To Love Thy Neighbour

by S M Mala

  ‘That tells you that she knows you can hurt Leon, and she’s doing her best to protect her child. Any mother would do that, believe me.’ Esme thought for a moment. ‘And why did you do a background check on me? What’s that got to do with anything?’

  ‘Are you sure he really wants you?’

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘Come on,’ she smiled. ‘If I walk back into his life, you know you’ll be given the push. I can offer him so much more than you can. Or maybe you can offer something. Who knows?’

  That comment stunned Esme.

  She realised that his ex-girlfriend was plotting something much deeper than Leon realised.

  ‘She did what?’

  Leon could feel his hands tremble as Esme stood outside the house he was working at. ‘She said that to you?’

  ‘I thought I’d let you know. It was odd, to be honest.’

  ‘She had no right to speak to you!’

  ‘Have you spoken to her?’

  ‘No.’ He picked up his tool bag and walked towards Esme. ‘And right now, if I saw her, she might get strangled.’

  ‘You have to tell her what you’re going to do, or she won’t go away.’

  ‘Maybe that’s what she wants. For me to pay her to go away again.’ Shutting his eyes, he knew he had to calm down. ‘I’m so sorry, Esme.’

  Her palm touched his cheek and then a kissed replaced it.

  All Leon could feel was turmoil that Bennylita had the nerve to speak to Esme.

  Then what he had truly feared, the main topic, would come up.

  Bennylita’s feeling that she had control over him.

  ‘Nothing changes with her,’ he sighed, looking down at Esme’s wide, warm, dark brown eyes. ‘I’m not going to break up with you.’

  ‘I hope not,’ she smiled and kissed his face once more. ‘I think she was just checking me out. She wasn’t impressed.’

  ‘How rude is she to talk to you about being past it!’

  ‘But I am. Doesn’t mean I can’t look after a baby because I can’t have one.’ Esme smiled, making little butterflies happen in his gut. ‘Shall I take you out for lunch or are you too busy? I’m a bit light on the work front today. Shona and Tracy are working on some professional man’s flat and have told me to keep out of the way. Which means, they’ve found his liquor cabinet.’

  ‘I would never put it upon you to look after Mali, let alone another child. Esme, I don’t want to dump anything on you,’ he said, yearning for her. ‘I know we’ve not discussed it properly.’

  ‘The decision is yours and Mali’s. I think Bennylita wants to see her child.’ Then she groaned. ‘Or maybe she doesn’t and this is a way of winding you up.’

  Grabbing her hand, he walked with her towards his van, opening the door and putting the tools away.

  ‘If you want to have a baby with her, it’s going to cost you now and forever. She thinks you’ll be a family.’ Esme shook her head. ‘She might want to keep all women away from you. Use you like her very own bitch.’

  ‘You don’t like her, do you?’ he asked, hearing the sneer in her voice, and trying to hide his smile. ‘She’s not your type?’

  ‘I think she’s a tough woman. Knows what she wants and gets it. Very straight down the line with what she says and means.’ He noticed the frown appear. ‘I don’t want her to hurt you or Mali.’

  ‘Even this stunt makes me wonder if I should let her into my life again.’

  ‘Why do you want another baby?’ she asked, moving closer. ‘Is it just for Mali?’ He was stumped on what to say; how to answer. ‘You’ve just never said. I thought it was down to you being a man and wanting to breed.’

  Looking at her, he couldn’t put it into words.

  ‘It sounds odd,’ he whispered.

  ‘Odd?’

  ‘Yes.’ Checking the van was locked, he held her hand and walked down the road. ‘I know a nice pub we can go to.’

  ‘Tell me.’

  ‘It’s just that, a kid loves you unconditionally, where people don’t. Mali loves me with all her heart and is trusting. I want to feel that again, and another child is the only way I’m going to get it.’

  He felt a sudden tug on his arm and turned around.

  Esme stopped walking.

  ‘That’s bollocks!’ she said, starting to look alarmed. ‘Why do you think no one would love you unconditionally?’

  ‘Because to date, that’s what has happened.’

  ‘But now you’ve met me, that’s not true.’

  His heart felt like it had leapt into his mouth, the beating of it vibrating his head.

  ‘Leon, when you told me about the baby thing, I was shocked. Jealous, if I’m honest as I can’t have a baby with you. But if that’s going to make you feel loved and wanted, then I’m willing to help. Thing is, you are loved and wanted by me, and I hope that’s good enough. Frankly, I don’t want her to love or touch you.’

  Right then, it was the best thing she could have said.

  ‘This is confusing.’

  Alfie and Esme were sitting in Steph’s living room. Lucia was in the kitchen whispering with Steph. ‘And what about you in all this?’

  ‘That’s exactly what I said,’ Lucia piped up, walking into the living room with a tray. ‘I love my brother but he’s not the brightest.’

  ‘Hence his choice in women,’ Alfie mumbled then started to giggle. ‘Oh mummy, why’s your life so confusing?’

  ‘Did you pull on holiday and were you safe?’ she asked, not wanting to have them berate Leon. ‘What’s going on with Ethan?’

  ‘Questions, question,’ he sighed.

  ‘Then give me answers, answers.’

  ‘We got on very well, thanks for asking. He’s a lot of fun.’ Alfie then smiled. ‘I asked him to move in with me in a few months’ time. Ethan needs to move out of his place and I need the rent.’

  ‘Just the rent?’ said Steph, rushing out with a bottle of sherry. ‘You’ve only just got rid of that geriatric.’

  ‘That’s rich coming from you,’ laughed Alfie then turning to Lucia. ‘Had you only known how small the world was, would you have accepted her offer to take you out?’

  ‘I asked her out,’ Lucia said, sitting down next to Esme. ‘I thought she was amazing.’

  ‘Do you use a lot of your own sedatives?’ whispered Esme, smiling.

  ‘I heard that,’ Steph said, letting out a loud sigh and sitting next to Alfie. ‘And don’t you look gorgeous! Are you sure you want to take it further, so soon? You’re very young.’

  ‘I’m taking it slowly and we’ll see what happens.’

  ‘Isn’t it funny, all us Reeves are in a relationship? Even your mother.’

  Esme smiled and thought hard about the past few days and what Bennylita had said.

  And when Leon revealed that he wanted another baby so it could love him, it twisted her heart, knowing he was still unsure about relationships.

  Her head was in a spin because she knew Bennylita had been texting and emailing him. Leon promised not to mention the impromptu meeting between the women.

  ‘Lucia, why does Leon have such low self-esteem?’ Esme blurted out, as the other three turned to look at her. ‘He’s so wonderful; I don’t get it.’

  ‘He never used to be like that,’ Lucia said, grabbing a biscuit from the tray. ‘My brother was outgoing and such fun. There were a few girlfriends but Bennylita came on the scene, and everything changed. I don’t know what happened, but we lost him. His fun side disappeared, and he seemed introverted, very angry. It was slow how he changed. Then when she said she was pregnant, it all kicked off. She was such a bitch to him. He worked long hours, but she wanted more and more. I made sure I didn’t see too much of her back then.’

  ‘Why would he contemplate letting the woman back into his life, into Mali’s life?’ asked Steph, holding Lucia’s hand. ‘She’s only going to cause trouble.’

  ‘Could be there’s more to it, and we don’t know enough.’
>
  ‘I’ve got that under control.’

  Esme noticed the steely determination on Steph’s face, and so did Alfie.

  They looked at each other before looking at her again.

  ‘How have you got it under control?’ Alfie asked, leaning closer to Steph. ‘What have you done?’

  ‘I have contacts, you know.’

  ‘What contacts?’

  ‘Your father.’

  Unable to stop the gasp coming from her mouth, Esme put her hand to her throat.

  ‘You spoke to dad?’ Alfie asked, eyeing his grandmother with suspicion. ‘Why?’

  ‘I need to protect that young man. He’s my girlfriend’s brother and my former daughter in law’s, lover. If anyone is going to know what’s going on, it’s your father.’

  ‘You spoke to Oscar?’ Esme asked again, seeing Lucia half smile as she poured out the sherry. ‘You called him?’

  ‘How do you think I’d do it? Over the web? Of course I called him. He was reasonably pleasant.’ Steph started to laugh. ‘I had to tell him a few little white lies so he’d help me. He’s a good boy … sometimes.’

  ‘What did you say?’ asked Alfie as Lucia started to laugh, and Steph smirked. ‘It better not have involved me.’

  ‘Everything involves you, dear boy.’ Then Esme noticed Steph grin. ‘I told him that your mother’s young lover is being hounded by his ex-girlfriend, who is a prostitute, which means if the press find out about it, then it’s bad publicity.’

  ‘You didn’t?’ Esme gasped again. ‘He’s going to go mental!’

  ‘Oh granny, you are funny!’ laughed Alfie.

  ‘He wasn’t too pleased. I gave him all Bennylita’s details, courtesy of Lucia’s intervention, so we’ll see what his secret squirrels come up with.’ Then she cleared her throat. ‘I’m sure she won’t be smelling of roses, but more like shit.’

  ‘Steph!’ barked Esme, much to Alfie’s amusement. ‘Don’t be rude!’

  ‘Well, they cover roses in manure, so what else are they supposed to smell like?’

  ‘La, la, la!’

  Mali was singing as they walked down the road after he picked her up from a morning summer club. Leon was holding onto her hand as she skipped about. ‘La, la la!’

  ‘You’re happy today,’ he said. ‘Did you have fun?’

  ‘Lots and lots of fun!’ she replied, skipping around. ‘Where’s Esme?’

  ‘Waiting at her home for us to make lunch. Then Nana is coming to pick you up and take you out for the afternoon.’

  ‘La, la, la!’ continued Mali, all the way home.

  Seeing her so joyful made him smile as they reached their road, but as they got to Esme’s front door, he noticed a man was standing outside.

  He didn’t recognise him, but the man instantly looked at Mali and then at Leon before frowning.

  ‘Where is she?’ he asked angrily. He was in his mid-sixties, with a small paunch and greying hair. His skin was tanned and leathery; his clothes were relatively expensive. ‘I know you know where she is.’

  That’s when he realised it was Bennylita’s husband.

  ‘Who are you?’ Mali asked, looking up at the man. ‘I not know you.’

  ‘How can I help you?’ Leon asked politely, seeing Esme open her front door and walk quickly out.

  ‘I’m Bennylita’s husband.’

  ‘All go here!’ Esme said, holding out her hand towards Mali. ‘Come inside and let your dad speak to this gentleman.’

  ‘Who is he?’

  ‘We’ll soon find out.’

  Bending down to kiss the child, Esme glanced at Leon before walking into the house, but not before flashing him a concerned look.

  ‘What can I do for you?’ Leon asked, shoving his hands in his pockets.

  His first reaction was shock on seeing how old the man was. Never did he want to cast judgement but he looked older than his father.

  ‘I’m Leon,’ he said, putting out his hand. ‘And you are?’

  ‘Angus.’ The man looked at Leon’s hand then shook it briefly. ‘Do you know where my wife is? I’ve not seen her for weeks.’

  ‘I’ve no idea.’

  ‘Please don’t lie. She’s not returning my calls.’

  ‘Like I said,’ he replied, looking over at Esme’s house and seeing Mali stood at the window, staring out. Then he noticed an arm quickly pulling her back. ‘She has come to see me a couple of times but I didn’t want to talk to her.’

  Angus was trying to compose himself. Leon wondered if it would be a good thing to take him into his house. Then again, that might not be a smart move.

  ‘Why did you have to come back into her life?’ he asked Leon, in an accusing tone. ‘We were happy but when you turned up in Spain, things changed.’

  ‘I never asked her back and she spoke to my child, without my permission.’

  ‘Did you see her?’

  ‘I saw her fleetingly when she was spying on us; then she walked off. The next thing I knew, she appeared here.’

  ‘What did she say?’

  ‘You shouldn’t be asking me all these questions. Go and track down your wife.’ Then he hesitated. ‘Where’s your son?’

  ‘He’s in safe hands.’

  ‘What’s going on with you two? Are you separated?’

  ‘That’s none of your business!’ the man barked and stepped closer. ‘Leave my wife alone, do you hear me?’

  ‘Listen mate,’ Leon said, moving forward. ‘I don’t want your wife. Frankly, every time I see her, it reminds me how bad it was between us. The only good thing that came out of it was Mali. Bennylita now wants to get access.’

  ‘I see,’ he said, glancing at Esme’s window. ‘How will you stop her?’

  ‘I’m sorry I can’t be of more help but if I do hear from her, I’ll say you were asking.’

  Promptly turning around, he walked into Esme’s home. Mali and she were at the table, colouring in a picture.

  ‘Who was that man? He looked very angry, Daddy,’ said Mali, looking at him and giving a big smile. ‘He’s as old as grandpa. Is he your friend?’

  ‘Not exactly,’ he replied and noticed Esme look sympathetically over. ‘I need to make a phone call.’

  Leon walked into the garden and dialled Bennylita’s number.

  ‘Hello,’ she said, in a sultry manner.

  ‘It looks like your husband has been waiting too. On my doorstep, to be precise. Can you tell him to keep away from my home, please? I also don’t appreciate you dropping to see my girlfriend and spouting your crap. She has nothing to do with this.’

  ‘The woman sells coffee from a van. I was only getting a drink,’ was the flat reply. ‘She’s a little old, don’t you think?’

  ‘I don’t care what you think.’

  ‘Have you thought any more about it?’

  ‘What?’

  ‘Us?’

  ‘There is no us.’ He realised Esme was constantly glancing over. She had that worried expression he hated to see. ‘Bennylita, what do you want from me?’

  ‘A baby. I want a baby with you and another chance for us to be a family. I don’t love him, you see. I never did. I was scared and alone, then Angus came along and gave me security.’

  ‘I don’t trust you,’ Leon said, sitting down on the grass. ‘How can you leave yet another child?’

  ‘Leo’s fine. I’ll see him soon.’

  ‘What are you doing with your life?’

  ‘My life went wrong the moment I let your mother talk me into leaving you.’ Bennylita sounded like she was going to cry. ‘I know I treated you badly, but I had a few problems of my own.’

  ‘Me,’ he mumbled.

  ‘Leon, you know I love you. I didn’t appreciate what I had until now. Can we just meet up? Let’s talk. We never got the chance.’

  ‘That’s because you got the first plane out of the country, without giving me a second glance.’

  He wanted to add that she had also broken his heart and left him in pie
ces, but she might like the information too much.

  ‘Tomorrow. Let’s meet and talk then,’ he whispered.

  ‘Where?’

  ‘Somewhere neutral. I’ll text you.’

  Leon walked back into the house, and Mali was putting on a dance show for Esme. He sat down next to her and watched his daughter jump around to music from the television.

  ‘When are you seeing her?’ Esme asked quietly, looking at Mali.

  ‘I need to know what’s going on and what she really wants,’ he whispered, stroking her arm.

  ‘Sure.’

  She didn’t sound convinced.

  ‘You know you can trust me. I won’t let anything ruin us. Not even her.’

  ‘Not even for another baby?’ she asked, looking up at him.

  ‘Not if it means I might lose you.’

  ‘It’s nothing!’

  Esme had cut herself while removing paint. The spatula slipped and slit her finger.

  Her head had been all over the place when she knew Leon was meeting Bennylita.

  He didn’t tell her where, just that it was going to be late in the afternoon. Mali would be with her grandparents, and they were going to drop her off about seven.

  It was small reassurance that it he wasn’t going to be with is ex for that long. But Bennylita came across as a woman who didn’t need much time to persuade someone.

  ‘Go home,’ Tracey said, holding Esme’s hand over her head. ‘You’re more dangerous in here. I don’t know what’s on your mind.’

  ‘Things.’

  ‘Think the young spark is giving you lots of electric shocks, isn’t he?’ laughed Tracey.

  ‘He has given me a few,’ Esme honestly replied. Examining her wound, she knew blood would eventually spurt out again, ruining the clean wood. ‘I’ll go and get this sorted.’

  Taking her things and heading off in her van, she drove back home to sort out her cut.

  Afterwards, she went in the living room and put on some music while drinking a glass of wine. A breeze came through her home, and she sat there, her eyes closed, deep in thought.