(A trilogy: Part 1)
Acknowledgement
My gratitude to Editor Bruce Paulk for providing his expertise and advice.
The wind blows strongly against the door.
It's hard to push open and get out into the fresh air.
It's always a gale when you move out to sea.
The gap between the two land masses seems to channel the wind through it, summer and winter.
It was an early start, 5 am.
The drive down to Dover exciting at first and then a bit dull as the dawn broke over the South Downs.
Still, a lot to look forward to.
Meeting up with old friends again.
The relaxation of the country estate.
The peace. The quiet.
My thoughts went back to the old times.
The band. The tours. All that sex!
Mmm! I can feel a dampness at the memories!
Not now! All that to look forward to with the reunion at the chateau.
I wander around the deserted deck of the ferry, leaving the early morning travellers jostling to load their trays with the 'Full English'.
Only an hour until docking in France.
It always seems exciting and exotic.
You can drive to Peking once you've landed on the Continent!
Romantic! Anything now is possible.
The breeze, the wind, drives the cobwebs from my mind.
There is another fresh-air soul at the rail.
A refugee from the industrial fat!
A woman. She looks vaguely familiar.
I move to the rail and casually admire the view.
Is it? Can it be!
"Hello," I say hesitantly. It could be a mistake!
You turn. Look. Gasp. "Is it you?"
"I thought it was you. I can't believe it!"
"What are you doing here?"
You move closer.
"I'm having a break. A long weekend to get away for a while."
"No!" I say. "I'm going on holiday too! What a co-incidence."
You smile and relax. I realise how tense you looked before.
I wonder about the rail, the ocean.
"It's great to see you"
Really great!" I say.
"Oh I'm so pleased to see you again." You cry as you embrace me in a hug.
"It's so wonderful to see you." I hug back.
Memories flood back.
The intense but unconsummated friendship.
A lot unsaid!
"Let's go inside and have a coffee." I suggest.
Setting our trays down at an empty table, we arrange our coffee and croissants.
Looks good. Suddenly I'm hungry.
"So." I say.
You look at me, considering.
"I've had so much on my plate. Everything seems to be getting me down."
"I needed to get away. A last minute thing. I've booked a hotel weekend thing."
"Oh, poor you. I'm sorry. You always worked too hard." I am concerned.
"Not just the work. You know how things get complicated." You explain intriguingly.
I feel a wave of interest, and worry.
"Are you meeting someone?" I inquire.
"Oh no," you explain, eager to talk. "I'm just getting away. I don't know anyone. I don't know what I'll do. Not really planned it."
I am sad at the thought of my friend spending the time alone like this.
"Look. I'm going for a short holiday. Old friends. A chateau. Well, large farm really. Not that they do much farming really. It's so relaxing. Why don't you come! They'd love to have you and, well, I think the company would be good for you."
You pick at the croissant.
"Oh I don't know. I'm feeling a bit lonely at the moment. Company would be lovely. I missed you so much when . . . when we didn't see each other any more."
I cup my hand over hers.
"Are you sure that it wouldn't be a problem with your friends?" You ask.
"No, No! There's lots of room. There will be lots of interesting people. It will be good for you," I assure.
"Oh it sounds lovely. Just what I need. Company. Oh yes! Let's do it," you cry with some relief at the unexpected lifeline. An alternative to a weekend alone.
"It's settled then," I say.
'This is going to be interesting!' I think to myself.
We smile with renewed warmth at each other, oblivious to the clatter of the other passengers.
Chapter 2
We park your car at a garage near the port.
It's a big luxury car, but mine is sporty and racy. More carefree.
The drive through the French countryside is made even more pleasurable by the glorious weather.
Such a change from the world of grey skies, work and responsibilities.
Lunch is a wonderful, delicious affair.
We catch up.
You explain your work is so demanding and not going so well.
Your relationship is in difficulties.
You mention rows, accusations, tears.
You need the break.
I am concerned and slightly guilty, as my career has gone from strength to strength.
I have not found the time, or inclination, to settle down, always preferring to keep my large circle of friends.
The afternoon drive is contentedly pleasant.
You are visibly more relaxed.
You put your hand on my leg. Your hand feels warm. We're closer.
"Tell me more about these friends of yours? The ones we're visiting."
"Oh they're so nice. You'll like them." I reply.
"Julie's the driving force, the den mother. It was her idea getting the chateau, farm, whatever, as a base for all the girls, the people we knew in the band."
"Band?" You ask quizzically.
"Yes. I was in a band when I was younger. Didn't I mention?"
"No." You say suddenly interested. "What kind of a band?"
"Oh, it was a kind of rock and roll band. All girls. We were all young. We wanted to push the boundaries. Trying new things. Be sexy. It was great."
"When it ran its course, people just went their own way. It was so special, unique really, we all wanted to keep in touch, so Julie had the idea of getting the chateau for get-togethers. Where we could keep the spirit alive and kicking," I explain.
"Julie really was the driving force in the band too. It was really her that gave us the image and direction, and the determination to get there. To our special place."
"You'll like her. The others too. Just wait and see." I smile at her.
Chapter 3
We turn off the main road and drive down a beech hedge avenue.
"Is this it?" You ask, becoming more alert, looking around.
"Almost here." I confirm.
"The house is just up ahead, behind the trees."
"Well. It's secluded, I'll say that," you say with a small smile.
"Oh yes. It's very private. You can't see the house from the road. One of the reasons Julie picked it. We all felt it was just perfect."
Emerging from the hedged lane, there appears a large, elegant farmhouse.
We pulled to a stop on the chipped stone forecourt and get out of the car.
As we looked around, the front door opens and two women stride out to greet us with smiles.
"Julie," I cry, as we embraced.
Julie holds me at arms length and examined me.
"Still as sexy as ever," she grins at me.
"You remember Sally don't you?" Turning to the woman following who also embraces me.
"Of course, Sally, how are you?" I greet her.
You gaze at the goings-on with amazement.
Mainly because Julie is wearing dungarees which do little to restrain her large, swaying breasts and Sally is wearing shorts but otherwise is topless and appears unaware her fine breasts, though smaller than Julie's, are on display.
"Oh this is my friend," I introduce you.
"What a co-incidence, we ran into each other on the ferry. Instead of being on her own, I invited her to come here. I said it wouldn't be a problem."
Julie immediately takes the initiative and moves to hug you.
"Of course," she tells you, "all friends are welcome here."
"I hope I won't be a bother," you tell Julie.
"No, no," she reassures you, "we've plenty of room. The more the merrier.
The more guests for the party the better."
Sally also moves in to give a hug, her breasts swaying with her movement.
"So nice to have you honey," she smiles at you.
"I hope you've got some casual clothes," interrupts Julie, "your fancy clothes might get smudged."
"Move the car into the courtyard to make room," Julie tells me, "there's a lot more coming later."
She takes your arm.
"Grab your bags and I'll show you your room," she says, "you'll be sharing together but it's a big room. You can freshen up."
We three go up the stairs and Julie opens a door, revealing a large room.