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Fly Away – Chapter 4
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Later that afternoon when Eric finally arrived home, Tina was still feeling keyed-up and nervy after her encounter with Bette. She greeted Eric as usual, a kiss on his cheek and a query about how his day had gone.
“Fine. Nothing out of the ordinary.” He scrutinized Tina’s face. “You look different. Did you catch the sun?” Realizing what he’d just asked he stammered an apology.
“No, it’s okay,” Tina said, forcing a smile. “I did go out today, actually. I guess my sunburn hasn’t faded yet.”
Eric raised an eyebrow, his manner tentative. “You went out? Where?”
“Nowhere. I mean, just out in the yard for a bit. I wanted to look at the herb garden and the roses. There were some weeds that –”
Tina was caught off guard as Eric gave her a spontaneous hug. “I’m so glad,” he said, his voice muffled by her hair. Tina froze, unused to physical contact like this. Then she pulled back.
“It’s no big deal,” she said, looking down at the floor.
Eric lifted her chin so she was looking at him. “It is, Tina.”
She looked away, uncomfortable, and Eric dropped his hand.
“I met someone,” Tina added.
“Who?”
“Our new neighbor, from across the street,” Tina said, the words falling out in a rush. “Her name is Bette. Bette Porter. Very pretty. Nice. She came over and introduced herself. Asked me if I wanted to come to her housewarming party.” Tina paused for breath. “And I said no.”
Eric gave her a rueful smile.
“What?” Tina asked.
“I think that’s the most you’ve said in one go in months.”
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would be interesting to hear from bette pov as well. enjoyed reading the story so far. thanks.
I just caught up with this story – heartbreaking. I imagine there can be no greater pain than losing a child, especially one you haven’t had a chance to know. Tina’s deep sense of despair is so well written that I felt the tears well up with each chapter. Three months is no time in this grieving process and I’m so thankful she’s found Bette. On a side note – as wonderful as Eric seems in attending to Tina, he clearly has no clue that these experiences can not be ‘moved on’ from. I suspect he is finding comfort elsewhere, which will be another blow for Tina. Well done! Your writing has me well and truly captivated! PPVVS.
i really hoped tina would bite the bullet and go accross the street… and i have a bad feeling to about eric… even thou he is trying to be the good husband… i also think he has his eyes on another… thats when tina will probably run over to bette’s… like she has said… she doesn’t have any good friends of her own… good job… pps
Like socal and AmandaMG I think Eric is stepping out or at least considering it. I know from personal experience that when you cut yourself off from the outside world it isn’t easy to just jump right back in. I still have moments where I’m sure I come across as being socially awkward. The casserole idea is far better at this time than going to a loud party. But Tina should be the one to take it to Bette. :)
It is just breaking my heart to see Tina this way, she is so sad and broken and women never get over the loss of a child, the pain lessens, but never entirely goes away. You always wonder what that child would have been like, anthing like her/his siblings, if there are any. Eric, for all his good intentions, will never understand and he doesn’t understand that he is losing Tina day by day. I was so hoping that she would have ventured across the street to Bette’s house. Maybe she will go outside again and hopefully encounter Bette once again. Hopefully she will make that casserole that she mentioned, Bette would surely love it. I don’t think Eric is too optomistic about their marriage either, maybe, he has found a new love and is just waiting to for the appropriate moment to tell Tina that he wants out. I’m just waiting for that moment because I know it’s coming. Thanks for posting.
Really well written with great poignancy and sensitivity. Tina is really hard to reach and w/her refusal to see a professional for an extended period of time, it doesn’t seem to portend a happy ending for them. Bette was like this when Tina miscarried on the show. Eric is trying to be considerate but it seems as if they had problems before the loss of the baby.
The story is great just sad to see Tina like this. I know you will fix it and I am stucked with it. PPVS
This is a story of angst. Somehow, those tiny rays of sunshine seem to peering out from the black cloud as Tina starts reconnecting back to the real world by becoming friends with her new neighbor. Very interesting start. I can feel this becoming a story of “a flower blossoming” or a “caterpillar turninig into a beautiful butterfly.” Nice job!
I am sniffling for Tina. Her despair is just eating her up.
This is an interesting, well-written story. Thanks for posting.
What a heart-wrenching story, but so beautifully written. Thanks for posting. I do wonder how long Eric will be the doting husband?
Excellent thank you. It’s heartbreaking for Tina but she does need to go thru the process. Thank you.
Maybe there is hope after all.
Sad but verry intersting start .I m shure,that Bette and her friends will help Tina.
Just found this so I had the pleasure of reading the four chapters together. I read everything you post- your writing is lovely. This one is very gripping, if painful. I like Eric, he seems clumsey but sincere- just not perhaps the one who can help Tina?
this is great- really enjoying as i have with your other tales. looking forward to more!