Chapter 12: Chapter 12
Lessons Learnt
Chapter 12
"Please Georgie you must know."
"I don't I'm telling ya. If I did I would."
It was the first time Charles and Georgie had spoken in over a week. Since the incident where Elvis finding out that they'd woken up in bed together. They thought it best to give each other some space. They were kind of avoiding Elvis too. He hadn't taken the news well.
Elvis was furious with Georgie for what had happened. Pretty angry with Charlie Boy too. It was only once Georgie admitted that Charles was drunk and doped up on pain killers, so he had no idea what was going on, that Elvis forgave his friend. Well dialled his anger down a notch or two towards him. Stopped having murderous thoughts.
He wasn't so kind on Georgie. He knew her game. She was after all just a female version of him. Needed attention, and needed someone to constantly bestow it on her. Needed excitement. The only difference between them was that Elvis got his kicks from his job, while Georgie obviously got them from dangerously flirting with men. Ultimately Elvis knew Georgie wouldn't have gone too far with Charlie. She liked the chase, and he was after all Molly's man. But still Elvis wasn't going to give her an easy time, or even at this moment in time a second chance. It was alien to him being back footed by a bird!
So once Elvis was convince nothing happened, and Georgie apologised to Charlie, Elvis showed her the door. She was gob smacked. Most men came running to her. But not Elvis. He hadn't been in touch with her all over Christmas either. Something else she couldn't believe. She had expected him over the holidays to turn up at her door begging to have him back. But he didn't. She realised that she had lost this game. A hard lesson to learn. She also reckoned she had lost her best mate too, and that hurt.
Charles had spent a miserable Christmas. Desperately seeking, trying to find Molly. She'd blocked his number, and was no longer at the barracks. No one would tell him where she was. He had even at one stage parked outside the camp for hours hoping to catch sight of her.
All Elvis knew was that her leave was up the second week in January. When she had to report back to him. Get on with her job. So it was in desperation that Charles turned to Georgie for help in tracking Molly down.
"Look. She's not even taking my calls either. I've lost everything over this." She moan. "My boyfriend and best friend."
"Don't you bloody dare?" Warned Charles. He had zero sympathy for Georgie. "Just give me some idea where she could be….. I need to get this cleared up."
"Well she could be at one of her parent's homes."
"One of them. How many do they have?"
"Several… tax reasons…. Ya know." She elaborated no more but wrote down a list of three places for Charles to try.
And so here he was six days after the most miserable Christmas that he had ever spent standing by an intercom. It was the third and final address he'd visited to find Molly. He double checked the address. This couldn't be right. The house he was standing in front of was enormous. A sprawling gated property with a large drive way and numerous fancy cars outside. He buzzed the intercom. He wasn't hopeful.
"Yeah? Who is it?" Short and to the point the voice came back.
"Err. It's Charles James. I'd like to talk to Molly please."
"Hang on." The empty voice said. Then seconds later. "She's not here mate."
"Please… look I know she is, or if she isn't could you at least tell me where to find her?" Begged Charles.
"Charles did you say? Well she says she don't want nothing to do with ya. Now bugger off."
"Can you at least tell her I came? Tell her I know what she thinks she saw but it wasn't like that. I'd never do anything like that. Tell her it was all a mistake. If she would just talk to me she'd understand."
"Yeah whatever mate. Now leave us alone." And with that Charles met with silence from the intercom.
Molly saw Charles form her bedroom; well the room that she used whenever she came here. She'd never lived here really. To her their family home was an over crown, always busy on a rundown estate, but home. When she was younger her father hadn't worked for years and the family suffered. When she ran away to the army he got a part time job cleaning cars at a local garage, her pin money no longer keeping him in drink. He now had to go out and earn it. They then found he had a talent, the gift of the gab and could sell them too. The owner soon took him under his wing. He was a lonely old man with no family. Belinda, missing her own mum, took him in and looked after him. He became one of the family. Molly hardly knew him, but knew he was kind and good for the previously tortuous family dynamics. So it turned out that when he died Dave inherited the garage and a fair amount of money too. He knuckled down, stopped drinking, and became the father that Molly had wished he had been to her when she was growing up.
So now the Dawes family were respectable and well off. They had more money than they ever could imagine. Hence the big houses and big cars. Belinda and Dave were happy in their marriage. The young ones were spoiled, and at times Molly regretted and sometimes envious that they had everything she didn't. Then at other times she was pleased the little bleeders didn't have to do everything the hard way as she had to. This big new house suited all her family, and her parents seemed happy. Something that they hadn't been for many a year.
Watching Charles walk away was hard for Molly. She stilled loved him. Those emotions just didn't disappear overnight. But letting him walk away was necessary. She'd been through a lot of hurt in the past weeks. Tried to keep a happy face on for her family, but it was something she failed miserably at. She told her mum what had happened, who wisely gave her counsel, and told her she needed to know the truth. She thought Charles sounded like a nice man and knew a bit of Georgie's scheming ways, so felt that maybe Molly needed to face Georgie. And so that is how Georgie came round to see her the previous night and had told her the story.
"I'm so sorry Molly." She began. A good predictable beginning thought Molly, if it was true. "You have to believe me nothing happened."
Molly just looked at her friend who was pleading with her to hear her out. Worried that the Molly Dawes of old might just turn around an smack her one.
"Look I've nothing to lose by lying. Elvis has dumped me anyway. You know what I'm like." Most of Molly's friend knew what this attention seeking madam was like, but Molly kept her mouth shut on this point.
"No go on. I thought we're friends. Tell me what you did…why you did it….what happened."
"Look I was annoyed Elvis was away, I was missing him. Bored. Charlie... I mean Charles... was bored too. We got on."
Molly was unsure if she wanted her friend to continue. Even that little nugget of information made her feel sick.
"We met a few times you were away. What can I say I'm a flirt. I guess I have to be the centre of attention at all times. He's good looking. I didn't know you loved him. Thought he was a bit of fun for you."
"A Bit of bleeding fun. He was my boyfriend. Yeah I did love him Georgie… but yet again my mate dumped on me for a great height though didn't she?" When am I going to learn thought Molly.
"No I never... we never... I wouldn't. Christ he certainly wouldn't. He's like a bleeding saint or something. I just wanted a bit of fun."
"Fun. You cheap cow, you ended up in bed with him for God's sake. There are other ways to have fun in my book."
"No ... well that is not in the way you think." Taking a deep breath and wishing she'd been offered a drink…. she began. In fact she wished she'd even been asked to take her coat off, as well. She was feeling the heart. Georgie knew she was definitely not welcome in the Dawes house hold.
"Look I went round. He was in pain, but miserable, I offered him a drink. Knew I shouldn't cause of his pills, but it just made him more fun. He was so boring when we met those times. He was missing you so much. Kept telling me he loved you. And I though why can't Elvis be like that about me. I was jealous."
"Jealous. You cow Georgie. He was my boyfriend. Mine. Not your play thing. You think every man is for you. You're reckless with other folk's feelings."
"Let me finish. He got drunk really quickly then started to feel sick. Was actually….twice. So I stripped him off and put him to bed. I stayed downstairs all night. I promise. In the morning I heard him coughing. Thought he was going to be sick again. Didn't look too good. So I laid down next to him. Must have fallen asleep. That's all... no lies. Please believe me Mols." Georgie knew even to her own practiced ears what she had just admitted made her sound pathetic..
"Believe you? Why should I? I saw you in bed with my fella. How the hell would you have felt it that had been me and Elvis. You were pissed with him going away, going away with me and it was bleeding work. Jealous you were. I'd never do that to you though…..never."
"I know Molls. It was stupid. I got him drunk. I tried to flirt. I never would have done anything else. Never."
Molly looked at her friend and realised that she was telling the truth. She had heard Georgie's practiced lies many times before. But this one was too simple for her to invent. Therefore it must be true. She had simply gone round to see Charles to have her ego stoked, plain and simple. She wanted a nice kind man to make her feel better. This is just what Charles would have done in an absolutely innocent way. Good manners were ingrained in him. Instead her plan back fired, he got drunk, vomited, passed out and was unable to pander to her self-regard. And then Molly walked in, jumping to massive conclusions. Not even waiting to hear their excuses…..the situation then became ten times worse.
"It's shit Georgie. I should be able to trust you of all people. Cause of what you've done you've hurt me, Charles, and Elvis. Sorry just doesn't cut it."
"Ah come on Molly, please. Nothing happened. Nothing would ever happen. I just wanted Charles to think I was great, cause I know he doesn't like me much. I can't handle that; everyone likes me normally. I thought we'd have a fun night, then he'd tell Elvis who'd get all possessive and be a bit more…..know…a bit more into me."
"Do you know how childish you sound. Everyone can't like you all the time, and you certainly can't make a fella like you if he don't." She saw her friends lip start to wobble and she didn't want to see or hear her anymore. "Just leave Georgie, yeah. You and me…well put it this way I ain't rushing to see you again got it."
"Molly please." She wailed.
"Jeeze Georgie. Leave will ya.. Take the bleeding hint and piss off, before I reconsider my first instinct and that was to rip your bleeding head off." And with that Molly slammed the door behind her, accidently making contact with her backside.
New Year's Eve was equally as miserable for Molly and Charles as they celebrated it separately. Neither of them went out, both staying with their parents feeling miserable and annoying anyone within close proximity to their rubbish moods. Molly took the brave step to unblock Charles' phone number. Knowing she had judged him wrongly. Georgie had tangled him up in her game play with Elvis, and both Molly and Charles were the ones who apparently had lost out.
Almost as soon as the unblocking of Charles' number was done a message can from Charles. That made her smile. He was still trying. He wished her a happy new year. She didn't reply. She wanted nothing more than to wish him one back, but she knew that although she loved him, she couldn't once again give up her to become part of them. It was too much of a risk, she had realised that when Geraint died. Life in the Army was dangerous There were too many chances of getting hurt again, and Molly Dawes did not want that, nor did she want to inflict that on anyone else. To save the people she loved from ever getting hurt by her, she would just stop letting them love her. So she stayed silent, never replied to Charles, but fell asleep that night happy to at least of heard from him.
Soon it was the beginning of school again after the Christmas holidays and Charles returned back to his home and job with a heavy heart. There was also a memorial to be held for the ex-pupil Geraint. The soldier that Molly had tried to save. Charles knew his presence would be require. Something he dreaded as he knew it would be a further reminder of Molly and circumstances that lead them to going wrong.
As soon he entered the church he saw her and Elvis. Sitting together, close, compatible in their silence. Elvis had his arm gently place around her shoulder as she wiped her eyes. He'd never seen Molly in her smart dress uniform before and it startled him. She looked so formal. So pressed, polished, smart. So mighty. So neutral. The Molly Dawes he knew not shining out, but instead the anonymous soldier that a uniform caused them to become. He was also shocked to see she wore the Military Cross. He knew she was brave, but God the MC. She had never said. That lead Charles to think about other things her didn't know about the girl he fell in love with, and how unfair that their time together was over that he'd never now get to know her other secrets.
It was torture for him to sit through the service and not be close to her. It wasn't appropriate, and he doubted it would have been welcome. It pained him to see that Molly still turned to Elvis for friendship, where she had cut him out of her life completely. Charles and Elvis were fine, but while he still had such close contact with Molly, and while he was mourning the end of the relationship, it was difficult whenever they met. So many subjects were now taboo. Plus whereas Charles was hurt by their situation, Elvis felt foolish by his.
As soon as the service was over he hoped he would get the chance to talk to her, but that wasn't to be. Smurf and his parents, Geraint's parents went straight over to her, and he could see by the concerned look on Elvis' face and Molly's shoulders being held firm, squared, it was an emotional meeting. From what Charles had learnt from Elvis and the other SF lads Molly had gone above and beyond in her care for Geraint. Had remained with him, caring for him until the end. He knew that this ability to care despite the situation, was the thing that made Molly special and her medic skills in demand. He also knew from Elvis that since his death Molly had shut herself off too, he said she seemed more driven. Something he couldn't just put down to her and Charles ending. And so as Charles watched the woman he loved, he could see the torture in her eyes as she had to re-live Geraint's last words and thoughts to his family. It was task though that she would never have turned away from. She knew it brought them comfort.
"Hi….you ok?" She asked. He'd been standing alone at the back of the church. Contemplating leaving. He had wanted to talk to Molly, but felt in this setting it was wrong. He was surprised when she came up to him.
"Molly. Hi….you ok? Today must have been tough."
"Yeah. It was. But I guess it was harder for his family. Didn't expect you would be here though?"
"Well Smurf's in my pastoral group, and of course Geraint went to the school. It was the right thing to do." He shrugged. She looked tired, understandably so he thought.
"Oh yeah I see." She fiddled with her ceremonial gloves.
"You look good. I've never seen you in your uniform. Is that the M.C?"
"Yeah it is." That was it. Typical Molly Dawes. No explanation, no boast.
"You never told me about that." He said regretting it instantly as he sounded accusatory.
"No I never did I?" She thought about leaving, but knew that was unfair. Charles obviously was wanting to talk.
"Look Molly. Nothing happened. I know you saw Georgie in my bed. But we never…..I got drunk, passed out…she was just …..hell I don't know…..but it wasn't my doing." Where to start with this. He needed her to know of his innocence.
"Yeah. I know…."
"You do? How? Oh it doesn't matter. I'm sorry you had to see that." Then he had to say it before she walked away.
"Come back to me…..I love you…."
"Yeah I know." It's all she could say her head was swimming with conflicting thoughts. She still loved him too.
"You do? Then please Molly can we try again. We were good together. You love me, I know you still do."
"Yeah. I do. I do still love you Charles." She had to tell him. She had to tell him what her and Elvis were doing. It was wrong to keep him in the dark again.
"You do? Please then for God's sake can we get out of here and start being together again? Start being happy again? Let me show you each and every day how much I love you?"
She looked into his eyes, and pulled him outside away from prying eyes. She stretched up and kissed him. Weeks of missing him pouring out between their lips. He responded with equal amounts of love and passion. It was where they wanted to be, in each other's arms. It was where they needed to be. Despite all that had happened Molly and Charles knew they loved each other.
They pulled apart reluctantly.
"Oh God Molly I am so happy. Come on lets go." He started pulling her arm, leading her to his car.
She stopped him, pulling back.
"I can't Charles."
He looked confused and hurt.
"Why? You just….in there….said you loved me…..!" he asked bewildered.
"I do, but I can't let you love me Charles it's not fair."
"What's not fair? Why can't you do this?"
"I'm leaving Charles….. with Elvis and the lads. I leave tomorrow. This is my life now. How it will always be. I won't ask you to wait for me"
"But I will. However long I'll wait." He almost shouted at her.
"That's not fair Charles. It's over. I want the Army more than I want you." She turned and left.
He was stunned. Again she had dashed all his happiness and just walked away, but this time he didn't watch. He too turned away and walked in the opposite direction to her.
If he had turned he would of seen her standing there waiting. She knew she had chosen wrong, the minute the words came out of her mouth. He said he would wait, all she wanted him to do now was to turn around and she would run into his arms. But he didn't, this time he walked away from them too.