by Senna Fisher
“Clayton, when I saw my body lying there, I got such a fright, that I became confused. That was the scary part. I tried to fight my way back the dark passages, back to you, but it so dark. If the butterfly was not there, I would not have found you.”
“Yes, Princess. It saved us. You know, it flapped all over your body, trying to tell me to give you energy. Eventually I understood. Rebecca, whatever happens between us, we are bound together by that moment. I know that I am over-protective sometimes, but I saw you, floating above me. I don’t ever want to see that again.”
“Clayton, are you angry with me, for not telling you?”
“Yes, a little. But I guess I was so upset myself that I tried not to deal with it. Also, I told your father.”
“You what?”
“Yes.”
“What did he say?”
“Not much. He just felt the way I do, guess. That feeling of loss, of wanting to protect you. That’s why we took so long. We talked about it a lot.”
“But he said nothing to me.”
“We thought it best to let you deal with it when you were ready. Your father understands you better than you know, Rebecca. He knew you would talk on your own terms, even if it is in the early hours of the morning.”
“Sorry, I just couldn’t keep it in anymore. Sorry.”
“Hmm, come, it’s already day time. Let’s go have coffee and get ready for the day. Oh, Princess, if there are other confessions, can you make them, say, between 6 and 10 in the evening?”
She laughed. “Well, I’ll try.....”
She kissed him and went to make the coffee. Clayton stayed in bed, thinking how she always surprised him and how he would never understand the only woman whose mind he could read.
*****
1Chapter 26
Jackie and Jonathan were arguing about the baby’s possible names. Jonathan was furious, because since she had been pregnant, she had taken on an air of superiority he did not appreciate. This was not how he dreamed it would be. He had visions of his beautiful wife, serene and peaceful and most importantly, acquiescent. She was four months pregnant and already she was starting to talk about her baby. She had been moody and ill and had taken his head off over anything he did that was not to her liking. She was a complete nightmare, because when he tried to fight back, she would just cry. He felt helpless and totally emasculated. He realized that he had little say in matters around the house, especially with issues about the baby. He could control nothing, not his house, or his baby growing beautifully in her belly. What infuriated him the most was that she looked so beautiful, so wholesome. He wondered if this was one of the phases, as had been her morning sickness when she had shouted and screamed and told him to shut up, because he did not know what it felt like. Now, she was glaring at him, saying,
“Jono, what kind of name is Timothy? Are you mad?”
Jonathan walked outside. He needed to breathe. What could he do?
“Don’t walk away from me Jono, not when we are talking.”
Jono snapped.
“Talking? Who’s talking? Darling, from where I see it, I am making suggestions and you are insulting me. You are rude and obnoxious and I don’t have to take it, okay? I’ve had enough. Choose whatever name you want for your baby. Then send me a note informing of your decision, okay? Save me the insults. Now, please, woman, leave me in peace.”
“Jono?” her voice had softened.
“Please J, leave me in peace.”
“Jono, I am sorry. I don’t know what came over me. I am sorry, okay?”
“No, J, it is not okay. I want my wife back. I don’t want some screaming woman. If you have a problem, let’s talk about it. I don’t know what you want from me when you scream insults at me. Now, please leave me alone for a while. I need to cool off.”
She went back inside, walking in that dejected way she did when she wanted him to feel bad. Well this time he wouldn’t. He turned his back on her and breathed the fresh air. I don’t know how I am going to survive five more months of this. He could hear her crying and it took all his resolve not to go to her and comfort her. He knew that once he had done that, tomorrow would bring fresh insults and he could not do it. He went inside and fetched his cell phone and spent the next hour talking to Clayton, telling him his trials and tribulations. Clayton, as usual, teased him and as much as it had annoyed him in the past, it comforted him. He liked the fact that there was still someone out there who made him laugh, even if it was at himself.
When he got back inside, his wife was curled up like a baby in their bed, fast asleep. He was a relieved man.
Clayton took Jackie to lunch the next day. These women, why don’t they just say what is wrong? Why make it difficult? She looked her normal chirpy self and she was filling out nicely. She looked a lot better than he had seen her in the last few years.
“Okay, J, no nonsense, no lies, what is going on?”
“Oh Clay, nothing really. I just get so tense. I worry about the baby. What if something goes wrong? I worry so much and then I see him sitting there, looking so happy and it irritates me. It is all on my head. We have waited so long and it is all on my head. If anything goes wrong, then he will blame me, so I fight to get it out. Also, I am feeling a little scared. If all is well, can we take care of a child? Can we do that? We have spent all our lives partying and having fun. We don’t know anything about babies. What will happen, Clay?”
“Jackie, you are impossible. First you complain that he is too involved and then you complain that he is leaving everything to you. What do you want Jackie? What do you want him to do?”
“I want him to stop being so bloody logical. I want him to talk to me, tell me he also has fears and anxieties. He just takes this as one of his cases, with a few obstacles along the way. I want him to care, okay? Not just about the baby, but also what happens afterwards. Do you understand?”
“No, I don’t actually. He cares. I know he does. He is also very happy, yes, but that is because he thought this is what you wanted. I don’t understand. I think you should tell him this, I know it would make it easier. Right now, he looks like shit, and he is not enjoying this. The only thing that keeps him going is that he loves you.”
“Do you think he still loves me?”
“Oh Jackie, yes! Do you think any man would put up with all that abuse without a reason? Most men run off and find another woman to heal them. Not Jono, he says, ‘what does she want from me?’ He wants to be there for you but you have tried to keep him out. Talk to him, please. He needs your love right now.”
“I suppose you are right. I have been awful to him. He wanted to go out the other night and I basically tore him to shreds. It was mean and horrible. Okay, you are right. I will make it up to him, starting today.”
“One more thing. Stop that nonsense that it is your baby. That really hurts him. Anyway, the last time I checked, it was both the man and the woman who made a baby. Have things changed since then Jackie?”
She laughed, “okay, point taken. Will not say my baby, will not scream, and will not launch insults.”
“Yes and you will?”
“I will be a loving wife, will talk about fears. Will talk, talk, talk, will cook good dinner tonight and wear sexy negligee, will...”
“Okay, I get the picture. Come give me a hug.”
Just then Zane and John walked into The Craft Centre. They saw her hugging him and heard him whispering something that made her laugh.
“You see, I told you. It must be his child, since she and Jono can’t have any. I told you,” Zane said with glee, his face flush with satisfaction.
John just smiled. All he saw were to friends having a hug. In his mind that was perfectly normal.
“Come, let’s go and say hello. Oops they have seen us.”
“Zane, darling, John, hello. Come and join us. Please, sit.”
Zane was too thrilled at the opportunity but John really preferred that they were alone, especially because they had both been work
ing and had not seen each other much the last week.
“Hello, you two. Lovely to see you. Gosh, Jackie, you look fabulous. Pregnancy agrees with you. How is dear Jono?”
“He is in good health.”
“Clayton, how are you and that beauty of yours?”
“Hi Zane. We are fine. Thanks. And you, everything okay?”
“Yes, yes, just working too hard. We don’t seem to have enough time to party anymore. We need a good party.”
“Yes, that is a brilliant idea. Oh Clay, let’s have a party. I need a good party. What do you say? Just between friends?”
Zane thought, what does ‘just between friends’ mean to these people?
Clayton answered it for him.
“Yes, I like that idea. Rebecca has been talking about it too and I think that is what exactly what both you women need. A good party. Jono and I will arrange it. Deal?”
“Yes, thank you Clay. Zane, are you game?”
What did she mean? No woman, I am not your kind of meat.
“Yes, I think that would be nice,” said John, because he could see that Zane was entertaining lewd thoughts. “I have a wonderful caterer, so call me if you need anything.”
Zane was furious. What was wrong with John? Did he want to have these people phone him, ‘if they need anything’?
“Thanks. I will do that. Now, I have to run. Jackie, remember about tonight, okay?”
“Okay, I promise I will be the best.”
Clayton got up and hugged her as he left.
Zane was totally enthralled. Tonight? The best? How did this man do it? Have these women feeding his debauched lust? John, however, saw nothing untoward about the conversation and promptly told Zane when they left.
~ ~ ~ ~
Jonathan was wearily getting through the day when the phone rang. He looked at the number and it was his wife. Should he just ignore it? He did not need a fight during the day, the nights were bad enough. What’s the use? I will get into trouble for not answering the phone, so I might as well get it over with.
“Hello.” He said flatly.
“Hello darling, having a good day?”
What is this now?
“It is fine, so far, and you?”
“Fine J. I just want to tell you that I am sorry for being such an awful fiend to you the last few months. I’m sorry, sorry, sorry....”
Jono said nothing, waiting for her to viciously stab him in the groin.
“Anyway, I phoned to ask what special meal you need for dinner tonight.”
“Jackie, really, that is not necessary. Just be civil to me, okay. I don’t need anything else.”
“Oh Jono, I will make it up to you. Tonight, you will see a reformed woman and you will be pleasantly surprised, okay?”
“Okay. Will see you later.”
He doubted very much that the night would be any better, so he went back to work.
When he got home, she was sitting quietly in front of the television. She looked so beautiful that he went to her and kissed her. Bugger it if she swears me. I want to kiss my beautiful wife. She stood up and kissed him back and held onto him.
“Jono, darling, hello.”
“Hello J. Had a good day?”
“Yes, I met Clayton for lunch and he very harshly told me how awful I have been to you and hearing him say it so fiercely, I felt really ashamed. I’m so sorry, Jono. I really am. I have made us a nice dinner and then, for desert, I am on the menu. Then if you don’t mind, we can talk.”
“Is this for real? What are you up to J? Any nasty shocks waiting for me?”
She laughed.
“No, my darling, only lovely ones later, I hope.”
She held his hand and led him to eat. He knew that things must be changing, because he had not heard that laugh in quite a while. I hope so, he thought, as she chatted about work.
“At any rate, things are going well with Rebecca and Clayton. They seemed to have settled in. Isn’t that nice?”
“Yes, considering what they went through, I am very pleased. I don’t think I have ever seen him so relaxed, so charming. He even smiles at the women in the office. Lorraine, his secretary, still thinks he must have a fever.”
They were laughing together and by the time they were ready for bed, they were like old friends again. Lying in bed, having talked for so long, Jonathan smiled.
“I must remember to thank Clayton. He has been a great friend through all this.”
~ ~ ~ ~
Rebecca and Clayton had settled into a neat way of life and they had not spoken again about that fateful night. Clayton had moved into Rebecca’s house, because she would not leave her garden. Clayton, after much separation anxiety, parted with his apartment and the long, painful memories that had kept him there. The months were warm and beautiful for them and Clayton developed a strong bond with George. He discovered the joy of the love of a father figure and enjoyed every minute of it, even when he and George disagreed.
They went to Mayville to visit, but Clayton would not stay more than one night. He liked to have Rebecca in their own bed, where they talked and teased each other. Clayton was amazed at how much he craved a family life and Rebecca’s parents gave him that. He spoke occasionally to his own parents, but made no effort to meet with them, or to introduce Rebecca to them. George became his friend and mentor and they discussed many things, from world politics to their beloved women. This relationship was also important to Rebecca, because she spent more time with her mother and they became close, in the absence of her father’s dominating personality. At home, she enjoyed Clayton’s protection and love and curled up next to him every night, content and happy.
For both of them, their lives were so perfect that they convinced themselves that the curse did not exist. They were happy to continue this way, things unchanging.
But, it was not to be.
*****
Chapter 27
Clayton and Jonathan prepared a beautiful party. They used John’s caterer and Rebecca’s house looked magical and romantic when the guests arrived. Candles and lamps burnt gently in the garden, casually entwined with her flowers and plants. They invited many friends and amongst them, Zane and John, who were the first to arrive.
Zane had not been able to contain his curiosity at what the ‘love den’ looked like and had dragged John as soon as he could. He was slightly taken aback when he got to the house. It had an air of peace and quiet about it, a magical romance that was not consistent with Clayton’s raw, animal lust. Well, he thought, all of us live under false pretences. We all try to give the world a different impression about who we really are. He glided around the house, unashamedly inspecting everything. Despite his meticulous inspection, he could find nothing to support this fundamental belief that they lived a raucous, debauched life. He watched them, Double J clearly wonderfully in love, touching each other and smiling and the other couple as well. This was interesting. Clayton was talking to the sexy Candice. He was smiling and laughing at something she was saying. Rumor had it that he went out with her for at least two weeks, which had been a long time for Clayton.
Rebecca was talking to hunk Brad, but she was watching Clayton. She looked like she could kill him. Clayton looked up at her and he smiled at her. Wow, the guy is good. They were having a fight across the room with their eyes, while he was entertaining his sexy ex.
Clayton, who is that?
An old friend, Candice. She works with Jackie sometimes.
Lover?
No, you are my lover, remember?
Well, if she touches you one more time, I will kill the both of you.
Jealous? Princess? What did you think I felt when you hugged Brad so tightly?
Yes, arrogant swine. Brad is hurting. He wasn’t trying to get into my pants. That woman is trying to seduce you. I am very jealous.
Serves to right, you should know me better. Relax, enjoy.
Piss off! I will make you pay for that!
I hope so!
Cl
ayton was laughing and Rebecca was furious. That arrogant man. He thinks everything is funny. Then she remembered her mother’s advice. Well, I can find things funny too. Seduce you with my mind.
Clayton had his back to her now. He loved making her angry, the way her eyes flashed at him. Tonight would be good when all these people left.
Clayton?
Not now, we’ll discuss it later, can’t you see.... oooh.
Like that? as her mind slowly stripped off his shirt.
Rebecca, behave, please.
No! Not a chance, as her hands caressed his chest.
Clayton tried to continue talking and he turned his back on her, but Rebecca had taken control of his mind, her hands caressing him, slowly moving down and when she touched his belt, he excused himself from Candice and went to her.
Wench!
What’s the matter, darling, can’t keep your pants on?
She threw her head back and laughed.
“Rebecca, you are out of control. How did you do that?”
“It is a family secret. Now, no more touching sexy woman who seem so intimate with you?”
“Okay, but... Zane, hello. Good of you to come.”
“Thank you for inviting us. It is a great party. I love this house. Everything is so perfect.”
“Yes, we love it too. Would you like a drink, Zane?”
Clayton was relieved for the intervention, because he knew that Rebecca possessed his mind now. If she was really angry, she would drive him crazy, right there. It felt absolutely wonderful.
“Yes, please. Vodka with orange juice would be great.”
“Okay, vodka coming up,” and he strode off for the drink.
“John is a magnificent man, Zane. Clayton has been singing his praises.”
Oh no, now Clayton wants my man.
“Really, why?”
“Oh, he was helpful with this party. Jono and Clayton were trying to prove that they are not sexist and tried to do this on their own. I think they figured they couldn’t do it, so John helped them out. Relax. Clayton is not interested in him in that way.”