Syd moves on

[irishgal]

This hopefully only going to be a short one.

Any comments etc.

irishgal

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Maria watched as the bus drove away and wondered had she done the right thing. Looking around the village she wondered even more. Syd had been right, Emmerdale was definitely small. <what the hell!> she thought to herself, she had come this far she might has well say hello. She lifted her bag and made her way down into the village. She figured the best place to start was the pub a bit of dutch courage wouldn’t go astray and Chas mentioned she worked there.

Maria Kelly had met Syd and Chas earlier that summer when they had spent their holidays in San Antonio. Maria and Chas had hit it off straight away as for Syd he was not Maria’s usual type but after a couple of days they had really hit it off. They had been in separable for the rest of the holiday and Syd had asked Maria to come back to Emmerdale for the winter but Maria had declined her boss had promised her a job for the Christmas. But things had changed and Maria thought why not a couple of months in England mightn’t do any harm.

Maria took a deep breath and pushed open the door of the Woolpack. <quaint English pub, what else?> she thought to herself. She sat on a stool at the bar and looked around her. “Hi there what can I get you?” asked the young blonde woman with an Australian accent. “I’ll have a glass of lager, please” replied Maria, figuring to herself that this was Louise, Chas had mentioned her. “That’s 2.90, please, so you just passing through”. “Not to sure yet, just you working?” “quiet, yet the lunchtime trade will start soon, here’s a menu if you want to try something” “Thanks” The door opened and in walked a older man with a young red haired girl. “Hi, Chloe, what can I get you?” asked Louise. <So that’s the trollop> Maria definitely needed to talk to Chas if she couldn’t sort out her. “A pint for Jimmy and I’ll have a white wine and 2 lunch specials please Louise” Chloe replied smiling at Maria. <oh, god I will enjoy wiping that smile from your face> thought to herself <where is Chas and Syd> Maria pondered should she ask Louise when Chas was working but then decided against it. “Is the B&B open, I didn’t see a vacancy sign when I passed it?” Maria asked Louise. “if you call to the shop and ask for Emily she will help, she’s looking after it at the moment, so planning to stay around for a little longer!” “Don’t have to be anywhere important so might as well relax for a couple of days at least, thanks for the drink, might see you later” Maria finished her drink and left the woolpack.

Maria spoke to Emily and got a room for a week, no breakfast but Maria wasn’t going to worry about that Emily had explained that the owner was in hospital and she was only looking after the place and hadn’t expected to take any guests but Maria had persuaded her that she would be no problem and would be quite happy just to have the room. Emily showed her to her room and the kitchen and after giving Maria the full interrogation was satisfied that it would be safe enough to let Maria stay. After Emily left Maria sat down on her bed and closed her eyes.

Maria stirred and opening her eyes she remembered where she was, she sat up and realised it was dark outside. Looking at her watch she had been asleep for nearly 8 hours, been a long time since she had such a good sleep. When Syd had left San Antonio, her boss had changed his attitude and wanted more than Maria’s bar skills and when she had rejected him he fired her and told everyone that she had been thieving, she had spent 2 weeks trying to get work but no-one would hire her. She had spent her last bit of money to get a flight home and some of the girls had chipped in and given her some money to tide her over. She would need to find work soon, she had enough to stay here for a week but after that if she hadn’t got a job she would head to London. Maria had a quick shower and got dressed figuring that Chas was probably working and hopefully Syd would be in the pub she headed for the Woolpack. As she made her way to the pub she met Chas coming out of the shop. “no way, Maria, is that you?” Chas shouted as she came running towards her. “hey you” replied Maria. “oh my god, it is you, what are you doing in this dump?” Chas asked as she hugged her friend. “Thought I would look you guys up” “Come on, Syds inside he will think Christmas has come early, you look brillant” “He’s inside!” Maria replied taking step back. “Oh come on, he will be over the moon and to be honest he could do with some cheering up” Chas linked Maria’s arm.

Syd was standing at the bar, he looked up from his pint as Chas and Maria walked into the pub. Syd looked again, he thought his eyes were playing tricks on him, that couldn’t be Maria, could it. Chas walked past him and Maria just stopped beside him. She smiled at him and before she got a chance to say anything, Syd grabbed her and spun her around. “You are a sight for sore eyes, I didn’t think I would ever see you again” “hello to you too, you can put me down now” “Sorry I am just so glad to see you, why didn’t you ring me and let me know you were coming?” “Long story, how about getting me a drink first?” “Beer?” “yes, please” Syd returned Maria to her own feet and hugged her again. “I am not letting you go again” “That sounds good to me” Maria replied kissing Syd lightly on the lips. “Behave you two or I will have to kick you out!” said Chas as she put two beers on the counter beside them. “ So come on , what’s happened, I thought you were heading to Andorra for the winter season?” asked Syd. “Things didn’t work out the way I thought they would so I felt like change of scene” replied Maria. “too much sun?” asked Chas. “job just didn’t work out that’s all and to be honest felt like a change” replied Maria. Chas went to serve some customers. “Are you sure everything is okay?” asked Syd pulling Maria closer to him. “Honestly, things just didn’t work out, I’m fine, I hope you don’t mine me coming to see you?” “Maria, you don’t need to ask that”.

“Scott, what can I get you?” asked Louise who had just came out from the back. “A pint, please?” asked Scott. “So Syd found yourself a playmate?” asked Scott. Maria and Syd turned around to see Scott. “At least mine won’t need to spend time in hospital after me!” Syd replied. Scott just glared at Syd and walked away. “What was that all about, I thought you and he were friends?” replied Maria. “We have a lot of things to catch up, to be honest I was thinking of giving you a ring and maybe joining you in Andorra” “We really do have a lot to catch up on then,” replied Maria. After a couple more drinks, Maria and Syd went back to the B& B.

“I have missed you so much,” Said Syd as he brushed Maria’s hair back of her face. “I missed you too,” replied Maria as she snuggled up closer to him. “So are you going to tell me what really happened with Andorra?” asked Syd. “ Let’s just say that Craig and I had different ideas on boss employee relationships”. “Did he try it on?” “Ya, but don’t worry I sorted him out but he made sure that no one else in the resort would hire me”. “I never liked him, anyway.” “I know, you told me more than once, but I guess I heard to learn that for myself, so what about you?” “Scott and I attacked a guy that had done time for rape, we lied to the police but I changed my story and things just been crap since, even with doing the right thing, until now that is”. Maria pulled the sheet up over their heads and they both started giggling.

[tomking]

Only that I wondered if he is being written out permantly or temporary.

[irishgal]

Part 2

Next Morning

Syd stirred in the bed and when he realised he was on his own he quickly sat up. He could hear some music coming from downstairs. He pulled his jeans on and grabbed his t-shirt and made his way to the kitchen where the music was coming from. “Good morning, sleepyhead” said Maria as she placed a plate of toast on the table. “Something smells good” replied Syd as he sat down at the table. “Don’t think this is going to be waiting for you every morning!” “wouldn’t have even dreamt about it!” “Were you serious about Thailand?” asked Syd as he buttered some toast. “A guy I worked with last year was there a couple of months ago and has gone onto to Australia now, he said it was great and dirt cheap, why you interested in coming with me?” “Don’t really have anything to stay here for, have I? Why not, something I always wanted to do, it would be fun.” “seriously?” “yes, wouldn’t you enjoy having the company?” “Silly question! I’ll check some flight details on the net this afternoon, we could be gone in a week”<br>
After breakfast, Syd went up to Home Farm to find Tom King. Maria went to the café. When Maria entered in the café, Viv was working. Chas was sitting having a cup of coffee. “Morning, Chas, mind if I join you?” “Maria, work away, you left early last night!” Maria just smiled to herself. “what can I get you?” “A herbal tea if you have any?” replied Maria. Viv murmered under her breath and walked away. “Don’t mind her, so how long you planning to stick around?” “Not long, Syd and I are thinking of going to Thailand in a couple of weeks, going to try and get some flights today” “You’re kidding!” “No totally honest, just need to organise Syd’s vaccinations and we can go, I had mine 2 weeks ago, I had plan to go” “I can’t believe Syd is going” “I didn’t think he would be interested, I thought I would come by and say hello, hang about for a couple of days and head away” “One Herbal Tea” remarked Viv planting the cup down in front of Maria.
Chas looked up as the café door opened and Chloe and Carl came in. “Great”. “Don’t worry about it, she will get her comeuppance before I go, Syd told me about his little run in with red” “It just makes my blood boil seeing them together some friend she turned out to be” “Come into my web, the spider said” Chas and Maria burst into laughter getting everyone’s attention. “Oh, sweetie, don’t worry there not all that small!” said Maria loudly making sure everyone heard while she looked Carl up and down. Chas just laughed, she couldn’t help it. Carl’s face was a picture and Chloe was fuming. “Come on, Chloe, let’s go to the pub” said Carl as he turned to leave. “Oh god, Chas no backbone either, girl you need to get out more” Chas and Maria laughed as Carl & Chloe nearly tripped over each other trying to get out the door quick enough. “You’re terrible1” said Chas, “Come on my shift starts in 5 minutes”. “I’m terrible!”<br>
“Carl, don’t let them get to you, you are well rid of her” said Chloe trying to link his arm. Chas and Maria were watching from the outside the café. “Don’t Chloe” Carl shouted as he pushed her arm away. “Where are you going? I thought we were going to have a drink?” shouted Chloe after him. “Suddenly lost my appetite” “So Chas, do you really like him?” asked Maria as they made their way to the Woolie. “never felt like this about anyone” “and my dear girl are you just going to lie down and let her walk all over you?” “No but what can I do?” “That def not the Chas Dingle I know talking, you go to work, I need to sort couple of things out, is that where Chloe works as a secretary?” replied Maria pointing to Pear Tree Cottage. Chas nodded as Maria walked back towards the B&B.

Emily turned off the hoover as Maria came through the front door. “Morning, Emily” “Good morning, Maria, you didn’t need to clean up the kitchen, I would have done it for you, was everything okay?” “Don’t be silly, the least I can do is keep the place tidy, did you go see Mr Turner last night? How is he?” “He’s doing okay, happy to know that somewhere is here” “Are you sure it is okay?” “He said it was fine, I meant to get over and cook something this morning but you were gone out when I called” “Emily, you have enough to do, honest I can look after myself” replied Maria as she made her way to her room. “Is it okay if I make a few calls, I will pay for them?” asked Maria from the landing. “Are they local?” “One to London and couple to Leeds, I won’t be long I will get then to ring me back” “I guess it’s okay then, I better go Viv will be wondering where I am” “Thanks Emily”.

Maria placed a few phone calls and put her plan into action. She pulled out some clothes out of her suitcase and quickly changing into a black pinstripe skirt and jacket. After fixing her hair and makeup she pulled an envelope from her suitcase and made her way out of the B&B. Walking towards Pear Tree Cottage she watched the dark car pull up outside the cottage.

The tall blonde lady in a fitted black pinstripe suit caught Matthew King’s eye as he drove through the village. As he got out of the car he turned to find the lady standing in front of him. “Mr King?” asked Maria offering her hand. “Matthew King” replied Matthew as he shook hands with her. “I’ve just moved into the village and I heard you were the man to talk to about property in the local area” replied Maria. “We don’t have any vacancies at the moment but” Maria interrupted him “not looking for one straight off but maybe you could look at my resume?” Maria smiled at him and brushed her hair back over her shoulder. “I guess no harm in that, come into the office”. Maria smiled to herself the hair always got them and they think they are the stronger species. “Matthew, you’re father wants you to call him” remarked Chloe not looking up from her desk. “Chloe can you get us a …?” “Sorry, what would you like to drink, Maria?” Chloe looked up from the computer and realised that the silly cow from the café was here. “Herbal tea if you have it, please” replied Maria smiling at Chloe. “I’m sorry, Maria, we don’t” remarked Chloe. “Just run over to the café, Chloe, and get some, that’s what you are paid for” said Matthew not happy with Chloe’s tone at all, this wasn’t the kind of thing to impress clients or visitors. Chloe stood up and put her hand out. “Money?”. “Get some out of the petty cash and don’t be long about it!” snapped Matthew. “Sorry Maria, it’s hard to get good staff this days, follow me” Matthew led Maria into his office. Maria smiled to herself as she heard Chloe slam the door on the way out.

Matthew pulled out a chair for Maria to sit down and he sat behind his desk. Maria sat down crossing her legs as to make her skirt rise just enough to get his attention. Matthew glanced at her legs and quickly turned away. <Works everytime> thought Maria. “So Maria, sorry I didn’t catch your surname” “I didn’t give it, it’s Kelly”. “Okay Maria Kelly, what can I help you with?” “I have some clients based in London and there are interested in branching out and they think this area would be perfect and from what I have heard whatever I need to know you can get for me!” “Clients” “Well connected friends” They both turned as Chloe barged into the office with a tea and coffee. “Thank you, Chloe, next time can you knock!” remarked Matthew. “That would be kind of hard” replied Chloe lifting both hands up as she held cups in both. “Maybe so but manners don’t cost anything, thank you that will be all”.

“So your connected friends?” “Actually our connected friends, don’t want to mention any names but maybe if you are interested in our proposal, we can discuss names down the line” Suddenly a phone started ringing. “Sorry” said Maria as she took a phone from her handbag. “Maria Kelly” “Okay, yes sir that will be okay” Maria finished her call and stood up. “I’m sorry Matthew we will have to finish our little chat later, I need to check a couple of things, I will be in touch” Matthew showed Maria out to reception. “Thank you Chloe for the tea!” remarked Maria as she left.

Matthew leaned across the desk within a few inches of Chloe’s face, “If you plan to keep your job, you leave your personal feelings and attitude outside that door”. Matthew stood up and straightened his jacket. “I’m going for lunch”. Chloe hit the desk as Matthew closed the door behind him. He stood beside his car and watched Maria Kelly and Syd standing outside the Woolie.

“Look at you!” said Syd as Maria walked towards him. “You like?” Maria asked as she twirled for him. “What were you doing with him?” asked Syd looking towards Matthew. Maria turned to find Matthew standing beside his car watching them. Maria waved and turning back to Syd. “Nothing for you to worry about, come on, you have a doctor’s appointment this afternoon” “I hate needles” “Don’t worry, I will hold your hand if you like and if you are very good I’ll leave the suit on”. Maria linked arms with Syd and they went up the steps of the woolie. Maria quickly turned her head slightly and caught Matthew still watching. <everytime>

comments etc..

[alexcase]

hurray the first women in the dales who knows how to handle peoeple in a sophisticated way! I love the character especially with her personal thoughts, it would be interesting how they would do it on TV if the actress was anygood they could play out her thoughts on her face.

Looking forward to see how this ends, I hope Maria doesn't leave, perhaps she gets together with Matthew?

[irishgal]

Thanks i want her to end up with Matthew but think the King family get to much attention even though i love Matthew! so will try and stay away from that end for the moment though not that easy when i start typing my imagination just runs away with me, have actually started writing a book well a story anyway will see whether i have the nerve to send to a publisher. if that's what you do?

Thanks anyway

[alexcase]

yea i think you have to send it to a publisher with a synopsis aswell

[irishgal]

Part 3

Maria and Syd had a quick lunch in the woolie and made their way back to the B&B. “I want to make a couple of calls, we can head to Leeds then” syd left Maria downstairs and and went to have a shower. “Hi,Guy, how did you get on?” “Hi, Maria, no problem, have the papers drawn up and will be down tomorrow with them, will you arrange a meeting with our friend” “No problem, Great, I’ll set up the meeting for just before lunch, that way I can get rid of any distractions, see you about 12 and Guy, Thanks”. Maria replaced the receiver and lifting it again dialled a local number. “Good afternoon, King and Sons” replied Chloe. “Hi, Chloe, this is Ms Kelly, Matthew is expecting my call” “He’s in a meeting” replied Chloe. “You can put me through he is Expecting my call”. “Matthew, I have Ms Kelly on the phone but I told her you were…” “Put her THROUGH” Matthew sniped. “Ms Kelly, that was quick” “Please its Maria, our friends don’t hang about and want to get this wrapped up as soon as possible, a representative will be here tomorrow with some papers we will call just after 12” “That will be great, Maria, see you then” “I look forward to it Matthew” Maria replaced the receiver and smiled to herself.

“who was that?” asked Tom King as his son replaced the receiver. “A prospective business partner who has done all the leg work we just have to invest and we will be set to make a lot of money, having a meeting tomorrow, will you want to be there?” “I don’t think so, wedding plans and anyway you know what you are doing?” “Yes, I do”.

“Syd, do you mind if I don’t come to the doctors with you, I want to confirm our flight details online and I want to try and contact my friend in Thailand to confirm when we get there?” “I thought you were going to hold my hand?” “I’ll hold it later” Maria replied rubbing herself up close to him. “Stop, I better go or I will miss the bus into Leeds” Maria took a her suit jacket off and hung it up, she slipped her skirt off and grabbing one of Syd’s shirt she quickly buttoned it up and pulled on a pair of jeans. Closing the doors behind her she made her way to the café. “Hi Emily, can I get a coffee, please?” “Of course, I’ll bring it over” Maria sat down and connected to the internet, Emily came over with her coffee. “Everything okay at the B&B?” “Yes, fine, I will probably only be staying till Friday” “That’s a pity, you moving on?” “if I can get a flight?” Emily returned to the counter and Maria continued her search. After a couple of minutes she booked her one way flight and sent a couple of emails. As she was finishing, Chloe came into the café. Chloe ordered her lunch and sat at a table. Maria logged off and went over as far as Chloe. “Hi, Chloe, listen about earlier, I am sorry I didn’t mean to get you in trouble, I hope Matthew calmed down after I left, I do apologise, how about you let me pay for your lunch?” “It’s okay” “No, I insist, it’s the least I can do, as I said I am sorry” Maria stood up an went up to Emily and handed her 20 pound. “That should cover everything?” “That’s plenty,” Maria left the café. <let’s hope that worked>

Chloe watched Maria leave the café and was surprised at her apologising, it was the last thing she had expected, maybe she had misjudged her. “nice girl, that Maria, don’t you think, Chloe, to pay for your lunch” “yes it was nice”. Chloe finished her lunch and returned to the office to find Sadie and Jimmy sniping at each other. “Look it Sadie, I said I am sorry, what more can I do?” “You can come home early and spend some time with your “ Sadie didn’t finish her sentence as she heard Chloe come in. “Sorry, I can leave if you want to talk” “No Chloe, Sadie is just going, see you later” replied Jimmy as he walked back to his desk.

“Fancy meeting you here!” Maria turned to find Matthew standing beside her. “I think I am more dressed for the occasion though” Maria stood up and faced back to the campsite. “Pretty spectacular” remarked Matthew. “It will be, we are guaranteed by the estate agents in Leeds that the apartment could fetch up to 200,000 each from the plans alone” replied Maria. “And the planning is definitely approved?” “Yes, the papers were signed today and they release the papers in the deeds and letter of planning in the morning” “So come on, what are you going to make on this?” Maria turned around and looked Matthew straight in the eye “Me, I just get paid my normal salary, not far enough up the ladder yet to be getting any profit” “Well, if you worked for me I would make sure you got a bonus” “But Mr King, we would never be able to work together” Maria replied as she played with the collar of her shirt. “Why ever not?” Matthew smiled. “You would be to much of a distraction!” Maria replied leaning in towards him. Matthew moved closer to her “is that right?” “mmm”. Suddenly the noise of his mobile phone ringing interrupted the moment. “Yes” Matthew barked down his phone. Maria whispered that she had to go, she left Matthew in the middle of the field watching her walk away. Maria climbed across the wall and turned back and blew him a kiss. He smiled back. <no harm in a bit of fun>

When Maria got back to the B&B, Syd was in the kitchen making a cup of tea. “So, baby, how did you get on?” Maria put her arms around him and kissed his neck. “the doctor said I wouldn’t be able to to Thailand for another 2 weeks it takes that long for the vaccinations to kick in” “That’s why we are flying to Andorra for 2 weeks then onto Thailand, I booked the flights today we fly out on Friday night” “Andorra” “Yes, Andorra, it will be great” Syd placed his cup of tea down and took Maria by the hand leading her upstairs. Maria came back out of the ensuite and jumped back into the bed beside Syd. “Can’t believe we are going on Friday” “Don’t you want to leave, it’s not like there is anything to keep you here, is there?” “No, but it has been home for a couple of years” “some home you get yourself into a bit of bother, decide to do the right thing and you are the one to pay some home” “I know you are right, the change would be good for me” “For both of us, how about we go for a pint and you can organise to go for a have a few drinks tomorrow night and say your goodbyes” “in a little while” Syd grabbed Maria and started to tickle her. Maria pulled back on Syd’s shirt and her jeans and they went to the Woolie.

When they entered the Woolie, Chas was behind the bar with Louise. Matthew King was sitting with some of his family at one table and Chloe and Carl were sitting at the bar. “Hi you two, usual?” asked Chas. “please, Chas” Syd and Maria sat on two stools at the bar. “Chas what are you up to tomorrow night?” asked Syd. “Nothing, why?” “Well we leave on Friday night and thought we could have a few drinks tomorrow night” replied Syd. “Leaving” Chas replied looking at them both. As Syd explained the plan Maria went to the bathroom. On her way out she caught Chloe’s eye and smiled at her. Chloe waved back. <got you> Maria smiled to herself, <this was going to be easier than she thought> She met Matthew in the hall. “Well hello again” “Matthew” He moved closed to her and whispered “my shirt would look better” Maria smiled and brushed past him. When Maria came back out of the bathroom, Matthew was still there. “lost something?” asked Maria. “no I found something” “do you like it?” “very much” Maria laughed. “So when am I going to get you alone?” asked Matthew as he leaned in towards her forcing her to back against the wall. Maria stood up tall and fixing his jacket collar, “my calendar is very full but when I get an opening you will be the first to know” Maria turned and walked back into the bar.


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Enjoy

[irishgal]

Part 4

Maria laid out her suit on the bed and ran over the days plan in her head. She took her time getting dressed and made a mental list of what she needed to pack and what could be left behind. Checking her hair once more, she lifted her handbag from on top of her suitcase and went to meet Guy. Outside a dark car had pulled up outside the B&B and a tall gentleman got out of the car. He was met by Maria. “Ms Kelly, are we ready?” “Of course, let’s go make some money” They walked towards Pear Tree Cottage and quickly discussed the plan.

Chloe looked up to see Maria and a tall gentleman enter the office. “good afternoon, Chloe” “Maria, Matthew is waiting for you if you want to go on through” “Thank you”. “Maria” said Matthew as he came out to meet them. Maria put out her hand to shake Matthews. “This is Guy Shephard, Matthew King” The two men shook hands and Matthew led them into his office. Maria handed Matthew the paperwork and waited for him to read through it. “Everything seems in order, so I guess I just need to organise our investment, 50 that’s we have agreed on” “Yes, 50, and if you want to sign where highlighted Guy has already signed and I will witness both signatures” Matthew signed his signature. He opened one of the desk drawer’s and took out some paper. “I will sign this authority and get Chloe to type up the paperwork and we can go have lunch to celebrate our business future” “That sounds good, so Matthew Maria tells me you have a great right swing” Matthew looked at Maria then at Guy. “golf swing” remarked Maria. Matthew smiled and they all laughed. “What do you play off, Guy?” Matthew asked as he stood up, “I will give this to Chloe and we can go across the road” They all shook hands and followed Matthew out to reception. “Chloe, can you type this authority for the bank for Maria for after lunch?” “there’s no hurry, Matthew, we can wait till after lunch, let Chloe come with us after all we will be dealing with each other might as well get to know each other better” “Of course why not” Matthew placed the authority on Chloe’s desk and all four of them headed for the Woolie.

After they were all seated and order their food, Maria stood up, “I must have left my bag in the office” “Chloe will go back and get it” said Matthew. “No don’t be silly, I will get it, want to grab something from the shop anyway”. Matthew handed the office keys to Maria. Maria left the Woolie and smiled to herself. Guy and Matthew resumed their conversation about golf. Maria let herself into the office and went through to Matthew’s office and lifted her handbag from underneath the chair where she had left it.
Walking back through the office she quickly made sure that no-one was coming and lifting the bank authority from the desk she copied it and placed the copy on the desk making a small change. She placed the original in her handbag carefully. She let herself out and locked the door behind her and went to the shop, she picked up a packet of sweets and a local paper, paid for them and as she had said the food was just being served when she got back to the Woolie. Guy had done his job he had positioned himself beside Chloe leaving the seat next to Matthew free. Maria slid in beside Matthew giving him her best smile. She placed the keys back into Matthew’s hand and lingered her fingers on his arm for just a couple of extra seconds.

When they had finished eating Guy went to the bar and paid the bill. “I was going to get that,” said Matthew as he stood up. “No, there will be plenty more to be had so let’s not fall out yet,” remarked Guy as he came back to the table. “Now I will take my leave, Chloe nice to meet you, Matthew we will be in touch and Maria I will see you in the morning”. “I will go back too, and get that paperwork organised,” said Chloe standing up. Matthew and Maria stayed seated. “We will be right behind you Chloe,” remarked Matthew. They watched Chloe leave. “So what about dinner?” Matthew turned towards Maria. “okay,”. Maria stood up and lifting her handbag. “I will be ready at 9”. “9 it is then, let’s go back to the office and get the paperwork”. Matthew stood and walked towards the door. Holding the door open for Maria, she turned back towards him as the door closed behind him, she leaned in towards and kissed him lightly on the lips. Matthew pulled her closer and they shared a passionate kiss. “Come on” Maria stood back and made her way outside. When they got to the office, Chloe had typed up the authority and handed it to Matthew to proofread. Matthew waved his hand “no need just put it in an envelope for Maria”. “I will see you later” Matthew turned and smiled at Maria lightly touching her arm. Maria turned back towards Chloe. “You and Guy hit it off” “he seems nice” “he’s single, quite a catch would know how to treat a lady” Chloe stood up and walked towards the stationery cabinet. Maria seized her chance and quickly swapped the pages. “I got that impression,” replied Chloe. “I will be seeing him in the morning I can give him your number,” “Would you, I tried to catch him before he drove off but I missed him” <I bet you did> Maria thought to herself. Chloe returned and handed Maria the envelope. Maria chit-chatted for another couple of minutes and made her excuses and left. Maria quickly walked up past the B&B to the dark car with the engine running. She sat in and closed the door and the car pulled away.

“Syd are you finished up there, Danny is getting fidgety” shouted Maria up towards the bedroom. “I’m coming” replied Syd as he appeared on the landing. Maria whistled as Syd came down the stairs. “I wish you would come out with us” said Syd as he got to the bottom of the stairs. “I need to finish the packing and it will be just me & you for the next couple of months so go say goodbye to your friends, I will see you later” Maria kissed Syd on the lips and waved him and Danny off. Maria closed the door behind them and looking at her watch she had an hour and half before Matthew would be calling. Making her way upstairs to finish the packing she couldn’t help smiling to herself. Maria lifted her suitcase onto the bed and opened it she emptied it onto the bed and quickly grabbed a couple of basics and threw them back in, she opened the wardrobe and pulled out a bag. She opened the bag took out an envelope and left it on the bed beside Syd’s clothes. Placing the bag into her suitcase she zipped it closed and brought it downstairs and placed it behind the chair next to the back door. She returned back upstairs packed the rest of Syd’s clothes into his bag. Pulling a page out of the notepad on the locker she wrote a couple of lines and placed it with Syd’s passport.

Maria checked herself in the mirror and lifting the little black bag made her way out to Matthew’s waiting car. Matthew was stood at the passenger side holding the door open. “You look amazing” Matthew said as she walked around the car. “Thank you” Maria got into the car and Matthew closed the door, Maria checked her watch, 9 o’clock she would have to be back and change and make an appearance in the Woolie before closing. “So where are you taking me?” asked Maria as Matthew pulled out of the village. “A nice little restaurant just outside Leeds” “Was the bank authority okay?” “I dropped it into Guy’s office he will probably go to the bank tomorrow afternoon, now no more business talk, I want to get to know you better” Maria replied placing her hand on Matthew’s. “Same here”.


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[irishgal]

Part 5

Matthew pulled up the car outside the B&B, “I am sorry about this but I think Syd deserves me to be honest with him before we get any further involved” “I don’t mind, I can wait, not for to long but I will wait” Matthew leaned across and kissed her lightly on the lips. Maria wrapped her arms around Matthew’s neck “thank you”. Maria opened the door of the B&B and quickly changed into jeans and a black top, grabbing her jacket and bag made her way to the woolie. “Hi Louise, where’s everyone?” Maria looked around her to find the Woolie empty. “They are gone into Hotten and I was told to tell you that Syd would see you in the morning, staying over in some friends house in Hotten, to be honest he had that much drink he wont know his name never mind where he lives, do you want a drink?” “no it’s alright, will just head back to bed, thanks,” Maria turned and headed back to the B&B. As she came out of the Woolie she looked towards Matthew’s cottage and watched the downstairs light go off and then the upstairs light come on. Maria stood for a moment, looking towards the B&B and back at Matthew’s cottage. It only took a minute to decide to go to bed.

Matthew had just turned off the bathroom light when he heard the knock at the door. Returning back downstairs he opened the front door to find Maria standing there. He stood back and let her in. He closed the door and turned the lock and when he had turned around Maria was already making her way upstairs leaving a trail off clothes behind her.

Maria got dressed as quietly as she could and sat for a moment and watched him sleeping. “Hey where are you going?” “hi, I need to be at home when Syd gets back, I will call later, last night was …” “Wonderful,” “I’m sorry, I better go,” Maria leaned over and kissed him goodbye. She had just got back to the B&B and was getting into the bed when she heard a car pull up outside. Getting back up she went to the window to see Syd, Danny and Chas getting out of a cab. She went down and let Syd in. “Good night?” “Hello gorgeous, I’m sorry I didn’t get home” “It’s okay, listen why don’t you get a couple of hours sleep, we need to be going around lunchtime” She followed Syd upstairs and lay back down beside him. They slept for a couple of hours and Syd woke to the smell of a fry. Maria had all the bags packed and had left a change of clothes out for him on the chair. He had a quick shower and joined Maria in the kitchen. “Hey, I was just going to call you, taxi will be here in ½ an hour, get this into you, I want to say a couple of goodbyes,” Maria placed the fry in front of Syd and headed out the door. When she got back the taxi was waiting and Syd was waiting with the keys of the B&B. “I will give this to Emily, back in a minute” Maria took the keys and ran towards the café. She handed the keys to Emily and was heading back out the door when she heard her name being called. “Maria” She turned to find Matthew having a coffee. Maria walked towards him “hey you,” she sat down opposite him. “You look like the cat that got the cream” Matthew remarked. “So do you, I have to go, I am meeting Guy in Leeds, I will see you later” Maria stood up and kissed Matthew on the lips and left.

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More Soon

[irishgal]

Part 6

Syd was already sitting in the taxi waiting for her and the bags were in the back. “Are we ready?” asked Maria as she sat in beside Syd. Syd pulled her close to him, “we sure are, here’s to new beginnings”. “New beginnings” replied Maria. The taxi pulled up outside the airport and Maria and Syd went to the check-in. “There’s a big queue, think I will go the loo, I’ll be back in a couple of minutes, here’s the tickets, you mind them,” Maria lifted her handbag and the smaller suitcase. “You don’t need to take that do you?” “I might change into a different pair of trousers, won’t be long, I promise, I love you” Maria leaned over and kissed Syd. Maria rushed to the bathroom as she came closer to the door, she turned to see was Syd watching her but he was busy talking to a couple in the queue. Maria lifted her suitcase and went back outside. She looked around her and seen Guy waiting for her. She placed the small suitcase on the backseat and got in. “Ready?” “let’s get out of here, before he opens his tickets” Guy started the car and quickly pulled out of the parking spot.

Back in the airport.

Syd moved up a couple of more steps and turned around looking towards the bathroom. He wondered what was taking Maria so long. After another couple of minutes he decided to go see was everything okay. As he got to the bathroom, a cleaner came out, “Sorry, my girlfriend went in there a couple of minutes can you check if she is okay” asked Syd, he described Maria and the cleaner went back in. “I’m sorry, sir there is no-one in there at all, maybe she used the larger toilets down there” replied the cleaner. Syd stood and watched the cleaner pushing her trolley away. He made his way down to the next toilets and as the door opened he smiled at the woman coming out but it wasn’t Maria. Then he looked back down at his hand at the tickets. Slowly he stopped the trolley and looked at his hand again. It was only now he realised he only had his passport. Looking around him again he cautiously opened the passport to find one ticket for Thailand and a note from Maria. He looked around again waiting for her to appear and tell him she was joking but there was no sign of anyone.

He sat down on a seat and opened her letter.




Syd

I do love you, before I explain why I am leaving I want you to know I do love you. The last few days have been amazing and reminded me of our short but sweet time we had San Antonio.

I am not coming to Thailand with you but I want you to go on without me, I have contacted my friend Jack and he has a job and accommodation for you, details of which are in your suitcase, he is expecting you. Please forgive for doing this like this but I couldn’t tell you, I would have changed my mind and gone with you. Please go as I know you are not happy in Emmerdale and you told me yourself that there was nothing there for you anymore. In your suitcase you will also find some money to help you with whatever you decide to do, Please do not hate me or hate yourself for being so silly to trust me.

I am truly sorry but I love you and I know you love me but I know I would never love you as much as you love me and I don’t think that is fair, you deserve to be loved as much as you love me. You will forget about me in a couple of months and will meet someone else.

Love Maria


Syd read through the letter again and looked up waiting to see Maria but there was no sign of her anyway. He opened the suitcase to find a white envelope on top of his clothes. He lifted the envelope and slowly opened it, looking in he figured that there was at least £10,000 cash and another piece of paper with a name, address and phone number of Maria’s friend in Thailand. Syd sat back in the seat and looked straight ahead, he wasn’t looking at anyone in particular but beyond them. He thought back to the first day he had set eyes on Maria they had clicked straight away and when Maria had arrived in Emmerdale it was just what he needed, things had been going so wrong and he had thought that finally something was going to go right. Syd rubbed the tears away from his face and stood up, he lifted his bag and headed towards the doors. Suddenly he stopped and looked back at the check in desk the last people in the line were just checking in. He wondered what if he just left, maybe Maria was right, a new start, there was nothing in Emmerdale and he couldn’t go back now. Putting his hands on the envelope tucked into his jacket he wondered. Syd fixed his bag on his shoulder and lifting his ticket and passport from his pocket, he straightened himself up and headed towards the check in desk. New beginnings.

A couple of hours later, Maria closed the belt and sat back in her chair. “Ms Taylor, would you like a blanket?” asked the pretty air hostess. “That would be great, thanks” replied Maria as she sat in first class, smiling to herself she looked up at the overhead locker and thought about the 400,000 pounds safely tucked into her hand luggage. She didn’t think it would be so easy but Guy had been right, he had said that Matthew King was so cocky and full of himself that he would never know what hit him. But then Maria stopped smiling the little time she had spent with Matthew had been nice different to what she had been used to, he wasn’t like anyone she had been with before, he made her feel important, special and then she thought about Syd and hoped that he had done the right thing and got on his flight, he would hate her for a while but in a couple of years he would forgive her, she hoped. “Your blanket, Ms Taylor, heading to New York for a holiday?” asked the air hostess as she handed Maria a blanket. “For starters” Maria replied.


Meanwhile Monday Morning in Emmerdale.

Matthew had left a number of messages for Maria but as of yet there had been no answer. He went to the office and looked for a number for Guy and has he looked through the papers he realised that there was no number the only contact he had had was Maria. He sat back in his chair trying to think and calm down. “Mr King, I have George Shortt from the bank he would like a word” said Chloe as she stood at his office door. “ Can you tell him I am busy?” replied Matthew. “He said it was urgent”. Matthew lifted the phone “George, good morning, how can I help?” “Mr King, I am just ringing to check it probably is nothing but I know you and your father had agreed to contact me directly if any large cash amounts were to be withdrawn from the business account, I was at a branch meeting on Friday afternoon and it seems that a rather large withdrawal was made on Friday afternoon” “Yes, George but we agreed anything over 150,000 the withdrawal was for 50,000” “No, Mr King, the withdrawal was for 500,000 cash” Matthew stood up “No it was definitely for 50” “Mr King, I have the authority that you yourself signed and it is for 500,000 pounds” Matthew opened the file sitting on his desk and flicked through the pages. He found the bank authority, “George the one I have says 50, it must be a mistake by you” “I am sorry Mr King but it is definitely 500 and your signature had been verified” Matthew replaced the receiver and stood looking at his desk. He was visibly shaking with anger and realised that it must have been Chloe, a typing error that had just cost them, him 450,000 how was he going to explain this to his father. He came out from behind his desk and went out to Chloe. Jimmy and Chloe were in the front office flirting with each other. “Chloe, that bank authority what did you make it out for?” “500, like you had said” Matthew’s face went red with anger and he came closer to Chloe. “It was for 50,000, you stupid cow, 50,000” Matthew grabbed Chloe and pulled her out of his chair. “50,000” he shouted. Jimmy rushed forward but Matthew was too strong for him and pushed him away with one hand like a doll. “You stupid cow”.

The End