Forever Mine (Joe & Ella 2)

He nodded with what looked like relief and sat down in the chair opposite me before going to stand up again and saying, “Sorry, I should have asked first before sitting down, I didn’t mean to be rude.”

“Don’t be silly, sit down. I’m on my own anyway.” I smiled at him hoping to put him at ease, he seemed so nervous for some reason.

“So what’s it been, eight, ten years maybe?” He put his coffee cup down in front of him and I noticed his hands were shaking slightly. Maybe it was a health thing.

“Something like that.” I replied. “How are you? How are your parents? What are you up to now?”

He shook his head and gave a quiet laugh.

“I’m doing good, great really. Mum and Dad are still living in the same house not far from your Nan. I’ve just moved into one of those houses on the new estate just outside of town.”

“Oh right, do you work local?” He seemed to be calming down a bit now. He must have been relieved I was being chatty and keeping the conversation flowing.

“I’m based at the local surgery just down the road. I’m a doctor now Ella, a GP.”

Oh no, not another narcissistic doctor was my first thought, before I looked up into Simon’s gentle face and realised this man in front of me could never be accused of being narcissistic.

Simon Tate had been in my class at school from the age of four until we left at sixteen. I had gone to the college outside of the town, desperate to get away from my little country roots, but he had stayed on at sixth form. It had obviously done him good, he was now the local doctor and was certainly doing well for himself if he could afford to buy a new build like the ones I’d seen on my drive over to Nan’s yesterday.

Nan had always had a soft spot for Simon. Probably because of that I had always hated him. He used to follow me around like a puppy in primary school, never quite finding his own group of friends. Then when we joined the local high school I made a point to always be stand offish with him, because he just always seemed to be where ever I was. He wasn’t a bad guy, he was just one of those hangers on. A few of my friends had fancied him in high school, and asked him out but he always said no. I was convinced he was gay and I told Nan on more than one occasion but she wouldn’t hear it.

“I’m pleased for you Simon,” I said and I meant it. “All your hard work paid off.”

He smiled looking down into his coffee as he stirred it absent mindedly.

“So what brings you back here Ella? Your Nan said you were settled in the big smoke and ruling the advertising scene up there.”

“Hardly!” I sighed. “The city is great, but I do miss this place, how everyone looks out for each other. It’s a good community down here, it feels…safe.”

He nodded, “There’s always someone to watch out for you down here.”

I didn’t mind the safety, but the ‘watching’ made me wary. I’d had enough of stalkers lately.

“How long are you here for? Maybe we could catch up one evening? That’s if you wanted to, I mean I’m not coming on to you or anything…please don’t think I’m being a creep or …”

“It’s okay Simon stop worrying and yes I’d love to catch up. I’m staying at Nan’s for a while so pop over anytime. I’d give you my mobile number but I’m between phones at the moment.”

“Oh right, well that’s great. I’ll do that then Ella.”

He stood up his nerves now back in full force as he hesitated on whether to shake my hand or just walk away. I decided to put him at ease and I stood up and went round the small table before pulling him in for a small hug and a kiss on the cheek. He turned bright red and it made me feel suddenly protective of him. He was one of life’s good guys and I had treated him terribly in my childhood. I’d have to make amends now, I decided. Time to right some wrongs.

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; 4

“I met Simon Tate when I was out shopping today. He’s a G.P now did you know that Nan?”

“I’d been meaning to tell you that last time I phoned you Ella. I bumped into his Mam at the farmers’ market last month and she said he was working in the town. He’s just brought a four bedroom detached house on the new estate that’s being built. He’s doing ever so well for himself and no wife or girlfriend either!”

I knew what she was getting at.

“Don’t start that Nan, I’m not going to start dating Simon Tate. He’s not my type and never has been.”

“What? Handsome, wealthy, clever and kind not your type? What sort of Granddaughter have I raised?”

“One that can make up her own mind.” I snapped back but it was all in good sport. Nan and I had always disagreed about Simon Tate.

“He’s always loved you Ella, even when you were both in nappies and he’d toddle round after you at the local community centre play group.”