Chloe, you should post your story – I'd love to see it :-)
Thanks to Hallow for always being there and reviewing :-D
Linden sat in a small box, the four walls surrounding him made from wood, intricately carved. Praying to the Lord had not provided him with the guidance he was seeking, so he had followed it up with his second option – confessional. The seat he sat upon was also wooden, a slight dip in the centre from the number of people who frequented Holby City Hospital. In his hands were his rosary beads, twisting and turning, being rubbed and gripped in an attempt to quell his nerves and rush of feelings.
"Father, I don't know whether the path I wish to take is the correct one. I was married but lost my beloved wife in a car crash some years ago. Until now I have never looked at anyone else in a romantic light, but then I met an amazing woman who has helped me in so many ways. Father, what I'm really trying to ask is, is it right for me to pursue another when I still feel this way about my wife? Is it fair on the new woman?"
"Son, there are two questions you must ask yourself, and only by looking inside yourself will you find the answers. Firstly, do you love this woman? For love is at the centre of the Christian faith. And secondly, are you prepared to make a life with her, however soon or far into the future? If yes, then pursue it, but if not then you must then question yourself as to whether you are merely using her as a stepping stone in your life. If so, then it is neither fair to the lady or yourself."
"Thank you father, for providing me with the right path."
Linden rose and left, now sure of which actions to take. How he would go about it, he didn't know, but as long as he did not hurt Maddy, then he would be sure that his decision had been right.
Draping her coat over the back of her sofa, chucking her bag on the chair and collapsing onto the sofa, Maddy relaxed. Her shift had been busy, Lola determined to make her pay for being late from her break. As the night had worn on, she had begun to question her relationship with Linden. Was it really as simple as it looked on the surface? Was it right for her to love him, and expect him to love her back, when he had lost his family in the way he had? Was she really in a position where she could emotionally afford to enter a relationship? She had had her heart broken over Dan Clifford and was not yet sure if it had completely healed. Only time would tell, she supposed. Was getting in a relationship with Linden Cullen her way of getting over Dan; in every sense possible, using Linden as a rebound? She did not think so, but who really knows the true reason behind all of their actions?
It was at times like these, Maddy mused, that being religious or keeping a faith would be beneficial. As a Christian she could turn to God; as a Muslim to Allah, as a pagan to the Lord and Lady. However, being an agnostic, all she could do was go to an agony aunt or let the thoughts go round her head indefinitely. Maddy decided to try meditating. It had always seemed like a peaceful pastime and with all these questions, she was unlikely to go to sleep any time soon. So she lit a candle, placed a cushion on the floor and sat upon it, eyes closed, breathing deeply. Twenty minutes later she got up and went to get ready for bed, not wanting any breakfast. She had reached a decision. Whether it was the right one or not, she did not know, but it was right for her. She only hoped htat Linden still felt the same.