Together Forever

The Dusty Office

He was surrounded by a heavy buzz in the distance from this small cramped up office. Sean new that coming into the Police Station would take up a lot off his time. “f**k, this is ridicules!” he thought to himself, staring at the bland colour on the walls. The paint is cracked and it started to peel in the corners. The air was thick with dust and he wondered if they ever cleaned this room. He’s been waiting for a while now, which made him uneasy. If there is one thing that he hated, then it was to idly sit and wait for something to happen. Sean was more the get up and do sort off person. He became restless. His mind drifted to a few hours ago when he was with Kyle. Seeing his face always had a calming effect on him. He knew that the most valuable part of him was safe when they were in each other’s prescense. A part of his life that he could not loose; that he could not live without.

Dr. Connors wasn’t around this morning Sean could not speak with him regarding Kyle’s progress. He was anxious to know, but this also required attention. It’s important to get the process going. Everything just moved too slowly according to him. He wanted it over and done. At least Kyle appeared to feel a bit better. The swelling were going down, the colour was returning to his complextion, offering the hope that it won’t be much longer. His memory was still hazy after he left the house. Kyle did have memory flashes that shook him up a bit, but the Doctor said that it’s normal for the brain to recover lost time. It means that he’s healing. Sean was thankful for that small piece of good news; but still, he never wished for Kyle to be in such a predicament; ever.

“f**k emotions!” He thought. “It’s their fault in first place. Pride, which prevented me to do what is important; what was the best. Now, look at this mess. I’m also responsible. f**k!”

Sean was pulled from his thought as someone came into the office.

“Good day. I’m Inspector Radebe.” The man extended a greeting. His breathing was laboured.

“Morning” Sean replied.

“Tell me, you are here regarding the accident of Mr. Pierce?” he enquired.

“Yes. There are a few things that came to light.” Sean said.

“Allright. Let me just get the dossier.” Sarget Radebe searched for the file underneath a large stack off papers on his desk. “Ah, here we go.” He familiarized himself with the details again, briefly scanning over the documents. “It says here that Mr. Pierce was unable to recall the accident itself. The officers reported damage to Mr. Pierce’s car. A sucspicion of fowel play.”

“Yes, that’s what we also suspect.” Sean replied. “Here, I’ve completed an affidavit downstairs, pertaining to the events leading up towards Kyle leaving the house.”

“Good, let me have a look at that.” He reached to take the paper from Sean. “What is your relation to Mr. Pierce?”

“We are engadged to be married.” Sean replied, before noticing that ever familiar uncomfortable silence.

Radebe looked up from the paper “congratulations” he responded and continued to read.

Sean was taken with his response, not sure if he meant what he said. At least it was something, even if it only was social curtacy.

“What I gather from this document is that this ‘Eric’ came over to your house and entered into an argument, after which he assaulted Mr. Pierce. Eric left Mr. Pierce on the floor after a heavy beating, storming out off the house.”

“Yes” Sean replied.

“When you arrived at home Mr. Pierce had told you what had happened?” Radebe continued. “Why didn’t you take him to hospital, or go to the Police?”

“It’s all in there.” Sean said, pointing at the paper in his hand, but answered anyway. “I wanted to, but he was angry. Eric was beating his wife, Vicky, a dear friend. I told her that she must get a restraining order and divorse the bastard. Oh, I apologize for my language.” Sean paused for a moment.

“No need.” Radebe responded. “Spousal abuse is very serious and a man doing that is a bastard.” He said as Sean could hear the anger tensing in his voice.

“Anyway. Eric had beaten Kyle, but I think he was looking for me. He told Kyle that I must stay away from Vicky and to stop filling her head with ideas of divorce. He then threatened Kyle, that if we do not comply to his demand, that he’ll be back with some off his friends.”

“So you and Kyle also had an argument?” he wanted to know the whole story.

“Yes. He felt that my need to help out a friend, placed his life; our lives in danger. Which apparently, he was right about.” Sean said.

“What do you mean?”

“It’s my belief that Eric was the one that tried to run Kyle off the road.” Sean replied.

“We’ll at this point I do not see any evidence to support that, but it’s definitely worth looking into.” Radebe said. “Do you have details for this Eric and his wife?”

“Yes, I do. I’ve written it on the separate sheet, part of the document.” Sean said, hinting at the paper in his hand yet again. “I spoke with Vicky, yesterday, she is with her sister out of town. She’s finally applying for a restraining order.”

“Perhaps you should also consider doing that?”

“I filled out the application this morning.” Sean said. “I’ll take it to the clerk of the court, when were done here.” He said. “I wasn’t sure what documents you required, so I’ve attached a copy to that document as well.”

“It’s not really something that’s any use to us, until it takes effect, but I’ll keep it on file for now.” Radebe responded.

“Thank you for your assistance.” Sean said.

“Just doing my job” he replied. “If there’s anything that you can think off, you know how to find me.” He said, giving him a card.

Driving to the court, Sean’s kept thinking that he didn’t even inform Michelle of this new development, yet. She’s always been like a second sister to him, especially after Jessica’s death. But she could not stand Vicky. She was civil and polite, but she has told Sean many times that she’s no good for him. He did appreciate her cander, but it was a struggle for him. That’s always been a weakness off him, too compassionate, too caring; living oblivious to the danger that he is inviting.

It was a new day. Sean’s mood was lighter than usual. That heavily dark cloud which strangled him these past nine months was finally letting go, a little. Feeling a cool breeze on this hot summer’s day in December offered some comfort. For some reason the rain did not want to come. It was strange for this time of the year. Normally by now, the lovely summer drops would have spread much appreciated joy. Sean got a table at a restaurant, which have become a custom by now for their usual lunch.

“Agh, right on time, as usual.” He got up and gave her a peck on the cheeck.

Today, he was in the mood for a nice seafood platter, which he already ordered, knowing that she’ll have her usual, a lovely Salmon Salad.

With the cocktails waiting on the table, she sat down. She always looked stunning, resulting in everyone gawking at her beauty. She’s used to it by now, but often he caught himself admiring her graceful attitude. Even when he’s over at her place, she is carefully composed, to utmost perfection.

That same level of perfection she applies to her creations of art. It is, afterall, a neccisity for an interior designer to have a high standard of quality and this is undoubtly visible in her work. The attention to detail, the level of proffessionalism with which she handles her clients, it’s evident in every aspect. No wonder she’s the most sought after designer in town. Everyone who is anyone wants a piece of her unique taste in their homes and others whish to be her. You’d think that the success would go straight to her head, but it does not. Her calm and warm personality draws people across the spectrum and who could resist that gorgeous smile.

“If I had to say, that is what makes her successful” Sean thought to himself. Never will you encouter the attitude of superriority; only an eye for stunning quality. It’s one of the reasons why they quickly became friends; that familiar personality which reminded him about Jessica.

After a lovely meal and hearty conversation she looked over at Sean.

“You’re still good for tonight?” she asked.

“Off course. Why do you ask?” Sean replied.

“I was just thinking, it’ll be difficult, for us both.” Vicky said, with a small look of sadness.

Sean placed his hand on top of hers “that’s why were going together” he said, trying to put her at ease.

“If I did not have to go, I would not.”

“I know, but you are giving a speech at the opening ceremony. Perhaps we could mingle for a while afterwords and head back home” Sean suggested.

“That will be great” she said.

Sean was a little weary of attending the CANSA dinner, but he was a man of his word and promised that he’d go with her. This year has been a tough emotional rollercoaster. The death, the depression, the feelings of hopelessness. If it wasn’t for their relationship, who knows where he’d be today. She was the one that brought him back to life, at least a less darker version than he’d been having. Vicky’s eyes did offer a glimmer of hope. Something that Sean was despereate to cling onto.

Thanking her for a lovely lunch Sean offered to pay the bill.

“I have a few things to attend to this afternoon, but shall I swing by your place around five?” he asked her.

Searching for her phone to check the time “yes, that would be most appreciated” she replied with a smile. “Driving with one car would be best.”

“Allright, I’ll see you then.” They both got up and Sean kissed her on the cheek, watching her movements as she walked from his sight.

Swiping the card to pay for lunch he enterained a thought for a moment. There relationship was already steady in every aspect.

“Could I be happy? Is there a possibility? Would this work out? Should I…?”

Sean parked his car in the driveway of Michelle’s house. She needed to see the proofs of yesterday’s shoot. Walking up towards the front door he was thinking. He noticed that she was not herself the past few weeks. He did not want to pry. There was something that was bothering her, but he wasn’t sure what it was. Sean had to admit to himself that between work and Vicky, he neclegted their friendship a bit. He felt bad about it.

“Could that be it? Or was there something else? Perhaps Kenneth, no he’s perfect. He truly cares for her. So what then?”

“Hi sweety” she said, when the door opened. “Come” she invited him in.

“Hi darling” he responded as he walked through the door. “Where’s Kenny?” he enquired.

“Out with friends” she replied “golf” she said rolling her eyes.

“And that look?” Sean was curious to her silent remark.

“Oh, nothing really” she said walking with him to take a seat on the sofa. “It’s just that he promised me that he would be back by now.”

“Perhaps they are behind schedule on the course.” He tried to offer consolation.

“No, I phoned him. His having a drink with them, but it’s fine. He promised that’s he’s on his way. He’ll just have to make it up to me.” She said.

“Oh s**t, I also forgot.” Sean was surprised that he neclegted to remember. “It’s your anniversary today. Congratulations” he offered his support.

“Was this how bad I’ve been destracted from our friendship?” He thought to himself.

“Thank you, I appreciate it. I know that he means well, but for today I wanted him to myself, without having to share him.” She said.

“I understand. Don’t worry, it’s despicably nauseating how much he loves you, so I have no doubt that he feels bad about it.”

She chuckeld at his remark “you’re right. Would you like to have a drink?” she offered.

“Nah, I’m good, just came from lunch with Vicky.” He replied.

“Oh” she responded.

There it was, that look that confirmed her attitude these past few weeks.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“No, nothing.” She tried to hide her obvious disgust.

“Michelle, what is going on?”

“Kenny said to keep my nose out off your business.” She replied.

Sean only staired at her, waiting; anxiously waiting for her response.

“We are just good friends, if that’s what you are worried about.” He finally spoke.

“Huh, don’t lie to me Sean. I see the way that you look at her. I know you by now.”

“There’s nothing more.” He tried to convince her.

“Please, it’s obvious that you are sleeping together.” Michelle said as he heard the anger rising in her tone.

“So what if we are?” he responded. “If it makes me happy, why not?”

“Dude!” she said. He knew that when she spoke like this that she was very serious. “She’s f*****g with you.” She said.

“That’s not how I see it.” he replied.

“Listen, carefully to me. You both went through emotional hell this year. This ‘thing’ between you two isn’t healthy at all. Especially for you.” She said with great concern in her voice. “She’ll break your heart.”

“I appreciate your concern, but if this makes me happy, nothing else matters. It’s all that I have at the moment.” He said.

“You cannot ignore who you are. You’ll never be completely happy. You are too emotional to see it, I’m just afraid this could send you spirling again.”

“I think I have to leave.” He got up from the sofa. “I just brought you the proofs.” He places the binder on the coffee table.

“Sweety, I..” she tried to speak.

“No. Michelle. You do not know what I’m feeling. You cannot understand what I’ve been through.” He interrupted her. “Please, I do not wish to make a fuss about this any longer. I have to get ready for tonights event.” He walked towards the front door. “And yes, I’m going with Vicky.” He said before saying goodbye.

The doorbell rang and he could hear a voice shouting from within. “Coming…”

She opened the door. Sean was amazed at her appearance this evening. He did not think it possible, but she looked even more stunning than usual. The slick dress dragged on the floor, as she did not have her shoes on. The teal-blue colour framed her eyes perfectly, amplifying their charm. He was staring for a moment, unable to remove his eyes from the beautiful glow she had.

“Come in.” she invited him in. “I’m almost finished. Give me five minutes. Have a glass of wine in the mean time.” she said before disappearing into the bathroom, applying the final touches to her make-up.

Sean walked over to the counter, where it was obvious that she had a glass or two already as the bottle was half empty. He poured the wine into the glass, savouring the fullbodied sweetness as he took a sip, thinking about they way that she looked tonight; thinking about how quickly their relationship progressed; thinking about it, wondering if he should talk to her about it?

“I’m ready, when you are.” She emereged from the bathroom, reaching for her purse.

“Good, we can go.” He replied placing the glass on the counter. “By the way, you look amazing tonight.” He complimented her, reaching to open the door.

“Well, thank you very much. I thought you’d like this one.” She said with a grin.

“She’s right, I do like this one.” He thought to himself. “Afterall I was the one that suggested that colour a few weeks ago.”

“That speech was moving” a voice spoke behind her.

Vicky turned in her seat to see who it was. “Thank you so much.” She replied, struck with amazement by his gorgeous smile. “Hello, Eric.”

“When I heard that you were delivering a speech, I had to make sure to be here.” He said, talking a seat next to her on an empy chair.

“Oh, please” she modestly replied. “You are one of the celebrated donars, you had to come.”

“You got me there.” He flashed another gorgeous smile. “But seeing you in that stunning dress, is the highlight of the evening.” He was coy.

“Flattery, won’t help you.” She said, playfully smacking him on the arm with her purse.

Sean was sitting at the table across from them, watching this entire scene play out in front off him. He wondered who this man was. What exactly were his intentions? Not that he made any effort to hide the fact that he wanted Vicky’s attention.

“Sean!” Vicky called his name across the carefully decorated table. “This is Eric” she introduced him. “He’s a client off mine and apparently a modest supporter of this organisation.”

“Hello. A pleasure.” Eric extended his hand to Sean.

For a moment he hesitated to greet him. He did not want to come across as rude. “Hello. Likewise.” He finally responded.

“So, how do you two know each other?” Eric asked.

“He’s my date for the evening.” Vicky proudly said, taking a sip of wine.

“Oh?” Eric had a brief expression of disappointment on his face. “How long have you been dating?” he asked.

Vicky politely laughed at the question “no, we are just friends” she replied. “No, sorry” she corrected herself. “He’s my best friend, my brother and my rock.” She proudly announced.

“That’s true.” Sean confirmed, feeling a bit disappointed that that’s all she thought them to be. “It was actually so much more, or was I the only one that felt this way?” he thought to himself.

Not feeling up to be a part of this conversation any longer “if you’ll excuse me, I need to get another one.” He indicated to the empty glass in his hand.

“Allright darling” Vicky said as she winked at him.

He found himself standing alone at the bar, yet again. A familiar place that he apparently frequented. Watching over at their table, a new feeling was awakening within him; a feeling of jealousy. Watching someone else making a pass at her. It left him feeling hopeless again. “Why him of all?” he thought to himself. “Why not me? Did she sense that I’m not all that into the s*x? Is what we’ve got not enough for her? What?” He was conflicted with questions. He could not help but notice that Eric was a truly handsome man. Perfect smile, perfect hair, perfect suit. “Everything was f*****g perfect. Almost too good to be true.” He said over the edge of his Vodka and Lime. “He looks like trouble.”

He saw Vicky getting up from the table and turned around to look at a group off people on the other side of the room, hoping that she did not notice him staring.”

“Sean” her voice spoke behind him.

“Hmm?” he was gulping down his drink.

“Eric invited me for a drink. I’m going to make a few rounds, greeting some people, then we’re leaving.” She said.

“Uh.. Okay.” He responed at a loss for words.

“Thank for your support this evening. It’s much appreciated.” She said, giving him a kiss on the cheek.

“No problem. It was my pleasure.” Watching her walk away. “Wait, how are you getting home?” he was curious.

“Not to worry. Eric will drive me home afterwards.” She said with a soft smile. “We’ll chat tomorrow.” Her words trailed off between the crowd.

That was the last time he wathed her walk away from an event they both attended. It was the last time that he was left standing alone at a bar. Eric swept Vicky off her feat. For weeks Sean had to hear the excitement in her voice over this handsome man who stole her heart. It filled him with sadness, seeing her happy with another man, but he did not want to keep her from finding happiness. She desrived to be with a man that will saticefy her on every level. Something that he knew that he’ll never be able to fully provide for her. Five months have passed, before Eric proposed to her, in May 2011. To no surprise she said yes. She was spending less time with Sean already, but that was the final nail in the coffin; in any possiblilty that she would turn back to him.

Sean felt alone and broken as before. This time is was not as bad, still it crushed his soul; crushed his hopes. He hated to admit it, but Michelle was right. Since that day, she did not bring it up again, but knowing how she felt, made Sean uneasy. They were and will always be close, but there was a silent could hanging over their friendship and her name was Vicky. At the end of it all, Sean had only one place left to turn to. Back to Michelle’s caring friendship. He admitted that she was right and apologized for keeping her at a distance. Even though it had a devastating effect on her, she always hoped that Sean would turn to her once more. Back to the place where she cared for him like a brother, a true friend.

With his friendship repaired and Vicky gone, yet they remained friends, Sean shifted his focus onto the company. All his energy went into building their dream, to push it towards success. Kenneth was supportive of Michelle during this high pressured time, but when he felt like it, he would sweep her away for a weekend to recharge. Sean was happy for them, happy that they have each other, though he faught hard against giving into any such feelings again. His world was consumed by his work. Creating something that he could be proud off, one day, and he was.

His phone made a noise. “Can you talk?” The message read.

“At the courthouse, speak to you later”, he replied.

Looking back at the clerk on the other side of the desk. “I apologize for that.” He said.

“Don’t worry about that.” The friendly lady replied. “As I was explaining” she continued “I cannot guarantee that the court will approve the restraining order. It has the feel off a one time inscident. But, as you said, if his wife also files, then it becomes more concrete. Then the possibility for this order to be granted, is almost guaranteed.”

“Uhuh, hmm, I understand. But would it be possible for an interim restraining order in the mean time?” he asked.

“This is what the court has to decide now, based on these documents.” She replied.

“So, what you are telling me, there’s nothing to do, but wait to see what the court decides?” he was disappointed in this procedure.

“Yes. Unfortunately that’s the situation.”

“Thank you for your assistance anyway. You’ll let me know what happens with this application in the mean time?”

“Yes, it should not be later than tomorrow. If you can get a hold of the other paperwork, please come see me again. Perhaps I could be able to assist you.” She said, trying her best to help him.

Leaving the courthouse, walking towards his car, Sean kept thinking just how easy it really is for anyone to get away with anything these days. No proof. No eyewitnesses. No strong case. No pushishment! “f**k, no wonder the world is in chaos. It’s a f*****g mission to protect the innocent and the guilty stands along the sidelines; smiling; laughing, ruiening precious lives. I hate this s**t!!”

Searching for her number, he phoned Vicky. The phone was riging on the otherside with no answer “great! Voice mail, ugh” he felt hopeless. This woman could infuriate him sometimes. “Call me, I have to talk to you” he said leaving a message. Getting into his car, he had a thought. He knew that she does not always check her voice mail. “Hey, sorry. I was at the courthouse for a restraining order. They’ve informed me that having your application too, will only make the case stronger. Please email your application, thank you. Call me when you have a chance.” The message read as he sent it to her, hoping that he’ll get a quick response.

Sean felt the emotions crippeling him, still. Reaching over to the glove compartment he took another little bitter pill. For a moment he needed to let it out. He did not care who would stare, who would think strange off him. “f**k! f**k! f**k! Aaaarrrgghh!!” he screamed smacking the steering wheel with both his fists. “I hate this shiiittt!!” he continued. He paused. Taking a deep breath for a second. He paused again; breathing. He noticed a car guard standing in the shade underneath the tree, his eyes were fixed on him. Shaking his head in shock, with a look off understanding on his face. Staring back at this man, offering a distanst attempt off support in this moment, calmed him. He composed himself briefly, before he started the engine, looking for passangers behind the car; searching for his way back to see Kyle, once more.

“Hey” he softly wispered. “How’re you feeling, lovey?” Sean looked at Kyle, resting his hand on his forearm. He still felt the anger, but the drive helped, as did the pill.

“Same old, same old.” Kyle replied with a tired effort to smile.

“Oh, lovey.” Sean replied with a sigh “I wish I could do more. I feel so helpless.” He rubbed Kyle’s arm.

“I know, honey. You being here helps more than you know. How did it go today?” Kyle asked.

“Everything is in progress.” Sean reassured him. “There’s a few details that needs attention, but I’m working on it. As promised, I’ll take care off it.”

“Thank you, honey.”

“The investigating officer will come by some time to ask a few more questions. I’ve asked him to wait until the end of the week, for when you are feeling stronger.” Sean looked at Kyle. His heart was in pain, seeing his love is such pain.

“How’s my favourite patient doing, today?” Dr. Connors asked as he entered the room.

“Please dr. you say that to all your patiens, don’t you?”

“Oh. Humor. That’s a good sign.” He replied at Kyle’s remark. “Let’s have a look here.” He said, checking his chart; looking at his vitals. “How’s the memory?”

“It’s still foggy. The flashes appears more frequently.” Kyle said, glancing over to Sean.

“I know that it’s frustrating, even frightening, but try not to fight it. It will become more frequent, until you will be able to recall perfectly. This is for the anxiety” he said holding up a needle, injecting it into the sailene bag.

“Thank you.” Kyle responded appreciatively.

“Doctor, do you think he’ll be strong enough to go home by the weekend?” Sean eagerly looked at him.

“I’m not going to commit to say ‘yes’, but if he continues to improve at this rate; perhaps.” He said, looking over at Kyle “I see he’s a fighter.” He smiled.

“Yes, he is.” Sean said smiling over at Kyle.

“Well, I’ll see you later” he looked at Kyle. “And you, visiting hours are over.” He jokingly said to Sean. “I’ll tell the nurse to give you five more minutes.” Dr. Connors said with a smile, before leaving the room.

Sean thought this Doctor to be strange. But at least in a good way. He really did care about his patients. He really was a health care proffessional, down to the core.

“Lovey. I’ll come by to visit you tomorrow.” Sean said to Kyle, gently kissing his forehead. “You must rest well.”

“You too honey.” Kyle replied. “Will you bring my pillow from home? This one makes my neck hurt even more.”

“Sure. Anything else that you need?”

“No, that’s all for now.” Kyle said.

“Sleep well, Kyle. See you soon.” Sean said.

“I’ll try. See you tomorrow.” Kyle replied, staring deep into Sean’s eyes, with a gentle smile.