Weighing it Up

Slow autumn light stumbled through the curtains across Stella’s wrinkled features – signalling decision time. Should she stay or should she go? Through the tenebrous hours she had been weighing up her options. She turned into the magnet of Eddie’s warmth observing his breath rising and falling, sleep enveloping every familiar feature whilst she lay shrouded in her regular insomnia. She laid her hand across his back and sunk into a few more precious moments beside him before she began today’s leap of faith.

She had met Charles at work. He had come with his team to present to the board. By the time they won the contract, Charles had insinuated himself into Stella’s life. She had not been looking for love but after that first heady evening together she had not been hard to reel in. They fell into an easy habit with one another and the year had begun to slip away when he startled her.

“When I’m with you Stella, my life feels complete, stay with me, come and live with me”
He had reached for her, gently covering her hand and brushing it with his lips
“I love you” and as he pulled her close and held her tightly she whispered, realising, that it was true
“And I love you too Charles”

She pulsed with desire for this striking man with the velvet voice. His words vibrated through her. But all along there had been Eddie. Handsome, loyal, gorgeous Eddie, who always stood by her. How could she choose?

Charles knew about Eddie and despite the living arrangements did not consider him a serious rival but Eddie can only have guessed about Charles from Stella’s long absences. When Stella was home he silently inveigled himself into her affection with ease. He wriggled into Stella’s arms and she stroked his head, embracing him as if nothing could possibly change their close bond.

Stella pulled back the bedclothes preparing to rise and Eddie stirred. She swallowed and sighed. The maelstrom in the pit of her stomach raged as she picked up the phone beside the bed. Eddie was suddenly very awake, his sage coloured eyes expectant. She replaced the receiver.

“Eddie…I have to talk to you”

They looked at each other for a moment and Stella’s heart melted. She couldn’t leave Eddie, what had she been thinking? She would have to break it off with Charles. She got out of bed and with the relief of having made a decision smiled at Eddie. He wrapped himself around her legs purring as his tail caressed her. He had no regrets, if sensitivity to cats was a deal breaker for Charles, so be it - after all faint heart never won fair lady!