INSPIRATION

Author: Pandagal19
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: You/Mort
Categories: Drama, Romance

Disclaimer: I do not own Secret Window or Mort Rainey. But in my own little sick mind I do!!!! GET THE SCREWDRIVER!!!!

Summary: You’re an inspiring author to be when your husband cheats on you. Deeply upset of this loss, could your new neighbour bring back that spark? Or will his past get in the way?

Author's Note: I was really upset when Fanfiction.net banned all of the “You” stories but at least I can still continue them here. Thank you all for reading this before and I hope the same people will continue. Enjoy!

* * * * *

CHAPTER 1

No! This can’t be happening! your mind screamed. You closed your eyes to block out the scene. You wanted so bad to believe it was all a nightmare but the truth was right there and there was no escaping.

“(You), please, let me explain,” started Chris, your husband.

You shook your head and started to back out of the bedroom, trying to think up some reasons as to why this was happening. Maybe it wasn’t what you thought. But deep down, you knew it was and you were speechless.

“(You), honey, this is not what it looks like,” he began again.

“Oh really Chris?” you said, finding your voice. “I just happen to come home to find my husband in bed screwing someone?! How could you?”

Blinking back tears, you fled the room and then ran out the front door. Stopping on the porch, you collapsed in hysteric fits. Never in your entire life have you felt this way- used, betrayed, cheated. You thought something like this would never happen to you, but it did. It did.

Back inside the house, you heard some shouts and then footsteps coming close to you. The door quietly opened and the person who caused all of this to happen walked out and sat beside you.

“Listen, (you), I’m sorry you had to see this. But, if you only you knew how your job was affecting Chris and probably this wouldn’t have happened. I know you’re just starting but must you constantly have to write?”

Breathing deeply, you looked HER in the eye. “Why don’t you leave Sandra? Get the Hell out of here!” you cried.

The crafty blonde you once called a friend, got up and left.

~Four Months Later~

It was official. You looked at the note in your hand. After that day, you and Chris did everything you could to revive your marriage. As much as you wanted to think things were turning for the best, Sandra reappeared and so Chris left with her. Crumbling the letter, you tossed it in the garbage can and took out a beer.

Popping it open, you chugged it down in a few seconds. Setting the empty bottle on the coffee table, you went to your computer. Already set up was your first novel you’ve been working on for a while, A Eternal Love.

It was a great story so far. Had an interesting plot, almost realistic, to any romantic reader. It should be since the inspiration for the story was based on . . . well, it was no more now.

“This is useless now,” you muttered. Highlighting the text, you were about the delete it when something made you stop. You couldn’t do it. Not now when it was going so far. Sighing, you moved the mouse to the side and clicked the left side to get rid of the highlights.

There was nothing now that could help you with this story. You decided to keep it and wait.

* * * * *

CHAPTER 2

It’s been a while since you had a nice long jog. The weather was fair, for once, and you didn’t want to miss the opportunity. After locking up the house, you noticed a moving van in the driveway at your neighbor’s house. ‘About time,’ you thought.

Your old neighbor, Mrs. Winston, a kind old woman past away a month ago. She was a good friend to you and was always willing to lend a shoulder to cry on. You especially needed that shoulder after Chris left and Mrs. Winston did her best to make sure you were taken care of.

Starting off with a nice brisk pace down your street, you remembered how she would come over and clean the house and make your meals while you poured out your heart to her about Chris. It felt good to have someone by your side through the ‘getting over’ phase. After she died, you became lonely again and after Chris’s infidelity you isolated yourself in fear of someone betraying you again.

You rarely went out because the people of Green Waters Shore are known for their gossip. Sure there were rumors flying about when you cut yourself out of the public’s eyes. Well, Mrs. Winston informed you of all of them and stood up for you when someone didn’t have their facts straight. It sickened her that random strangers would come up with the wildest stories about someone. With the affair and stuff that came about, it was an incredible shock.

When Chris was still with you, everyone could tell you were in love with each other. It had it written all over your faces when you moved here a couple of years ago. You grinned as you thought about the romantic getaways you and Chris had, which basically inspired you to write A Eternal Love. That was a glorious time. You left the neighborhood and headed towards town.

It was a quiet place with little crime. It reminded you of those old TV shows where everyone knew everyone and there was no worry over dangerous criminals. You turned the corner and headed towards Sam’s Grocery.

“Hey (you)! Mighty fine weather we’re having,” greeted Joe.

“Hi Joe,” you said. “It’s been a while since the sun’s out. Where’s your brother?”

“Sam? Well, he’s over at Mrs. Winston’s old place helping your new neighbor unpack. Heard he suppose to be some big shot writer or something. Have you seen him yet?”

You shook your head. “Well, I heard plenty about this fellow. Have you ever read anything by Morton Rainey?” asked Joe.

“Morton Rainey? Well, yeah. I read his work before. Why? Is he my new neighbor?” You asked excited. One thing for sure is that you loved his books and who knows? He might help you with your writer’s block.

Joe nodded. “But did you hear about the Tashmore Lake incident?”

“Incident? No why?” you asked, hesitate.

“I heard that he killed several people including his ex-wife.”

“Are you sure it’s not a rumor? And besides, if he did then how come he’s not doing time?”

Joe scratched his head. “I guess you’re right about that. Sam is going to check this guy out and make sure he’s safe.”

You sighed. “Joe, with today’s technological advances do you think the police would have found the murderer? And where did you hear this story?”

“My cousin, Robbie. He lives up in Tashmore and he says that this Rainey fellow is odd. But, if he causes you any trouble than you let me know or Sam.”

“Whatever,” you mumbled. “Bye Joe.”

You left the store and started to head back home when you noticed the local ‘gossipers’. You quickly reverted your glaze to somewhere else in fear of what they might say if they see you. If there was one thing in the world that you hated most it was those women. There were only a few that dislike you and during your short isolation, they were the roots of the rumors.

“(You)? Are you really outside in public?” inquired the ringleader, Jessica.

You stopped in your tracks. ‘Why today?’ you thought. You turned on your heels with a fake, cheery smile.

“Yes I am. The weather was finally nice and I couldn’t resist. So how are you all?”

A murmur of answers responded. Wanting to end this soon, you said good-bye but before you could leave, Jessica stopped you.

“What’s the hurry? It’s been a while since we talked. Did you see your new neighbor yet?”

“No I haven’t. You know, I would love to stay and chat but there’s some errands I have to do still. It’s been nice talking to you guys. Bye!” You broke out in a run and moved as fast as you could to get home.

After reaching your street, you slowed down to a walk. The moving van was still there but you couldn’t see anyone moving anything.

“Just my luck,” you sighed. You were curious to see Mort Rainey.

You were walking past the truck when you spotted a man sitting on the porch. You were taken aback on how attractive he was. There was a slight breeze so his long dirt blonde hair was blowing into his face. He wore dark rimmed glasses and his firm face was set with a steady look as he looked down at some papers in his hand.

You stood in a trance-like state. If this was Mort Rainey, then he definitely didn’t fit the profile of a ‘serial killer’. All of a sudden, he lifted his head and met your eyes. His were a deep brown, almost like a dark coco color, which lit up as he saw you.

“Hi there!” he called.

“Uh, hi,” you said. He seemed nice but you didn’t want to make any quick judgments since you had problems with that in the past.

“Um, do you know who lives next to me? Some of the movers by accident broke one of the windows in the back during their break. I’ll be willing to pay for the damages,” he said.

“Yeah, that’s me. My window is broke? What in the world happened?” your voice getting louder.

The poor guy jumped from your tone. “I’m terribly sorry about that. They got into my golf clubs and were hitting a couple of balls. But I will pay don’t worry.”

You sighed. “Well, they were pretty old and I have been meaning to get new ones.”

The man grinned. “See? Now you will get them done for free. By the way, I’m Mort Rainey.”

“(Your full name),” you answered. You went over to the porch and exchanged a handshake.

“Nice to meet you. You know, this wasn’t my idea of getting off with a friendly start with my neighbors,” Mort told you.

You chuckled. “Really, it’s all right. I was wondering, Mort Rainey, you’re not that famous author are you?”

Now it was his turn to chuckle. “Yes I am. Are you a fan?”

You nodded. “I love your work. When I heard you were suppose to be living here, I thought they were joking or something.”

“Well, as you can, I’m living here. This seems like a nice town to live in.”

“Yeah, until you get on the bad side of some of the women here,” you mumbled.

“Excuse me?”

“Hi (you)!” greeted Sam.

“Hi Sam.”

“I see Mr. Rainey here has already introduced himself. He didn’t happen to tell you about your window and your garden did he?”

“Window yes, but what about my garden?”

Mort started to look uncomfortable. “I was getting to that part Sam. My dog, Bandit, dung up a small part of your flowers and I swear I’ll get them replace!”

“Okay. Is there anymore ‘accidents’ I should know about or should I be surprised?”

“No ma’am, that’s all. I see you were at the store. Was Joe getting along all right?”

“He is. Well it was nice meeting you Mort. I’ll see you around later,” you said as you cross over to your house.

When you were out of sight, Sam turned to Mort.

“So is she the one?” Mort asked as Sam nodded.

“Nicest gal I ever met. It’s a pity of what happened. I’ll tell you, no one saw it coming. I don’t even think Chris did either.”

“But still, the fact that your spouse did something like that. Is she all right?”

“I think so. I mean she should since it happened about seven months ago. But with her neighbor dying and all, she really hasn’t been herself Mr. Rainey.”

“What do you mean?” Mort asked. There was something about you that sparked his interest.

“She rarely comes outside. Stays in her house all the time, but I don’t blame her. There’s some people here you want to stay on friendly terms, otherwise you can kiss any hope good-bye! If I were you, I’ll be careful what I say or do around her. I believe she has something Mrs. Winston once said trusting issues. Anyways, if you need any more help just call me and I’ll be over. Bye Mr. Rainey.”

“Bye Sam and thanks again!” When Sam left, Mort looked up at your house with sympathy before going into his own.

* * * * *

CHAPTER 3

Mort kept his word and within a week he had the broken window replaced and most of the flowers replanted. He apologized whenever he came over and you couldn’t help but feel flattered.

One afternoon you found him in your garden just putting the finishing touches together.

“You know you’re a lot better than I am,” you commented.

He jumped.

“Sorry! I didn’t mean to startle you,” you said.

“Oh! That’s all right. You think so?” he asked.

You nodded. “Yeah, strange since you would think that I could keep a garden since almost everyone in the family is a gardener. But Chris . . .” you stopped.

“But Chris what?” Mort pressed.

“Nothing really,” you quickly answered. “You know for all this hard work I can’t help but feel I should do something in return. If you need help redecorating I could do a little of that.”

“No thanks. Well, if you think it would be a good exchange then I can’t argue. But not repaying me in helping out in my house. Maybe dinner or a movie?” he asked, hopefully.

“Sorry Mort but I can’t.”

“Oh.” His features dropped. Quickly thinking, he tried a different angle. “Not as a date but as two friends hanging out.” He figured you would agree, either way he was spending his time with you.

“I can’t Mort. I hardly know you,” you said. It was lame but there was no way you were ready to move on.

“We would get to know each other. So how about coffee or lunch perhaps?” Mort’s eyes silently pleaded you to say yes.

“I think I hear the phone ringing. Bye!” You hated to run off like that but how should you know if he’s what he appears to be? You weren’t willing to take a chance with another relationship.

Mort watched you leave and sighed. ‘This is going to be a lot harder than I thought. Maybe if I keep going she’ll cave’, he thought.

Defeated, he dragged his feet to his house and let Bandit out. The mixed Akita and Dalmatian took off as if he was on fire to do his business. Taking a seat on his couch, he took out his box of cigarettes. Lighting one up, he took a long drag. He knew it was bad for his health, but at least it helped him think.

If there was one thing for sure, Mort Rainey doesn’t give up.

* * * *

You were looking through a row of books, looking for something that was worthy to read. You are a very avid reader and you read almost every book there was in the small library. You picked up a copy of Eyes of a Murderer. This one was one of your favorites written by . . .

“You know that took me a while.”

Startled, you dropped the book. You whipped your head towards you guess it Mort.

“Hi,” you mumbled as you bent down to pick up the book.

“Sorry. Didn’t mean to startle you,” Mort sheepishly said.

You put the book back and began to move away.

“Wait!” Mort called after you. Catching up, he grinned. “So (you), I was wondering if you could help me look for this one book. I’m not familiar with the library so could you show me around?”

This guy doesn’t want to give up, you thought. “I love to Mort, but I have to run but there are librarians here so ask them.”

Again, you turned your back on him and walked away. You were hoping he would get the hint and leave, but this guy doesn’t take no as an answer.

“(You)!”

“You have got to be kidding me!” you moaned.

“(You), you look parched. How about we stop for a drink? It’ll be my treat,” he offered.

“See Mort, you’re new so I’ll make this easy for you. One: I do not want to go out with you. Two: Stop bugging me. Three: I don’t want to go out with you because I’m not ready. I’m sure you heard what happened since people here don’t know how to keep their mouths closed. So please understand where I’m getting at, okay?”

“I understand,” he whispered. “But there’s no reason why you can’t be with a friend.”

“What friend? Mort before you move here, I had no friends and I was doing peachy. And I would like it to keep it that way. So bye for real.”

You stormed off. There was something about him that you didn’t know what. But so far you were uncomfortable with the feelings you were having when Mort kept coming after you.

Mort was a bit shock by your outburst and exit. He knew you were still hurting; after all he went through the same thing! He understood your uncertainties but he was hoping to break that wall. He chuckled at the thought. He never saw himself as a fighter and already he felt like he was one. You were different. Much different from any other girl he met.

“You might want to give up,” a voice interrupted his thoughts.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, is that (you) is not dating material nor is she girlfriend material. By the way, I’m Jessica Green,” Jessica smiled.

“Mort Rainey. Why would you say such a thing? (You) is very nice.”

She sighed. “Yeah I know, the girl-next-door gig. She’s too stuck up I feel and completely full of herself. She obviously needs to get out of that ‘dream world’ of hers and smell the flowers. Chris is gone forever and she can’t accept that she lost a man that she thought was hers.”

Mort narrowed his eyes. “Take that back. I bet if you went through the same thing you would be doing exactly what she’s doing. Who ask you to be her judge? I think the only person here who appears to be full of themselves is you.”

Jessica’s mouth dropped open. “Hey I’m helping you! I have seen you for the past couple of days trying to get her out. I’m saying that she’s not worth the effort or your time.”

“Yes she is.” Mort nodded his head for emphasis and left with such determination he never felt before.

* * * *

You were lying on your couch with a box of Cookie Dough ice cream on your lap. Taking a big spoonful, you allowed the tears to fall.

It was a typical ritual for you every night. You would reflect on the past and cry yourself to sleep. This time you had a new reason for this.

Mort.

Why is he constantly asking me out? Can’t he tell I’m not good enough? you thought. You thought back to how you treated him and you felt sick. You didn’t want to hurt his feelings, that’s the farthest thing from the truth, but you wanted him off your back.

He’s too good for me and it’s better if I’m alone, you thought. Sighing, you got up and put back the melted ice cream and then went to your computer. Moving the mouse to get the screen saver off, there your novel glowed.

Sitting down, you stared at the screen. That’s all you ever do with it was stare.

“This is crap,” you finally said. “It should be gone.”

But you couldn’t will your hand to get rid of it. There was something that was pulling you back from eliminating it. You just weren’t sure what it was.

The phone ringing brought you back. Right now, you were too tired to answer it. You waited for the machine to kick in and when it did it was Mort.

“Hi (you), it’s me Mort your neighbor. I wanted to apologize for my behavior and I didn’t mean to bother you. It’s just that . . . I think you’re . . . great company to be with. So when you get the chance please call me back. Bye.”

The last part of the message was done quickly and you had to replay it to hear what he said.

“Great company,” you repeated. “Is that all I am? Well I must be since that’s what he said.”

You didn’t know what to expect. You hurt the guy and now you’re just ‘great company’. What did that mean exactly? Are you a good friend or just there when someone’s lonely? You let out a sigh of frustration. You didn’t know you were obsessing over this.

Then the phone started to ring again.

“Can’t I have a moment of peace?” you groaned.

This time it was Joe. “(You). Joe here and I have something really important to tell you so please pick up!”

You went over and picked up the phone. “What is it Joe?”

“You won’t believe what happened not just a couple of hours ago! Well, that Rainey fellow was outside the store. I was over across the street buying a paper and I saw Jessica Green by him. Well, they’s was talking about you. Jessica was telling him how you weren’t much to go after, right and then it happened!”

“What happened?”

“That Rainey guy blew up that’s what happened! He said you were worth the wait and boy did he piss off Jessica! You should have seen her face!”

“Wait, Mort said I was worth the wait?”

“Yes! I think he likes you but I’m a guy and I’m not good picking that kind of stuff up. Thought I should let you know. I’ll see you around then!”

“Bye Joe.”

After you hung up the phone, Joe’s words echoed in your head. ‘You were worth the wait.’ Mort said that. Butterflies fluttered in your stomach at the thought. You went up to your room and fell asleep.

The next morning when you woke up, your mind was refreshed. Last night you did some thinking and you came to a conclusion. Why were you holding back? Sure you were still hurting but that shouldn’t get in the way of going out with someone. After all, what’s the chance of it blooming? And you were young and life is too short to ponder the past.

Smiling, you got dressed and ran out to the front. Mort was in his yard playing fetch with Bandit and the ball flew and landed at your feet.

“Sorry!” Mort yelled. “Uh, morning (you).”

Grinning, you bent down and picked up the ball and threw it back.

“Hey, Mort!” you called.

“Yes?”

“How does Saturday night feel?”

* * * * *

CHAPTER 4

Saturday night came sooner then you thought. You were standing in front of the mirror putting the finishing touches.

After fixing your hair for like the hundredth time, you stood back to look over your outfit. You wore a simple loose black dress. It came down to your calf and it had V neckline. Your hair was done up well. You wound it up with those Chinese sticks.

Looking over once more, you became a little bit nervous. It’s been a long time since you went out to someplace nice let alone with someone else. You told yourself to calm down and that everything will go fine.

The doorbell rang and you realized this was it. You took a deep breath and opened the door.

Mort was standing out and he appeared to be nervous as well (that made you feel better).

“Hi,” he said almost shyly.

“Hi yourself.”

“You look really nice,” he managed to say.

You grinned. He was so sweet! “Shall we?” Mort asked.

“We shall,” you answered.

* * * *

“You’re right when you said this was expensive,” Mort commented as he looks through the menu.

You laughed. “See? I told you we should have gone to the Outback or something.”

“We could but this is more my type of crowd,” Mort smirked.

“Really? I can’t picture you all fancy up,” you teased.

“I know. This is actually a cover up.”

You shook your head. You never felt so comfortable before! On your first date with Chris you accidentally threw up on him. That was how nervous you were! But at least he asked you out again.

“So tell me about yourself,” Mort asked suddenly.

“What do you want to know?”

He shrugged. “Anything.”

“Well, I’m now currently residing in Green Waters Shore,” you began. “Before that I was living in Detroit, which you really have to be careful.”

“I been to Detroit once,” Mort said. “Sadly I lost a lot of money at Greektown Casino.”

“So what about you Mort? Why did you move here?”

“As a writer, sometimes a change in scenery can help with new ideas. In fact that’s what I was doing. Up in Tashmore Lake, I wasn’t getting the kind of inspiration I wanted. And also too I wanted to escape the past you could say,” he finished.

“Why? What happened?” you questioned.

“This happened a long time ago, but I found my wife cheating on me. While we were going through a divorce, Amy and her boyfriend mysteriously disappeared.” His face fell and sadness reflected in his eyes.

“Mort you don’t have to finish if you don’t want to. I didn’t mean,” you start.

“No. It’s not your fault. A lot of people blamed me for their deaths and I really can’t blame them. I was a wreck and I could see why they would think such things. But I never would have harmed them because I’m not that type of person. You know, you never told me what you do for a living,” Mort said.

“I want to be writer. No, I am a writer. I’m not that big as you but I did publish a few things. I was working on a novel but I don’t have the heart to finish it,” you confessed.

“Why?”

“It’s not that simple.” You turned your face away.

Before Mort could say anything, the waiter came and took your orders. After he left, you still couldn’t meet his eyes.

Silently, Mort was kicking himself for bringing up a sensitive issue. He felt bad already for lying to you. No! I wasn’t really lying. It was Shooter who did it, he told himself.

“Mort?”

“Yes?” he asked you.

“I know I been acting sort of childish and it’s just I’m not normally this clingy.”

“What do you mean?”

“I never dwelled on the past before. I was raised not to do that and I never did until Chris left. I’m a wreck like you were and I hate it.”

Mort saw so many emotions flying through your eyes and he felt protective over you. ‘What did that bastard do to you?’ he thought angrily. He reached out and held your hand. (A/N: Isn’t that adorable!) The contact surprised you, but it had a calming and warming effect on you. Could this man ever stop amazing you?

The spell was broken when your food arrived. You two started to eat and now and then would comment on how good it was. Mort shared his with you and you did with him. After your plates were taken away and the dessert was ordered, Mort went back to the earlier conservation.

“(You), do you mind telling me what happened?” he asked softly.

You were afraid he would bring it up again, but there was something about him that you couldn’t say no to. So you began to tell him:

“Chris and I were so much in love when we got married. He encouraged me to pursue my love in writing and so I quit my teaching in dance and we started to travel. We went to Europe and that’s when the idea of A Eternal Love was born. Our relationship was something most people would envy and so I based it off our marriage.

“Well, we moved here about a year ago and everything was what it was suppose to be. Chris worked at Sam’s Grocery and I stayed home and wrote. I met this woman one day while I was mowing the lawn and she came over to talk. We became fast friends and she started to spend a lot of time at the house.

“I didn’t think nothing bad would happen you see. Sandra was so sweet and kind that you could never suspect her of doing anything wrong. Then when it was reaching close to that night, Chris started to behave strangely. We fought for the first time and it was about my novel. He was tired of me working on it and he accused me of not being a good wife. He also told me it was my fault that we didn’t have a kid yet!

“I got angry and I said a few choice words and after that we ignored each other. The next day he apologized and we pretended it never happened. Later that day, Chris left for work but he never showed up. Sam called and I didn’t know what to say. When Chris came home he said he told Joe he was taking the day off to do some fishing. He had his pole so I never suspected anything. That was a routine for the next week and that’s when I thought something was wrong.

“I didn’t confront Chris because I didn’t want him to think I didn’t trust him. I went out to do some shopping and I finished early and when I came home (your voice started to crack a little) I saw them. Sandra left and she never came back. Chris and I went to a marriage counselor to save what was left but that was a big waste. Chris left me for good and he mailed me the papers. I signed and I never heard from him again.

“After that, I couldn’t work on my story and I was too embarrassed to show my face in town. Everyone found out and there were some people who were sympathetic and some who took the advantage of my gloom and turned it to a rumor circus. I felt like I was violated. My trust was damaged and so was my conception of people. I was broken and I couldn’t be fixed,” your voice trailed off.

Mort couldn’t believe it. How could he do something like that to you? Mort thought he had it bad, but it was obvious that you had much deeper wounds than him.

“(You), I’m sorry you went through that.”

“Yeah that makes us both,” you attempt to joke. Right now, you were no close to being in a joking mood.

Your pain could be seen in Mort’s deep brown orbs. You knew he knew what it was like. You could tell when he talked about Amy. A connection was present between you two and smiled a little. This Mort Rainey was the cure you needed to heal yourself.

Before another word could be exchanged, a flash of blonde and a flirty laugh filled the room. “Oh no,” you moaned. Could this get any better? you thought.

“What’s wrong?” Mort asked urgently, looking around to see what was disturbing you.

“My God (you)!” Sandra ran up to your table, grab the nearest chair and plopped down at your table.

“Long time no see friend!” she said cheerfully.

You didn’t answer. Right now you wanted to get away.

“And look you have a date! Hi! I’m Sandra Green, or should I say Mrs. Sandra Thompson!”

“Mort Rainey,” Mort said.

“(You), I’m so happy you found someone finally. In fact, just the other day I was telling my husband, Chris, ‘I wonder what (you) is up to’. So, we found this cute little place in town and now we’re back living here! Isn’t that grand?” Sandra said excited.

“Let me tell you, Mort, I’m so happy that (you) is with you. She’s been a mess with Chris leaving and I hated to see her all depressed and stuff. But it really means to me that you’re being nice to her.”

“Mort could we get the check?” you choked out. You never felt so small in your life! And how dare this woman to come in and put her two senses in!

Sadly, Mort didn’t hear you.

“As I was saying, the people here haven’t changed that much. I was just talking to my sister, Jessica, not long ago and she was telling me that a big writer was living here. At first, I thought she meant (you) but she never got around to finish her book so when she said Mort Rainey, I was tickled pink!”

“Were you now?” Mort asked, bored.

The blonde nodded her head. “I’m a big fan and I think your work is brilliant.”

“I have to go,” you said quickly. You got up and left the restaurant.

You had to leave the place. You could no longer stay in there any longer. When the cool air greeted you, you broke down in sobs. A new cut was made and you wanted to disappear for good.

“(You)! Oh my God! Are you all right?” Mort ran to you and held you in a tight embrace.

Angrily, you pushed him back violently. “You! How could you let that woman sit there and and interrupt us!”

“I didn’t know it was her until she introduced herself. (You), I didn’t mean to . . .”

“No. Of course you didn’t. Is that all you can think of? This is why I can’t go out and enjoy my life! People like Sandra and Jessica just ruin everything and there’s nothing I can do about it! Are you happy now? You went out with me and now you know the whole story. What a great way to end a date you know? My ex’s mistress now wife is back.” You couldn’t hold no longer and a new flood of tears fell.

Mort was silent during your outburst and went back to you in a comforting hug. You didn’t have the strength to push him away so you let him hold you.

* * * * *

CHAPTER 5

Two weeks went by after that dreadful night. Mort kept calling you leaving messages. You never called him back. And the worst part is that Sandra had the nerve to call you and come over to the house.

You didn’t let her in. You just pretended you weren’t home. You never felt so miserable in your life. You wanted to curl up into a ball and wished that this never happened. You wished that Chris never left you and everything was back to normal. Sure let Mort moved in, but it would easier since Chris is with you so friendship is the only option he’d have.

But that’s not the case.

You sat down on the couch and flipped through the channels. Nothing good was on and you turned it off.

“I hate my life,” you softly said. “I hate Mort and I hate everyone in this town!”

Anger bubbled and you just wanted to marched into town and blow it all up! Let everyone suffer. It was only fair it seemed.

While you were off in your crazy fantasy world, you almost didn’t hear a scratching at the door.

Curious, you got up and look through the peephole.

Bandit was sitting on your porch and it looked like there was an envelope in his mouth.

Carefully, you opened the door and Bandit started to wag his tail. When it was fully opened, the dog dropped the wet envelope and looked down at it. Getting the hint, you picked it up and peeled it open. Inside was a letter that was written by Mort. It read:

(You),

P.S. If you want to, then wave.

When you were done reading it, you looked up and there was Mort standing on your lawn. He waved as his feet shuffled around nervously.

You could no longer be upset at him. You gave him a small wave and mouthed the words, “Thank you.”

* * * *

Word got out about Sandra and Chris being back. Right away folks started to talk. They were mostly interested in your reaction. You decided to give them a shock and pretended that you never knew they were here.

You were having high hopes today. You and Mort just had lunch a while back and it was glorious. He never thought badly of you and he was willing to look at your unfinished novel. Giddiness filled you at the thought of a big shot writer interested in your work. It was a dream come true.

You were standing in the cereal aisle of Sam’s Grocery. You were low and needed a new supply. You were looking at the boxes when guess who showed up.

“(You),” said Sandra.

You weren’t going to allow her to ruin your day so you answered back.

“Sandra,” you replied sweetly. “Fancy running into you.”

She smirked. “I could say the same to you. By the way, Chris and I were hurt that you never returned our calls or visited.”

“Sorry Sandra but I been busy.”

“With that Mort guy, uh?”

“What’s it to ya?” you asked.

“Well,” she drawled. “Chris was a little surprised you found someone.”

“Oh?”

She nodded. “He seemed, I don’t know, shock I suppose.”

“Why should he care?” you growled.

She shrugged. “I think it’s because you were so head over heels over him that he thought you would still be crying over him.”

“Crying over him? Ha! Don’t make me laugh!” you said. “I have Mort now.”

You knew it was partial true but she didn’t know.

She gave you a look. Obviously, she’s having a hard time believing you.

“Really? I wonder what he sees in you,” Sandra said.

“Why don’t you ask him and not her?”

You both spun around and Mort was standing at the end of the aisle. Mort walked over to where Sandra was standing and crossed his arms. “Well?” he asked.

“All right. I was wondering what you even see in (you). There’s a chance she might never get over Chris and where does that leave you than Mr. Rainey?”

Mort grinned. “I see a lot in (you) that I like and that I feel most people such as yourself overlook. She’s considerate, thoughtful, helpful, caring, trustworthy, and a better human being I’ve ever known. I also know what she’s going through and I can relate to it. And I can tell you for sure that (you) has the making of being as good a writer than myself!”

Your jaw fell. What is he doing? you thought. But Mort was far from being over. “I’m glad that Chris left her, otherwise I might have never got the chance to be with her.”

You were speechless and so was Sandra. Her mouth kept opening and closing not forming any words. Mort moved to where you were standing and snaked an arm around your waist. Finally she licked her lips and cleared her throat. “That’s wonderful Mort. I think I hear Chris calling me.”

“Okay then, tell Chris we said hi.” Before you knew it, Mort’s lips descended on yours. All air in your lungs vanished as you feel yourself kissing him back. When Mort pulled away Sandra was still there with an irritated look. “Bye!” she huffed and left.

Mort chuckled and started to move away. Your mind was still taking everything in that just happened and when you realized Mort was moving away, you reached out and grabbed his arm.

“Mort, what just happened?” you asked unsure if this actually happened.

“Sandra was saying things I didn’t like and I came over and sort of rescue you milady.”

“I got that part, but why did you do that? And why did you kiss me?” The last question you spoken so low you were hoping he wouldn’t hear.

But, he did. (A/N: Oh that Morty-Boy!)

“I like you a lot (you). You were the first person in this town that I felt was halfway decent. I’m not saying Sam or Joe isn’t, but . . . I don’t know. I couldn’t take it watching you with this sore chip on your shoulder and not trusting anyone. I guess we’re two of a kind,” he smirked.

You smiled back. All thoughts of Chris were gone and you could feel Mort entering in at last.

“Thank you Mort,” you said.

* * * *

The rest of the day flew by and that was because you were with Mort. Each of you let your guard down bit-by-bit telling the truth of one another.

You elaborated more on your break-up and for the first time you didn’t cry over it. Whenever you told someone what happened, you made your own Niagara Falls. This time, you said it like it was many years ago and that you move down.

In truth, you actually did. You allowed yourself to enjoy this man and let him know more about yourself.

When you were done with your story, Mort told his about him and Amy. Like you and Chris, Amy and Mort had a perfect marriage until the last couple of years. Mort was getting into more of his work and he admitted he didn’t pay the attention he should have to his wife. He thought everything was fine until a friend of Mort’s told him he saw Amy with another man at the mall.

Then Mort grew suspicious. He didn’t want to believe that Amy would cheat, but his suspicions proved to be true when he found them at a local motel.

“I was crushed,” Mort said. “A part of me died that day and everything I had worked for was gone. I lost everything that I thought I had.”

Your heart went out to him. You couldn’t believe that this could happen to a sweet person like him. It was unfair. No, fate was unfair. If only the two of you have met before this all happened . . .

“So now you see,” he finished. “we’re the same.”

“I can’t believe she cheated on you like that,” you blurted out. “I mean, ten years of marriage is a long time and don’t you think she would know what life would be like married to a writer? She had to know after ten years!”

He shrugged. “I don’t know if she did. But it doesn’t matter now that you’re in my life.”

Your heart fluttered so lightly at his comment. You felt like a schoolgirl all over again.

“We should head home,” Mort announced.

He gently took your hand and you walked home. The sun was setting and the colors were so beautiful and romantic.

Mort followed you to your door and he started to shift his weight around nervously.

“I guess I’ll see you later then.” Mort broke the silence.

“Yeah. Um, Mort?”

“Yes?”

“I had a wonderful time.” You softly pressed your lips against his for a few minutes before entering your house.

When the door closed, Mort stood on your porch awhile longer in awe with your action. To himself he let out a whoop and practically skipped over to his house.

When he walked inside, a voice so chilling that Mort thought was gone forever said in a taunting way,

“Hello Mort. Did you miss me?”

CHAPTERS 6-10

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