Chapter 12
…
Kate was sitting beside Sharon on the sofa, Sharon's legs tucked under her as her body was facing Kate, her head leaning on the back of the sofa.
"You're very quiet Kate?"
"Sorry dearie, just enjoying the wine and the lovely fire."
"You're not too warm are you?"
"On the contrary, it's very nice."
"Look, I know you said you're not one to open up to people and I completely respect that but I just want you to know that, you can talk to me. What ever you tell me, it won't leave this room."
"That's very kind of you dearie but…"
"I know we've only just met but I really do like you Kate, age is of no importance to me."
"If you knew the things I've done in my past, you wouldn't want to get to know me."
"We all have a past Kate."
"Have you ever killed anyone?"
Sharon went silent as Kate's words, seeing the way Kate watched her before setting down her glass and getting up. Sharon remained seated for a few moments as Kate grabbed her coat and made her way to the front door. Sharon got to her feet, quickly following her, her hand covering Kate's as she made a move to open the door.
"I have." Was all Sharon said? "I have killed someone."
Kate turned around, feeling Sharon's breathe on the side of her face. Sharon offered a warm smile before gripping Kate's hand, closing the door with her free hand and escorting Kate back through to the sitting room.
…
Mallory woke the next morning to find James gone, he sat up slowly, running a hand through his hair, looking around the room to see James jacket still lying on the chair by the bed.
"It's okay, I didn't run away." James smiled, standing in the doorway.
Mallory made a move to get out of bed, being stopped as James came to stand in front of him in two strides.
"Hey, back in to bed."
"James I'm fine, really. I feel a lot better than I did yesterday."
"Well then you'll be happy with what I'm about to tell you. I just spoke with Sharon and she said you are free to go home, providing you take things easy for the next few days."
"We can get out of here?"
"As soon as you're ready."
"I'm ready."
"Well, you go take a shower and I'll get you something to eat."
"Oh James…I'm not really that hungry."
"Gareth…if you want to get out of here, you eat. You're not the only one who needs it, she does too." He smiled, placing his warm hand on Mallory's abdomen.
"Very well, I'll go shower."
"Good, I won't be long."
James quickly kissed him before leaving the older man alone, Mallory grabbed his clothes and made his way in to the bathroom, turning on the shower and stepping under the warm water. He closed his eyes briefly, enjoying the feel of the warm water on his skin. He poured some shower gel in to his hands and began to clean away the smell of the hospital; he ran a hand over his stomach, feeling the small swell that was beginning to show. He couldn't help the smile that appeared on his face, beginning to imagine what their child would be like, who he or she would take after.
"GARETH…YOU OKAY IN THERE?"
"I'll be out in a minute."
James was sitting on the bed, a worried look on his face when Mallory came out of the bathroom, his hair wet.
"You were in there a while."
"I'm fine."
"You sure?"
"Come here."
James got up, a quizzical look on his face as he approached Mallory, who bought him closer, kissing him before James watched as Mallory lifted his shirt and placed James had on the small swell.
"Oh my god, look at you." He smiled.
"It happened so quickly."
"I'll say."
"James, I know this has been tough for us so far, but thank you for always being there. I don't think I could have done this without you."
"Hey come on, you're never on your own. I love you…both of you and I'm not going anywhere."
…
Eve walked in to Mallory's office, Bill seated behind the desk as he dropped a handful of files on the desk.
"They need your immediate attention, and signed by the end of the day please."
"EVE…wait…"
Eve stopped at the door, turning back as Bill stood up and came over to her.
"What?"
"Look, I'm sorry Eve. You were right, I was being an ass. I reacted badly to M's news and I wasn't as supportive as I could have been."
"That's the understatement of the century."
"I know I have a lot of making up to do, but I want to help him too."
"Why the change of heart?"
"I was speaking with my wife at dinner last night about M and what was happening."
"And?"
"Let's just say that she wasn't exactly pleased about my behaviour towards a man who as she said her self, would do anything for anyone of us."
"I'm beginning to really like your wife."
"I ought to introduce you sometime."
"I'd like that…I'd better get back to work."
"Yeah, me too."
"And Bill…"
"Yeah?"
"Thank you for being more open minded about the whole M situation, I know he'll appreciate all the help he can get…James as well."
Eve smiled before closing the door behind her to see Kate standing by her desk.
"Kate…"
"Hello dearie."
"Everything okay…hey how was your date with the beautiful doctor last night?"
"It was…interesting."
"Interesting…it was just…interesting. Come on Kate, be serious for a minute."
"I like her alright, she was very nice…very warm. She was willing to let me talk about my past…"
"But…"
"There are some things I just don't know if I can talk about…with anyone."
"Kate…I know you're a private person, but there comes a time in everyone's life when you have to begin to trust people. I'd hope by now that you'd feel comfortable enough to tell us, your friends and know that we'd never judge you based on your past. We all have secrets Kate, and for what it's worth. Sharon seems like a very nice person, one I would think would stick around through good and bad."
"I'd better get back downstairs."
"Okay, well if you're free for lunch, you know where I am."
"I do…and Eve, thank you."
…
To Be Continued…