Boxer Next Door

by Summer Cooper

  Piper started moaning on the ground then, moaning for Daniel.

  “Daniel? Where are you, Daniel?” Piper sat up, hands tied behind her back, the knife well out of her reach, no sudden death-moves for her, Annie May saw.

  “I’m here Piper, what do you want? Haven’t you caused enough harm?”

  “You hit me, Daniel! You hit me! What about our baby?”

  “You mean the pillow under your dress? You need help, Piper, serious help.”

  “But you love me; the spell is broken now!” Piper cried.

  “There was never a spell, Piper, just decades of lies, deceit, and stalking. You’ve deluded yourself for years, Piper, this has to stop!”

  “But Daniel…” The woman said, tears falling from her eyes.

  “No, Piper, this is it! You’ve hurt Annie May. We’re going to be married, and you have to stop hurting the woman who is going to be my wife. You have to respect that and leave us alone, now! I love her, not you!” Daniel raised his voice to be heard over the sirens now pulling in behind his car.

  The police took Piper away to a mental facility, then. Paramedics looked Annie May over, declared her fit, and Daniel took her home to Ruby.

  “You’re fine now, my duck, Nanna has you! Here, sip this.” Annie May spluttered as the whiskey hit her throat.

  “Nanna, what is this? Rocket fuel?” She choked out.

  “No, it’s whiskey; it’ll calm your nerves.” Annie May hated the taste of it but swallowed the rest of it down, knowing she needed something. Holding a mirror up to her head she cried, seeing how patchy her hair was now. Piper had obviously used the knife to chop her hair off as close to the scalp as she could.

  “It’ll grow back, my love. And you’re beautiful, no matter what.” Daniel told her as he took her hand.

  “Look on the bright side my duck; it’s less hair to get tangled up in on your wedding night!” Annie May’s Nan cackled.

  “Oh, Nan, you are a bad one.” Annie May said to her, loving her even more for the teasing.

  “Well, some men like short hair on women anyway. So about this wedding?” Ruby asked.

  “As soon as possible, Nanna, as soon as possible. We may have to have a party or something if Mum and Dad can’t make it but I’m not waiting anymore. If this has taught me nothing else, it’s taught me that I have to seize what I’m given. There’s never a right time, there’s only the time you have, and I’m not wasting any more of it; it’s far too precious, right Daniel?”

  “Right, my love, time is far too precious, just like you!” He replied, kissing the top of her head.

  “Oh, I’m going to have to find my knitting needles. I expect I’ll be having some great-grandchildren before too long that’ll need some special Nanna Ruby clothes! Where did I put those things?” Nanna muttered to herself as she wandered off.

  “I don’t know how it works here, but is the morning too soon, Daniel?” Annie May asked.

  “I’ve never been married before but we’ll go down tomorrow morning, first thing, and find out, if that’s what you want Annie May. I only want you with me, every night for the rest of our lives, so I can sleep soundly. I’m sleeping on your couch tonight, just to make sure you’re safe for the rest of the night.”

  “Thank you darling. You really have turned out to be my prince, and not a frog, after all. I love you so much.” Annie may whispered against his cheek.

  “I will always be here to save you, Annie May, always, now and forever. I will love you every day of my life and beyond. Always.

  “I know you will, Daniel, and I’ll be here to save you from psycho crazy ladies, one way or another too. Even if I have to look like I got into a fight with a lawn mower for the rest of my life.”

  Both laughed, as Ruby came back in with knitting needles and patterns, noticing how the light hit the frog on Annie May’s ring as she sat down. It was like the frog was winking at her and Ruby knew her plan had finally worked, and the heartache of the frog and the princess had finally turned into the happiness of the prince and princess, living happily ever after.

  The End

  Part III

  Bad Star

  Billionaire Romance

  About the Book

  Meet film star Jack Bradley.

  She came to me like an angel, so pure and beautiful. Not only does she have a face and a body that no supermodel girl friends of mine can compare with, she has a heart of gold.

  The money, the body, the fame - I have it all. The whole world knows it, except her.

  She can’t see how beautiful she is, and she can’t see how good looking I am.

  I want her in my life, I have to bring her down to my level.

  Meet blind musician Rainn.

  So he’s the guy in the movies. It’s a shame I don’t really watch movies.

  Jack is different. He’s a good guy, deep down... I know that.

  I feel as though I can see him, who he really is. If only he’d let me help him. His lifestyle, the drugs and the casual sex… he’s really not doing himself any favors.

  The only way I can get through to him is to join him.

  But what if I like it too much?

  Chapter Twelve

  Rainn was out walking with her sister Yvonne near Liverpool Street; it was their tradition. Rainn would smell the curry, the vegan burgers and the coffee-shops. She would listen to the sounds of people chatting, looking through shop windows and checking each other out. Rainn would sense the change in the daylight and many other things that she could only imagine on the black canvas of her mind. With her newly gained French accent, Yvonne would describe the world to her. She made sweet, witty descriptions, highlighting the strangeness of human interactions before them.

  It was warm May evening and many people were out; walking; hurrying home; drinking outside pubs or simply enjoying the evening air.

  The two sisters were waiting at a crossing when Yvonne spotted a youth attempting to steal a woman’s handbag. She immediately ran to help. In the moment Yvonne left Rainn’s side, Rainn stumbled out into the street and was hit by a Porsche.

  Rainn woke up for a second. Someone was holding her head up, asking her to speak to him. She inhaled his woody, masculine scent. It struck her as natural and clean: reminding her of skin that was out in the sun all day. She passed out feeling strangely safe in his hands.

  She woke up again at the hospital: Yvonne told her she was hit by a car and suffered minor surgery for a broken arm. She told Rainn about the man who hit her and rushed her to the emergency room. Yvonne painted an intimidating picture of the wealthy stranger. Rainn remembered his smell and felt strangely aroused and in love in a very deep organic way. She felt he would come and see her soon, giving her mixed feelings that she just couldn’t understand.

  He walked in at that very moment. Rainn completely blown away by the now familiar smell, the happiness and worry in voice. They shared an emotional conversation together, brief yet intense. The wealthy stranger introduced himself as Jack.

  He left, as did Yvonne, and Rainn was left alone to rest. She drifted off thinking about all she was experiencing. She fantasized about Jack and remembered the conversation they had over and over. She imagined what she should have said and looked like. She felt excited and a little sad, already deeply in love but intimidated. What chances would she have with a man that any woman would die to get their hands on?

  She fell asleep knowing this accident would change her forever.

  Upon returning, Jack gave Rainn a book. She could feel the book was old and used. She told her it was his favourite book as a child. He read a story to her about a prince who never understood the joy of sharing his wealth. The prince died, with his soul remaining trapped, in a statue raised after his funeral. The statue was covered in gold and had two huge, blue eyes made from hundreds of sapphires. Through his precious jewels, he saw beggars, orphans and the elderly pass him every day. He had a bird that told him each of these people’s stories. The prince felt so sad for them
that he asked the bird to give these people, one by one, the sapphires that made his gleaming eyes, leaving him blind. The bird became his sight. Towards the end of the story, the prince also gave his golden coating to the poor, losing all his shine. He became a simple statue, made of only lead. The prince was torn down and melted. When the metal melted, the only thing remaining was his heart. Jack ended the story and they both remained silent. Rainn asked Jack if his eyes were blue, like the prince. Jack replied that they were, adding that he would gladly give them away for a heart. He left her the book. Rainn fell asleep with it in her hand, as she wondered how this irony would unfold.

  Chapter Thirteen

  The day after Rainn was released from hospital her cousin visited her at home.

  “I’m sorry,” said Margaret. “I wanted to come while you were still in hospital.”

  Rainn laughed. “You mean you wanted me to stay in hospital longer?”

  “You know that’s not what I meant. I wanted to get an earlier flight, but I couldn’t.”

  “Margaret, you needn’t have. It’s such a long way to come and I’m fine, really.”

  “Rainn, you were hit by a car! Of course I was going to come. I’d have come to wherever you were.”

  “I’m not badly hurt. I was shaken but these injuries will heal.”

  “It doesn’t matter,” said Margaret. “I wanted to come.”

  She was silent for a while and Rainn knew what she was thinking.

  “Where’s Yvonne?” she asked, eventually.

  “At work.” She heard Margaret shift in her seat. It was enough to know how she felt.

  “Don’t be angry with her,” she said.

  “How can I not be angry?” said Margaret. “How can she be so negligent?”

  “It wasn’t her fault. It was me. I was stupid.”

  “It wouldn’t have happened if she had kept an eye on you.”

  “She can’t keep an eye on me all the time.”

  “You could have been killed.”

  “I wasn’t.”

  “That was just good fortune.”

  “Maybe,” said Rainn. “I’m not sure what it was.”

  Margaret poured tea from the teapot. Rainn took her cup and she listened to Margaret stir in her milk and sugar.

  “And the car driver?” Margaret asked. “What will happen to him? Was he speeding? Have the police spoken to him?”

  “It wasn’t his fault. I stepped off the kerb straight into him.”

  “Well, maybe. But he should still apologize.”

  “If anything, I should apologize to him. I knocked the wing mirror clean off his Porsche.”

  “Oh, poor him,” scoffed Margaret. “He’ll probably ask you to pay to have it replaced.”

  “I offered,” blushed Rainn.

  “What?” Margaret spluttered on her tea.

  “He came into the hospital. I said sorry and asked if I could pay for the damage.”

  “Are you crazy?” asked Margaret.

  “That’s what he said. Anyway, he wouldn’t hear of it.”

  “Probably feeling guilty.”

  “Maybe.” Rainn nodded. “He didn’t seem like that though. He seemed . . .” she tailed away.

  “He seemed, what?” asked Margaret suspiciously. Rainn could imagine her eyes narrowing.

  “Nice,” said Rainn. “Kind. We got on very well.”

  “You got on,” repeated Margaret. “How many times did you see him? I meant meet.”

  “I know what you meant,” smiled Rainn. “A few times. He brought me gifts.”

  “Did he? I wonder what he wanted.”

  “I told you, we get on. There is no need to be suspicious.”

  Rainn cast her mind back to those conversations in the hospital ward. The smell of Jack, mixed with the heavy scent of flowers had lulled her into a pleasant mood, as she lay on the plump cushions. Maybe it was the medication, maybe it was the shock, but there had been something in that room, something in Jack’s melodious voice that Rainn had found soothing. She had never felt like that before.

  “You get on,” said Margaret, interrupting Rainn’s thoughts. “Do you mean get on or got on?”

  Rainn smiled. “I don’t know. We will see what happens.” She could imagine Margaret frowning at this.

  “And what do you know about this man apart from he drives a Porsche and gives gifts?”

  “What else is there to know?” asked Rainn. She was grinning as Margaret tutted.

  “He sounds like a criminal. What’s his name?”

  “Jack. He did tell me his surname but I’ve forgotten it. I was a little disorientated at the time.”

  “And what does he do?”

  “Works in film.” Rainn could feel Margaret’s suspicion which amused her greatly.

  “Anything else?”

  “Just that he’s a nice guy. Interesting and funny. And he’s got a lovely voice. I feel like I’ve heard it before. Do you think he’s famous? Maybe he’s an actor. He said he worked in film. Perhaps he’s just being modest.”

  “Wait a second,” said Margaret, “you said his name was Jack?”

  Before Rainn could answer, she could hear Margaret rushing through to the kitchen. When Margaret returned, Rainn could tell she was carrying a newspaper.

  “Yesterday’s paper,” Margaret said. “I picked it up at the airport.” She proceeded to thumb through it. “Do you think that maybe the man’s surname might have been Bradley?”

  Rainn clapped her hands. “That’s it! Exactly! Have you heard of him? Is he famous? A celebrity?”

  Margaret found what she had been looking for and read in a rather world-weary way.

  “‘Dangerous Jeopardy’ actor, Jack Bradley (32), admitted to being involved in a car accident near Liverpool Street station at the weekend. At first, Karolyn Jones, his agent had denied the heartthrob’s involvement. However, when footage was uploaded to social media by onlookers, she was forced to issue the following statement.

  “Mr Bradley was present at a small traffic accident. It was in no way his fault and the police have not been involved. He has since visited a hospital to visit the woman who was injured and has left her flowers and other gifts.

  “Jack Bradley, who has been involved in recent controversy over allegations of drug use on the set of his current set, was photographed last night leaving an exclusive restaurant with his girlfriend, Chelsea Lopez (24).”

  “Oh,” said Rainn. There seemed nothing else to say.

  Margaret sighed. “There’s a photograph. Looks like a nice restaurant. Italian, I guess. He’s a good looking man. I recognize him now. He’s wearing a nice suit.”

  “What about his girlfriend?”

  “I’ve no idea what she’s wearing. Not very much. Her legs are ridiculous. Can’t tell much about her face. She’s hiding it behind a pair of huge sunglasses.”

  Rainn felt tears form in her eyes. She wasn’t sure whether it was because of sadness, or frustration at her own naivety.

  “Oh, come on, Rainn,” coaxed Margaret. “Don’t feel like that.” She handed her a tissue. “Now we know who he is, there’s no need to feel bad.”

  “You mean because he would never want someone like me.” Sobbed Rainn.

  “That’s not what I’m saying. Quite the opposite. You would never want someone like him. I can’t say I know much about Jack Bradley, but all I know is bad. You deserve better than someone like that.”

  “What do you know?” asked Rainn.

  “Well, I know that he uses his wealth and fame to surround himself with young, trophy girlfriends who are usually no more than a pair of long legs and a pair of designer sunglasses. I’m sure he doesn’t even like them anyway, as he cheats repeatedly, with no qualms. I read that this has made him lose all respect for women and cynical to the core. He strikes me as the jealous type. Possessive even though he won’t stay faithful himself.”

  Margaret paused to sip her tea with a very superior air.

  “I know he is going t
hrough a very public career crisis. It’s probably why he was flying round in his Porsche.”

  “He wasn’t speeding,” interrupted Rainn.

  “Well, whatever,” shrugged Margaret. “Then there’s the rumours of drug use and his horrible temper. You could imagine how the violence in his films might spill over to his private life.”

  “Is that a fact or your opinion?” asked Rainn.

  Margaret folded the paper. “It’s what people say.” And then to change the subject, she asked “Have you heard from John?”

  “John?” repeated Rainn, as if she had never heard of him. “Oh, God, John! I hadn’t thought.”

  “You mean you haven’t told him about the accident?”

  “I didn’t have chance!” protested Rainn, wondering if she looked guilty. “I probably should have.”

  “You two are still friends, aren’t you?”

  “Of course we are. We’re always friends. Always have been. Always will be.”

  “Invite him for dinner,” said Margaret. “I’ll make something. You, me, Yvonne and John. It will be fun.”

  “You’ve just flown in, you can’t be making dinner.”

  “Nonsense,” snorted Margaret, standing up. “You can call him. Your phone is in the kitchen, I’ll get it.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Rainn’s phone was on the kitchen table. As Margaret went to pick it up, she saw Jack’s name flashing as an incoming call. Without thinking, she answered the call before the phone rang, pushed open the kitchen door and stepped out into the back garden.

  “Yes?” she said.

  “Rainn, is that you?”

  “She’s sleeping,” said Margaret. “She is still very weak and needs some time to recover.”

  “Yes, of course,” said Jack. “I understand. Could you ask her to call me back when she wakes?”