After several months she approached the orphanage and
asked if it was possible to foster little AJ, with the intention
of adopting, if Ben and her were approved.
Lizzie and Ben sat AJ down and asked him if he would like to go and live with them, he put his little arms around Lizzie’s neck and cried.
“I would love you to be my mummy and daddy!”
After attending court several sessions with the Judge, it was decided that Lizzie and Ben would be ideal parents, they walked into the waiting room where little AJ was sitting with Richard and I. He looked at them, his little face full of anticipation waiting for news.
“Let's go home son.” They told him hugging him tightly. Lizzie felt her life was complete. She had everything she could ever dream of. A man she idolised, a job she loved and finally her beautiful son.
Roy eventually moved back to England and got a place with his lady friend that he had met before.
Richard and I loved the life we had created for ourselves, but lurking in my mind was Simon. I wondered what had happened to him after the night of our engagement. I didn’t want to tell Richard how I felt so I decided to make some enquiries on my own. Even though I’d promised there should be no more secrets.
I hired a Private Detective and gave him as much detail as I could, also the most recent photograph I had of Simon.
It didn’t take long before the Detective came back with information.
“Simon was in Rehab, recovering from an alcohol addiction. He was in a very bad way when they found him, nobody knew who he was. He was found lying in his own vomit in an alleyway not far from where he grew up as a child. He had no identification on him, so a photo was placed in the local paper, although no one claimed to know him. He had a serious case of liver poisoning; and because he had gone too far his liver gave out. There was nothing they could do. I’m extremely sorry to tell you this, but Simon passed away last night.”
“Are you absolutely positive it was Simon?” Thinking they could have been mistaken. He said nobody knew who he was.
“Yes madam. In the end a lady came forward and identified him.”
“Who was it?” I asked still not believing what I was hearing.
“Sorry, the lady wishes to remain anonymous. So I can’t divulge that information.”
I couldn’t get any words out and I couldn’t take the news.
Everything was a blur to me.
I was too late to help him...... My love.......... My Simon. I wasn’t there when he needed me. I have to tell Richard....... I have to tell Richard his brother is dead.
Richard was so upset.
“Why did you go behind my back? Marriage is about trust Bella! I could’ve come with you. You didn’t have to find this out on your own.”
“I just felt like something wasn’t right. I didn’t want to bother you until I was sure that my suspicions were confirmed.”
After taking in the news we realised we had to claim Simon and arrange a funeral for him.I contacted Roy and told him the awful news. He was as shocked and upset as we were, nonetheless there was still a funeral to organise whether we liked it or not. I asked him to arrange it for the following week, so we would all have enough time to make arrangements to get there. I knew I had to say goodbye to Simon. I couldn’t let him go without saying goodbye and I knew he would never rest in peace if I didn’t. I also knew that this would finally be the end of an era.
We all arrived in England on a cold November day, and thought it was best to stay with Roy. We got the chance to meet his wife for the first time, she was nothing like Tammy, but they seemed happy together, she greeted us with warm affection and it broke the ice.
Her name was Vera, she was quite small and well built, unlike Tammy who was tall and elegant. She had grey hair and hazel eyes. She did not appear as loving as Tammy was but Roy seemed happy with her and that is the important thing. I think all he needed was companionship. The day of the funeral arrived and I wasn’t looking forward to it, nevertheless I knew I had to say goodbye.
We arrived at our local church and waited for the Hurst to arrive; the coffin was covered in white Lilies and his name spelt out in red carnations. The minute I saw his name in flowers I cried, it hit me like a thunderbolt and I realised Simon would no longer be mine. Roy was asked if it was going to be a burial or cremation and he said that the family would prefer the latter. Most of the residence of Lighthouse Cove were in the congregation, Richard had prepared a speech. As I looked around the church there wasn’t a dry eye in sight and I knew he was well loved. As Richard got up to speak he looked at me.
“I think you should do this Bella. After all you have known him longer and I’m sure he’d appreciate it.”
I found this one of the hardest things I have ever had to do in my entire life. My sobs were uncontrollable and Richard had to take over. As the coffin disappeared behind the curtain I looked at it and could not believe the man I had loved all my life was laying there all alone.
We left the church and waited for the vicar to tell us when the ashes would be ready to be picked up.
He told us it would be in a couple of days. I decided there and then that I would put Simon’s ashes over the grass by the bench that we used to sit on.
The time arrived to pick up Simon’s ashes .
“This is something you should do alone. I hope it puts an end to your heartache.”
I sprinkled Simon’s ashes at our favourite place, and laid down a red rose.
I cried uncontrollably as I said goodbye to him.
“I will always love you.” I whispered.
As I stood there I could feel strong arms around me and I felt Simon’s presence so strong. I could have sworn I smelt the scent of his perfume, but when I turned around it was Richard. I just happened to look over his shoulder as he leant in to give me a kiss and saw Simon walking away.
“You have suffered long enough Bella. Now you can finally be at peace. Richard held my hand as we walked off together along the beach.
I turned round one last time and saw Simon looking directly at me. The feeling of love for him was suddenly overpowering.
“You belong to me beloved Bella!” He mouthed.
Bella Page 20