JAYNE'S SECRET
Jayne hearing the front door open, grabbed her book from the nearby coffee table, quickly sat curled up on the couch and opened it at the book mark.
“Hi! I'm home!” Ben said, closing the door and hanging up his coat.
Jayne, pretending she had been reading all evening, closed her book and smiled as he walked into the lounge room.
“Did you enjoy yourself tonight dear?”
“Yes I did, even after two months of classes I still got beaten. But chess is a very complicated game and I like the challenge!”
“ I know. Taking on a new interest at our time of life is supposed to stimulate the brain cells, so even though you like gardening, reading, woodwork and being involved with the church it's a worthwhile thing."
“Agreed! Are you alright, you look, I don't know, out of sorts or something?”
“Oh, it's probably 'cos earlier on I had the iron too hot and burned a hole in a blouse. I'm really annoyed about it. I thought reading my book would help take my mind off it!
“That's a shame but perhaps you'll find another one next time you're downtown. Why not make us a cuppa while I go and put a jumper on it's turning cold."
“Good idea! I was just going to suggest it actually.”
Going into their bedroom Ben just about tripped over one of Jayne's shoes. They were not put away as normal but lay haphazardly near the bed as if left there in a hurry.
“Curious!” he thought "she's always so neat and tidy." Shrugging it off he put on his favourite grey jumper and returned to the lounge room looking forward to his drink.
While the kettle boiled for the tea, Jayne reprimanded herself.
“I must get back earlier so I'm more relaxed when Ben gets home. I can't risk him finding out about my little deception. At least the book really IS getting very exciting.”
Putting Ben's cup of tea next to his chair, Jayne returned to the couch saying
“I must finish this book – it's so good.”
“That's fine." said Ben "I want to look up chess stuff on the computer anyway.”
The rest of the evening and indeed the whole week passed peacefully. Jayne bought a new blouse and Ben forgot about the shoes.
On Wednesday, as usual, Ben left for his chess club at 6:30 pm. Then Jayne quickly put on her red shoes, grabbed her matching handbag and climbed into her small red car. Ben, forgetting the copies of chess information he'd found on the internet, was returning to get the papers, when he saw Jayne's car disappearing around the corner.
“Where can she be going? What's she doing? She normally stays home.” Curiosity got the better of him so he decided to investigate.
The little red car pulled up in front of their favourite cafe. Ben found a parking spot across the road. He could see her at a table greeting Noel from church, who'd obviously arrived before her. The waitress was serving tea in a red pot with ornate red cups and saucers. Jayne loved going there for that reason. Red had always been her favourite colour ( besides it reminded her of Christ's sacrifice). Ben, also partial to the colour understood her reasoning.
“What is she doing with Noel at our special meeting place and how long has this been going on?"
Bewildered, he offered up a silent prayer for help. However, remembering the red shoes near the bed and Jayne's strange demeanour the week before, fear of her unfaithfulness grew. Unable to face going to their empty home, Ben decided to persevere with his chess class.
“I've made you a drink and some supper.” Jayne said warmly as Ben arrived home later on.
“Oh thank you! How was your evening?”
“Fairly normal – started that other detective novel. How was your match this week?”
“ I lost as usual but feel I'm getting a bit better.” Ben didn't say any more. He couldn't believe she had lied to him.
“That's good I'm sure you'll continue to improve. ” encouraged Jayne "By the way, there's an interesting documentary on Canada we can look at in five minutes.”
They watched television together in virtual silence supposedly engrossed in the programme, and then went to bed, both praying separately for help.
The following Saturday Ben turned 65. Jayne had organized a special BBQ lunch and several friends from church were expected. Their two sons, working overseas, had skyped him that morning. Ben had been asking for wisdom to cope, knowing Noel and his wife Wendy were coming. He decided that he must confront Jayne after these celebrations and learn the truth.
The doorbell rang and he opened it to enthusiastic greetings.
“Happy Birthday Ben!”
“You're well over the hill now mate!”
“All the best and many more!”
Friends arrived bringing gifts and plates of mouthwatering food. Among them were Noel and Wendy who greeted him warmly. Ben managed a smile.
Following a delicious lunch and chocolate birthday cake decorated with strawberries, Ben opened gifts of clothing, gardening tools, cds and dvds. There was even a book on chess.
Suddenly, Noel entered the spacious lounge room carrying a large box.
“Here you are Ben! It's something very special for you!”
“What's this?”
“Open it and see!” Jayne said eagerly.
Lifting the top Ben gasped.
Lying in tissue paper was a varnished oak box. Its lid inlaid with beautiful red enamelled squares.
“Open the box dear!” Jayne was so impatient.
Taking it out carefully and undoing the catch and lifting the lid, Ben was amazed to see, lying in red velvet, a beautiful chess set.
Jayne explained excitedly
“Noel, as you know, teaches woodwork and copper enamelling. He's been helping me make this box for you. Now we can learn chess together!”
Wiping tears and doubts away, Ben whispered
“Thank you, Lord!” as Jayne hugged and kissed him.
LINDA SIMPSON