December 18 (Monday Afternoon)

“Now, listen to me. You take care of yourself, alright?” Liv hugged Amy and then Erin. “I gave Amy my number to hold onto, so you have no excuse to not keep in touch.”

Erin felt tears rim at the edge of her eyes. All of this is really coming to an end. I cant believe it. It all feels so natural, like they have been friends for an eternity and now, they are leaving to go on with their lives. Just as Amy and I have to go on with ours. If this is a dream, never let me wake.

Viggo drew Amy in to his embrace, whispering softly. “I still have every intention of doing a sitting with you.” Viggo paused, his face growing concerned. “Take care of Erin.”

“I have every intention of doing just that. Don’t worry, the old girl is in safe hands with me.” Amy smiled as Viggo embraced Erin.

“It has been the most incredible pleasure, Viggo. Thank you for everything.” Erin smiled, though her eyes were barely restraining the tears.

“I know I will see you again, Erin. Until then, you both take care of yourselves and each other.” Viggo looked her in the eye. “Remember, I am a native New Yorker, Manhattan born. I know how to find you. And should you need me, for any reason, my number is right next to Livs.” He smiled. “I’ll be checking on you, both.”

Erin wiped her eyes softly, looking to Amy and Lij. Both were locked in a friendly embrace, whispering about Billy. Amy was laughing, tapping Lij on the shoulder playfully.

A moment later, Lij was before Erin. He grasped her tightly. “I am so sorry that everything has come to this. I am so sorry that we have to leave. I feel like we should do something more to help you than spend an afternoon sucking down coffee.”

“Laughter and friendship are the best medicines for all the aches and pains of life, Lij. I have had such a great time.” Erin broke away softly, looking to the three newly acquired friends. “I would not have done one moment of this, differently.”

Amy slipped an arm about Erin, resting her head on her best friends shoulder. Together they watched Liv, Viggo and Lij walk out the door and return to the limo. Amy turned, her eyes holding her best friends. “Well now girl, lets get packed up. We have a life to start living. Tomorrow we cancel your utilities, tonight, we move you in.”

Erin nodded softly, her tears falling freely. “You know I fell for him, right?”

Amy wiped the tears from Erins eyes, softly. “I know…and so does he, whether or not he realizes it, yet.” She purposefully neglected to mention how she made Orlando well aware of her best friends feelings. “Come on, lets get your car packed up and bust out of Dodge.”

The plane landed at Heathrow airport. The remainder of the flight had been quiet for the first class fellowship. Orlando sat, reveling in his epiphany, reeling in the anger of Sean and Billys indigence. He could not bring himself to say they were right. He could not admit to himself that he had been in the wrong.

“Right, well then. Here we are, at last. Arrived before we left. What a world we live in.” Billy shook his head, gathering his carry on, his eyes swollen from tears.

“Its about bloody well time we landed. I have had enough of flying for a bit. Wont have to worry about it, fer now.” Sean rose, stretching.

“Billy, we have a few of my friends waiting for us at the baggage claim. They will catch us up and take us home.” Dom yawned.

Orlando was silent as the entourage made way from the plane, walking the familiar corridors to the baggage claim. Before they left the gate, Billy grasped Orlando by the shoulder. “Mate, I am sorry ‘bout what went on back there. Yer life is yer own and not mine to be passin’ judgement on. Ya will do what’s right, mate.” He held his arms out for am embrace.

Orlando half cocked a smile and enveloped Billy. “Bloody hell, cant stay mad at you too long, can I, Billy? I will see you at the Premiere in Australia, mate. Maybe we will catch up for a pint while your in London. You can usually find me and Atti at the Black Friar on Victoria Street in London.”

“I intend on it.” Billy pat him on the back, reshouldering his bag.

“Right, mate. Be well.” Dom smiled, joining Billy as the two made for the gate.

Orlando started to walk when he heard Sean behind him. “Going to leave without a hug, softie?”

“Piss off, Bean.” Orlando kept walking. Before he realized it, Sean was beside him.

“Yer pissed off. I don’t take back what I said to ya. I spoke the truth. But yer a good lad and a good mate. Either way, have a good holiday.” Sean was not a stride ahead of Orlando.

“Hold on, mate. Where do you think you can get off speaking your mind to me and thinking it will all be better.” Orlando removed his sunglasses, stopping in the long corridor.

Sean turned, walking back to him. “Yer just a sore winner, mate. That’s yer problem. Ya think because yer young an’ pretty, the world stops to make itself right fer ya? That is not the way it works with friends or lovers. Neither owe you a bloody thing. They give it to ya. Now, are ya done or do you want to banter some more?” Seans’ voice was impatient.

“She isn’t a good damn trophy, Bean. I will stop having you talk about her like that was all she meant to me. You don’t know, you weren’t there!” Orlando stepped up into his face. “Viggo isn’t here to stop this now.”

Sean smiled, “There is hope fer ya yet, Bloom. Now, yer starting to see the point. Yeah, mate. I think yer getting’ it.”

Orlando raised his brow, his anger subsiding into confusion. Sean pat him on the shoulder with a laugh before turning and walking away. That old goat. He is a bastard, but there is a method to his madness.

“Hey, softie. I am still callin’ her when I get home.” Sean was turned around, walking backwards, waving to Orlando.

Orlando shook his head with a snigger and resumed his promenade down the corridor to the baggage claim. The flight regiment was much tougher after September 11, 2001. Passengers were no longer allowed to have parties meet them at the plane or at the immediate gate. Adjusting his sunglasses, Orlando moved into the huge room with the conveyor belts, piling over with luggage.

“Orli!” Came the familiar shout. Orlando turned in an instant to see the frantically waving arms of Andre, drawing him to attention. Atti came running over, scooping him up in an embrace. “Ah, mate, good to see you!”

“Andre, bloody hell you are a sight for sore eyes!” Orlando returned the embrace as Atti kissed his cheek. “Is that who I think it is? Nadine?”

Nadine was standing a pace away from the two embracing friends. She smiled, her dark brown eyes glistening beneath her short cut dyed black mane with a punk edge. “Good to see you, Orli.” Her smile lit up the entire span of the room.

“It seems like only yesterday you were following us around to get to all the parties. Now look at you, your beautiful, love.” Orlando embraced Nadine, sweeping her off her feet. Andres younger sister was much like his older sister, Samantha when it came to rebelliousness.

“Alright, put me down, mate.” Nadine pounded him on the shoulder.

“And I see your arm has more strength to it now.” Orlando rubbed his shoulder, after setting Naddie down. “Shit, those two are mine.” He lept for the conveyor belt, dragging both bags from the rotating metal and onto the floor. Andre hefted one as Orlando took another.

“How are you holding up, mate?” Andre ran a hand through his short, thick dark hair.

“Lets get home to my Mums’ and we will go for a beer and talk about it. My head is still swimming.” Orlando slid his sunglasses up against his face, walking with Andre and Naddie to the car.

The ride through London traffic was its’ usual nightmare. Andre was merciless, swerving in and out of the lanes to get ahead of slow moving cars. All the while, Orlandos best friend chatted away about his life, love and work. “So, your going to be coming to the show, right? We are off tonight but tomorrow night you are my guest for Giving ‘Til it Hurts.”

“I already told you I would be there. I can’t wait. I have needed some normalcy in my life after the past few days. And yet, none of it seems complete.” Orlando flicked his cigarette butt out of the window before pulling up to his Mums home. Although Sonia knew her son smoked she was not too keen on the fact.

“Well, well. If it isn’t little brother the movie star.” Sam called out as the car pulled up in the driveway. Orlando dove out of the vehicle before Andre managed to pull it into park behind Orlandos old, beat up sedan. Sam was before him in an instant and the two fell into a tight embrace.

“Bugger me, you’re a sight for sore eyes, Sam. I have missed you so much!” Orlando was beside himself with the excitement of seeing his older sister for the first time in so long. Sam refused to let go of his embrace, kissing him softly on the cheek. Years of sibling rivalry could not compare to a moment wrapped in the arms of her flesh and blood.

Orlando released her slowly, removing tendrils of her wind whipped long mahogeny hair. “You look great, love. It is been too long. Where is mum?”

“Inside, putting on her face for company.” Sam smiled, walking her brother through the open door to the family home.

“Company? Its just Andre and Naddie!” Orlando laughed, waving both of his friends on, into the house.

“Mum? I’m home!” Orlando yelled out as Sam slipped out of his grip to welcome Andre and her own best friend, Naddie. “Mum?”

“Orlando James? Your home!” Sonia came rushing out of the back room, grasping her wayward son with all the ferocity and love of a mother. Orlando nestled in against her and in that moment, everything seemed right with the world.

“I’ve missed you, Mum. God its good to be home.” Orlando squeezed her before breaking the embrace to look at her. He towered over her now, yet somehow, his Mum always seemed to still be the taller of the two. She was beautiful, as only a mother could be in the eyes of her only son. For a split second, Orlando felt a pang in his heart for Erin. She will never know the joys of coming home to family. I cant even imagine that. I couldn’t survive without it.

Sonia mussed with his hair. “I am so glad to have you home, darling. You look so good, a little skinny though.” She gave a wry smile to indicate she was still uncomfortable with the lack of meat in her sons diet. “How is your back? Still acting up?”

“Shouldn’t I be the one asking you something like that, not the other way around.” Orlando smiled but finally conceded. “It acts up once and again, but I have been fine. And it wouldn’t matter how much I ate, working the way I do in the Rings keeps me lithe” Orlando smiled proudly.

“Lithe is just a fancy term for Skinny.” Sonia gave a half cocked smile, so like her sons. “You can’t fool me, boy. I carried you for nine months. Don’t let you forget that.”

“As if you would let me.” Orlando laughed. Sonia noticed Andre and Naddie.

“Andre, honey. So good to see you again. You know, Orlando, Andre has been coming around to help out here and there with Colin gone for the past month. Oh, that reminds me, your father wanted me to send his love to you and he is sorry he cant be here to see you.” Sonia welcomed Andre and Naddie in as Orlandos face grew cold. The whole Colin/Harry situation still left him a bit buried in his own defensive wall. At a young age, Orlando had to learn that his father was not Harry Bloom, famous South African Aparthied fighter who had been jailed alongside Nelson Mandela. Rather, his godfather and not the man whose name he carried, was his blood. It was still difficult to deal with, even after so many years.

“Right, Mum. Where is Maude?” Orlando looked around as Sonia and Sam were fussing over Andre and Naddie.

“Maude is outback, love.” Sonia smiled, indicating the patio door.

Orlando ran through the house, flinging the back door open. Maude began to bark, her body shaking with excitement as she ran on her short four legs toward her daddy. The English Stafford Terrier aka Pit Bull was sorely lost for her beloved master.

Orlando fell onto his knees, receiving a barrage of kisses from Maude. He scratched her behind the ears, beneath the belly and along her muzzle until she was at a point past hyper.

Andre was laughing as he stepped out onto the patio with Naddie, Sam and Sonia. “Now that is an obedient bitch. A few men I have had the pleasure to know could use a trick or two to learn from Maude.”

“Oh, you gave up on women too easily, Atti. Not all of us are evil.” Sonia laughed, turning as she felt a hand on her shoulder. “Jemma, darling! I was hoping you would get here before Orlando returned. I was shocked to see you came back last night. Poor thing, working so hard to add to the nest egg. Sweet heart, where is your ring? Orlando! Jemma has lost her ring! We have to call the authorities!”

Orlando, with his back to the group, shuddered. His eyes closed tightly beneath sable lashes. Drawing upward from his haunches, he inhaled sharply and prepared to turn to meet his former fiancee. Clearing his throat, he found the courage, first turning to meet Andres eyes.

“Mum, will you and the girls come and supervise me with the bags. I don’t want to set them down in the wrong places.” Andre put his hand around Sonias waist, leading her away as she looked back. She knew something was not as it should be. Mothers intuition.

Orlando lifted his eyes to Jemma. She had dressed to impress, more so than usual. She was beautiful to behold. Her looks could always stop him in his tracks. “Jemma, glad to see you made it home alright, love.”

“I see you haven’t told her.” Jemma folded her arms in toward her chest. “I thought she knew when she invited me over here.”

“No, I haven’t told her yet. I didn’t want to say something like this to her on the phone. Are you going to tell me why you left the ring without an explanation?” Orlando walked over to her.

“I really don’t feel comfortable talking about it here. Lets meet up tonight for a pint at the usual spot. Feeling up to it?” Jemma stood, transfixed, her eyes seducing him.

“Yeah, love. The Black Friar, 8 o’clock?” Orlando nodded.

“Sounds good. I will let you get back to Mum and Sam. Come and see me out.” Jemma reached her hand out to Orlando, who took hold of it reluctantly for fear of rousing suspicions. Jemma played the role perfectly as Orlando took her to the door, pausing before the eyes of his family and friends.

“Right, see you tonight, Orli.” Jemma leaned in and kissed him, the tip of her tongue parting his lips. Orlando yielded to her touch, breaking off hastily and nodding. As Jemma left, he closed the front door behind her.

“Does she know where she lost the ring? Was it stolen, do you think?” Sonia had a look Orlando knew well. She is probing for the truth.

Orlando rubbed the back of his neck, looking to Andre. “Um, listen OB, let me run and square some things away. I will be back tonight, after supper and we can catch up then. Alright? Come on Naddie.” Andre did not give Orlando a chance to answer as he ushered an agitated Naddie out of the door.

“Sam, I will see you tonight.” Naddie managed before Andre closed the door behind them.

Orlando stood, sheepishly, stuffing his hands into his pockets. “So, Mum, tell me what is new. How is work?”

“Sam, go put on some tea. I think your Brother has something to tell us.” Sonia could see it in her sons eyes. She had spent a lifetime chasing the truth out of him, exacting it to a science when he was but a wee tot. “Orlando James..come to the kitchen. Its time we had some catch up.”

Orlando cursed silently to himself. If I would have played it smarter as a lad, I might be able to hide this from her now. My Mum knows my mind too well for my own good. “Right, Mum. Coming.” Why do I have a feeling I am going to be grounded?

Erin sat in the living room, her arms folded about her chest, listening to the banter of Amy and Scott coming from the kitchen. The two had been arguing, heatedly for nearly an hour and Amy was finally at her breaking point.

“You know what, fuck you. I don’t need you. Frankly, I am sick of your happy horse shit anyway. After all the crap you have pulled on me…all the bitches you have fucked and then came crawling back to me…I have had it with you.” Amy was screaming.

“Your just being a bitch because I helped John move Erins shit out last night. Your punishing me because he beat the shit out of her!” Scott yelled back, his voice booming over Amys.

“Part of that is true, I fucking admit that. But you know what. I have found someone better and I don’t need this shit anymore. So, since this place and every stick of furniture is mine. Get out. Its very simple. I tried to do it the nice way, I tried to talk to you like an adult…and you just had to blow it out of proportion. So, easily said…get out or I will have you removed by the police. What is your choice.” Amy used a voice Erin had seldom heard. She was past pleasantry, passed all formality and innocent appearing sweetness. Amy was downright pissed off. Its about time.

“This is exactly why I fucked all those other people. You’re an ignorant, triffling bitch and your not worth my time. You have a new man? Let me get my hands on him and he will look worse than what John did to Erin.” Scott grabbed his jacket, walking out into the living room, toward the door. “Better get the locks changed, if you both know what’s good for you. Wouldn’t want to see Erin with any more bruises. Wouldn’t want to see your pretty face all black and blue, Amy.”

“Fucking try it and I will rip your nutsack off like a paper towel.” Amy pushed Scott out of the door, tossing all the items in her immediate vicinity that was of his ownership out with him. “The rest of your crap will be on the front lawn in the morning. Wait for the call from the police for that order of protection, pal.” With that, Amy slammed the door shut. “Well that’s done. Lets get the second bedroom set up and your clothes put away.”

“You are a damn sight more bitchy than I gave you credit for.” Erin rose from the couch.

Amy smiled that delightful, blue eyed smile. “When your this good, it hurts.”

The two unpacked the belongings Erin had brought from the car, making the second bedroom her own. The two worked quickly to pack all of the items belonging to Scott, leaving them out on the front lawn. Amy then set to the immediate urgency of acquiring an order of protection. She ran to the police station in Monticello, leaving Erin alone for a few moments to collect her thoughts and make her own phone calls to her former land lord.

Sitting on her newly made up bed, Erin snuggled into her huge Donald Duck plush from a trip to Animal Kingdom a few years prior. Her thoughts played havoc with her mind, until she thought she would tear her hair out from frustration and battered memories.

Hey, penny for your thoughts?

Erin looked up, swearing she heard Orlandos voice.

“Hello? Erin, penny for your thoughts. You still with me?” Amy sat down on the edge of the bed, as Erin came back to reality. She nuzzled her cheek against the side of Donald Ducks face.

Amy laid a soft hand on her friends leg. “Hey, what’s on your mind, honey?”

“He hurt me, Amy.” She paused with tears in her eyes. The swelling was slowly subsiding. “John hurt me in a way I never thought a man could. I cant believe he would do…what he did..to me.”

Amy leaned over, grasping her tightly. “I cant even imagine, Erin. But not every man would do that to you. What John did was wrong..you know that right?”

Erin was sobbing in her friends arms. “I know he was wrong. But…is that really all a man wants? What gives him a right to take it…when its not his to take, you know?”

“He had no right to take it. No man does.” Amy did not know what to say. She could not convey her anger, not with Erin in such a fragile state. She could not cry with her best friend, though that was all she wanted to do. She had to be strong. Amy had no other choice.

Erin leaned upward, withdrawing from Amy, wiping her eyes. “I think I am going to catch a nap, I need to get some sleep. I am long overdue.”

“That’s a good idea, hon. Get some sleep. I am going to forage through the refrigerator and see what I cant cook up for dinner. I will wake you when its ready, alright?” Amy kissed her on the top of the head as Erin laid down, her arms wound about her stuffed animal.

“Okay.” Erin shivered, weakly. “Amy…thank you for everything.”

Amy turned at the doorjamb. “There are no such things as thank you, between friends, remember? Sweet dreams hon.” Amy closed the door behind her just as KittyKitty ran into the room to keep her mommy, company.

Amy stepped into the kitchen, scanning through the freezer. With her hands placed inside ice box, she felt herself begin to break down. Its all too much. I cant believe what he did to her, to my best friend. That bastard. I fucking hate him. No, stop that. Keep yourself together, girl. You have to. Fuck John, Fuck Scott. Erin and Billy are what matter.

Just then, the phone rang. Amy dove for the cordless unit before a second herald could be sounded, afraid to disturb Erin. “Hello?” she whispered.

“Hello, love. I miss ya already!” Billy cried out, on the other end. “Why are ya whisperin’?”

“Erin is in bed, asleep. We have had a hell of a day.” Amy sat down, lighting a cigarette from Erins pack.

“Whats the matter, love? You sound quite put off.” Billy grew concerned.

“Well, where to begin besides my missing you terribly? I kicked Scott out and broke it off with him. This has been coming for awhile and finally I realize I don’t have to take it anymore. He made some threats, but that is life, I guess. So I just got back from the police station with an order of protection.” Amy exhaled. “Erin is now sharing my apartment with me. Her ex boyfriend, John…well…” She paused, not sure how to explain the whole situation.

“Its bad, isn’t it?” his voice was grave.

“..yeah. When she got home last night, John beat the shit out of her. Split her lip, black and blues, swollen eye. So, Viggo, Liv, Lij and I come up her to cheer her up after last night with Orlando and we see the front door wide open and a pool of blood on the floor, not to mention the dress she had been wearing, in tatters. He raped her, Billy. John raped Erin. She told me that after she went cold, she awoke to find blood all over her thighs. I just don’t know what to do or what to say. I love her so much.” Amy was in tears.

“Fer the Love of God an’ all things holy, he beat and raped her? What an animal. I have half a mind to fly out there and hunt this cock down with me bare hands.” Billy growled. “Did she go to the police?”

“She can’t. She got rid of most of the evidence and the only thing a swab of her cervix will bring about is the fact that she and Orli weren’t too safe last night. So, she doesn’t want to go to the cops.” Amy hung her head in her hands.

“Jesus Christ, lass. That settles it, I’m on the next plane.” Billy insisted, impatiently.

“That isn’t going to do anything, Billy. You have obligations. You cant just stop everything in your life. Erin is with me and we will get through this together.”

“I am with ya, lass. Erin will get through with both of our help. Let me be a man. Let me help her the only way I know how.” Billy demanded.

“You aren’t her man. She doesn’t have a man. Erin and I have to face this together. We will, I promise you.” Amy paused. “God, I miss you so much I feel like I am dying inside. You were just here this morning and now your gone. I wish I could see you, but with both of our work schedules, I feel like that isn’t going to happen, anytime soon.”

“Listen to me, lass. I want to see ya. I will be back in Australia fer the new year, to finish off on Two Towers and step back into place with Return of the King. I play a bigger part in that movie than any other, so my shooting schedule is more hectic. We are nearly complete though. Let me fly you out there in the new year, in January. Come onto set with me.” Billy was still somber.

“I don’t know if I can get the time off of work. I can try. I think Erin is going to England in the middle of January to visit her friend for two weeks. If she goes there and I come to Australia, maybe you could fly over with me?” Amy sounded hopeful.

“I could try, depends on how close we are to finishing the sequences Peter wants to shoot. We have 6 units on set, instead of 2. He might give us a bit of a break for a weekend, he has been known to do that. Speak to yer supervisors at work an’ lets see what we cant work out, love. The sooner, the better.”

“Erin and I are back to work Tuesday morning. I will see what I can do. She already has the time approved. She puts in months in advance. But I will see what options are available. I miss you, Billy.” Amy wondered how she ever got along without him before she met him. His irrepressible humor, wit and charm were soothing and refreshing.

“I miss ya too, love. I am goin’ to go and get settled with Dom in London. Take me number down, in case you need me, anytime day or night.” Billy gave her the number, sighing softly.

“Alright, Billy. Have fun and give me a call when you have time.” Amy set the pencil down.

“Fer you, love. There is always time. Take care of Erin an’ send her my love. I will be thinkin’ of ya, each moment.” Billy leaned in close to the phone.

“And I, you. Talk to you later, Billy.” With that, Amy hung up and set to preparing dinner. Her nerves were calmer, now. Though the pangs in her heart were creating a larger hole, filled with thoughts of Billy.

Orlando sat down at the formal dining table, sipping his tea slowly, his eyes cast to his mum and sister. “So have things been hectic since the London Premiere on the 10th?”

“You could say that, darling. Sam has been busy with schooling, work and all. But even she has been bombarded for information about you. It has been a bit much. Though, the film has been well received. Every young lass seems to be after you. Lets not forget all the mags, I think every reporter left of the 49nth Parallel has called asking for a spot with you.” Sonia smiled, dragging the back of her spoon along the rim of her tea cup. “How have things been with you?”

“Hectic for the best part. Though I am proud of what we all have done, my mates and I. It blows me away to see the reactions and the recognition on the faces of the fans. I feel privileged and sometimes, I wonder why. I barely had screen time in the Fellowship of the Rings. Yet, the buzz around me is growing leaps and bounds. I have a few interviews and a photo shoot to pull off tomorrow. But no bother” Orlando took a sip of his tea.

“Yeah, I don’t get it either. My little brother, a big star.” Sam laughed. “I think those Indian burns have finally paid off.”

“Big star, its only the first installment of the movie, Sam. How can someone be a big star from one movie? And I don’t count Midsommer Murders, Deed Poll or Wilde. This is the first big budget film I have worked on. I don’t know what to make of it, sometimes. Then there is the rest of the trilogy and the script for Pirates of the Carribean. Lets not forget Calcium Kidd, which I already promised. All of this is bigger than I thought it could be.” Orlando looked up from the mesmerizing ripples of his tea cup.

“That might be true, darling. But lets not forget you have worked hard for this. Not nearly as hard as some of your co stars who have fought their way through the muck of the business for years longer than you are alive. But I have your Bachelors Degree in Drama and the Arts hanging right there. We are very proud of you and the work you have done.” Sonia smiled, looking to her handsome son. “I told you that night in Hospital, when you were coming round from the surgery, you had a destiny. Here it stands before you.”

Orlando blushed slightly. His mum had always been the most supportive person in his life. She had pushed him when he did not think he had strength to endure anymore. Without her, nothing would have been the same after the accident. Without her, he never would have survived the possibility of never walking again.

Sam sat back as Sonia continued. “What is going on with you and Jemma, Orlando James? She did not take an early plane back for a shoot and she didn’t lose her ring, did she.”

Orlando suddenly felt like he needed a cigarette. Fidgeting, he withdrew the engagement ring and set it on the dining table. “Jemma left this for me, in my room last night. She broke off the engagement. I cant say I blame her. I cant say that I didn’t want this.”

“Oh god, darling. What happened? Jemma is such a good girl, a likely match for you. The two of you were so in love.” Sonia shook her head, disconcertedly.

Orlando leaned back. “With me, everything is intense at first. But then it fades. Jemma is so beautiful, so witty. I feel so deep in love with her that when I gave her this ring, I really meant for it to be forever.” He paused, looking from Sam to his Mums eyes.

“It doesn’t all fall to shit like that, Orlando. You were raised better than that.” Sonia was disappointed, hurt with his words.

“I don’t love her anymore, mum. I haven’t loved her for sometime, I just didn’t know how to tell her. When she came to New York, I think she saw it. A cowards way, I know.” Orlando rubbed the back of his neck.

“Harry and I had many problems before we finally got married. We worked them out. We were a good match, just as you and Jemma are a good match.” Sonia shook her head.

“You got married because I was on the way, mum. Harry didn’t know that he wasn’t my father. I don’t want to repeat those mistakes with Jemma. I don’t want to drive her away the way Harry did with you. He might not be my father, but I have his idealism and that could land me in just as much hot water.” Orlando stopped. His mum was pained, her eyes suddenly downcast with hurt. “Mum, I didn’t mean that badly. Please, don’t get upset.”

Sonia looked away as Sam yelled out. “You bloody well had to bring that up, didn’t you Orli? You just cant leave the past in the past! You know how much all of this upsets her.”

Orlando rose, rushing to his mums side, kneeling beside her. He wrapped his arms about her waist, nestling his head against her neck. “I’m sorry, mum. I don’t mean to say those things. I just need you to understand. I need your support to do the right thing. I don’t want to marry a woman I don’t love only to break her heart after it is too late.”

Sonia ran her fingertips through her sons unruly dark tendrils, much the same way she would put him to sleep as a rambunctious child. “Its alright love. Foolish of me to get all worked up about those things now. Past is past. I know what you mean and it is for the right reasons. That is the hazard of being a parent, love. You see the road for your children and sometimes, they take another.”

Orlando looked into his mothers eyes as he rose, drawing a chair closer to her. “My road, right now is work. I don’t have time for anything or anyone else. I cant marry a woman I don’t love. I cant focus on anything but my career. It isn’t the money, you know I don’t care about that. It just isn’t the right time to be promised to someone.”

“So what is her name, Orlando James?” Sonia smiled softly. Orlando slid back in his seat slightly, amazed that his mum could read such things in his eyes.

“There isn’t anyone else, mum.” He tried to defend.

“I’m your mum. I know you better than that.” Sonia reached for a biscuit, setting it beside her tea cup.

Orlando sighed. “Her name is Erin. She is magnificent and beautiful inside and out. She’s a Nurse in New York. I met her, by chance in this coffee shop, with her friend Amy. But, we left on bad terms.”

Sam sat back, watching the drama unfold as she took a bite of her biscuit.

Sonia smiled. “She must be something for you to speak that way. You never had much to say about Jemma but her beauty, which was obvious. Why did you leave on bad terms?”

“I wasn’t sure, then, about the way I was feeling. I knew Jemma and I weren’t going to stay together…but I didn’t want to get into something with Erin. But now its too late to do anything to the contrary.” Orlando looked up, wistfully.

“The heart knows it own, Orlando James. I am disappointed, but I do support you. I will always stand beside my two babies, no matter what road they travel upon.” Sonia reached out, grasping hold of both their hands.

“So what do I do now, mum?” Orlando looked at his mothers hand, entwined within his. She still wore her wedding band, even though Harry had passed many years ago.

“The path will come to you. Give it time and follow your heart. That is all I could ever ask of you or Samantha. Now, lets have a spot of dinner and get you out there to see Atti.” Sonia smiled, rising.

It was in that moment, Orlando finally realized just how complex and beautiful a woman could really be. A womans’ heart was a deep ocean of mystery and secrets, love and longing. The notion was strong enough to move him to tears. The epiphany was unlike any other moment of clarity he had known before.

“Let me help you, mum. Besides you will try to slip some meat into my dinner while I am not looking.” Orlando laughed as Sam rose and embraced him. The three walked into the kitchen together and began to prepare a feast fit for family.

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