ROMANCE: The Surprise That Rocked Me

by Linda Wright

  CHAPTER 24

  Few days later, Lawrence was discharged from the hospital. He had quickly recovered but the wound will be treated at home and he will be coming back to the hospital for medical treatment. Joseph and John came to pick him up in the hospital and they took him home so that he could relax and think of something else he could do because he had already given up his dream of running for governor. Lawrence couldn’t believe Sadie could have done something terrible like that; he used to trust her until the moment she pulled out a gun. He was really disappointed in her and he regretted his love for her. After taking a long time rest at home, Lawrence informed the whole family that he had given up his dream of contesting for governor. Everybody in the family was happy to hear about that and they all want to protect their integrity. Joseph said to him, “I know how it feels, but I am very proud of your courage. I hope you have figured out what you want to do next?” “Thank you, dad, I am yet to figure that out. I want to make sure that I am alright before doing something else and also, I will let you know once something great has come to my mind”. Joseph was glad to hear that and he smiled at his son, Lawrence. John used that opportunity to let them all know that he will soon leave Hatton. He said he had made an arrangement with a friend in the city who had planned where he will live together with Madison. He said he will go to the school of Art where he wants to learn some more professional skills which will make him more professional in the field of art. Everybody was happy to hear that from him, but Mathew asked him about his doctorate degree, and he replied that he will do that after the program. “I can always do that anytime; I just want to take this advantage to learn this skill. Thank you, bro, I really appreciate your concern” John gave his intention. Mathew was happy to know his plans and he gave a huge smile on his face. It was almost getting dark and it’s time to eat dinner. Margaret entered the kitchen in order to get the food ready for them to have their dinner. After few minutes, the food was ready and it was served on the dining table. The whole family eats with a joyous look on their face. Joseph used that opportunity to apologize to children in case he had done something wrong. All the three children said he didn’t need to do that because he hasn’t done anything wrong, he acted like how a good dad should do when issues come up. Joseph was happy to hear that and he cracked a joke for them. They all laughed as they were listening to his joke. The next day, Sadie was charged to court and she was found guilty of Emily and Georgina’s murder. She was sentenced to death for killing to people and for attempting to kill the third one before she was caught. Lawrence was not present, but John and Madison were there to see how it goes. They left the court and both went out to get a couple of drinks. Madison was happy with John and she promised him to be always by his side. John was glad too and he promised her the same thing. They left the restaurant after having a couple of drinks. They couldn’t wait to get home before they started romancing themselves in the car. When they got to John’s house, they were in a hurry to get to his bedroom. They started kissing themselves as they were moving in until they got to his room. John pulled her cloth and she pulled his too. They had sex until they got tired. After many rounds of sex, John and Madison were relaxing on the bed when they started discussing their plans to move to the city. Madison said she will continue with her doctorate degree and John said he wants to go for a professional course in the school of Art. Madison asked him about his doctorate degree and he said the same thing he told Mathew when he asked, that he can always do that any time after completing the professional course. Madison was glad when she heard his response. They both slept off in John’s house until the evening time when Madison decided to go back home. John promised to take her home this time and he took her home. When thy got home, Antonia was peeping through the window when they drove in. She was glad to see her daughter happy. As they entered, Antonia welcomed them with a smile and she told John to take good care of her daughter. John promised her that he will always take care of her and he apologized in case he had done anything wrong to her. Antonia offered them a seat before she replied. They had their seat and she said to him, “I should be the one apologizing from you, my thought was wrong about you and very sorry for that”. “No! You shouldn’t be sorry for that, everybody thoughts I was the culprit” John replied “Thanks! You have actually done well and I really appreciate your courage” Antonia replied as they discussing in the living room, Colin, Bobby and Cecilia entered. They were amazed to see John in their house. John quickly stood when he saw Colin coming towards him. Colin shook his hand and they smiled at each other. Bobby also shook his hand and they both hugged themselves. Colin asked John if he has anything to say and he said to them, “I use this opportunity to thank this family for their love and support for Madison too and for me, I really appreciate you all. I will like to inform you that Madison and I have decided to go back to the city in two days’ time” “Wow!” Cecilia shouted and she started smiling Antonia and Colin looked at each other with an amazing look and they said to him, “No problem with that. We really appreciate your love for our daughter and we are glad to tell you that we are in support of that. You can take her to the city and we wish you two the best in life” “Wow! I am glad to hear that and I promise not to let you down. Thank you once again” John replied with a smile on his face. Everybody was happy and they all embraced themselves for the new beginning. Few days after, John had packed his things and had spoken with his family before he left. The whole family said they will miss him and he replied he will feel the same way too. Mathew cried when he was leaving and he also wept when he saw his lovely brother crying. He left the house and went to Madison’s place. When he got there, Madison had already packed her things and she has been waiting for him to come. She had had a lot of discussion with Cecilia and she promised to pay them a visit soon. John met them outside and without wasting much time, he dropped all her bags in the boot and they both said goodbye to Cecilia. Cecilia couldn’t take it any longer; she rushed to them and gave a hug before they left. She was crying as they were driving away. Madison and John left Hatton for the city and they lived happily ever after.

  ****THE END****

  Bonus stories #1

  Chapter 1

  “Jameson on the Rocks please” requested the 100’Th customer of the day.

  I served the man his drink and moved on to my next patron. I couldn’t pay too much attention to anyone in particular as it felt like the requests for drinks were unending.

  The night progressed as it does usually. Men getting drunk, throwing compliments to girls that could do without them (I included). The Hearth was doing well lately in terms of popularity. The little tavern was different from all the other “modern” bars that were trending on the city. It takes a more old fashioned approach; it almost feels like something you’ll find in a fantasy movie like Lord of the rings. Immense barrels functioned as taps, bottles for spirits were under the counter and the mugs matched the design of the rest of The Hearth.

  People liked it because it was different. Lately every other bar in city barring this one felt like it was a bad copy of the one across the street.

  The customers started trickling down as the night reached its later hours. Only a couple more groups stayed by the chimneys and one lone man still sat by the end of the counter. I counted my tips for the night.

  Not nearly enough.

  I walked towards my boss with a pleading look in my eyes.

  “Bill I know I already asked you but please, I need an advance on my next paycheck.”

  “Jess, we’ve been through this I can’t give you one every month. It’s the 3rd month running now” he looked at me with an apologetic look

  “I know, I know, but this’ll be this last time I promise” my voice was reaching a higher pitch. I was close to begging.

  “No means no Jess” was the stern answer.

  “My parents said they could help me next month! I yelled in desperation “I’m almost halfway to repaying my student loans. I’m sure the bank will b
e more lenient after that!”

  He walked away, ignoring my pleas.

  “Bill I’m late on my rent payments. Please. Just help me out one last time”

  He went to his office and closed the door. I could feel tears coming to my eyes. I buried my face in my hands and took a moment to compose myself. There were still customers around.

  Suddenly the man on the edge of the bar sat up and approached me.

  “I left your tip where I was sitting. Thanks for the pleasant evening” He smiled at me warmly. I looked him in the face and I was taken aback by how handsome he was. His eyes pierced right through me in that small moment. I stared at him dumbly as he walked towards the exit; I had spoken to him earlier that night I remembered. He was glum looking and lonely. I shared a few jokes with him when I got a moment’s break off the customer chain but I hadn’t noticed how attractive he was.

  I went to clear up where the man had been drinking. I rolled my eyes as I picked up a napkin with a phone number on it and a note written under it.

  “You helped cheer me up tonight when I was in need of some company. I heard you were struggling financially when you were talking with your boss. I hope this helps. Don’t think much of it.

  Call me.

  - John Knight”

  The air was punched out of me as I discovered the 500$ hidden under the napkin, soon replaced by brand new air that made me feel like I would be lifted by a balloon into the sky. Overwhelmed by shock and happiness I gazed at the door where my mysterious savior disappeared into the night.

  Chapter 5

  “When can I ride with you 2 in the limousine?” she asked excitedly

  “I don’t know Amy. For your birthday maybe” I retorted

  “What? why? Does he have a fetish for ‘almost 30 year old ladies’ oh never mind, he’s with you so that ship has sailed”

  I threw a cushion at her.

  “I’m not 30 yet you cow” I told her

  “Well you are almost there dearie. How old is he again anyways? He might grow grey hair before my next birthday”

  I made a face at her

  “Careful Amy, you’re going to turn green from all that envy”

  “Hey! My nose isn’t big enough to be some oz witch. That’s more your gig honey” she giggled

  “Aaaand you’re never coming on the limousine now” I told her

  I ignored Amy’s complains and begging in order to get my outfit ready for tomorrow. John had given me a week to prepare for my new job. I’d only just told Amy about it. Sharing the details of the story only served to make this dream more real. Billy had taken it fine, I was a good bartender but far from the best and he knew just how much my money struggles were affecting myself as a person as well as my performance at work. He smiled and wished me luck when I bid my farewells to him. He invited me for a drink “on the house” next time I came. I looked forwards to it; I would miss Billy’s company. I still hadn’t told Amy I was going to work for John, as far as she was concerned John was simply going to loan me some money to pay the rent of this month and next. Explaining to her what we had agreed on seemed awfully pointless. It would involve a lot more explaining than I could be bothered to give her and she’d just make more jokes and tease me. That was the only thing I didn’t enjoy about Amy’s company. When you wanted to be serious she wasn’t the best person to talk to.

  I stepped into my room and made sure everything was ready. It would be my first day working as John’s personal secretary. “Personal secretary” the term itself sounded a bit dirty to me. I would have to take orders from Ali and make sure they were carried out perfectly. It is like a power dynamic; I give him control of my actions and decisions and just listen willingly. The thought of having to obey him at any point during the day with any request that he might have was a turn on for me. I’m not even sure why that is.

  I thought of telling Amy of these thoughts, but she would probably just die of laughter and not understand me in any way. John and I hadn’t crossed the sex boundaries yet, but it was definitely going that way. Now it all seemed so much more complicated. We were more than just boyfriend and girlfriend, we were now also boss and employee, boss and secretary. I have never explored my sexuality much outside of vanilla sex, but this was definitely a sexual feeling of being vulnerable, he is my boss, almost like master and slave.

  I undress myself and lay in my bed. I put my hand to my sex and began rubbing myself in the peace of my room. I pictured John with his powerful forearms grabbing me by the waist, putting his lips to mine softly but with determination. I picture myself willing and obeying listening to his command. I lay under him in this very bed and he starts holding my wrists above my head, his hot body on mine taking advantage of every inch of me: my thighs, my waist, my breasts, my chest and my neck.

  I come to a body shattering climax shortly thereafter and drifted off to sleep, the thoughts of John’s image and scent still vivid in my head.

  -

  I woke up the next day and got dressed in the outfit I had prepared the night before. A black skirt and black blazer to match, white blouse and red high-heels. It made sense for me to quit my job at The Hearth in favor of working for John part time as his secretary. I wasn’t getting enough income working as a bartender and I wouldn’t accept charity from John more than I already had. I ate a bowl of cereal on my way out the apartment, Amy had fallen asleep on the couch watching some soap opera like usual. I decided to make sure her alarm was set since it wasn’t time for her to wake up for another hour or 2. John had told me to be at his office at 7am sharp.

  Taking the public transport never bothered me, but it gave me an awful time to dread arriving at my new work location. I wasn’t highly experienced and not even finished with university yet, but I was already working for the owner (or one of the owners as he kept correcting me) of one of the largest corporations in the country. I didn’t feel ready. I didn’t feel like I deserved this. People that had been working at the firm for years might look at me and think that I got the position that I have just for being a pretty piece of meat. It disgusted me and made me feel ashamed; I couldn’t even make a compelling argument to say these people would be wrong.

  Technically I was arguing with straw-men. No-one knew my background or where I came from, so they would have no reason to dislike me on sight (as I feared). I looked around in the bus and everyone seemed to be just like me, reasonably well dressed in suits or work clothes, either sleepy or stressed but mostly a combination of both and the quiet of the morning commute was almost eerie yet welcoming. The bus was full to the brim, yet everyone was quiet minding their own business, appreciating the silence in the crowd.

  The downside of commuting to the boundaries of the city is that besides from highway and other cars, there’s nothing to see. You are left with your brains and soul, in my case neither was offering me much consolation for the fears that were deeply rooted in me. “It’s just John, we are only going to see John” I told myself, the man I had been seeing romantically for a month now. Yet, he wasn’t “just John” anymore my brain told me. It’s “Mr. Bigshot CEO John” or “Mr. Offers Charity jobs to Pretty ladies John”

  I shook my head and got the filth out of my mind. It was pointless to think like that now. I got offered a job by a person I had met at my previous work, I needed more money and I took it. Everything else was just complicating the matter unnecessarily.

  I arrived at the main bus hub in the outskirts of the city. “Peelerpark” was the name. There’s a company bus John had told me, it drives the other employee to the main office from there. I found the bus and stepped in showing the bus driver the ID John had provided me a few days ago. The bus driver looked at me with tired surprise, it seemed like we didn’t get new people on this bus often.

  I stepped in and noticed that there were 2 distinct group of people, those that sat by themselves and acted like the rest of the beings in the bus didn’t exist and those that already had found themselves a group of friends to share plea
santries with. Most people eyed me curiously for at least a moment. The men for longer than the women, I took a seat close to the bus entrance to avoid being in the spotlight for too long and tried not to make eye contact with anyone sitting near me.