Page 47 of Twin Flames

It was a conundrum with which she continuously struggled. She knew she should end their love affair. It made no sense not to. But she couldn’t bear the idea of losing him. Six hours without him was like a week in the desert; a lifetime would be like being cast into an inferno.

Although not religious, she prayed for the resolve to end it. None came. She read George’s message.

‘How are you doing? I hope Daniel’s okay. Give me a call when you can.’

She’d call him on the way home.

Sally appeared in the doorway. ‘Hello. How is he?’

‘Oh, hi, Sally. You look refreshed. Did you get some sleep?’

‘Yes, thanks. It was the first time I slept in two days. I could relax knowing you were here. Thanks for coming.’

‘No problem, we may have ended our engagement, but I still care for him.’

Sally twisted her hands and looked down at her feet, ‘I’m sorry I was so awful to you when you were with my dad. It washorrid of me. I resented you. You see, I always had this idea that my parents would get back together. I realise now that’s never going to happen.’

Cara smiled. ‘I can’t imagine how tough it must be to see a parent with a different partner.’

‘Please accept my apologies. Can we turn over a new leaf and be friends?’ said Sally.

‘Yes, of course.’ Cara squeezed Sally’s shoulder. She felt a surge of compassion for the poor girl. Daniel’s heart attack had obviously shaken her. At least something positive had come of it. Daniel would be pleased to see they were at peace with each other.

It was late. Sally continued the vigil by her father’s bed. The two women chatted a bit and then Cara decided to head home.

She called George from the taxi.

‘Ah, there you are. How was it?’ he said.

‘It’s been a long day. Daniel’s stable but the doctor said they’re keeping him in and are still uncertain as to whether he’ll need surgery. It’s touch and go whether he’ll make a full recovery, apparently.’

‘I’m sorry to hear that. You been there all day?’

‘Yes, since I arrived back from London. He slept for most of the day, but I wanted to be there in case he woke up. And for the first time, his daughter was pleased to see me.’

‘Oh, nice,’ She heard George’s voice tighten. ‘And did he wake up?’

‘Yes, but just for a few minutes. He was pleased I was there.’

‘I bet.’

‘How was your day? Tell me about the interview. What happened after I left?’

‘Not much really, except they said it went well and they’ll be in touch with more details.’

‘That’s fantastic. You must be thrilled.’

‘Yes, I suppose I am. It all feels a bit surreal. Would have been better if you’d stayed.’

‘I’m sorry I had to dash off like that. The news came as a bit of a shock.’

‘I’m returning to York soon,’ he said.

‘Great. So you’re not needed in the London office as long as you thought?’

‘They can manage. Joanna asked me to come home to be there for Jane while she takes a trip for work.’

‘Oh, right. I don’t think you ever mentioned what she does. I sort of got the idea she didn’t work.’