Marianne Surrenders (6 page)

Through the streets, Marianne kept to a light canter, by the time she reached country estate she was almost sprinting. She felt ridiculous, but the area was fairly quiet as usual, so she figured she could really go for it.

She got to Sarah's home just in time to see Tommy's figure leaving by the front door. He was carrying a large rucksack over his shoulder and staring despondently at the floor as he made his way up the garden path. Marianne intercepted him just as he reached the newly planted cherry blossom.

She stopped, out of breathe, in front of him.

“
Tommy,” she said, gasping for air.

Tommy looked up in surprise. “Marianne?”

It was then that Marianne realised what a sight she must be to behold. Out of breathe, rosy cheeks, her hair wild. Worst of all, she had left the apartment in such a rush that she had completely forgotten that she was still wearing her pyjamas.

She stood the for a moment, lost for words and rather embarrassed. In the panic she hadn't even thought about what she would say to Tommy if she managed to catch him in time. She just presumed the right words would flow naturally, like they did in the movies. Instead she looked like a crazy lady ready for bed.

Finally she blurted out, “I'm sorry. It's all my fault. I spoke to your sister. She explained everything. I feel like such an idiot.”

“
Sorry? I don't understand Marianne. Where've you been hiding?” Tommy said. “And what have you been talking to Sarah about?”

Marianne began to describe why she had left the house without saying goodbye. How she had overheard his conversation on the telephone about leaving for Africa in the next few days, and how she feared he was just using her for sex.

“
But Marianne, I was going to cancel that trip to Rwanda. That's what I was saying. When I got back to the bedroom you'd vanished. I didn't know what the hell had happened.”

“
Oh God, I feel so terrible,” she said, with her face in her palms.

She looked up, and her heart melted – Tommy was wearing the pendent she had made for him around his neck. It was all so clear to her now. Her eyes began to well up.

“
Do you think...” she hesitated, “...do you think that maybe you can forgive me, and that we can possibly pick up where we left off before I kinda ruined everything? I really like you. I really do.” She knew it almost sounded like begging, but she desperately wanted things to work, so she carried on, “When I'm not with you, I can't stop thinking about you. When I am with you, I feel like I've come home. You know? I feel safe. It's like it's where I'm meant to be, with you – by your side.”

Marianne had laid all her cards on the table. Feeling emotional and drained she stared up at Tommy, waiting hopefully for his response.

Tommy placed his hand on her arm, and said softy, “You do realise my plane leaves in a few hours? I will be gone for a long time.”

Marianne felt her heart sink for the second time. “I know,” she said. “That's why I ran half way across town in my pyjamas like a mad woman. I wanted to let you know how I really feel before you left, and it would be too late. I think I love you.”

Tommy took a moment, then said with a smile, “Well, that's all I've ever wanted to hear. I feel exactly the same about you. You know I always have. I've waited so long to hear you say those words Marianne. Sounds funny, but I always had faith you would, one day.”

With this, he dropped his rucksack to the ground and threw his arms tightly around her. Lifting her feet off the ground, he kissed her.

“
But wait,” she said, “What about your plane? You're going to miss it if you don't hurry.”

“
The plane? Forget the plane. I'm staying right here with you now,” he said.

Marianne politely freed herself from his grip. “No,” she said. “You can't. You must get on that plane.”

Tommy took a step back in surprise. “What do you mean? I thought you wanted me to stay?”

“
Look, Tommy,” she replied. “I made a big mistake by storming out on you the other day when I thought you were leaving, but I only did it because I thought you had used me. Things are different now. Now that I know the truth, everything's different. If I was to stop you going this time, it would only be for selfish reasons. You have important work to do. People are relying on you for your help.” She reached out and took his hands. “I think it's amazing that you would drop all that for me, but you don't need to anymore. You say you've been waiting most your life for me, well it worked, you got me – I'm yours. What's a few more months hey? I'll still be here, waiting for you when you get back, I promise.”

Tommy smiled. “I guess you're right. Geez, I've really landed on my feet with you haven't I?”

With this he reached out to the young tree he planted just a few days earlier and plucked a soft cherry blossom from one of its fragile branches. He stepped in closer to Marianne and placed the flower into her thick auburn hair, just above her ear. It nestled there snuggly. “Here, that's for you,” he said, as he gazed deeply into her eyes. “My beautiful princess.”

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