Two of Hearts

by Alexa Jackson

  - Do not tell me I left the door open, why not let him.

  I see some indecision in his eyes, but I remain firm. He never facilitated nothing to me, why should I have pity on him?

  - Peter ... gave me the key.

  I take a few seconds to absorb what he said.

  - Peter gave the key to my apartment for you?

  It was probably when he had installed the camera at the door ...

  - But that was months ago!

  He is closer.

  Focus on anger, meditate again. Think of anger.

  - Why are you so angry? Already exchanged keys before, remember? You still have the key to my house.

  Damn it. This is true. I had never returned, and the ring in my purse.

  - Because I did not have the opportunity - I lie. Delivering the key to it is like putting a definitive end to this relationship - and we're not together, if they ever were.

  - I do not believe we're fighting over a goddamn key!

  Adam rubs his face and seems to try to stay calm.

  - There is only one key. That is called invasion of privacy. That lawyer fuck are you? That would give any perverted a beautiful process.

  I notice him turn pale and away. Okay, I had taken heavy when I suggested that he was a pervert. After all, Adam had only been with the key. It's not like watch over me or something.

  - This will be difficult - he mutters to himself and supports hands on the table. - I was just trying to protect you. Remember what happened in the New Year? My accident?

  - I do not want to talk about it.

  His rejection still hurts me. I turn toward the door, but stop by touching the door handle.

  - I saw what they did in their apartment, Penelope. I received the pictures on the way to the party, so I lost control of the car ...

  I feel his body behind mine, and when he touches my shoulder, all my defenses start to fall apart.

  - The message said it was a warning that something very bad could happen to you if I insist on being together.

  - That's why you sent me away?

  - I did not send - it turns me into it - you went away. I thought you needed time to calm down. I even asked that Liam was behind you. But when I left the hospital two days later, you had already left the city. I tried to understand what was going on, who could be behind it all.

  - Celeste! I knew that at the same time.

  - It was not her ...

  Move away from me, unable to believe that he is defending the viper.

  - Will defend it now? Oh really? For me? There is no one in the world who hate me as much as she.

  - Not those who hate you, but those who love you and would do anything to have her back. Whatever the cost.

  - I dont understand. My dad?

  My father perhaps one day have loved me, but now does not seem to realize that I exist.

  - Wade! It was the damn Maxwell Wade!

  I stare at him, puzzled. What he says makes no sense. Maxwell had abandoned me in the church. All right, he made clear his interest in reatarmos our relationship, but then plan and execute as sordid plan to achieve this goal is too much for me. Moreover, we are friends, are not we?

  - Why would he do that?

  - You are obsessed with you. I even believe really love, to the point of doing anything to have you back.

  Way to the couch and try to digest everything he says.

  - How long you know that?

  - I suspected in Peter's feast day. His apartment was not invaded. Do you work in the same building, it was very easy that he got the keys. Also they went for lunch a few times ...

  How does he know all this? I was about to ask, when an unusual fact comes to mind.

  - I lost my key once and had to make another copy.

  When everything seems to make sense, terror plaguing me. Last night I took Maxwell to my house. Only God knows what might have happened if the alarm had not fired.

  - Wade has diverted much money from the bank his family.

  Adam delivers a picture that makes me uneasy.

  - This is the island he bought, and I believe that would take her there. The yacht was for you.

  Lady Penelope.

  It would be a beautiful tribute if from Adam, for example. Max, cause me concern.

  - It was my fault.

  Return the photo and fixed my gaze on my trembling hands.

  - Your fault?

  - I should not have encouraged both ... - Levanto and walk to the window. - To provoke you.

  The city view is beautiful here. I can see the Statue of Liberty in the background and the hundreds of skyscrapers that make this lovely city. The setting is good in my eyes, but my mind is occupied with other events.

  - Why did not you tell me?

  - I wanted to talk to you for weeks. And then, one day, during the party, I received a message from you, asking to find elsewhere ...

  - I went to that room, but you did not show up.

  A long pause makes me turn to him. I notice it away, her troubled countenance indicates that remembers something distressing to him.

  - It was the cemetery where Cecilia is buried, however, in place of her name, was her on the tombstone.

  Let out a terrified scream to hear this statement. I can not believe Max has done something so vile.

  - My God!

  - Do not worry. Peter and I have taken a way it will not threaten us anymore.

  - What did you do?

  He walks up to me and hold me tight. I reciprocate without flinching. I need it, I need the security it gives me.

  - My desire was to kill him. What made in your home would make a good time in jail. But I do not want anything splashing on you.

  I think he wants to say, if my parents or anyone in town knew it. What he does not realize is that none of that matters to me. I wanted him to have had confidence in me and stop hiding things.

  - We took a lesson he will remember for a long time. Moreover, Peter sent some copies to his father, to prove what he was doing. If it will stuck or not is their problem.

  - Can not be wanting to protect me all the time.

  I walk away. I'm hurt, disappointed, and I am surrounded by so many feelings that I can not put into words.

  - First with Grace, then Celeste, now Maxwell. Who comes next? Some angry customer? Always will get away with the excuse you want to keep me alive?

  - I love you. Go mad if ...

  - If I die? If I fall in love with someone else? If ...

  - No! You will not like that. We always ended up here. Together.

  - Things are not as you want, Adam. You can not treat me like a little doll cold porcelain. Unlike her, I have a heart you often mistreated. It was Max who blew us away was you.

  - I just wanted ...

  - Protect me?

  I stare at the ground, as witness her sad eyes is killing me too.

  - It does not help when only hurts me all the time. If there is no trust, love does not survive.

  - You're breaking up with me?

  His voice is practically a whisper. I smile unwillingly. Some time ago, I asked the same question.

  - It is?

  - Finish what? We have nothing, right?

  - Penelope, listen ...

  He moves forward and I pull away. This time I get to the door. I feel like the cold doorknob burned my hand, but I remain firm.

  - I need time to think.

  I see him walk me through the tears in my eyes blind. I notice the same suffering in it.

  I need to keep me steady.

  Adam needs to understand that trust is the basis of everything. He could have been honest, we would find a way to face it together. I do not know if I can keep living with this uncertainty of what might happen, until he decided to walk away again.

  - I hope - your fingers touch my face - I was always at his side, even when he saw me there.

  A light touch on my lips do all my pain disappear. It is as if it were the remedy to heal and cause side effects
at the same time.

  When I open my eyes, he is not here.

  Chapter 12

  Adam

  I had fucked everything. I was very presumptuous to believe that the love she felt for me would be greater than all the suffering that I missed. That would be enough nice words and a sincere apology and Penelope would forgive me. But, as she said, life can not be conducted the way I want.

  I've never been in control of anything, and because of my arrogance, I lost the only woman he ever loved in my entire existence ridiculous.

  I am given the time she demanded me. One week. After that were linked, flowers, dinner invitations. One by one being refused by her.

  I believe you're punishing me. And to accept that I deserve it. But one day this torture must end.

  Not as a right, can not work, and my nights are populated with erotic dreams with her.

  And I have not had the courage to talk about the cameras. Damn, this only further inflame their anger.

  As punishment myself, I disabled all of them. However, I keep in the apartment. Step home one time or another, to exchange clothes bag for clean dirty.

  As much as I want to be around somehow, today is a day that need that distance, or would be able to break into your house again. I had promised to give space. The problem is that damn promise is ending with me, with us.

  One time, I know that it will give way. I might even have been arrogant, but I know that the only thing that separates us is the fear that feels returning to abandon it, together with a stupid pride.

  I was home just to pick up some clothes and deliver used to my maid. I'm halfway down the stairs when the bell rings.

  - Hello, dear.

  I get no reaction for a second to see the woman in front of my door.

  A young brunette and beautiful smiles at me like a cat on the milk plate.

  - Who are you?

  - I'm Helena, remember?

  Before I can redo my shock, she lays a kiss on my mouth, through the door, plays beige jacket on the table and walks over to the couch, where spreads, red short dress and not hiding to nothing.

  - I'm that easy to forget?

  - But ... what the fuck? Get out of my house!

  You know when they say misery goes double? It is this feeling I have when the bell rings again.

  - We can talk?

  Richard.

  Breathe relieved when I see it. I've had other woes in recent weeks to have Penelope here, imagining something that does not exist.

  - Now?

  - Well, if you're busy, I'll come back another time.

  - Do not wait.

  Pull it when you mention to go.

  - You look terrible, man. Come in, let's talk.

  I do not know what went on crazy woman to have come to my house uninvited. I not even remember her, but Richard could not have come at a better time.

  - Oh! Sorry, I did not know you had company.

  - Stela is already out - way to the coat and give it to her.

  - It's Helena! As well, I'm leaving?

  - Call Peter. It will solve your problem. But one day, who knows ... - I drive the young complainant to the door. - I'll call you.

  I return to the room, and Richard stares at me with accusing eyes.

  - What? She wanted sex. At another time, I also ... I never promised flowers and church bells.

  The contradiction is that the only woman who was willing to offer that does not want me anymore.

  - What about love and companionship, family ...

  - A big foot in the ass. Involve love in a relationship and or you get hurt or hurt anyone says he loves. That simple.

  - Well, about that, I have no arguments.

  Its appearance is as miserable as mine.

  - Are you in love? Falling in love?

  Neil, Richard, i. The only one who does not seem to suffer this evil is Peter. There Liam, but I can not understand his relationship with Nicole. I did not believe that their relationship lasted, but after what we learned about Cecilia, he seems committed to the engagement works out.

  - She is pregnant.

  - Nicole?

  - Who is Nicole? I was listening to what I was saying?

  - Excuse me. What say?

  I rub my face and sit.

  - Paige's pregnant.

  He reports what had happened earlier. The fact that he found her with her ex-boyfriend in her apartment and the revelation of the baby.

  - Let me guess...

  Way to the bar and prepare a drink for both of us.

  - You've been a real jerk?

  - What did I do?

  He ignores the glass in my hand.

  - I went back to her apartment because Paige had never said you love me, even me saying several times. I thought she felt insecure, especially after you told me about her parents.

  Richard is really unfortunate.

  - I thought to ask her to marry, this time for real, she would say what I needed to hear. But what I hear is that she is pregnant, and still found that asshole in her apartment.

  - Do you believe that the child is yours?

  He stares at me, full of fury.

  - Do not be stupid, Adam! Of course it's my son. I was surprised at first, but I know it's my son.

  - So what the fuck are you doing here?

  I see as my past was reflected in it.

  - Listen, kid, if something happens to this child or her mother, I can guarantee you will never have a minute's peace in the shit of his life.

  He knows of what I speak. You know how much I punish for what I believed to have done Cecilia.

  - I screwed up, right?

  - Go back and fix it. You are very lucky. Do not throw it out the window.

  - Oh really? What about the fact that love is a pain in the ass?

  - It's not a rule. Just because it works for me, does not mean it will be the same with others.

  - I just think you did not find the right person.

  No, I missed it. But I do not want to talk about it tonight. He needs more support than me.

  Amazingly, his being father causes me a great envy.

  I never thought I'd say this one day, but I wanted to be in his place.

  - I'm not in the market for it. Go find your girlfriend and solve your life.

  - She must be very angry now. I'll do that tomorrow morning, when our spirits are calmer.

  - Coward.

  I defy you. I know what is an angry woman.

  - Tomorow may be too late.

  - Can I spend the night here? My house is steeped in memories, and to think a little.

  - You've ruined my night with Stela. -Sorrio My joke - So, whatever.

  - Helena.

  - A mere detail, dear Richard. You've seen her breasts?

  There is praise. Silicone has never been my forte. I prefer the natural as Penelope, they are beautiful. I'm cracked on her breasts.

  - Spare me this - Richard rolls his eyes.

  - But she was hot - tease, making the volume of the breasts with her hands.

  - Paige's prettier.

  Of course he thinks that. I just wanted to see him admit.

  - There is a guest bedroom upstairs. I'll get the beers.

  This is a night that we will need. Two imbeciles who did shit getting drunk.

  Damn it. Richard will be a father. This is amazing.

  ****

  - Where are you?

  Something in Liam's voice puts me on alert.

  - Leaving the office.

  I put on speakerphone to wear the suit.

  - You can come to the hospital?

  Hold the phone so hard that I would not doubt if it disintegrated in my hand. My breath immediately changes following the same frequency of my heart.

  - What happened?

  - Neil had an accident.

  I should be ashamed that for a moment, I have felt relief. However, it was impossible to stop this feeling.

  Penelope is good, relieved breath.

 
- What happened?

  Today should be the most important day of his life. Jenny would ever see.

  - A car accident.

  - But he is fine?

  - No he is not. In fact, I do not know very well what is the picture, but he did not seem any better.

  - What hospital is he?

  Luckily, it is the same hospital where Liam works.

  - I'm going up there. As Jenny is?

  It should be desolate. For all I know, a car accident was responsible for having been blind, and other places at risk the life of the man she loves. Neither deserves to go through this suffering now. Not when Neil had finally gotten rid of Sophia and got the divorce.

  Life sometimes is a cruel bitch.

  - I do not know what to say about it. The surgery was a success, but I begin to think it would have been better not.

  - Liam!

  Taking Neil, he was the most committed to that everything went well.

  - Come here I'll explain.

  While I drive, thousands of thoughts are around my head. Neil and Jenny. All the plans he confided. Transparent happiness on his face when I handed divorce papers. His plans on asking her to marry him.

  - Do you have any news?

  - He's in surgery now.

  I walk away from my brother and walk to Peter, which is next to the window.

  Liam and I are shaken by the state of Neil, but Peter ... He looks destroyed.

  Peter stares at me, and I see a lot more than anguish in his eyes.

  - Do you believe in sixth sense, precognition, things like that?

  I'm not superstitious. I can not say I'm religious, but my family is, I've always been more pragmatic. What I know about faith today was Penelope who taught me.

  - I think I believe.

  - Something tells me that things will get much worse.

  - Hey, he'll be fine.

  He shakes his head when I touch her shoulder.

  - Do not talk about it, about the accident.

  Peter moves away and I see him walk to the door.

  - Where are you going?

  I prefer a thousand times the furious Peter Maxwell faced the other day, that controlled, circumspect, intimidating look today.

  - I need to check something.

  Some time later, Liam had put me abreast of everything that happened earlier. The reaction Jenny to see Neil for the first time, and how he was devastated when she asked him to leave.