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any more money than he had, otherwise our paths would never have crossed. Fortunately my
doctor had some spare places on her list, so I was able to get him registered with her. She was a
really kind lady who didn't judge. I knew Mark would be well looked after by her. We arranged
for Mark to come in early the next week to have his bandages changed by the nurse.
So with everything done that could be done, we headed home.
"Phew, I'm glad that's done!" Mark said as he collapsed on the sofa after I'd taken the rucksack
from him.
"Are you tired?" I asked with concern.
"No, not exactly. My hands are starting to hurt though. I don't know if it's because it was cold out
there."
"Why didn't you say something? I took your pills with us." I pulled the bottle from my pocket
and showed him.
"Sorry, I didn't know you'd brought them."
"I'll get you some water, and you can take a couple now."
"Thanks.
Drew Hunt
40
"Do you want to lie down here for a bit while I get us a bite of lunch?" I asked Mark once he'd
taken his tablets.
"Would you mind? These pills make me a bit sleepy sometimes."
"Of course not," I said, ruffling his hair. "I'll take off your shoes and you can get more comfy."
He gave me a kiss.
"Shall I light the fire?"
"That'd be smashing, thanks."
I hadn't set the fire that morning. I'd wanted to get on with the shopping. So I spent a few
minutes cleaning out the grate and re-setting everything. Some people make setting the fire a real
art form. I can honestly say I'm not that anal. So long as the newspaper, small sticks, and the coal
are put on in the right order, I don't see the need to make a performance out of it.
The fire having taken hold, I went into the kitchen, washed my hands, and prepared a few
sandwiches.
On my return to the living room, I spied Mark gazing into the flames.
"Penny for them."
This seemed to rouse Mark from his thoughts. "I love looking into a real fire. I imagine all kinds
of shapes and stuff. It's hypnotic."
I smiled. "Some people say having an open fire is too much work. But I think it really makes a
room look and feel cosy."
"Uh huh." Mark continued to stare into the fire.
I got out a TV dinner table and put the plate of sandwiches and snacks on it. Then I took Mark's
glass, went back into the kitchen and refilled it, and got another glass for myself. Returning to
the living room, I sat next to Mark and began to feed him.
After we'd finished eating, I lay across the back of the couch and Mark spooned back into me. I
pushed one arm under him, and draped the other one over his chest.
"Happy?" I asked.
"Love being here...you holding me." He grew silent for a few minutes. I thought he'd dropped
off, but he spoke again. "I used to stand on Gamble Street hoping that day would be the day I'd
see you."
Fireside Romance 1: First Flames
41
I kissed the top of his head.
"Sometimes it got pretty bad out there. One day I'll tell you more about it. I know I've told you a
few things, but I'm not ready to talk about it yet."
I squeezed him and kissed the top of his head again.
"I felt safe, warm, and cared for when I was here. I always wanted to stay longer, but I knew I
had to go and earn more money."
"You're staying now. I'm not letting you go." I hoped Mark didn't read the true meaning in my
words. I'd have to be more careful in future.
Mark snuggled in closer and fell asleep.
We both jumped at the sound of the ringing phone. I extricated myself from Mark to answer it.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Simon."
"Hi, Mary. What can I do for you?"
"I wondered if you two wanted to go out this evening for a drink. As you know, Jerry is in the
Middle East on his history field trip and I was at a bit of a loose end. I thought you might want to
paint the town red."
"I'm not sure about red, it isn't really my colour."
"Daft sod!"
"Hang on, I'll ask Mark." I put my hand over the receiver and said, "Mary wondered if we'd like
to go out for a drink tonight. I know it'd be a bit awkward to go out for a meal, but do you fancy
an hour or two down the pub?"
"Yeah, it'd be nice to get out and relax for a bit." He paused. "I've no money though."
"That's okay, don't worry about it. Do you want to go?"
"Love to, thanks."
I raised the receiver to my ear. "We'll meet you at the White Swan, say about eight?"
"Great! I'll see you both there then. Love to Mark."
"Okay, bye-bye."
Drew Hunt
42
I replaced the phone back in its cradle and returned to the sofa. "Mary sends her love," I told
Mark as I sat down and pulled him against me.
"Does she, erm, know about, I mean does she know how we met?"
I decided I'd always be honest with Mark, unless the information would unnecessarily cause him
pain. I reached up and, cupping Mark's chin, turned his head to face me. Kissing him, I said,
"Yes she knows what you used to do for a living. But as you've seen for yourself, she's a good
person. I promise she's fine about it all. If you ever need to talk to someone, and you're not
comfortable about telling me, then think about talking to Mary. Although she might look the
gossipy type, she's the most loyal friend I've ever known."
He hugged me.
"Mary will make a play of trying to get the dirt on you, but it'll all be in fun. She wouldn't hurt
anyone. She might get a bit protective over me, but it won't be long before she takes you under
her wing, too."
"She sounds like a really good friend."
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