Perfection Is Just an Illusion (Swimming Upstream #1) (27 page)
Read Perfection Is Just an Illusion (Swimming Upstream #1) Online
Authors: Rebecca Barber
“No, James, I’m not.” Anna smiled sadly. “Perfection is just an illusion. I’m nothing special. I’m just me.”
“Well, you’re everything to me, Mrs. Thompson,” he whispered into her ear so no one else heard but wishing he could shout it from the roof tops. He didn’t want to hide their marriage anymore but another couple of days wouldn’t kill him. But they couldn’t pass fast enough either.
“I’m so proud of you two.” Brandon smiled, clapping James on the shoulder.
“Right, enough with the interrogation, the stalking, and the heavy,” Anna announced, pushing back her chair. “I’m going to the gym for a much needed work out. And,” Anna held her hand up to silence the many comments that were about to come flying in her direction. “I don’t want to hear any more about it. There is a boxercise class in half an hour and I plan to be in it!”
“Can I come?” Renee asked nervously. The truth was she loved that class and usually went but she was worried that Anna would only see it as another person trying to control her.
“Only if you agree not to hold back,” Anna conceded happily before bouncing up the stairs to get ready.
“James?” Diana questioned.
“She’s fine, Mum. She just needs to deal with this in her own way and in her own time. We just need to be there to catch her if she falls.”
Although Diana was sceptical she nodded her agreement and started gathering the dishes to clean up.
***
Anna
An hour and a half later Anna emerged from her boxercise class exhausted and sweaty but somehow energised. It was almost as if she had fought the demons out from inside of her. Instead of letting them eat away at her, she punched and kicked them straight out.
Renee and Anna stood in the hallway outside the room waiting for the line at the water station to die off so they could refill their bottles before heading home. Through the glass Anna spotted James just finishing up his own workout. Even though he was officially on holidays, he still worked out a couple of times a week. Otherwise it would just take too much hard work to get back into it. He claimed it was just easier. And really, he liked the feeling and the freedom a good work out gave him.
In front of Renee a guy in extremely short running shorts bent over and gulped down large, loud mouthfuls of water. Anna turned away, embarrassed when she realised she could see most of his straining underwear.
“There you go,” his gravelly voice echoed as he stepped to the side and gave Renee room.
A cold shiver raced through Anna’s voice. She recognised that voice but she couldn’t place it. ‘Maybe I really am going nuts,’ she laughed to herself dismissively.
“Anna?” it vibrated.
Anna’s eyes shot up and locked with his. Trent was standing before her, his hands on his hips. Anger and frustration filled his face and Anna physically recoiled.
“How? What?” he mumbled.
And that was Anna’s undoing. Without a word she slumped to the floor and started shaking mercilessly.
Trent squatted on the floor beside her. “Anna, please. I never meant for things to go that far. I never thought he would hurt you,” Trent added, pausing to really take in the sight before him. Not only was she petrified but the bruises and the cuts were blatant reminders of her ordeal. “I just wanted…I wanted you to feel what it was like to be rejected, like you dismissed me without hesitation. Just because I don’t drive a fancy car, or have money or gold medals doesn’t mean you’re better than me. But you didn’t care. You just rejected me like I was nothing. I just wanted to teach you a lesson. But Grant, he took it too far. I’m really sorry, Anna. I really—” But his pleas weren’t heard as Anna began to scream blue murder.
Trent went to reach out to her but stopped himself. As Renee turned and saw what was unfolding before her she caught James’s eye through the wall and she just nodded quickly as James sprinted to the door as quick as he could, leaping over empty equipment in his way.
Trent took a step backwards as Renee sunk to her knees beside her. “Anna…Anna, talk to me,” she begged, placing her fingers under Anna’s chin and forcing her to look her in the eye. “What is it?”
“It was him,” Anna mumbled no louder than a murmur.
“What was him?” Renee probed as she spied James enter the room.
“With Grant,” Anna whimpered, collapsing against Renee. “What?” James boomed, glaring at Trent, who was cowering in the corner.
“James!” Renee warned but James didn’t hear her. Instead he just stepped over the pile of women on the floor and in one swift fluid movement he released a punch with all that he was. It took less than a second for Trent to hit the ground.
“Renee!” James stated as he dropped his phone into her lap. “I’m taking Anna away from here. Call the cops and let them know we found the bastard.”
THE END
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
First, I can almost guarantee this wouldn’t have happened without my grandfather, Sam. He was the first person who believed I could do this and even though he’s not here today to see my journey take the next step, I have no doubt he would be proud.
For those people who first started reading drafts of frankly terrible short stories too many years ago, thank you. Karenya, you were always first to get a copy and were the first person to explode with excitement when my dreams came true. Thanks Mum and Dad for everything. Using your skills honed in the classroom over many years, your editing and proofreading helped more than you will ever know. Not to mention without your unashamedly blatant promotion and encouragement I wouldn’t have got to where I am today.
To Sue Britton, Barb Steadman, Allison Burman, Kymberlee Ellson…what can I say? Over the years you have read bad drafts, offered opinions, encouragement, and constructive criticism. Your time, patience, and belief helped me get there. It might have taken a while, but we did it. Without you on my side this wouldn’t be a reality.
To the team at Limitless Publishing, you are truly amazing. You have by far exceeded all of my expectations with your patience, understanding, and guidance throughout this very new, very scary process. Without you, especially Lori, who has been a godsend, I would have fallen to pieces before this even happened. I cannot thank you enough.
Thank you to my Dexar family. From the moment you found out I could write, even though for a long time I kept it hidden, your enthusiasm towards this venture has knocked me off my feet. Your support has given me the confidence to keep going even when I was wavering.
But finally I have to say thanks to my husband Rob, who encouraged me to get back into something I loved after a long hiatus and his own unique brand of ‘encouragement’ has gotten me this far.
Here’s to the first of hopefully many more to come.
Bec
About the Author
Rebecca, one of four kids to her parents who are both primary school teachers, was born in Wollongong on the south coast of Australia before moving to the country with her family. After a few years of embracing all that country life had to offer, the family relocated to Port Macquarie with its white sand beaches. After a brief period enjoying the sun and the surf they finally settled in Canberra where Rebecca still lives today. But all through her childhood a notepad and a book where never far away. These days Rebecca is an avid reader, and when she isn’t buried in a book or cheering on her beloved football team she’s spending time with her husband Robert and their overly spoilt dog Levi.