Page 81 of Always Beth
Her shoulders tense beneath my fingertips and I squeeze her ever so slightly, forcing her to relax.
‘I—’
‘You don’t have to say anything, Beth, being here’s enough.’ I run my hands down along her arms and rest them cautiously at her waist. She turns and her glistening eyes lock with mine and, I’m stifled. Stifled by her beauty and her love and concern for Lauren. It’s all so overwhelming and deep down I know we’re hurtling towards the inevitable. Now Beth’s here, she’s a part of this and I can’t pretend this isn’t happening anymore.
I drop my chin and within the same breath she draws me back to look at her and with her palms pressed lovingly at my cheeks, she places a solitary kiss on my lips. It’s full of everything I need in this moment, without expectation, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
‘You’re so strong, both of you.’ Her words are followed by the ping of my mobile and my heart thunders in my chest as I open the message.
Lauren: Can you come up please? I need you, both of you x
Both of you.A warmth flashes through me as Lauren’s words echo Beth’s. I’m surrounded by strong women, if only I could summon the same strength.
‘She needs us,’ I say solemnly.
Shielding her face from the glare, Beth looks along the garden. ‘She’s not coming down to enjoy the rest of the sun?’
‘No. I don’t think she will be.’
Beth
We’ve both been perched on the end of Lauren’s bed for what seems like hours. The stories I’ve heard from them, the outrageous things they’ve both got up to, the trouble they’ve been in. A shared lifetime of memories.
‘I’m ready for some birthday cake.’ Forcing a smile, Lauren peers up at him, squeezing his hand tightly. James pulls his phone from his back pocket and glances at the time. ‘Since it’s nearly our birthday, I suppose it’s acceptable.’
‘I’ll go.’ I stand and make my way to the door.
‘No, Beth, let James go, I want to talk to you. Girls only.’
James brushes the hair back from her face and places a kiss on her forehead. ‘Do you want anything else or just the cake?’
‘Just the cake please. A big bit.’
Her eyes burn into him as he leaves the room, as if she’s imprinting his image on her mind forever. As she exhales, I hear the rattle of her breathing and the realisation hits that she’s sent him away on purpose.
‘Beth, come sit with me.’
I perch next to her on the bed, lifting her hand and placing it in mine.
‘Twenty minutes and then it’s officially your birthday.’ I nod towards the clock and watch as a wicked smile breaks out across her face.
‘Check your phone,’ she croaks.
I glance at my phone and my breath catches as I read the time as ten minutes past twelve.
‘I changed the clocks.’
‘Why? Let me get James.’
With what feels like the last of her remaining strength, she grips me tightly. ‘No, I don’t want any emotional goodbyes. We saw our birthday in together, he just doesn’t know it.’
I pull away from her and she grabs my hand tightly. ‘Lauren…I’
‘I held on for as long as I could, Beth. I’m the boss of James, he would expect this. It’s on my terms.’
‘Lauren…’
‘Look after him, Beth, I chose you.’
