seamaster watch and a pair of shoes.
Meanwhile, the doctor arrives with a box in his arms.
-Look here are the objects, no one has walked to the box since the accident, so do not worry that someone come to stole something.
-OK, thank you.
-Ah, yes and don't forget to stop by the reception before you leave to sign some documents.
- So I will.
I open the box, in which I see my wallet, the car keys, which unfortunately no longer exist, a picture of Madeleine and Mathilde and a jacket. I put the picture in my wallet, put the keys in my pocket and I shake off the jacket of dust. Suddently I hear how something falling out of the pocket. I look down and see a box that opens up some unfinished memories.
(today must be the time)
I leave the room, leaving the box empty on the bed and enter the reception,for the documents I have to sign.
-Hello!
-Hello, I came to sign some documents!
-On what name ?
-Bond ... James Bond!
-Come, sign down there and set today's date.
-What day is today?
-1st of July
(Although I try every day to count the days, I froze when I heard the day we are. Alas, it's Madeleine's birthday. Too bad she has to wait until tonight to give her the gift, which I hope she will not refuse)
I sign what I have to sign, and then I make my way to the hospital parking lot to call a taxi.
(I never thought I'd end up taking a taxi either. And I can say I don't like it very much. I think it's time to put Q to work.)
I signal the taxi driver to park here the car, and I ask the driver to take me to the most expensive and elegant clothing store he knows in the city. When the driver hears this, he looks puzzled in the mirror to meet my gaze.
-Didn't you hear? Do I have to repeat one more time?
-Yes, boss, I heard, but where exactly?
-In speed if possible.
Hearing what was said, the driver speeds up, reaching one of the most beautiful outlets I've seen so far.
-Thank you, if you could wait here for half an hour?
-No, that the boss gets upset if I don't do as many races as possible.
-I pay you double!
-Sorry, but I don't do things like that, excuse me.
-Stupid, stay here until I come, if not, I tell the "boss" to kick you out.
-Okay ... that's what I'm going to do. The man says looking at me with a scared face.
-Ah, and I was going to forget. I'll give you triple. That's a tip for callousness.
-Yes..Yes, boss, thank you!
-Do you see that we got along ?! I smile wryly, tapping him on the shoulder.
I walk into the store, calling Moneypenny, while I look at a dress.
-Moneypenny!
-James?
-Yes, it's me, isn't James written on the screen?
-No, writes James my knight.
-Seriously?
-No, Jesus, I just didn't know you were back. Are you okay? After the humor, it seems so.
-Haha, yes I'm fine, today I was able to leave the hospital, now I can recover at home.
-Ah, great, I'm glad James. Is that why you called me or you have work to do with me?
-Actually I have a very important mission for you.
-So, which is ?
-Well, I want to marry Madeleine tonight, and I have a plan.
-Aww, how beautiful James. I'm glad. So what do you want me to do for you?
-I was thinking, that you can call her and invite her to your house, to sit at a gossip, to drink a coffee, you know, girls stuff, I don't go in. I'm now at an outlet to buy her a dress that I'll bring it to you, and you have go give it to her, because you don't like it or is not your size. You put her to try it, and until then I'll make arrangements through the house, dinner, candles, things like that. I will call her after I finish, because Mathilde is not feeling well, she is sick and that she have to come quickly. At that moment you will drive her home, and don't let her take off her dress.
-Wow great idea. I didn't know you knew how to do surprises!
-Me neither.
-Okay, I'm calling her right now!
-Okay, but wait a minute. And you can arrange her, you know,do her some makeup, I don't know, and most importantly, you have to make her leave the house with the dress on her.
-Yes, I will try, but I don't know if I succeed.
-Okay, bye, thank you so much for your help!
-My pleasure, byee!
I hang up the phone, continuing to look for a beautiful dress.
(I'm so excited that my world seems to be making sense now.)
While I'm looking, a bright dress catches my eye. I take her off the hanger, looking at her carefully, until an employee comes to me.
-Can I help you with something ?
-Yes, I would like to know how much this dress costs?
-Wait a minute, doesn't it say on the label?
-Not.
-I'm going to ask someone at the cash register, and I'll be back.
-Okay.
In the meantime, as I look at the dress, I think about the fact that I don't have a tuxedo, and that I really like what a black one from Tomford looks like here.
(I think I'm taking this)
I'm taking the suit, heading with him to the cash register and meeting on the way with the employee I had asked about the price of the dress.
-You found?
-Yes, it costs 3500 pounds.
-Okay, then I'll take it.
-Do you want this suit?
-Yes.
-A very good choice, is the new Tomford collection that came this season.
(Yes, what can you say to make a sale)
I go to the cash register, waiting for them to put my shopping,nicely in a net.
-How much is it ?
-10500 pounds. Do you pay by card or cash?
-The card.
I place the card in the machine, typing the code, happily leaving the store and getting in the taxi waiting for me.
-Look, I came in less than 30 minutes.
Arriving at Moneypenny's apartment, I call the intercom so I can enter the building.
-Hello, who is it?
-Tom and Jerry. Open that I have to give you the dress.
-Oh, okay, now, now!
I quickly climb the stairs, reaching the 8th floor. I knock on the door and I am greeted by Eve's boyfriend, who was shirtless and revealed an impressive pair of muscles.
-Hello, I'm James, I came to give Eve something.
"Here I am," Moneypenny shouted from the next room.
-Stay calm, the dress is not for her, it is for my future wife, and stay chill that it is not Eve. It belongs entirely to you. Now if you excuse me, ... if you let me pass, because I am in a hurry.
-Yes, of course you pass.
The man smiles, letting me through.
-Thank you, I say slipping past him.
I quickly go to Eve's room, to give her the dress.
-I didn't know your boyfriend was Hulk.
-You can ever once in your life not to be mischievous.
-But I'm not at all, that man kind of scares me.
-It does you good.
-Haha!
-Now moving on to serious things, are you ready?
-No, I'm not really, I have emotions that maybe it won't turn out the way I want.
-I trust you, that you will succeed. By the way, I called Madeleine.
-And what did she say?
-She told me, that she will come after she feeds Mathilde for lunch
-Ah, ok, great. And so I have to take Mathilde to Q, so we don't have to wake her up.
-Hm.
-What ?
Moneypenny looked at me raising an eyebrow.
"Be careful not to make a brother to Mathilde," Eve says, starting to laugh.
-That's not going to happen.
-How do you know? Wouldn't you like another child?
-I don't know what to say, I mean I would like to see how it's like to raise a child, because I didn't have the chance this time ..., but I don't seem to be ready and plus,Madeleine has to be agree with that .
-Yes, you will see, in a while.
-Yes ..
-Well, go what are you waiting for ?!
-Now, now, bye, see with the plan, that it has to come out like a book.
-Yeah, well.
I quickly leave the room, looking at the Hulk again.
-Bye, Eve's boyfriend!
-Bye, Josef!
-My name is James, but Josef is good too. I shouted, closing the door behind me. I hurried down, calling another taxi to take me home. When I get home, I open the door and I am greeted by Mathilde who is watching TV. Before she is saying a word about my arrival at home, I signal her not to make a fuss.
-Shhh.
-You came, yeyy !! Mathilde whispers so Madeleine not to hear.
-I missed you so much!
-And you, Daddy! And she quickly jumps into my arms.
-I saw your drawing with the three of us. It was wonderful. You are as talented as your father, only you are a little more talented.
-Thank youu. She says, giving me a kiss on the cheek.
-Where's mommy?
-She's in the bedroom, she's changing, Aunt Eve called her to come to her.
-Yes, I know, because I made her call her.
-Yes? Why ?
-Because tonight I want to surprise Mommy, and she'll have to go to her until I make arrangements in the house.
-Aha, ok, I'm not gonna tell her anything.
-I want to ask her to marry me, and to do that, I have to take you to Uncle Q, so we can have a nice evening together just the two of us. So you promise not to tell her anything?
-Yes, I promise.
-Pinky promise!
-Pinky promise!
I give her a kiss on the forehead, placing her lightly back on the couch. I easily make my way to the bedroom, where I see Madeleine trying to choose what to wear.
-I think that suits you. I say, looking at her from the doorframe.
-Oh, you came! She says coming running towards me to take me in her arms.
-I missed you so much.
-Me too. Right now I wanted to stop at the hospital to see why you don't get here,before I went to Eve.
-Eve?
-Yes, she called me to come to her to talk.
-Ok.
-I don't stay long anyway, because I have to cook for dinner.
-It's not a problem darling, I'm cooking.
-Do I let you set fire to the kitchen. Hmm ..., no.
-Oh, come on, I'm fine, seriously.
-Hm ... okay, but make sure you don't burn the food because Mathilde is not allowed to eat too crispy or burnt.
-Okay, boss, I get it.
-Okay, then I'm going, because Eve is waiting for me, and I don't want her to wait for me too long, because I'm already 3 minutes late.
-Then go.
I follow Madeleine to the door,waiting for her with Mathilde on my back, to come out the door.
-Well, be good. Says Madeleine coming to me to kiss me.
-This how we ll do it. I say between kisses.
She climbs to the top to give Mathilde a kiss, and then goes out the door, waiting for a taxi.
-Do you want me to call you one?
-No, no, I can handle it, thank you!
-Okay.
After seeing Madeleine boarding a taxi and leaving to Moneypenny' apartment, only then am I sure I can start preparations.
-Mathilde, sorry, but I have to take you to Q.
-Now?
-Yes.
-Well, what about dinner?
-Dinner will only be between me and mommy. I know I'm a terrible dad, but I promise I'll make up for it.
-Okay.
-Okay, come and get dressed, take Grizzly.
-His name is Teddy, says Mathilde as she hurries up the stairs.
-Sorry, I have small memory loss due to the accident.
Mathilde descends the stairs, ready dressed with Teddy, which she holds tightly to her chest, heading slightly towards me.
-Accident? Mom told me you were sick.
(Yes, I don't think I should have said that)
-Uhm ...I sigh,sitting on the couch.
-Yes, Daddy had an accident, but you don't have to worry, because I'm back and I'm here with you.
-What happened?
-Honestly, I don't know if you believe me, but I forgot or at least I don't remember the whole scene,but I remeber that when I left to pick you up from school,a truck entered my lane, hitting me and throwing me off the road.
-You don't look like you've been trampled by a truck.
-Not totally.
I unbutton my shirt, pointing to Mathilde, my archive of scars. I see her intending to get her hands on it.
-Don't you worry.
Mathilde stretches her little hand over my abdomen.
-It hurts? She asks, tapping her fingers on the ribs which are quite bruised.
-A little, I say frowning a little, because it really hurts.
-You know that you don't have to be mad at mommy, that she didn't tell you the truth, but she didn't want you to worry.
-But I was worried anyway, because if you were sick you could stay here, and it was as if I knew that my mother was hiding something from me.
-Maybe you don't understand now because you are small, but adults also do mistakes trying to protect their loved ones. So you don't have to be upset on mommy and plus I'm fine, you see. Your dad is a warrior.
-Yes ...
-Now let's take you to Uncle Q. I say closing my shirt and carrying Mathilde to the car.
On the way to Q's apartment, Mathilde said nothing. I can say that I feel guilty for what I told her earlier.
Arriving at the apartment,I ring the bell waiting for the cat lover to open the door.
-Come on, I know you're over there.Stop caressing the cats
Suddenly the door is open, being greeted by Q.
-Hello, Bond, Mathilde!
-Hello Q, I missed you.
-So I don't get rid of you after all, do I?
-Uhm nah, no chance.
-Hello Uncle Q!
-Hello, my dear little Mathilde. Do you want to play with Mops?
-Mops ?!
-Yes, you heard right, it's that white British ShortHair cat, it's Mathilde's favorite.
-Good you didn't name her Mop. I say starting to laugh.
-If you came to make fun of my cats, then you better not come.
-Sorry, Q, sorry. I come to leave Mathilde with you today. Tomorrow I'll come and get her. In case you have a date, you know what I mean, do it quietly, because today Mathilde stay with you.
-But what happened?
-Oh, nothing, I want to ask Madeleine if she want to marry me and I want to be just the two of us. I hope you don't mind.
-No, I had nothing planned for today.
-Do you have food?
-No, but I will cook!
-It's good. Well,take care of her.
-As same as always.
-Ah, I was going to forget. Unfortunately there isn't even a piece left of the car, so if you could prepare something beautiful for me, I would be grateful.
-I really, really hate you right now.
-Thank you Q!
Hour 6:12
(So,the candles are put on, the salmon with the vegetables in the oven are ready.Ah, I haven't perfumed myself)
I run quickly to the bedroom, where I grab the wonderful Tom Ford Private Blend Neroli Portofino perfume.
I put a fluff on my wrist,3 on the neck, another on the back of the neck and another 3 on the shirts. I think 8 fluffs are enough. I quickly turn off all the lights, calling Madeleine.
-Hello, James, did something happen?
-Yes, Mathilde is sick, I don't know why, but I know she's vomiting and she can't breathe too well. She has a high fever. I'm sorry to bother you, but I don't know what to do with her. I'm worried.
-Okay, okay, I'm coming now! Madeleine says, closing me immediately, with a trembling, frightened voice.
The ring is in my pocket, the bouquet of flowers is in my right hand, and in the house is a terrible stench.
• After 10 minutes
While sitting and waiting at the window, the light of some beacons catches my attention. I wait for the car to get closer to see that it is Eve's car.
(Alas, alas, alas. Ah, breathe James, breathe. I'm ready)
I hear a door close and a frightened Madeleine enter the door. Seeing me with a smile on my face and a bouquet of flowers in my hand, she begins to laugh, closing the door behind her.
-You know I was going to break my head when I ran down the stairs because of you, how alarmed I was.
-Sorry.
-Where is Mathilde? Surely she can breathe and not vomit. She says approaching me.
-To Q, I took her to play with the cats and so that I could play with you too. Happy birthday, my dear! I say, handing her the bouquet of flowers.
-Aww, James, I didn't even know it was my birthday, if I'd better think. Thank you very much, but you shouldn't. I didn't celebrate my birthday before my mother dies.
-Ah, honey, let's move on to more beautiful things. Like dinner. Which I hope you like.
-Oh, James Bond, but what did you prepare for me?
-It's a grilled salmon with vegetables, I hope you like it.
-Uhm, it smells really good and looks even better. James seriously now, I didn't know you cook so well. It's wonderful, but it still need a little salt on the vegetables. Madeleine says, taking a bite.
-I said not to be too salty.
-Now they're perfect! She says, leaning over the table to give me a long kiss on the lips.
-You are so beautiful when you smile!
Madeleine starts laughing, looking back at me.
-You make me blush!
-I hope you like the dress.
-Yes, she's gorgeous just like you are!
-Hmm, thanks Ms.Swann.
There is a silence between us while we eat, but it is interrupted by Madeleine.
-How did you know it's my birthday today?
-Well, I saw in your passport, ID card, driver's license and I hoped it was a good date.
Madeleine looks away from the food, after taking the last bite of salmon, looking me in the eye.
-What would you like to drink?
-I think you really want to get me in trouble.
-This will not gonna happen.
-Well then, I want a Vodka Martini with gin.
I get up from my chair, making my way to the fridge. I take the bottle from the fridge, grab two glasses and pour vodka halfway down the glass.
-Pour more!
-Looks like you want me to get you in trouble! I say with a sly smile.
I take the glasses and place them nicely on the table. I sit down and lift the glass.
-What are we drinking for? Madeleine asks.
-For us.
The glasses collide, the dinner continues with laughter and smiles and with the dishes washed. The table is tight, the candles are extinguished, the evening continues beautifully,but just before the most important moment of the evening,a dizziness overwhelms me, fainting on the floor.
-James, are you okay? She asks me, coming to me quickly, to see if I'm okay.
Puzzled by my fall, I get up as if nothing had happened, sit on one knee, taking the second, most precious thing out of my pocket, opening the box and pointing it at Madeleine who puts her hands to her mouth.
-I know that I am difficult to understand,maybe sometimes annoying, but I saw something in you, which I did not see in anyone. The way you laugh. The way you smile. The way you changed me. The way ... you make my life better. I know I was wrong many times, especially when I left you alone and put you on that damn train in Matera. I understand if you can't forgive me, because neither at least I can't forgive myself for what I did ..., for what I did to you, but I realized how much I love you and I've really been doing it since we met. You,drunk in the hotel room in Morocco, sorry for the expression, and I,a poor secret agent who fell in love with the most beautiful woman in the world. I never thought I would have a child ... to have a family. But you made all this possible, and she is perfect because she comes from you.Would you like to spend the rest of your life with me? -Yes, twice yes, yes, yes!
I get to my feet, surprised by the answer, placing the ring on her ring finger and taking a step forward for a long kiss on the lips. She wraps her hands around my neck, tilting her head to one side so I can kiss her jaw, then passing over her neck and collarbone, up to the edge of the shoulder. We change places, so that I can take her by the waist and place her on the table, remaining in visual contact. I get closer to the table, and Madeleine pulls me by the tie reaching my mouth in her mouth, kissing us wildly. Madeleine throws my jacket on the floor, and I climb on her on the table. She sits under me, with her hands in my hair and her legs around my waist.
-You don't even have anything to do to me! I say before I give the strands from her eyes so I can bite her lip.
-Wait and you'll see, Mr Bond!
-I'm looking forward to it, Ms.Bond!
I say between kisses and hearing Madeleine giggle, before she stick her lips to mine again.
We sit there, with our lips together, with our hands groping over each other's bodies, for a good 5 minutes, and when I start to spread her legs with my knees, the table breaks, landing on the floor over Madeleine. We both start laughing when we see how the table has arrived.
-Did I hit you?
-I'm ok. She says with her hands still in my hair, smiling.
-I knew this table was fragile, but not really.
I get up from Madeleine, helping her up from the ground and holding her like a bride.
-Ms.Bond I have to take you to the bedroom urgently.
-Don't ask, just do it!
I open the bedroom door, lowering it to let her open my shirt. She buttoned my shirt as I fumbled with my tongue in her mouth, slowly making our way to the bed. Once I felt the bed hit my knees, I -I sat down, pulling Madeleine in my lap. The bed is soft, airy, but also cold. Our foreheads stick to each other, while we both breathe. Madeleine pulls my shirt closer to her. Our lips connecting again. Madeleine leans over me, unbalancing me and leaving me on my back in the sheets full of Madeleine's perfume.
-You smell a little too nice, Mr. Bond!
-So do you, Ms. Bond! I say, taking off her heels, while she helps me take off my shirt. Madeleine rises above me, accidentally pressing on my ribs.
-Auch! I say gritting my teeth.
-Ah, sorry James. Seriously sorry! She says, taking her hand off my ribs and starting to caress them.
-Come on, now don't apologize and kiss me, so I can forgive you.
Madeleine frames her hands on my face, giving me a kiss, which leaves me breathless. I start to open the zipper on the back of her dress, while she takes off my pants. She is amazed when she discovers that I don't have boxers on me.
-Were you ready, hm?
-You have no idea, honey! I answer her, blocking her hands and moving her under me this time. I open her dress, then throw it on the floor. I move to her breasts, starting to lick and bite them one by one, making Madeleine moaned. She threw her hands on my shoulder blades and my neck.
I spread her legs, pushing two fingers inside her.
-You like ?
-Yes. She says, arching her back, closing her eyes and moaning. I stick my fingers deeper and deeper into her, making her breathe harder and scratching her fingernails on my back.
-James ...! Madeleine says breathlessly
- Yes, darling! I answer satisfied
-James ... S-
I continue, going even deeper into it.
-James Stop! Madeleine growls, grabbing my penis, making me stop. I let her breathe, keeping my eyes on her.
-Now it's my turn!
He stood up, taking two pair of handcuffs out of the closet.
-Hm, I didn't know we were playing like Christian and Anastasia.
-Sorry to contradict you, but we're playing like James and Madeleine!
She crawls over me handcuffing my hand to the handle of the bed and the other to the other handle. She sits on my lap, putting her fingers on my chest, then kissing it, while with her other hand he grabs my penis. She comforts it in the vagina and goes down slowly, leaving every inch of it to fill her body.
-Oh, fuck! I say, following her movements, making a small moan.
She moves slowly up and then back down, walking slowly because she wants to torture me. She puts her hands around my neck, stroking me lightly. She moves her hands up and down my hair, then my abdomen, reaching for some scars and my bruised ribs, pressing a finger from time to time and scratching me over the scars.
-Madeleine, don't play! I say panting and wanting to come over her, still knowing what is holding me back.
I squeeze my wrists trying to escape, but to no avail. Madeleine continues to lick me, bites me and scratches my abdomen. Unable to bear it, I pull my hands, breaking the handcuffs and being able to come over her,putting my penis in her till midnight.
And so it was midnight, I accomplished my mission, and sleep makes its appearance.
"I told Mathilde about the accident."
Madeleine looked up at me.
- I didn't know you told him about him.
-And what he said ?
- I think she was upset that you lied to her, but I tried to fix this, and maybe if you talk to her, maybe she'll understand.
- Yes, I was wrong to lie to her. But I didn't want her to worry, you know, she's just a child. And I know what was on my mind when I saw my dead mother on the couch. I just wanted to ... ., I just wanted her to not go through what we went through. Through nightmares, which were reality.
-Yes, I understand, but at least we know that we were wrong, and that next time we will not hide anything from her.
-Yes, I hope there won't be another time.
-I hope so too. I say as I caress her hair and put small kisses on her forehead.
-Good night, Mr. Bond!
-Good night, Ms.Bond! I say kissing her one last time before falling asleep.