Sammi Ever After
by
Soma Helmi
SMASHWORDS EDITION
Published by
Soma Helmi at Smashwords
Sammi Ever After
Copyright 2010 Soma Helmi
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
Smashwords Edition, License Notes
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****
But first… Mila and Catriona, thank you so much for being there to listen, advise, edit, and best of all, not laugh at my atrocious grammatical blunders. My wonderful, mad, creative, gorgeous family - Rio, Ela, Keda, Leilani, and the many others scattered around the globe - I will always cherish and love you all.
Alice, it was all worth it my friend.
****
Sammi Ever After
****
Fairytales
“Say hi, Sammi.”
Mum pulled me out from behind her skirt to introduce the strange spiky-haired boy. “You remember Max, don’t you?”
His green eyes looked up shyly as his Mum also coaxed him forward.
We stood facing each other, neither brave enough to say anything. We were both barely seven years old and I honestly couldn’t remember whether I should bother being his friend or not. Besides, he looked a little weird with his crazy brown hair and round glasses.
“Oh for goodness sake, Max. Just say hello.” Tiny beads of sweat trickled down his Mum’s pale skin as she struggled with the Bali heat. “Honestly, you’d think they’d remember!” She shook her head and laughed. “You haven’t forgotten have you darling? Last spring. Sammi and her Mum and Dad came to visit us in London. You two had such a wonderful time playing in Hyde Park.”
A tiny shake of the head before his Mum nudged him again.
“Hello.” His voice was just above a whisper.
“Hi.” I answered. I wrinkled my nose and retreated to the safety of my Mum’s voluminous skirt.
“Hello??”
I was snapped back into the present by the puzzled voice. It took me a second to remember where I was.
“Oh, hi. Sorry Max, I was just…anyway, yes. Tomorrow, coffee sounds great. Where should we meet up?”
“You’re in Earls Court? So let’s meet at Hyde Park Corner and go from there.” The deep timbre in his voice was a pleasant surprise. The last time I’d spoken to him was over ten years ago.
“Sounds good. I think I can take one line from here, right?”
“Yep, just look for the Picadilly line going north. So, I’ll see you tomorrow then?”
“Yes.”
“Good night, Sammi.”
I rang off and exhaled sharply.
What’s with the butterflies? I’d been nervous throughout the whole conversation, barely able to form whole sentences.
It’s just Max.
*
I dithered with what to wear, tossing between a light floral print dress and a more casual jeans outfit, putting both in front of me in the mirror to compare. The floral worked well with my light complexion, but the jeans were more my standard comfy outfit. I finally settled on the jeans, not wanting to appear to be trying too hard. I compromised by putting on a pretty pink batik scarf over my top. I did wonder why I was bothering so much, but shrugged it off as just wanting to make the right impression after not seeing him for so long.
I came out of the tube station not knowing what to expect, I hadn’t even seen a photo of him since we’d last met. I needn’t have worried, I picked him out straight away.
He was huddled up close to a newspaper stand, holding the bright red umbrella he’d brought to help me identify him. His dark brown hair was no longer spiky as it had been as a little boy, but was now a slightly messy mop of curls, falling just below his ears. He wore a camel coloured sweater in soft cotton, which gave me an unreasonable urge to reach out and hug him.
“Hi Sammi.” His bright emerald eyes smiled at me as I approached.
“Hi Max, long time.”
I had to stand on my tiptoes to reach his face as we kissed cheeks in a quick greeting. I inhaled a delicious scent of expensive citrus cologne.
He laughed softly as I took a step back.
“What?”
“Nothing. You just look exactly like you did when we were kids. Same black hair and rosy cheeks.”
I scrunched my face up then laughed.
“Yeah, that’s what everyone says. I guess it made it easier to pick me out then?”
“I wouldn’t miss you in a crowd, regardless.” He gazed at me appreciatively in silence and I felt myself blush in response.
“Um, well you’re a whole lot taller now. Wow.” And no more glasses. Nice.
He laughed at my awkward reply and asked if we should get going to the café before turning abruptly and making his way quickly down the street. I had to hurry behind him to catch up.
We walked through Hyde Park to a café in the Serpentine Bar & Restaurant. It was lovely and rustic, perched on the shore of the lake. Wooden apple crates and jute carriers were strewn amongst floral lampshades, a tin bucket held fresh flowers on the wooden table between us.
We watched the streams of people walking by, families with excited kids running ahead, couples strolling hand in hand in the sun and random sprinklings of the young and hip striding past with iPods plugged firmly into their ears.
“You have the most amazing mix of people here.” I marvelled as a group of punks walked quickly by, overtaking an elderly Indian couple.
“Yeah, they all crawl out of the woodwork when it’s warm.”
I laughed as a touristy looking couple struggled with their paddleboats on the lake and almost knocked each other in. “You must love it when summer’s here.”
Max snorted as he toyed with his coffee cup. “Well, we Londoners are very appreciative when the sun decides to deign us with its presence. It only happens two to five days a year so what you’re seeing now is a bit of a rarity.”
“Really? That sounds kind of awful.”
“You get used to it. Just a tip, always pack a brolly when you go out. It may be gorgeous out, like it is now, but by afternoon it’ll probably start drizzling.” He paused and took a sip of his drink. “But I guess you don’t have that problem in Brisbane. Tell me more about it, I’m hoping to make it to Oz one day.”
We asked each other what we’d been up to, swapping stories from our school, university, then working years. A soundtrack of energetic chatter, lapping water and clinking glasses played as we lost ourselves in conversation.
“Remember that time I came to Bali and you showed me how to catch dragonflies? What was it with, some kind of twig?”
“Coconut frond and a bit of bubble gum on the tip.”
“That’s right!”
“And you fell into the rice field when we were chasing them!”
“I was completely covered in mud, head to toe! Mum was not pleased!” He laughed. “I always loved going there. I still remember all those crazy stories your Dad told us about growing up in the village, the days before electricity.”
“Yep, he still loves telling them. And Mum too, how when she first arrived in Bali they only had a little hut in the rice fields and that I was born on a dirt floor.”
“I remember her telling us that.” He shook his head. “Incredible what people can deal with. But still, what a way to grow up. Running around the village all day. You were such a tomboy, Sammi! I could hardly keep up with your gang of mates.”
I laughed. “I guess I was. But that’s what you get when you’re the only girl in a group of boys. It was all about bamboo forests and jumping off trees. Which, by the way, hurts like hell when you misjudge the height.”
“I know! I broke my coccyx doing that up in our country house.”
“Me too! Well, not the country house bit. I jumped off a coconut tree into a small ravine.”
“Coconut tree sounds so much more adventurous and exotic than a boring old oak.”
“I wouldn’t say boring at all. I was so jealous about your life here. To me Europe was the land of cobblestone streets and princesses in ancient towers.” I smiled as I remembered my favourite childhood fairytales filled with dragons, magicians and brave knights.
“Yeah, we have plenty of those mouldy old towers around. Although, not sure how many princesses you’ll find these days.”
“I’m more interested in the princes to be honest.” Did you really just say that? I mentally head slapped myself.
He laughed again and I couldn’t help notice how his eyes sparkled through his half closed lids. “I’m sure. And would you prefer he ride around on a great white horse?”
“But of course.”
“Well, you could certainly have the part of the fair maiden.” He blushed then coughed before taking another sip of tea.
Stop blushing Sammi! A vision of Prince Max rushing through a castle to rescue me played in my head. I looked down and around the room to try and hide my grin.
He let a couple of seconds go by in silence before changing the subject again.
“Do you remember Chamonix?”
“Of course I do! That was one of my favourite holidays.”
“Yeah, finally it was my turn to show you my turf.”
I laughed as I remembered Max trying to teach me how to ski on the baby runs. He was incredibly patient for a 14 year old.
“I can’t believe you didn’t ditch me. You must have been itching to go off to the black runs.”
“Hah, and miss watching you tumble your way down the bunny slopes?”
“Thanks! I knew there was a good reason for it!”
He chuckled. “We were pretty much inseparable then, eh?”
I nodded. I remembered how my teenage crush had bloomed as soon as I saw him again, and how it stayed with me the whole holiday. I had blushed each time he spoke to me and he was equally tongue tied as we bumbled our way through countless conversations. It was awkward, sweet, but above all innocent.
“But Mum, I’m never going to see him again!” I’d been snivelling to my Mum as we packed our gear for the trip home.
“Don’t be silly, Sammi. We’ll probably see them again next year!” She shook her head in bemusement. “Besides, my darling, you’ll forget about him soon.”
“No I won’t! I’ll never ever meet someone like Max again. It’s so unfair that we have to leave!”
“Oh stop it Sammi, you’ll be fine. As soon as we’re back in Bali, you’ll be going back to school, playing with all your friends and this will all be like a dream.” She smiled and gave me a big hug. “My darling Sammi, this is just the beginning,” she whispered more gently.
She was right of course. The many distractions in a teenager’s life came and went and with them the strong feelings I had for Max. Sometimes my parents would talk about his family and I would wonder what he was up to, but the crush had passed.
“Your Mum and Dad split pretty soon after that didn’t they?” he asked quietly.
“Yep. It wasn’t a big shock, I knew they weren’t happy for a while.”
“I’m sorry, Sam.” His eyes softened as he frowned slightly.
“Don’t be. It wasn’t one of those devastating splits. No custody fights, or any fights at all, actually. They’re still really close and I just went on with things. I followed Mum around the world after that. California, Santa Fe, Italy.”
“Yes, I heard about it through Mum. She was always so amazed that Edda could move around so much.”
I shrugged. “Itchy feet, I guess. Or some gypsy genetic kickback. It was fun, but I was glad when we settled in Oz. I think I really needed to finish high school in one place.”
“Understandable. All that moving must get tiring.”
“Yes, especially introducing yourself to a bunch of new friends every single time. Hi, my name is Sammi, and I’m from Bali. I hated doing it. Each new school meant another introduction and having to stand in front of the whole class trying to explain where Bali was.”
“They didn’t know where Bali was?” Max was incredulous.
“Are you serious, half the time I had to explain where Indonesia was! A lot of the time I had to walk up to a map on the wall and point it out.”
Max laughed. “I guess it is a pretty tiny island.”
“Yeah, but not knowing where Asia is, inexcusable!”
“No!”
“Yes!...And then having to move just as you got close to a few people.”
“Ouch.”
“Yeah. But you know it wasn’t all bad, it was actually mostly fun. Experiencing all those new places. Gallivanting around with Mum.”
“It must have been great. I’m quite jealous really, I’ve only ever lived in London.” He was quiet for a moment.
I fiddled with my teacup and examined the delicate lace pattern on the napkin in front of me. I was lost in my memories of all the different cities I’d lived in.
“I’m sorry we didn’t get to meet up again after Chamonix,” he spoke up again. Max and I had kept in touch sporadically, but as the years went by the emails became fewer and fewer until they petered out entirely. The last time we had contact was just after graduating university.
“Me too.” I smiled up at him. “I think Mum just wanted to do her own thing for a while. And as for me…,” I shrugged, “it’s not the easiest to get over here from Oz when you’re on a student budget.”
“I suppose not. My problem is time. Always studying, always busy. But lucky you managed to come now.”
“Yup, I can’t believe my manager gave me the time off!”
“Why wouldn’t he?”
“She. Well, it’s not the fact that she gave me a holiday, I’ve racked up enough days for it over the years, it’s that she gave me 2 whole months off!”
“Wow, now that is a decent holiday.”
“Tell me about it. But I needed it. It was so crazy for the last few months. A bunch of new clients, mostly government agencies. Boring.” I rolled my eyes. “Anyway, they kept us busy. I was working overtime to finish all these website designs. Then the testing and endless meetings. The joys of I.T.”
He smiled and watched me silently for a beat. “So now you’re here.”
“And now I’m here. And loving it so far.” You’re talking too much, Sammi. “Um, how about you?”
“What about me?” he asked playfully.
“What have you been up to?”
“Well, I’m just about to go into my internship at a hospital. It’s been years and years of study to get here...” He spoke with passion about medicine, his eyes ablaze as he told me he’d been accepted into one of the best student hospitals in the country.
As I listened I glanced out over the park where a young family was having a picnic, the mother laying out all the food while the father chased a little boy around the mat. I heard him go quiet as he turned to see what I was watching.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t come for the funeral.” I said, looking down into my tea. I remembered the exact moment when Mum had told me Max’s father had died. I was in my small dorm room at university. I’d just finished dinner and was getting ready for an all night session of studying.
“How?” I sat down heavily on the couch as I clung to the phone.
“He had a stroke in the middle of the night. By the time paramedics could get to him it was too late.”
“Oh God, Mum. That’s so awful. How are they? Olivia and Max?”
“Well, Max was away on a skiing trip. He came home last night, poor darling. Olivia says he’s devastated. She is also, of course. It’s such a shock for everyone. We had no idea that Neil even had a heart condition. I mean he was working long hours at the office, but it just comes with the job if you own your own company, doesn’t it?” She didn’t wait for my response and charged on. “Olivia said he worked all through the nights, weekends, and hardly ever had time off these last few years.” She sighed.
“Yeah, I’ve heard that’s how it is in advertising. I feel so bad for them though. Neil was so young!”
“I know, sweetheart…”
“And Dad? Is he ok?” Neil and my father had been best friends at Oxford and kept in close touch ever since. I knew Dad had gone to London to visit only a couple of months before.
“Oh, he’s been better. But, he’ll be fine. He wants to get over there as soon as possible, to help Olivia and Max.”
“Of course he does. I’ll give him a call after.”
“So look, darling, I’m going over in a few days for the funeral. Your father is going to join me in London from Bali. Now I know you’re having exams, but do you think you can get away?”
I exhaled. I was in the middle of the finals for my 3 year degree. In fact, I was supposed to sit a test the next morning for programming.
“I don’t think so, Mum. I wish I could. I hate to not show up, but…”
“No no, don’t feel badly darling. They will understand. Trust me.”
“I guess so. I’ll definitely send them some flowers. Please, please tell them how sorry I am for not coming over.”
“I will. I promise.” I heard a muffled bang. “Oh bugger.”
“Mum?”
“Sorry, darling. The cat’s just tipped one of my canvasses over. Bad Ra, bad!” Her voice drifted away as she chased her Abyssinian away.
“Mum. Mum!” I waited impatiently until she came back to the phone.
“I’ve got to go, Mum. Studying. Call me before you go, okay? Love you.”
“Okay my darling. Good luck, I love you too.”
I hung up the phone and stared into space.
“It’s alright Sammi, your finals were really important.” Max’s voice brought me back to our conversation. “And Mum and I knew we were in your thoughts. Thanks for your card by the way, and the flowers. Besides, you know what a nut Dad was about education, he would’ve much rathered you stay in Oz than come over anyway.” He smiled kindly and waited until I looked back up at him and smiled back.
“Thanks, I guess. How are you doing?”
“I’m getting there.” He sat back and blew out his breath. “It’s been a few years and time does heal everything. It was such a shock though, so sudden. But I’m working on it. In a strange way it made me more determined to finish my medical degree. To make sure…I don’t know, one day I can maybe save someone else in the same situation. If that makes any sense?”
“Perfectly. It’s such a noble career to go into, Max. I’m really proud of you...,” I trailed off as our eyes locked. The look went on for a bit too long and I grappled for something else to say. “So how’s Olivia these days?”
“Mum’s great. Keeps herself busy with endless charities and lunches. Her friends really rallied around her after Dad died.” He paused. “You should come over for dinner sometime, she’s really looking forward to seeing you again.”
“I’d love to. It’d be lovely to see her and Mum tells me your new place is gorgeous.”
“Yeah. Mum’s really put a lot of effort into it, was her pet project these last few years. Speaking of which, why didn’t you just stay at our house in the first place?”
“Um, I didn’t want to impose.”
“Impose?” Max laughed. “The place has 5 bedrooms!”
“I know. I would’ve liked to, but to be honest Ascot’s-”
“-bloody miles away. Quite right. Much better to be close to where the action is.”
“I take it you’re not staying up there these days?
“Oh God no, the commute would kill me. I’ve got a place just around the corner from here actually. Westminster. But I go up at least a weekend a month. In fact, bugger just dinner, you should come with me this Friday!”
“Really? I mean that wouldn’t be…imposing?” I stopped when I realised I was repeating myself.
“No, not at all. I was going to stay over the weekend, keep her company. That is, if you don’t have any other plans?” He looked straight at me as he waited for my response.
“I’d love to.” I smiled shyly at him, thinking there wasn’t anything I would like more than spending a whole weekend with him. And Olivia of course.
We talked for hours, having cup after cup of tea. Finally as the sun started to set, we moved on to find a restaurant in China Town. We were the last to leave at around midnight, the waiters only waiting long enough for us to step out onto the street before shutting the doors firmly.
“Hah, well, I guess we were keeping them.” Max snorted as the lights were switched off inside. “So, shall I walk you back your tube station?”
I nodded and turned to walk, but stopped when I realised I had no idea which direction we were supposed to be going. “Um.”
He laughed. “Come on, it’s this way.”
I half ran to keep up with his quick stride as he crossed the street ahead of me. Okay, so not the total gentleman then.
“So, any plans for tomorrow?” he asked as we stopped outside the entrance. People flowed around us as they hurried passed into the station.
“Um, yes actually. I’m having lunch with Liam.”
“Oh right, your high school buddy?”
“That’s the one. It’s the first time he has free this week, so we’re going to catch up at a pub near his firm.”
“Firm? He’s a lawyer?
I laughed, “God no. I.T. firm. Liam’s a bit of a programming genius. That’s why he’s here. He was offered his dream job just out of university and…” My voice petered out as I saw him watching me, a small smile playing on his lips. Not interested in Liam’s life story, Sammi.
“And after lunch? Any plans?”
“Nope.” I shook my head and thrust my hands in my jeans pocket. I bit my lip and tried not to look too expectant. The twinkle in his eyes made my insides go warm.
“Well, how about I take you to the V&A then?”
“V&A?”
“Victoria and Albert Museum. It’s a London must-see.”
“Oh, well if it’s a must-see, I guess I…must see.” Ugh! Clever. I managed not to wince and instead savaged my lower lip even more.
He laughed, showing off his perfect white teeth.
“3 o’clock, meet you on the front steps?”
“Sounds good.”
“Perfect. You’ve got an A to Z I take it?”
“Sure do, don’t worry, I’ll find it.” I looked up and we locked eyes for a few seconds.
“Um, right. G’night, Sammi. See you tomorrow then.” He leant down and kissed me on the cheek quickly before turning to walk briskly away.
I stood and continued to bite my lip until the grin on my face grew too wide. I turned and skipped happily down the stairs to my train.
*
I had made plans to meet up with Liam in front of his office and arrived just as he was walking out of the huge swinging glass doors. The last time I had seen him was nearly 6 months before, when he’d come home for Christmas and New Year.
“Liam!” I yelled excitedly as I rushed towards him.
“Sammi! Ugh!” he huffed as I ran straight into him. He laughed and wrapped me up in a big hug, squeezing me tight.
“Oh man, I can’t believe you finally made it, Sam.”
I stepped back. “Look at you, all spiffed up. I like the jacket.” I stroked his dark brown corduroy coat, which he wore over an old faded ATARI t-shirt. One of the corners of the jacket collar stuck out and I folded it back in place for him.
“Yeah, you like?” He grabbed the lapels and did a slow turn, showing off his whole ensemble.
“Nice, nice. Are those designer jeans? My God, Liam, I guess London’s been good for you.” I grabbed his arm and pulled him away from the doors.
He laughed, answering, “Yeah well I haven’t quite been able to get into a suit, but hey it’s an improvement, right?” I nodded in agreement.
As long as I could remember his uniform had always been vintage t-shirts and skater shorts. It was what he wore the first time we met, in the after-school computing program at South Brisbane High School. He had come in wearing a faded Rolling Stones t-shirt and ripped chequered shorts. His sandy blonde hair came to his shoulders and he had a nervous habit of tucking it behind his ear as our teacher Mr Fish introduced him.
“Welcome to our little family, Mr Bennet. Now, take any free terminal and we’ll get on with it shall we?” Mr Fish pushed his glasses up with his index finger then turned to the whiteboard.
I watched as Liam stood by himself in the middle of the classroom and searched for an empty seat. I indicated to the one next to mine and he smiled gratefully as he came over, sinking into the chair.
“Thanks. My name’s Liam. Well, obviously you heard that.” He tucked his hair behind his ear before holding his hand out.
“Sammi. Welcome to Advanced ITC. Or as we like to call it, Playgroup.”
“Sam. Where are you?” Liam tugged me back to the present. “Are you fantasising about me again?”
I blinked. “As a matter of fact, yes.” I laughed before linking my arm through his. “Now, where to sir?”
He lifted his eyebrow in exaggerated suspicion then grinned, “This way madam.” He pulled me off to the left and we walked down the street towards a cluster of shops. I looked down and smiled when I saw the ratty sneakers that finished his outfit. Some things never change.
We went into an ancient pub, the swinging sign outside had an upright lion clawing the air.
“The Red Lion,” I read as we slid through the door.
“Every pub in England is called the Red Lion,” Liam quipped as we walked over the creaky wooden floorboards.
The interior of the pub had been renovated, but not too recently. I could see the signs of wear on the scarlet walls and well-polished bar. A line of darkly painted tables and chairs lined the walls to the right and further up the back I could see a row of red velvet booths tucked away. Large windows had been thrown open to allow some air to circulate and let the milky grey light in. We grabbed a table over-looking the main street, ordered our meals, and settled in to catch up.
“And how’s Edda?” he asked as he picked at a plate of hot chips between us.
“Good. She’s seeing some guy on the Arts Council, but God knows how long this one will last. Thrilled that I’m doing this though. You know how boring she thinks I am.”
“Your Mum is mad. If I’ve done half the things she has by the time I’m 80 I can say I’ve lived.” We both snickered in agreement.
“Yeah, she’s a wild one. Poor thing, to have a daughter with such a steady ‘boring’ career and normal existence.”
“God, if she thinks web design is boring, wonder what she thinks of programming. I must be the most boring man on earth.”
“Yeah right, she loves you, Liam.”
We paused as the waiter brought over our meals.
“Yum! I’m starved.” He picked up his cutlery and waited for me to do the same.
“One sec.” I rustled through my bag and pulled out a bright orange bottle.
“Ah yes, how could we start without the sambal?” His mouth twitched as he watched me pour the chilli sauce onto my grilled chicken.
“You know it. Sambal rocks my world.” Every good Indonesian brought a bottle of the stuff with them when they travelled. I drew the line at bringing it out in nicer restaurants though, unlike some of my cousins who have been known to send the waiters in many a fine establishment into a horrified tizzy after pouring it onto their foie gras.
“I remember the first and last time you did that at our place. I thought Nona’s eyes were going to pop out of her head.” He chuckled. “Madre mia! What is she doing to my pollo al limone?” His voice went up as he tried to impersonate his Italian grandmother.
“Shut up, I did ask first. And she forgave me…” I laughed back at him. “…eventually. Plus I’m better now, I can control myself most times. But this is grilled chicken!”
He shook his head and sniffed.
“Anyway…” I poked my tongue out at him “this looks yum, buon appétito!”
Waving his fork dramatically he answered, “Buon appétito, cara mia!”
I chuckled and started on my meal. We ate in silence for a few minutes, enjoying our food.
“So, how’s the flat coming along?”
He snorted. “Not sure if it was some kind of twisted lesson of Dad’s to give it to me. Place was in shambles.”
Liam’s Dad, Michael, was a Londoner born and bred and gave Liam his old rental flat in West Kensington as a 25th birthday present.
“Oh poor you, only a little two bedder in the middle of London? How will you cope?”
“Hey, don’t get me wrong. I’m eternally grateful, but it’s been a nightmare pulling it together into some semblance of liveability. Lesson learned, never ever rent out your place out to students without constant supervision!”
“Er yeah, I’ll remember that when I start my real estate empire.”
“Sorry, Sam. Whinging again, aren’t I? Anyway, to answer your question, it’s finally coming together. I’ve had to go in and strip it all down, start from scratch again. Painted, pulled down walls, changed the carpets, put in some new windows.”
“Sounds fun.”
“Urgh.”
“But you said you loved renovating? Your emails were starting to sound more and more like Renovation Rescue episodes.”
“Yeah, but 6 months is my limit. If I never see another paint brush again it won’t be soon enough.” He sipped at his beer and smiled at me over the rim.
“Anyway, enough thrilling renovation talk. What’ve you been up to since you landed? Started the sightseeing bonanza yet?”
“No, not yet. Just been trying to get over the jetlag first.”
“Yeah, it’s a killer coming over this way.”
I nodded in agreement and took a quick sip of my lemonade. “Hey, do you remember me telling you about Max?”
He wrinkled his forehead.
Obviously not.
“You know, the English guy that used to come with his parents to Bali. My Dad’s friends?” I prompted his memory again.
“Ahhh, yeah. The one you had a crush on when you were, like, 10 or something.”
“14. Whatever. I saw him yesterday. We caught up for coffee…and dinner…and…” I trailed off, not sure what the last ‘and’ was for.
“You’re blushing! What, what? Spill!”
“Nothing! He’s just really…nice. And he’s taking me to the V&A this afternoon. Meeting him there at 3.” I had to quickly take a sip before my grin grew any bigger.
“Uh huh. I know that look, Sam. You fancy him! Bloody hell, you work fast, don’t you?”
I punched him from across the table, but laughed and shook my head. “Shut up! Nothing happened. Besides he’s just being nice by taking me around. We’re old family friends.”
“Sure sure. So, you trying to give me a hint then?”
“Huh?”
“It’s 2:50.”
“What?! Oh my God, I'm going to be so late! Shit. How do I get there from here?!” I shot up grabbing my jacket and sat down again when I realised we hadn’t paid. I started scrabbling around for my A to Z in my bag.
“Calm down, Sam,” Liam laughed as he took a final sip of his beer and got up, “lucky for you it’s just around the corner. I’ll take you as soon as I’ve paid.”
I exhaled in relief and got up to follow him to the register. “Let me pay, Liam, I asked you to lunch.”
“Are you kidding? You in ma town now. Don’t worry, I’ll get it, Sam.” He winked and flashed me a grin.
“Thanks, I’ll get the next one.”
As I waited, I saw a group of girls looking appreciatively at him as he stood in line to pay. I shook my head as he passed by them on his way back to me, oblivious to their open staring. They narrowed their eyes at me as he put his hands on the small of my back to lead me out.
“Right, it’s literally 10 minutes from here. Follow me, milady.” He offered his elbow as we stepped onto the sidewalk. I could almost feel the daggers in my back as we walked down the street.
“Same as always.” I shook my head in amusement.
“What?”
“Those girls.”
“What girls?”
“Oh, never mind.” I rolled my eyes and pushed him ahead of me.
We made our way quickly and sure enough, within 10 minutes we were walking up the first steps of the museum. I saw Max leaning against one of the doors and my heartbeat doubled. I dropped Liam’s arm as we walked up the stairs and he shoved both his hands into his pockets.
“Sammi.” Max straightened up as we came closer.
“Max, this is my friend Liam. Liam, this is Max.”
They faced each other as I introduced them, shook hands, eyes to eye.
“Liam Bennet.”
“Maxwell Edmonton. Sammi spoke quite a bit about you.”
“Really, well she’s mentioned you also.”
Silence.
“Um, we had lunch just around the corner,” I threw in.
“Oh right, near your firm?”
“Yep.”
More silence.
I stood in the middle of the two men thinking they couldn’t be more different. Max’s dark hair and pale complexion, was in stark contrast to Liam’s olive Mediterranean looks.
“Would you like to join us?” Max placed his hand lightly on my shoulder.
“Better not. Have to get back to work.” I looked up and was surprised to see Liam clench his jaw before relaxing it quickly.
“Are you sure, Liam? There’s got to be plenty you haven’t seen in there yet.”
“Ah, quite sure, Sam. I’m going to be late enough as it is.” He turned to give me a lightning hug then backed off down the steps before calling out over his shoulder, “You kids have fun!”
I waved him off and turned back to Max with a smile.
“Shall we?” Max asked.
“Yes we shall. Okay, so what’s your favourite display?”
He put his hand on my back as he led me into the museum. I felt a warm shot of electricity zing up my spine.
*
From that day on, Max and I were inseparable, he would spend all of his free time with me, showing me his favourite spots around town, dutifully following me as I visited all the tourist attractions. We took the compulsory photos in front of Big Ben, the Tower, London Bridge, and every other landmark in the guidebook.
When he was busy I spent my time window shopping on Oxford Street or meeting Liam for a quick lunch. I felt a little guilty for not spending more time with Liam, but consoled myself with the thought that he was too busy with work anyway and wouldn’t miss me that much. He kept assuring me that all was good and that I should enjoy my holiday any which way I chose.
As promised, on Friday Max came by my hostel to pick me up on the way to the country. The shiny black Saab convertible rolled to a stop just outside of the door and I had to shake my head as my fellow backpackers’ jaws hit the floor.
“Bloody nice piece of machinery, Master Edmonton.” I tried to put on a posh accent, but failed miserably.
He laughed. “Thanks, it was Dad’s actually. I’m pretty attached to the thing. He’d only just bought it when he’d died.”
Dammit! Way to put your foot in! I scanned his face to see if talking about it was painful. It was a relief to see his smile reach his eyes as he caressed the steering wheel affectionately.
“Right, to the country then!” He put the car into gear and we roared out of Earl’s Court in style.
As we headed onto the freeway he switched the stereo on and let the beat thump through the car.
“Hope you like Jay Z?”
“Yep, but I have to say I’m kind of surprised you do.”
“Why?”
“I just thought you were more into…dance music? At least that’s what you were into back then.”
“You mean those mix tapes I used to make?” He laughed. “I still listen to lounge and the sort. Actually I like all kinds of music, but right now more into hip hop and R&B.” He paused to press a button on the dash which brought the top down. The spotless white polo shirt he wore glowed in the bright sunlight. “How about you?” He turned to face me briefly, the wind whipping his hair into a thick mess. My hands itched.
“Same, as in I like all kinds of music. It varies from David Grey to Missy Elliot and everything in between.”
“That’s quite a range. How about classical?”
“Definitely. But for sure R&B and hip hop are close to the top of the list. I have a problem controlling myself if I hear R&B, it makes me just want to dance.”
“I’d like to see that.” He smiled to himself as he kept his eyes on the road.
“I don’t know, I don’t hold myself responsible for what happens when R&B music gets involved.”
He turned to me, a smile crinkling his eyes. “I think I can handle it.”
Grinning, I turned to my window to watch the rushing view, my mind buzzing at the thought of dancing with him. I heard him chuckle softly as he concentrated on the road again.
I closed my eyes to enjoy the warm sun beating down on us as we sped past ever thinning rows of houses and shops until we came out into the open country. The road grew smaller until it was only a single lane hemmed in tightly by hedges. The car turned into a gravel driveway bordered by huge ancient oaks, winding through a grove and coming out into an open clearing. We crunched to a stop in front of an impressive two-storey cottage.
Max’s Mum was standing by the front door and waved at us excitedly as the engine cut off. She strode over and planted a kiss on Max’s cheek before coming over to my side of the car.
“Oh my dear Sammi! It’s been so long!” She put her arms around me in a warm hug. I was engulfed in a cloud of roses and talcum powder.
Mrs Edmonton was roundish with the same dark hair as her son, which she had pulled back into a soft chignon. She wore a flowing skirt and a raspberry cotton cardigan that accentuated her creamy white skin.
“It’s lovely to see you again, Mrs E.”
She stood back and held me at arm’s length. “Well look, you’ve grown into a beautiful young lady.” I smiled to hide my embarrassment. “You look just like your mother with those big brown eyes. I can’t say that I see much of Iwan in there though.”
“Ah no, apparently the hair is the only thing I got from Dad’s side. Must be those strong Polish genes!” For some reason my Mum’s side had taken over and people were always finding it hard to see any similarities between Dad and me. “Anyway, thanks so much for having me over.”
“Of course, of course. You know my home is yours, my darling girl. And I promised your mama I would take care of you.” She put her arm through mine and walked us away from the car. “Here, come through so you can put your things in the guest room. I’m getting lunch ready. Come, come.” She ushered us through the door, which led into a gorgeous marble hallway.
As I expected, their country home was magnificent. Despite the size, Olivia had managed to make it warm and cosy, with lots of comfy reading nooks and a massive collection of artefacts from all of their travels. Dozens of oriental rugs covered the marble floors and freshly cut flowers stood on small tables around each room. Pictures of Max were scattered everywhere. Max in his teens, dressed in a baggy t-shirt and jeans, Max on top of a ski slope wearing a delightful neon number, in his high school graduation gown, and even one of the both of us taken in a rice field in Bali.
“Bit embarrassing,” he whispered into my ear as I studied a collection of them on the living room hearth, “she’s got snaps of me everywhere.”
“Actually, it’s great, I feel like I’m catching up on years of you growing up with these.” I continued to study them, intensely aware of him standing close behind me. I could hardly breathe, not really seeing the frames in front of me.
“I remember that one,” he said softly, studying the picture of us at seven years old, “you were being a little brat and ignoring me the whole holiday. Your Dad could hardly get us close enough for a shot.” He laughed softly.
I grinned and nudged him. “Sorry, little girls can be mean. I’m a bit nicer now.”
“More than a bit, I think.”
I held my breath as we both stared unseeing at the picture.
“Lunch is served, my sweets.” His Mum came in breaking the spell. I let out my breath sharply and turned to follow her out the door. I could feel Max’s eyes follow me as we walked out into the sunny garden.
Lunch was laid out in a wide lawn surrounded by ancient ash trees, which threw a soft cool shade over the table. I remembered what a great cook Olivia was when I saw the impressive spread of salads, quiches and cold pastas. I was grateful I had an appetite to appreciate it all.
“To old friends.” Olivia raised her wine glass and winked quickly at me before taking a sip. “Dig in, I hope you don’t mind a cold lunch.”
“It all looks amazing, Mum, you’re the best cook in all of England.” Max leaned over and kissed her on the cheek before picking up his fork. I smiled in agreement, watching Olivia try to brush the comment off, but seeing how happy it made her. We spent the rest of the meal in easy conversation, reminiscing on what our families had been up to. Max was careful to keep the talk about his Dad at minimum and I followed suit.
The weekend was spent mostly outdoors, taking tea out in the garden, or walking to the woods just on the border of the property. We’d go for long drives out to the surrounding villages and by Sunday I was completely in love with the English countryside.
“It’s so lovely out here.” I smiled contentedly as we drove back that evening.
“Mmm. Nice to get away from the big smoke. We should take another drive out next week, maybe to Stratford-upon-Avon?”
“Really? I was planning to take the bus up. It would be great, if it isn’t too much trouble!”
“Well, the way I see it is everyone wins, you get to see more of fair ol’ England, and I get to spend more time with you.” He looked over at me for a beat before going back to watching the road.
We pulled up outside of my hostel and Max came round to my side of the car to open the door.
“Well, good night, Sammi. Hope you had as a nice time as I did.” He smiled.
I fiddled nervously with my jacket, button. “Very nice.” It was all I could manage.
He leant down and kissed me gently on the cheek. “See you soon.”
“Night.” I smiled as the butterflies in my tummy took flight. This was going to be a very interesting vacation.
*
We went out for quite a few drives, Shakespeare country to the north, Bath to the east, Brighton in the south and everywhere in between. At the end of each day he would take me back to my hostel, where he would always kiss my cheek before saying goodnight. With each night his kiss would come closer and closer to the side of my mouth, driving me mad with anticipation. But every time he would only smile and turn to go home.
After a couple of weeks I was beginning to think that I was reading the signals wrong and that maybe he just wasn’t interested. I’d been letting my imagination run away as usual, seeing us in the chapel even before our first kiss. I was too nervous to make the first move, but couldn’t think of a way to give him the hint without looking too eager.
In the third week he took me for a stroll along the Thames after dinner. We stopped to watch the London Eye as it spun around lazily in the summer evening and I leaned into the railing to peer closer at the amazing landmark.
“Beautiful.” I breathed as I bent my head back to watch the glass observation chambers as they moved silently in the night.
Max came and stood close beside me, I could feel his eyes on my face. He watched me silently before whispering, “Beautiful.”
He put an arm around me and pulled me close to him. I let my head drop down to his chest and closed my eyes. My heartbeat started to speed up, but I was frozen, nervously wondering if this was the moment I’d been waiting for. Please, please, let this be it! I prayed silently.
He turned me to face him and gently took my face in each hand. My heart beat like a caged bird as he lowered his head and kissed me ever so softly. He looked down into my eyes and whispered, “I’ve wanted to do that since I was 14.”
My heart took flight and I couldn’t help grinning as I stroked his cheek with the back of my fingers. “Me too.” I smiled into his lips and kissed him again.
That night I moved out of my hostel and into his apartment. We spent the weekend locked up in the bedroom, only venturing out to accept deliveries of food and grab utensils in the kitchen on our way back to bed. We watched old movies, read magazine articles to each other and spent the rest of the time under his soft white cotton sheets amongst fits of giggles (me) and passionate growls (him).
*
“It feels like I’ve known you forever.” I heard his voice rumble through his chest.
I closed my eyes and listened to the slow ‘thump thump’ of his steady heartbeat before answering. “I know. I don’t feel like I have to hide anything from you…It’s just so…” I struggled for the right word.
“Comfortable.”
I nodded and went back to contemplating the serene lake in front of us. His hands stroked my hair as we lay on his Burberry picnic blanket in Hampstead Heath. I heard the rumble of a baby stroller pass behind us then a chorus of laughter from a group playing volleyball by the water. I wonder what our kids would look like?
“I think you must be a good luck charm, or a weather Goddess. We’ve never had this much sun in London, everyone’s gone barmy.”
“Weather Goddess!” I snorted. “That’s a first.”
“Would you prefer Lucky Charm?”
“Just Goddess will do.”
“Mmm, my little Goddess.” His hands found their way down to my shoulders and pulled me up towards him.
“Max! Public indecency. I’m shocked.” I giggled and pulled his thick hair back to kiss his brow.
His arms circled around my waist possessively as he growled in my ear. “Let them watch!”
“Max!” I couldn’t help giggling again as he nuzzled my neck loudly. I pounded on his chest playfully before he rolled me over onto my back and gently pulled my hair from my face. His features softened as his eyes searched mine. I smiled shyly at the intensity I saw in them.
“My sweet Sammi.”
He kissed me softly before propping himself on his elbow.
“Help! Oh my God, Ginny!! Ginnnnyyy!!”
Max whipped his head around to find the source of the yelling. I pushed myself up and looked around wildly.
“Oh my God! Oh my God!”
A young woman was running towards the lake’s edge screaming while a man leapt into the water and dove in with a splash. We jumped up and started to run over to them, watching as the man pulled out a small girl from the water and carried her to shore.
“Oh my God, I just turned my back for one second! She was just playing!” The young mother came rushing towards the man and reached for the girl. “Ginny!! She’s not breathing! She’s not breathing!”
“Anybody know CPR? Please!” the man’s voice yelled above the mother’s as he looked around urgently.
Max reached them before I did, running faster than I’d ever imagined he could. I arrived as he was taking the girl from the man and putting her gently on the ground. A crowd had quickly formed around them.
“Call 999!” he yelled out as he knelt down beside the little girl. “Get back! Please, give her some room!”
I started to pull my phone out before I heard a man standing near me barking out our location into his mobile.
The girl’s face was pale and strands of dirty blonde hair were sticking to her chubby cheeks. The mother wailed uncontrollably as she knelt down beside Max.
“Please.” His voice was quiet and even as he pushed the Mum gently aside. He tilted the little girl’s chin up slightly with his fingers then put his ear to her mouth to check for breathing. Then, squeezing her nose gently shut, he started CPR.
My heart was racing as I watched him calmly give her mouth-to-mouth then pump at her chest one-handed. Her face remained pale and waxen, her lips had turned an awful shade of purple. He continued to alternate between the breath and pumping while we watched anxiously.
With a sudden fit of coughing the girl spluttered to life and Max turned her to her side, gently patting her back as she took shaky gasps of air.
“Oh Ginny! My baby!” Her mum sobbed and patted her little girl’s hair.
“She’ll be fine. Do you have a blanket?” She nodded and reluctantly got up to get it. Seconds later the paramedics came and I was pushed aside as they rushed onto the scene. As I stepped out from the crowded circle I heard Max explain the situation in an even voice to the EMTs.
It took a few minutes, but eventually I saw him push his way out of the crowd and look around for me.
“Max!” I ran over and hugged him. “Is she okay?”
“She’ll be fine. In a bit of shock. Thankfully that guy pulled her out just in time.”
“And lucky you were here!”
He shrugged. “Just in the right place at the right time. Anyone else would have done the same. They’ll take her to the hospital now, she’ll be fine,” he repeated.
“You were amazing Max, how can you be so calm? I was a mess just watching you.”
“Training.” He pushed me back gently to look me. “Are you okay?”
“Me?” I smiled shakily at him. “Fine, just a bit too much adrenaline pumping through the system I think.” I hugged him again.
“Good.” He kissed the top of my head. I sighed and let myself relax against his chest as he rubbed my back gently. I watched the EMTs wheel the little girl away, her Mum hovering over her protectively. The crowd melted and we were left alone again.
Max glanced at his watch and scrunched his face. “Sorry, Sammi, I have exactly 2 minutes before I have to dash back to the hospital. Are you sure you’ll be alright on your own?”
“Max. I’m a big girl, I think I can manage finding my way around.”
“Do you want me to take the blanket back to the car?”
“Sure, I’m just going to wander around the park for a bit.”
He leaned down and quickly folded the blanket before I could even move to help. “And you have my number if anything right?”
“Yes, go on! I’ll be fine. Really.”
“Okay.” He kissed me before turning to go then stopped again. He shook his head as he toyed with his keys.
“What?”
He pulled me to him and smothered me with kisses.
“You’ll…be…late!” I managed between gasps and laughter.
“Quite right.” He stopped abruptly and pulled away before turning to run off in the direction of the parking lot.
I shook my head as I watched him become smaller and smaller, until he disappeared entirely. My cheeks hurt from all the grinning.
*
“What’s all this?”
I walked into the kitchen to find Max humming to himself happily. He was surrounded by chopped vegetables, sauce bottles, and sizzling pots.
“Dinner.” He grinned and kissed me quickly before going back to the fry pan.
“You cook?”
“Don’t sound so surprised. Boys can cook you know.”
“I know that, it’s just…” I watched him throw the vegetables into the pan, “is there anything you can’t do?”
He barked out a laugh and shook his head. “Plenty! Cooking just happens to be a hobby. I don’t get much time to do it, so when I have a beautiful guest staying, I like to try to impress her with my skills.” He winked before squeezing some soy sauce onto the vegetables.
“And you have a lot of beautiful guests then?” I asked, my eyebrow arching.
“Nope. Not at all.” He leaned over and kissed me softly. “And never as beautiful as this one.”
I grinned and pulled him close for a longer kiss. I wonder how long it will be before this is us in our very own kitchen? The thought made my insides go all warm and gooey.
He broke off first. “Watch it! We’ll have charcoal for dinner if you keep distracting me like that.”
“Maaf, maaf.” I apologised and peeked around him to look at the pots on the stove. “Anything I can do?”
“Make the table up, if you don’t mind. Then sit yourself down on the couch and wait. I’ll be done in a few.”
He finished cooking and brought all the dishes to the table.
“Stir fry, nasi goreng, and grilled chicken.”
“Wow, this looks delicious Max. I can’t wait.”
“Hold on,” he reached behind his back, “and some sambal.” He put the bottle down in front of me with a flourish.
“Ooh! Where’d you find it?” I clapped excitedly. My bottle had run out and I’d been trying to find more for days without much luck.
“I have my ways.”
I pulled him down and kissed him noisily. “Thank you, you gorgeous, gorgeous man.”
“Very welcome. Now, makan? Did I say that right?”
“Yep, let’s eat!”
*
I woke up to him watching me.
“Morning.” I smiled as I stretched contentedly in the sunshine streaming through the big windows.
His face stayed serious and I couldn’t read the expression in his eyes. I stopped in mid stretch.
“What is it?” I asked, my forehead wrinkling. He reached out his hand to smooth my skin.
He let out a sigh before starting, “Sammi, you’ve only got two weeks left.”
My heart plummeted, I was dreading this moment. When reality would creep back and pull me away from him.
“Doesn’t feel like 6 weeks, does it?” I whispered.
He shook his head before going on, “If I had my way, I’d never have you leave me. But Sammi, it would be dreadful to come all this way and miss out on the rest of Europe.” Max gently reminded me.
I closed my eyes. He was right of course, but I didn’t like it.
“And you can’t come see me in Rome before I fly out?” I asked knowing the answer already.
“You know I can’t, Sammi.”
“I know. Your exams,” I sighed.
I felt silent tears roll down my cheek. He swept them away with his fingers and kissed me gently.
“Don’t cry. We’ll see each other again.”
I nodded, too overcome to say anymore. I couldn’t imagine how. I’d be stuck with my job and life in Australia, while he’d be here with his studies. I didn’t know if I had the strength to endure a long distance relationship, everyone knew they never lasted. Why did I have this awful feeling in my heart that this was the last time I’d be this happy with him?
“Sammi? Open your eyes.”
I shook my head and sniffed. I couldn’t bear to look at him as the tears coursed down my face.
“Sammi, please.”