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An Anniversary Surprise |
| Written by Natalie Flynn | |
| Wednesday, 16 April 2008 | |
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Share it:      Today was Anne’s silver wedding anniversary, but she woke up alone. She looked down at her ring finger at the bare white mark where her gold band had once sat, and sighed. It had been three months since he’d left and she still felt so empty. Their marriage had run its course, there was no third party involved, they had simply grown apart. Anne got out of bed, put on her slippers and dressing gown and made her way down to the kitchen she once shared with her husband. The house was so quiet, she thought as she filled up the kettle for her morning coffee. It wouldn’t be her house for much longer, it had been put on the market for sale, and in two days, she was due to sign a new contract on a flat she had seen round the corner. It was small, but cosy. All she needed, just for herself. She stirred her strong black coffee and stared out of the window to the immaculate garden. That was his job, the gardening. They had barely spoken since the day he’d moved out and she missed him desperately. But she knew she had to move on with her life. She’d be alright. Time is the best healer. A new flat would help, a fresh start was exactly what she needed. The telephone ringing made Anne jump, it was her daughter, their daughter, Caroline, calling to say she was on her way over and had a surprise. Anne sighed as she replaced the receiver. Caroline was a zesty young girl and had barely batted an eyelid at her parent’s separation. Anne wondered if it hadn’t really sunk in for Caroline, and if she thought that they would reconcile at some point. No chance of that, Anne said to herself as she sipped her coffee. A while later, Caroline bounced through the front door, at twenty-four, she had so much energy. She reminded Anne of herself at that age, full of beans and ready for anything. Now though, Anne felt lifeless and old. ‘Mum, why aren’t you dressed!’ Caroline chirped as she opened the fridge and helped herself to a gulp of milk, straight from the carton. ‘I’ve not long been up. I feel a bit down today, love.’ Caroline looked sympathetic as she planted a kiss on her mum’s cheek. ‘All the more reason to get your war paint on and come shopping with me.’ ‘What’s this surprise then?’ Anne dared to ask. ‘You’ll see.’ Caroline said with a glint in her eye. ‘Now go and get ready.’ Anne gave Caroline a weak smile and made her way upstairs. It was busy in town, it always was on a Saturday. Caroline was still being cryptic, but had dragged Anne to almost every clothes shop in town, to buy a new outfit. ‘What for?’ Anne had asked. ‘Well, I’m not going to let you sit in doors alone tonight, being miserable, am I?’ Was all she said. Later on at home, Caroline tipped their new purchases out onto Anne’s bed and rummaged through them, picking out a smart outfit. ‘Try it on.’ She urged. Anne did as she was told. She thought the dark brown shift dress looked nice, but Caroline didn’t like it. ‘You look like you’re going to a meeting. Try this one.’ Caroline said handing Anne a different dress. Anne wasn’t so sure as she pulled it over her head. It was a nice, sleeveless number, deep red with a flowing skirt. ‘It’s a bit much.’ Anne said. ‘Rubbish, it’s perfect.’ Caroline beamed. ‘Now go and sort out your hair and make-up.’ ‘Aren’t you going to get ready?’ Anne asked. ‘In a minute.’ She replied. When Anne emerged from the bathroom, she got a wolf whistle from Caroline. But Anne was confused, Caroline was still in her jeans and t-shirt, with her hair tied back. ‘Why aren’t you getting ready? I thought we were going out?’ Anne said. The doorbell rang. ‘You are.’ Caroline told her mum. ‘Go and answer the door.’ Anne’s heart thumped inside her chest. What on earth had Caroline been plotting? Who on earth was at her front door? She slowly walked down the stairs, her hands shaking. She saw his shadow through the frosted glass of the front door. It couldn’t be. She turned round to see her daughter peering at her from the top of the banister beaming a wide smile. The meddling little mare, Anne sighed and shook her head, but inside underneath the nerves, she was smiling. She opened the front door to find a tall, silver haired man holding a full bunch of deep red roses. He looked longingly at her. ‘I’ll get my coat.’ She said, aware of the fact her voice was shaking. At the restaurant, he was the perfect gentleman. Just like on their first date. Anne’s nerves had disappeared, it felt comfortable and like she’d only seen him yesterday. But her heart still ached as the tension shot through her veins. She longed for him to hold her, to kiss her, to love her. ‘It’s been nice.’ He said, as they pulled up in front of the house. ‘Would you like a coffee?’ She asked him, boldly. He took off his seatbelt and opened the car door. Inside, as she boiled the kettle, she felt his arms go around her waist and his head nuzzle into her shoulder. It was like a jolt of electricity feeling him so close again. ‘I’m an idiot and I can’t live without you.’ He whispered into her ear. They fell into bed. The next morning, Anne woke up and looked at him, curled up next to her. ‘I’m sorry.’ He said, voice full of sleep. ‘What about the house?’ She asked him. ‘We’ll take it off the market.’ He said, pulling her in close. ‘I’m not going anywhere, ever again.’ Anne nuzzled her nose into her husband’s chest, feeling his arms tight around her, she knew they’d be ok. Thank you Caroline, she whispered. And he laughed. Copyright 2008 Natalie Flynn |
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| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 16 April 2008 ) |
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