FATED by A.S Roberts

arm.’
    ‘I do have another side you know,’ he exclaimed defensively, smiling his best panty dropping grin, poking at my ribs under the blanket with a finger from his spare hand. ‘OK I will quit with the serious shit, just wanted to let you know I am always here to listen, since I have nothing better to do... until this fucking thing works properly again,’ he had shot a quick glance to his leg.
    ‘Don’t worry, I will have a chat with Alex about allowing you your companions back in, I think the lack of sex is seriously damaging your health, and ageing you before your time.’
    He laughed out loud at this; it was really pleasing to feel the air of depression lifting away. Our blossoming friendship definitely wasn’t ready for my emotional baggage. 
    ‘There is no need for remorse... I’m still getting some ya know.’ The left eyebrow lifted and the dimples came out to play, in all their glorious splendour. I slapped his arm and shook my head, almost squealing, ‘TMI, Nathan.’
    ‘Chat with my brother, eh? Bella has told me about this fucking daily occurrence, you do know he is a boring old workaholic, don’t you?’
    Luckily the atmosphere had changed, I could sense that now his mood had lifted, the teasing and joking was going to be all on me. It seemed a small price to pay.

    It became an almost daily occurrence that after my breakfast, I would take a run around Central Park. Today was no different. I loved to have the space and quiet to think in. I loved looking up at the colours in the trees, they were so gorgeous. They almost seemed to be changing before my eyes. It did remind me of home and the autumnal season that I had left behind. Surprisingly enough, I felt no homesickness at all.
    I made a point of phoning Aunty Jean at least every few days. Now there was only me, I appreciated how important it would be to her to have this regular contact. She seemed fine, although I could tell by the occasional crack in her voice, she was missing me. I tried to put myself in her shoes. Once, all four of us had been tightly packed into the small terrace. Now there was just her and Uncle Robert.
    I started to make the turn back towards home. If I squinted, I could just make out the limo and the tall well built figure of Edwards, who seemed to be outside waiting.  Then suddenly coming out of the large and architecturally, beautifully built building, appeared a large, dark haired male figure. He was very determinedly eating up the distance between himself and the car with large dogged strides. I stopped across the road, trying to get a better perspective and half heartedly began to stretch out. All the while I stared through the morning congestion of taxis, cars and buses. That must be Alex. I watched the well-built figure get into the limo and Edwards pull away from the kerb. All the while my gaze refused to leave the vehicle and it still declined, until it had completely disappeared from view.

Eight

    I tooka long shower in the biggest shower I had ever seen, part of my en-suite bathroom. It had two large shower heads and a built in bench seat along the opposite wall. I spent a long time lathering up my body in my favourite body wash, orange blossom. After rinsing out my hair again and shaving everywhere, I was just beginning to feel human again, my muscles only aching slightly now. Stepping out from the shower, I dried myself off and covered my body in the matching moisturiser. I inhaled deeply, loving the fresh citrus smell.
    I heard the familiar ping and vibration of my iPhone.
    Chocolate drop
    Alex has left on business. Unfortunately, as he is not here I need to go and sort out some shit at home. So I will have to take a rain check on my physio this morning. Can we make the appointment this afternoon instead? My latest x-rays have arrived back and I was hoping we could take a look together.
    I should be back by 2pm, is that OK?
    Nathan

    That’s fine Nathan
    Knock on my door when you return
    Where is