New Beginnings

 

The wedding of John and Mary Watson had been a small one. Neither bride nor groom had many friends, and even fewer relatives.  Rather than focusing on who was there, Watson could only think of who was not, most noticeably of all, Sherlock Holmes. Watson remembered with pain the last times that he had seen Holmes.

 

Two months earlier, at Holmes request, Watson had left their shared flat. Watson had seen Holmes only once; the visit did not go well. Watson had gone to see him one month to the day that he had been thrown out. Praying Holmes had calmed some; Watson mounted the familiar 17 steps and for the first since he could remember when knocked on the sitting room door.

 

“Come in”

 

Slowly Watson opened the door, peering in his eyes were met with a shocking sight. The room looked as though it had been burgled, there were papers and items of clothing everywhere. Furniture was overturned and the smell of tobacco hung in the air like stale perfume. Holmes was nowhere to be seen Watson knocked again.

 

A hand waved him in lazily “I did say come in did I not?”  His voice too had the same lazy quality.

 

Watson gingerly walked in. He made his way round to the front of the sofa. Holmes it appeared was in no better shape than the sitting room. His jet-black hair hung loosely in his eyes and needed to be cut. His face was drawn and haggard, his eyes had large dark circles about them. He looked as though he had not slept in weeks never mind days. Eating to seemed to be a thing of the past, he looked dangerously thin.  He did not speak when he saw Watson, but he did manage to sit up, his dressing gown seemed to swallow him. He ran his hand through his hair in that familiar manner.

 

“Holmes you look terrible” Watson w as shocked at how harsh he sounded, more professional than personal.

 

Holmes to noticed, ”Is that your professional opinion Doctor?” His voice was weak, but still held that air of coldness.

 

Watson reached out to take his pulse “You presume to much Doctor!” He slapped Watson’s hand away. “And not just in this I might add!  I know why you are here and can not believe that you would have the nerve to even suggest what you are about to.”

 

Watson stood taken a back, How could he possibly know what I am about to ask, I hardly know myself what I am going to say! 

 

“ I see that in one month you have easily forgotten my methods. No matter I shall enlighten you as always. As I have said it has been one month since last we saw one another, and then we parted on not good terms.  It is exactly one month until your wedding. Your invitations came yesterday. Mrs. Hudson commented on how she hoped that we would patch things up, as she was sure you would be round to ask if I would be best man at your wedding. I  n otice a small box in your pocket, that could only be the rings. Hence you have come to attempt to tell me that though we are no longer lovers there is no reason why would should not be friends. And as I am your oldest and dearest friend would I so honour you with being you best man.” Holmes laughed “Oh the irony of it Doctor!”

 

He shook his head sadly, raised his hand and pointed to Watson. “NO. You have made your choice, and as such you must live with that choice. Keep me out of it.”

He turned to face the sofa and dismissed Watson “You may close the sitting room door on your way out.”

 

Sensing his pensive mood Mary took her husband by the hand. “He needs time John, in a few weeks I am sure he will come round.” She smiled sweetly; he smiled back  “After the honeymoon you can stop in and see him, after all 3 weeks is a long time.” She kissed his cheek.

 

Mary if only you knew the whole story, you would not be so sure. Still this is our wedding day, and I should be happy.

 

Watson was roused from his thoughts by the tapping of a glass. The best man was about to give his speech and make his toast. Phillip Lestrade looked a fine figure of a man in his tuxedo. Despite the fact that he was a police inspector, he still hated speaking in front of a crowd. “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s my privilege this afternoon to be able to make the toast to the happy couple. I have known and respected Dr. Watson for many years; it has been my honour to work with him on several occasions. He is a kind and gentle man, I believe he has found a kindred spirit in Mary.” He cleared his throat. “I am not good at these sort of things.” Every one laughed.  Lestrade raised his glass ” I ask you all know to join me in raising your glasses in a toast to the happy couple. To John and Mary, my your life be with filled with happiness and love, and eventually the patter of little feet.”  Every one toasted.

 

Watson managed to relax, most of the

after noon was over, all that was left was cutting of the cake and the good-byes.  Tomorrow morning they left on their honeymoon a 3-week excursion of Europe.  A wedding gift from Mary’s employer and friend Mrs. Forrester.   He began to feel happy. First stop Paris, He smiled at his wife, and kissed her. A new beginning was at hand.