Real Love

by Sophie Martin

  “What about you? You disappeared off the face of the earth after uni.” Jack’s voice was betraying his curiosity. He knew some basics from Brian, but none of the interesting details.

  “Yeah, about that.” Lucas sounded contrite. “I want to apologise to you. I know our relationship ended when I met Ariana, but I should have kept in touch with you anyway. Nothing said we couldn’t still be friends. I behaved like a total bellend, too wrapped up in my new love to maintain any other relationships. Once again, I apologise.”

  “There’s no need.” Jack’s smile froze on his face. “It’s all in the past.”

  “Yes, but is it forgiven?” Lucas’s eyes were sad. Jack swallowed then answered honestly.

  “There is nothing to forgive. I mean it. At such a young age relationships fail, and new ones start. Yeah, you behaved a bit like a twat by not even sending an occasional hello on Facebook, but none of us is perfect. I could have tried harder to keep in touch as well. What’s important is that we’re here now. We have a chance to get to know one another once again. It’s all good, I swear.” He meant it, too. With Ariana’s spell on Lucas, she could have manipulated him to forgo his old friendships. If Jack were only a bit more persistent instead of skulking back home with his tail between his legs, he could have maybe discovered what the witch was up to and helped Luc. There was no point trying to assign guilt. They would do better to focus on the future instead.

  Lucas relaxed and smiled at Jack. “Well, to answer your question, we moved around quite a bit after uni. We went to where Ariana’s parents lived, at first. They were not overly impressed with me, however, and Ariana wanted to move again. We jumped about quite a bit until Brian was born. Then we settled in the city up North. We’d lived there until Ariana’s passing. I must admit it’s nice being back in more familiar surroundings. I’m only hoping the kids will learn to love it here just as much.”

  “I’m sure they will,” Jack reassured him. “Brian at least seems to be acclimating well. And from what he says Ruby is also doing well.”

  “Yeah, let me just reiterate how amazing I find it, the way you connected with Brian.”

  “I’m a teacher, remember? It’s in the job description.” They both laughed at that. After ordering a shared dessert from their waitress the conversation turned to less serious topics. They discussed their favourite shows, books they recently read, and sports. Lucas used to be an avid rugby fan when at university, but Jack discovered that passion fell to the wayside during Luc’s marriage. They chatted long after the dessert was gone, then ordered coffee and talked some more. All in all, the evening turned out to be very pleasant and Jack was glad he had accepted Luc’s invitation. He was a bit sad when it was time to go. Lucas checked his watch and sighed.

  “I’m sorry to say, I’ll need to be going. My parents are supposed to drop the kids off right about now and I don’t want them to be on their own for too long.”

  “That’s understandable.” Jack smiled at him in understanding.

  “Well, I certainly had fun. We need to do it again, soon.” Lucas showed off his teeth in a grin.

  “Yeah, that’s a great idea. I had a lovely time. It was so good to catch up,” Jack said honestly. It was a genuinely nice non-date. Jack was going to be happy to repeat it in the future.

  * * * *

  The date went great, Lucas thought. He and Jack had fun, and Lucas immediately remembered why he had been so taken with the man back during university years. Jack was funny, caring, and all over a good guy. Lucas thought that if the life had taken a slightly different route, they would have been good together. As it was, he had another chance at seeing if there was anything still between them. Lucas thought there might be. But even though Jack seemed to have fun, he hadn’t offered another date. It didn’t mean Lucas wasn’t going to ask, but all in due time. He reckoned Jack might feel it was too early for Lucas to date, so soon after Ariana’s death. Lucas didn’t think so. Once he considered it, he thought, maybe their marriage was having problems long before Ariana died. It wasn’t anything palpable, but once he started thinking about it, he couldn’t remember the last time he felt like he loved his wife. Nothing outright had changed. They had had their date night once a month, like a clockwork. They would cart the kids off to some friends and stay at home. Ariana would cook a nice meal and put on some silly music. She was particularly fond of the song, “I Put a Spell on You” by Annie Lennox and this other one, “Black Magic,” Lucas thought it was called. Ariana had always laughed that she wanted to make their date night magical. But despite remembering their last date, nearly a month before Ariana died in that fateful car crash, Lucas couldn’t recall the feeling of love that should have accompanied it. He remembered wanting to please his wife, but that was it. They must have been happy once. All their acquaintances commented on what a happy, loving couple they were. But try as he might Lucas couldn’t bring back all those feelings that should have been there.

  Lucas shook his head as he dispelled his circling thoughts. He knew it had to be the grief talking. Anything else was impossible. Because if he hadn’t loved his wife, why would he have felt this driving need to please her? To do anything she wanted him to. Lucas decided to concentrate on the much more pleasing topic of his date with Jack. He would wait a week, maybe two before asking Jack out again. He didn’t want to come across as overeager after all. Lucas smiled to himself as he unlocked the door, thinking of all the qualities he liked in Jack.

  “How was your date, Dad?” Brian’s voice nearly made him jump and Lucas clutched his chest.

  “Dear god, Brian, you scared me half to death!” But he couldn’t be truly angry with his son. He noticed that ever since that first outing with Jack, both Brian and Ruby were changed. Ruby’s sudden miraculous recovery aside, the kids were both much happier and seemed to settle into their new life well. Brian had met some new friends when in the shelter and was meeting with them regularly now. Lucas had been wary at first, since both boys, Toby and Morton, were a few years older than Brian. Jack reassured him, though, that there was nothing to fear, and that he knew both, and they were good guys. It seemed he was right because Brian looked to be happier than ever before. He hadn’t had any friends before, so Lucas was happy he had them now. If they weren’t getting into any trouble, Lucas was happy to let Brian hang out with them. Brian even took Ruby out with him a few times when they were going to hang out at Toby’s house. Lucas didn’t mind. He knew Toby was one of Jack’s housemates, and the teacher would keep an eye on them.

  “Well?” Brian prompted him, and Lucas shook his head at his wandering thoughts.

  “It went well,” Lucas answered, hiding his grin. Brian had been even more anxious about the date than Lucas, and the boy obviously stayed up late to hear how it went.

  “Is that all you’ve got to say?” Brian tapped his foot impatiently, his eyebrows knitted in a frown.

  “What else would you like to hear?” Lucas asked, not resisting the urge to tease the teenager.

  “Well, did he have a good time? Did you ask him out again? Did he agree? You didn’t mess it up somehow, did you?” Brian fired off questions nearly quicker than Lucas could follow.

  “Whoa, thanks for the vote of confidence, son.” Lucas strained to sound hurt. From the snort Brian made, he failed. Lucas looked up in time to catch Brian rolling his eyes. He put his arm over his son’s shoulders and led him to the kitchen where he put the kettle on.

  “The date went fine, and we both had a great time. I didn’t ask him out again. I want to give him a couple of weeks and not seem too eager. And no, I didn’t mess it up.” The water boiled and Lucas made some tea. He set a cup before his son, and took the other one, sitting across from Brian. “I don’t understand why you’re so interested in my date with Jack. You really don’t mind me dating your teacher? And a man at that?” With his dark skin, it was hard to tell when Brian blushed, but his expression was of pure embarrassment. The boy took a sip of his tea, delaying his answer. Lucas waite
d patiently. Finally, Brian answered.

  “I don’t mind you dating him as long as you don’t mess it up somehow. I really like Mr. Robinson. He’s a great guy and an awesome person altogether. And you deserve some happiness, after… Well, after being with Mom. You might not believe she was a witch, but you must admit she wasn’t the nicest person. And you never smiled or joked with her around. You laugh more now, and you were happy when you saw Mr. Robinson that first time. And you were excited about the date, don’t try to deny it.”

  “And you truly don’t mind that I’m dating a man?” Brian snorted again, and this time Lucas wasn’t amused. It seemed like his son was trying not to laugh.

  “Him being a man is the least you should worry about,” Brian said then quickly changed the subject before Lucas could demand an explanation. “The only thing I care about is that you don’t mess up. I think Mr. Robinson had been through something traumatic, from what little Toby told me, and he’s not truly over it, yet. Toby says it would do the man good to find some happiness.” Brian sounded serious when he said it, and Lucas frowned. He did get the impression that there was something painful in Jack’s past, but it wasn’t a topic to be brought up on the first date. Suddenly Brian’s tone changed, and he sounded less like a mature person and more like the teenager he was. “Just remember that if you do anything to cause me trouble with Toby and Morton, I will hate you forever.” With a quick laugh Brian ran from the kitchen, only stopping briefly to put his cup in the dishwasher. Lucas laughed and shook his head. Yes, his children were doing much, much better now, and he was much happier than he could remember ever being. He really hoped Jack was going to return his interest. With a joyful whistle Lucas went to tidy up before going to bed.

  * * * *

  “That,” Luc commented with a smile, “was an unexpected choice of a movie.”

  “Really?” Jack raised his eyebrows, then pointed at himself. “History teacher here, historical adventure movie.” He tilted his head back towards the cinema. “I think it was a completely predictable choice on my part. Plus, you must admit, it was fun.”

  “Yeah.” Lucas grinned. “It was.”

  “So, what now?” Jack inquired. Their second date was going even better than the first one had. A date! Jack still couldn’t believe Lucas treated it as such. But that was what the man said when he’d invited him.

  “Well, I was thinking,” Luc started.

  “Uh-oh! Watch out everybody, Cartwright is thinking!” Jack made a megaphone with his hands and pretended to broadcast it around.

  “Hardy-har-har,” Luc replied flatly, and Jack chuckled.

  “Sorry,” he said, trying to look apologetic. “What did that old brain of yours churn out?” Lucas snorted and rolled his eyes. Jack found it funny how easily they fell into familiar patterns of joking around and witty banter.

  “As I was saying, do you remember that tower we used to climb back in the day?”

  Jack immediately recalled it. “That old water tower, right?”

  “Yeah. Remember how we used to get a takeaway and hike up to there, climb it and eat it on the top?” Lucas seemed excited about the memory.

  “Yup, I sure do. In hindsight, it probably wasn’t the smartest thing to do. Climbing some decrepit old building often after the dark.”

  “Huh, when you put it like that, it does give me the creeps.” Lucas grimaced, then brightened. “But anyway, I thought we could get a takeaway and go to a nearby beauty spot. It’s this little lake, and it has some rocky sandstone outcrops with high cliffs that overhang the water. We could climb them and eat there. It should be safe since there are trails and everything.” Lucas grinned at Jack hopefully. Jack couldn’t resist those puppy dog eyes.

  “Sure, that sounds like fun. Chinese?”

  “Yeah, sounds good.”

  In no time they had their food and arrived at the lake. It wasn’t a long hike to the top of the outcropping and there weren’t many walkers around at this late of an hour. Sitting down on the ground they dug into their food.

  “So, how are you doing with the move?” Jack asked once they satisfied the first hunger. “I know about the kids, but how are you, personally? Surely becoming single in such a tragic way after sixteen years of marriage must be a big adjustment.”

  “Yes, it is,” Lucas said, then stared into space for a while, thinking. “The thing is, though, it’s all superficial, you know? It’s like, I needed to change my schedule and there are more chores etcetera. But the emotions you would expect are not there. I think our marriage must have been having issues without me realising, because I don’t miss Ariana. Sure, I miss companionship, but not her personally. So, in a weird way, this whole move is much easier for me, because I’m not grieving. Does it make me a horrible person?” Lucas sounded truly worried about it. Jack gave some thought to his answer.

  “No, I don’t think it’s horrible at all. Relationships erode, emotions change. Who can tell what is right or wrong when it comes to such a complicated situation? Personally, I think you’re dealing with it all admirably.”

  “Thanks.” Lucas sounded heartfelt. “Ugh, I’m sorry for ruining the mood. I was going for romantic, not morose. But it seems I haven’t got a romantic bone in my body.” He pouted startling a laugh out of Jack.

  “Romantic, huh? Well, I think you were doing a fine job. Why don’t we pick up all of our rubbish and go for another stroll?” he suggested. Feeling suddenly self-conscious he rushed to pick up the containers. “I’m sure we can find your romantic bone if we search hard enough,” he joked, shooting Lucas a grin. The man chuckled.

  “If you say so. I still claim I’ve never had one, to begin with.” They kept the banter up as they picked up their food and then set off on one of the trails. Jack’s head was spinning with thoughts and he was an emotional mess, but he was happier than he’d been in sixteen years. Even after all this time, this thing between them felt right.

  * * * *

  “How much longer are you going to sit there moping?” The suddenness of the voice made Jack jump, and he barely managed to hold back a squeak. He turned on his heel and scowled at the smug-looking owlcat.

  “What?” he only asked.

  “I sat here watching you for the last half hour,” Ross said. “But it got boring. What has your tail in a knot, dog?” Jack’s scowl only deepened but he did not rise to the bait.

  “I’m not Tyler, so stop your tricks. I’m not gonna fall for them.”

  “Fine,” the owlcat huffed and flew down from the branch where he sat in his owl form. “But you have to tell me what has got you moping.”

  “Don’t you have better things to do than sticking your beak in other people’s business?” Jack asked without heat.

  “Nope,” Ross simply stated. “Ron is visiting the family, and I didn’t want to go so I’m stuck home alone. Nothing interesting on the telly, and the stupid tiger is not home, so I’ve no one else to haunt.” Ross gave an evil laugh. Jack only rolled his eyes.

  “One would think two adult paranormals would have more sense than to behave like children.” Ross didn’t bother with a reply, simply watched Jack with those piercing, owlish eyes of his.

  “I went on a date,” Jack finally said.

  “And that’s a reason to mope, why?” Ross’s voice was curious.

  “It went great,” Jack provided, and when it didn’t stop Ross’s staring he elaborated. “We went out twice. First, I thought Lucas just wanted to catch up on the old times, you know? But then he asked me out again. And he said, ‘It’s a date,’ before he disconnected the call. So apparently, he considers it a date. And it was wonderful. We had fun, and he is a great guy.”

  “I still don’t see a reason for you to sound as if someone stole your favourite chew-toy,” Ross said and Jack rolled his eyes again at the unsubtle jab. The owlcat truly did spend too much time with his frenemy tiger. He was picking up Tyler’s worst habits.

  “It’s nothing,” Jack said unconvincingly. “We used to be
a couple back in the day, but we’ve changed too much to be compatible again.”

  “Riiiight.” Ross didn’t hide his disbelief.

  “He dumped me for his wife, you know?” Jack finally broke. He had to speak to someone, and if the only someone available was the spooky owlcat… Well, there were worse listeners out there. “We were a couple back then. I thought we were in love. I certainly loved him.” Jack turned to look at Ross, who had, sometime during their chat, turned into cat form. “I never told anyone, but he was my prospective mate. I thought we were doing well, building a solid relationship. I was nearly ready to tell him all about the paranormal world.” Jack’s voice trailed off and he stared into space.

  “Then what happened?” Ross prodded him in an unusually gentle voice.

  “He left me. Without a word. Suddenly I had to learn from our common friends that he had cheated on me with this girl and they were madly in love and getting married,” Jack finished flatly.

  “But didn’t you tell me that she had put a love spell on him? Doesn’t it mean that it wasn’t his fault?”

  “Yeah…” Jack couldn’t help but sound bitter. “And I even feel sorry for him. I wouldn’t wish this on my enemy, and I never hated Lucas, not even when he broke my heart.”