An Untimely Romance: A Time Travel Romance

by Wells, J

  With all the visions of Frank, Anna and now the boy, Heather’s coping mechanism was at an all-time low. She really thought she was losing it. Since it seemed the norm these days for her to get lost in her thoughts, she never heard the footsteps as Ruben approached. He knelt behind her, flicking a loose strand of hair from her eyes. She jumped, though on seeing his face her emotions spiralled out of control, and an eruption of tears spread against the warmth of his chest.

  “What’s the matter? What’s happened?” he asked, a worried expression taking over his face upon finding her so upset.

  It was a good few minutes before she calmed down enough to answer.

  “I don’t know where to begin, and if I did, you wouldn’t understand or believe me...”

  “Things can’t be that bad, surely?” he replied, reaching for her hands and taking them between his own.

  Her tear-filled eyes followed his, stopping at the ring.

  “Is this what you’re so upset over? Where did you get it?”

  “I’m really sorry,” Heather said, before taking a breath. “When I was at the flat. I couldn’t help myself, the Beth thing just wouldn’t let go of me, and when I saw her stuff in the boxes... I guess you know the rest. The door went and I panicked, and popped the ring in my pocket.” She paused, “Later, I put it on; daft, I know.” She sighed. “And now it’s stuck, I can’t get it off. You must hate me, and I’m sure your mum will never speak to me again. Ruben, I’m so sorry,” she repeated. “I don’t normally go through people’s belongings.”

  His grip around her tightened. “Don’t worry, we’ve both made mistakes, there’s no need to get this upset. I’m not a monster, ya know. Anyway, looks good from where I’m sitting.”

  He leant over and pulled her to her feet. Taking her to the edge of the lake, he placed her hand into the cool water. Allowing a slow release, the ring was off, and lay in Ruben’s palm. Heather was relieved it was back where it belonged, with its rightful owner. Slowly Ruben leant back on the bank, slipping the ring into his pocket.

  “Come here,” he said, smiling, and reached out his arms.

  Heather, returning his smile, placed herself between his crossed legs, encompassed by his arms. She snuggled into him, breathing in the potent aftershave, that manly scent on his clothes, his skin. Wake up, for God’s sake, Heather. He’s here, he’s real, and he wants you. Frank can never be, never. Perhaps Frank was her way of settling the score, finally making her and Ruben even. It was time to leave the manor’s ghosts in the past where they belonged, and take Ruben into the future where he belonged. She was sure the feelings she had had for him were well on the way to love, and in her own way she was convinced she cared for him. So who knows? she thought. In time, when my head’s clear of all this, maybe there can be an us, and maybe we can have a future.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Happy Birthday, Heather

  The days and weeks passed so quickly, rolling by in a heartbeat. Heather’s relationship with her sister improved slightly; perhaps due to her age, they now had more in common. She also felt a growing fondness for her niece, who she often watched playing in the garden, although she never wanted her to be alone for too long, just in case. She did feel slightly easier of late, though, as she’d had no more visions, and life had carried on without complication.

  Ruben was now playing a bigger part in her life, but although she felt she was moving on, she still couldn’t commit to the relationship fully. With her eighteenth birthday looming, only twenty-four hours away, she pondered as she sat before her dressing table, her mind on the following day. She shuddered at the thought, feeling more than slightly insecure and inwardly uneasy. It should have been a happy time for her, a time for celebration, but it had been upstaged by the grand opening and overshadowed by Ruben’s agenda. But she couldn’t say a lot really, as these were the stipulations she’d laid down herself. The intimacy between them, on her part, was still very forced, Frank’s memory really never very far away.

  She didn’t sleep well that night, waking every passing hour and gazing at the time.

  ~•••~

  “Happy birthday, Heather,” she said, circling Friday, the seventeenth of August on her calendar.

  Pulling back the bedroom curtains, she gazed out onto a beautiful summer’s morning. Although not yet six o’clock, the red sky from the previous night was true to its word, the sun a rising ball of warmth. Only the birds joined in her adulation as she tiptoed from the annex. This was her chance for a last look around at the unspoilt gardens, the absence of people, just her at one with nature and the wildlife that always seemed present; company, in a strange way. The rebuild was all she’d known since being a young girl herself, but from this day forward life was going to be very different.

  She sauntered through the grounds, enjoying her last few hours of solitude. Everything stood in readiness. The main car park was nowhere near big enough to hold the expected number of visitors, so an extensive lawned area to the front of the annex had been cordoned off with cones. The top of the drive was for VIPs, and their nameplates had been displayed. She walked on, passing the conservatory, throwing a smile at Sami and Edison, who were setting tables alfresco for the forthcoming picnic and barbeque. The greenery of the variegated trees was lifted by decorative bunting; not overdone, but subtle and effective. Strings of fairy lights lay in wait for darkness around the lake, while caricature pedal boats in the shape of long-necked swans with fantail headrests swayed slowly, bobbing to and fro in the soft undercurrent. A small fair and some stalls had been erected, with swing boats, teacups and a brightly coloured helter-skelter for school visits and younger members of the public. Walking full circle, she passed the DJ booth for the open-air disco at her party later that evening, and then headed back towards the main building, with its grand entrance, where large red ribbons hung in wait, their ties to be cut.

  She sat on the bottom step and crossed her arms, watching the cars and the staff members arriving. Although only just past seven, the hubbub had already begun. She questioned the validity of what they’d actually built up over the past few years; their decision to live in the country was to escape all the hustle and bustle of the city and its everyday life, only now to be descended upon like bees to a hive. She felt choked at the thought of all those people and strange faces, and she felt the conformity closing in on her; complete suffocation. She and her family, the faces of Freesdon Manor, would have all eyes focusing on them; an age-old task that had now come back to haunt her.

  Her phone vibrated. It was an early morning text from Ruben: Happy birthday, darling, can’t wait for tonight. Love you loads xxxxxx

  She really hadn’t anywhere to run now, she thought; tonight she was going to be unfaithful, and unfortunately the person to whom she was being unfaithful was herself. He’s trying so hard, she told herself, and taking a deep breath she text him her reply.

  Entering the kitchen, she was surprised by its quietness and the way everything was so pristine and in its place. It was not the explosion of food and mass of utensils, and her mum’s organisation skills, she had expected.

  “Happy birthday, Heather!”

  Her mum, dad and sister entered, not forgetting Dannika, who was wearing a huge smile and balancing a small iced cake. With one candle lit, her niece’s face was a picture. Heather’s mum placed an oval tray on the breakfast bar.

  “Couldn’t wait for this evening to wish you happy birthday,” her mum said, passing her a fluted glass containing champagne; pink and sweet, the strawberries sweeter.

  “Breakfast, with a twist,” her mum said, smiling. “All your sister’s idea.”

  Heather sipped enthusiastically. “Thanks, Amy. Bit early, but lovely.”

  Interrupted by a hand pulling at her jeans and Dannika’s urgency, she blew out her candle.

  “Don’t forget to make a wish, Aunty.”

  Heather smiled. If only, she thought.

  Kissing Heather on the cheek, her dad raised his glass.


  “My little girl, all grown up now,” he said, swallowing hard.

  “Walter, save your speeches for later,” her mum laughed, passing a knowing glance in her father’s direction.

  Heather could have sworn she saw a tear. But he didn’t hang around long enough for her to be entirely sure, and excused himself, saying he had a final brief arranged with his staff.

  Their idea of keeping things under wraps was anything but subtle. After a couple more sips of champagne, her father returned.

  “Heather, you have a visitor. She’s waiting in the conservatory. I didn’t catch her name.” He looked over at Faye. “Oh, and the caterers are here, love.”

  So Heather and her mum both left the kitchen together, heading in different directions.

  The blinds had already been closed, and the south-facing conservatory was perfect greenhouse material. Heather had no idea who her visitor could be, until she saw the mass of red hair and the telltale pink lipstick.

  “Beth...”

  She sat, seemingly on edge, her hands fidgeting awkwardly with a small china sugar bowl. It was early morning, and Heather could tell due to Beth’s appearance that her hairbrush hadn’t been used, and bar the smearing of lipstick, there was no visible sign of make-up, making her face look drawn, her complexion uneven and blemished.

  “Yes, I’ve already ordered. I hope you don’t mind?” a voice piped up. “And happy birthday,” she said, scurrying towards Heather, and passing her a silver bag with ribbon handles and a bouquet of tiny white jip and peach roses.

  Even the conservatory had its own facelift for the day; heart-shaped helium balloons were tied to the back of each chair, and posies of chrysanthemums were the centrepiece on each table, their sweet scent enhanced by the growing warmth.

  “Course I don’t mind, and thanks,” Heather said, peering down into her bag.

  They sat near the door, a breath of air cooling the temperature, and the slight tension between them.

  “I had to see you, not just to wish you happy birthday, but I think ... no,” she corrected herself, “I know I owe you an apology, an explanation.”

  There was an awkward silence as the waitress approached, looking very smart in her A-line black dress. She placed a tray down between them, and took the bouquet of flowers from the table to arrange them in a vase. Heather suddenly felt hungry having smelt the aroma of warm scones rising up from the plate to greet her. She gave Beth only the slightest smile and a touch of the hand, both appearing to alleviate the atmosphere.

  “I had no idea you’d agree to see me,” Beth began.

  Heather laughed to herself; she hadn’t, not knowingly. But I suppose this is as good a time as any to clear the air, she thought.

  “After seeing Ruben’s mum that evening, he insisted on me going back to his for a nightcap. You know what he’s like, he doesn’t take no for an answer easily.”

  Heather knew this to be true, but didn’t elaborate.

  “He just kept going on and on about how good we were together, how empty the flat felt without me and the kids. He couldn’t stress enough how much he missed the kids. To be honest, he was good with them, but usually on his terms, when it suited.” As a slight deviation from her conversation, she looked down into her mug, as if thinking what to say next. “I can’t make sense of it now, what happened that night; it was all over so quickly. All the old familiarities of our lives together just came rushing back. I’m not trying to make excuses for what happened, but I can assure you, I’m no threat. I’ll always be in Ruben’s life, probably due to his mother, and yours, I hope.”

  Heather smiled.

  “Ruben asked me to come back, for us to move in together, be a family again, but I couldn’t and said no.” She shook her head, by way of emphasising the point. “It just wouldn’t have worked. There were too many ups and downs, it just wasn’t fair on the kids. He could change in an instant, and try to buy his way back into my affections. Money may have been his God, but it certainly wasn’t mine. I can’t help but have feelings for him, and I suppose I’ll always love him in some small way, but some things are just not meant to be, and so life moves on.”

  It was uncanny how similar their situations really were. Heather couldn’t feel any malice towards Beth, and actually in some ways she felt rather sorry for her.

  “Ruben said my invitation was still open for your party tonight, but I think it’s best I stay away.”

  Heather placed her hands on Beth’s affectionately. “No, don’t be daft, you’re more than welcome. I want you to come. I think we can leave the past behind us, don’t you?”

  Beth’s smile was one of relief, happy they were able to put that night behind them and still remain friends. They sat for a while chatting over tea and scones, any atmosphere between them well and truly passed.

  “Looks like you’ll be having a busy day,” Beth said, buttering her second scone.

  “Certainly have,” Heather replied, already feeling tired at the thought. “We’ve got the mayor and press coming at twelve for the official opening, and the local schools will be arriving around one o’clock.” Placing her head in her hands, she continued. “Soon after we have another half-dozen coach loads of the more senior members of the community. There’s food for every taste, and the different caterers will be in and out all day. You wouldn’t believe how much organising this has taken over the last few months.”

  “I can well imagine. Better not keep you any longer, had I?”

  “I best be seeing you later,” Heather joked. “Disco starts at eight, and Dad’s organised a firework display.”

  “I’ll be there,” Beth assured her, standing.

  “Thanks for the perfume and lovely flowers,” Heather said as she held out her arms, and the two parted with a friendly hug.

  She checked the time again: 9.30am, and countdown, she thought. She’d just have time to pop to see Ruben; whether he was in the wine shop or cellar, no doubt their paths would cross. The whole lower floor of the manor was full of staff, rushing here and there under her mother’s watchful eye, who stood dishing out her orders while she added the odd flower to an empty vase and tweaked misshapen cushions. In her mum’s eyes, attention to detail was paramount. The door to the wine shop was closed, but Heather was sure in his text last night he’d said he’d be in at nine. He could have gone straight down to the cellar, she thought.

  Lighting a kerosene lamp on the counter and gazing around, she saw that every wall was fully stocked with the finest vintage wines, clarets and rosés. On separate shelving sat the most expensive champagne – not that she was the greatest connoisseur; after all, she was only just legal. The door leading down to the cellar stood ajar, and she could hear muffled voices and footsteps. She was quite surprised to see her dad, though neither he nor Ruben saw her. She watched as her father patted Ruben on the back.

  “Good on you, son.”

  Both were startled by Heather’s presence.

  “How long have you been there?” Ruben’s tone bordered on rude.

  “Oh,” she said, frowning, “happy birthday to me.” Tutting, she turned to leave.

  “No, no, Heather, you have me wrong.” Ruben quickly manoeuvred himself and blocked her exit. “Just not for your ears, a surprise for later. And yes, happy birthday to you,” he said. “Now come here.”

  Hardly able to contain himself, his lips met with hers. With a brief cough from her father, which neither of them noticed or responded to, Walter left the two alone. Ruben switched the sign on the door to closed and discreetly closed the blinds; then he lifted Heather into his arms and sat her on the counter.

  “Do you want your birthday present now or later?” he asked suggestively, leaning closer.

  She felt a fluttering rising in her chest from her stomach, an inner warmth that she actually quite liked.

  “The sign says closed... not do not disturb.” She giggled.

  “We can always go upstairs,” he whispered. “I’m sure there’s time.”


  He gazed at her, his green eyes with their hypnotic pull, the subtle lighting intensifying his looks, and with it Heather’s feelings. He held out his hands and she took them; he pulled her close to his side.

  “I do love you, you know.”

  Heather smiled. She loved him too, but was she in love with him, and could it ever be enough? Maybe there’s only one way to find out, she thought.

  “Love you too,” she replied, looking down. Her words said one thing, her eyes another.

  Dimly lit, to an overwhelming brightness as they headed back up to the main house, where staff members wished her well.

  “Happy birthday, Heather.”

  “Yes, have a great day.”

  “Got a present for you in the car.”

  “Tonight’s gunna be great!”

  Their romantic moment was lost, but Ruben never let go of her hand, walking slightly in front and leading her to the staircase. It had been a while, and the only way for her to move on was to stop avoiding that room, which held so many bittersweet memories. As she approached the landing, her eyes wandered, and she heard the clock chime its usual welcome. Ten o’clock, she thought. She looked up at the portrait, and Frank’s eyes bore into her soul, as if watching each and every step she took, closer and closer to that room, their room. She had to look away, the guilt so intense she could have cried. I’m so sorry, Frankie, but this is the only chance I have of a life, so what else can I do?

  She caught a fleeting glance from Ruben, his come-to-bed eyes unmistakable. He reached for the brass handle, and as he did so the door opened inward, her mother rushing out with yet more flowers.