Chapter 6: Don't Say Never
Chapter 6:
Sheridan awoke abruptly from another one of her vivid flashbacks of the night she lost Luis’ trust and perhaps his love. She wanted so desperately to turn back the hands of time and erase that night from her mind. She still hadn’t pieced together everything that had happened that night. She had asked Hank what exactly occurred and he said boldly that they had slept together. However, Sheridan couldn’t bring herself to even imagine she would kiss Hank let alone sleep with him. She loved Luis with all her heart and Hank was merely a friend.
“Maybe if I try to remember that night instead of trying to block it out, I can piece together, what really happened.”
*Flashback*
After Luis had left for work that beautiful summer day in June, Sheridan had decided to head over to her to the park to get some fresh air. She never expected nor wanted to run into Hank. Sheridan sat quietly on a park bench admiring the beautiful scenery. The water in the duck filled pond seemed to sparkle, as the sun reflected of the water. Harmony had a beauty that paled in comparison to other towns. While she sat she thought about how much she missed Luis. He was always working since he had been promoted to detective. It was starting to put a strain on their marriage. He was hardly around and when he was it felt like the moments passed to quickly.
Sheridan felt neglected and though she hardly expressed these feelings to Luis, she felt that someone he knew. They seemed to know one another very well. Luis had told her that soon enough when things settled down at the police station he would take some much needed time off and whisk her away on a second honeymoon. Sheridan longed for that day, but as the weeks passed, it appeared clear to her that his workload was just as occupying as ever.
Suddenly, out of the blue Hank Bennett spotted Sheridan sitting on a park bench all by herself. A beautiful woman like that shouldn’t be rotting away with Luis, she should be with me, he thought. He walked closer toward Sheridan, but still kept his distance. He watched her closely admiring her beauty from afar. Sheridan turned her head slightly and noticed Hank in the distance waving. She smiled at him, but wished he weren’t here. The last person she wouldn’t to see was Hank. She needed to be alone and think about what to do about her marriage.
“Hey Sheridan. What are you doing all alone at the park?” Hank asked.
“I just wanted to take advantage of this beautiful summer day and go for a walk in the park.” Sheridan said pretending to be cheerful.
“Well do you mind if I join you?” Hank asked smiling at her.
“Sure you can.”
“Listen Sheridan I have been meaning to call you, but I have been off on business.” Hank said, his expression turning serious.
“What about Hank? Is something wrong?” Sheridan said with genuine sympathy.
“No, Sheridan everything’s fine. I just wanted to get together and have lunch. Maybe catch up on what’s been going on here in Harmony, while I was gone.”
“Oh, I see.” Sheridan said.
“I know this is last minute and all, but I was wondering if you would care to join me for dinner tonight.”
“I can’t Hank…” Hank silenced her by placing his index finger on her lips.
“I won’t take no for an answer Sheridan. Ever since Luis got promoted you have been lonely and you need some company, someone to cheer you up.”
“I appreciate the offer Hank, but really I would rather just be alone right now.”
“Come on Sheridan you have to eat. How about I pick up around 7 and we can go to the seascape. It’ll be my treat, come on Sheridan what do you say?” Hank asked hopefully.
“Oh alright.” Sheridan said giving in to Hank’s request.
“Great, I’ll pick you at 7. Well I’d better get going.” Hank said excitedly. He quickly kissed Sheridan on the cheek and smiled.
Then he got up and walked away from Sheridan. A cool breeze began to slice through the air and Sheridan began to quiver. It’s getting cold, I’d better get going.”
Sheridan headed back to her car, not knowing that the events that night would literally destroy her marriage rather than salvage it.
*End of Flashback*
Sheridan looked over the divorce papers she had signed earlier, and bit her lip. We are officially divorced, she said out loud.
“Oh Luis, why won’t you let me explain what happened.” Sheridan began to sob as she clasped her head in her hands.
“If only…I hadn’t…” Sheridan muffled between sobs.
Suddenly, Sheridan started to feel faint. She fell back and landed on the couch. Her mind was reeling as she so desperately tried to recall what happened.
“I must have had too much to drink.”
Sheridan sat down and rested until she regained her strength. I can’t stay in this house, Sheridan though to herself. There are too many memories here. Everything reminds me of Luis. Sheridan stood up and gathered her belongings. She picked up her coat and put it on.
“I have to see him. I have to tell him what really happened.” Sheridan said out loud.
She picked up the manilla envelope containing the divorce papers and starred at it for a moment.
“I am not going to lose you Luis.” She said as she threw the envelope in the fireplace.
She had lit a fire earlier and she watched the fire consume the paper almost instantly. The glowing embers sparkled and the paper was forgotten. All that was left of the only document official stating there divorce was merely a pile of ashes scattered in the fireplace.
“I am not giving up on our marriage, Luis” she said then she thought back to Ethan’s advice so long ago, “Don’t say never.” She headed toward the door and opened it.
She stepped out into the cold
night air and closed the door behind her.
To Be Continued…