To Love Thy Neighbour

by S M Mala

  Esme knew he was trying to hold it together and was simply fading fast.

  ‘This Sunday, everyone will come to my house. It will be set up as if you are meeting her alone, Leon. She won’t know we’re close by.’

  ‘I don’t want to see her again!’ he angrily replied.

  ‘And once it’s done, I’ll put on a lovely spread for all of us, including your family,’ she said cheerfully.

  Esme held her breath for a second before saying,

  ‘Don’t you think that’s a little bit too much for them to deal with? You and Lucia? It will come as a shock.’

  ‘Listen,’ Steph said, grinning mischievously. ‘There will be enough shocks for all of us.’

  ‘I’m not sure if Barbara can take anymore,’ whispered Esme. ‘Let alone Leon.’

  ‘What did she mean?’

  Leon was sitting on the edge of his bed after tucking Mali in bed. ‘How many more shocks can there be?’

  ‘I have no idea what that mad woman is up to.’ He felt Esme wrap her arms around him, placing her head against his back. ‘Do you think it’s wise that they want to tell your parents about them?’

  ‘If they’re happy, then they should.’

  ‘I’m so worried about you,’ she whispered and he felt her breath through his shirt. ‘I would gladly pay for us to fly off somewhere for a few weeks.’

  She held him tightly, and he sat there, motionless.

  ‘It sounds odd, doesn’t it? My moving Ben in so quickly and starting a family. I could tell from your face you.’

  ‘Steph shouldn’t have asked you about the sleeping around. She sometimes doesn’t think.’

  ‘That’s fine. I knew about it… eventually. It’s what crushed me afterwards. At the time, I was so insecure about the relationship; I couldn’t see sense. And Mali? That’s the bit that sickened me the most. Bennylita could sleep with someone else when carrying my child. It hurt.’

  He felt nauseous like he used to.

  Again the ultimate sense of betrayal crept in, and he wanted to cry.

  ‘I want to make you happy, that’s all,’ Esme said as he closed his eyes. ‘I hope you believe me.’

  ‘You’re the only thing keeping me sane.’ He let out a little laugh. ‘And to think, for a moment, I was considering her offer of having another child. Even I know, deep down, she’d be around forever. I’d rather chop off my bollocks.’ The hug was tighter, and he felt her body press up against his. ‘I shouldn’t have put you through it for a second. I’m so sorry. I never want to lose you.’

  ‘You won’t.’

  Esme wasn’t letting go.

  He felt like he was in a locked embrace.

  ‘Can I turn around and look at you?’ he said, touching her arms. ‘For someone petite you have a strong grip. Not that I’d ever complain.’

  As he turned, he smiled to see a very perplexed expression.

  Then she flung her arms around him, placing a kiss on his lips, while pulling him down on the bed.

  ‘I love you so much Leon Sachs. I want you to be happy, and I’ll make sure you are. I don’t know what it’s going to take. I’ll even get money off Oscar.’

  ‘Don’t let him talk you into moving away,’ he said, worried she might get caught in the crossfire. ‘I don’t want that to happen.’

  ‘Hopefully,’ she smiled, running her hand through his hair. ‘I’ll get some cash to put a door in between our homes… one day.’ Then the smile completely faded before she looked straight at him. ‘If you do want us to get another child and would like it to be genetically yours, I’ll help. You know I will.’

  ‘Esme,’ he whispered, knowing it was still bugging her.

  ‘If it’s going to make you happy, then I want to do it.’ A frown appeared on her forehead. ‘But not with her. Not with that woman.’

  ‘I don’t know what I was thinking at the time.’

  ‘But if you want to. Tell me and we can find someone better. But you can’t have sex with her. It’d have to be done by a clinic and-.’

  He kissed her.

  That was all he could do to stop her saying things he didn’t even want to contemplate.

  ‘You know I don’t love Bennylita, don’t you? I never for once thought of us splitting up and me going with her.’

  ‘You don’t have-.’

  ‘You need to know,’ he said, swallowing hard. ‘I’m worth loving; I really am.’

  ‘I never thought otherwise.’

  ‘And mostly, I love you. We’ll see this through, together. No matter what happens.’

  Then he saw her smile slip and wondered what was playing on Esme’s mind.

  ‘Is there something you’re not telling me?’ he asked.

  ‘Do you want me to put a firm grip on your special place,’ was her response.

  ‘Just flick the switch.’

  Esme was sitting at Alfie’s computer, knowing that Oscar wanting to do a face to face web chat spelt trouble. Her son insisted it was done at his home, and she knew he was up to something. ‘Esme, I need to see you.’

  ‘I thought you weren’t allowed?’ she hissed.

  ‘Mum?’ Alfie said, sitting next to her. ‘You have to do this face to face.’

  He clicked a button, and she could see them in the small space at the bottom of the screen.

  ‘His FBI, CIA Agents or whatever intelligence people you have, will intercept. No doubt I’ll get arrested under some terrorist act for upsetting his highness.’

  She watched Oscar laugh.

  That threw her.

  ‘And before I see you face to face, don’t you ever dare tell me who I can see. I’m not moving out and setting up home somewhere else. I love him. Whether you like it or not, let your ego decide.

  ‘I take it Alfie knows about us,’ Oscar said, half smiling and sipping some water.

  ‘Your dad is hot! If ever I saw a gorgeous looking family, it’s you three,’ Ethan whispered. He was standing in the corridor, eavesdropping. Alfie wanted him there for moral support. Esme wanted Ethan around a evidence if Oscar pissed them off. ‘But Alfie’s good looks come mostly from you, Mrs Reeves.’

  ‘Call me Esme,’ she replied, looking back at Oscar’s picture perfect face on Alfie’s laptop.

  ‘You both look wonderful, do you know that?’ Oscar said, smiling at them.

  Esme turned to Alfie, whose face was free of any emotion. He looked like he was practising one of his modelling poses. It also looked like he wasn’t going to fall for his father’s crap.

  ‘I want to say something,’ Alfie said, sitting up straight. ‘You had no right to get your creepy press person to call mum, questioning her ability to look after me when you pissed off.’

  ‘Alfie,’ Oscar said, shaking his head. ‘I know you love her very much but these are issues that will come up.’

  ‘Sorry dad, but you slept with mum when you were married. I was never at harm with that man, but I was neglected by you. I know you said it was because of mum, but that’s bullshit!’

  ‘Alfie,’ Ethan whispered, now sitting down so he couldn’t be spotted. ‘Don’t get upset.’

  ‘Who’s that?’ Oscar asked, looking around.

  ‘Never you mind,’ Esme said, and squeezed her son’s arm.

  ‘My intention was never to hurt her,’ Oscar replied. ‘But it’s the truth.’

  ‘What is it with politicians? You don’t know what those words means. Can I remind you of something?’ Alfie was starting to get angry. ‘When I told you I was gay, when I decided to tell you the truth about how I felt, I recall the way you looked at me. I never told mum, never told grandma. There was this look of disgust. I’d see it in your eyes from time to time, when you made the rare appearances. Whatever pack of lies you want to tell mum and others, that’s up to you. But I know the truth.’

  ‘Alfie?’ Esme said, turning to look at him. ‘Your father said-.’

  ‘Gay marriages are being approved and he needs that vote. I am the vote winner! He doesn’t wa
nt anything to tarnish that. I don’t like you,’ he said, looking straight at the computer. ‘I don’t like what you stand for and who you are. A hypocrite and a user. If you do get through, you’ll not want to know me afterwards. I’ll be the token child you visit on your trips to Europe. What have you ever given me?’

  ‘If you remember that flat you currently live I bought,’ Oscar said, his forehead creased with annoyance.

  ‘I never wanted it! Mum saved all the money you sent over, guilty payments I called it and made me buy this place. Grandma helped with her spare cash.’

  ‘Anyway, it’ll cost less money than getting plastic surgery for your ugly children,’ Esme muttered hearing Ethan stifle his laugh.

  ‘You don’t have to be rude,’ replied Oscar, sitting back. ‘Once again, you have no idea how much damage you cause.’

  ‘If Bennylita needs payment and I need a lawyer, will you contribute?’ Esme asked, seeing Alfie turn to look at her in horror. ‘I know you know people. I got that woman, who wrongly accused me of hitting Mali, to speak to someone based on your mother’s recommendation. That shark who did our divorce came in handy.’

  ‘I know,’ he said, clearing his throat. ‘Thing is, this woman Bennylita Grimshaw wants to go to the press and I can’t be seen to stop her.’

  ‘You’d let mum be wrongly accused of being a bad mother and suspected child abuser?’ Alfie said, physically shaking with anger. ‘And have you thought how that would reflect on me as a teacher?’

  Guiltily the man looked away and then back at the screen.

  Esme could have punched his face, there and then if it weren't for the fact she would only damage Alfie’s computer, and her fist in the process.

  ‘You’re going to help us if this all backfires. Your mother has been more help than you,’ Esme said, sitting back and mirroring Oscar’s actions. ‘She asked for your help and you’ve not been that good. All you’ve done is made sure your arse is covered.’ Then she bit her lip. ‘I’ll go to the press about you shagging me for ten years, on and off. If you say were you were unstable, or I was, that’s not going to reflect too well, is it?’

  Oscar’s stare could sometimes be quite scary.

  Right now, he was at his most frightening.

  ‘If you care about us or even me, you’ll help us with finding out more about this woman,’ Alfie said, softening his voice. ‘Grandma has done as much as she can, but you have contacts and know far more people. Don’t you want mum to be happy?’

  His pissed off expression at the pair of them was priceless.

  ‘I see,’ Esme replied, not wanting to laugh. ‘You get all the honey, and I get to eat dirt, is that what you want?’

  ‘He’s too young and not good enough for you,’ replied Oscar, leaning closer. ‘His life is complicated and he has a young child.’

  ‘She’s totally in love with him,’ said Alfie, glancing at Esme. ‘And I want mum to be happy. Dad, tell us what you know about these people and we can all move on with our lives.’

  That’s when she noticed Oscar’s eyes widen.

  ‘That man wouldn’t have hurt me. He didn’t touch me inappropriately, but it made mum scared. Don’t ever bring it up again. It stopped her from moving on. I think it’s time you let her find someone to make her happy. Don’t you agree, daddy?’

  Esme looked at her son proudly.

  She couldn’t have said it any better.

  ‘Whose place is this?’

  Bennylita asked, walking in on Saturday afternoon. ‘Whoever they are, they must be loaded!’

  Leon looked at her, dressed to impress, or more likely to seduce.

  His stomach churned that she was counting up the cash.

  ‘It’s a friend of Lucia’s. I thought it was best to meet here, privately.’

  Immediately, Bennylita walked towards the staircase.

  ‘Where are you going?’ he asked, opening the living room door.

  ‘Why don’t we go straight to bed? I think that’s the best place to discuss it.’

  Taking a hold of the situation, he knew she was so sure how easy it would be to persuade him.

  ‘I’d prefer if we sit civilly to discuss this.’ Leon noticed she shrugged while touching his arm as she walked into the room.

  It was odd, the feeling of repulsion towards her.

  She took a seat on the sofa as he sat next to her, making sure there was some distance.

  ‘You had no right accusing Esme of anything,’ he said, trying to compose the nerves showing through his voice. ‘She never hit Mali.’

  ‘That’s what she says but how do you know?’

  ‘I know. We spoke to the woman concerned, and she gave a statement to a solicitor. You haven’t got a leg to stand on because it was witnessed by a neighbour, who happens to be a barrister.’

  Bennylita flinched at his comment before sitting back.

  ‘We’ll make a beautiful baby together,’ she said softly. ‘It will be a welcome addition to our family.’

  ‘I don’t want a baby with you. You scared Mali when you showed up out of the blue. She was upset.’

  ‘She’s just not used to me, especially if you’ve got your next door neighbour as a nanny.’ Bennylita smiled. ‘I take it you’re only with her because you know she’s linked to a very wealthy and important man. I never thought you had it in you. I am impressed.’

  ‘I’m with her,’ he said, clearing his voice. ‘I am very much in love. I can’t remember feeling so safe and happy.’

  ‘Mother substitute I take it?’

  ‘Don’t lower the tone.’

  ‘Always a mummy’s boy.’

  ‘At least she’s a good parent that can’t be said for you.’ Holding tightly to his temper, he forced a smile. ‘If I don’t want a kid, what do you want?’

  ‘Thirty thousand pounds to go away and never make contact again,’ she said calmly, before flicking her hair. ‘That’s not much; all things considered, not with Esme’s contact. I know you’ve not got two pennies to rub together.’

  ‘Did you know I was with her before you came to visit me at my home?’

  Her smile said it all.

  ‘Leon, I will go away. I gave you a perfect child, and it’s the least you could do.’

  ‘You said my mother forced you to stay away. If you loved me, as much as you say, it wouldn’t have stopped you.’

  ‘I can’t go away empty handed.’ She looked at her hand, and he noticed she wasn’t wearing her wedding ring. ‘I need something to start me up.’

  ‘And blackmailing Governor Reeves is a good start?’

  He had to laugh. For the first time, he realised Bennylita wasn’t quite as smart as she thought. Automatically he could see this incensed her.

  ‘That man is important, and he wouldn’t want me to bad mouth his ex’s life choices. You know how these people need to keep squeaky clean, don’t you?’

  ‘Hello!’ Steph said, popping her head around the corner and making the pair jump. ‘Is everything okay? I left my purse on the kitchen table. Silly old me!’

  Leon hadn’t expected Steph to return.

  The plan was for him to refuse Bennylita and see if he could knock down the price, before asking her to sign a document, not making contact again.

  ‘I thought we were alone?’ Bennylita asked, raising her eyebrows.

  ‘So did I.’

  ‘I’ll make tea while I’m here for you and your guest. It’d be rude not to,’ Steph said cheerfully. ‘I won’t be a moment.’

  She closed the door, and Leon didn’t know what to say.

  ‘Are you sure that’s not another girlfriend?’ she asked, with a little sneer. ‘I know you like them older now.’

  ‘She’s a family friend,’ he replied and looked around the living room, crammed with sentimental ornaments.

  Then he noticed a picture of Oscar and hoped Bennylita wouldn’t follow his eye line.

  ‘Your husband went to see Esme. I spoke to him and got the impression, so did she t
hat you were in contact. Seems he’s anxious to speak to you.’

  ‘We’re finished,’ she said, folding her hands on her lap before looking at her nail varnish. ‘He’s not taking it so well.’

  ‘And you’ve left him with the baby.’

  ‘He can cope.’

  ‘It sounds like he can’t. Did you tell him you were coming to give us another chance?’ Leon felt like heaving when he said it. ‘You seem pretty certain I’d take you back. Thing is, Esme said even he knew about her connections in America. Are you sure you’ve split up?’

  ‘What is this?’ she said, standing up abruptly. ‘Why are you asking so many questions?’

  ‘Thing is,’ Steph said, kicking the door open and walking in with a tray. ‘You’ve not been very honest about a few things, have you?’

  ‘Esme?’

  Mali said as they sat waiting for Barbara and Stan to turn up at the pub. ‘Where’s daddy gone?’

  ‘To meet a friend.’

  ‘He not happy this morning. He was very grumpy,’ she said, doing an impersonation of her dad. Esme had noticed that same expression too. ‘I said he could play with Moo Moo but he didn’t want to.’

  ‘He’ll be fine,’ she said, hoping he was. ‘He has a lot on his mind.’

  ‘I not like my mummy,’ Mali said, shaking her head, as her ponytails flipped about. ‘I not like how angry she was. It made me scared.’

  ‘You’re safe, don’t worry. Nothing is going to upset you.’

  ‘I like chips!’ Mali said, looking at a bowl of them go past. ‘Can I have chips?’

  ‘Sure.’

  Esme checked her phone, and there was no word from Steph. No-one wanted Leon to be put in a situation where Bennylita could turn on him.

  Steph was hiding in the house just in case.

  ‘There’s Nana and Grandpa!’ Mali said, waving at them.

  The couple walked over to the child and kissed her. It was Stan who leaned over and kissed Esme, while Barbara nodded, acknowledging she was sitting there.

  ‘I like chips, and Esme said I can have some,’ Mali said, sipping her lemonade. ‘We are going to see Mr Alfie Reeves’ grandma and she lives in a big house.’