THE AFFAIR

THE AFFAIR

          If it wasn’t for the fact that I liked them both so much I don’t think I could have kept quiet for so long. If there’s one thing that gets my hackles up it is infidelity.

          David and Christine had been married for ten years and were both career people with as yet no plans for a family. They were by all accounts a happily married couple in love with each other and with life. Or so it seemed. In recent months David had been seeing someone. He thinks I don’t know but I’ve seen them in the park. The supposed chance meetings and the leisurely stroll to the seat tucked away in a corner. It always ended the same way with passionate embraces, hungry mouths and wandering hands, in broad daylight too. They were like love struck teenagers.

          David was head of a department at Clifford Taylor, one of the leading computer and software manufacturers. A rising star earmarked to become a partner if rumours were to be believed. At thirty two he had the world at his feet. They lived in a beautiful house with massive gardens to the front and rear. Not that David got his hands dirty, nor did Christine for that matter with a gardener coming in three times a week. I don’t suppose she needed to work at all. They certainly didn’t need the money. Perhaps if she wasn’t so busy she would see what was going on under her nose. All the signs were there if only she had the time to see them. Late nights at the office which had been few and far between were now becoming the norm and suddenly there were Seminars and weekends away. Sadly Christine seemed oblivious to everything, caught up in here own world of Occupational Psychology. After receiving her qualifications she had taken up a job with the Medical Research Council. David had been her childhood sweetheart but they had lost touch. They had met again during her final year and after a whirlwind romance they had married. After their honeymoon at Niagara Falls she had taken up her post with the MRC. The job was hectic and she was forever dashing from one meeting to the next. Often she would take work home in the evenings. Despite this heavy schedule she was interested in people and found the job rewarding. Ironically work may prove to be their downfall. Their marriage could soon be over. How could David treat her like this and why is it that the injured party was always the last to find out?

          I realized that something had to be done, but what? If Christine found out it would destroy her and who would want to be responsible for that? I was David’s best friend perhaps I could make him see sense and realize what a mistake he was making. Everyone said that his bark was worse than his bite, he may listen. I was kidding myself and I knew it. Maybe I could blackmail him, threaten to tell Christine if he didn’t end it. I realized I was barking up the wrong tree. David always did what David wanted to do. What I wanted or what I thought never made an iota of difference. In the past I had always given in and let him have his own way. Well this time it was different, I was sick and tired of rolling over and playing dead, the man needed telling.

          That afternoon in the park he was sitting on a bench, their bench. I watched from a distance as he looked nervously at his watch. Sure enough she suddenly appeared. David rose from his seat and they hugged each other before sitting down.
          “Did you sort anything?” she asked excitedly.
          “Yes, I told her I’m going to a conference. I’ll pick you up at seven on Friday. I have to          be back Sunday evening.”
          “Two nights, fantastic.” She threw her arms around him. “Where are you taking me.”
          “That’s a surprise you’ll find out on Friday.”
          “Give me a clue.”
          “No you’ll have to wait.”
He drew her towards him and his mouth closed gently on hers. She ran her fingers through his hair, he could feel her trembling. He brushed the loose blonde hair from her face and stroked her cheek. They sat quietly gazing into each others eyes, they didn’t need words they had each other. David finally broke the silence.
          “I have to go, she'll be back soon.”
They stood up slowly, he reached out his hand for hers. They made their way towards the road before pausing. David gave her a last lingering kiss.
          “Give me a ring tomorrow.” She said.
          “All right see you soon.”
She turned and walked away without looking back. David stood and watched her disappear through the gates. Then he slowly turned and saw me. He realized that I had been watching them. He looked angry as he strode towards me. Well he wasn’t the only one that was angry, it was time someone put him straight. This hole in the corner affair had got to end. As he approached I stood my ground, starred him straight in the eye and
took a deep breath. Suddenly the angry look disappeared and he smiled. He bent down and fastened the lead to my collar.
          “Come on Benji, its time to go home."

THE END