The Secret

They spent most of the next two days in the flat, making love, eating and then making love again. They went to the Theatre begrudgingly and although they both enjoyed the play, they rushed back to the flat so they could cocoon themselves in their own private space.

Ellie loved the feel of him and spent time exploring every inch of skin and memorising it, his scent, the taste of his kisses. Alan was just addicted to having her close to him, waking up in the bed and seeing her there, eyes closed, red curls spread about the pillow. He could watch her for hours and when she wasn’t sleeping, he was happy to tell her she was beautiful, tell her how much he loved her, and to make her come time and time again.

On the Thursday, they made love slowly in the morning and afterwards, Ellie made breakfast that they ate in bed.

‘We’re being slobs…’ She laughed at him.

‘Do you want to do something?’ he asked her, gently stroking her leg.

‘Not really but I would love to go out and get pissed!’ She giggled at him.

‘Great idea! Let’s get totally pissed…’ he raised his eyebrow and frowned at her.

‘I just want to let my hair down a bit, before Saturday, you know.’ She smiled and stroked his cheek.

He nodded and smiled at her. ‘Whatever you want…’

****************

Later that night they went to a crowded pub in the middle of Covent Garden. Ellie smiled to herself, there was a karaoke machine set up in the corner. She loved a bit of karaoke, especially when she was drunk.

They bought a bottle of wine and sat in the corner drinking sedately until they were joined by two Australian backpackers who had no where else to sit. Before they knew it, they were in the middle of a party of strangers, having the biggest laugh they had had all week and slowly getting drunk.
Alan looked at Ellie as she was laughing with one of uninvited guests. She looked like she was having a ball and he laughed to himself. Alan was enjoying himself too. Most of the people in the bar were tourists and he enjoyed their company and the fact that they really didn’t know who he was. He relaxed and got into the party spirit, joining in with the singers as the karaoke started and laughing as Ellie stood on her chair to dance.
Ellie popped up to the karaoke organiser and whispered in his ear before returning to her seat with more wine.

‘What are you up to? Alan whispered as he pulled her into a hug. Ellie giggled at him.

‘I’m going to sing!’ She threw her arms in the air dramatically and he laughed at her, she was truly drunk.

‘What song did you pick?’ He laughed. He was feeling a bit drunk himself.

‘It’s a secret.’ She smiled at him and kissed him, just as her name was called to sing.

‘Ha! ‘ She turned and bounced up onto the small stage.

‘Ladies and Gents, this is Ellie singing Bon Jovi’s ‘’In these Arms’… Give it up for Ellie!’

Everyone clapped and cheered and Alan started whistling from their table.

Everyone laughed as Ellie struck a pose and waited for the guitar intro, and then she sang at full volume, word and note perfect. She blew Alan away. She looked awesome wearing a black vest top and black jeans and boots. With her red hair, looked every inch a rock chick. Ellie danced as she sang, her hair flying everywhere and when she reached the second verse and chorus she turned and sang directly at him.

‘We stared at the sun
And we made a promise
A promise this world would never blind us
These are my words
Our words were our songs
Our songs are our prayers
These prayers keep me strong
It's what I believe
If you were in these arms tonight

If you were in these arms tonight
I'd hold you
I'd need you
I'd get down on my knees for you
And make everything alright
If you were in these arms
I'd love you
I'd please you
I'd tell you that I'd never leave you
And love you till the end of time
If you were in these arms tonight ‘

Alan could see tears in Ellie’s eyes and he smiled at her as she put what they were both feeling into words.

The song finished and the crowd erupted and started to chant her name. She pushed her way through the throng and Alan lifted her up into a huge hug. She whispered in his ear, ‘let’s go home’ and he grabbed their things, carefully guiding her out of the pub into the street.

Ellie was very drunk and wobbled unsteadily as she tried to get her balance.
‘I think I’m pissed…’ She looked at him. Her eyes were unfocussed and he laughed at her.

‘I’d say you were, all right, which means we achieved what we set out to do, anyway!’ He smiled at her.

‘I’m not too pissed, I know where I am and I know who you are!’ She stamped her foot like a child, glaring at him and he bit his lip to stop himself laughing again.

‘Of course you do, darling. Come on, lets go home.’ He helped her into her jacket and put his arm around her to keep her upright as they walked back to the flat.

When they got to the flat Ellie turned to Alan and hugged him tightly.

‘I really love you…’ She slurred.

‘Glad to hear it…’ He extracted himself from her grip and led her to the sofa.
‘I think we need tea. Be right back.’

Ellie lay down on the sofa. The room was starting to spin so she closed her eyes tightly and held onto the sofa with both hands. It wasn’t a good feeling. Alan came in carrying two mugs of tea and found her fast asleep and snoring a little.

He grinned at the sight of her and smiled as he remembered her signing. It had been a good night but he wondered if she suffered from hangovers and dreaded what the morning might bring.

He covered her with a blanket and took his tea to bed with him.