The Tears Of A Clown

Chapter Seven

George could not get the little scene he had witnessed between Estelle and Patrick, out of his head.

Later that evening after the show, feeling concerned for her, he decided to approach her, to make sure she was alright.

Thankfully Patrick wasn’t around for once, so he had a chance to speak with her alone

She was just leaving the Big Top when he called after her, she stopped, then on catching sight of him, she smiled, making his heart lift a little.

It had been a while from they had actually talked, as George had found himself avoiding her since she took up with Patrick. But now things were looking a little shaky on that front, he decided she could use a friend

“You know I am just realising its been a while since have we have got together, or had a chance to and talk with each other this season,” George said as he caught up with her, so they started to walk together.

“Yeah, I guess it has,” she agreed ruefully, but then suddenly brightened, “actually I am glad I have this chance to talk with you; there is something I needed to ask you and Maria anyway,” she said. slipping her arm through his and shooting a conspiring glance around her

“Oh?” George queried in surprise, and slightly intrigued

“Yes, it’s about your parents twentieth wedding anniversary coming up in a three months time, my Mum and Lisa are thinking we should have a kind of surprise party for them to celebrate,” Estelle then explained, “They just came up with the idea the other day, so nothing definite is planned, but I told my mum I would get your opinion on it.. To find out if you and Maria think it’s a good idea, and if you want in on it”

“I think it’s a great idea,” George replied smiling enthusiastically, suddenly touched that others were thinking of his parents future wedding anniversary. But then also feeling a little guilty, it was something that had slipped his own mind lately, “I am sure Maria and Carlos will too,” he assured Estelle

“Oh good, then I can let my mum and Lisa know. They can start putting their plan into action. But remember it’s top secret,” she hissed

“That’s ok,” George said, “It seems I am getting good at keeping secrets,” he murmured dryly, more to himself than to Estelle.

“So how is everything else going? He found himself asking casually, but his dark eyes rested on her intently. He came to a halt so he could turn and face her straight on, “I happen to see the little spat between you and Patrick earlier today, is everything ok?”

“Oh that,“ Estelle gave a little laugh of embarrassment and rolled her blue eyes, “It was nothing really,” she replied dismissively, “I just overreacted I guess.”

“Well maybe Patrick give you good reason to overreact,” George pointed out as tactfully as he could

Estelle sighed, dropping her light hearted demeanour, her expression suddenly becoming solemn. “Sometimes its hard y’know, when I see him with other girls, especially with his reputation. But from the beginning he openly admitted to me that he knows he is a terrible flirt and couldn’t resist the urge of a pretty face or figure, and that he couldn’t change overnight. I think it’s a case of ‘Old habits die hard’ kindda thing,” she then said

“I see,” George managed to reply, “But it doesn’t mean you have to put up with it his old habits either,” he added quietly

“I know that,” Estelle replied, then frowned a little, “It’s hard to explain with Patrick, I know you are probably thinking I am dumb to still want to be with him. But I know he is trying to make this relationship work; I have to give him a chance, and not give up on him at the first hurdle.. The important thing is we can talk these things out honestly and work on them”