Friends

02 April 2012

Trust Not The Vow ...- Chapter 24


Eric Hudspith held her tight, one liver-spotted hand pressing her head to his chest, the other gently stroking her back. He was equally distressed, her grief becoming his with each sob. ‘I will slay him for what he has done to you,’ he said, murmuring the words into her hair. ‘You are too lovely a creature to be so badly treated.’

His jacket was rough against Rachel's cheek, but she did not move. She felt him smooth the lilac jumper which had rucked beneath his consoling hand, one finger accidentally touching her skin. She felt him pull swiftly away, heard his stifled groan. Very slowly, she lifted her face and saw that his eyes were screwed tight, and she knew that her heartbreak was also his. Only then did she realise that he loved her, that his affection was pure and unselfish. By comparison her love for Gary was no more than bodily worship, for which she still craved. Her loss, because of it, was like a knife slicing through her heart. Eric's pain resulted from the blood that flowed. If she hurt, then so did he. He would smear salve on her bruises and expect nothing in return. ‘One day, Eric…’

Eric silenced her by putting a finger to her lips. ‘I want only your happiness, dear girl. I ask no more than that.’

(to be continued)

10 comments:

  1. nice short installment...but def you see a lot of the depth of his feeling in this...

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  2. Can't say, Pearl.

    Remember that, Brian.

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  3. Oooooo...ooooo...ooooo!

    Brilliantly written short chapter, Valerie!

    Just enough to give us a bit more insight, but not enough to give anything away just yet.

    Can't WAIT to read what happens between Rachel and Eric!

    Have a great Tuesday, dear lady!

    X

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  4. We're almost there, Ron. Who knows, perhaps there's light at the end of the tunnel.

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  5. I hope Rachel and Eric end up together someday!

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  6. Very nicely done. Loved the short and to-the-point format. But...you left us hanging! Ah well, here's looking forward to the next installment :-)

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  7. Eric is a very sympathetic character. Lovely chapter, Valerie. Well written and wonderfully set in the story.

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  8. I only want Rachel loved the way she needs to be and Eric may just be the man for her....he does seem to truly love her......:-)Hugs

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