Toni had spouted off a load of rubbish from the moment her fourth can of beer had touched her lips, aiding her to assault Carrie and force her against the wall when she grabbed her. The shove had taken Carrie’s breath away, which made it harder for her to inform her girlfriend she had nothing to be accused of. She unrolled her sleeves and buttoned up the cuffs, to hide the bruising on her arm. I’ve got a lot of thinking to do about our relationship. I don’t know if I can go on this way.
Jackie knocked on the door and stood proud, as she hardly needed her crutches to lean on. It felt good to smile at a friendly face when Carrie opened the door.
“I can see someone’s had a productive weekend. How does it feel to be standing without much support?”
“It feels excellent,” she replied. “With the help of the twins, I even practiced without my crutches.”
“That’s great. So, depending on how fast you improve, you could be discharged soon.”
Jackie’s mouth fell open. “Are you serious?”
Carrie stepped back to allow her patient into the room, then closed the door softly behind her. “If you get on okay, I can’t see there being a problem.”
“Okay, Ms. Spencer, let’s get this party started. I’ve got lots to do today.”
Over the session, Jackie filled Carrie in on what had happened over the weekend. Including the fact that she needed to find a new house, which threw Carrie, who promptly offered to help with the search.
“You should’ve seen Dave, though,” Jackie grunted, as she raised her leg to take a step. “Dad gave him a bloody good pasting, and the MP’s threw him out. The stupid sod even tried to lie to the twins about who the woman was. He told them she was the cleaner.”
Carrie bit down on her lower lip, she wanted to laugh, but understood the seriousness of the situation.
“I’ve decided I’m going to file for divorce. After his infidelities, it’s a no brainer. I can’t trust him anymore, and I hate people who lie to me.” She took two steps, then looked straight at Carrie. “Holy shit! I just walked unaided.”
“Yes you did.”
Jackie reached out and snagged Carrie’s shirt and pulled her in for a hug. “I can’t believe it!”
“Well done, Jackie.”
Jackie pulled back “Hey, don’t start crying, you’ll set me off.”
“I’m just so happy for you.”
“Be happy for me when I can finally walk out of here with my family. We can really celebrate then.” Jackie turned to face the direction she’d just come from. “Okay, here we go...back the other way.”
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Chapter Ten
Turning to enter Jackie’s room, Carrie stopped dead in her tracks, her breath caught in her throat. Jackie stood in front of the wall length mirror, dressed in a pair of black jeans that moulded to her legs, and a royal blue shirt, unbuttoned just low enough to reveal a tantalising flash of cleavage. She’d combed her hair, and styled it to fall over her shoulders in luscious waves.
Wow, Carrie thought, stunned. She’d been dreading going out to dinner with Jackie, the children and Toni. She had no idea what to expect, and couldn’t believe she’d agreed to do it. Now, looking at Jackie, who was breath-taking, she knew she had to be extremely careful not to stare while Toni was around.
Blinking rapidly, as a hand waved in front of her face, she shook her head and stepped back. “I’ve just realised this is the first time I’ve seen you in ordinary civilian clothes.”
Jackie straightened her shoulders, and a heart-stopping lazy smile fell across her face. “From the way you’ve been staring, I’ll take that as a compliment.”
Feeling her face flame, Carrie looked away. Come on, Carrie, stop blushing like a schoolgirl. I’m sure if you spent the evening like this, Toni would definitely have something to say. Her mind went back to the conversation she’d had with Toni; when she’d mentioned that Jackie wanted to take them out, Toni wasn’t happy.
Stepping around her to join the twins in the hallway, Jackie laughed. “Are you ready to go?”
Noticing that Jackie didn’t have her crutches, she raised an eyebrow. “Shouldn’t we bring your crutches with us, in case you need them?”
“Nope, they can stay where they are. I feel strong enough to walk without them.” Sliding her arm into the crook of Carrie’s, she thought her resistance would crumble, so she joked about holding on to her. “No running, or I’ll have to punish you.”
“Now that’s got more connotations than necessary.”
•••
They left the centre and walked the short distance to the restaurant. The warm summer air kissed over them, bringing the sweet fragrance of freshly cut grass and aromatic flowers. Then, just as they neared, tension replaced her happy mood, and Carrie quickly removed her arm.
Jackie’s stomach flipped, but not in a good way. She didn’t like the sudden jolt from her arm, and sensed there was more to it than Carrie was willing to let on. She glanced at the restaurant entrance, where two teenagers and a tall woman stood waiting. The teenagers saw Carrie and smiled brightly as they waved to her.
Carrie rushed over and hugged them both, then turned to look at the woman who was leaning against the wall, staring daggers at Jackie.
Without breaking eye contact, the woman lifted Carrie’s hand as if it was a sheet of silk, and kissed the back of it, then pulled her in close, and planted a delicate kiss on her lips, which turned into a prolonged show fest.
Yeah, all right, dumbass, I get the message. Why don’t you beat your chest and growl ‘mine’ as well? “Me, Tarzan! She, Carrie!”
Carrie pulled away from Toni’s grasp and wiped her mouth, as if she was embarrassed. “Toni, this is Major Jackie Holmes and her children, Ben and Jess. Guys, this is my girlfriend, Toni, and my sons, Richard and Charlie.”
“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you all,” Jackie said, extending her hand.
Instead of a verbal reply, Toni grunted, then nodded. Richard and Charlie, however, were more like their mother, and shook Jackie’s hand.
“It’s nice to meet you. Mum’s told us so much about you,” Richard said.
“Really, should I be scared? I do have a few stories of my own.”
Carrie quickly covered Jackie’s mouth with her hand as her sons chuckled. “Let’s leave the stories for books and go eat.”
Clamping her hands on Carrie’s shoulders, Toni asked, “Can we go inside now, I’m hungry?”
Carrie flinched at Toni’s touch, and quickly removed her hand from Jackie’s mouth. She turned away and led them inside, where the host showed them to their table.
Not sure if I’m going to enjoy the atmosphere tonight, Jackie thought. “Order whatever you want, tonight’s on me,” she said, smiling.
“You don’t have to do that,” Carrie protested.
“Yes I do. I want to thank you for all your help. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be walking.”
Carrie smiled at her. “We’ve both worked hard.”
“Yeah, yeah, yadda, yadda, can we hurry up and order?” Toni grumbled from behind her menu.
What the fuck is her problem? Jackie thought, a smouldering hatred towards the woman rapidly growing within her as she glanced at Carrie, then at the children, who were completely unaware of any issues arising, as they were lost in conversations between themselves. Jackie knew her cheeks were red with anger, as the burning fizz rippled through them, which was always a giveaway against her pale complexion. Damn it! She’d promised she wouldn’t say anything, but it was going to be hard. Toni had no manners, she was rude, and acted like a Neanderthal, and she couldn’t see what Carrie saw in her.
The children were getting on famously, but the dead silence between the adults was nerve-wracking. To try and break the ice, Jackie told a story about Carrie when they were at school.
“Your mum was quite the rebel at one point,” Jackie chuckled, the image of a young Carrie filling her mind. “Did you know she put a teacher
in the bin?”
The table broke out into fits of laughter, all except Toni.
“Really?” Richard asked through his laughter. “Mum, you wild child.”
“I didn’t,” Carrie said to Jackie, playfully tapping her wrist, as if she wanted her to stop, but not really.
“Yes you did. Mr. Cummings was fuming when he got out of it.”
“All I did was stick up for someone who couldn’t defend herself. He had no right bullying that young girl.”
“What happened?” Jess asked.
Carrie related the story of how Mr. Cummings had shouted at a girl for dropping rubbish on the floor. What he hadn’t seen, was that the wind had caught an empty crisp bag.
Jackie gently patted Richard on the arm. “You should’ve seen your mum, with each point she made, she took a step forward and he took one back. It was inevitable really…he wasn’t looking where he was going, and backed into the bin, falling butt first into it.” She let out a bellow of loud laughter that reverberated around the room. “I’d never seen her run so fast, we all thought her pants were on fire.”
Carrie shook a finger at Jackie as the laughter doubled, and Jackie had to use her napkin to wipe her eyes. “Paybacks, Major.”
Jackie saw Toni’s hand disappear under the table. She immediately looked at Carrie, who flinched. Clenching her hands on top of the table, Jackie silently seethed. How do I stop this? She opened her mouth to give the arrogant woman a piece of her mind, but the beseeching look on Carrie’s face made her close it without uttering a word. Why the hell do you put up with her? Hopefully dinner will be over quickly. I don’t know how long I can stay quiet.
Their hostess appeared again, and deposited a huge platter of nachos in between the children, a smaller plate in front of Jackie and Carrie, and a large plate in front of Toni.
Jackie cringed as Toni began to shovel her food into her mouth. Jesus, she really is a Neanderthal. You’d think she would at least know how to chew with her mouth shut. She shuddered at the unpleasant view of chewed up food. With the speed she’s eating, she’ll be lucky if she doesn’t choke. Oh, that would be such a shame! I definitely wouldn’t be running to her aid if she did.
Laughter from the four children instantly brightened her mood. “It’s great to see my twins laughing and having a good time.”
Another grunt came from Toni as she shot a glare at Richard and Charlie that could only be described as a violent threat in itself. The two boys quickly composed themselves.
They’re just kids for Christ sake! All children have the right to laugh and enjoy themselves.
•••
Once they’d finished eating, Jackie quickly produced her credit card and paid for the meal. She knew if she had to spend another minute in Toni’s company, she would reach her breaking point and lose it. She’d spent the past hour smiling for Carrie’s sake, but deep inside she wanted to lean over that table and plant a slap across the moody bitch’s face.
•••
Outside the restaurant, Jackie stood to the side with all four children, while Carrie kissed Toni on the cheek. Toni then ran across the road to her car. Is it wrong that I want a double decker bus to speed down the road about right now?
With a screech of tyres, and the smell of burning rubber in the air, Toni pulled away and sped off down the road.
The four teens laughed and shoved one another as they joked around, and Jackie walked at a slow pace with Carrie next to her, her expression stony, as if she was deep in thought. The sunset cast long shadows across the street, everyone’s faces aglow from the orange rays—a portrait of tranquillity to any onlooker, but peace was far from the lives of these two women.
Carrie stopped walking and turned to Jackie. “I’m so sorry.”
“Yeah, well.”
“Thank you for not saying anything to her. I was so embarrassed.”
Jackie shook her head. If anyone should’ve been embarrassed, it is Toni. “There’s no need to be; I’m sorry to say this, but she’s a complete ass. I know she’s the person you love, but I have to ask, why do you put up with that shit from her?”
“Believe it or not, she never used to be like that. She used to be kind, sweet and sensitive. That was the person I fell in love with, not this monster.”
“Then why do you stay? Do you still love her?”
“I don’t know; I think I keep hoping my old Toni will come back.”
“Do you think she will?”
Carrie shook her head. “No. I think that person’s long gone.”
•••
Each night over the next few weeks, Jackie worked harder than she had in the past. Determination ate away at her soul, as she pushed herself beyond her own limits, only to come home and lie on the bed, exhausted. She still struggled to balance herself, and fell at times, and when she couldn’t focus, her leg would buckle beneath her. Yet, after each session, Carrie continued to encourage her. Remembering their last conversation, Jackie leaned back on her bed, her arm behind her head, staring up at the ceiling, and smiled.
Carrie stood in the doorway, watching quietly. She would never admit it, but at any given chance, she would steal a few glances at Jackie whenever she could. That was all about to change; as happy as she was for Jackie, she was also sad. It’s not about you, Carrie, she reminded herself, and cleared her throat. “I have some good news for you.”
Jackie looked up into those beautiful blue eyes. She sucked in a deep breath as she pulled herself up off the bed, holding onto the bed post to steady her posture. “We’re having lunch again today?”
“That can be arranged some other time. I’ve just received a call from the centre manager. After talking to your doctors, and comparing notes, they’ve decided to discharge you.”
While the news registered like a delicious moment, Jackie nearly lost her balance as she jerked back, and had to snap her hands out to stop herself from falling. Then every muscle in her body relaxed—she’d done it. She’d fought back, and now she could face anything. “Seriously? I can’t believe it.”
Carrie opened her arms to her, and Jackie fell into them “You’ll still have to attend outpatient appointments, but apart from that, you’re free to get your life back on track.”
I’m so excited, I might explode, literally. I want to shout it from the rooftops, Jackie Holmes is free to leave. “Wow, I can’t believe it.”
“I’ll still help you find somewhere to live.”
Jackie brushed her lips against Carrie’s cheek and kissed it softly. “Thank you for everything else you’ve done for me.” When she received no reply, she tightened her hold, it was then she felt Carrie trembling.
Tears tracked down Carrie’s cheeks. Their eyes locked in a meaningful stare, and Jackie swallowed with difficulty as fire ignited deep inside. It would be so easy to lean forward and see if those sumptuous pink lips are as soft as I imagine.
From the hallway, voices pulled them from their trance. Carrie took a step back. Not wanting to show her disappointment, Jackie looked around the room. I need to start packing, it will give me something to do, and stop me thinking about the beautiful blonde in front of me.
The euphoria of good news came with mixed emotions. She was free to go home, yet she felt trapped. Everything had changed, not only had she lost her leg, she no longer had a home, a husband, or the security she’d come to rely on.
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Chapter Eleven
In the driveway of her new home, the motor of her car still hummed while Jackie sat admiring the two-tiered structure. She couldn’t believe her good fortune. Just as she had been about to give up looking for a place to call her own, luck had smiled on her when she’d happened across a charming add in the paper. It wasn’t spectacular; there were no pictures of the home, but what had grabbed Jackie’s attention was the way it was described.
If you enjoy the rustic look. Need five bedrooms, a double garage and large kitchen. This is the home for you.
It was
a lot bigger than what she needed, but every other house she’d looked at was either too small, or she didn’t like the layout. Going on faith, she’d quickly dialled the number, but got a busy signal. “That’s not a good sign,” she’d sighed, and cussed under her breath. Not ready to give up, she’d clicked the redial button. Luck prevailed, it rang instantly. Holding her breath, she’d prayed that no one else had snatched it up.
Her smile was evident in her voice when a woman answered. “Hi, my name’s Jackie, I’m calling about the ad you have in the paper for the five-bedroom house. Is it still available?” The response caused her smile to spread across her lips. Not only was the house still available, but the woman had agreed to meet with her later that day.
•••
Upon entering the house, a yellow pastel hallway greeted her. She ran her hand over one of the walls, warmth infused her, and she couldn’t contain the beaming grin that broke forth. I’m home.
Her dream kitchen was located in the back of the house, boasted white cupboards, brand new black appliances, with faux brick tile backsplash, and a large walk in pantry with wall to ceiling shelves. It was everything she wanted in a home, and more. She didn’t think it could be better, until she stepped out through the glass sliding door from the kitchen to the back yard. A built in grill, a large, octagon-shaped gazebo, a pond with a built-in waterfall, and a perfectly kept landscape. I would be a fool not to get this house.
Retracing the path back to the front of the house, Jackie peered through the small pane of glass in the top of the heavy oak door. “Shit!” she cursed, when she saw the woman talking with a young couple. Panic set in. This was her house and she wasn’t going to let anyone take it from her.
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