Chapter Six
As weeks became months Harry and I grew to be inseparable. We joined Sophie and Chris on double dates. Harry disguising himself so that he wouldn’t be recognized. He sent flowers to the boutique or my apartment every day. Calling me regularly to make sure that I was alright.
I finally met his sister Rebecca and his parents. Joining them for family meals in their wing at the estate. They were a wonderful family, and I quickly became friends with Rebecca. Often meeting her for lunch in the city so that she could tell me about the latest date that she had been on.
Yet still we hadn’t been intimate. Harry always seemed to shy away whenever we got too close and I was beginning to wonder if he didn’t find me physically attractive. It prayed on my mind when I was in the silence of my own apartment. Pondering about what I could possibly be doing wrong.
When I was with Harry I always ensured that I was wearing my best clothes. And he had lavished me with gifts since we had begun our relationship. Though I kept objecting profusely, there was always a package hidden somewhere for me to find. A new dress or a piece of jewellery.
For the first time in my life I was being treat like a princess. Even so, it sometimes felt as if Harry was pushing me away. That there was something on his mind but he couldn’t find the words to tell me what was wrong.
It was on one such night while being driven home by Frank that my mind began to wander. Considering Harry’s final kiss before I had left him. As always it had been gentle and tender at first. Heightening with our passion.
Then suddenly he had broken his embrace. Stepping away with a sheepish look. I had made a hasty retreat, feeling awkward as I climbed into the limo. I couldn’t understand why Harry had reacted like that. As though he couldn’t allow his emotions to envelope him for some reason.
“Excuse me Miss Clarissa,” Frank said softly.
“Yes Frank,” I answered curiously.
“You seem a little sad this evening if I may be so bold,” he continued cautiously.
“I am just thinking about something Frank. I’m fine, thank you.”
After a slight pause Frank gave a small cough. I looked at him with a frown, growing more and more concerned.
“Was it Mr Forester that you were thinking of Miss?”
“Yes it was. Why do you ask?”
“I am going to speaking out of turn. But I feel it is my duty to do so when I see the sadness and worry in your eyes,” Frank said firmly.
“What is it Frank?”
“Mr Forester is ill. He has confided in me, I am the only one who knows the truth. I have kept his secret for over a year now. But I can see how much this pains you. The fact that he is reluctant to get too close.”
My eyes filled with tears. My breath caught in my throat as I waited in silence for Frank to continue.
“He does love you Miss. But he is afraid to give in to his feelings. You see Mr Forester needs an operation. But he may not survive as he has a rare blood group. The doctors have told him that the problem will only get the worse the longer it is left but he is obviously scared. So he is pushing people away in case the worse happens, in a vain attempt to try and protect them. Not even his parents or Rebecca know what is wrong,” Frank explained.
“Oh my goodness Frank. And you have had to keep silent for a year,” I replied stunned.
“I had to tell you Miss. I have the seen how you look at each other. With so much love. Maybe you are the one that can persuade him into having the operation that could save his life,” he ended.
With tears streaming down my cheeks I thanked Frank for telling me the truth. Assuring him that I would do my best to convince Harry to do the right thing. Not just for himself, but also his family. They deserved to know the truth so that they could be there to offer their support.
I threw myself onto the bed. Weeping into the pillow, uncaring about the smears of makeup that I left behind. Hearing that Harry was ill caused my heart to ache. Knowing that the operation could kill or cure him creating turmoil within me.
Although it pained me to consider, I had made a promise to Frank that I would try. Hoping that I could convince Harry into having the surgery. While ensuring that his family were also told of what was happening.
Realizing that I could lose Harry, so soon after meeting him filled me with fear. But now I had to be the strong one. To put aside my own feelings so that I could be supportive to the man that I loved.