Clarity - Live & Learn, Book Three

By Amanda Vint

After a shocking disclosure from Tasha, Eleanor's world is thrown into chaos. More secrets from the past are unveiled, which tarnish the view of those around her, leaving her in unexpected danger.
The people she once thought she knew so well are not what they seem, and Eleanor is left wondering who she should trust.
Pushing against her emotions, and blocking out the people that she loves, she seeks solace in the one person she thinks will be able to guide her - her mother. But is it always a case of mother knows best?
Continue the journey with Eleanor, as the pieces of the puzzle start falling into place, and her heart is torn in more than one direction.
Speech is silver, but silence is golden.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amanda Vint
• Release date: Jun 5, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223406273

Amanda Vint

Amanda Vint started writing romance novels in July 2016, self publishing her debut novel "Live and Learn" in the October of the same year. Following on from the positive feedback that the first book prompted, it then went on to become a series; with the next books "Twists and Turns" and "Clarity" being published. Specialising in the romance genre, she also uses her educational background in the field of psychology to incorporate a darker side to some characters, thus adding dramatic plot twists to the storylines. Amanda loves to connect with her readers and has a Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/AmandaVintBooks) and blog (www.amandavint.com) dedicated to doing so.

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Contents

Chapter One – Disbelief

Chapter Two – Tasha’s Choice

Chapter Three – The Accident

Chapter Four – The Aftermath

Chapter Five – Gaining Strength

Chapter Six – Hidden Truths

Chapter Seven – Demands

Chapter Eight – Sugar Daddy

Chapter Nine – Night Terrors

Chapter Ten – The Woman in Red

Chapter Eleven – Cutting Off

Chapter Twelve – Celebrations

Chapter Thirteen – A New Chapter

Chapter One – Disbelief

The silence was deafening – purely deafening. None of us moved – not an inch. It was if we decided to move, our bodies would not know which direction to move in, how to react, or what words to utter.

What the hell?

How the hell?

Well, I knew how. I wasn't completely dense when it came to the birds and the bees.  My jaw was hanging open, my eyes had widened; Tasha was desperately watching us for a reaction. I didn’t dare look at Stephen – I dreaded to think what shade of crimson he had turned.

How long could three people stand there like that for? Forever? For all eternity? I thought that we may have been stood stationary for a while, at least. Should I shout at her? Scream at her? Or pat her on the back for being such a moron?

The door swung open and seemed to unfreeze the scene in the living room.

Miss. Eleanor, would you like a coffee? I’ve just made a pot. It was Penny.

Penny – shit, there was somebody else in the room with us now. We weren’t alone. I had to act normal, be normal - just for one second, to please behave in a normal fashion and reply to Penny. I slowly turned on the spot to face Penny, who was looking at the three of us oddly.

No. I’m fine. Thank you, I felt my lips utter. I had no idea where the words had come from.

Penny uneasily smiled and closed the door behind her. She could tell something was amiss. The sound of the door closing with a small thud seemed to wake Stephen up. He moved slowly toward Tasha, who was now turning paler by the moment.

What do you mean, Tasha? he whispered, narrowing his eyes at her.

I don’t think Stephen could fathom it. I was finding it fairly difficult myself.

I’m... I’m... Tasha started sobbing.

How do you know? Stephen leant in towards her face, in an eerily calm manner.

I... I took a test this morning.

Stephen nodded and backed off. He went and stood near the marble fireplace and leant both of his palms against it, ducking his head down and letting his bodyweight rest on his arms that were outstretched. He lifted his head, released his hands from holding onto the edge of the mantle and turned back around.

You... stupid girl!!’ he bellowed, making both of us jump on the spot. I don’t believe this! I seriously don’t believe this!!"

Tasha stood there, her sobs turning into cries with huge tears crashing onto the floor and soaking the carpet. That was my cue to intervene.

Okay, Stephen... just calm down. I placed the envelope I was carrying on the side-cabinet and made my way over to him, touching his arm.

Calm down? He nervously laughed. Are you seriously telling me to calm down? Eleanor, you do realize whose baby she is having here, don’t you?

I looked over at Tasha. Yes, of course I bloody realize, but calm yourself. Let’s sit down and talk this through.

Talk? TALK?! She tells us she’s pregnant with psycho Sommer’s baby, and you want to sit down and talk about it?!

Well what else do you want to do about it now?! I asked, losing my patience with him.

"What do I want to do? I want to call the nearest abortion clinic and get her booked in! That's what I want to do!"

Tasha looked petrified at the notion, and I needed to take control of the situation. Even though this was a massive shock, threatening to march Tasha to a clinic really wasn’t the answer.

Right, sit, Stephen! I ordered, pointing to the sofa. Tasha, sit! For once they both did as they were told and sat on each end of the sofa, not daring to look in each other’s direction. Tasha, start from the beginning...

Stephen snorted. Oh, we all know where this began.

Stephen, hush! Your comments aren’t helping! I abruptly snapped to which he fell silent.

Tasha’s voice wobbled as she began to talk. I did the test this morning, because I remembered about my period. I’m a couple of weeks late. I remembered yesterday when I was at the mall. I did the test first thing this morning, not expecting to be. I thought that maybe it was wrong, but it was a twin-pack so I did both tests.

It sounded like when I had fallen pregnant with the twins - I had forgotten about my ‘time of the month’ and had got the shock of my life when I did the test and it came up positive. I was in shock back then, but at least I had Stephen - who did Tasha have? Some psycho that we would now have practically welded to our family if he found out about this! Tasha didn’t even know about the cocaine issue! Oh dear lord, we’d never get rid of his poison!

Tasha, I know it’s early, but have you thought about what you want to do?

What do you mean? she mumbled.

Do you want to keep it, or do you want an abortion?

Of course she’s got to get a bloody abortion, Eleanor! She can’t keep it! We’d never get rid of that coke-head! Tasha looked at Stephen, wondering what he was talking about. Oh, that’s right! You don’t know yet! The man who you thought was so fucking wonderful not long ago is also a cocaine addict! Oh, and he deals a bit on the side, and sometimes those girls end up dead because of his dodgy batches! Wow, well done, Tasha! I couldn’t be prouder!

Tasha started crying again. I didn’t do it on purpose!

I shot Stephen a look of annoyance to shut him up. Listen, Tash, what do you want to do?

I don’t know! she cried. I don’t want to kill an innocent life, though!

Tasha, it's not even a baby yet! Stephen yelled.

Sometimes I could've strangled him and his silly statements.

Stephen, shut up! This isn’t helping! Listen... I think we all just need to calm down and think about what would be best.

I couldn’t believe how rational I was being. Tasha was pregnant with my ex-husband’s baby, and I wasn’t even breaking a sweat.

What’s best is that she gets rid of it, Stephen growled. She’s eighteen, for God’s sake! Even if the father was some sane person, which he’s not, I would be concerned because she’s got her whole life ahead of her! Stephen stood back up and glared at Tasha.

I turned to him. Listen here, we’re all shocked, but remember when I found out I was pregnant with the twins?

What the hell has that got to do with anything, Eleanor? he snapped, still reeling from the situation we were all now faced with.

"I must’ve been about how far gone Tasha is... maybe earlier... but when you found out you were going to be a dad, did you look at me like I wasn’t carrying a baby?’

Of course you were. I don’t know what’s the point of you telling me this.

The point is, is that Tasha is now in that position. I don’t know how you can stand there and say that it’s not a baby! Plus I was petrified when I first found out, so I know how she feels! You have no idea, Stephen, and your comments are ludicrous. Yes, I agree, she is very young, but there are girls her age who have had babies before.

He said nothing and I knew that I had made a fair point. He sat back down, putting his elbows on his knees and resting his head in his hands.

I just don’t believe this is happening, he mumbled, and ran his hands down his face in a bid to wipe away the scenario.

Tasha remained in silence, looking at Stephen – the disappointment of how she had let him down etched across her face. I knelt down on the floor in between them both.

Yes, this isn’t ideal, but now is not the time to be making rash decisions. We’ll just have to think about what to do for the best. I reached out and put one of my hands on Stephen’s and the other on Tasha’s.

Stephen sniggered. How can you be so calm about this? That loon is your ex-husband and he’s a total nutter... we’ll never get rid of him.

Sighing, I looked at Tasha, who had now bowed her head and was looking down at her lap. I knew he was right, and the exact thoughts had flooded through my mind – David would revel in this. He would demand every right going, and would use this as a further opportunity to destroy our family. As much as I would’ve loved to have booked Tasha into the clinic myself, I knew that attached to the notion of David never leaving us alone was a young girl, my sister-in-law, an innocent girl carrying a life inside of her. Even though I seemed to be the voice of reason, I didn’t know what to do about it at all.

First things first... I got up and walked over to the envelope the mystery woman had given to me and placed it in the cabinet drawer, I’ll have to call Mr. Franks.

Why are you calling him? Stephen asked.

I realized I hadn’t even told him that I had contacted Mr. Franks this morning. Whatever it was Mr. Franks had to tell me would have to wait. One dilemma at a time, please.

I called him this morning and made an appointment, but I can’t deal with that as well at the moment. Let’s get through this first.

Stephen shot Tasha a look of disappointment – he knew I had a lot to deal with as well and understood that this ‘predicament’ that she now found herself in, was not what was needed at the moment.

Right, I’m going for a shower and to get dressed. Tasha, I suggest you do the same.

Although I wasn’t suggesting it, I was telling her. It gave me time to clear my head and try and seek some way through this dilemma. I could usually do that in the shower – it seemed to wash troubles away – although I was fully aware that this couldn’t exactly be washed down the drain.

Tasha stood up and slowly made her way upstairs, while Stephen came over to me and placed his hands on my waist.

What are we going to do? he asked, begging me for an answer.

Usually, I relied on Stephen to give me the answers, but with him being so close to the subject this time, he really didn’t have the solution to this one.

I honestly don’t know. Firstly, I want to get ready and sort my head out before tackling anyone else's. It’s got to be Tasha’s decision, though.

But she’s an eighteen-year-old girl, Eleanor. What does she know at her age? What did any of us know at that age? She can’t possibly make the right decision.

I placed my hands on Stephens shoulders. "She has to make the decision. If we make it for her, no matter what happens, if anything was to go wrong, she would hold us responsible. You are forgetting, not only is that baby David’s, but it's Tasha’s as well. It’s your niece or nephew."

You’re right. He bowed his head and then looked back up while smiling at me.

What? I asked, bemused.

Since when are you the rational one? He chuckled. I thought you’d be angrier... you used to be married to the guy. Isn’t that weird?

Yes and no. It’s weird because I want rid of him and away from all of us, but in a way it isn’t weird because I have absolutely no feelings toward him anymore. My heart is filled with love for you... and only you.

He grinned at me and leant forward, gripping my silk nightgown, and slowly kissing me.

I wish this wasn’t happening, because I’d join you in that shower...

Mm...

Lost in his intoxicating kisses, were his lips lined with some sort of anaesthesia? My brain snapped back into place and I realized that this wasn’t the time to start practising having more babies with the man I adored – there was already one unplanned bun in the oven up the stairs.

As tempting as that is, I really should get ready. I pulled away from him, biting my bottom lip playfully and holding onto his hand as I walked away - our fingers losing their grip as I stepped further away from him.

He shook his head and grinned. I don’t know how you do it, Eleanor...

Do what? I asked, with my best innocent face on show.

You know what you do to me. He grinned – my God, he was beautiful.

I chuckled. I’m going.

Sneaking around the door, I eyed him as I left the room. He playfully placed his hands on the top of his head, frustrated at not being able to follow me and do whatever he had going on in that mind of his.

Wandering up the stairs, I walked into the bedroom and closed the door behind me, leaning back on it. I didn’t know how he did it to me, either – I couldn’t be away from him. If I had my way, we’d spend the vast majority of our time in the bedroom, and only emerge for snacks and drinks. But that was dream world, and reality dawned. I had to get ready and be on the ball today – without the distraction of wanting to get up to all sorts with Stephen.

Undressing, I leisurely wandered into the shower. Turning the shower handle, I let the water rush onto me, hoping it would cool me down after being around the completely hot man that I’d just been pressed up against. I took my cell in with me to listen to some music as I showered and got ready. As the droplets ran off my skin and through the plughole, listening to songs that reminded me of being younger and my trip to Paris with Stephen, I wished I could rewind back to those days and do everything all over again. The only thing I would do differently was swerve David altogether, and on my first day of Pearl Designs, whip that stupid chauffeur hat off Stephen, and kiss the face off him. Knowing my luck, going back in time would’ve somehow affected the timeline of events, and I would’ve ended up with a driver that looked like he was fresh out of the crypt – it probably would have made his day, and mortified mine all in one go.

Stepping out of the shower, I tried not to slip on the floor, as I carefully tried to dance around to a Spice Girls track, and grabbed a towel that was hanging on the back of the door. The art of dancing whilst trying to dry off should've been deemed as some sort of art form, because it wasn’t something that could be done easily. I shoved my hair up in the nearest hair tie I could find, and wandered out naked into the bedroom to locate some clothes.

Nice... came the chuckled replied from the doorway.

I jumped as I thought I was alone. Shit, Stephen! What are you trying to do?!

He laughed and flung himself on the bed. Watching you. The view is pretty spectacular.

How long have you been there? I suddenly realized that I was stark naked in the middle of the bedroom, while he was still fully clothed – something was extremely unfair about the situation.

"Long enough... if you want to get with my friends..." he mimicked in his best girls singing voice.

Oh, shut it, Stephen. That’s not even the words. My cheeks reddened and I continued on my path to locate my clothing.

He laughed out loud. Oh come on, Eleanor... it was a joke! I don’t mind watching.

By this time I was buried in my walk-in wardrobe. I may mind, you know. I can’t get a minutes peace in this house! I shouted through to him. What are you doing here anyway?

I’ve come to get dressed myself, you know, and to use the shower, if that’s okay with you?

I popped my head around the door of the walk-in. There are other showers in this house...

I know, but I like this one... it has the shampoo I like in it.

That would probably be my shampoo, then! I chuckled – I knew I was right.

It smells so much nicer than mine, Eleanor.

It’s a girl’s shampoo... it’s not meant for your hair.

Ah nonsense, it all does the same job.

Well use your own, I remarked, wandering out of the walk-in, now dressed.

Stephen smirked. It smells of you, though. I like that.

Don’t try and use that excuse. I sniggered, trying to fix my wet hair. Now go and have a shower while I use the phone.

Yes, Mrs. Rose. He grinned and wandered into the bathroom and shut the door.

Oh yeah, he shut the door so I couldn’t watch him! The playing field was way out of balance.

Reaching for my cell which was on my bedside table, I dialed Mr. Franks number - I had to sort this out first. He promptly answered and I explained to him that I couldn’t see him today because something important had come up. Mr. Franks sounded shocked that I would cancel such an appointment with him, as by all accounts what he wanted to say to me was equally as important. But I knew I couldn’t handle both things today, and I was sure that if I could’ve explained to him what the situation was, he would’ve understood more. First, we had to work everything out with Tasha, and whatever needed to be disclosed to me by him had waited for all these years, so I’m sure it could hold on for a little longer.

Stephen emerged from the bathroom, stark naked, and wandered through the bedroom into the direction of the wardrobe, smirking at me – the little tease. I would have loved to have grabbed a hold of that sweet behind, but there were more pressing things to attend to. Stephen knew this as well – I think he was looking for anything to distract himself – rather than getting in his car to go and beat the crap out of David. 

Leaving the room before I couldn’t be held responsible for my actions, I made my way downstairs again. Penny emerged from the kitchen as I was stood in the hallway.

Miss. Eleanor, is everything okay? she asked, looking concerned.

Everything is fine, Penny, I lied. Well, it will be soon. I’ll talk to you about it when I’m able to.

Penny smiled and nodded, and made her way back to cook up more treats for lunch. Bless her, she was a little diamond, and I wished I could have told her what was happening, but we had to figure that out for ourselves. Hearing movement coming from the living room, I knew that it could only be Tasha, as Natalie was still out with the twins. I wandered in to find her looking glum, but touching the bottom of her belly. She moved her hand away quickly when I entered, as if she couldn’t be seen being nice toward the baby that was growing inside of her.

Tasha, you don’t have to be ashamed of being nice to your baby, you know, I soothed, and she looked a little relieved. I went and sat next to her and held her hand. Have you had any thoughts on what it is that you would like to do about this?

I’m so confused, Eleanor. I really don’t know. I suppose in any ordinary circumstances I would like to keep it, but I know that Stevie is right. I am young... there was so much I was planning on doing, like taking up modeling and making a success out of it. He’s also right that maybe David wouldn’t be any good at being a father.

Gently looking at her, I could see her eyes were welling up again. You do know it is entirely up to you. We can’t force your hand on anything, as much as Stephen would like to, but seriously, we will support you with whatever you decide.

Thank you, she muttered as tears started to fall again, "but