Tears At Midnight

By Jane Sharkey

Annie and Jason proceed with their plans and build their future together, now that they believe their threat has been removed. Are they right or is there others out there that refuse to allow them to have a happy ending?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jane Sharkey
• Release date: Sep 8, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301554928

Jane Sharkey

As a single mum of a teenage son and a part time job, writing had always been just a hobby but since i have had positive feedback from friends and other writers i took a short english course and was encouraged to write. i finally built up the courage to go for it, wish me luck.

Book preview

Tears at Midnight

By Jane Sharkey

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2012 by Jane Sharkey

Tears at Midnight

Chapter 1

Jason, are you ready? two minutes Annie, She gazes out of the sliding glass doors and looks across the beach, she is at the location of her wedding which consists of six beautiful villas side by side on a delicious intimate resort in Barcelona, she smiles out at the beach that is private for the six villas, Jason had booked the full resort for their wedding. Annie and Jason up until yesterday had the place to themselves for a week, it’s so beautiful here she calls out to Jason as she slips on her silver flip flops, he emerges from the bedroom suite, dressed in black shorts, bare chested with his damp hair ruffled. Annie glances at him in appreciation, he strolls over to her and kisses her lips, not as beautiful as you Annie grins.

Jason slips on his own flip flops and walks her out of the room, they land straight on to the soft warm sand and look out onto the ocean as they stroll over to their friends who are already settled on the beach, Daniel, is on his knees, patting sand into his bucket whilst Justin, is molding the shapes they have already made on the sand into a castle. Sian is laid flat on her back, dressed in a blue bikini on her pink and yellow striped towel, her skin shining with lotion and her hair bunched up on top of her head in a messy bun, Annie, strolls over, with Jason holding her hand feeling like the luckiest girl alive. It had been 8 months since the drama of her encounter with Mark, her engagement to Jason and her closest friends lives improved by the generosity of her hubby to be, the wedding is all planned, due to take place in just 2 days, she flicks out her white towel next to Sian’s and lays next to her, she’s dressed in a lilac bikini, Jason sits behind her and rubs lotion onto her back and shoulders before he goes to join Justin and Daniel, she lays on her front wraps her hair around itself on top of her head and secures it with a large bobble, she relaxes and lets her mind drift off whilst the warm Early April sun caresses her body.

The stresses of the last 8 months have really dragged her emotions all over the place, between Mark’s trial and the wedding she feels like she hasn’t breathed since July, luckily her Siany has helped a lot with the wedding but the trial caused a lot of upset between her and Jason but they were absolutely elated when Mark got sentenced to six years for attempted murder, ok so it wasn’t long enough but at least now they could get on with their lives, her wounds have left her with only one tiny scar just on her left cheek bone but it’s so tiny that nobody really notices it although her mental scars are still quite raw, Jason’s tender kisses always wash them away whenever her tears fall.

Of course some good news had come in the arrival of her Nephew Cody in November, she had only seen pictures but he is simply adorable and she had vowed to make a trip to Australia on her top five priorities. Babes are you ok? Sian’s voice pulls her from her thoughts, she peeks up at her friend over her sunglasses and grins, Yes Sian I’m fine, thank you, are you? Sian leans over to her friend and brushes a tear from her cheek, Annie hadn’t realized it had fallen but she just smiles at Sian, honestly I’m ok, I was just thinking of things that’s all, Sian pulls her into a Siany hug, promise me you’re ok Annie? I promise Sian, I’m fine I couldn’t be happier right now" Sian, settles back on her towel and resumes her sunbathing.

Annie looks over at Jason, he is helping Daniel refill his bucket and Justin is kissing Sian’s shoulders, she resumes her position and closes her eyes, images of her upcoming wedding flash in her eyes, everything is sorted, they are to be married at sunset in two days on the beach they are on now, their wedding is very small but intimate so when Jason suggested this private beach she jumped at the idea and it couldn’t have been a more perfect location.

Jason and herself have been here for the past week making final arrangements, Sian, Justin and Daniel had arrived yesterday morning, Sian’s parents and her own are arriving in the morning but she is mostly excited to finally meet Jason’s mother, step-father and Little sister who are arriving the next day too, she had spoken to them on the phone and through email but now she would be able to meet them face to face. A little while later Annie feels familiar hands on her rear, she grins over her shoulder and spots Jason caressing her backside, she chuckles shyly and turns herself to face him, he imitates her sulky look and Annie strokes his face then claims his lips, when she releases them she stays just an inch or two away from his beautiful eyes and he kisses her nose, that was mean Annie, I was enjoying myself then, she grins, you can caress it all you like later just not in public she whispers, he grins and continues gazing into her eyes while they are nose to nose on the beach towel.

Approximately an hour later Daniel stands up and toddles over to Sian and sits between her and Justin, he rubs his eyes and cuddles into Sian’s chest, She strokes his golden hair then picks him up, oh baby boy, I guess you’re ready for your nap, Justin helps Sian up on her feet with Daniel in her arms, then turns to Jason, we’re off indoors for a while Jay, we’ll meet you at the restaurant for dinner, 7pm right? Jason grins and nods at Justin then turns his attention back to Annie.

He glances around him, the sun is still high in the sky, their private beach is now theirs alone and he grins over at the Jacuzzi which is designed like a rock pool, complete with its own waterfall, he picks Annie up, she giggles and wriggles in protest but he just silences her with her favorite deep kiss, she wraps her arms around his neck and he walks over to the pool and jumps in with her in his arms, she screams as the cold water soaks her body, he pulls her across the water and ducks under the waterfall with her in his arms. Shielded from Sian and Justin if they happen to peek out of their suite, he lifts her legs around his waist and holds her close up against the back wall of the waterfall, its water splashes into the rock pool behind them and sprays them with cool sprinkles of water, he deepens his kisses and moves his hands to her backside, she chuckles as she enjoys his caresses, he invades her mouth with his tongue and traces it along her lips, she releases her little moan that drives him crazy and he moves aside her bikini bottoms and gently lowers her on to his length, she gasps as he goes deep inside her, he moves one hand to her face and strokes her cheek then runs his fingers through her hair and claims her lips roughly, she allows the waters current to help her bob up and down on him and cries out as her body fills with tremors from her head to her toes, he picks up speed and holds her tight to his body as they both lose themselves wrapped in each other’s arms, he turns around and moves to the other side of the pool and he sits her on a rock under the water an moves himself between her legs in and out, she throws her head back in ecstasy as her climax releases, they cling to each other locked in a passionate kiss, Jason still moving in and out of her sending tremors all over her body until he finds his own release. He kisses her lips then gazes into her eyes, they both gasp for air Annie I cannot wait till Thursday evening when you will become my beloved wife, I wish it was this evening Annie strokes his cheek and lightly brushes his lips with hers, Baby I’m yours anyway he grins, and reclaims her lips.

After a little while they reluctantly climb out of the rock pool and head back to their suite, they shower together then relax for a while.

Annie gets ready for dinner whilst Jason checks in on his iPhone with Joey. All apartments are filled now, on the top floor there is a young newlywed couple and Joey has joked many times with Jason how glad he is that he doesn’t live directly beneath them. Joey answers on the 3rd ring, Hi Joe, how’s things? All is good mate! The Hayman’s have had an issue with their water but I’ve sorted it so other than that all’s peaceful, well apart from The Coopers obviously Jason laughs along with Joey, knowing exactly what he means. So Joe how is the lovely Shelly? oh Mate she’s perfect, love her to death, such an awesome feeling being in love it sure is Joe, still wish you were here for our wedding I know mate, so do we but she can’t get off work and I don’t want to leave her, we’ll defo have to have a few when you get back though sure will Joe, you take care of yourself and the lovely Shelly and we’ll call you in a few days, they say their goodbyes just as Annie emerges from the bedroom, her hair is all silky soft and perfectly straight, she is dressed in a red wrap over dress that falls just below her knees, her stiletto heels make her only slightly shorter than Jason now, almost eye level, Jason gasps at the beauty before him, he has to remind himself that this delightfully beautiful lady is going to be his wife, the Centre stone of her engagement ring glows the same shade as her dress, her diamonds have a slight pinkness to them as they reflect the ruby red of her dress, he is stunned into silence and she chuckles, he closes the gap between then and moulds her to his body, wow he whispers in her ear, red is definitely your colour, she looks into his delightful eyes, Thank you Jason I wasn’t too sure about it but Sian insisted I buy it, I think she likes the idea that I can have anything I want with your credit card but it still feels weird spending your money, don’t let it feel weird Annie because after Thursday you can legally have it all and if you spend money on things like this dress then I am being spoilt too, he kisses her passionately, tasting the rose coloured lip gloss she is wearing, her eye makeup is subtle but brings out her beautiful dark features, she doesn’t need makeup at all but she has definitely got his attention today. He lowers his hands to the small of her back and twiddles her hair, I love you Miss Thomas, I love you too Mr. Allen she chuckles.

The four friends sit in the restaurant that is just across the road from their complex, Daniel is sat in his high chair chomping on a breadstick, Annie chuckles at how big he is getting and wonders how long it’ll be before he is too big to fit in a highchair, they sit around the table eating their food with pleasant conversation. Around 8:30pm Jason orders another bottle of wine and refills the girl’s glasses and listens to their excited conversation, Justin has taken Daniel to bed. A short while later Jason kisses Annie’s lips then stands and kisses Sian’s forehead, I’m off to keep Justin company, you girl’s stay as long as you like, I have my phone if either of you need me.

Justin, places a light blanket over his son and gazes down at him, he’s sleeping peacefully, he lightly strokes his son’s beautiful hair then backs out of the room quietly, he closes the door over and returns to the living area, a few moments later he hears a light tap at the door, he walks over and opens it, hey Jay, come on in, girl talk too much for you? Jason laughs No I just thought I’d come and keep you company, they settle down on the sofas with a glass of bourbon each, so Jay are you nervous? Jason grins, No, not at all, I can’t wait to get married, I knew she was the one for me the day I laid eyes on her, her beauty is incredible but her persona is what attracted me to her most, she has a need that I am only too willing to give her Justin laughs ok Jay too much information Jason rolls his eyes, I’m not talking about sex Justin I’m talking about her being fragile and delicate I just adore her and god help anybody who hurts her Justin raises his eyebrow, yes Jay I saw what you do to anybody who hurts her, I think that’s also why her and Sian are so close, Sian has been her protector for years and I do get what you mean but she can be quite tough too you know yes I know but as long as I’m with her she won’t have to be.

So babes, what time do Jason’s parents arrive tomorrow, wow I bet you’re really nervous I am Sian I really hope they like me, I’ve no idea what time they are arriving Jason never said oh come on Annie everybody likes you and I’m positive his mother will love you Annie takes a deep breath, Sian I really hope your right, Anyway subject change, your flowers arrive tomorrow morning and your mother is bringing our dresses, is that right? Yes that’s right, oh Sian I’m so excited I would never have pictured my life to change so much in such a short time but I know my life is with Jason, I cannot wait to become Mrs Annie Allen, the girls laugh together, well what about the boys outfits where are they? asks Annie, They are in our suite, don’t worry Thursday is going to be perfect babes. Their wedding talk continues until Annie notices the time, oh my god Sian, it’s 23:45, the girls quickly ask for the bill only to be told it’s already paid and they head for their villa’s. Shhhh Annie we need to be quiet Annie is giggling, feeling rather tipsy, she tries to keep her voice down, as best as she can, Sian kisses Annie’s cheek then watches her walk next door to her and Jason’s villa. She creeps in and leans on the sofa to take off her shoes, heads to the bathroom to get ready for bed then quietly creeps into the bedroom, the only light in the room is coming from the moon outside and it shines on Jason’s beautiful face, she tiptoes around to her side of the bed, strips to her underwear and climbs in beside him, she snuggles up to his back gently and closes her eyes.

‘Knock, Knock’ Jason opens his eyes, looks at the clock 10:15am, whoa, can’t remember the last time I slept in this late he thinks to himself, he sits himself up and swings his legs from the bed, he looks at his dear Annie still sleeping beside him and pulls the covers back over her as he gets out of bed, ‘knock, knock’, he walks through and opens the sliding door, Jay, the girl’s parents are at the airport, can I borrow your car and go get them? of course you can Justin, it’s a rent-a-car, use it anytime, I guess I should wake Annie up then he chuckles Sian’s only been up half hour herself, she’s in the shower as we speak, the flowers have arrived, there in our suite, I’ll take Daniel with me, you make sure the girls are ready and order some food, deal? Deal Jason says his goodbyes and heads back inside. He clicks on the coffee maker, peeks in at the still sleeping Annie and heads to the bathroom, he switches on the shower and heads back to the bedroom, he slowly pulls the covers off her and pulls her up into his arms, she groans from the unexpected motion and sleepily opens her eyes, Jason carries her across to the bathroom, then puts her on her feet, he keeps her held close to support her sleepy legs then steps into the shower taking her with him, she screeches at the coolness of the water, Jason its cold why is it cold? Jason laughs and adjusts the temperature making it warmer, Sorry Annie but you needed a rude awakening she smacks his bare chest and shoves him away from her then turns her back to him and starts to wash herself, Jason stands behind her grinning, Annie are you a little upset with me? Yes I am, go away! Annie continues to wash herself with her back to him, she can hear him washing behind her and then he climbs out closing the sliding shower door behind him, she strips off the underwear she was still wearing and lets it drop to the shower floor, she washes her hair then rolls it on top of her head and then washes the rest of her body, a little while later she climbs out of the shower, dries her body then towel dries her hair and heads to the bedroom, she expected Jason to be there but the room is empty, she huffs to herself then dresses in a white strapless dress that flows to the floor then she brushes through her hair and pulls it back into a pony tail. As she enters the living area Jason is on the phone, she smiles inwardly at the fact that he is dressed in white also but she refuses to let him off the hook so easily, he smiles up at her but she just ignores him, he grins and turns his attention back to his phone call, yes that would be perfect thank you, yes approximately 1pm will be fine, ok thank you, goodbye. Annie is curious about the call but stays silent Jason stands up and walks over to her, she braces herself for an apology that she has to consider but Jason reaches around her, he’s so close she can feel his body heat, she can smell his delicious aftershave and she closes her eyes to savor the smell and the kiss that she’s likely to receive, then she is suddenly stood alone, she opens her eyes and watches him carry his coffee outside and sit at the table and chairs that have been set up in the shade of some palm trees, Annie frowns but turns and prepares her own coffee, then sits on the sofa indoors.

Sian leaves her room, she’s now feeling more awake, there is a slight thudding in her head but she puts on her sunglasses and heads over to join Jason, Good morning Sian, I trust you slept well? Sian’s smile turns into a grimace, I don’t suppose you have pain killers in your suite do you? All I have is calpol Jason grins yes of course, I’ll be right back Annie glances up and sees Jason walking back towards her, he reminds her of the day they spent in her parents garden, the sunshine once again bouncing off his white clothes, she smiles at the memory, Jason enters the room and looks at her, she changes her smile to her sulky look and Jason just grins and walks past her into the bathroom, as he is rummaging through the cabinet she enters the bathroom behind him, he smiles inwardly, pulls out the painkillers and turns to face her, she looks up into his eyes, he raises an eyebrow but she doesn’t speak, he pops out two tablets from the packet then places them into her hand and walks past her back out to Sian. Annie looks at the tablets in her hand and groans, why does he always know what I want but I can’t work him out? I thought it was the women that where meant to be hard to work out? She returns to the living area and takes her tablets with a large glass of water then sits back on the sofa, every now and again she will glance out at him and Sian chatting over coffee on the table out in the beautiful weather, she curses herself for being so stubborn and longs to go and join them outside and apologise for acting like a child, she shakes herself and heads outside, just as she steps on the warm sand in her bare feet she spots her Mother.

Jason stands and pulls Dolly into a hug, Mrs Thomas, so good to see you, she kisses his cheek then heads over to Sian, Jason greets Annie’s father with a handshake, where’s my daughter? Jason gestures behind him, Robert walks over to her and pulls her into a hug, hello sweetheart, how are you? Annie hugs her father, although she has missed her parents she wishes she had apologised to Jason before they arrived now she was worried about the audience around her but she doesn’t want them to pick up on an awkward atmosphere because of a silly petty tiff, her father releases her and looks into her eyes, Annie are you ok? Annie smiles at her father, yes daddy I’m sorry just a little hung over he squeezes her again then heads over to greet Sian, her Mother pulls her in her arms, Baby girl I’m so excited come on let’s get your dresses safely inside she gestures for Sian to join them then Dolly pulls the girls into Annie and Jason’s bedroom, she pulls out Annie’s dress from its protector.

Annie’s wedding dress is a strapless A-line style dress that flows to her feet, it’s a beautiful ivory colour with a thick band of pale blue diamond’s seven rows deep just under the breast line, at the v of her neckline is a solitary Ruby, Sian gasps and bounces up and down with excitement, Annie gazes at her beautiful wedding dress and a tear with so many meanings rolls down her face, she had chosen this dress because it just seemed perfect for her, when she had put it on in the shop it seemed to hug her just like Jason does, she had chosen the blue for Jason, but had made sure she added a ruby to her dress to accent her engagement ring, everything in her life is about Jason, she kisses her mother’s cheek and smiles, don’t let Sian see her dress till I come back I won’t be a minute before she or Sian could respond she leaves her bedroom and runs outside to Jason, she jumps into his arms, I’m so sorry, I’m being an idiot I… Shhhh Annie, it’s ok there is no need for apologies, there is nothing wrong with being a little grumpy with me when I take you into a cold shower without your permission, he giggles into her hair and squeezes her tightly Baby I love you now go and enjoy your day with the girls, Mrs Miller will be with you in a few minutes, she is just having a cuddle with Daniel, I’ll see you at dinner time but here take these in with you he hands her a platter with a silver lid over it, she looks up into his eyes, he gives her his crooked grin and softly kisses her lips.

Annie returns to her bedroom and is greeted by a scowl from Sian and a smile from her mother, Annie grins at Sian puts the platter on the dressing table and pulls her friend in for a hug, Siany don’t be mad, I don’t want you to try your dress on until your mum comes to join us but Annie I haven’t even seen it yet, I’m so curious mum will understand Annie grins and pulls away from Sian, just a few more minutes and we can both put our dresses on, just be patient Sian huffs but nods, Annie lifts the lid on the platter, the plate is filled with seafood, Wow that looks lovely, everybody dig in Dolly grins as Ellie enters the room with another platter which is filled with finger sandwiches, and says well ladies all men are off the premises, let our girly day commence After they have eaten and freshened up they crack open a bottle of bubbly and toast to Annie’s wedding eve, Annie chuckles at the girls nickname for their ladies day and they clink glasses, ok Sian, you have waited long enough, you first Sian grins from ear to ear as her mother unzips her dress cover and pulls out a beautiful pale blue satin dress, it is also a strapless A-line design, with 3 rows of Diamonds along the very top of the dress, in the Centre of the rows at the V-neck line is one single solitary Ruby, Sian gazes at her dress and her trademark big grin spreads across her face, Wow Annie, it’s beautiful, I don’t know what to say don’t say anything then just put it on, she strips down completely naked, her mother tuts at her but chuckles, well, I’m wearing the wrong underwear she grins, she steps in to the dress and pulls it up to her breasts then holds it in place so Annie can zip it up, it’s a perfect fit, oh my god Annie its beautiful, she does a slight twirl how does it look? Annie opens the wardrobe door, on the back of it is a full length mirror, she lightly pushes Sian in front of it, see for yourself babes Sian looks at her reflection in the mirror, her blonde curls are cascading over her shoulders and she moves it out of the way to see the diamond detail across the top of her breasts, the pale blue is very close to a silver colour but she gazes at the ruby placed in the Centre and smiles, it’s gorgeous, why did you add a red rhinestone with the clear ones? Annie chuckles Siany it matches my engagement ring and they are not rhinestones shock crosses Sian’s face, you mean they are real? Annie nods, Sian turns around and faces the ladies in the room, her mother is crying on Dolly’s shoulder and Dolly is grinning from ear to ear, Sian goes to hug her mother, no you don’t young lady, I don’t want my tears on that dress, not yet Sian grins ok, sorry mum she backs off and has another look in the mirror, ok Annie, your turn, Annie takes a deep breath and slips off her clothes, fortunately she had some white underwear on so she didn’t need to strip completely naked, she steps into her dress and Dolly zips her up, she turns to the mirror, she can see all the ladies behind her, their faces a vision of appreciation, she looks back at her own reflection and turns herself in different angles to see all parts of her dress, her skirt is slightly longer at the back which creates a train of about 2 feet, her ruby sat at her cleavage is glowing back at her reflecting the sunlight coming through the window, she looks at her daisy design engagement ring and smiles at the beauty of it then looks back at