Regret

Dave

I never had a chance to say anything else to Laney. I should have dragged her back, had it out with her but I didn't want to cause a scene.

I never saw her again. The guilt of that will never leave. But what haunts me as much is the guilt of knowing that with her disappearance, I'd been given a reprieve. God, forgive me!

I never meant to live a double life, I swear. It just happened. I loved them both, Bethan and Christine, and I loved both my daughters, Laney and Katie. I got embedded in two lives and so, I just kept them both going. I thought I was doing the right thing. As long as the two worlds were separate, there was never going to be a problem. What would you have done? I had to be there for both. I felt the responsibility of it like a weight.

When Laney said that day that she had proof, I didn't know what she meant but it had to be something tangible, irrefutable...photos.

I was scared of discovery. I am a coward.

I told the police honestly about the boys being with her when I last saw her. I never mentioned the quarry. I don't think the boys did either because I found the camera there, sitting on a rock.

I took it, hid it. Never thought to throw the film. Idiot.

Now someone's got it. Christine?

I hope it's not history repeating itself. I don't know what I'd do if it was Katie.

*

Luke

Luke stands in the queue at the supermarket. He has a bottle of Scotch in his basket and he is eyeing it, his mind flitting between need and disgust as he waits to pay. He's in a world of his own when he feels a hand on his shoulder.

He jumps and turns to see a familiar face, one he hasn't seen for years.

*

Bethan

Dave's got until tomorrow to answer me. He may have moved on but I need closure.

The more I think, the more I wonder about him and what he knows.

I've got his address now. He can't hide from me.

***

366 words

Whose hand is on Luke's shoulder? And what will the meeting of Bethan and Dave be like?

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