ENDLESS LOVE
Paul once married out of mutual understanding and, quite frankly, some rather heavenly passion. But over the years, that love began to drip away from the marriagefirst a trickle, then a stream. Even when their daughter was born, the stream didnt dry up. On the contrary, it swelled into a full-blown river. Pauls love slowly fragmented into fleeting affairs, quick obsessions, regular infatuations…
Paul simply couldnt, and frankly didnt wish to, belong solely to his wife. He swept women off their feet with an irresistible blend of boyish charm, shameless confidence, and who knows what else…
He lavished his boundless affection on all sortsslim and sturdy, blondes and brunettes, bubbly and brooding, single and spoken-for. Its fair to say, the women reciprocated.
His wife, Helen, somehow managed to remain blissfully oblivious. There were no scenes, no dramatic accusationsshe didnt so much as throw a teacup. Not that Paul ever neglected her, of course.
But then one day, all that wild, uncontainable adoration slammed to a halt. Enter Joanne. Joanne, with her wit and stunning looks, absolutely bewitched Paul! With her (and only with herwife not withstanding), Paul spent every scrap of free time. Joanne had a husband, whom she occasionally divorced for sport. For Joanne, Paul was a breath of fresh air, if not the entire oxygen tank. The affair lasted three years in all.
Meanwhile, Pauls daughter, Harriet, had sprouted up and, after finishing sixth form, moved off to the States on a student exchange programme. She never returned to dear old England; she married an American in Los Angeles and produced three energetic children. Swamped, Harriet recruited her parents for help. Harriets husband had only a father (Michael); his mother had passed away.
Paul and Helen hopped on a plane to Los Angeles. They spent two years up to their eyeballs in nappies and childrens cartoons. Eventually, Paul began eyeing a return to England. Helen was baffled. Why go back? Paul offered no explanation and legged it to Heathrow. Within hours, hed landed and was beelining straight for Joanne.
Well, here I am! Simply cant go on without you! Just say the word and Ill stay forever! Youve absolutely hexed me, Joannie!
Paul, have you forgotten? Im quite married, you know. Glad to see you, but nothing more…
Paul had not prepared for being given the boot by the woman of his dreams. Disappointed, he shuffled Londonwards, tail firmly between legsand returned to Los Angeles. But Helen had prepared a little surprise.
Darling, Michael and I have decided to tie the knot. Cant imagine youll have anything to reproach me for? Anyway, well manage the grandchildren just fine on our own. Besides, what exactly could you teach them? she crowed, with just a hint of mischief.
You knew about everything? Paul asked, with the sudden realisation of a man whos lost the plot.
Of course! There are always well-wishers about… Helen replied, slicing confidently through any last illusions Paul held.
Paul trudged back home to England. And once again, made his way to Joanne.
Have you reconsidered, Joannie? How about we unite forces? he pleaded, more puppy than Casanova.
No chance! Youll be running off to America while Im left here to change my mind? You left me, remember? And want to guess who nursed me through my blues? A hint: my husband. Paul, its over, Joanne was unyielding.
Rejected as both lover and husband, Paul slunk home, shut the door, and didnt show his face for three days.
A knock interrupted his exile. On the doorstep stood a young woman.
Afternoon, Uncle Paul! Dont you recognise me? Im your daughters mate. Hows Harry getting on in America? she grinned, cheeks turning red.
Shes fine. And you must be Marianne? Yes, I remember Paul replied, stifling a yawn.
Uncle Paul, have you got any… salt? Were neighbours, after all, the young woman plucked up her courage.
Paul finally took a proper look at Harriets old friendcharming as ever.
Come on in, Marianne! Ill pop the kettle on, Paul said, suddenly bustling about.
Oh, Uncle Paul! Ive loved you since I was a teenager. Youre my ideal! Its just, I got married for a bit and you seemed forever taken But Im terribly persistent! I waited!
Paul56, Marianne33.
The newlyweds are now awaiting a new arrival…
