Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem



Tarquin's face bloomed into a smile, so wide and joyful it was practically worthless in its abundance.

He felt as if he'd swallowed a spoonful of honey, his inner gloom swept away, leaving him in a fantastic mood.

Previously, whenever he and Keith had a spat, Elysia, though not exactly taking Keith's side, would chide him. But this time, she was entirely on his side!

If only she were here right now, he'd pull her into a tight hug and shower her with kisses, marveling at how her sweet words could make him feel so alive!

"Once a word is spoken, it's like water poured out; from now on, if I'm treated unfairly out there, you've got to stand up for me!" Elysia declared with a swagger.

"Absolutely," Tarquin replied, his smile growing even wider. He kept Elysia on the phone, cooing sweet nothings for several minutes before finally hanging up.

Lighting a cigarette, he lounged on the living room couch, pondering, "How did I get so lucky?"

When Heath saw him return, he brewed a cup of tea and brought it over, chuckling at Tarquin's self-satisfied grin, "Something good happen today, sir?"This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

Tarquin, with a hint of smugness, replied, "Elysia's fallen head over heels for me, haha!"

Heath just shook his head, amused. Seeing Tarquin so happy made him happy too. He remarked, "Reminds me of when the master and the mistress were courting. The master would come back with that same silly grin."

The master and mistress he referred to were Tarquin's parents.

Mentioning them made Tarquin's expression turn a bit solemn. Kendrick once told him that in life, it's incredibly fortunate to find true love.

Not everyone experiences love, and not all love stories are beautiful.

So when you do find that beautiful love, you must hold on tight and never let go!

Or else, you'll regret it for the rest of your life!

He felt lucky, lucky to have met Elysia, and luckier still that she could love someone like him.

He was determined to hold onto this rare love tightly, never letting go!

Anyone who dared to mess with it would have to answer to him!

Thinking of Keith, Tarquin's gaze hardened. He was almost certain Keith was behind the recent troubles!

Biting down on his back teeth, Tarquin grabbed his phone to call Axel, "I'm home. Bring Declan over."

...

Meanwhile, in the Future Community, Keith had just finished showering and was sitting in the living room reading.

He glanced at the clock from time to time.

From seven until nine in the evening, still no message from Elysia. No texts, no calls.

Keith knew he wouldn't hear from her.

Frowning, he closed his book and brewed himself a cup of coffee, sipping it by the window.

Today's chat with Blossom was meant for Elysia's ears.

She must know now why he had to resign, and that Tarquin had nearly come to blows with him again today.

Given Elysia's character, she would feel guilty and reach out.

Her silence meant she didn't feel guilty.

It also meant she wasn't worried about him spilling her secrets anymore.

In short, she had fallen completely for Tarquin.

Standing by the window with his coffee, a cold light twinkled in Keith's eyes...

Ding-

His phone chimed with a new message, not from Elysia, but from someone he cared about even more.

He smiled, a smile that reached his eyes, put down his coffee, and replied,

"I'm close, just give me a bit more time. I'm preparing a huge surprise for you. You're going to love it."

After sending the message, he paused, then made a call,

"Move up to plan B. We act tomorrow!"

The next day.

Early morning, Elysia was up making breakfast for the kids.

Today, the kindergarten had organized a field trip. Teachers would lead the group, so parents weren't required to go, but they did need to prepare snacks and water for their children.