Sister Sister - E 5/7
Julia's life in a day
Paul was waiting for her in reception. Dressed in chinos, desert boots and khaki shirt, he looked like an explorer. She has a similar get up of cream jeans and a long-sleeved top. Julia had second thoughts about this adventure, but his smile dispelled all her misgivings. Would she ever be able to walk away from that smile?
"Do you always look this good on four hours' sleep?" he said as he hugged and kissed her. Julia looked at her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes were shining, her skin was bright, and her hair was behaving itself this morning. He was a witch doctor.
The coach made good time, and it got them to Algeciras for the 8.30 am ferry, and by 10 am they disembarked at Tangier Station as the town was coming to life. As they enjoyed coffee and croissants at the Cafe de Paris, Julia looked at her watch. It hit her she had known Paul for just 24 hours. Her life was turned upside down in one day. He noticed a shadow pass over her face.
"I've only known you for one day Paul, and it's been wonderful, but I don't know what this means for tomorrow, for our lives on another continent. You've been looking to leave a life that is not making you happy, you've made that decision, it's a case of when. It's not the same for me. I wish I was happier, but I am not unhappy with Martin. I'm not looking to leave."
"Julia, I don't know how long it takes to fall in love with someone. I don't know if you can be in love with two people, but I know I am in love with you. You promised me a day Julia, and all I am asking is that you keep your promise."
He was not forcing her to choose; to make an impossible decision. What had she done to deserve his love? She would give him his day. All her days until it was time to leave. She hugged him and burst into tears. Paul kissed her face and kissed away the tears and held her close to him until they both stopped trembling.
The rest of the day was magical. They toured the sights of Tangiers. Outside the Grand Mosque, Paul bought Julia a scarf from a street hawker to cover her head before they entered. Julia tried on lots of different colours. "Your wife, look beautiful in that one, no?" said the hawker, bidding up the price.
Paul grinned. "I don't know, she's not here." The hawker laughed and increased the discount on his inflated price.
On the train back to the ferry, Julia fell asleep in Paul's arms. She woke to find him dozing and studied his honest face. His defined jaw covered with day old stubble, gave him a dangerous look. He had the beginnings of laughter lines in the corners of his eyes. She ran her hand through his thick brown hair as he stirred, opening his eyes half dreamily. He deserved a woman who could return all the love he could give. Who would give him a family and a home filled with more than just expensive furniture and designer gadgets. Julia was sad that woman could not be her, but she would give him all she could while they were together.
*
They were starving when they got back to the hotel and went straight to the dining room. "I've had a wonderful time, Paul."
"Then why does this seem like the last supper, Julia?" he could not hide the sadness in his voice.
"The day is not over yet and there are a few more days and nights before I have to leave." She took his hand, so he understood her meaning.
"Are you sure you want to do this, Julia?"
"Paul. Here and now it feels right. Let's not worry how it will feel at another time."