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CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE: THE PHOTOGRAPH.
Last Updated:
2024-12-10 07:16:25
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The cold air in Laura’s living room was thick with tension as she stared at Jerry. The photograph in his trembling hands seemed like a puzzle piece that didn’t belong. The emergency squad’s murmurs were a low hum in the background, adding to the surreal nature of the moment.“Wha–Wha… What’s going on, Jerry?” Laura’s voice cracked as she moved closer to him and her eyes scanned his face for any hint of explanation. Her fingers twitched at her side, unsure whether to grab his arm or snatch the photograph herself.Jerry’s face contorted with disbelief and anger. “I can’t believe this… Miss Mary did this?” His words came out as an incredulous whisper before escalating into a shout. He held up the photograph as though it might burn him. A look of disgust mixed with anger washed through him.“You know Mary?!” Laura’s voice rose in pitch, fueled by equal parts confusion and dread. Without thinking, she grabbed Jerry’s shirt, pulling him close in a frantic gesture that almost seemed like
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"Glad to meet you once more!" Laura exclaimed in great excitement and utter surprise as she rushed out of the room for a better look. She was beautiful, having bright almond-shaped eyes that told secret stories.A slim and moderately tall girl, she carried herself with a kind of elegance that seemed almost too sophisticated for someone of her station. Her hair fell into a short bob that made her neck perfect, and her bright, flawless skin gave her a glow. "Oh my! Laura!" the lady exclaimed as they rushed to one another for a warm embrace. "I can't really believe that I can find you here!" Laura said, stepping back slightly to view the features of the woman, as if to verify that the person whom she was seeing was indeed her.“You work here? For Fred?” Her tone was incredulous, as though trying to piece together how their worlds had crossed paths again.“Yes, Miss Laura,” the woman responded, her smile as bright as ever. “After I got fired from the company, I bumped into Mr. Fred on
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“Well, look who’s here!” Fred's voice was deep and thundered as it sounded through the dining room, dripping with mockery he stepped into the room. His tall structure spread in the hallway, a figure that seemed to draw every drop of air in the room. The crisply cut lines of his fitted shirt completed the imposing aura he bore, and his sharply carved features set a mocking, authoritative expression. Laura froze mid-bite, the piece of chicken slipped from her fingers back onto her plate. Her body stiffened as if caught in an act of wrongdoing, her momentary comfort shattered like glass under the weight of his presence.Fred’s piercing gaze landed on her, making her feel like an uninvited guest rather than someone seeking refuge. Laura's heart raced in her chest. The blood rushed to her cheeks as she battled to compose herself, wishing she could disappear from his sight.His polished shoes clacked against the hardwood floor as he strolled to the table, with every step of his movement
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Jerry, who had been trying to maintain peace, finally lost his composure. His patience snapped. The scratchy noise of his chair against the marble floor reverberated around the room. He stood there, clenched his fists tightly by his side, and looked most disappointed.“Fred! It’s enough! What’s going on?” Jerry’s voice broke the silence, sharp and commanding. He pushed the table away with an angry shove, stepping back, as though trying to distance himself from the chaos that had overtaken the night. His heart raced, a mix of exasperation and concern for what was unfolding.Fred, unfazed by the outburst, turned to Jerry with a smirk, his face twisted with a dangerous blend of anger and amusement. “Tell your little friend to mind her business around here!” he shot back, his words dripped with condescension. Fred’s eyes flicked towards Laura, who stood off to the side, clearly uncomfortable, but Fred’s cruel intentions were evident. This wasn’t just a disagreement; it was a power pla
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More light fell on the room from the bedside lamp casting soft amber light across the walls. "Laura?" Said a voice from outside the door as it made them startle. The soft, hesitant voice from the doorway cut through the quiet tension in the room like a blade, and both Laura and Jerry froze. They glanced at each other instinctively, the unspoken understanding between them prompted immediate action. Laura straightened her posture and brushed invisible creases from her blouse, while Jerry shifted on the bed, leaning back with an air of nonchalance that didn't quite match the flicker of unease in his eyes. Their hurried movements betrayed their surprise, the casualness they tried to project not entirely convincing. Laura's heart raced as she turned her head towards the door, her breath hitched slightly. The closeness they'd been wrapped in just moments ago shattered as reality intruded with a firm knock, accompanied by a familiar voice. "Laura... please, can I come in?" Hel
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The sound of heavy footsteps approached the door, each one echoed ominously in the quiet hall. Laura’s heart pounded as she found herself face to face with Fred, his piercing blue eyes glinting with a hint of arrogance. She instinctively tightened her grip on the door.“I asked you, what do you want?!” She snapped, her voice was sharp and sliced through the tension like a blade. Her tone rose with a defensive edge, each word fortified by a mix of anger and exasperation. Her movements were deliberate, a subtle declaration of power and control, though her hands trembled slightly at her sides, betraying the storm raging within her.Fred stood his ground, his tall frame blocking out the light from the hallway behind him. “Laura… wait,” he said, lifting his hands as if to calm her. “I’m here for peace. Just listen to what I have to say.” His voice carried a hint of desperation, though his expression remained as smug as ever.Laura didn’t move. She wasn’t one to let herself be swayed by Fr
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Laura, who buried her head in her hands and trembled with silent sobs, lived through an agonizingly long moment in the room heavy with tension. Jerry, always around to help her, sat beside her with a gentle hand resting on her shoulder. “We’ll figure it out,” he promised, his voice steady but strained. He wanted to believe his own words but really couldn't help the gnawing uncertainty. How could they possibly make things right? How could he bring justice to Laura without plunging her further into despair?.Jerry stood, pacing the cramped room as helplessness washed over him. The walls seemed to close in, reflecting his frustration. Justice wasn’t just an option, it was a necessity. The consequences of Mary’s actions had to be faced by her. Her move of destruction was more than an act of vandalism. It had been an invasion of Laura's dignity, her sanctuary, and peace of mind.Laura's weeping became quieter across the room, and she shook her shoulders in grief.The echo of Mr. Tim’s s
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Jerry realized he wasn’t feeling Laura’s hand against his anymore. At that time, as he responded sharply, awareness jolted through him like a rising pulse. His darted gaze searched through the room beyond him and his breath seized when he sighted her.At that moment, she was not where she should be, which was next to him. Instead, she was crouched on the floor with Fred, their hands overlapping on her phone as if frozen in time, their gazes locked in an inexplicable connection.The sight unsettled him; it was completely unexpected.“Laura, what are you doing?” Jerry’s voice, low and steady, carried a sharp edge, jealousy unmistakably woven into his tone. He strode toward them, his movements brisk, as if compelled by something primal.His voice sliced through the quiet like a knife, breaking into a strange stillness. Laura blinked, surprised, as though just awakening from a dream.Her cheeks flushed, and she instinctively pulled her hand away, snatching her phone from the floor with tr
Last Updated : 2024-12-10
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A puny cry gave its echo through the corridor of the hospital, sharp against the heavy silence, as a sudden sprinkle of light in the darkness. Short, yet long enough to create a ripple of emotion in the waiting room.Fred raised his head, his eyes wide in disbelief. "What... was that...?".Helen gave a gasp and within a moment her hand flew to her mouth, and her eyes were filled with tears. "Oh my God, that’s the baby! That’s Laura’s baby!" Jerry sprang up from his seat, almost toppling his chair. "She did it!”. “She really did it!".And for a moment in Presbyterian Hospital, time came to a screeching halt. The coldness of the white corridors was stifled with raw, unfettered emotion. Fred, Jerry, and Helen stood utterly still, their hearts thumping, while the set of double doors at the end of the hallway held their attention.With that, the doors flung wide open, and the doctor emerged, his face blissfully lit up with joy and pride. Tension snapped in an instant."Congratulations!" h
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The sky was deep gray when Fred, Jerry, and Helen reached the hospital. The car with headlights sped through darkening spaces, spilling brassy rays onto the glimmering glass entrance of the hospital. As he screeched his tires, Jerry drove the car to an abrupt stop. "Here!”. “We are here!" shouted Jerry as he jumped from the car, running to the rear door. Fred held Laura in his arms, a mask of horror and concern.“Hold on, Laura. Just a little more”. "We are at the hospital," said Fred, hopeful, his voice straining, almost breaking under the burden of panic. Laura wrung her face as she shed tears. "It hurts… Fred… it hurts so badly… I can't...". A voice trampled by agony held in her throbbing, swollen tummy.Moments to spare, Helen dashed toward the hospital entrance and shoved open the glass doors. The sound of her voice arched in desperation through the reception area as she yelled, “We need help here! She’s in labour!”.Responding instantly, two nurses sprinted down from behind the
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A soft golden sunlight fell across the driveway, bathing it beautifully as Fred's car gently rolled to a stop in front of the house. The trip from Laura's family house was quiet, really quiet, as though it spoke volumes in silence. Fragments of thoughts inhabited Fred and Laura, offering their thinking as they were trying to build a new life and future together. Fred turned his face toward Laura and noticed that her expression was calm and almost radiant. With one hand resting on her bulging belly, she was a silent but very potent reminder of the new starts ahead of them."Home sweet home," Fred said tenderly, with an affectionate smile as he turned toward her. Laura gazed in return, lips curling in a gentle smile of her own; though there was a sparkle in her eyes, one of wonder, hope, and just a hint of nervousness. "It feels... different now. More real." Fred gave her hand a squeeze before going on to add, "We will make it our home together."Out of the car they stepped, with warm a
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The soft morning sun filtered gently through the curtains; it fell into the bedroom with a mellow light. It warmed the tumbled sheets and stillness of the room, bathing everything in gold, in a hush. Fred stirred first to awaken slowly from the very deep slumber that had followed yesterday's clutch of emotions and celebration. When his eyes fluttered open to adjust to the sweet light, the first thing that came into sight was Laura.She looked serene, her features were calm and composed, yet some signs of fatigue hung heavily on her features. The previous day's joyful nerves, tears, and chuckles left nothing for her to hide under the restful appearance of sleep. Somehow, Fred could tell that the day had not been easy for Laura, physically and perhaps even more emotionally. He gazed at her for an unusually long moment, physically taking in her look, he had now possessed her as a wife, a woman who carried his child.He reached out gently and brushed Laura’s cheek. The gesture was silent,
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Jerry smoothly navigated the car into Fred's driveway; the tires barely made a sound crunching on the gravel under the soft evening light. At the gate, the security guard immediately recognized the newlyweds. With his face glowing with happiness, he quickly jogged towards the vehicle; his accession was respectful and yet openly thrilling."Congratulations, Mr. Fred, Miss Laura," he greeted them sincerely and graciously opened the car door with a courtly bow from the others. "It is an honor to welcome you home as husband and wife."Fred was the first to alight from the car; his movements were slow and deliberate. He turned towards Laura and extended his hand as she reached out and placed two fingers gingerly into his. As she stepped out of the car, indirectly from the porch light, that soft glow bathed her face, capturing those quiet, lovely smiles. Behind them, Helen and Jerry walked out of the car and gazed at each other, sharing a silent happiness reflected in their eyes.With a voi
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Gasps rippled through the crowd, like waves crashing upon a still shore. Slowly, every head turned towards that sudden sound coming from the road. A hushed silence draped over the ceremony. Laura's breath stuck in her throat as the doors of the first vehicle flung open.Thomas stepped out first, calm and composed, and next to him was Maggie, her face unreadable. It was the second car that stole the moment. The doors opened, and three figures stepped out that Laura hadn't seen for what felt like forever: Sarah, Linda, Rose and Mary. Time seemed to halt. Every eye widened in disbelief. As if that weren't enough, Mr. Tim followed behind them, walking steadily. Then came the sheriff, his presence commanding even in silence.Laura felt her knees weaken. Her fingers clutched at Fred's arm for support. Her voice trembled as it slipped from her lips in a whisper only he could hear."Fred... who invited them? Linda and Mary... what are they doing here?". Fred's eyes were narrowed and confusio
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The early sun caused a golden glare over the town, still sleeping against the softly glowing rays indicating the heaviness of that day. In her own little cozy bedroom, Laura stood at the window while a gentle breeze curled the curtains. She held her phone to her ear, while the presence of flutters in her chest showed excitement.And then his soft, warm voice fluttered in on the line. "Good morning, my love. I hope you slept well.""Yes," Laura replied, twirling a strand of hair between her fingers shyly, "though not without dreaming about today." A gentle chuckle came through the phone. "Guess what," continued Fred. "The event planner is on her way with everything you need: shoes, dress, and a few little extra touches." For a moment, her heart skipped a beat, dissolving into gales of giggles while she shook her head and pressed her fingers to her lips. "Fred, I cannot wait to see you"! She declared with all the joy she could muster."Same goes, beautiful; I want our day to be that p
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-SEVEN: THE CALM BEFORE THE VOW.
Thomas picked up the call after a few rings, his voice calm but laced with curiosity. "Fred? What's up? Been a minute." Fred did not answer immediately. His eyes strayed towards Laura, who sat at the edge of their bed, fingers knotted together tightly, nervously. The evening light softened through the curtains, catching the shiny anxiousness in her eyes. On the call, Fred could hear possible laughter, a comical chuckle of Maggie's blended with Jack's lighthearted voice. It painted a picture of peace, a home filled with warmth and healing. The sound stirred something in him. Was it guilt? Regret? He couldn't name it, but it was heavy inside his chest. Fred tried to focus, coughing in an attempt to clear his voice. He reckoned: "I know it's all so sudden." "But Laura and I are getting married... in a few hours”. “Monday morning. Rockaway Beach." There was a pause at the other end. Not static, not silence, just a long moment that tied emotions in the quiet. "What?" Finally came from
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-SIX: ARMS THAT WAITED YEARS.
Time unraveled, his breath slightly impeded, and his chest suddenly tightened with the apparent new stiffness of the atmosphere. For a split second, his legs were rigid and would not allow him to advance. The reverse of time seemed to be in action. Unending photographs flashed through his mind: dusty photo albums, grainy pictures taken in hospitals, the gentle voice of his parents telling bedtime tales, and the image of a woman who had become a treasured legend enshrined in the folds of memory. No, surely, not. It could not have been her. But the contrary was undeniably true. Years had conspired to inscribe their stories on her skin; once dark hair turned lustrously silver, but her eyes had remained constant. Kind and wise, Fred had never forgotten them. Even if time had sculpted her features, everything those eyes stood for was untouched. An agonizing heartbeat followed, and he took a step in her direction. There was another woman beside her, probably her daughter. The family rese
