GUARDIAN ANGELS

Jessica often came to The Embankment. It was her favourite place. Being near the water brought serenity to her mind especially at this time of the morning. She felt soothed and cleansed from the rigours of modern life and for just a few moments she could try and forget about Nathan. 

A few deep breaths of fresh air and she instantly felt relaxed. Detoxified. Free.

It was just as she wanted to feel.  

It was a chilly morning, the cold was always amplified being near the River. It had been two weeks since the accident. 

As Jessica walked nearer to the bridge she quickened her stride. To a stranger she appeared fully focused as if she had meticulously planned her morning but that was anything but the truth. 

She stopped and climbed onto the fence so she was sitting with her legs dangling down towards the river which appeared calm but the current was visible and swirling in all directions just below the surface. She looked towards the sky.  

Driving North he was feeling rather lethargic. He felt his heart start to beat faster as she came into view. 

He stopped around five paces away and said a simple 'Hello' knowing that he shouldn't to go too close. 

"You won't be able to talk me out of this" Jessica spoke defiantly. 

"Why don't you tell me what's wrong?" He asked. 

"I have nothing to live for, I miss him" she replied. 

"Why don't you hop over to safety and come for a coffee with me? Talk to me Jess I can help" He edged a little closer towards her. 

"You must never think what I'm going to do is your fault. My mind is made up" Jessica ordered. "You know when you meet the one. We didn't get the chance to live our life" She fought back tears. 

Suddenly she froze and thought she hadn't told him her name so how did he know she was Jess. 

"How did you know I was Jess?"  

She felt sense of calm and at peace. Jessica tuned herself around and walked towards him reaching out her hand towards his. As he took her hand she felt safe. 

They both walked towards his car parked in the road. 

She sat down in the rear of the car and was interrupted by a police officer who explained she was taking her to hospital to get checked out. 

"Where's your colleague? I'd really like to talk to him more" 

"There's only me here. You were talking to yourself and then came over before I could help you. I'm so glad you changed your mind and came over"

As they drove away and off of the bridge Natalie thought of her colleague Tony who had died on duty a few years previously whilst Jessica remembered Nathan who she had lost only a few weeks ago.