Body of Water by Stuart Wakefield Read Free Book Online Page B

run through me. I finished my shower, dried myself, and wrapped a towel around my waist before opening the door.
    "Why are you here, Beth?"
    "Because you need a friend and I haven't been much of one."
    "We haven't spoken in over two years and you've made no attempt to contact me. Why are you here?"
    "How do you feel about a workout? Mummy's trainer is gorgeous. I think you'd make a good match."
    "I'm not interested in him and you know why."
    "Shaun isn't coming back."
    "Why not? Where has he gone?"
    "Please don't ask me to tell you. I can't say, but he isn't coming back. You have to face that."
    "I'm tired of facing stuff. I've faced stuff all my life. Right now, I need a little dream time."
    "Mummy's trainer is dreamy."
    "Pack it in, OK? What's going on?"
    She bit her bottom lip. "He's married."
    "What?" I wiped wet hair from my brow, not really hearing her.
    Her eyes darted nervously around the room then cleared her throat. "Shaun. Shaun is married. I didn't quite know how to tell you but I knew I had to."
    My mouth dried out in a second and I struggled to speak. "When?"
    "June. I'm so sorry."
    I clenched my fists, feeling my nails dig into my skin. "I don't believe it. I don't fucking believe it!"
    Beth squeezed her eyes shut and twisted her hands together. She started to babble. "His rugby scholarship didn't work out. Daddy was furious and demanded that he join the army. He met this girl and-"
    I didn't want the details. I didn't care. "I've been locked away, grieving for Mum, pining for him, and he's off playing soldiers and fucking some bird."
    "He's not happy." She looked scared of me, ready to run.
    "Is that supposed to make me feel better? Knowing that the first guy I ever really cared about, and who I thought cared about me, has quite happily fucked off and left me behind? Where's my fucking wedding ring?"
    Her face flushed. "You're talking about my brother."
    "Your brother is a coward. Oh yeah, big hero on the rugby field but a pussy at home - terrified of Daddy. And as for that sack of shit, I hope he rots in hell. Shaun needs to grow a fucking backbone and face up to his sexuality. If he doesn't want me then fair enough but at least have the guts to accept the fact that he likes a cock in his gob."
    "I can't listen to this. You're my best friend and he's my brother. I can't be in the middle."
    "Best friend? We've been in each other's company for a couple of days and suddenly we're best friends? What kind of friend doesn't talk to her friend after seeing him thrown out of her house? What kind of friend does that? You are in the middle, Beth, but you chose not to take sides in this."
    "Are you asking me to choose?" Her voice was hot now.
    "You do what you have to do. I'm not going to ask you anything. I was fine before you and I'll be fine after you."
    She gathered up her things and stormed towards the front door. "You can be such a... wanker! Go fuck yourself, Leven, but I guess that's all you'll ever get to do while you're locked up in this bloody tomb."
    And she was gone.
    We didn't speak for days. I holed myself away at home, refusing to go out or to see anyone. Not that anyone was breaking down the door to see me. I hadn't had a telephone call or email in months. Even cold callers had given up on me. Part of me was quite happy with that but the other part, the part that had been so happy to see Beth again after all this time, thumped dully in my gut.
    I felt creepy doing it but I watched her house closely during that time, taking careful notice of when she jogged down the front steps and ran up the road towards the park.
    Steeling myself one morning I pulled on my running gear and waited for her to leave. I gave her a five minute start and then followed in her direction.
    I wasn't as fit as I had been and struggled to reach the top of the hill. As I gasped for breath, doubled over with my hands on my knees, I heard her voice beside me.
    "I choose you."
    I burst into tears and crouched down.
    Beth patted my