John And Sarah example essay topic

Liz looked at Sarah, regretting she had come along with them in the first place. "Relax, Liz". she said. "I really shouldn't be here, Sarah. Can't I go home?" Liz said. John smiled. "He's not gonna bite.

He's really nice. You know he is, he's been at your place a billion times". He said. Liz nodded, but looked pleadingly at Sarah. "We " ll be right back.

Hold him here when he arrives". Sarah said and John nodded. "Can do!" he said, and she smiled at him as she grabbed Liz' arm and dragged her along into the toilets. "You are not going home".

Sarah said, turning to look at her. "But... I don't belong here. Me and love... we " re incomparable".

Liz said. Sarah smiled at her. "You are not!" she said. Liz sighed and turned to the mirror to make sure the bruise wasn't showing. She bit her lip, and Sarah placed her hand on her shoulder.

"Lizzy... ". she said softly, and Liz turned to her with teary eyes. "Sorry". She said quietly and smiled a little. Sarah smiled back as she hugged her. "Don't be".

She said. "It wasn't your fault. Besides, he was an idiot and you were far too good for him anyway". Liz laughed a little and looked at her. "Yeah?" she said.

"Yeah". Sarah said smiling. "Now, will you stay? John is right, you know. Mark is really nice, and John should know. You know he is too.

They " ve been best mates for ages. They moved here together like you and me". Sarah said. "Really?" Liz asked. Sarah nodded. "Yeah.

And you wanna know a little secret?" she asked. "Go on". Liz said smiling. "He told John that he thinks you " re really nice".

Sarah said and grinned when Liz blushed. "He did not!" Liz said. "Did too! Will you stay?" she asked. Liz shrugged. "It's just a movie, then we can go home... with company".

Sarah said. "And it's not like you " ll be alone. John and I are here". Liz nodded. "All right". She said.

"I'll stay". Sarah cheered. "Yay!" she said, making Liz laugh. "Come on, bet they " re waiting". They walked back out, finding Mark had showed up and he and John were stood talking when they walked over. "Hey babe.

You okay?" John said, placing his arms around Sarah. "Hello. Yeah, fine. Hi Mark". She said.

Mark smiled at her. "Hi Sarah. Hi Liz". He said, looking at Liz. "Hello". Liz said, smiling a little as she looked up at him.

"How are you?" Mark asked. Before she knew she was doing it, Liz raised her hand and gently touched the bruise, looking at Sarah with confused eyes. Sarah shook her head a little in return, telling her that he didn't know. "Um... fine, thanks.

You?" Liz answered, lowering her hand again. "Fine". Mark said and smiled again. "Come on, or the movie's gonna start without us". John said, and they head over to their places. "So, are you glad you stayed?" Sarah asked as she and Liz were stood making coffees in the kitchen later that night.

Liz smiled. "I guess". She said. "You guess?" Sarah echoed. "But you think he's cute, right?" she asked, making Liz laugh. "He is a very nice guy".

She said. "And cute". Sarah added. "What do you think John will say to that?" Liz said. "Shut up!" Sarah said laughing as they picked up the mugs and carried them back into the lounge where the lads sat talking. "What are you two talking about?" Sarah asked as she handed a mug to John.

"You actually". He answered and kissed her cheek. "A !" Sarah said. "Here you are". Liz said as she handed a mug to Mark and sat down. "Thanks".

He said. "Come on then... what did you say about us?" Sarah asked, making them laugh. "Just how we enjoy your company". John said. "Ain't that right, Mark?" he said, looking up at Mark. "Err... yeah".

Mark said, blushing slightly. "Sorry to say it ladies, but we best get moving. They " ll kill us if we " re late for work". John said as the lads stood up to leave later on.

Sarah grinned. "Don't want that to happen!" she said, and John smiled. "Glad to hear it!" he said. Liz smiled. "Best get there on time then, or I'll never hear the end of it from Sarah!" she said, moving away so Sarah couldn't slap her arm.

"And you will be sat dreaming of Mark for hours on end". Sarah said, laughing as Liz blushed. "Thanks". She said. "You coming, Mark?" John asked. "You go ahead, I just... yeah...

I'll catch you up". Mark said, and John nodded grinning. "I see. See you at the apartment then".

He said, turning his attention to Sarah. "Night, sweetie. And I'll see you tomorrow". He said and kissed her softly. "Night John". She said.

"I'll just go clean up". Sarah said as John left, and went into the lounge. "Wanna walk me down?" Mark asked. Liz nodded. "Okay, if you want me to". She said.

"Cool". Mark said. "Night Sarah!" he called into the lounge. "Just kidnapping Liz for a few minutes, if that's okay?" Sarah laughed. "Fine by me! Night!" Sarah called back, and Mark smiled.

"Come on". He said as he held the door open. Liz nodded and walked out. "Are you feeling okay?" Mark asked as they reached the front door of the girls' building. Liz nodded. "Yeah".

She said, smiling at him to prove it. "You " re just so quiet". He said. "Oh, I don't want to disturb people by talking too much". She said. Mark looked at her, wondering why she seemed so scared.

"I'm sure you won't disturb anyone if you talk a bit more". He said smiling. She looked up at him and bit her lip. "I was told I did". She said quietly. "Pardon?" Mark asked.

"Nothing". She answered quickly and cast her eyes down. He smiled again, and reached out his hand to brush her hair from her face. Instinctively, Liz held her hands up as if she was trying to protect herself from something. "Please, don't hurt me". She said, her voice trembling and quiet.

Mark looked surprised and let his hand drop. "Hurt you? I wouldn't hurt you, Liz. I wasn't gonna... did you think I was... I was only gonna move your hair". Mark said.

Her hands dropped and she looked up at him with her tears welling in her eyes. "I'm sorry". She said before she ran back inside and up the stairs, leaving him stood looking after her for a while. "So... ? What happened?

I want the full story, details and... ". Sarah said smiling, but she stopped when she saw the tears falling from Liz' eyes. "My God...

Liz... ?" she said as she hugged her. "I told you I shouldn't have come today". Liz sobbed. "Why? Tell me". Sarah said, leading her into the lounge and sitting down on the sofa.

"When we came downstairs, he was gonna brush my hair away, but I thought he was about to hit me". Liz said. "And he said he wouldn't do that, and then I said I was sorry and ran back upstairs". Sarah sighed as she held her. "Aww... I'm sorry, Liz.

That wasn't supposed to happen". She said. "He really messed you up, didn't he sweetie?" she said softly. Liz sat up and dried her eyes. "Yeah... ". she said. There was a knock on the door, and Liz went to open.

"I'll be ready in a sec!" Sarah called from her room as she opened. "Hi John. She just informed me she " ll be ready in a sec". Liz said. John smiled.

"Hi. I can wait". He said. "How are you?

Heard what happened last night". He said. "Oh... ". Liz said, looking down at the floor. "Mark felt really bad, he thought he'd done something".

John said. Liz looked up again. "Oh no. He hasn't. Tell him that if he asks". She said as Sarah came over.

"I will. Wow... hello you!" John said, kissing Sarah softly. "Hiya". She said smiling. "You all set?" he asked.

"Yeah. Will you be okay, Liz?" Sarah asked looking at her. Liz nodded. "I'll be fine. You have a great time - and I won't wait up". She said.

John and Sarah laughed. "All right then. We " re off. Bye". John said. "Bye.

Call me if there's anything, okay?" Sarah said. Liz nodded. "I will". She said. "Promise you " ll call if there's anything you need?" Sarah asked. "Promise.

Now get out of here". She said, and smiled. "Bye!" they called as they walked downstairs. "Bye". Liz said and closed the door, making sure it was locked properly. The apartment was completely silent, only vague noises from the other apartments could be heard.

Liz was startled when there was a knock on the door. She sat still for a few seconds, and it knocked again. She placed the book on the table and went to open. "Mark... ?" she said surprised, seeing him stood outside. He smiled at her. "Hi".

He said. "Hello". She replied, suddenly remembering that the bruise was showing cos she hadn't put make-up over it. He smiled at her, and it didn't seem as if he'd seen it. "Come on in". She said, stepping away and opening the door further.

"Thanks. There's this creepy guy stood outside. Is he one of your neighbours?" Mark said as he walked inside. "What?" Liz said quietly, and hurried into the kitchen. She looked out the window and down. She gasped and pulled away from the window.

"What's wrong?" Mark asked, standing behind her. She turned, causing her hair to reveal the bruise it had been hiding. Mark's eyes widened slightly when he saw it. The bruise started at the corner of her left eye, covered her left temple and ran for a little while along her hairline, and went down her cheekbone and ran along her hairline down to her jaw. Some of her forehead and her temple was a dark shade of purple-blue, as was her cheekbone. "My goodness... ". he said softly.

Liz looked down, twisting her hands. "Who did this to you?" he asked, and her eyes involuntarily drifted to the window. "That guy down there? Who is he?" Mark asked. "Who is he, Liz? And why did he do this to you?" he said when she didn't answer.

"He's my ex-boyfriend". She finally said, her voice close to a whisper as if she didn't want the guy down there to hear her. "What?" Mark said in disbelief. "Tell me what happened".

He said, wanting to put his arm around her shoulders. She moved away, that same scared look in her eyes he'd seen the night before. "I won't hurt you". He said softly. "I would never hurt you". He said, touching her hand.

Liz looked down at their hands and up into his eyes. Gently, Mark took her hand in his and she let him. They walked into the lounge and settled on the sofa, Mark still holding her hand. "Max". Liz said quietly. "That's his name - Max.

He was really nice to me at first, but then he showed me who he really was". Was he the one who told you that you disturbed people by talking too much?" Mark asked carefully. She nodded. "But you don't". He said. "Well, he thought I did.

And if I didn't do as he said or accidentally interrupted him when he talked, he'd slap me". She said. "Why did you stay? Why didn't you just break up with him?" Mark asked. "I couldn't.

I was too scared, and he told me he was sorry after he hit me. He held me and kissed me and said he was sorry and didn't mean it". She answered. "And you believed him?" Liz nodded. "Yes. He was so kind and gentle to me, and he told me that he loved me.

He'd hit me for not doing things right, and then he'd be so sorry for what he'd done. Then he'd hold me and tell me he loved me. Yes, I believed him even though I knew that he'd hurt me again. But just hearing him say he loved me and that he held me was comfort enough. That made it all right again, and he was so sweet and gentle.

And I needed to hear him say he loved me, cos I loved him. When he hit me I told myself that he was sorry and didn't mean it, and everything was so wonderful when he apologised". She said, tears falling from her eyes as she spoke softly. Mark couldn't help but smile just a little when he heard how affectionate her voice became when she talked about how he acted when he apologised. But Mark also knew that guys like that would never change. "So how come you " re not with him now?" he asked.

"We'd been out with John and Sarah at this club, and I had just talked a little with the bartender as I was waiting for our drinks. And Max said that he didn't understand why I went behind his back, throwing myself at guys. He said that he couldn't be with someone who wasn't faithful". Liz said quietly. "But I didn't... I was never unfaithful.

I'd never be unfaithful to anyone!" She said as she started crying again. Mark placed his other hand over hers again, and stroked it gently. "How long ago was that?" he asked. "Nearly 2 months". She answered. "But when did he do this to you?" he said, pushing her hair behind her ear so the bruise was showing.

She closed her eyes. "About five days ago. I saw him with his girl, and I knew he'd been cheating on me with her for ages. He never said anything, but I knew he was. I didn't want to tell him when we were together, cos I knew he'd get mad. So I just ignored it".

She started. "Then when I saw him again, I kinda said that if he said I was unfaithful, what would that make him?" Mark smiled a little. "Nice one". He said. She smiled vaguely. "He didn't say anything at the time, but he followed me home and grabbed me when I was stood outside looking for my keys.

Sarah and John were out so I couldn't just beep them. Max pulled me away from the door and hit me till I couldn't see straight. He said that I was a lying bitch, and that he was glad I never had that child cos then it would have been just as ugly and deceiving as its mum". Mark's eyes widened, but he remained silent. "I somehow staggered upstairs and when John and Sarah got back I'd passed out on the floor". She said.

"So, John knows?" Mark asked. Liz nodded. "Yeah, he was there when I told Sarah what had happened". She said. "You were pregnant?" Mark asked as they sat in the lounge, drinking tea. Liz nodded slowly as she sat clutching the mug.

"Max had had a bad day at work, and I wasn't quick enough to bring him his drink when he came over to visit me. So he hit me and forced me to sleep with him". But what about Sarah? Wasn't she home?" he wondered. "No, she was out with John. It seems like Max timed thing pretty well".

She said. "So he raped you?" Mark said. Liz fell silent and looked into her mug. "I wouldn't say that". She said quietly after a while. "Liz, if he forced you to have sex with him, that is rape.

Whether he's your boyfriend or not". Mark said, looking at her. "I couldn't really stop him. I was half-unconscious from his beating". She said, her voice catching in her throat. "That more than qualifies as rape, and that is a crime.

Did you report him to the police?" Mark said. "No, I couldn't do that. He was my boyfriend, and it was my fault to begin with". She said.

"And you became pregnant with his child after that?" he asked. "Yes, but he didn't want it, and made me have an abortion. He didn't want no kids to take care of". Liz said. "Does Sarah know this?" She shook her head.

"No, I've never told anyone about the abortion till now". Mark placed his mug on the table and sat down on his knees in front of her, taking her mug away and placing it on the table next to his own. "Liz... ". he said, resting his arms on her knees. "You really should tell the police about this. They can at least give him a restraining order, so he can't touch you again. And you should tell Sarah".

He said. "I will tell Sarah, but that's all". She said. "The police will just help you so that he can't do this to you again". Mark said, gently touching the left side of her face. "And it wasn't your fault, Liz.

None of the things he did to you were your fault. Max is just a big idiot, and you deserve much better than him". He said. Silent tears started falling from her eyes. "You need someone who " ll take care of you, and who " ll never hurt you one way or the other. Someone who loves you truly and unconditionally.

Someone who will be there for you and care for you. Someone who's happy to see you, and who " ll never have you obey them". Mark gently stroked her cheek and her hair as he spoke, his fingers playing with her hair. "Someone who thinks you " re beautiful, and that your smile is lovely. Someone who loves your eyes, and who thinks that being with you is the best thing in the whole world and being loved by you is even better.

Someone who likes to hear your voice and will never tell you to not talk, cos they love hearing you speak. Someone who will be careful with your heart and who " ll never break it. Someone who's sitting right in front of you now, and who thinks that you are like a little bit of heaven". He finished. Liz lifted her head and looked at him. "What... ?" she whispered.

"I mean all that. I really do. I care for you, Liz, and I really like you - in fact, I think I love you". Mark said, looking into her eyes. "Mark, I... ". she said, not sure of how to continue. "I know, Liz...

I'm thankful for what you " ve just told me, and I know my timing sucks, but I will wait till you " re ready. I don't care how long it will take, I'll wait. And I'll be with you and support you all the way". He said. She smiled a little, and rested her hand on his cheek. "I thought for a second that you weren't real".

She said, and laughed quietly. "I never knew a man could say so many nice and sweet things, and mean them". Mark smiled at her. "Now you know".

He said, making her smile again. Sarah sat on the bed beside her, and didn't know what to say. Tears were falling from both girls' eyes as they sat there in silence. A quiet sob came from Liz, and Sarah's words loosened. "Oh, Liz... come here". She said, hugging her friend.

"You should have told me before". Liz nodded. "I know, but I'd never told anyone till I told Mark earlier tonight. And I didn't mean to tell him either, it just came out". She said.

"And I was scared". She added. "I know, Lizzy, I know... ". Sarah comforted. "But we will go to the police and we " ll make sure he won't touch you again".

She said. Liz nodded on her shoulder. "All right". She whispered. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry I wasn't there".

Sarah said, and Liz sat up. "It's not your fault, Sarah. It was Max, he planned it. He must have done".

She said. "I'll never do it again. I won't let this happen to you again, though I doubt it will now that you " ve got Mark". Sarah said, and Liz smiled a little. "Yeah... ". she said.

"Thanks, Sarah". Sarah looked at her. "Thank me? What for?" she asked. "For just listening to me... for being my best friend". Liz said as they hugged again.

"Any time. And right back at ya". Sarah said, making them both laugh through their tears. "Come on, I think there are two worried lads sat waiting for us". Sarah said as they stood up. "Yeah".

Liz said as they walked out of her room and into the lounge. Both John and Mark turned and looked at them when they came out. "Are you all right?" John asked as he stood up. Sarah nodded. "Yeah". She said.

"Liz?" John said. She nodded, then shook her head. "I don't know". She said. "I'm sorry". John said as he hugged her.

Liz smiled a little. "Thanks, John". Mark stood up too and walked over to them. "Think you can tell it one more time?" he asked, looking at Liz. "I'll try". She said quietly.

As tears started rising in her eyes again, she stepped closer to him and rested her head against his chest. Mark wrapped his arms around her and held her close. "That's my girl". He said softly, John and Sarah smiling at them.

The four of them were sat in a coffeehouse after they had been down at the police station where Liz had told her story for the third time. "Why can't we just move?" John said, having the other three look up at him. "Max will get arrested, but if we move we " ll be far away and he can never find her". He said. Sarah looked at Liz. "It's you who decide".

She said. "If you want to move, we will". Liz looked at them all in turn, a thoughtful look on her face. "Well... ". she started. "Where would we move to?" John and Mark looked at each other and smiled.

"We talked a bit about that last night when you told Sarah, and we could move to Dublin. If we sell both our apartments here and put our money together we " ll get a nice place for all four of us". John said. "But you two moved from Ireland to get away". Sarah said. "Yeah, but we never wanted to stay away forever.

Besides, Dublin is far enough from home". Mark said. "What do you girls think? We " ll be far away from London, not even in the same country". John said.

Sarah grinned. "Sounds great to me. What do you think, Liz?" she said. "Can we manage to live together us four?" Liz said, and they all grinned. "I think we " ll manage". John said, placing one arm around Sarah and kissing her cheek.

"Okay... all right... it's far away, and we " ll all stay together, right?" Liz said to nods from the others. She looked at Mark and he smiled at her, taking her hand. "Did you have any particular apartments in mind, or are we gonna have to look for one?" Liz said. "Yay!" they cheered, making her smile. "He " ll never come near you again". Sarah said as the lads went to get a second round.

Liz looked at her and sighed. "I know... I just want to go away and leave it behind". She said. Sarah reached out her hand and placed it over Liz'. "You will, and me, John and Mark will all be coming with you".

She said. "Thanks". Liz said and smiled at her. Later that night, the four of them gathered at John and Mark's apartment for dinner and to look for an apartment they could move into. They laughed and had fun, and as the sun was ready to wake up they had found what they were looking for. A place where they could live, far away from the bad memories and bruises they would leave behind in London.

The good memories they would bring with them to Dublin, and make them the first in a lifetime filled with good memories and happiness. Outside the darkness of the night was giving way for the warm sunshine of day, just like the darkness and fear in Liz gave way for the warm and fulfilling love Mark gave to her unconditionally. He smiled at her and carefully placed his arms around her and held her tight. "I'll be careful, Liz".

He whispered. "I'll be careful with your heart". (c) Louisa, 2002.