Hope Springs

by Sigma Creations

When Ruth had left for the second time to return to Cyprus with the boy, continuing had seemed almost impossible for Harry. He'd managed to survive the last five years through sheer strength of will. Now, however, his self-neglect has caught up with him and he's been forced to take leave. Will a chance encounter on holiday bring him the peace and hope he so desperately needs?

7. Chapter 7

"They should be here soon," Malcolm murmurs with a quick glance at Harry. He has his back towards him so he can't read his expression, but he's sure that his friend is anything but calm and relaxed. Pouring him a glass of wine, he walks over to Harry and holds it out to him, saying, "Go wait outside, Harry. I'll direct Ruth to the garden when they arrive and keep Nico and Jean occupied."

"Thank you, Malcolm," Harry murmurs as he takes the drink from his hand. "You're a good friend."

He blushes slightly and shrugs his shoulders. "Go," he says simply and watches Harry make his way to the terrace and down the steps into the garden. He really hopes that his two friends can work things out this time. He doesn't expect that they'll begin anything, what with Nico in the way and the fact that they live in different countries, not to mention the baggage they both carry and the labyrinthine nature of their relationship, but he's hopeful that they'll be able to resolve things between them enough for them both to be able to move on with their lives.