by Lucy Clark
‘And lonely.’ She’d grasped his hand and shaken her head. ‘I don’t want to be lonely any more, Fletcher. I don’t think you do, either.’
So Fletcher had thought about what she’d said, about how his previous marriage to Molly had been based solely on love and that marriage had ended in heartbreak. Perhaps a ‘marriage of convenience’, where he was incredibly fond of his wife, would be better, would be less painful. Yet when he’d discovered his marriage to Molly was still legally binding, he’d felt as though he’d been offered a second chance. Still, he was a man of his word and, as such, he would honour his commitment to Eliza.
‘Fletcher,’ Eliza said down the line, ‘my dad’s calling for me, so I’d better go. Call me on the weekend and we’ll have a good catch up then.’
‘Uh…actually, I’m going away for the weekend.’ He raked a hand through his hair as he contemplated telling Eliza of his plans. ‘Molly needs to get the document she was sent from the lawyers so I can give it to my cousin and the letter is in Newcastle at her sister’s house.’
‘Oh, OK. So you’re headed to Newcastle?’
Fletch frowned at the complete understanding in her tone. ‘Er…yeah.’
‘That’ll be great. You can catch up with her family again.’
‘Yes.’ He frowned. ‘Eliza, aren’t you even the least bit concerned? I mean, I’m going with Molly to her family’s home for the weekend. Most fiancées would be a bit…you know…jealous.’
Her soft laughter tinkled down the phone line. ‘I’m just not the jealous type, Fletcher, and besides, I trust you. Have a good time and call me when you can.’
‘OK.’
‘Love you. Bye.’ Her words were quickly followed by a muffled, ‘Coming, Dad.’
‘Bye, Eliza,’ he murmured to the disconnected line. Fletch put the phone back onto the table before sitting down to eat his now cold dinner. Why was it that after that phone call to Eliza, the first time he’d spoken to her and not her voicemail or emailed her since he’d arrived in Sydney, he was left feeling flat? It was right that she trusted him so completely, wasn’t it? It showed great strength of character, what an incredible woman Eliza was.
After finishing his cold meal, he made himself a cup of herbal tea then, as he could hear the quiet din of Molly’s television from next door, he headed outside onto the front porch. The night was cool but not cold and the moon was almost cut directly in half. The stars didn’t appear too bright given that he was staying near the middle of the city. Crossing his arms, he sauntered out onto the front path and gazed up at the sky. The brightest light was an aeroplane, coming in to land, flying so low it looked as if it were about to land on the major road nearby.
‘They’ve only just recently changed the flight path for some of the planes,’ Molly said softly behind him, and he turned to see her standing in her doorway, haloed with light from behind. His gut immediately tightened and he wanted nothing more than to cross to her side, haul her into his arms and press his mouth to hers. He forced himself to turn away and gaze up at the sky once more, needing to ignore the way she made him feel while at the same time telling himself that everything he felt towards her was just a residual memory. Nothing more.
‘I’m still getting used to it,’ she remarked and this time her words were a little louder as he heard the soft click of the door as she pulled it closed behind her. She came to stand beside him, arms crossed, head back, looking up at the sky.
Neither of them spoke for quite a while, both content to allow the night and all its city sounds to envelop them. ‘It’s nice here,’ he eventually said.
‘I do prefer Newcastle but here’s not so bad.’
‘Do you think you’ll return there once you’re qualified?’ He didn’t look at her as he spoke but he didn’t need to, both of them still staring up at the sky.
‘For a while, perhaps, until I can figure out what it is I want to do with my new-found qualifications. Who knows, I may end up working for Pacific Medical Aid.’
‘Is that so?’ He couldn’t help but smile. ‘Does this have anything to do with my influence?’
Molly chuckled softly, the sound deeper and richer than Eliza’s. He gave his thoughts a mental shake to stop himself from comparing them.
‘Or it might have something to do with the fact that my brother-in-law works closely in Tarparnii with PMA and my nephew is Tarparnese.’
Fletch considered her words for a moment. ‘Or that,’ he added, looking down at her with a small grin on his face. ‘It’s good, though, that you’re thinking of heading over there. Or, for that matter, anywhere that needs good medical services. There are other countries PMA work in apart from Tarparnii and there are other organisations who work in Africa and Bangladesh and—’
‘Hold on there, bud,’ she interrupted with another soft laugh, the sound washing over him, making him feel relaxed and calm. Fletch hadn’t even realised he’d been tensing his muscles until now. Being around Molly, nice and calm like this, the two of them just talking softly, had always managed to release his tension. ‘You don’t need to sell me on this concept. Cora did that a long time ago.’
‘Ah…sibling peer pressure. There’s no competing with that, at least as far as I know.’
Molly acknowledged his words but took a moment to reply. ‘Was it very lonely, growing up with no siblings?’
‘You’ve asked me that question before,’ he replied.
‘Really? What was your answer?’
‘Clearly one that didn’t stick in your memory,’ he mused.
‘Well?’ she prompted impatiently when he didn’t immediately continue. Fletcher laughed. ‘I’m so pleased you still find my impatience so amusing.’
‘Oh. She remembers that. And it wasn’t just your impatience I found amusing, Molly, it was your gung-ho-ness. You were always willing to take on a challenge and if anyone doubted you, boy, would you figuratively push up your sleeves and storm into the fray with an “I’ll show them” attitude.’
‘I am who I am. The last of three, and you still haven’t told me what it was like growing up with no siblings.’
Fletcher sighed and shoved his hands into his pockets. ‘It was…’
‘Lonely?’
‘No. I was always surrounded by servants or nannies. I was home schooled until I was eleven years old and then I went to boarding school.’
‘I remember that part. Was it quiet?’
‘Never quiet.’ He rolled his eyes. ‘Not with my parents around yelling and smashing things.’ He was startled when Molly put her hand onto his arm. He looked down at her, not surprised to see that caring gleam in her eyes. Although it was dark, although the moon wasn’t providing them with much light, he didn’t need to have illumination to know the expressions on her face. He knew them by heart. Had experienced each and every one of them during their time together and, right now, he knew her empathy for him was uppermost in her thoughts.
‘I do remember now. I remember you telling me it was…nothingness. You didn’t know any different.’
‘Not until I went to boarding school and, believe me, I had trouble adjusting to being surrounded by so many people I found it difficult to have any solitude.’
‘Do you still want solitude?’ Her words were quiet yet the question seemed to be extremely loud. Was she asking him something else? Asking him if he was lonely now? He uncrossed his arms and patted her hand before shifting away from her.
‘Fletch? What’s wrong?’
‘What makes you think anything’s wrong?’ Even as he said the words he knew what her reaction was going to be.
‘Are you serious? You’re asking me that question? I know you better than the back of my hand.’
‘OK, then. Tell me what’s wrong?’ He took a few steps back towards the porch, needing a bit of distance from her. It was strange being back with her, having these sorts of discussions.
‘Well, for a start, you’re acting defensive. What’s got into you?’
Fletch look
ed down at the ground, realising what she was saying was the truth.
‘I mean one minute we’re joking together and the next, you’re all Mr Prickly.’
‘I know, I know. You’re right.’ He nodded. ‘I guess it’s just a little…odd, being with someone who knows you so well after all this time.’
‘What about Eliza? Doesn’t she know you well?’
He angled his head to the side and pondered her words for a moment. ‘I guess we’re still getting to know each other.’
‘How long have you been working together?’
‘About eighteen months.’
‘Is that how long you’ve been a…couple?’ Had he imagined it or did her voice change as she said the last word.
He shook his head. ‘Less than that. We were good friends for a long time. I guess it’s probably a bit quick, really.’
‘You think that’s quick?’ Molly chuckled. ‘Fletch, we were married before we’d known each other for one month.’
‘What are you trying to get at, Molly?’ He frowned.
‘I’m not trying to get at anything, Fletch, other than sometimes some people just click. It was what you said to me all those years ago when we were travelling. You and I, we just clicked. And sometimes, people take a little longer to get to know each other. Like you and your Eliza.’
‘And you and your Roger?’ he couldn’t help pointing out. The problem was, he knew exactly what Molly was talking about. The two of them had been joined together in thought, in humour and, later, in body. She was the only woman he’d connected with on that level. If such a thing as soulmates existed then he’d have to confess that he was standing opposite his now, arguing with her.
She looked amazing when she was like this. Hands on hips. Chin lifted with defiance. She was right. He didn’t know Eliza as well as he knew her but what he shared with Eliza was more akin to companionship, a mutual respect. Yet watching Molly as she started giving him a piece of her mind, her fiery temper starting to show, he couldn’t help but smile.
‘And stop smiling!’ She even stamped her foot in anger and the smile turned into a chuckle. ‘I mean it, Fletcher.’
‘I know you do.’ He paused then, held up his index finger towards her. ‘Sorry. Can you just go back a bit? Did I hear you say you’d ended things with Roger?’ He’d been so busy admiring her vivacity that he hadn’t really been focusing on her words.
‘We were always more friends than anything else.’
He was amazed at how both of them seemed to have sought other relationships that were more based upon friendship rather than anything else.
‘There you go again, smiling at me for no reason. And…hang on.’ She shook her finger at him. ‘I was mad with you. Stop changing the subject, making me forget.’ She sighed heavily. ‘I used to hate it when you did that and I still do.’
‘That’s because I’m the only person in the world with such skills.’ He blew on his fingers and brushed them on his lapel. ‘Apart from your sisters, of course.’
Molly slowly shook her head, clearly bemused by the way they could just chat and argue and debate. ‘Funny how we’ve slipped back into our old habits, eh? One minute we’re stargazing, the next we’re arguing and then we’re all smiles.’ The question was rhetorical and he chuckled, knowing she didn’t really need an answer.
She was right, though. They’d fallen easily back into their old habits but some habits hadn’t been good ones. Those, they needed to avoid at all costs.
‘Oh, by the way, are you all set for surgery with Alexis tomorrow? She’s so nervous.’
‘I’ve had several meetings with her and sorted everything out.’
‘Good.’ Molly nodded, then paused as though she was going to say something else but then stopped. She scratched the back of her head, then looked up at him. ‘Does…your Eliza know you’re coming to Newcastle with me?’ Her tone was soft as well as concerned.
‘Yes.’
‘And she’s OK with that? I mean, with you spending the weekend with your ex-in-laws and me?’
‘Technically, they’re not “ex”.’
‘You know what I mean, Fletch. Is Eliza really OK with everything?’
‘She told me to have a good time catching up and reminiscing.’
Molly raised her eyebrows in surprise. ‘Huh.’
‘What?’
‘Nothing.’
‘Tell me. You know I hate it when you do that.’
‘I was just thinking that you have a very understanding partner, that’s all.’
‘She is understanding,’ he confirmed.
‘She’s a better person than me. I mean, I’d be as jealous as anything.’
‘You would?’
‘Oh, yes. I was always jealous when you would flirt with the pretty nurses.’
‘I never flirted with them. Not while we were married.’
‘Technically you know that’s not true given we’re still married,’ she pointed out.
‘I didn’t realise you were such a pedant, Molly,’ he added, still sort of pleased that she’d been jealous back then. ‘You never had any cause to be jealous, Molly. You know that, right?’ Fletcher met her gaze. ‘It was always you. Always.’
His words were soft and intent. The tension around them started to increase and he took a step forward, wanting to tell her he was so incredibly sorry, to apologise again and again for being such a jerk and to beg for her forgiveness.
‘I’d better head inside.’ Molly pointed to her door. It was dangerous, being out here with Fletcher, hearing him say that it had always been her and no one else. Now, though, that was completely untrue. It wasn’t her and there was someone else.
‘Goodnight, Fletcher,’ she said, putting her hand on the door handle and offering him one last smile before going inside. She might not have had cause to be jealous in the past but she was certainly jealous now.
CHAPTER TEN
‘WHAT HAS GOT into you?’ Alexis asked her as they changed out of their theatre garb. Alexis had been in theatre with Fletcher that afternoon, having her turn at learning the techniques of the device he’d invented. Everything had gone to plan and Alexis was on a high.
‘Nothing.’ Molly had just finished the afternoon theatre surgical list and was busy changing.
‘No. Something’s wrong. I can sense it.’
‘It’s only because you’re on such a high, everyone else seems rather dull in comparison. Besides, surgery and study do have a way of sucking the life out of a person but I just keep reassuring myself that it’s almost over. Exams are looming—’
‘Don’t remind me.’
‘And then we’ll be qualified surgeons,’ she continued, ignoring Alexis’s interruption.
‘And do you think the stress is going to get any less after that? Then we have to find jobs by either getting employed by the hospital or opening our own private practice or—’
‘Or going overseas and doing some work in countries that really need good surgeons.’
Alexis’s eyebrows hit her hairline. ‘You’re serious about that?’
‘I thought you were, too.’ Molly brushed out her curls into smooth waves, then put her brush back into her locker. ‘Working for an agency such as Pacific Medical Aid looks fantastic on the résumé and also assists with procuring future employment.’
Alexis shook her head, her smile increasing. ‘Or is it that your smashing ex-husband has been chewing your ear…figuratively and literally?’
Molly leaned against her locker and closed her eyes. ‘He’s getting married again, Alexis.’
‘What?’
Molly opened her eyes and pushed away from the lockers, hooking her bag over her shoulder. She dragged in a deep breath, trying to control the rising sense of dejection she’d been experiencing ever since she’d realised why he’d wanted the divorce.
‘Molly? What is it?’
‘Nothing. I’m just tired.’
Alexis was instantly by her side. She put her hands on Molly’s sho
ulders. ‘What is it?’
Molly looked at her friend and was surprised when tears immediately sprang to her eyes. ‘It’s more difficult to control your emotions when people are being nice to you,’ she commented with a sniff.
‘So don’t control them. Talk to me.’
‘I’m…um…apparently…’ She cleared her throat. ‘I’m still married to Fletcher.’
‘What?’ Alexis stared at Molly in disbelief. ‘I thought you said you were married to him.’
‘The only reason he’s needed to spend time with me—apart from the whole invention thing with his surgical device—is so he can get the piece of paper I received from the lawyers all those years ago which proves we’re not divorced.’
‘What?’ This time, Alexis’s tone was filled with confusion and puzzlement. ‘That makes no sense. How can you not be divorced?’
Molly shook her head and sighed as she reached into her pocket for a tissue. Alexis dropped her hands but continued staring at her friend. ‘It’s too hard to explain but the point is, he only needs the piece of paper so we can refile for the divorce so that he can marry this other woman—Eliza. Who, by the way, sounds really nice and completely understanding. She doesn’t even seem to care that Fletcher and I are going away together for the weekend.’
‘What?’ Alexis’s eyes were wide open with stunned amazement. ‘You’re spending the weekend with him?’
‘At home. In Newcastle. That’s where the document is that he needs.’
‘So why does he need to go with you?’
Molly shrugged. ‘He wants to see Cora and Stacey again. We were all a family once.’
Alexis frowned. ‘I guess. And his fiancée doesn’t care?’
‘She’s fine with it, apparently.’
‘I wouldn’t be.’
‘Neither would I. I guess she’s not the jealous type.’ Molly blew her nose, feeling better for having blurted out her thoughts and emotions to her friend. ‘At least I’ll have my family around to cocoon and coddle me.’
Alexis gave Molly a big hug. ‘When do you leave?’
‘Soon. I just need to go home and finish throwing some things into a bag.’