Marianne Surrenders (4 page)

Designing the jewellery was the part of her job that she enjoyed most. Not only did it allow her to be the most creative, she often found herself lost in her own world of thoughts – it had an almost therapeutic affect which she valued highly. Today's design session would be spent mostly dreaming about Tommy. She expected great works of art to follow considering her latest inspiration.

She thought about the years she had wasted with Michael, and how if her and Tommy had been closer in age back then, things could have been so different.

Although physically similar in build and height, Tommy was the polar opposite to Michael in terms of personality. Tommy was kind, gentle, and caring – Michael was only those things when he wanted something, his own way. If he didn't get it he could be a controlling bully, cruel even. As a young girl she had interpreted these traits as exciting, and as a sign that he must really love her to act so possessively. Eventually he sapped the energy from her. She lost her sparkle and was a shadow of the bright young girl she once was. If she knew then what she knew now, Michael would never have gotten within a whisker of her. She would never let anyone do that to her again. She would rather spend the rest of her life alone if that's what it meant.

She compared them as lovers too. For Michael, she thought, sex had always been for his own gratification, whereas Tommy seemed to want to make her happy – at least that's how it felt yesterday.

She imagined what life would have been like had she noticed Tommy sooner. Would they have married? Would they have children by now? Where would they have lived? Things could have been so much different, but it was too late to worry about these things, she couldn't change what had already gone. Instead she turned her thoughts to the future, and for the first time in a long time, she could actually see a glimmer of what it could be. No longer was it just a fog, she could see the shapes of two people, two happy people together, her and Tommy. In a few hours time she would see him again.

* * *

Tommy woke up early and went straight to the bathroom to shower. As the steaming hot water collided with his face and cascaded down his body, he thought of Marianne. When he closed his eyes it was her face he saw, and he never wanted to open them again if it meant losing her.

He planned the day ahead. First he would check on the newly planted tree to make sure it was secure and well. Then he would feed the dogs and the chickens, and repair the east fence – as he promised Sarah he would. Have these chores finished by 12 noon and he would then have the rest of the afternoon to prepare something special for Marianne's visit later that evening.

He left the shower and made his way to the kitchen, wrapped only with a towel around his waist. The white flannel contrasted brightly agains his golden skin. His hair hung in dark, wet curls across his face until he swept it back. He started to prepare breakfast – the smell of sizzling bacon filled the air.

Opening the backdoor he stepped, barefoot, out into the garden and took a deep lung full of the clean fresh air. The garden looked even more beautiful than usual he though.

As he stood there and watched the sparrows flutter in and out of the apple trees, he thought about the day he found out Marianne was to marry. She had came over to the house to show off her new sparkling engagement ring to Sarah. Tommy listened from the stairs as the girls squealed and jumped up and down with excitement. “Come and look at Marianne's engagement ring Tommy,” his sister shouted up the stairs. “It's beautiful.”

He obliged, and made an effort to look sincere as he smiled. “Yes, it's very nice,” he said, before leaving to console himself in the orchard, alone, just him and the sparrows.

He always had faith his second chance would come and he wanted everything to be perfect for her. He had waited all his life for an opportunity like tonight and he didn't want to ruin it. He hoped Marianne wouldn't be getting cold feet.

* * *

It was seven o'clock sharp, and Marianne, true to her word, had arrived at the house as planned. It was still light, and there was a few hours left until dark. She made her way along the path and to the imposing front door from which she had left less that a day ago. Pinned to it was a note  – it simply read “I'm in the garden. Use the side entrance. Come straight around.”

Marianne had opted to wear a little black dress and a small pair of heals that evening. She arrived in a taxi, so there was no need to be too sensible with the shoes she thought. Again, she wore one of her own pieces of jewellery around her neck, although this time a different design. A piece she thought would impress Tommy even more than the last.

She also had a special piece in her purse, a gift for Tommy, it was a silver necklace with a celtic design pendent. She new Tommy's family were originally Scottish/Italian so she hoped it would have some appeal to him. She would present it when the time was right.

She made her way around the side of the house and to the rear garden. Sitting on a rustic wooden bench, drinking a glass of white wine, was Tommy. He rose to greet her with a kiss on both cheeks, then passed her a glass of wine he had prepared. They looked, awkwardly, at each other for a moment as they both recalled how intimate the evening before had been. Tommy smiled kindly, and this seemed to alleviate the tension.

“
So, are you going to be cooking for me tonight Tommy?” asked Marianne.

“
Well, not really. No.”

“
Oh,” Marianne attempted to hide her disappointment, then said “ordering a take out then I suppose?”

Tommy laughed, “Not that either,” He paused for a moment to think, then conceded, “Well, I suppose it's take out of a sorts.”

“
Oh really? I'm intrigued,” she replied, half joking. “And here was me thinking I was going to be wined and dined tonight.”

“
Don't worry,” he said. “We're still going to eat, I've prepared everything. Here follow me. And bring your glass of wine.” He took Marianne's hand and lead her towards the apple orchard at the far end of the garden.

They manoeuvred their way through the low hanging branches until about thirty yards into the orchard they came to a small clearance. Marianne was well aware of this part of the orchard as she had played here many times as a child, but it was the first time in half a lifetime she had been back. It looked much smaller than she remembered, but every bit just as beautiful, if not more so. Laying on the floor before them was a thick checkered blanket with some cushions. Adjacent to this the was a large wicker basket, and a bottle of champagne sitting inside a bucket filled with crushed ice.

Tommy held out his hand and gestured Marianne in the direction the blanket. “It's a lovely evening so I thought you might like to spend it outside, and I know you're very fond of this place. I hope that's Okay?”

Marianne's face filled with joy. “Okay?” she said. “It's wonderful. I've always loved it here.”

Believing it was somewhat of a risk to ask Marianne to dine al fresco with him, Tommy couldn't help but feel some degree of relief at her approval. After all, he hadn't spoken to her in over a decade, and truth be told, he didn't really know her that well. She could have been the type of girl who preferred fine dining to a picnic.

They both sat themselves down on the blanket and Tommy asked about her day whilst he set about rummaging in the basket. He proceeded to remove, amongst other things, a wide selection of cheeses, breads, scones, strawberry preserve, cream, a leafy salad and some cutlery.

Marianne watched him as delved into the basket. The muscles on his back rippled and danced beneath his shirt. He was wearing a crisp white cotton shirt with the sleeves neatly rolled up his forearms. This was accompanied by black pants, smart black shoes, and what smelled like very expensive cologne. They were both clearly over-dressed for sitting in a forrest she thought, but Marianne felt it sweet that he was clearly making the effort and was flattered.

“
Please, help yourself,” he said, as he placed a dish in front of her, then handed her a fragrant  bowl of leafy salad. She obliged, and using the tongs grabbed a bunch of rocket and put in on her plate, along with a slice of french bread, and a slice of feta cheese.

“
This really does look amazing Tommy,” she said, as she began to eat. “You've made such an effort.”

He smiled coyly. His dimple prominent. “Well, you know, nothing's too much for you. I wasn't too sure you'd like it to be honest.”

A warm and glowing sensation began to grow inside her. It started somewhere in her belly, and slowly worked its way out across her body, reaching her toes, the tips of her fingers, and the corners of her mouth, making her smile. She recognised the feeling as happiness. She had never noticed its departure, or for how long they had been estranged, but she knew for sure of it's return. It was there, like a warm sun, every time she though of Tommy.

Tommy placed a couple of metallic containers on the blanket and prized the lid open. A plume of steam rose into the air. Inside was a selection of tenderly cooked asparagus. He opened the other container, and another plume of steam bellowed out – this one contained poached salmon. He placed a portion of each onto Marianne's plate.

“
I hope you like salmon.” he said, as he poured dill sauce over the fish.

She watched his every move, transfixed.

“
If you don't like it you don't have to eat it. I won't be offended,” he smiled. “There's plenty other food here.”

“
I love it. Thank you.” she replied, picking up her knife and fork.

Tommy took the bottle of champagne from the bucket of ice and popped the cork. It flew through a gap in the trees and out of sight. He filled both his and Marianne's glasses and said, “I'm so glad I got a chance to see you again Marianne.”

“
Yes, me too. I had a amazing time with you yesterday.” She blushed.

“
No, not just that. I mean yes, I had a amazing time too, but that's not what I meant exactly.”

Marianne squirmed in her seat. Tommy was getting a little tongue-tied.

“
I mean seeing you again after all these years,” he said.

Marianne felt her temperature starting to rise. She daren't think of what he could possibly mean for fear of being wrong.

“
You know, I don't know if Sarah ever told you, but I had such a massive crush on you when I was a kid,” he confessed nervously. “I don't know if you ever noticed?”

Marianne heart started to beat a little faster, but she managed to hold it together. “I had no idea.”

“
The thing is Marianne, I still do. And I'd love it if we could spend a lot more time together.”

“
I think I would like that too,” she replied, after a pause.

They were the words she longed to hear, but even now, a voice inside her heart was telling her to be careful. The breakdown of her marriage and the ensuing years of loneliness had taught her to put up a wall, emotionally. The wall, which she thought would never disappear, was beginning to crumble away. She would be scared without it, but she didn't want it anymore. She wanted to surrender her heart fully to Tommy.

Marianne said, “But there's one thing Tommy, and I know this may sound a little needy, but I need to be sure that you are serious about this. That you are not going to have your way with me, then up-sticks and leave,” her voice was beginning to tremble a little. “I need stability in my life. Not one night stands. I've been hurt so much in the past, I don't know if my heart could take anymore pain.”

Tommy leaned over, put his hand on the back of her head, and kissed her gently on the lips. He gazed so deeply into her eyes she felt he could see right into her soul.

“
There's nothing I want more than to be with you completely,” he replied.

Little by little the wall began to fell apart, until there was nothing left.

By now the sky had turned a sultry mix of amber, pink, and deepest indigo. The sun, like a great ball of liquid gold, melted into the horizon. The perfumed evening breeze weaved it's way gently through the apple laden trees and across the face of both Marianne and Tommy.

“
It'll be dark soon,” she said.

“
Yes, but that's okay.” he replied.

He got to his feet and made his way over to a nearby tree. He stood there for a second, then there was a quick flash of yellow light, then another, then Tommy's figure turned to silhouette as he lit what appeared to be a candle lantern hanging from a branch. Marianne watched as he continued from tree to tree, carefully reaching into selected branches and lighting another lantern. Soon they were both surrounded by the tiny shimmering glow of over a dozen candles, like a protective ring of fire.

Tommy returned to Marianne's side on the blanket. The area was now bathed in just enough light to appreciate how beautiful they both found one another. She watched as the reflection of the candles seemed to dance in his aquamarine eyes, like fireflies over the mediterranean sea. He caressed the side of her face – her soft skin felt like velvet across his palm. She felt her heart tingle as he kissed her again on the lips. She closed her eyes briefly, savouring the moment. Again he kissed her, and then again, as his fingers slid into her hair. She let out a tiny sigh as her bones seemed to turn to liquid.