Chapter 1 part 1 of 3

Chapter 3 part 1 of 3

"Tessie, you still there love; I think the screen has frozen. I can't hear you and you're not moving – I hate these bloody machines."

"I'm still here Nora, the connection is fine. Is there anyone home with you Nora?"

"Yes, Becky's here. You remember Becky, Owen's wife? Why do you ask? Where's Mark?"

"I don't know how to say this"

"Tessie, what is it? Just spit it out for Pete sake!"

"It's Mark..."

"What about Mark... - He hasn't left you, has he?"

Tessie bit the inside of her cheek, she knew Mark leaving her would be something Nora would revel in. 'Yes Mark has left me, but not in the way you're thinking.' A deep sigh escaped tight lips.

"Mark's dead Nora. He died this evening."

"WHAT! What did you just say?" asked Nora, jumping to her feet.

"Mark was in a car accident and died today." A single tear fell rolling over her cheek, and came to rest at the corner of her mouth.

"Oh My God! No, no, no, no, it can't be true" Tessie watched as Nora span as if trying to screw herself to the floor, before collapsing in front of the screen, Screeching at the top of her lungs. The haunted shrill left her lips; a sound so piercing it hurt Tessie's ears. She could see Becky rushing into the room to find out what happened. Nora was lying on the floor in the foetal position rocking. Becky crouched over Nora asking her to tell her what happened. Getting no sense from Nora, she approached the screen.

"Can you tell me what's going on?" She asked.

"You'd better call Owen. Mark passed away this evening. I think his mother is going to need him home as soon as possible."

"Oh MY GOD, I'm really sorry Tess. This couldn't have been easy for you. Leave it to me, I'll take over from here, and get Owen to call you when he gets in."

"Thanks Becky."

Tessie signed off. 'That went well,' she thought sarcastically 'What a fucking day, when will it end. It just seems to be getting harder and harder. I need another drink.' With that thought in mind Tessie headed for another glass of whiskey.

"How did it go?" asked Binny

"How do you think it went? I've just given that woman the worst news of her life. She took it frigging hard."

"Well, that's only to be expected, he was her golden boy."

"He was everyone's golden boy. How's that list going?" the timber of Tessie's voice appeared emotionless, and cold to her own ears.

"I'm nearly done. I hope you don't mind, Tess, I called my parents and told them what happened while you were on Skype with Nora. Mum said she is coming and she'll be here tomorrow." Binny shifted in her seat uncomfortably with this hollow Tessie. Wishing she knew how to comfort her friend, her mother couldn't get here soon enough for her liking.

"It will be nice to have her here. I need someone to make a fuss over me..."

"What'd you mean? So what have I been doing for the past 4 hours?" she asked with a dejected expression.

"You know what I mean Bins – you don't have her bosoms and I need a mother's comfort." she said. Morose Tessie continued "I'm scared Bins - how will my life be without him?"

Binny walked across the room to her friend and put her arm around her. "Things will work themselves out love, you'll see. It's going to take time, that's all. Err, who ain't got bosoms? How's my lack of bosoms doing so far?"

Tessie stared up at Binny. 'Is she for real!' Binny saw the look in Tessie's eyes and knew what she was thinking. The side of Binny's lips began to twitch. Then they both laughed.

She pulled away from Binny saying. "Bin's you are so conceited – your bosoms are fine, just not mumsy; more porny." that said, Tessie looked round for a means of escape – too late, Binny lunged forward and both women collapsed on the sofa laughing. Tessie's laughter soon turned to tears again. "Oh Tess, it will be alright. You won't be alone, you got me. You're a Kapoor now," she said, concealing her own tears. She cradled Tessie in her arms and rocked her until they fell asleep.

The pins and needles in Binny arms woke her, and she realized they were still on the sofa. Although she didn't want to, she woke Tessie telling her she would stay over and sleep in the spare room but Tessie should go to bed. She led Tessie to the bedroom. She was still in her robe. "I'll get your night things."

"It okay Bins, I can take it from here, you go and get some sleep."

"Are you sure?"

"I'll be fine, I have put myself to bed before."

"Okay, Miss testy, I'll see you in the morning." Binny turned to leave the room.

"Bins... Goodnight. Thank you."

She walked over to Tessie and gave her a kiss on the cheek "Goodnight Tess, love." She left Tessie alone in her bedroom. Tessie walked over to the linen basket and removed one of Mark's used shirts. She put it to her nose breathes in deeply. Her nose is filled with his scent, she could almost feel him. Quickly stepping out of her robe she put on the T-shirt, pulling the neck up over her nose. Opening one of her drawers she took out a pair of knickers slipping them on. She got into bed on Mark's side. She buried her face into his pillow, breathing him in, then cried herself to sleep.