Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

    Only $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

    Beneath the Scars
    Beneath the Scars
    Beneath the Scars
    Ebook253 pages3 hours

    Beneath the Scars

    By Bridgitte Lesley

    ()

    Read preview

    About this ebook

    Tom sat at the beach feeling blue. It was the only place that he went to sit and relax and let his tensions drift away. He sat and watched a young woman playing in the ocean. He admired her gorgeous figure and the way she stood in the water getting her jeans wet. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her. She didn’t have a care in the world. April let the water splash over her feet. It felt as if the little splashes were cleansing her. She slowly made her way back to her vehicle. She couldn’t take her eyes off of the gent sitting on the bench. He spoke to her as she walked by. She answered his question but slurred and wasn’t clear. He took offence and commented. He was abrupt and abrasive. Only when the wind suddenly came up and her fringe flapped in the air did he realize what a big mistake he had made. Tom felt awful. He had to apologize. All it took was a little apology and life for both Tom and April changed.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBridgitte Lesley
    Release dateJul 31, 2013
    ISBN9781301762873
    Beneath the Scars
    Author

    Bridgitte Lesley

    Hello from Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa!Having survived an attempt at being murdered, I have plunged myself in to my writing. After my gruesome ordeal, I live life from day to day. Appreciating every minute and moment. Yes, I have the scars from an axe being driven in to my head repeatedly. I suffer from PTSD and OCD. But, I am here to tell the tale. And I have a lot to tell!I am currently revamping my older titles and will be adding a few. In a nutshell, you will find a mix of romance, adventure, lots of witty banter and a happy ever after. All round, expect a feel-good read.Thank you for reading and for your support!Bridgitte

    Read more from Bridgitte Lesley

    Related to Beneath the Scars

    Related ebooks

    Romance For You

    View More
    View More

    Related podcast episodes

    Related articles

    • Article

      Learn to TRUST YOURSELF

      Sep 29, 2023

      Learn to TRUST YOURSELF
      2 min read

    • Article

      Vex King

      Mar 3, 2021

      Vex King
      2 min read

    • Article

      Learning To Love Yourself

      May 5, 2021

      Learning To Love Yourself
      3 min read

    • Article

      Resilience

      Nov 4, 2020

      Resilience
      1 min read

    • Article

      Free From The Burden Of Holding On

      Nov 12, 2019

      Free From The Burden Of Holding On
      11 min read

    • Article

      Me & Davey Waters

      Jan 15, 2023

      Me & Davey Waters
      4 min read

    • Article

      The Bystander

      Jan 7, 2021

      The Bystander
      5 min read

    • Article

      Haunted

      Sep 27, 2023

      Haunted
      6 min read

    • Article

      After “The End”

      Oct 10, 2022

      I walked down the road with a hunched back and a wet cigarette in my mouth—the fire had died a while back. My hands were tucked into the pockets of my jacket, and my hair fell over my face, limiting my sight. But I wasn’t really seeing where I was go

      10 min read

    • Article

      Just The Way YOU ARE

      Feb 7, 2023

      Just The Way YOU ARE
      9 min read

    • Article

      KISSING Lessons

      Mar 31, 2021

      KISSING Lessons
      6 min read

    • Article

      L’homme Du Café

      Nov 10, 2021

      L’homme Du Café
      6 min read

    • Article

      The Best Of FRIENDS

      Jul 28, 2020

      The Best Of FRIENDS
      6 min read

    • Article

      The Gas Station

      Mar 15, 2019

      Mary believed there were two kinds of people in the world. There were those who were seen and those who were not. Mary considered herself the latter. She hadn’t lived in the town for long, only a few months. It was known for its beaches. It swelled w

      10 min read

    • Article

      Running Away

      Feb 22, 2021

      Leaving London behind her, Millie drove faster, picturing thousands of crazed fans in pursuit, desperate for what – a lock of her hair? Or Julian; except after the last gig, somehow she knew he wouldn’t follow. She knew from bitter experience that di

      5 min read

    • Article

      Night Flying

      Aug 2, 2018

      Night Flying
      10 min read

    • Article

      Whose Life Is It

      Dec 10, 2023

      “What the hell?” Danny jumped up and tore out of the kitchen where he’d been reading his mail and enjoying a quiet lunch with his sister, Elaine. Startled, she looked up from the newspaper. “Danny?” He ran through the foyer, out the front door, and t

      7 min read

    • Article

      An Afternoon In Her Shoes

      Jul 26, 2022

      An Afternoon In Her Shoes
      6 min read

    • Article

      The Girl I Knew Somewhere

      Dec 2, 2021

      The Girl I Knew Somewhere
      6 min read

    • Article

      Showtime

      Dec 9, 2020

      Showtime
      9 min read

    • Article

      The King’s passion

      Aug 11, 2021

      The King’s passion
      11 min read

    • Article

      Every CLOUD

      Aug 31, 2022

      Every CLOUD
      6 min read

    • Article

      Alarm Bells

      Apr 21, 2022

      Alarm Bells
      5 min read

    • Article

      The Friend I’ll Never forget

      Apr 25, 2019

      The Friend I’ll Never forget
      5 min read

    • Article

      The Other WOMAN

      Aug 9, 2022

      The Other WOMAN
      6 min read

    • Article

      The King’s passion

      Aug 11, 2021

      The King’s passion
      11 min read

    Related categories

    Reviews for Beneath the Scars

    0 ratings

    0 ratings0 reviews

    What did you think?

    Tap to rate

    Review must be at least 10 words

      Book preview

      Beneath the Scars - Bridgitte Lesley

      Beneath

      the

      Scars

      Copyright © 2012 by Bridgitte Lesley

      Published by Bridgitte Lesley

      All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review or scholarly journal.

      Publishers note:

      BENEATH THE SCARS is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or locations is purely coincidental. The characters are a creation of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously

      First Printing: 2012

      Bridgitte Lesley

      P O Box 612, Uvongo, 4270, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Republic of South Africa

      www.bridgittelesley.com

      Table of Contents

      Beneath the Scars

      Chapter One

      Chapter Two

      Chapter Three

      Chapter Four

      Chapter Five

      Chapter Six

      Chapter Seven

      Chapter Eight

      Chapter Nine

      Chapter Ten

      Chapter Eleven

      Chapter Twelve

      Chapter Thirteen

      Chapter Fourteen

      Chapter Fifteen

      Chapter Sixteen

      Chapter Seventeen

      Chapter Eighteen

      Chapter Nineteen

      Chapter Twenty

      Chapter Twenty One

      Chapter Twenty Two

      Chapter Twenty Three

      About Bridgitte Lesley

      Connect with Bridgitte Lesley

      Other Titles by Bridgitte Lesley

      If you enjoyed Beneath the Scars

      CHAPTER 1

      Tom Durren, a single father of two, sat quietly on the bench and admired the waves as they crashed against the rocks and slowly worked their way in to a gentle tide that carried to the edge of the ocean. He looked at a young woman as she walked ankle deep in the water. He knew it would be bitterly cold. She wore a pair of jeans but she hadn’t rolled up the trouser legs. She seemed to be so carefree. Not worrying about getting her clothes wet. A smile formed as he kept watching her. Although he never came to the beach, it was one of those days that he needed to relax and unwind. When life became all too much, and he took a break from the world. It was his little release from everyone and everything.

      He almost ogled the woman. She had a beautiful figure but from where he was sitting he couldn’t see her face. Her soft curls fell to her shoulders, but she had a long straight fringe which she kept flicking away. Mesmerized by her, he trained his eyes on her walking out of the ocean. She looked about as if to check that no one was watching her and finger combed her hair making sure it was in place and walked up and smiled and nodded to acknowledge him.

      Looked as if you were enjoying that, he said as she strolled towards him.

      She almost whispered. So cleansing.

      He looked up as he listened. She seemed to slur her words. Pardon.

      Nice, she said. He knew she hadn’t said that. She started walking away from him.

      Excuse me, Tom said.

      April slowly turned and looked at him. She held her fringe against her face. Mind if I ask. The fringe. Doesn’t it get in your way? She nodded. So why do you wear it like that? She shrugged.

      He stood up and followed her. That is very rude. When someone talks to you the given rule is to respond.

      April seemed to mumble and slur. When I can I will.

      Have you been drinking young lady?

      No. As he walked closer a gust of wind came up and her hair flew up in the air. He gasped as he saw the scar that she was hiding. Her face was covered in a dressing which ran all the way from her temple down to her chin. It seemed to be a clear film over a multitude of stitches. April quickly straightened her fringe. She looked at Tom and he held his hand over his mouth. He realized why she slurred. She must have been in an accident.

      I am sorry. I am so sorry. I apologize, he said, and she nodded and slowly made her way towards the car park. He stared at her as she left. He whispered to himself. What have I done? April stopped as she reached the cars and took a tissue from her pocket and wiped her eyes. He kept watching her. He was overcome by emotion and knew his reaction had upset her. She battled as she climbed in to an enormous four by four. Minutes later she reversed and drove away.

      Tom strolled to his van and sat for a while. It was the first time in his life that he had shown any interest in a woman. Feeling out of sorts with the world he had bungled things up badly. He drove straight home and felt terribly embarrassed at his reaction. Tom stepped through the door and went to the lounge and sat down and held his head in his hands. He closed his eyes and shook his head. Oh man, he muttered to himself. The day seemed to be getting worse by the minute.

      David, his fifteen-year-old son, walked in and looked at him. Dad? I didn’t even hear you arrive.

      Hi David.

      Something wrong Dad?

      I met someone today. I thought she was being rude. And I said that. Then I realized that she may be recovering from an accident. She has a slight speech impediment, slurs and has a scar on her face.

      Were you at the beach?

      I was. For a few minutes. That might be the first and last time she goes there. All because of me.

      What did you say?

      I got such a fright. She has a huge dressing covering a terrible gash. From her temple all the way down to her chin. I gasped when I looked at her.

      You didn’t know.

      I feel awful. Imagine slurring all the time. David nodded. And such a terrible scar.

      Sad, David said and Tom nodded in agreement.

      Jenny, his bubbly daughter who was a year older than David, walked through and plunked herself on the couch. What is with the faces?

      Oh a young lady I saw today. She must have been in a car accident. So sad.

      So what did she look like? Jenny asked.

      Tom’s face almost lit up as he spoke. I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. She is beautiful and has a lovely figure. Tom groaned. Oh it gets worse! David and Jenny looked at him. She was limping too. I didn’t even notice. How did I not notice! Oh my! Oh my!

      But what did the lady look like? Jenny asked again.

      First of all. She is built like a model. Not a skinny model. She is put together properly. And she has dark brown hair. But she wears a super long fringe. She has a side path and combs it so that she hides the huge dressing on her face.

      Jenny gasped. I know who she is! Do you remember the report in the papers? About the lady who was attacked? Two men attacked her. She has gashes all over her back. She retaliated and the one guy came at her with a knife and slashed her across the face.

      Tom stared at Jenny. Who is she?

      She is a Doctor at the local hospital.

      But why on earth did they attack her?

      It happened as she walked out of the building. They jumped out and attacked her.

      I need to approach her and apologize for my reaction. You say she has gashes all over her back?

      She has already been hospitalized for a few weeks, Jenny said.

      Tom held his head and groaned. Oh why is this such a cruel world?

      They arrested them Dad. They are both behind bars.

      David grinned. I have never seen you like this Dad.

      Oh David, she is absolutely beautiful. I watched her playing in the ocean. Up to her ankles. I ogled her. David chuckled. And when she came from the beach, she looked so happy. I didn’t understand what she was saying. I thought she was drunk. And I mentioned that. Jenny gasped. She kept covering her face with the long fringe. I still asked why. But I couldn’t hear what she said. And then the wind blew, and that is when I saw her scar. My reaction was one of total shock and horror.

      Jenny sighed. Well. Send her flowers.

      I don’t know her name. And where would I send them?

      Jenny stood up and looked for a magazine and paged through to an article. It was a two page spread on the attack of the young woman. Doctor April Holland, Jenny said.

      Tom looked at the article and stared at the tiny little photograph of her. That is her. He almost studied the picture of the knives that had been used. He glanced at Jenny.

      You really saw her Dad? Jenny asked, and he nodded. He sat down and started reading.

      No way does she look thirty six. She looks about twenty four or five. David smiled as he watched Tom. He turned to Jenny who was smiling. Says here they were trying to steal her car! They cut her up because of a vehicle! Jenny and David both looked at Tom who shook his head. But she wasn’t driving a Maserati. She was in a four by four when I saw her. Tom looked up and frowned. This happened three weeks ago. No wonder. But she must be healing fast. I didn’t realize. He kept shaking his head. I hope she has been booked off from work.

      CHAPTER 2

      Dad. Phone the hospital and find out. Why the interest? Jenny asked.

      She is beautiful. I can’t explain how I feel.

      Come on, Dad! Phone! Jenny said excitedly and giggled.

      Tom didn’t hesitate and dialed. He waited a little while. Jenny and David were almost sitting on the edge of their chairs as they watched him in anticipation.

      General Hospital, the receptionist said.

      Who can I speak to about Doctor Holland? Tom asked.

      Would you like to make an appointment or can I put you through to her? she asked.

      If you could put me through, please. He waited and smiled.

      April picked up the phone. Doctor Holland speaking.

      Doctor Holland. This is Tom Durren. From the beach.

      Yes. How may I help?

      Tom picked up on the slight slur. You sound a lot better. He heard the chuckle.

      Medication was running low.

      I felt I needed to apologize.

      No need.

      No. I had to. I didn’t mean to be so abrupt. It wasn’t one of my better days.

      Oh, no need. But Tom I appreciate the call. I am going to stay out of the wind for a while.

      Don’t, he said and laughed.

      He heard the little laugh. Your reaction showed me the world is not ready for me just yet. Good thing I wear a mask.

      There is no need to cover that pretty face.

      Oh Tom. I appreciate that you are being so kind.

      April. Can I call you April?

      You have done your homework.

      Tom chuckled. I would love to see you. David and Jenny stared at him as he spoke. They had never seen their father with a woman let alone chat. He looked at them. April was very quiet. I want to take you out for supper.

      At the moment I need to take a rain check. I can’t sit for too long. And then I have to stand. Oh everything is such a mess. I am so tightly taped up that I feel as if I am being held together with the tape. Sorry Tom.

      How comfortable are you on a couch?

      April chuckled. Your couch?

      Yes. Why are you working? You should be in bed. Aren’t you on medication?

      I am. Have you been speaking to my mother?

      Now why would you ask?

      Because she sounds just like you. No I can’t sit around when people need me.

      But you need to heal.

      I am healing. I have my medicine on time. But not this afternoon. My dressings are changed three times a day. I am taking care.

      Tom smiled as she spoke. When do you knock off from work?

      I am not working at the moment. I came to have the dressings changed and popped in to my office.

      So if I invite you for coffee would you come?

      April chuckled. That would be nice. I need to warn you. I am armed. Just a cautionary measure so that if you try anything foolish, I will blow off your head.

      Tom bellowed with laughter. My son David and my daughter Jenny are here.

      And your wife?

      Nope. I don’t have one of those. April was quiet. I will explain when you get here. Are you on your way yet?

      April chuckled. Please. Warn them.

      Yes. Yes. They already know.

      And the address is?

      Can I SMS it to you?

      Very clever. But you may. This is my number, she said and Tom jumped up and grabbed a pen and wrote down her number.

      See you in half an hour.

      See you then. April put down the phone and giggled. She slowly got up and started walking out of the hospital. He sent the message to her after loading her details.

      Tom glanced around. Quick! Tidy! David and Jenny gurgled with delight as they helped to neaten the lounge. Jenny filled the coffee machine and packed away the dishes. Tom came to the kitchen and smiled. They all went back to the lounge. He looked at David and Jenny. I can’t explain what I have done. Don’t even ask because I wouldn’t know where to start.

      They all looked up as his parents stepped in for a surprise visit. Gran! Jenny said and Tom groaned internally.

      Peter smiled as they wandered in. Hey son. We thought we would pop by for a cup of coffee.

      So are you offering? June asked.

      You have to wait Gran, Jenny said.

      Why?

      Because Dad’s girlfriend is coming to visit. And I have just switched on the coffee machine and it isn’t ready yet.

      A girlfriend? June asked.

      Someone I met today. They were both quiet as they glanced at Tom in surprise. He stood up and walked down the passage and took the huge pillow off of his bed and carried it through and placed it on a chair.

      June shook her head. And that?

      Gran, the lady is recovering from an accident. Don’t all gasp or anything. When you look at her, you mustn’t say a word, Jenny said.

      What is wrong with her? Peter asked.

      She has sores, David said.

      Oh my, June said as she held her hand over her mouth.

      So no funny gasps. And Gran don’t hug her, David said.

      I don’t hug strangers, June said.

      Just in case Gran, David said and June smiled and nodded.

      So where did you meet her? Peter asked.

      Tom smiled. At the beach.

      Dad was rude to her. But he phoned and apologized. Dad why doesn’t she want to go out for supper? David asked.

      She can’t sit or stand for too long so I guess it would be uncomfortable. Because of her injuries, Tom said, and they all nodded. Back in five minutes. He sprinted to his bedroom and looked at himself in the mirror. He brushed his hair and ran to the kitchen and checked the coffee machine and went back to the lounge.

      Tom saw the lights as the van pulled in to the driveway. He ran out and smiled. Pull up to the front door, Tom said. April drove to the front door and Tom opened her door. She carefully climbed out and held her cane. Hi.

      Hi, she said and beamed as he closed the door for her and they slowly walked in to the house. Everyone stood up. Don’t stand up, April said.

      April. This is my Dad, Peter and my Mum, June, Tom said.

      April smiled and nodded. She put out her hand. April Holland.

      And my children David and Jenny, Tom said.

      She shook their hands. Nice to meet you.

      Neat fringe! Jenny said.

      Thank you sweetheart, April said and smiled.

      Take a seat, Tom said.

      April walked over to the chair. Jenny held the pillow and puffed it up and put it at the back of the chair. April slowly sat down. Thank you Jenny. Jenny smiled as they all relaxed.

      June got up. Coffee everyone? April nodded.

      Jenny helped June, and they stood in the kitchen. Oh Gran isn’t she beautiful!

      I just wish she wouldn’t hide her pretty face. She is lovely, June said and Jenny grinned. They walked through with the tray of coffee. Jenny added the sugar and milk for April.

      April smiled. Sorry. I will be right as rain in a few weeks. And the cane will go. And then I will be offering you coffee.

      Are you always going to limp? Jenny asked.

      Good heavens no. I have pulled a muscle, and it is taking a long time to heal.

      Where? Peter asked.

      Up my side and my leg. Just too many at the same time. But they are healing.

      So what do you do for a living? Peter asked.

      April smiled and looked at Tom. I am sucking up the conversation. Tom chuckled. She held her hand over the fringe and seemed to hold her chin as she spoke.

      I believe you were in an accident, Peter said. So was it a head on collision?

      You could say that, April said.

      And your injuries? Peter asked.

      Minor. Once my muscles have settled in, I will walk properly. A few scrapes on my back and my speech will maybe be back to normal. I know I slur. But it is the medication. I can’t talk too much because of the muscles.

      Peter nodded. Facial muscles?

      April nodded. Now tell me all about you. The Durren family. Tom smiled. April hadn’t told them what she did for a living.

      CHAPTER 3

      Peter and I have three children. Tom is the oldest. Our daughter Sherry is married to Mike. The youngest is Tony who is dating Pauline, June said. Do you have brothers or sisters? April held up two fingers. Older than you? April shook her head. So you have a younger brother? April nodded. And a sister? She shook her head. Two younger brothers? June asked.

      Twins. Ben and Gary. April lifted her cup and leaned forward.

      Tom noticed the flash of pain that seemed to run across her face. Tablets? he asked. April nodded as she started reaching for her bag. Jenny picked it up and handed it to

      Enjoying the preview?
      Page 1 of 1