English Stories

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English Short Story - Dear Jack - Page 3

ALTHOUGH they had split up nearly 30 years ago, Jack had never forgotten Suzanne, she had been his first love. He had never made any attempt to contact her after the break-up, but had always hoped that they might bump into each other one day.  Now, that wouldn’t happen and he was devastated. He slumped against a wall and started to cry, slowly at first but then uncontrollably.

Hesitantly, Maggie put a hand on Jack’s shoulders in an effort to subdue his sobbing.

“I loved her, I truly did,” he gasped.

They stood there in silence for a few minutes before Maggie produced a pen and a piece of paper and scribbled on it.

“Look, I’ve got to get back inside. Here’s my number, ring me.”

THEY met up a couple of days later for coffee and as soon as they sat down Maggie explained that Suzanne had died from a brain tumour.

There was no denying that, just like her mother, Maggie was a captivating presence. As they talked Jack was transfixed  by her beautiful face and beguiling brown eyes.

He quizzed Maggie about her mother, trying to build up a picture of how her life had evolved but she wasn’t giving much away.

“Was she happy, you know, before her illness?” asked Jack.

“Yes, I think so.”

“I’m so glad, I wished it had been me who made her happy but that just wasn’t to be. Her husband, your father, was he there with her when she….”

Maggie looked at her watch. “I’m sorry, I’ve got to go.”

Jack took hold of her hand. “Maggie, could I see you again?”

“I don’t know.” She looked anxious.

“I know I’m a complete stranger but it would mean so much. Your mum was very, very special to me and there’s so much more I want to know. It will help me to come to terms with her death.”

“But you hadn’t seen each other for years, she was a different woman to the one you knew,” said Maggie.

“Then let me learn about that woman.”

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