Hibiscus Page 2

  It was quite cool today, and the village was not too busy. There were still people on the beach, some parents making sandcastles with their toddlers. As Rachel stood looking at the sea, she could hear the call of the seagulls as they flew above, some of them swooping down to scrabble for scraps of food that had been dropped by the children. The children were far more interested in playing with the sand than eating their lunch. Rachel spent a very relaxing day wandering around, looking at craft shops and the local art gallery. When she first saw the gallery, she momentarily thought of work. Then she remembered her promise to herself, that this holiday was relaxation and enjoyment only, strictly no work. She wouldn't think about work, and wouldn't talk about work. Not that there was anyone to talk to, anyway. Except Lea, of course. This morning had just been a quick chat over breakfast, and Rachel was sure that Lea would be friendly towards all of her customers. Still, she felt very comfortable with Lea, as if she had known her a long time.

  Lea was leaving the cafe, and as she walked along the street, she saw a familiar figure sitting on the wall. Again, as she looked at Rachel, Lea noticed a childlike quality about her. So many adults lost this quality, and the fact that Lea could see it in Rachel made her smile to herself. She was going to walk on by and head home, but she felt compelled to stop.

  That afternoon, Rachel was sitting on the wall by the beach, letting her feet dangle down as she did when she was a child. She was feeling very relaxed, sitting there with a gentle breeze on her face. She became aware of movement beside her, and turned to see Lea, who was on her way home after finishing work. 'Mind if I join you?'

  Rachel shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand as she looked up at Lea, and smiled. 'Not at all.'

  Lea sat down beside Rachel, and they both looked at the sea in companionable silence. Lea wanted to chat with Rachel, but didn't want to disturb her if she wanted peace and quiet. She was just thinking about leaving, when Rachel turned to look at her, and asked, 'How long have you lived here?'

  'All my life. I love it here.' Rachel slid her sunglasses onto her head, and turned to look at Lea, smiling.

  Lea looked at Rachel. She had quite a long oval face, accentuated by her straight hair. Her eyes were quite an unusual colour, a soft pale grey in this light. Last night at the cottage they had looked darker, more like charcoal. 'Where do you live?'

  'London. It's so different to here, noisy and busy. But fun and vibrant too. I don't think I've relaxed hardly at all at home, compared to how I feel since I arrived here yesterday.'

  'It does have that effect on people. I'm not sure if I could live somewhere like London.' She paused for a moment. 'Still, each to their own.'

  Lea smiled at Rachel, and Rachel had a feeling that she couldn't explain. It was comfortable and familiar, and at the same time she couldn't place the feeling. After chatting for a while longer, Rachel said that she needed to buy some food before the shops closed. Lea offered to help her, but Rachel said that she would be fine, and thanked her for the offer. As she left the beach and headed for the small supermarket, she wished she had asked Lea to help after all, the company would have been nice. She enjoyed chatting with Lea. Never mind, she would buy some food to cook herself a meal, then watch a film. There were a few films at the cottage that she hadn't seen before. Actually, probably all of them, as she rarely had time to go to the cinema or even watch a film at home. Rachel bought some fresh pasta and a jar of pesto, perfect for a quick and easy meal. She ambled back to the cottage, loving that she was able to take as long as she liked. At home, she felt that she was always rushing around, chasing one deadline or another. She thought how Mark would have liked it here. He would have appreciated her relaxed pace, and she smiled to herself. Then the thought made her sad. She wondered whether she shouldn't have worked harder on their relationship. Starting and building up the gallery had taken so much time and hard work, though. Well, what could she do, it was a long time ago now. Mark was happy with his girlfriend, and she was pleased for him. Maybe it was time that she thought about dating again, she had been on her own for a long time now.

  Lea would have liked to have helped Rachel with her shopping. She really wanted to spend some time with her. You've only just met Rachel, she told herself. For goodness sake, you're a grown woman of thirty, not a teenager with a crush. She gave herself a mental kick, and told herself to get over it.

  Rachel found that Sunday was a similarly relaxing day to Saturday. She explored the neighbouring village of Cawsand. She felt as though she had gone back in time, it was so quiet and relaxing here. Rachel was realising how different she felt having so much space to think and breathe, and she revelled in the feeling.

  As she was heading back to the cottage that evening, she saw Lea leaving the cafe, her blond hair lightened by the sunshine and sea air, shining in the sunlight.

  As Lea left the cafe, she saw Rachel walking along, looking very relaxed. Her heart started to beat faster, and she felt her face flush. What is going on with me, she thought to herself. Get it together. Still, Rachel kept being put right under her nose, was she just going to ignore that?

  'Hi. How's your day been?' Lea asked.

  'Very chilled, lovely thanks. Have you had a good day?'

  'Pretty good. Busy.' Lea was just thinking that now it was hopefully going to get a lot better. Okay then, carpe diem. 'Um, I was wondering, I'm just going home for dinner. Would you like to eat with me this evening?'

  Rachel thought for a moment. As she cocked her head to one side, some strands of hair fell across her face, and she pushed them away, 'Actually, that would be really nice, thank you.'

  Lea smiled, and they walked along the road together. When they arrived at Lea's home, she unlocked the door to the pale blue cottage, and welcomed Rachel in. They took their shoes off, and Rachel noticed sand on the floor under Lea's canvas shoes. Lea invited Rachel to sit down. Inside, the cottage was quite similar to the one that Rachel was staying in. The lounge was a bit bigger though, with a table and chairs at one end, and a sofa, and a couple of armchairs, in front of an open fireplace. Lea offered Rachel a drink, and then said that she would start making dinner. They chatted whilst Lea prepared dinner. She was making a mushroom risotto, and sliced up onions and garlic to put into the pan, where she had already heated the olive oil. While Lea worked, Rachel watched her. 'You're a very accomplished cook,' she said.

  'I'm used to getting on with things quickly, having worked in the cafe for so long. What do you do in London?'

  Rachel laughed, and Lea looked quizzical. 'My partner said this holiday is strictly no business. I'm not allowed to talk or even think about it! This is my first holiday for over three years.'

  Lea's face had dropped, 'Oh. How come your partner isn't here with you?' Her voice was flat now.

  Rachel looked confused for a moment. 'Sorry? Oh, I see what you mean. No, Tom is my business partner. I don't have a partner at the moment. I just don't seem to have the time for a relationship. That's why I've been sent on holiday, to relax!'

  Lea had stirred in the arborio rice, and had begun adding the stock to the pan. 'Well, this is the perfect place for it. Lots of open spaces, sea air and beautiful scenery.' She turned and smiled at Rachel, her blue eyes bright and dancing in her suntanned face. Rachel noticed pale freckles around Lea's nose.

  'So, what would you recommend for me to see while I'm here?'

  'There are so many places to explore. Personally, I think the best way is on foot or by boat.' Lea's heart started beating rapidly, 'If you would like to, it's my day off on Friday, we could take a boat trip together. I'll pack us a picnic, it'll be fun.'

  'That sounds great, thank you.'

  They chatted about it animatedly whilst the risotto simmered on the hob. 'That smells delicious. I can't wait to taste it.'

  Lea scooped up a mouthful of risotto on a spoon. She let it cool slightly, then held the spoon towards Rachel. Lea was now standing so close to Rachel, and for a moment, holding the spoon mid air between them, s
he looked right into Rachel's eyes, holding her gaze. 'Here, taste it.'

  Rachel closed her mouth over the spoon, then drew back, closing her eyes, 'Ooh, that is delicious.'

  Lea couldn't speak for a moment. She watched Rachel lick her lips, and so desperately wanted to kiss them. She suddenly remembered herself, and turned back to the pan, clearing her throat.

  As Rachel opened her eyes after tasting the risotto, she had the strangest feeling. For a fleeting moment, she had thought that Lea was going to kiss her. As soon as the thought had touched her consciousness, it was gone again, like a feather in the wind.

  Lea announced that dinner was ready, and served up a dish for each of them. She poured out a glass of red wine each, and they sat down to eat, opposite one another. Lea smiled at Rachel, 'Enjoy!'

  Rachel raised her wine glass to Lea, 'Thank you. And thank you for inviting me, it's so sweet of you.'

  They gently clinked glasses, each taking a sip of wine. Watching the steam rising up from the dish, Rachel waited for it to cool slightly. Scooping up a forkful of risotto, she placed it in her mouth, savouring it as the flavours exploded against her tongue. 'The flavour is divine, and it's so creamy. I wish I could cook like this.'

  Lea was thrilled, 'I'm glad you like it. It's very easy to make, I can show you if you like.'

  'I don't really cook much at home, just a few basic things and lots of ready meals!'

  'I've always enjoyed cooking, I find it rather relaxing. Also, I like to create new dishes. Is it something you'd like to do more?'

  'Maybe. To be honest, I just don't have the time.'

  'I can always give you some recipes for quick and easy meals to get you started.'

  'I don't want you to go to any trouble, you've been wonderful already.'

  Lea smiled at Rachel, she loved that Rachel had described her as wonderful. 'It really is no trouble at all.'

  They had a very relaxing evening, chatting over dinner. Rachel asked, 'Do you have family here?'

  Lea shook her head. 'My parents live abroad, and I don't have any siblings. I'm close with Sue, who owns the cottage you're staying in. Do you have any brothers or sisters?'

  'I have a sister, Katy. We get on quite well, most of the time. She lives in London too. My parents are great, but I don't see them that much.'

  Hoping she was sounding relaxed, Lea asked, 'So, have you been single for long? Sorry, that's a bit personal, isn't it?'

  Rachel laughed. 'No, it's okay, really. Too long, to be honest. But work keeps me so busy... Sorry, no work talk! How about you?'

  'I broke up with my girlfriend over a year ago. It wasn't working out, and she was too much of a control freak.' When Lea saw the look on Rachel's face, she wondered whether she had said the wrong thing.

  'That's what my ex said to me a few times. Said I should let go more.'

  Lea was keen to move the conversation back to something more positive. 'I know I don't know you very well, but it seems to me that you're pretty good at letting go. Certainly, when you dance...' Seeing the expression on Rachel's face, Lea thought, Oh fuck, this isn't helping. 'All I mean is, coming away on your own like this, that's great, isn't it?'

  The cloud across Rachel's face cleared, and she suddenly smiled, much to Lea's relief. 'Yes, it is great. Sorry, too much time on my own means I get caught up with my thoughts too much.'

  Once they had finished dinner, Rachel insisted on helping to clear up, and Lea helped her find her way around the small kitchen. A couple of times they reached for cupboards at the same time, and nearly bumped in to one another, or brushed arms. Lea felt as though she had a big neon arrow pointing at her, announcing how she felt, although she was sure that Rachel was oblivious to the vibes coming from her.

  Moving into the lounge, Lea suggested that they watch a film. One of her favourites was Wild, based on the true story of a woman who walked the Pacific Crest Trail alone. Lea put the dvd into the player, and after topping up their wine glasses, settled down to watch the film. She sat back on the sofa, tucking her legs underneath her. With Rachel sitting so close, it was all she could do not to move nearer.

  When the film had ended, Rachel was quiet and thoughtful, having found the story very inspiring and moving. Rachel said, 'That was extraordinary, eleven thousand miles on her own. I've never done anything like that. I'm thirty, and I'm feeling like life is going by, but somehow I'm not quite a part of it.' She sighed, 'I don't know, ignore me, I'm tired!'

  Lea looked at Rachel for a moment. 'How you feel about life depends on your perspective, that's all. A routine part of life for one person can be an exciting adventure for another. What would you love to do?'

  Rachel thought for a while. 'You know, I don't really know at this moment. Isn't that awful?'

  Lea shook her head, 'No, it's not. It is as it is. Don't be hard on yourself.' She gently touched Rachel's hand.

  Rachel was lost in thought for a while, then suddenly smiled. Looking at Lea, she said, 'What would you love to do?'

  As Rachel looked into Lea's eyes, Lea blushed, and she hoped that Rachel wouldn't notice. She knew without a doubt what she wanted to do in this moment. Instead, she said, 'You know, I'm just enjoying life moment by moment.'

  'That sounds pretty good.' Rachel looked at her watch, then said, 'I'd better head back, it's gone eleven, and you've got work tomorrow.'

  Lea didn't want the evening to end, but she knew that soon she would be spending the day with Rachel. They made arrangements to meet on Friday for the boat trip. 'Thank you so much for this evening, it's been lovely.' As she stood up, Rachel was aware that she had drunk quite a lot of wine. She paused, then said, 'It's funny, but I feel like I've known you for years.'

  Looking into her eyes, Lea spoke softly, 'I feel the same. I've really enjoyed spending the evening with you.'

  As Rachel leaned forward to hug Lea goodnight, she felt a rush of affection for Lea and her kindness, and kissed her on the cheek. Lea couldn't help feeling a buzz of excitement as she embraced Rachel. 'Do you want me to walk you back, you might be a bit tipsy!'

  'No, I'm fine. Thank you again. Goodnight.'

  'Night. Sleep well.'

  Once Rachel had left, Lea hummed happily to herself while she tidied up. She was really looking forward to spending a whole day with Rachel. She just wished it was sooner.

  The next morning, Lea was thrilled to see Rachel in the cafe. 'How are you today?'

  'Good, thank you. Maybe a little too much wine last night! Thank you, I had such a lovely evening.'

  Lea smiled at Rachel. 'So did I, really good. What can I get you this morning?'

  'Definitely a cooked breakfast, please.'

  'Coming right up!'

  Rachel went to the cafe for breakfast each morning. She enjoyed chatting with Lea, who would suggest places she could visit, and walks she could explore. As much as she loved going off on her own for the day, she liked knowing that she could pop in to the cafe any time. This holiday was proving to Rachel how little she had in her life other than work. She was good friends with Tom, Lisa and Eric. But even when they socialised, they often talked about work. She suddenly realised how after Mark, she really had let everything go. She wanted to redress the balance, at least a little bit.

  After a couple of days of the weather not being so good, Wednesday was a beautiful day. Lea had suggested a walk to Rachel which followed the coast to Cremyll and Mount Edgcumbe Country Park. Rachel prepared a packed lunch, and set off after her usual breakfast at the cafe. The walk was beautiful, with a view over the sea to Rachel's right. There were a few other people out walking, some with dogs, excited to be out in the fresh air, the breeze ruffling their coats. Off of the coastal path, there were beautiful gardens. One of them was a rose garden, and Rachel ambled around, smelling the roses. Some of them had a very subtle scent, and one in particular smelled of Turkish delight, and Rachel inhaled deeply, closing her eyes. After wandering around for a while, she went into the Orangery to get an ice cream. Once Rachel had
resumed her walk, and had been in the sun for some time, she had built up an appetite, and was ready for a rest and some shade. She found a spot to eat her lunch, by a small group of trees, where she could sit and still see the sea view. She set her backpack down beside her, and reached into it to get her lunch. As she ate, Rachel stared out to sea, watching a couple of boats on the water. It really was beautiful. The sky was a clear blue, and Rachel breathed in deeply, inhaling the smell of the fresh grass and flowers around her. Having finished her lunch, Rachel shuffled nearer to the tree, placed her sweatshirt behind her back, and closed her eyes. She felt a soft breeze on her face, which gently ruffled the leaves above her, and the sound relaxed her deeply. As her shoulders dropped, she felt her back connect with the tree, and she drifted off to sleep.

  As Rachel slept, she dreamed. She was alone on a small boat, and sailed to a little island with a sandy beach. She had started to explore, when she saw a pirate approaching her. The pirate talked of jewels and foreign lands, and invited Rachel to travel with him. There was something familiar about the pirate, and she decided to go on this adventure, for this was a once in a lifetime chance. The ship was magnificent, and would take her further than her little boat ever could. The pirate held out his hand to help Rachel on board. As she stretched out her hand, she looked into the pirate's eyes. She was surprised to see that the pirate was a woman, and as she was about to say something, Rachel awoke. As she opened her eyes, she looked out to sea, and in her dreamlike state, expected to see the pirate ship. As she came to, she smiled at herself. Last night she had been watching Pirates of the Caribbean before she went to bed. Rachel sat up straight, yawned and stretched her arms out. Looking at her watch, she realised that she had slept for about an hour. She packed her bag up, and continued with her walk. She felt so relaxed, and also had a sense of excitement, but didn't know what about. As she walked, she thought again about how different she felt here, how relaxed. In this moment, her life felt like a technicolour film, and London seemed so black and white. By the time that she returned to the cottage in the early evening, Rachel felt that something had shifted in her that day. She felt a freedom that was liberating, and also, if truth be told, a bit scary.