SHORT STORY

TRUE COLOURS

She was dressed in virgin white awaiting her walk down the isle on her Father’s arm.

As she watched the old recording of her wedding Vicky sipped her coffee.  She remembered looking through the veil as she made her way towards the two brothers.

Luke, tall and handsome, yet vain, irresponsible and ruthless. Jeremy the complete opposite was shorter and sturdy in build, though clever, kinder and reliable. She had courted them both and common sense had told her that the unassuming Jeremy would suit her needs as husband material.

She took a deep breath and sighed for twenty five years had passed. Her thoughts interrupted by the soft feel of a hand upon her shoulder, “You looked lovely darling, still do”.  She hadn’t heard Jeremy enter the room. “I just saw it on the shelf and felt the urge to watch it “she said embarrassingly. “Silly isn’t it. Tomorrow will be the beginning of a new chapter. We’ve done well in making our fortune and now as you always wished you retire today at 50.  Happy Birthday Jeremy”.  He looked into her eyes and held her, “Yes indeed, all the time in the world now. James is at Uni and Samantha is married so we can

travel and explore all those dreams”.  She turned off the remote, “Must press on for tonight’s celebrations”. He refilled the caffeteire, “More coffee Vicky?”  She paused, “No I’m fine thank you, I need to get to the salon, check the Caterers are on schedule and collect your suit from he dry cleaners; a busy morning”. She picked up her handbag, “See you later”.     

He took her cup and placed it in the dish washer and wandered out onto the patio. Sunshine and showers had been the forecast. He prided himself on convincing her to spend the extra and hire a marquee; British weather would always be unpredictable. His thoughts distracted by the ring tone from his mobile. “Hi Dad, Happy Birthday, I’m leaving on the at 4.30 from here and will catch a cab from the station. Will be with you about 6.30”. “That’s great James, Look forward to seeing you, take care”.

Life had been good. He had built up a multi million businesses from his expertise

within the publishing business, produced two wonderful children and had an attractive wife who constantly  encouraged him to fulfill his ambitions. Albeit too much at times

he thought though perhaps in hindsight he needed that “push.

His mobile rang again, “Jeremy, just to let you I’ve checked with the Caterers and they’ll be with us at five, I’m out of the salon and have just a few things to get. I’ll be home in about an hour”. 

He looked at his watch. One o’clock. Time for a shower and relax with a Scotch. A busy time lay ahead once preparations began.

Vicky arrived home. Hair and nails immaculate and her face glowing from the facial.

She went upstairs and hung her husband’s suit on the wardrobe door and felt the softness

of the long red silk dress she would wear. She knew she had to look good and she would,  for it  enhanced her fine slim frame. As she opened the safe she selected the accompanying jewellery.

The day was gathering speed. The Caterers arrived and the final preparations in place.

Samantha arrived with her husband early. “Do you need a hand mum?” “That’s kind of you but  I believe we are just about  ready. By the way darling, you look lovely and Nick you look rather dapper. Go and grab a drink”. Jeremy’s mobile rang, “Hi Dad, just to let you know I’m five minutes away”.

“Jeremy, we need to get changed”. As she slid into the silk dress Jeremy looked at her longingly, “You look amazing, in fact stunning”. She could see his eyes fill with emotion.

“You don’t look so bad yourself; let’s go down and get a drink. She could feel her own excitement and it gave her butterflies.

It was a fine evening and guests began to arrive. As the champagne flowed so did the  conversation.  This was not only Jeremy’s retirement celebration but a huge thank you to those who had done business with him in the publishing world.

Vicky circulated and  began o relax. The alcohol had obliterated  the adrenalin which had so engulfed her. Jeremy excitedly beckoned her over. “Vicky, Luke and ……

Sorry I didn’t’ catch your name have  arrived.”  Vicky felt the blood drain from her.

Luke had brought one of his many young flimsy girls with him. She gathered composure,

So this was his latest conquest; she wouldn’t last long, they never did.  “Hello Luke,  lovely to see you and lovely to meet you too. If you don’ mind I must circulate”. As she turned to walk away she noticed his eyes following her. Yes, he was as attentive and charismatic as always.

Jeremy requested to make a speech. “Thank you all for joining me on this very special occasion. I would like to say how wonderful it has been doing business with you  all. Your support and loyalty have been much appreciated over the years and from the bottom of my heart it has been a pleasure. None of this would have been possible without

the love and dedication from my family especially Vicky my darling wife. Would you please be upstanding for a toast to Vicky and give her three cheers. Now for the surprise!

He turns to Vicky, “Darling, the day after tomorrow we are going on a Caribbean Cruise.

Start as we mean to go on”. Vicky felt the panic rise. She was notably shaken. Her head spun but she managed to gain composure. She forced a smile and kissed him on his cheek. Their guests duly applauded loudly. James began singing “He’s a jolly good fellow” and  the others followed suit. His sister Samantha beamed with pride and happiness.

It had been a successful evening. The guests had left and Jeremy was happy though a tad over the top with  alcohol. Vicky was both frantic and furious. They made their way up to the bedroom. She couldn’t contain herself. The thought of being with Jeremy away on her own on a cruise and the rest of her life was too much to bear. Neither was she pleased that he had paid out so much money on the expedition. Jeremy lay on the bed. Vicky raised her voice “Why all that money on a cruise Jeremy, why?”  He slurred his words “Oh come on Vic we always said we would do it” then fell asleep.

Vicky had other plans, for hey had sold the business but the money was still banked until Jeremy sort financial advice on how to invest it. That morning whilst out at the Salon and Dry Cleaners she had cleared the account.

 At two o’clock in the mooning Jeremy was fast asleep . She crept downstairs and picked up her mobile. “Hi Luke, I’m ready with the airline tickets and money. Enough to set us up in the South of France.

It had taken 25 years, from the moment she walked down the isle to hold her promise to Luke. It had been contrived by them both and had shown their true colours.  

  

e prided himself HHHHHH