Moving On

by Jennii Graham

  Moving On

  -

  A Romantic Story of Self-Empowerment

  By Jennii Graham

  @Copyright 2012 Jennii Graham

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organisations or persons, living or dead is entirely coincidental.

  Chapter 1

  Oxford Street was heaving. Busy shoppers darted in and out of brightly lit stores looking for the next shiny object to add to their collection and brighten up their otherwise mundane lives. Clare stepped out of the black London cab and straightened her expensive jacket. Her friend Donna stepped out into the bright London sunshine to join her after paying the expectant cabbie his fare plus a generous tip for his trouble.

  “Have a good day ladies!” called the cabbie.

  “We will” said Donna as she smiled and shut the door.

  Donna joined her best friend Clare as they surveyed the scene. “Right then darling” said Donna, “where first?”

  Clare pulled a pristine sheet of paper from her Louis Vuitton bag and opened it carefully. “I’ve made a list of the best sales in town” she exclaimed and pointed over to the other side of the busy road. “John Lewis first I think, that’s always a good place to start”

  Clare smiled at her best friend and they linked arms and made for the pedestrian crossing. Clare and Donna had been best friends since school and had been through a lot of tough times together. Everybody they knew said they could be sisters and this made both of them very happy indeed.

  Clare was taller than Donna with long immaculately dressed brown hair. She always looked her very best and took an eternity to get ready. Much to her friends and family’s despair at times. Every last inch of her was groomed to perfection especially her nails and hands. This wasn’t surprising as by day she was a manicurist in a busy city centre salon with a healthy list of very particular clients. She was good at her job but if you told her that she would deny it with well practiced modesty. Today was Clare and Donna’s regular monthly shopping trip in London and was the highlight of their month. They always spoiled themselves silly and always managed to have at least three well deserved breaks for coffee and long chats about life, love and where to visit next.

  They had been rather successful so far with Clare’s detailed research and planning paying off with a couple of excellent bargains. Their shopping trips were always very well organised by Clare, she always knew where to go and how to get there. Donna didn’t mind this at all; she could sit back and enjoy the day without having to worry about a thing. They found themselves in one of the many coffee shops in central London needing a break and a big, expensive cappuccino. Clare’s feet and ankles were sore for some strange reason and she was in some pain. Donna ordered the drinks while Clare found them a quiet table at the back. The coffee shop was busy so nowhere was particularly quiet but this was the best she could hope for. Donna arrived with the drinks and the tall glass of tap water Clare had asked for. “Here you are sweetheart” said Donna as she passed Clare her cappuccino and the glass of water. Donna put the empty tray on a vacant nearby table and sat down. “How are you feeling?” she asked as she made herself comfortable. “I don’t know why but both of my ankles are really sore” said Clare as she popped two painkillers out of the pack and into her hand. “It might be the new shoes I’m wearing. The heels are a little high”. Actually the heels were very high and made Clare even taller than she already was. She was as tall as the average man and her slim figure accentuated her height even further. In fact, Clare had been blessed in many ways: she was tall, slim, had a great figure and she had poise and elegance too. Many women were jealous of Clare but she never boasted or played on her gifts. If anything Clare was too modest: she knew she often caught men’s eyes but she would always laugh it off or play it down. “He must be desperate” or “His eyesight needs checking” are the sort of things she would say to herself or whoever was with her. Deep down she knew why she did this. It was because of HIM and what HE did to her. It was HIS fault and all men were the same.

  She swallowed the painkillers and sipped at her coffee. “So, how are things with Andy?” asked Clare. “Is everything still ok?”

  “Yes we’re both happy. Things are as good as can be expected. I have my bad days but generally we’re pretty good.”

  “I’m glad you’re happy” said Clare. “He’s lucky you gave him another chance after what happened. I take it he won’t be going on any more business conferences for a while”

  “I trust him Clare” said Donna. “He’s learnt his lesson and I know he won’t do it again”

  “I hope not” replied Clare. “For his sake! I don’t know how you were able to forgive him but as long as you’re happy”

  “I am” said Donna with a wry smile. “Now, show me that gorgeous pair of shoes you bought”

  They chatted and gossiped for another 30 minutes or so before leaving. Clare’s ankles were feeling a bit better now: the painkillers were working their magic. They stepped out into the busy street and as they did so Clare’s ankle finally gave way. The heels had proved too much for her and she lunged awkwardly out into the road. The pain shot up her leg on the way to her brain to be joined by another sudden jolt as something gave way in her lower back. Clare screamed as she fell: her bags fell to the ground before her, giving her a slight cushion as she slammed into the hard concrete. Donna rushed over to help her up. “Oh darling!” cried Donna. “Are you ok?” It was a stupid question really but we all say it at the most ridiculous of times. A young man rushed over to help the tall, slim, injured shopper which, for Clare, only made matters worse. “I’m ok. I don’t need any help from you” she shouted at the young man as though it was his fault she had fallen. Donna turned to the startled, confused young man and said “Thank you for offering to help but I can manage” The young man looked hurt at Clare’s refusal of his assistance. “Err, ok. If you’re sure” he replied as Donna helped Clare to her feet. Clare was in a lot of pain. Sure, her ankle hurt but her back was really complaining. She could barely stand. Donna turned to the young man and said “Could you call us a taxi?”

  “Sure, no problem” he replied and scanned the street for a black cab. Instantly he spotted one and hailed it down. The cab pulled up next to Clare and Donna and the young man opened the door for them as Donna helped Clare into the cab. As she did so the young man gathered their shopping bags and handbags and passed them to Donna in the waiting cab. “I hope you feel better soon” he said to Clare. She ignored him, the pain was all she could think about but Donna thanked the young man for his help. He closed the door and the cab sped off into the manic London traffic heading for Liverpool Street train station and home.

  Chapter 2

  After a difficult and painful journey home Clare was forced to rest for a day or two. She had no choice, the pain in her back was excruciating and incapacitating. She called the salon to tell them what had happened and could they call her clients and let them know that she wouldn’t be able to see them for a couple of days. She didn’t like doing this but she really had no choice. She managed to get herself to the doctors for her appointment where the doctor promptly informed Clare that she had hurt her back quite badly but there would be no permanent damage. She gave her stronger painkillers and recommended two weeks off work and treatment from a chiropractor. Clare had visited a chiropractor in the past when she hurt herself playing tennis. She remembered the treatment had been effective and made a mental note
to make an appointment. On the way home she called her chiropractor to make an appointment only to be told that they were fully booked up for the next three weeks due to holidays and the fact that one of the practitioners was away getting married. “Typical!” she muttered after hanging up. “I bet he’s a man!”

  She went home and rung Donna to let her know what the doctor had said. “Sounds nasty” said Donna. “Have you made an appointment?”

  “I tried but they are fully booked for the next three years!” she exaggerated. She often did this when she was frustrated; it helped her to cope with her inner thoughts.

  “A friend at work went to a chiropractor recently” said Donna. “She said they were really nice and not too expensive. Do you want me to get their number?”

  “Yes please darling” replied Clare. “That would be good. You’re a true friend. I don’t know what I would do without you sometimes”

  “That’s what friends are for” said Donna. “I’ll get their number and text it to you.” Donna and Clare chatted for a while longer before hanging up. The next day Donna sent Clare the details of the chiropractors she mentioned on the phone. She noticed that the practice was very close to her parent’s house which was fortunate as she was planning to go there today. She rang them and fortunately they could see her today. Clare took the appointment and hung up. “That’s handy” she thought. “I’ll pop in on the way to mum and dad’s”

  Clare found the practice easily and pulled up outside in her small but very chic car. She eventually managed to eject herself from the car and headed up the drive to the reception door. The practice was called ‘B. Chartwell Registered Chiropractors’ and looked very smart if a little understated. Clare wondered to herself what the ‘B’ stood for. “Bridget probably… Or maybe Belinda” she thought to herself as she pushed the door open and stepped into the reception area. Stood at a modest reception desk was a woman of about 30. She was the receptionist and was attractive at first glance but Clare thought she could be a right bitch if needed. She just had that look about her.

  “Hello” the receptionist said as Clare approached the desk. “How can I help you?”

  “I rang earlier” said Clare. “My name is Clare Browning”

  The receptionist looked Clare up and down briefly before saying “Oh yes, of course. Please take a seat and I’ll see if Ben is ready for you”. She turned and entered a door leading into the treatment area.

  “Ben?” thought Clare and suddenly panicked. “I just assumed I’d be seeing a woman chiropractor” For a second or two Clare had to fight the urge to get out of the door as fast as her pain soaked back would allow. She hadn’t been ready for this. She would be letting a strange man touch her bare skin. She felt cold, her breathing became short and shallow and she felt herself getting hot and prickly. She hadn’t let herself be touched by any man since she had found out what HE had been doing behind her back.

  She might have just left there and then if it wasn’t for the receptionist coming in with a tall, blonde haired man. “Hi” he said and held out his large hand. Clare stood where she was unable to move. This was it. She had to decide what she wanted to do. She could either leave now and find a female chiropractor or she could let this man try to relieve her pain. She looked at him and saw kindness in his eyes. He smiled and she couldn’t help but smile back. “I’m Clare” she whispered.

  “It’s very nice to meet you Clare” he said. “Now, shall we try to make you feel a bit more comfortable?”

  He held out his arm to her and said “Please, let me help you. I can see you’re having trouble walking”

  Clare held onto his arm and immediately felt safe, secure and protected. She hadn’t felt like this for a long time and mixed emotions were running through her brain and body. She couldn’t help noticing the look of hurt and anger in the receptionist’s face as he assisted his beautiful new patient. If looks could kill Clare wouldn’t need to worry about the pain in her back! As he led Clare into the treatment room and, without looking at her, Ben said to his receptionist “Helen, can you make sure we’re not disturbed?” He closed the door with a resounding, almost mocking slam, leaving Helen standing alone in the small empty room.

  Clare was right about Helen. She could be a bitch when it was called for. Helen slowly sat down at her computer and began typing.

  Chapter 3

  The treatment room was nicely furnished and well lit. It wasn’t flash or full of gimmicks and it seemed to have a welcome, homely feel to it. Clare found herself relaxing slightly.

  “Perhaps this won’t be so bad after all” she thought to herself. Ben asked Clare to sit on the treatment couch which she did, carefully. The pain was really letting her know that it was in charge just in case she forgot.

  “Now, tell me what happened” said Ben in a soothing, strong voice. Clare described what had happened in London and told Ben what she had been doing since returning.

  “Hmmm, Ok” said Ben. “I know it hurts like hell but it sounds like you haven’t done any major damage. If you want me to I can help with the pain and get you mobile again”

  Without thinking Clare said “Yes please. This pain is driving me mad.” A small voice inside her head told her this was a bad idea but the intensity of the pain and Ben’s calm nature managed to reduce this familiar internal nagging voice to a quiet whisper.

  “Alright Clare. I’m sure you’d like to get started today so I need you to lay on your front on the couch” said Ben. “You’ll need to lift your top slightly so I can manipulate the muscles affected in your lower back”

  Clare did as she was asked without any qualms or shyness. Somehow this man had managed to gain her trust with just a few words and simple gestures. None of this seemed dirty or sleazy to her and besides, he had probably done this hundreds of times. She un-tucked her blouse from her skirt and laid gingerly on the couch. While she did this Ben had his back to her. He was rubbing a lotion of some sort into his hands and she couldn’t help but notice how well dressed he was.

  “Must be married” she muttered to herself as she lowered herself onto the couch. Ben turned to her and gently lifted her blouse up to just below her bra strap. As he did this he brushed Clare’s bare, sensitive skin and she jumped slightly as though an electric charge had passed between them. “Sorry” said Ben. “Try to relax. This shouldn’t hurt.” He placed his large, strong hands on either side of her spine and began to slowly massage along the length of Clare’s taut muscles. The warm oil worked as a lubricant and also as a form of warming heat and Clare found herself relaxing more and more with each repeated stroke. Her skin felt smooth and flawless under his powerful hands and Ben found himself enjoying the tactile sensations more than he normally did and certainly more than he should in his professional capacity.

  Ben continued to massage Clare’s back until he could feel her muscles relaxing and softening under his continued pressure. Clare found herself feeling more and more relaxed as Ben stroked and caressed her tender skin. She kept telling herself that she shouldn’t be feeling like this but she did. She also felt something else. Something she hadn’t felt for a long time. Something deep and primal was stirring inside her and it both scared and excited her. This man was turning her on! She hadn’t been turned on by a man for a long time, not since HE had done what he did in their flat that hot, balmy day in June. The feelings and emotions Ben was unknowingly awakening in her were also disturbing memories she had tried to forget. Suddenly it all came back to her and her whole body tensed up in an instant. “Clare, is everything ok?” Ben asked.

  “Yes, yes I’m fine” she lied and got to her feet. “I’ve just remembered. I have to be somewhere in 10 minutes. I’m sorry”

  “That’s ok” Ben said calmly. “We’re just about finished anyway. Just take it easy for a while. You’ll probably need another 2 or 3 sessions. Is Friday at 11 good for you?”

  Clare hadn’t thought about having to come back. Admittedly she had enjoyed the massage and her back felt a whole lot be
tter but the whole thing had stirred something in her which she didn’t want to wake up. Something she didn’t dare wake up.

  “Err, yes. That’s fine” she said quickly. She grabbed her bag and left without saying anything else to Ben or Helen who watched her leave with avid intent. She got in her little silver car and drove off quickly without checking if the road was clear, only stopping a few streets down the road to collect her thoughts and calm down. The whole experience had scared her so much she decided to call her parents and cancel her visit. She went home and watched her favourite soap opera. Real life was too complicated and stressful. She called her friend Donna for a chat and opened up a bottle of wine to help calm her nerves.

  Chapter 4

  The conversation with Donna had been a fruitful one. Her friend had listened to Clare’s emotional outpouring with the patience that only a best friend can. When Clare had finished Donna calmly told her that she thought she had over-reacted and had let her past experiences cloud her views. Clare couldn’t help but agree and suddenly felt very foolish and childish. Donna suggested that Clare go to her next appointment on Friday and apologise for her sudden exit. Clare agreed with her best friend and thanked her for her honesty and for the good advice. Secretly, Clare was looking forward to her next meeting with Ben. He had made her feel emotions she thought were deeply hidden within her. He had also made her back feel a lot better and for that she was truly grateful.

  Chapter 5

  On the day of her next appointment with Ben, Clare arrived at the practice a few minutes early. She entered the waiting room and walked up to the reception desk where Helen was standing.

  “Hi” said Clare in a cheery voice. “I’m here to see Ben” Helen was surprised to hear Clare refer to Ben using his first name. She thought it sounded too familiar and she didn’t like this woman using it.