Price Of Love

Her suitcases were standing to attention in the hallway. She was sitting on the stairs, coat on, handbag at the ready.
"What's this?" I said, pocketing my keys.
"I'm going."
"Where?"
"Away. Away from here. Away from you. I've had enough."
"Just like all the others," I muttered.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
She was on her feet, her teeth bared in anger.
"Just because no woman can bear living with you for any length of time doesn't mean to say it's our fault. Take a good look at yourself. Have you any idea how difficult it is living with you?"
I raised my hands in a okay-you-win gesture.
"You're right, Rachel. I'm sorry. Look, let's be civilised about this. We had some great times together, didn't we?"
"Don't you try to sweet talk me into staying. I'm going and I'm not coming back. I should have done this ages ago. I've had enough of your manipulation and your controlling ways."
I raised my hands again in surrender.
"I'm not trying to change your mind, Rachel, believe me. It's over. I know that. But let's not say our goodbyes with so much anger and recrimination."
She eyed me suspiciously. Just like all the others.
"Things just didn't work out the way we wanted them to. There were faults on both sides - mine more than yours, I'll admit - but it's important to me that you leave here knowing that I loved you. Things were great between us for a while and I was very happy. So please don't leave with so much bitterness in your heart."
Her face softened a bit and then she allowed herself a faint smile.
"Yeah, it was love for me too," said Rachel. "At first."
I returned her smile. An awkward silence followed.
"What time are you leaving?" I said.
She glanced at her watch.
"I've got a taxi booked for half past."
"Then you've got time for a cuppa," I said brightly.
She looked at her watch again and nodded.
When I returned from the kitchen Rachel was sitting on the stairs.
"Earl Grey, one sugar, just as you like it."
She took the cup and sipped.
Her eyes widened as if in surprise. She let out a gasp. The cup slipped from her hands, the tea forming in a steaming puddle. She cried out, fell forward. She hit the floor, her coat absorbing the hot tea. Her lifeless eyes stared at the ceiling.
Just like all the others.

The End