Epilogue
Today
Dan finished his hotpot and took the plate through to the kitchen. As he did, the strains of the familiar theme tune told him that Coronation Street had just finished. He made sure he put the paper he had been reading in the bin. There was a big article about the trial of Alex Curry, due to start the next month. Now wasn’t the time to open up that wound; it would be bad enough when it happened.
‘Sorry if it was a bit burnt, I couldn’t turn the knob back,’ she said, as he walked through to the lounge.
‘It was fine, honest.’
‘Even the black crunchy bits?’
‘Especially the black crunchy bits.’
She giggled and unfolded her legs from the settee so there was space for him to sit next to her.
‘Do I get my kiss now?’ he said.
‘Hmm…let me think…’
Dan pushed his bottom lip out.
‘Hey that’s not fair!,’ she said, ‘You know I can’t resist that.’
‘I know,’ he said, grinning.
She carefully put her arms around him and drew him close. Their kiss was long, tender and intense, neither wanting it to end. At last, as if from a secret signal, they pulled apart.
‘You see, that was worth waiting for, wasn’t it?’ she said.
‘It certainly was.’
‘I love you so much, Dan,’ she said.
Dan kissed her again.
‘I love you too, Jen,’ he said, brushing a stray blonde hair from her cheek.
‘Good, isn’t it?’
‘Amazing. How are the hands?’
She held them out, palms up. Both were heavily bandaged.
‘They're not bad,’ she said, ‘A bit sore today. I’ll be glad when the operations are finally over. Every time they seem to hurt more.’
‘You’re a brave girl,’ he said, gently touching his fingertips to hers, ‘not too much longer now.’
‘I know. And I’m going to really need two good hands,’ she looked up uncertainly into Dan’s face, ‘when the baby comes,’ she added.
Dan’s mouth dropped open.
‘You mean…?’ he said.
‘Yes I mean, you numpty!’ she hit him gently on the nose with her bandaged hand.
‘Oh Jen!’ he said, taking her into his arms again, ‘Wow!’
‘You’re not angry?’ she said, ‘I mean we weren’t planning this or anything.’
‘Angry, Jen it’s wonderful! I couldn’t be happier.’
Jenny smiled contentedly and settled into his arms.
Later
Dan lay in the darkness, waiting for Jenny’s regular breathing to tell him she was asleep. Once she was, he padded quietly into the lounge, shutting the doors behind him.
‘Hey?’ he said and waited.
Even though the room was empty and silent, Dan knew that he wasn’t alone.
And that was enough.
It was always enough.
I believe that friends are quiet angels who sit on our shoulders and lift our wings when we forget how to fly. - Unknown