No copyright infringement is intended. The characters belong solely to Rupert Holmes.
Thanks Biz for being a live audience, for editing, and for coming up with the wonderful title.
Water's Edge
By Dani Calderwood
Jeff walked down the embankment leading to a secluded spot on the river's edge that Hilary liked to escape to. Being brought up near the water, she had always run to it when she was feeling turmoil.
He spotted her right where he expected she'd be. Her hair was loose and flew freely around her. She huddled in her wool cape and stared at the water. He stopped and watched her against the fading day's light.
Jeff took a deep breath and tried to gather his strength. He knew she would not be thrilled to see him but he needed to know that she was all right. She put on a brave front when the telegram from her mother arrived, but he knew how deeply the death of her father would effect her.
He'd realized early in their relationship that her father's approval meant the world to Hilary. But Gregory Booth rarely gave his daughter anything she needed. Now with his passing, any chance she had to get his attention would be lost to her.
Finally, he was close enough to see her face and the sorrow etched in it broke his heart. "Hilary," he whispered. She shook her head in response.
"Hilary, please," he pleaded.
"Leave me alone," he responded, her voice heavy with emotion. He reached out to touch her shoulder. She shrugged him off and walked closer to the water's edge. "I almost drowned once," she said. "I was trying to show my father what a strong swimmer I was, but I was caught by an undercurrent. Some boy had to rescue me because my father wasn't even paying attention."
She sniffled and blew her nose into the handkerchief she carried. "He was too busy flirting with some woman. Daddy always liked the ladies," she said sadly. "If Mama had been a better wife Daddy wouldn't have had to look elsewhere. He wouldn't have had to leave us."
Jeff wanted to respond but didn't. He knew she needed to talk. "When I got the lead in my first Broadway play I sent Daddy tickets. I couldn't wait for him to see me up onstage, in the spotlight."
"Did he enjoy your performance?" Jeff asked, trying to prompt her from the silence she had fallen into.
"He couldn't make it. He was...um...on a business trip with his secretary of the week." She smiled weakly to herself. "He did send me flowers, though. Well, mama sent me flowers in his name. But he would have if he was in the country."
"Hilary," Jeff said gently.
"You remind me a lot of him," she said, finally looking at him. "He was tall, dark, and charming. And I'd do anything for him. But, you know, I really didn't matter to him...anymore than I mat..."
"You matter to me," Jeff said as he walked up behind her. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against him.
She struggled to get away. "I don't want to end up like my mama. She forgave him anything because she loved him and he walked over her like she was a doormat."
"No worry there," he said with a forced laugh. "No one would dare try that with you. You wouldn't let them."
"I let you. You smile at me and I forgive any indiscretion, no matter how deeply it had hurt me." She started sobbing.
He laid his head against her shoulder and held her tightly. "I'm sorry that I've caused you pain," he said sincerely.
"That's what Daddy would always say...and it will never happen again. But, you know, it always did happen again." She raised her hand and gently stroked his cheek. "See how much you two are alike."
"That isn't fair," Jeff responded. He loosened his grip just enough to twirl her around so she faced him. "I have tried so hard to make up for hurting you and I will try never to hurt you again."
Hilary responded with a short bitter laugh.
"Damn it, Hilary! I have tried to show you how very much I love you."
"Yes you have. You've been very attentive," she acknowledged. "Just like Daddy was if Mama ever tried to leave him."
"Gregory Booth couldn't have his wife walk out on him," she continued, "so if she ever got her courage up, he'd woo her. He'd do whatever it took, for however long it took, to get her back...then, then he'd have another business trip that he and his secretary just had to go on," she added bitterly, "but he'd assure my mother that he was a changed man."
"Is that what you think I've been doing?" Jeff asked.
"I'm not saying you have it planned out," Hilary answered honestly, "but I have wondered if you trying so hard to get me back has more to do with your male pride and less to do with how much you say you love me."
"I am not your father, Hilary. I have stayed with you when I wasn't legally bound to you. I've loved you even when you've made it quite clear that you had taken lovers," he argued passionately. "I have done everything but brand myself for you, and even if you wanted that I would probably do it." He could read the doubt in her eyes. "What else can I do?"
"I'm not sure, Pumpkin," she responded. "I just don't want to end up alone like Mama. . .oh God, Mama is alone," she realized. "I need to go home."
"It's ok, Hilary, I've made the arrangements. Your train is leaving at nine and Eugenia and Maple have gone to the house to pack a couple bags for you," Jeff told her.
Hilary surprised Jeff by snuggling into his embrace. "Thank you," she said.
"You don't have to thank me."
"I don't know how to pick up the pieces," she said, "but if you are willing to take the chance then so am I."
"Willing? Hilary, I am..."
"Shh, I can't deal with us...this...now," she told him as she gave him a hard squeeze.
She broke out of his embrace but took his hand in hers. She led him to a blanket she had brought with her and motioned for him to sit down. After they were settled she leaned back against him. "Right now, I just need to listen to the water."
The End