Living A Lie

Flight FY207 left Gatwick on time, without Molly and James, but due to a technical problem with the wings returned to the airport after 30 minutes. The passengers grumbled as a plane would not be available until the next day.

Although Molly objected, James insisted a doctor be called to examine her in the first aid room at the airport. The doctor advised them she was suffering from stress, but if she felt well enough to travel the holiday may be beneficial, and he gave her some Valium tablets to take away.

While they waited for the next flight, James booked two rooms in the adjoining Hotel and encouraged her to take a Valium and rest on the bed.  He sat reading a book.  Molly felt uneasy and she wondered how she would cope, being in such close proximity to him, for two whole weeks.

At 9.30 am the next morning, they boarded the plane.  James stowed their hand luggage in the overhead compartment and they sat down next to one another, James occupying the window seat.

"I haven't flown before" said Molly, picking up the safety card from the seat pocket.  James glanced at her, his eyes full of concern.  "Why didn't you tell me?"  Molly said nothing.  How she wished he wouldn't fuss! When no one came to take the aisle seat she moved into it, on the pretext of needing more elbow room.

By the time they reached the Five Star Hotel on Tenerife, her head was throbbing. They made their way to the Reception desk and waited in a queue. As James signed in, he joked with the receptionist.

A tall young man with black, curly hair led them to their apartment on the fourth floor. He showed them a modern lounge, two huge bathrooms, then three comfortable bedrooms, the patio doors of which he opened onto a large terrace, where stood a selection of pot plants and a table with six chairs. Before the young man left, James gave him a bank note from his pocket.

Leaning against the wall on the terrace, Molly was met by the fresh smell of foliage and flowers. The view was stunning.  It was now late evening and a cool, gentle breeze ruffled her auburn hair as she looked down across the Hotel grounds, where lights twinkled in the darkness and out towards the ocean.  Waves were breaking lightly on the shore.  All was peace and enchantment. James came and stood by her side and in the growing darkness they watched the moon play upon the water.

Momentarily, Molly was flooded through with such tranquillity that she forgot it was James standing next to her, not Paul, and was about to throw her arms around him and say "Oh darling, it's wonderful" when she realised her mistake.  James didn't appear to notice and was looking away into the distance.

Now, he turned towards her.

"How are you feeling?"

"Okay, but I'm ready for bed."

"Would you like something to eat?"

"No, but I'd like a drink."

"There's a bar in the lounge, let's go and look."

In the lounge, James poured a glass of apple juice.

"I've put your cases in the blue bedroom Molly. You like blue don't you?"

He paused, then added "Are you sure you're all right, you still look very pale?"

As he handed her the glass of juice, she saw once again deep concern in his eyes.

"I'll be fine after a good night's sleep" she replied.

Sighing, she sank into the nearest chair. There was something she needed to say. She drank a little juice then placed the glass on the side table.

"James, please sit down."

He sat down, furrowing his brow and running a hand through his hair. A deep shudder shook Molly's body and thinking of what she was about to say made her feel tongue-tied and stupid. She looked down at the floor. Certain memories came flooding back and remembering Gerry's laughter she began to feel even more foolish. If ever a woman was a fool!

"Just in case you were thinking..." she blurted out " I did a pregnancy test... and I'm not."

James raised his eyebrows.

"When women faint it can be that." she added.

"But how?" he said. And then, "Oh... I see."

She glanced at him. He was completely stupefied. Suddenly, she saw the funny side and started to laugh.  Holding her stomach she rocked backwards and forwards and as James laughed she noticed the dimple deepen in his chin.

He mentioned their lack of precautions and Molly told him there was never any need as Paul, as a practicing catholic, was the only man she had ever slept with. She wasn't sure what he thought of that piece of information.  She wanted to ask him more about his past, but didn't have the confidence. Some time after his divorce he'd lived with a woman, but she didn't know what had happened to that relationship.  Finally, they said good night both retiring to their respective rooms.

As Molly snuggled down into a soft bed, she hoped that here in Tenerife she would find peace and the courage to put the past behind her.  She could never forget Paul, would never want to, but he was gone.  He was somewhere else, hopefully in heaven with the God he believed in, but she was here, left behind, and had to make the best of it.

"I think Gemma was right," she whispered into the pillow "It's time to look ahead." As she drifted off to sleep, she thought she might buy some new outfits.  A new hairstyle certainly wouldn't go amiss. She refused to live through another day feeling like a dead, empty thing.  Life was for living. Paul always said so.

When Molly surfaced from a deep sleep, it was 10 am. She grabbed at her watch, placed on the bedside table and scrabbled, panicking, into her dressing gown.  James would want breakfast! She hurried from the room only to find a relaxed James reading a newspaper on the terrace, sitting at the table which held the remnants of a meal, used plates, glass and coffee cup.  He smiled up at her as he folded his paper and put it down.  She wanted to apologise for being late, but before she could, he spoke.

"I hope you don't mind me starting without you, but we can order something now."

He stood up and motioned for her to sit.  She sat down, realising she was only wearing a flimsy nightdress and dressing gown, which she pulled across her knees in an attempt to hide herself and then buttoned the top buttons.

"I trust you slept well.  My bed was fantastic.  It was so cosy I didn't get up until 9am and I thought, 'whatever will Molly think of me'."

He was making fun of her, in the nicest possible way and she smiled back at him. He looked very attractive this morning, wearing a blue shirt, which accentuated the blue of his smiling eyes.  She searched for something witty to say to show that she had, at last, found her sense of humour, but words escaped her.  He handed her a menu."What would you like? Is it warm enough out here, or would you prefer to go inside? It's your holiday, so it's up to you."  

"I think you'll find it's your holiday too, James" she replied as she took the menu.

The warmth of the sun surprised them as they spent the morning exploring the lovely resort. James kept asking her how she felt and was concerned about her health.  Wandering through an alleyway of colourful shops and restaurants, they came to a terrace overlooking the sea.  Molly stood at the railings watching the boats in the harbour, as James browsed in a nearby Jeweller's shop.  After a while, James came out of the shop and walked over to her.

"I fancy a coffee, how about you?"

As she turned to answer, he lifted his hand and brushed her forehead gently with his finger and thumb.  Immediately, she felt overwhelmed by feelings of acute fear, uttered a loud cry and cowered away from him.  With her heart racing she leant against the railings, feeling sick with panic.

"It's only a greenfly, Molly!" he cried.

As she grasped the railings, her head began to spin and she was only vaguely aware of him speaking.

"It's okay."

Partly coming to her senses, she didn't resist when he took her by the elbow and led her towards a restaurant.  He placed her in a chair outside.  She closed her eyes, put her head in her hands and took deep breaths.  A waiter came to their table and she heard James order two coffees and a brandy. He sat down in the chair beside her and pressed her arm gently with his fingers.

"You're trembling!"

She tried to reply, but couldn't...and she was trembling.

"Molly, it's okay. I do understand."

Tears pricked her eyes.  Why had she reacted like this and how could he possibly understand? 

He lowered his voice.

"Your mother told me."

Molly looked across at him.

"My mother?"

He pulled a clean handkerchief from his trouser pocket and handed it to her. She gently wiped her eyes.

"Yes. She told me all about your father."

His voice was low and full of compassion.

"She noticed my hands. They're like your father's apparently." He lifted up his large hand with the thick fingers and studied it.

At once, Molly saw the resemblance.  A strange, shivery feeling crept over her.  It started in her feet and ran up her body to her head.  Again she closed her eyes and breathed deeply.  So that was it! 

"I'd never hit a woman." he said.  "To my shame, I often thought I could give my ex-wife a good slapping."

Molly smiled briefly.

"I didn't know... I was just ..."

It was impossible to say the words.  That she had been scared of him? He'd never done anything to warrant such a reaction.  This was her father's doing.  He'd ruined a large part of her life and her mother's and the effects were still being felt.  She hated the very thought of him!

The waiter returned with the coffees and brandy.

"You are feeling better?" he asked.

"Yes, thank you" she said, although it was hardly true.

After drinking the brandy and coffee, Molly recovered and James called a taxi to take them back to the Hotel where, after a light lunch, she spent a quiet afternoon resting in her bedroom, where she mulled over the peculiar events of the morning.

At 7.30 pm that evening they went down for dinner in the hotel dining room.

James wore beige trousers and a white 'Nero' shirt and Molly a pretty pink floral dress with angel sleeves and a frill around the hem. Dinner was excellent, although James said nothing compared to her cooking.

The entertainment that evening featured an illusionist and although Molly was tired she stayed up for James.  It was a fabulous show and the more enjoyable as when the illusionist asked for someone in the audience to assist, James was the first on his feet.  Molly was amazed.  He was so different from her quiet, unassuming Paul, who would have cowered in the corner.

At 11 am they returned to their rooms.  James opened the door and turned on the lights.

"Would you like one last drink?" he asked.

"No, I'm bushed, but it was a lovely evening."

"I enjoyed it too" he said.  He turned to the bar and poured himself an orange juice, while she stood watching him, then she moved towards the door saying,

"Good night."

"Good night...and Molly...please don't feel you have to get up early. I want you to have plenty of rest, so get up when you like."

He smiled and she was touched by his kindness.

"All right then James, I'll see you tomorrow at 3 pm."  He laughed at her joke, she repeated 'good night' and then went into her room.

As she climbed into bed she smiled and started to hum.

'What a difference a day made, twenty four little hours'.

Life was strange.  James was the same person today as he'd been yesterday, yet now she saw him in a different light.  A heavy weight had been lifted from her shoulders.  It was true what Gerry had said about her liking James more as she got to know him.  It was already beginning to happen.

The first week soon disappeared.  Molly was completely at ease with James and began to appreciate his sense of fun.   The sunshine was marvellous and as each day went by, she became less stressed. James seemed happy and had acquired a healthy tan.  Molly did buy a swimsuit and they spent a few sunny afternoons by the pool, reading and swimming.  She even tried sex on the beach.  The cocktail, that is...

One evening after dinner, James noticed a poster in the Reception area advertising a Fancy Dress party at the Hotel.  Tickets included dancing to a live band, a comedy act and a special buffet supper.

"Look at this," said James "We must book our tickets!"

Molly pulled a face.

"Come on, it'll be fun. There's a Theatrical Costume shop around the corner. We could hire something. And you must sample my dancing...I'm all left feet!"

It took James a while to persuade Molly, but later that evening they paid for their tickets at the Reception desk.

The next day they visited the Costume shop and looking in the window at Elizabethan costumes, discussed what they should wear.

"I've always wanted to be Al Capone" said James with a twinkle in his eye.

Molly laughed.

"If you're Al Capone, what on earth can I be?"

"Um...How about a gangster's moll?"

Molly pulled a face and laughed again.

"Do I have a choice?"

They went inside and were served separately by two assistants, who helped them choose their costumes.  Molly found it hilarious, James was the least likely 'Al Capone' she had ever met.  After an hour, they finished selecting their outfits and returned to the Hotel, each carrying a parcel.

The evening of the Fancy Dress party arrived.  They had kept their costumes a secret from one another to add to the fun.  Having dressed in her pale green 1920's dress, covered in beads and wearing a band around her head, Molly went to the lounge to find James.  She searched the apartment and found him standing on the terrace, by the wall, wearing only his boxer shorts.  He was looking far away into the distance.  Her evening sandals clipped on the floor as she walked towards him, but he was unaware of her presence.

Reaching him, she softly spoke his name.  He looked at her in surprise.  A tear glistened down the side of his nose and his eyes were moist.  Her heart melted to see him in such distress.

"What's wrong? Are you feeling ill?"

He rubbed one eye with his finger.  Then he reached for his dressing gown, which was draped over a chair and shrugged into it.  When he spoke his voice was deep and husky.

"This was Louisa's birthday. She would have been forty-five today."

His eyes avoided Molly's face.

"Louisa?"

"She was the love of my life... I lived with her for seven years. I met her shortly after my divorce. We were very happy together, but she caught pneumonia and was dead within 48 hours."

"Oh James, that's awful. I'm so sorry."

He glanced at her.

"I desperately wanted children, but I couldn't persuade my first wife. Louisa wanted children too, but it never happened.  The post mortem found that she was pregnant when she died, how's that for ironic?"

Molly was taken aback.  How little she knew of the man she'd married!

"We don't have to go to the party if you're not up to it" she said "It doesn't matter."

There was silence for a few seconds and then he looked at her and smiled.

"You'd do anything to get out of it wouldn't you? I want to go, I'm looking forward to being Al Capone, remember.  Stay there, I won't be long".

He turned and walked through the patio door into his bedroom.

Barely ten minutes later, he returned to the lounge wearing a black suit with red braces on the trousers.  On his head was a white hat with a black band.  His eyebrows were dark and bushy and there was a small scar on his face.  Molly took one look at him and fell giggling onto the sofa.

The Fancy Dress party was held in the large reception area on the ground floor.  When they arrived there were already lots of people milling around, all in colourful costumes; each costume more fabulous than the one before it.

"How could anyone possibly chose a winner?" asked Molly.

"Just be grateful it's not your job" said James.

As they entered the area, a photographer took a picture of each group or couple.  James made them bring a chair and they were photographed with Molly sitting on his knee.  This set the scene for the evening.  There was a warm, friendly atmosphere in the air.

The tables were spread with every variety of food and drink Molly could think of; a band was playing on the stage and on the right hand side and facing the entrance were the impressive glass doors, which led out onto an enormous terrace with steps down into the garden.

They chose a table and were served with drinks.  The band introduced a young female singer who had a wonderful voice.  As she started to sing the second song, James pulled Molly to her feet.

"Let's dance." he said.

They danced until it was time for supper when a comedian came onto the stage.  The room rocked with laughter at his impressions.  Later, they danced slowly, James holding her hand with one hand on her waist.  She could feel the heat of his body through his shirt as he led her competently around the dance floor.

The party was over.  They stood in the hallway outside of their bedrooms feeling tired, but happy. Molly held her shoes in her hands.  Her feet were sore, through so much dancing.

"Good night Al, thank you for a lovely evening." she said.

"You're welcome, Moll. I must say you're looking bright eyed and bushy tailed tonight."

"I'm feeling well, that's why. It's been such a wonderful holiday James. Good night."

"Good night."

She reached for her bedroom door handle then turned back to him.

"We can be friends can't we? I'm sorry I've been so much trouble."

"There's no need to be sorry and of course we can be friends.  I always thought we were".

His eyes held her gaze.  Suddenly she realised how lucky she was.  Gerry had said as much.  Lucky, very lucky to have someone like James taking care of her and on an impulse she reached across and kissed him.  Her lips gently brushed his cheek and then without another word she went into her room, closing the door behind her, leaving him standing in the hall.

As she prepared for bed that night, she felt happier than she'd been for a long time.  They could be friends now.  They could share conversation, have fun and laugh together and life would be good.

Departure day arrived.  Molly couldn't believe how much better she felt.  The journey home was uneventful and the plane left the airport on time. A taxi from the airport drove them home. James was first to the front door, but he let Molly enter before him. As she looked around the beautiful hall way, she was struck by the fact that it now felt like her own home, not just a house that belonged to James. She was glad to be home.

As James wheeled their suitcases into the hall he asked,

"Shall I take them upstairs?"

"Yes if you like, but I'm desperate for a cup of tea."

A pile of post and newspapers lay on the hall table, placed there by Janet Prowse who came in to clean. One newspaper jutted out over the edge of the table and reaching for the post, Molly accidentally brushed against it knocking it to the floor. It fell open at her feet and as she bent down to pick it up there, staring up at her, was the despicable face of Sean Williams...Paul's murderer!

END OF PART THREE