Disclaimer: Don�t own characters, just muddle on through the plot� For lyrics to Send in the Clowns visit my Lyrics page. S e n d i n t h e C l o w n s P a r t F o u r Jack didn�t like the idea of being jealous, it was in bad character, it was him being selfish and over protective but he couldn�t stop it. No matter how he tried. He�d argued with himself for many hours over it, that it was because she was too beautiful to be left alone with other men. That he wasn�t giving her enough to make her faithful to him. But then why should she be faithful, it wasn�t as if he could stand on his own moral territory and argue his case. If she left him now the world wouldn�t end but still he�d be crushed. The changes were subtle, at first she was by his side every minute, constantly demanding his attention. Now she was there when she needed to be, for work purposes and if he asked her to stay so they could have dinner together she would. And if he kissed her she would kiss back, the passion was still there, the mutual attraction still present. But still he couldn�t blame her; he hadn�t given her any real incentive to hang around, waiting for him to be free. And at any rate he hadn�t even made any decisions on what to do about his marriage. He wanted to leave, to be free again. But the thought of leaving Sarah was heartbreaking. He hadn�t ever considered himself as a father figure during his University days but as soon as she�d come along there was no denying she had taken over his life. �Jack are you listening to me?� Nora tapped her pen on the desk in front of him. He looked up at her and smiled. �Thinking�that�s all.� �And too much of that will kill you. Now what did you think of my research?� �Excellent, as I said before, you�re gifted.� He swung round on his chair. �Now come here.� She slipped down onto his knee. �So how about some take-out for dinner?� Her face dropped when he said the words. �Can�t we go out someplace, a restaurant, doesn�t have to be anywhere expensive just dinner - properly for a change.� �I can�t, I wish I could�� Nora got up again. �We never go anywhere together.� �I�m married what do you expect me to do?� �That�s right you�re married � not me! And from my point of view it seems to be you who has the benefits of married life and me on the side. And what do I get?� Jack moved to her and took her arms to stop her pacing the room. �Nora, I�m sorry, I didn�t exactly plan to fall in love with you.� �Please don�t say that.� �But it�s true. I want to be with you and I promise I will seriously try and sort something out.� He tilted his head and kissed her neck. �We could go someplace �very� private.� �I�m not going to some sleazy hotel just so you can get laid.� �Now would I do that?� �Hmm I�m not sure.� She kissed him before he had the chance to reply. * * * Jack sat in his car watching the entrance doors to the building. Usually there were crowds by the door but today it was empty. The rain came in torrents over his windscreen, so much so he could barely see through. He kept his eye on the clock as he waited; her exam was set to finish ten minutes ago so surely she should be out soon. He glanced backwards at the bags piled up on the back seat and smiled to himself; this weekend was going to be perfect. He switched the radio on and leant back in his seat still staring at the door. Finally a group emerged and he made out Nora laughing with the others. A guy was holding her arms as she laughed and again the pang of jealousy shot through him. He got out of the car and called her over. �How did it go?� �Fine,� she whispered, pushing the hair back from her face. �What are you doing here?� �Taking you out, get in the car you�re soaking.� �Taking me where?� �It�s supposed to be a surprise, I�m taking you away for the weekend, call it a well earned treat.� �A well earned treat? For what, my actual work or the time I spend doing �other� things for you.� �Nora I don�t want to argue, come on, we�ll be late, if we go now we�ll beat the traffic.� �And where exactly does your wife think you are?� �On a conference.� �Right, so you haven�t told her yet.� Jack shook his head. �Then I think I�ll stay here if that�s ok with you. I�ve already made plans and I have to revise anyway.� �But I�ve already booked�� �Then find someone else to take, right now Jack I need more than hearts and flowers to win me over. I need commitment. And you don�t seem able to give that.� P l e a s e r e v i e w S t o r i e s |