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Life jogged along quite nicely. Everybody did their own thing over the New Year although tonight, January 10th, they were meeting up at Patsy's house for a buffet.
Nat and Steve were in Spain visiting Fred, who had telephoned Patsy to make his excuses. Considering that they had been an item until quite recently, they actually got on well as friends. Nat and Steve had been a little frosty for a time with Patsy, but now appeared to accept things...especially since Fred had seemed to find happiness with Tia, a Spanish divorcee.
Although David didn't yet live with Patsy, it seemed to be only a matter of time though until two lived as one.
Their relationship was a wonder to behold. David obviously adored her and vice versa. What made it work so well was probably the fact that they had their own interests. Patsy held her high-powered job and David was a keen golfer, especially since retiring at an early age. They both had adequate incomes and their lives were content.
Amanda had endured her first flight as a member of the cabin crew. She had returned two days later absolutely exhilarated by the whole experience. Joe was mesmerized by this wonderful new creature, it was like noticing her again for the very first time. She brimmed with confidence and her eyes shone with the intoxication of life.
For his part, Joe hadn't strayed for a while now. He still looked and liked what he saw...he just didn't take what was on offer. He has grown up...at last.
It was a cold and crisp winter day and Patsy was busying herself in the state of the art kitchen. David had just let himself in through the front door and stood behind her, nibbling the nape of her bare neck.
Patsy turned and gave him a mock telling off.
"You can't do that whilst I'm filling vol eu vents!"
She said sternly,
"Have you no decency sir?"
"Luckily for you...no" said David laughing and set about getting the lead crystal glasses from the overhead cupboards.
After a Christmas that involved so much rich food, Patsy had decided to prepare a cold buffet. The group weren't getting here until seven'ish and half a dozen bottles of Chablis were chilling in the large American style fridge.
As they hadn't all met up since Boxing Day, Patsy and David were looking forward to seeing everyone again.
David had obviously popped around to see his son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. Sometimes he had to remind himself that although he had a new and profound love in his life...he still had family and he cherished them all.
Luckily his loveable but juvenile son appeared to be maturing now and was evidently so proud of his beautiful wife's achievements.
It certainly wouldn't have been Amanda's fault if she had decided to take off with the children for good. Joe, although careful to keep his indiscretions secret, made a good job of unknowingly flaunting them in front of Amanda's face. The one with Becky their neighbour had been atrocious. Luckily now though, Becky and Sam seemed to be back on track as well. David was a bit of a cynic though, life seemed to be going so well, surely the fire would go out soon!
The evening went with a swing and Becky and Sam took great pleasure in informing their friends that Becky was just pregnant.
A lot of kissing took place and Joe took Sam aside for the first time since his dalliance with his wife.
"Well done Sam," he said a little sheepishly
"I am really pleased for you...also I've never said sorry for...you know what. I am though, sorry I mean. I was a low life, I have changed...really!"
Sam looked at him, his face bland and devoid of any emotion.
At last he took Joe's hand
"Thanks Joe" he said graciously
"But if you ever do anything like that to me...or Amanda...I swear I'll kill you, y'hear?"
Joe nodded and slapped Sam on the back. After a time, it seemed that their lost friendship was maybe sealing itself once more.
Amanda was holding court and recounting an amusing tale from her first day at work. The others laughed and told her how lucky she was to be doing something like that...and how brave.
It was nothing, she told them, if you want something badly enough...you fight to get it. Her gaze slid to her husband, who had the grace to lower his head. Although their marriage was back on track, for the first time in years, Joe knew that Amanda had the ability to meet anyone...male that was. She could get up to anything abroad and he'd never find out...he knew she wouldn't do that to him, it wasn't in her nature, it was just that now, Amanda held the trump card.
Around eleven o'clock Joe and Amanda said that they would have to leave, it had been a lovely evening but their sitter had to be up early for college in the morning.
Becky and Sam said that they would walk with them. Becky was just beginning to get to the queasy stage of gestation and was feeling a little tired by now.
Suddenly the shrill sound of the phone made them all jump.
"Probably Serena the sitter" said Joe
"She's probably clock-watching"
"What's the matter pats?" asked Amanda, noticing the white pallor of her sister's complexion.
Patsy spoke a few words and then replaced the receiver in the cradle.
"It's Natalie...Fred's daughter," she said slowly, trying her hardest to get her head around the situation.
"She went out with Steve and some youngsters on mopeds this evening...she ran in to the path of an on-coming truck"
She hung her head and started to cry
"She's dead...oh David, she's gone..."
A deathly silence now hung in the room like damp washing.
David immediately drew her to his side and tried to comfort her.
"I must go to Fred," she said strongly
"He needs me, he didn't sound like he had taken it all in... my God, he'll be devastated...and Steve"
"I'll come with you," said David stoically
"No...I'll go alone," said Amanda, almost brusquely
An embarrassed air added to the silence, until Amanda said
"It'll be best if you're not there David...I'll go with her. We'll phone the airport now and take the first two tickets available"
Looking at Joe, she waited for him to speak
"Amanda's right dad" he agreed
"Fred will just want Patsy out there now. I know that Tia is nearby, but Patsy was almost like a mother/sister to those twins...it's for the best dad"
David sat, his head in his hands as the love of his life prepared to fly to Spain...into the waiting arms of her ex-lover...who knows?"
Whatever this evenings situation brought, David had an uneasy feeling about the situation.
He felt desperately for Fred and all the family...including Patsy. He just had an inkling that life was going to change and not for the better.
David wasn't sure that he could stand that!
©2002 StoriesByEmail.com
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