An adult stories – Coming Home Pt. 02 by uk_writer_53,uk_writer_53 As with most stories on Literotica this one has elements that fit within other genres. However, I think that overall it is a Romance, so that’s where I’ve placed it.
The storyline is from my own imagination so please don’t tell me that the characters would or should have done this or that. The actions and reactions I’ve written fit with the way I wanted the tale to unfold. If you really hate it that much simply stop reading…
Comments on the actual writing are most welcome and if you spot a fault then it’s all mine and I apologise in advance.
All the characters that engage in sexual activities are over the age of 18.
Enjoy.
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COMING HOME – Part 2
Chapter 03 – Sean
‘Never forget.’
The single thought reverberated through Sean’s mind as the train rattled along and he knew for certain the memory of Liam’s dying words as he held him would stay with him forever.
“I’ll tell her Liam, I promise.” He murmured quietly to himself as he gazed into space.
“What’s that son?” The old soldier sitting opposite him enquired, “What did you say?”
“Oh nothing. Just thinking, there’s a buffet service on this train so maybe we should get a cup of tea?”
Sean looked up at Henry and made the suggestion, wanting to change the subject.
The older man grinned, “Good idea. Tell you what, you go and I’ll pay. How’s that sound?”
“It’s a deal. Do you take sugar?”
Accepting the five-pound note from the old man Sean stood up and made his way through to the buffet car, reappearing a few minutes later with two plastic cups of steaming brown liquid that were obviously pretending to be tea.
“Here you go.”
“Thanks.” The old man accepted his drink gratefully, “So, what are your plans once you get home?”
“Well….” Sean started and they were soon absorbed in their conversation again, the time flying by so quickly that they hardly realised that they had arrived at their destination.
Disembarking from the carriage Sean said farewell to his new friend Henry, and lugging his bags across the concourse he checked the departure board to find the local trains that would take him back to his home town. Locating one that would be departing in a few minutes he found himself a seat and settled down for the trip.
This time his journey was a lot less interesting and he sat quietly by himself, observing scenery that he hadn’t seen for eight years pass by as he got closer to his destination.
Staring aimlessly out of the window he heaved a sigh of regret and let his mind wander back once again to his recent past.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The hours after the gun battle were just a confused muddle of a few vague sounds and images to Sean as he drifted in and out of consciousness; the voices shouting, the steady ‘whump, whump’ of the helicopter rotors, the dazzling lights whenever he opened his eyes, all merged into one undefinable memory.
In fact, it was a full three days later before he finally opened his eyes properly, squinting against the overhead lights when he woke up in the base hospital at camp Bastion.
“Urrmmmmmm….. mmmmmmmmm.”
Was all he managed to utter, the tube down his throat preventing him from speaking properly.
“Welcome back to the land of the living sergeant Parkes.”
A soft female voice got his attention and he struggled to turn his head towards the pretty brunette nurse in fatigues, standing alongside his bed smiling at him.
“Errm… err… um… I….” He tried to speak but his voice came out as a strangled croak.
“Don’t try to talk. You’re safe in camp Bastion. Just rest until we get the tubes out in a bit.” The cute nurse instructed with another dazzling smile and, relieved, he slumped back onto the pillow.
Making a note on his chart she took his temperature and pulse before busying herself tidying up his bedsheets, squeezing his hand as she fussed over him,,
“You’re quite the celebrity you know? We were all very worried about you.” She eventually spoke again.
Sean had no idea what she meant and just closed his eyes against the room as it swirled around in front of him.
“I’m Robyn, I’m your nurse.” The brunette continued chattering as he lay back on his pillow, “Now just take it easy. The doctor will be around shortly to take a look at you.”
Just as she predicted he saw the doctor, an army Major, a little while later and after that, when the tube down his throat was removed, he was permitted to take a few sips of water, although the drip in his arm remained. Now able to speak, at least hoarsely, Sean had been able to get an update from the Major on his situation.
The doctor informed him he had been brought back via helicopter to camp Bastion where he had undergone emergency surgery for his wounds. That had been three days before and he had remained unconscious ever since he had come out of the theatre.
“And my squad, the policemen? Are they ok?” He croaked to Robyn after the doctor had gone.
She looked at him sadly and took hold of his hand again.
“One of the police officers was killed along with the young Marine you were holding. Other than that, everyone else is ok, just a few cuts and bruises.”
‘Liam. Liam Frane.’
That had been his name and Sean remembered that he had told him he would be ok even though he had realised there was no hope. He had hardly known the eighteen-year-old but it hadn’t mattered, he had been a Marine and that was all that counted.
“His name was Liam.” He told her for no reason.
“I’m sorry.” Was all she could say, tucking in his sheet before moving away.
‘I promised him I’d speak to his mother.’
Over the next two weeks of his stay in the base hospital that one thought remained with him, giving him the motivation to get better as quickly as he could.
He had soon found himself looking forward to his nurse, Robyn, doing her rounds, enjoying the banter and mild flirting that accompanied her visits.
Then, suddenly without any warning, she was gone.
When he asked, he was simply told that she had returned to the UK.
It wasn’t long after that that the doctors decided he was sufficiently well enough to be flown home to the naval hospital in Gosport, where he could complete his recovery and rehabilitation.
The flight had taken best part of a day. Heading first to Cyprus where he transited for several hours before boarding a second plane bound for the UK.
It was here that he had unexpectedly met up with Robyn again.
He had only been at RNH Haslar for two days when she had appeared on the ward, greeting him with a broad grin.
“Well, hello again Marine. Are you stalking me?”
“Wha…. what are you doing here?” Momentarily lost for words Sean had eventually managed to stammer, “Why’d you leave Bastion?”
Giggling like a schoolgirl her cheeks coloured, “I was due to rotate home and I got posted here. When I saw your name on the ward roster, I knew I had to come and say hi.”
His face broke into a broad grin at her answer, “Well I’m glad you did.”
They chatted for a while before she had to go back to her duties but she promised she would drop by and see him as often as she could.
It quickly turned out that as often as she could was actually each day, sometimes more than once, and he had found himself starting to think of her as more than just a nurse.
Undertaking daily physiotherapy sessions, he had made quick progress and within a couple of weeks at Gosport he was walking, albeit with crutches, and able to get around the hospital.
“Fancy a walk to the coffee shop?”
Robyn was off duty and had dropped by to see him when he blurted out an invitation to go out and get a drink.
She had smiled coyly, “Are you asking me on a date Marine?”
“Err….” Sean had blushed at her question, “Err…. What if I said yes?”
“Then I’d accept, take hold of your arm and we would stroll happily to the café.”
“In that case it’s a date.”
Giggling she had helped him up and, once he was on his crutches, they had slowly made their way down to the hospital coffee shop.
“What took you so long to ask me out?” Robyn asked once they were settled at a table.
“I umm… I wasn’t… I mean I didn’t…” Stumbling to put together a coherent sentence he stammered, blushing scarlet.
“God, that’s so cute. My big tough Marine is embarrassed.” She chuckled kissing him on the cheek.
Smiling ruefully Sean shook his head, “You’re a bad girl do you know that?”
Slipping her arm through his she pouted and looked up at him, “Does that mean I get punished later?”
Laughing he found himself drawn to her parted lips and, unable to stop himself, he leant closer and gently kissed her.
“Mmmm, that was nice. I should tease you more often if that’s what I get for it.”
Sean laughed, “Careful. Next time I might spank that cute bottom of yours.”
“Promises, promises.” Robyn joined in the friendly banter.
The easy conversation continued for the next hour as they sat and drank their coffee before she escorted him back to the ward.
“How about tomorrow?” He asked hopefully as she went to leave.
His question got him another quick kiss on the lips.
“I’m on shift at two so how about eleven?”
It had turned out to be the first of several dates.
Initially it was just to the coffee shop or a walk in the gardens but as he continued to recover, they had started to go further afield and had eventually taken a stroll down to the local pub one evening.
“You’re walking so much better.” Robyn told him, holding onto his arm as they strolled slowly along.
“The physio is really helping. She had me running for five minutes today.”
“That’s great, you’ll be out of here and back to your unit before you know it.”
He didn’t answer and, keeping his eyes fixed ahead of them, let his mind go back to Liam and the promise he had made himself.
She knew immediately she had said something wrong by the way he reacted; going silent on her and not responding. Not wanting to pry or create a tense atmosphere between them she dropped the subject, walking along quietly until they arrived at the pub.
Ordering their drinks, they had settled themselves in a quiet corner of the bar, Robyn taking a sip of her wine and regarding him curiously over the rim of her glass.
“What?” Sean looked back at her, “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, you just went a bit silent on me back there. Did you want to forget it and go back?”
“Sorry.” He grinned sheepishly, “It wasn’t anything really. I’m fine.”
“Ok. If you say so.” She knew he was lying to her, something she had said had triggered his change of mood but she wasn’t sure what.
For the next couple of minutes, they sat in silence sipping their drinks.
“Now you’ve gone quiet.”
Robyn grinned, “Sorry, I was just wondering what it’s going to take to get you interested?”
“In what?”
“Me silly.” She chuckled at his naivety.
He didn’t’ answer her straight away, taking a mouthful of his beer and avoiding her eyes as thoughts of his past failures with girls; Naomi, Becky and, the one that really mattered, the girl whose name he never knew but who he knew he loved, filled his head for a moment.
“Oh right!”
“What was her name?” Robyn knew immediately she had found a nerve when she interrupted his contemplation.
“I don’t know. She never told me.” Sean answered, a faraway look in his eyes.
“What? What happened?”
As soon as she asked the question she realised she wasn’t going to get an answer. Whatever had occurred in his past he wasn’t about to tell her.
“It really doesn’t matter now. It was a long time ago and it was just one night.”
The only response he gave her was brusque almost to the point of rudeness.
“Sorry, I’ve spoilt the evening.”
He had shaken his head and smiled at her, “No you haven’t. I’m fine. It’s all in the past now.”
“You’re sure? We can always do this another night.”
Sean grinned and leant across to kiss her lightly on the lips, “Yeah, I’m sure.”
There was another brief moment of silence.
“C’mon drink up. Let’s go back to my place.” Robyn wasn’t convinced things were right between them but changed the subject to something a lot more suggestive.
Sean paused, taking in what she had said, and looked at the pretty nurse sitting next to him.
“I don’t want to lead you on, Robyn. I’m hopeless at relationships. You’d be better off looking elsewhere if you want… well you know.”
Not wanting to get romantically involved he tried to make it plain to her, as painlessly as possible, that he wasn’t after a girlfriend.
“Don’t worry, I understand Sean. I’m a big girl now and I can look after myself.” Gulping down the last of her wine she stood up and held out her hand to him, “But right now I’m just bloody horny.”
Grinning he finished his pint and stood up, “Ok if you’re sure, then let’s go.”
It was a good half an hour later that, back in the bedroom of her small flat, Sean pulled her unresistingly into his arms and kissed her passionately for the first time.
“Wow, I’ve been waiting a long time for you to do that.” Robyn whispered after she eventually managed to pull her lips away from his, “Now Marine, take me to bed, and that’s an order.”
“Aye aye ma’am.” He grinned, starting to undo the buttons on her shirt.
They had slowly undressed each other, their hands and mouths exploring each new area of skin that they exposed until they were both naked and panting with desire. Then she made him lay back on the bed, his shaft standing out erect from his groin before straddling his hips.
Reaching down she had taken hold of him to guide his mushroom shaped cockhead between her labia, groaning softly as she felt it press into her entrance, before slowly impaling herself on the rigid length.
“Fucking hell…. it’s… huge!” Robyn had gasped as the final inch of his hard dick slid up into her and her nether lips pressed against him.
Laying beneath her he tried to hold himself in check. It had been quite a while and he didn’t want to finish too soon.
Staring into his eyes she had braced her hands on his chest and started to ride him. Biting her lower lip and writhing energetically on his manhood, her hips lifting and falling, working her pussy onto the hard rod that was stretching her to overflowing while her juices coated it with her creamy wetness.
Beneath her Sean ran his hands up over her thighs, onto her waist then up to feel her breasts. Weighing the heavy orbs, his fingers toying with her swollen, sensitive nipples he listened to her panting as she bounced up and down on his rampant prick.
Closing his hands around her tits he squeezed, feeling the hard buds grazing his palms, his touch making her groan with pleasure.
“Fuck… oh fuck… oh Sean… oh…. shit!”
With her eyes wide-open Robyn had stared down at him and started to shudder, her vaginal muscles clenching tightly around his thick shaft as she ground herself down on to him.
“Oh…. fuck, fuck…. I… I’m gonna…. aaahhhhhhh… I’m gonna!”
Sensing that she was about to go over the top Sean had tensed, his balls churning as he tried to hold himself in check so that she came first.
Sitting astride him Robyn had bucked uncontrollably for several seconds, her pussy clamped on his manhood. Then her body tensed, her muscles going rigid as she threw her head back, squealing with delight when her orgasm erupted out from her core.
“Oh shit…. shit, shit…. I’m… cumminnnngggggggggggggggggggg!”
“Fuck… oh fuck… Aaaaahhhhhhhhhh!”
The feel of her climaxing was too much for him and unable to hold back any longer he had jerked upwards, his hands tight on her waist, spearing her sex and starting to pump his seed deep into her.
“Oh God….” Spent she had slumped across him, gasping breathlessly as her body shuddered with the aftershocks from her climax.
Eventually the ripples had faded and she had rolled off him so they could lay together for a while. Enjoying the post-coital tranquillity, it was a good thirty minutes before he had got dressed and, saying his goodbye’s, made his way back to the hospital.
After that night, their dates had become a regular thing. Two or three times a week they would go for a walk to the pub or, on occasion, for something to eat. However, they would always end up back at her flat and in her bed.
Then, just as suddenly as their affair had started, it stopped.
He had just finished his latest physiotherapy session when he was told that the senior doctor wanted to see him.
Wondering what he needed him for he had gone straight to the colonel’s office.
“Sir.” Standing in front of the officer’s desk Sean had saluted, “I understand you wanted to see me?”
“Ah yes, sergeant, come in and take a seat. I just wanted to let you know we’re sending you back to your unit.”
Halfway to sitting down Sean had paused and looked at the doctor in surprise.
“I see. Can I ask when sir?”
“Tomorrow or the day after. We’ve just got to get the paperwork finished.” The colonel had smiled, “Oh, and congratulations on your award by the way.”
“Sir?” Puzzled by the comment Sean had looked at him quizzically.
“The CGC. You’ve been awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross for your action in Helmand.”
Sean had stared at him, an expression of disbelief on his face.
“Oh, I… I didn’t know. Thank you sir.” Eventually he managed to answer the officer.
“That’s all sergeant. I’ll let you know when you can go.”
“Sir.” He had stood up and saluted before turning to leave.
Exiting the doctor’s office slightly bemused over the news, he had wandered back to his room wondering how he would tell Robyn that their fling was over.
She was already there waiting for him when he walked through the door and spoke before he had a chance to say anything.
“You’re being sent back aren’t you?”
“You knew?”
Robyn nodded, clearly nervous, “Yeah, I heard a rumour a few days ago that you were going to be released back to your unit.”
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
Looking at the floor she shuffled her feet uneasily as she avoided his questioning gaze.
“There was no point Sean. I… I’m leaving too.” Robyn’s voice was little more than a whisper, “I’m going home… I’m… I’m getting married.”
“You’re what?”
His heart lurched as he took in what she had just told him.
He hadn’t intended becoming involved with her but, over time, it had been inevitable. It wasn’t love, he knew that, but he still felt betrayed by her admission.
“I’m getting married. You were a last fling for me.”
“You didn’t think to mention that to me?” It was all he could think of to say.
“I’m sorry Sean, I really am.”
“Sure. Me too. Story of my life.” He answered coldly thinking of the other girls who had come and gone in his past.
She had leaned in and kissed him on the cheek, “Goodbye Sean, I hope you find who you’re missing in your life but I was never going to be her.”
With that last remark she turned and left, leaving him to sit down heavily on his bed.
He knew she was right.
He had spent eight years chasing a dream, a girl that he knew he would never find. It was all pointless, he might as well go back to being a Marine.
But he knew that wasn’t an option either.
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Before he realised it the train had arrived at his stop and, hurriedly grabbing his bags, he pushed the memories of Robyn and the hospital out of his mind as he stepped out onto the platform.
Pausing he stared at the station sign for several long seconds. It was the first time he had been back since he had walked away eight years before and he wasn’t sure exactly what he was supposed to feel. Happy, sad, scared, it all seemed a little surreal to him and he just felt out of place.
Taking a deep breath, he turned away and headed towards the taxi rank outside. Noting his surroundings, he could see the things that had changed and the things that hadn’t. There had always been a few shops lining the road up to the station; the newsagent was still there, just as he remembered, so was the florist and the dry cleaners but the café was definitely new.
Leaning in the cab window he gave the driver the address he wanted and, getting an accepting nod in return, he threw his bags into the back before climbing in after them.
“Home on leave?” The cabbie asked disinterestedly.
“Something like that.”
Not wanting to talk Sean had replied rather tersely, his mind now preoccupied with where he was going and what he was going to do.
‘What would he say to Liam’s mother?’
‘Would he even be welcome?’
The taxi driver shrugged and lapsed into silence leaving him to watch the familiar streets slip by and remember back to happier times, his thought changing to the girl he had known for just a few hours.
‘What had happened to the her?’
‘Had she come back after going to university?’
‘She was almost certainly married by now.’
“That’ll be sixteen quid, mate.”
Sean Parkes glanced up at the taxi driver, he had been so lost in his thoughts that he was barely aware that the cab had stopped.
“Oh right, sure.”
Fishing out his wallet he passed across two ten-pound notes to the cabby.
“Keep the change.”
“Cheers.” The driver smiled taking the money, “Have nice day.”
“You to.” Sean replied as he opened the taxi’s door, not expecting to have anything of the sort.
‘If only there was a chance of that happening.’
He smiled to himself as he heaved his two bags out onto the pavement.
Following them he stood for a moment staring at the coffee shop in front of him.
Even though he was worried about the reception he would get when he got home, he had something that he had to do first, something he had promised a young Marine he would do.
Remembering his words to young Liam Frane he had found out where his mother worked and now he intended to honour his vow, no matter how difficult it would be for him.
‘This is for you Liam.’
Taking a deep breath, he steeled himself and pushed open the door.
It was late afternoon and the café was empty. An older woman behind the counter looked up when the bell jangled, her welcoming smile turning to a frown when she saw Sean’s uniform.
“Can I help you?” He could sense the unease in her voice and her expression was anything but welcoming.
“Mrs Frane?” He didn’t really need to ask; he would have recognised her immediately.
She looked at him suspiciously, “Yes, I’m Christine Frane. What can I do for you?”
Sean swallowed apprehensively. He knew this was going to be difficult for both of them.
“My name’s Sean Parkes. I was with Liam when he… when he was killed.”
As he said it the colour drained from her face and the two of them stood silently gazing at each other.
“He asked me to come and see you…. before he… before he….”
Even as he said it Sean felt the tears start to flow as the pain surged up inside him again. The ultimate sacrifice that Liam and several of his other comrades had made over his time serving overseas finally overcoming the grip he had on his feelings.
Christine Frane immediately put down the cup she had in her hands and stepped around the counter to pull Sean into her embrace, her own tears soaking in to his uniform.
Neither of them spoke as they stood there, clinging to each other, both of them overcome with emotion.
“You… you said you were with him when he died?” She asked when she eventually released him and stepped back wiping her eyes.
Dragging his hand across his face he nodded, “Yeah. He… he died in my arms.”
“Oh God, you poor man.”
Liam’s mother exclaimed before taking a deep breath and trying to compose herself.
“He asked me to come and see you. He wanted me to tell you… His last words were that he loved you.”
Struggling to get the words out Sean choked, barely able to finish his sentence.
Christine Frane started to cry again and whispered, her voice almost inaudible, “Thank you.”
“Nana.”
The single word jolted the pair out of the moment they had found themselves in.
“Yes sweetheart?”
Christine immediately turned her attention to the small child who had appeared from the back room and stood a few feet away, her gaze fixed on Sean.
He guessed she was about six or seven years old. Her dark hair was tied back from her face in a small ponytail while her large, unsettlingly familiar, blue eyes regarded him curiously.
“Can I have a cake. I’m hungry.” The little girl asked as she continued to stare at him.
“My granddaughter, Tabitha. I’m looking after her.” Christine Frane told him by way of explanation as she took a slice of Victoria sponge out of the display and put it on a small plate.
“Not Liam’s….” He said without thinking.
“Hardly.” The older woman chuckled, “No, she’s my daughter’s child.”
Helping Tabitha onto a seat Christine continued talking as she looked back at him, “Her name’s Mackenzie, she’s…. she’s a few years older than her brother.”
“I didn’t know Liam had a sister.”
“There was just the two of them. Liam’s father left when he was three.”
“Liam told me that you brought him up by yourself.”
Christine sighed, “Do you want a coffee. I’d like the opportunity to talk to you. If you have time that is?”
Sean nodded, “Sure, I have all the time you want.”
Sitting down at one of the table’s he smiled at the small girl still staring at him before turning his attention back to Liam’s mother. Watching her as she went back and made two cappuccinos, bringing them over to him when she was done, he wondered how much he could or should tell her.
“Sergeant Parkes isn’t it? I remember now. Liam wrote about you in a letter, he told me all about you, said how much he admired you.”
Blushing Sean took a sip of his drink, “Liam was a good Marine and a credit to the unit.”
“How… how did he… did it happen?” Christine asked quietly, “All they told me was… that he was killed in action.”
He took a moment and looked at the child who was sitting quietly eating her cake, her eyes still fixed on him.
“Hello Tabitha. That’s a very pretty name.” Trying to buy himself some time Sean spoke to the girl.
“You look like uncle Liam. What’s your name?”
“I’m Sean. I knew your… your uncle before….”
She didn’t answer and just stared at him for a moment longer before going back to her cake.
Turning his attention to Christine he took a deep breath, “Sorry, it’s still… well you know….”
Taking his hand she smiled reassuringly, “Yes, I know what you mean.”
He took another breath, preparing himself, and started.
“We were on patrol. Escorting a group of local policemen when we came under fire. One of the officers was hit and Liam went to help him when the explosion went off.”
Christine’s face paled, “Was he…”
Sean ignored her question. He wasn’t about to tell her how badly injured her son had been or how he had lied to him.
“His last thought was about you. He asked me to come and see you, to tell you he… he loved you before he…”
Sean stopped mid-sentence, tears trickling down his cheeks as he broke down again and found himself unable to finish what he was saying.
Chapter 04 – Mackenzie
The first day in her new position simply flew by for Mackenzie as she started to get to grips with all the requirements of her new role, and before she knew it the clock was ticking towards five o’clock. She had barely had a moment to herself and had only taken fifteen minutes to rush out and grab a sandwich for lunch, which she had eaten while reading e-mails.
Fortunately, it had meant that she was able to push Charles Marwell’s visit and comments out of her mind, at least for the moment.
Hitting the enter key she sent her last e-mail of the day and sat back, letting out a deep breath, before closing her laptop.
“You can go if you’re done, Amanda.”
“If you’re sure Miss Frane?” The youngster answered a little hesitantly.
“I’ve told you it’s Mackenzie, and yes I’m sure. You’ve worked hard today.” She told her as she tidied her own things away.
“Thanks. I’m meeting my boyfriend at seven. We’re going to the cinema tonight.”
Mackenzie smiled, “Seeing anything nice?”
“He wants to see some sci-fi movie but I don’t mind.” Amanda informed her as she started to pack up her own desk, “As long as I’m with him I’m happy.”
She didn’t answer and wondered what it would be like to have someone, apart from her mother and daughter, in her life. Her experiences with men had been extremely limited and none of those could be considered to be anything but mistakes, except one.
Not that she really had a chance when it came to dating.
An unmarried mother; the fact she had a child either put men off or made them think she was easy. When really she had been in love with her dream man for eight years now and anyone else paled in comparison.
‘Where is he now?’
‘Is he married? Has he got children?’
For a moment her mind drifted back to the night of her prom.
She had walked out of the hotel room following her head rather than her heart and, making the biggest mistake of her life, regretted it ever since.
“Do you have a boyfriend Miss Frane…. Sorry, I mean Mackenzie.”
Looking up she smiled at her assistant.
“No. No, I don’t.”
“Why not? You’re really pretty.”
“Thank you Amanda, but I guess I just haven’t met the right man yet.” Mackenzie replied ruefully, knowing that she was lying.
“Yet!” Amanda snickered, “So, there’s still hope for you then.”
Mackenzie chuckled, “I doubt it.”
‘Who would want a single mother with a seven-year-old?’
‘Where would she meet a decent man anyway?’
Clearing her desk, she pushed the negative thoughts to the back of her mind and put her laptop in her bag, intending to do some work later at home, before pulling on her jacket.
“Enjoy the film Amanda.” She told her assistant as she left.
The bus ride to the ‘Coffee Pot’, her mother’s café took her just under fifteen minutes and it was close to five-thirty when she eventually pushed open the door.
“Sorry mum, I’m a bit late…” She had barely set a foot inside the door before stopping mid-sentence in the entrance to stare, horrified, at the soldier sitting talking to her mother.
The pair were in deep conversation when Mackenzie’s angry voice interrupted them. Seeing his uniform brought back all her memories of Liam and the pain she had felt when she had been told he had been killed.
“What the fuck is a bloody soldier doing here?”
“Mummy.” Tabitha jumped down off her seat and ran over to the door, holding out her arms to be picked up.
“Mackenzie…” Christine pushed back her chair, standing up and starting to speak.
“What the fuck do they want now? Liam’s been dead for months. Why can’t the bastards leave us alone to grieve for him.”
Even as she spoke to her mother Mackenzie kept her eyes fixed on the soldier, the look of fury on her face shaking Sean as, wiping his eyes, he also stood up.
In that moment their eyes met and as she stared at him she felt her pulse rate surge and her heart start to thump urgently against her ribs.
‘There was something that was strangely familiar about him.’
‘It couldn’t be, she was imagining things.’
Still angry she forced the thoughts aside and continued her tirade against him.
“If you came to say how fucking sorry you are you’re three fucking months too late. You should have come to the funeral.”
Holding her daughter to her she glared at him.
As he looked back at her he immediately realised why the little girl’s eyes had seemed so recognisable.
‘Liam’s sister had been the girl at the hotel.’
The fact shook him to the core and he looked away.
“I’m sorry, I… I should go.” He looked unhappily at Christine, although he desperately wanted to say something he knew the only thing he could do was to leave.
“No, stay please Sean.” The older woman replied before turning to her daughter, “Mackenzie there’s no need…”
“There’s every fucking need. Haven’t they done enough?” The younger woman continued with her vitriolic diatribe, “Why don’t you just fuck off and leave us alone.”
“Thank you for the coffee Mrs Frane.”
Sean picked up his bags and paused to stare into the deep blue, angry eyes of Mackenzie Frane. She was obviously upset by his presence and clearly she wasn’t over her brother’s death but then, for that matter, he wasn’t either.
However, underneath all of his emotions there was something else, something he hadn’t ever expected to feel again.
Staring balefully back at him she couldn’t help but notice his deep brown eyes and was surprised to feel her stomach tighten and her pulse rate unexpectedly quicken yet again.
Again, she felt an unbidden sense of familiarity.
“What was it about him?’
Trying to suppress the unanticipated and unwanted response to his presence she took a step back so he could get to the door.
“Bye.” She stated curtly pulling the door open for him, “Don’t bother coming back.”
Without another word he stepped out into the street leaving the two women behind him.
Turning to her mother once the door had closed Mackenzie cuddled Tabitha to her as she continued her rant.
“What the fuck do the Army want now? Isn’t it enough that they got Liam killed.”
“First of all, Liam was in the Navy not the Army. He was a Marine not a soldier.” Christine corrected her daughter, “And second Sergeant Parkes didn’t want anything.”
“Well, where was he when we were burying Liam. If he was that bothered he would have been there then.”
She knew her tirade was illogical but when it came to the subject of her younger brother the wounds were still very raw.
Christine shrugged, “I don’t know why he wasn’t but I got the impression that he would have been if it were at all possible.”
“You’re too soft mum. I bet he’s never felt the pain of losing someone he loved.” She sat Tabitha back on the chair to finish her cake, “He was obviously after something.”
Her mother shook her head, “I don’t think so. He said he was with Liam when he… when he was killed.”
Mackenzie snorted derisively wanting to think the worst and put Sean Parkes out of her mind, “That’s a lie for certain. I bet he was miles away when it happened.”
“I’m not so sure.” Looking at her daughter dubiously Christine finished, making her way back behind the counter when a customer came in, interrupting their conversation.
Sitting down with Tabitha, Mackenzie accepted the coffee her mother brought across to her a few minutes later, although neither of them attempted to resume the somewhat heated discussion they had been having earlier.
“Can you have Tabs Friday night mum? I have a meeting with the CEO in the evening.” She asked hesitantly after a few minutes.
Christine frowned, “You know I will but I don’t trust that man. You need to be careful around him.”
‘Me neither.’
‘What would you say if you knew I slept with him to get this job?’
Mackenzie had never told her mother what she had done to get the position as HR manager and she was determined that it would stay that way. Nor did the younger woman tell her that she felt exactly the same way as her about Charles Marwell.
“It’s just a business meeting mum. Probably all about my new job, just to go over my first week or something.”
“Yes but why does it have to be on a Friday evening?” Her mother questioned, clearly suspicious.
She shrugged, knowing exactly why he wanted to see her during the evening and not at work.
“Probably because he has a lot of other things to do. I don’t really know.”
Even as she said it she felt certain that her boss was going to try to pressure her in to sleeping with him again.
Waiting as her mother finished cleaning up before closing the café she considered her appointment with the odious Charles Marwell.
‘What would he do when she refused to have sex with him?’
‘Would she actually say no when it came to it?’
“I need to lock up now.” Christine interrupted her daughter’s reflections and scooped up Tabitha, kissing her granddaughter.
“Right, I’m all done as well. Let’s go Tabs.” Putting down her empty cup she got to her feet.
Passing the child to her mother when they left the coffee shop Christine said her goodbyes, before the pair went off in opposite directions.
Throughout the journey back to her flat Mackenzie struggled to get the soldier out of her mind.
‘What was it about him?’
‘What did her mother say his name was?’
Being unable to put her finger on it annoyed her. His brown eyes had seemed to bore into her and the feelings he had aroused in her with just a look had shocked her.
‘No, it couldn’t be him… could it?’
Convincing herself he wasn’t the boy who had taken her virginity all those years before she tried to recall what her mother had called him.
‘Sean, Sergeant Sean Parkes.’
That was it.
Just the thought of his name sent a warm feeling through her.
“Mummy who was that man with Nana?” A small voice beside her asked, “He was like uncle Liam.”
“No one special sweetheart… no one special.” Mackenzie told her daughter unable to shake off the feeling that she was very wrong.
Getting home she spent the early part of her evening making dinner for herself and Tabitha and then, after bathing her daughter, she tucked her up in bed before settling on the sofa with a glass of wine.
She had a lot to think about after her first day in her new job and her brief but disturbing interaction with her boss.
However, her thoughts were still dominated by Sean Parkes.
Her rant at him had been both illogical and rude, two things she wasn’t, and now she regretted what she had said.
It didn’t mean she had changed her mind, she hadn’t. She still didn’t believe he had been with Liam and she was certain he was after something. Although for the life of her she had no idea what it could be.
What really disturbed her though was the reaction she had had to him.
None of her previous sexual experiences, bar one, had filled her with anything but a loathing for the male species. She had turned down numerous offers to go on a date over the years, always citing Tabitha as the reason, when really it was her.
‘What was it about Sean Parkes that was different.’
‘Just being around him had aroused her.’
‘It was stupid. Even if she had fancied him before she wouldn’t now. He was a Marine after all.’
‘But those eyes. Were they the same eyes that she had fallen for all those years ago?’
‘No that wasn’t possible. Was it?’
There had been something though, something she hadn’t felt in a very long time. Not that it mattered now, he was gone, disappearing back under the rock he had crawled out from.
She was better off alone with Tabitha.
Swallowing the last of her drink she poured herself another and then fished out her laptop, booting it up so she could carry on working.
Unable to channel her thoughts to work she hadn’t done much and was reading an e-mail for the third time when a knock on her front door startled her. Not expecting anyone she was puzzled as to who it could be and put her computer aside to get up off the sofa.
Opening the door, she found Belinda Foulkes standing outside, a big smile on her face.
“Hey Kenz. I wanted to come round to see how your first day went? Thought we could celebrate or commiserate with a glass of wine.”
“Hi Bel, come on in. I’ve already opened the wine.” She chuckled.
Shepherding her friend inside Mackenzie poured her a glass, topping up her own, and then sat back in her chair.
“So, tell all.” Belinda asked again, “How did it go?”
Deciding to leave out any mention of her interaction with the slimy Charles Marwell she gave her friend a summary of her first day.
“It was ok. Busy, but I have an assistant, Amanda. So that helped a lot. I’ve just got to get used to delegating stuff to her.”
“Sounds positive.”
Mackenzie took a mouthful of her drink before continuing, “Yeah it was, it was just when I went to collect Tabs that the evening went to shit.”
“Oh, what happened?”
“After I left the office I went straight to the coffee shop to collect Tabitha and found mum talking to some bloody soldier.”
“Really?” Suddenly Belinda was even more curious, “What did he want? I thought all the stuff with your brother was over and done with.”
“I never gave him the chance to say.” Mackenzie smiled as she remembered sending Sean off with a flea in his ear, “I let him know he wasn’t wanted and pretty much threw him out of the café.”
“Didn’t your mum say anything about why he was there?”
“Apparently he told her that he had been with Liam when he was killed and that he had promised him that he’d come and see her.” She continued her voice shaking with emotion, “But like I said to mum if he’d made a vow to do that he would have come to the funeral.
“So, I told him straight he wasn’t wanted and maybe he should find out what it’s like to lose someone you loved before you start to lie to those who have.”
“Well, I suppose he could have come. Although he might not have got leave for it.”
“I’m pretty sure if he was telling the truth he would have got there somehow unless he was dying or something.” She snorted derisively, taking another swallow of her wine.
Belinda gave her a puzzled look, “He didn’t happen to say what his name was did he?”
“Err…. mum said it was Sam or something. I don’t really recall.” She lied without knowing why, “I was too bloody angry at him for being there to pay a lot of attention.”
“It wasn’t Sean was it. Sean Parkes?”
“Err…. yes, that’s it. How do you know?” Mackenzie looked at her friend with surprise.
“He’s one of my husband’s best friends. They served together before Denny got out.”
“Sorry but that doesn’t mean he…”
“He was in command of the patrol when Liam was killed.” Belinda interrupted her, “According to what Denny heard he held your brother in his arms as he died.”
Mackenzie’s face drained of its colour and she sat and stared at her friend open-mouthed.
“So, he… he was telling the truth.”
“Yeah, he was.” Belinda nodded, “I’ve known Sean for almost as long as I’ve known Denny and, for the record, he’s a really decent bloke. He was the best man at our wedding.”
“But then why wasn’t he at the funeral?”
“He was pretty cut up over Liam apparently but he was badly wounded in the attack. Denny told me he was in hospital for nearly three months. Almost died so he heard.”
“Shit!” Mackenzie swore, “I… I didn’t realise… I said some really horrible things to him.”
“My husband said he was awarded a medal for saving the lives of three Afghan policemen and the rest of his patrol.”
“Oh God… I didn’t know…”
“And you’re comment about losing someone you care about.” Belinda took a deep breath, “You couldn’t be more wrong.”
“Oh no, he… he didn’t….”
“He and Denny lost a few friends over there, including Liam. Every one of them was a Marine and like a brother.”
Completely mortified by her earlier behaviour and the things she had said Mackenzie sat back, feeling sick, her eyes filling with tears.
“Don’t worry about it Kenz. Sean’s a good bloke, he’ll understand.”
Shaking her head, she stared back at her friend as she began to cry, “No, he won’t I… I said some things and….”
‘If it was him all those years ago he certainly wouldn’t want her now.’
She couldn’t tell Belinda about that, she hadn’t told anyone, not even her mother.
“Look I have to get back to Denny but I’ll ask him to apologise for you if or when he sees Sean.” Belinda drank the remains of her wine and stood up.
“Thanks, that makes me feel a bit better.” She sniffed and wiped her eyes as she showed her friend out.
“Don’t worry about it hon.”
Despite her friend’s reassurance Mackenzie struggled to focus on anything for the rest of the evening, unable to get Sean Parkes out of her mind. She had been angry when she had found him in the coffee shop, but she knew it wasn’t that that bothered her so much.
‘He was telling the truth about being with Liam.’
‘The things she had said to him.’
Sitting with tears streaming down her cheeks she tried to put all her thoughts about the Marine aside but she couldn’t. The hateful things she had said to him kept coming back to haunt her. But there was something else, something about him that had got under her skin.
‘Could it be him?’
‘Surely not, not after eight years.’
If it was him she knew there was no way he would want anything to do with her now, not after all the vile accusations she had thrown at him and the way she had kicked him out of the café.
Eventually she gave up trying to work and headed up to bed knowing sleep would be hard to come by.
Laying under her duvet she stared up at the ceiling turning things over in her head, slowly convincing herself of something she already knew in her heart.
Chapter 05 – SEAN
Walking out of the coffee shop Sean continued on down the street, trying to forget the things Mackenzie Frane had said to him. She was the girl from the hotel all those years ago, he was certain of that, he could never forget those eyes. But clearly she hated everything to do with the Marines, him included, and was obviously with someone now, judging by the fact she had a daughter.
Eventually he was able to hail a passing cab and dumping his kitbags in the back he sat down, giving the driver the address. Finally, he started to reflect on the haranguing he had just been given by an incredibly pretty but very angry young woman.
The fact she had been upset by his presence and wasn’t over her brother’s death was understandable. He was well aware that he wasn’t either. However, there had been something, something she aroused in him that he hadn’t ever expected to feel again.
Not that it mattered. She was married now and he had to try to forget about her.
‘After 8 years, he still felt the same way about her.’
That one simple thought made him smile to himself.
Sitting in the back of the cab he was still trying to come to terms with the feelings she had provoked in him, feelings he had experienced once before with her on the night they had met. The fact she was now unobtainable and out of reach made the realisation that she was the girl he had dreamt about even more painful.
He was lost in his reflections when the cabbie’s voice jerked him out of his musing.
“We’re ere mate.” It was just a simple statement from the driver telling him they had arrived but to him it meant a whole lot more.
“Oh right… thanks… how much is it?”
“Call it a tenner.”
Hauling his bags out of the cab he paid the fare including a tip.
“Thanks pal. Enjoy yer leave. Don’t do nuffin I wouldn’t.” The taxi driver winked, his cheerful friendly grin making Sean smile and forget for a moment where he was.
Watching the black cab drive away he took a deep breath and turned his attention to the house directly across the road.
Built in the thirties the semi-detached property looked much like it had when he had left eight years earlier. There were a few changes; new double glazing had been installed, the car in the drive was different and he could see some new tiles on the roof. However, most of it was just as he remembered even down to the small, neat garden, his mother’s pride and joy.
Standing there staring at his boyhood home he couldn’t help but think that perhaps he should have made an attempt to contact his family or even to come back sooner.
However, after that evening when he had walked out, the anger had remained for a very long time. He had been nearly 19 then and wanted to live his life, not the one his father wanted him to, and the only way he could do that was to leave.
‘Would his father still be angry?
‘He had told him never to come back.’
‘Would any of them want to see him after all this time?’
‘Would Briony forgive him for staying away so long?’
Indecision gripped him again and he could feel his stomach tying itself in knots.
Every time he had reconciled himself to coming home, the same thoughts had crept back into his mind. They had followed him for the whole of his journey from Plymouth back to now, and standing here on the pavement looking across at the house, he couldn’t help but wonder if he should turn around and walk away.
He shook his head, pushing the unwanted negative images aside, at least for the moment, and picking up his bags he crossed the street before pausing momentarily at the front gate.
‘What if no one was home?’
Quickly dismissing the notion, remembering that the car was in the drive, he took a deep breath and steeling himself for whatever might happen he walked slowly up the path and knocked at the front door.
“Coming.”
Sean held his breath when he heard his mother’s voice from inside, his heart starting to thump against his ribs with anticipation.
“What can I…..”
Maureen Parkes stopped mid-sentence and stared open-mouthed for several long seconds at the uniformed figure of her son standing in front of her.
“S… Sean… is…. is it really…. you?” Her eyes filled with tears and her voice was little more than a whisper when she finally spoke.
“Hello mum. How are you?”
“Oh Sean… oh sweetheart.” She cried out and flung her arms about him, sobbing uncontrollably as she clung on to her only son as if he were about to disappear in front of her eyes.
Swallowing back his own emotions he held her, feeling her trembling when he put his arms around her. Tears soaking into his uniform for the second time that day.
“You’re here… oh Sean…. I can’t believe it. You’re actually here.” Finally lifting her face away from her son’s chest, she smiled at him, tears still flowing freely down her face.
“Who is it Maureen?”
Their emotional reunion was interrupted by Frank Parkes stepping into the hallway to see who was at the door.
“Hello dad.” Sean kept his arm about his mother but he held out his other hand in a gesture of reconciliation, “How are you?”
“Sean!” His father looked at him in complete disbelief, “What the fuck….”
Time seemed to stand still as the two men looked at each other. Each waiting for the other to say something. That was when Maureen finally broke the silence that had descended on them.
“That’s it. I’ve had enough of this silly argument. My son’s home and you can either accept it or not Frank Parkes.”
Staring at his son the older man paused, considering what his wife had just said.
“I mean it Frank. As God is my judge I mean it.”
Frank nodded.
“Your mother’s right. It’s been too long.” Sean’s father stepped forwards and begrudgingly took hold of his outstretched hand, “How have you been son?”
“Pretty good thanks dad, how about you?”
“Sean! What are you wearing?”
Before Frank could respond Maureen Parkes broke in to their conversation her eyes widening as she suddenly realised her son was in uniform.
Sean stepped back so they could both see him properly, unable to do anything but grin at their expressions on their faces as they stared at him.
“I joined the Royal Marines. Been in eight years now.”
“The Marines? Why? We thought you had gone off to university or whatever.” His father said more than a little surprised at his son’s announcement.
“Well, whatever you did, you’re home now.” His mother hugged him again, not giving him a chance to answer as she shepherded him in through the front door, “Now come on inside. I’ll make you a cup of tea and then I’ll call your sister. Then you can tell us what you’ve been up to.”
He hadn’t even finished his tea when, barely twenty minutes later, the front door burst open and Sean found his younger sister, Briony, standing in front of him.
“Sean!”
Uttering just the one word she burst into tears and flew across the room to fling herself into his arms.
“Hello Bri.”
“Oh God… I missed you so much.” Sobbing uncontrollably, she clung to her older brother just as their mother had done.
“I missed you to.”
Finally stepping back away from him she wiped her eyes and punched his arm, “Why didn’t you write or something? I got your first letter then nothing.”
“I was kind of busy and I thought everyone hated me.” As he answered her his eyes took in the man standing quietly by the door, holding a baby in his arms and he froze, his face turning pale.
Noticing the direction in which he was staring Briony grinned, “Sean, meet Danny, my husband, and that little bundle he’s holding is Angie, your niece.”
“Sean? What’s up?” Maureen Parkes immediately noticed his reaction.
“Niece?” He managed to mumble.
“Mmhhmm… that’s right.” His sister giggled, “I’ve grown up while you were away.”
“Things really have changed while I was gone, haven’t they.” Composing himself he finally held out his hand and stepped forwards, “Pleased to meet you Danny.”
“Nice to meet you too Sean.” Somewhat awkwardly the pair shook hands as he stared at the baby.
“So, what have you been doing?” Briony interrupted them, “It had better have been important to stop you writing to me.”
“I was….. overseas.” He said quietly, “Amongst other things.”
“Nowhere dangerous I hope.” Maureen interjected, a nervous expression on her face,
“Iraq and Afghan mostly.”
“Oh God.” The room went silent and his mother put her hand to her mouth, “But… but you’re… you’re ok aren’t you?”
“I was wounded on my last tour. I’ve only recently come out of hospital.”
“Hospital!” His mother went pale.
“You’re Denny Foulkes mate aren’t you?”
Briony’s husband who had been standing to the side quietly listening to the conversation finally spoke.
“Yeah. That’s me.” Sean confirmed hesitantly, “Do you know Denny?”
“Yeah his wife Belinda is how I met Briony.” Danny told him before turning to his wife, “You know your brother’s a hero don’t you Bri. Denny told me he’s been awarded some medal for bravery. Apparently he was almost killed saving his patrol.”
“Almost…. killed.” His mother gasped, the colour draining from her face even more, “How badly… I mean you were in hospital….?”
“I was just wounded.” Sean corrected him, “It was a few months back, when my patrol was ambushed and I was hit a couple of times.”
Quietly, and without adding any unnecessary drama he told them about the attack, playing down how badly he had been injured, and his subsequent hospitalisation, both in Camp Bastion and at Portsmouth.
“But you’re alright now?” Maureen Parkes had remained a deathly pale colour as her son told the story.
“Yes mum, I’m fine now.” Sean smiled reassuringly, “I’ve just got to do all the exercises that my physio has given me.”
“Sean.” Frank Parkes came across to his son and embraced him, “I’m so sorry. We should have been there for you.”
It was a major step in thawing the dark and depressing atmosphere that had hung over the family and Sean’s relationship with his father for the past eight years.
Over the rest of the evening the mood improved and Sean got to know his family again as he told them about his time as a Marine and some of the places he had been. Although he made sure he left out some of the more gruesome moments.
“So, what brings you home now?” His sister asked at a break in the conversation, “Not that we aren’t pleased you’re here.”
“Ah well that’s another story.”
“We aren’t going anywhere honey.” Maureen Parkes chipped in, also wanting to hear his answer to the question.
“When I was wounded a…. a young Marine was killed.” He told them quietly, “I held him in my arms as he died.”
“Oh God Sean.” His sister gasped, “That… that must have been awful.”
He nodded, “It was. He was just eighteen. It was then that I realised I had had enough. I’ve decided I’m not going back.”
“Thank goodness for that.” His mother said with relief before turning her attention to more mundane matters, “Now what would everyone like to eat?”
It was getting late and after a brief discussion it was agreed that they would all have fish and chips which, of course, Frank insisted on paying for.
After the delayed supper Briony and her husband said a temporary goodbye to Sean before heading home with their baby, leaving him to spend another hour or two with his parents before retiring to his childhood bedroom.
Laying in his old room he stared up at the ceiling, waiting for sleep to come, and reflected on his day. It had been the roller coaster of emotions he had anticipated although not necessarily with the people he had expected. He certainly hadn’t thought that his sister would be married and he felt a twinge of regret at the things he had missed in her life.
He had definitely predicted that his father would be more recalcitrant about welcoming him home but after relating the sad tale of his last tour there had been a complete change in his demeanour.
What really perplexed him however, was Mackenzie Frane’s reaction to him. The woman clearly disliked him intensely.
‘Had she recognised him?’
‘If she had could that be the reason for disliking him?’
That didn’t seem likely though.
Although she had been angry he was sure he would have noticed if she had realised who he was.
‘Or was it that she just hated the military?’
Perhaps it was that.
The more he thought about it the more he felt fairly certain that it was just the sight of his uniform that was the problem. That and the fact she wasn’t properly over her brother’s death.
He had known who she was though, the moment he looked into her blue eyes he had recognised her. That was when he had felt emotions inside him that he thought he had suppressed along with memories of her, eight years ago, rise to the surface.
Immediately he put all of those thoughts out of his mind. She was obviously married or with someone, she had a daughter after all. With everything he had gone through with Robyn only recently he certainly wasn’t looking to break up someone’s marriage.
Rolling over he focused on his parents and his sister. In many ways his return home had gone better than he expected, that was for sure, but there had been other unsettling moments and he hoped the rest of the week would be a little calmer.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Getting up early the next morning Sean went out for an easy 5-mile run and returned to his parent’s garden to go through the vigorous 30-minute exercise routine the physio at the hospital had given him.
It was a warm morning and, without thinking, he took off his t-shirt to finish his workout before entering the house. Surprised to find his mother in the kitchen drinking her morning coffee, along with his sister, he paused in the doorway.
“Coffee or tea?” Maureen Parkes asked as she went to the kettle.
“Coffee please mum.” He smiled, wiping down his sweat streaked torso with his top, “Hi sis.”
Briony looked at him and raised an eyebrow, her gaze wandering over his body, taking in the scars, a couple of them still quite vivid, as well as his muscles.
“My big brother is certainly a lot hotter now.” She giggled, “You’ll be fighting all the girls off.”
“You do realise that just sounds really creepy when my little sister says it.” He grinned back at her, “And as for girls there’s no one in my life.”
“Really!” Briony raised an eyebrow, “I’ll have to let all my single friends know.”
“Please don’t Bri.” He groaned, imagining having to contend with the numerous blind dates she would set up for him.
“Leave him be for a bit Briony. He’s only just got home.” Maureen Parkes passed him a mug before continuing, “And looking at all those horrible scars I have to say I’m glad you’re here safe and sound.”
Sean could see the tears well up in her eyes and gave her a hug, “They aren’t that bad mum. At least I didn’t lose a leg or something.”
Even as he said it he thought about Liam Frane, his injuries and how he had held him as the young Marine died.
“Thank heavens for that.”
His mother rolled her eyes at his comment and he forced himself to smile.
“So, what will you do now your home? Go and work for dad?” Briony changed the subject.
“I’d rather not.” Sean shook his head, “But I definitely need to start looking around for some sort of employment. Denny Foulkes said there might be something going at the place where his wife is.”
“Where’s that?” Maureen interjected.
“I’m not sure where Belinda works to be honest?”
“She’s at WestTech Industries. I can have a word with the new HR manager there if you want. She’s a friend of mine.” Briony told him helpfully, before adding with a grin, “She’s single to.”
Sean took a mouthful of coffee and considered his sisters offer for a moment.
“If you don’t mind Bri. That might be a start. But no dates please.”
“Not a problem. I’ll give her a ring later.”
Swallowing the last of his coffee Sean went off to have a shower thinking that the rest of the week was starting to look a little more hopeful for the moment…