Retreat then Restore...Revisiting the Past

She went away, and now she's back...but how does she explain the fact that she wasn't dead, and didn't kill herself?

Just a word of warning to all...My exams start in May and there's going to be a lot of pressure on me workwise until the end of June. So posts may be sparse.

'That's sweet,' said Ric, squeezing her shoulder softly. 'Chinese place said 10 minutes.'

'Okay,' she replied, not being able to focus because his hands were on her skin, setting it alight, intensifying everything around her and making her heart race.

Walking back into the living room, Diane and Ric both sat down on the sofa.

'I never would've imagined that you'd come back to me,' he said softly. 'It feels like only yesterday that Elliot told me. I got so drunk and tried to operate, Thandie was lecturing me on how I felt for you, it was all piling up on top of me.'

'I know,' she said quietly and tearfully, pulling him into a close hug and kissing him on the cheek. 'But I'm here for good now, and I'm not going anywhere.'

'Good,' said Ric. 'We can talk properly, find out what's going on, after dinner of course.'

'Naturally,' she replied, squeezing his hand.

Looking into each other's eyes, there was silence, on the awkward/comfortable borderline, the silence being broken by the ringing of the doorbell.

'I'll get it,' said Ric, picking up his wallet and leaving the room.

Sitting down on the sofa, Diane's mind was in a whirl. They needed to talk, fast, for her sanity.

He returned with the bag of Chinese and forks.

'Chicken chow mein for you, beef and black bean sauce for me, and garlic vegetables to share,' he said, handing her the food.

'Yum, I'm starving,' she said, taking a fork and tucking in straight away. 'The food that they served on the plane was beyond inedible.'

'I know the feeling,' he said, starting to eat his beef. 'But I found that it made me appreciate good food a hell of a lot more.'

Her mouth full of food, Diane nodded in agreement. Once she had swallowed, she said, 'I mean, living in Australia was alright, food wise, but you could never get a decent Chinese. It's what I miss about home. Did you ever find out what happened to my flat?'

'Well, the landlord cleared out your stuff and gave it to your parents, then reletted it I think,' he said.

'Hmm, I'll have to go and get everything from mum and dad,' she pondered. 'Will have to explain to them that I'm alive, and how they are now grandparents. I can hardly wait!'

'Sarcasm was never your forte,' he said, picking up the containers and taking them outside. 'At least there's no washing up.'

'That I'm thankful for,' she said.

'Did you know that there's damp in here?' asked Ric in astonishment.

'It wouldn't surprise me,' she said, rolling her eyes. 'This place is a dump, I'm going to have to get some dehumidifiers for mine and Cassie's room, I don't want that mould making her ill.'

'You need to find a decent place,' said Ric, returning to the room. 'One that you and Cassie can feel safe in, not one on a shoddy estate with gangs and damp.'

'Those things cost Ric,' she said quietly.

'I know,' said Ric, sitting beside her and squeezing her hand. 'You'll get there. I'll help you.'

She looked up at him and gave a small smile, she felt extreme relief that he was there for her, that he'd help her. The thought of doing this alone scared her more than anything.

'We can talk now,' she said quietly, not lifting her head up.

'We will,' said Ric. 'But suddenly, I am craving a nice sugary cup of tea. Do you want any?'

'Sure, do you remember how I have it?' she asked.

'Strong with 3 sugars? How could I forget?' he asked with a wink, leaving the room.

Once he had left, Diane had noticed her extreme tiredness, a combination of jet lag, the feeling of being free and not having to hide, plus the stress of her day. She decided to close her eyes, just until Ric came in. Then they'd talk.

He returned to the room with two cups of tea, and saw her curled up on the sofa, sleeping soundly. Putting down the tea, he scooped her up gently, and carried her into the bedroom. Placing her into bed, he covered her up with the blanket, and kissed her forehead.

'We'll talk tomorrow,' he said gently. 'You need your sleep, it's been a hard day. But you and Cassie are safe now, I'll make sure of it.'