(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.