Refined By His Fire

by Cathy Conradie

  Chapter Ten

  Adrian struggles badly to contain his excitement.

  Though it is overwhelming, he still peeks back to the area where his parents and Barry are standing. He knows he will see them soon and that it is going to be different from the last time, but he still will miss them a lot. Not to mention René . . .

  Adrian closes his eyes and smiles.

  The day after the medal parade he managed to get her phone number and he drove to Cape Town to go and see her. She was very happy to see him again and they spent the day together, just in each other’s company and talking about everything on end.

  Adrian liked René very much, but he would not think as far as to say that he will marry her. She was a year older than he was and certainly went through very tough situations in her own life. Adrian loved her sense of humor and she was way beyond her tender almost 23 years. She also had the most beautiful smile he could think of . . .

  “Hey, buddy.”

  Adrian gets the fright of his life and instinctively reaches for the area where his firearm is normally holstered, but he soon remembers that his firearm is safely stored away and that he does not have it on him in person at the moment.

  “Don’t . . . sneak up on me like that!”

  Ryan laughs.

  “Hi yourself.”

  Adrian smiles and they hug each other.

  “It’s so good seeing you again, buddy. I told you would play again.”

  “Well, I didn’t expect it this soon.” Adrian says bright eyed.

  “I barely played so far and last year. I struggled a bit to regain my form after everything.”

  “Surely you didn’t think it would have been different? You survived a horrific ordeal. How’s Barry? I heard nothing from him.”

  Adrian smiles.

  “He is so madly in love that he barely speaks to me. He is barely at home over his rest days.”

  Ryan laughs.

  “About time! You two can’t remain single all your life! Who is she?”

  “The student nurse of the ICU at the Rondebosch Medi Clinic. The one who took care of him after the kidnaping. She is gorgeous. I won’t be surprised if he gets hitched with her.”

  “Do you think he will?”

  “Not immediately, but I think he has found his mate. They are inseparable.” Adrian laughs.

  “Like I said, Barry is rarely at home. I am so glad he has Gisela in his life. He was so broken after the death of his parents and I am so grateful that I was able to help him through the difficult times and also that he came to Christ. Now I have another friend to worry about. Although I’ve never stopped praying for you.”

  “Yeah well, buddy. It’s good to have something to hold on to in the difficult times. But you know that I’m not the church type.”

  Adrian sighs.

  “It’s not about going to church, Ryan. Living a good life is not a ticket to heaven.”

  “Well, sometimes, I wonder if it is really real. I think everything is over when it’s over.”

  Adrian and Ryan board the aircraft, walk down the aisle and put their baggage in the overhead cabins. The aircraft’s engines hum softly in the background.

  Adrian looks very sad and subdued.

  “It’s not true, Ryan.”

  They take their seats. Adrian fastens his seatbelt and looks at Ryan.

  “I don’t want to fight, buddy. I haven’t seen you in a very long time and I missed you. I can’t recall that we ever had a fight and I don’t want to start. It’s fine for you to believe what you believe in, but unless anyone can prove God is real and unless I have seen Him with my own eyes, I won’t believe.”

  “Please bear with me. I want to share something.”

  Ryan looks into Adrian’s eyes. Adrian looked so serious and in the past year or so, he seemed older than his tender 21 years. Much more mature, wiser.

  “I never shared this with you before. For many reasons. Mainly because we didn’t see each other for a long time and also because the time wasn’t right to share this.”

  The flight crew’s activities are in the background, but neither Adrian, nor Ryan pays attention to it.

  “In Sydney, I was barely aware that you were talking to me and barely aware of the medics’ presence. I was hurting so badly, but simultaneously, strange enough, I didn’t feel scared. I felt so peaceful, though I knew I was dying. It didn’t matter to me. The only other overwhelming emotion I felt was sadness. I didn’t want to leave my friends and family behind. I wasn’t aware of what was happening in the ambulance. I just remember that I saw the most beautiful shade of blue. I’ve never seen anything like it before. I felt so safe. I felt so secure. The feeling, the emotion of overwhelming love and peace I have experienced . . . I couldn’t bear it. It was too much. It felt as if I would burst. I felt loved. I felt safe. I wanted to stay there. I wanted to see all the other beauty. And then, I heard God’s voice. Telling me He loved me, He is with me and that I must go back, that my time is not over yet. I wasn’t hallucinating. My mom told me they had to resuscitate me twice. That experience is as real as it gets. There is a heaven, because nowhere on this earth or in hell will one ever experience the love, peace and comfort I have experienced that day. If God wasn’t real, then why am I alive today? I should have died. Everyone says that, all the medical personnel. If God wasn’t real, those thugs that held Barry captive, would have done far worse things to him or they would have killed him. God has also protected both me and Barry in that fire.”

  Ryan sighs.

  “I’m happy that you are so sure about life, buddy. I think that is what’s keeping you sane. But I’m not ready for this. In fact, I don’t think I’ll ever be.”

  After two hours and after touchdown, Adrian and Ryan patiently wait for their baggage at the conveyor belts. They collect it and proceed with their trolleys through the arrivals terminal to the outside where a taxi would take them to the hotel.

  But entering the arrivals terminal, it is more than the passengers’ families waiting for them. Cameras flashed everywhere and Adrian soon found himself amidst several journalists who overwhelm him with questions.

  “Adrian, how do you feel to be back?”

  “Adrian, do you feel ready for this tour?”

  “Adrian, do you see chance in being the vice-captain again and to be part of the team?”

  “Is it true that you killed your kidnapper in Australia?”

  “Is it true that you have been awarded the Police gold cross for Bravery?”

  Ryan protectively puts his arm around Adrian’s shoulders.

  “Guys, I’m sure that a press conference is scheduled for the team management. Please save your questions for until then.” Ryan says.

  “But Adrian—”

  Adrian smiles briefly.

  “You heard my bodyguard, guys. We are quite tired and have a very hectic schedule ahead. When the press conference comes, I will answer everything you want to know. I don’t have anything to hide.”

  Adrian and Ryan make their way through the bunch of journalists and get into a taxi outside, proceeding to the hotel.

  “Good grief! What am I doing here?”

  “Thanks for taking care of that sticky situation. I didn’t expect them to bowl me out like that.”

  Ryan laughs.

  “I almost forgot your razor sharp sense of humor. Don’t worry, buddy. You know I will be there for you, even if it is against the journalists. I told you that you are still famous and that everyone missed you. Hold on,” Ryan looks at Adrian.

  “What is this about you getting the Police gold cross for Bravery?’

  Adrian blushes.

  “I wanted to tell you about it. Barry and I were awarded that awards for all the hard work since last year. It was a really special occasion.”

  “I could imagine! Was that for what crime scene?”

  “Well, mainly for saving those two toddlers from the burning house, but also for saving you and Barry.”

&nbs
p; “I’m so proud of you! It’s great to know that the Police still awards its members for the hard work. I wondered if it was still the case.”

  “It was exceptional because not every policeman is lucky enough to receive his own gold cross. It’s an award that you earn and gets awarded to your family when you’re gone.”

  “Then that is really special. You guys deserved it anyway.”

  If Adrian thought that he would rest a bit before everything started, he misjudged himself.

  It was past nine ‘o clock that night that he tiredly makes his way to his hotel room. Upon entry, he just closes the door behind him and falls onto the big bed.

  Adrian closes his eyes for a moment.

  There are a couple of new faces in the squad, but the other squaddies were very happy to see Adrian and after the press conference, they went out as a group to celebrate Adrian’s return.

  Adrian feels himself drifting off to sleep and is totally unaware of the door opening.

  Peter Sullivan stares at the sleeping vice-captain of South Africa and smiles. He desperately wanted to pick Adrian for the cricket side the previous year, but Dr. Clarence and the physiotherapist advised him and the rest of the panel of selectors not to due to Adrian’s extensive injuries and the recovery involved.

  Peter is very curious to see how Adrian is going to react to the bowling of the Windies. They were certainly notorious for their fast bowling and speedy bouncers . . .

  Peter walks to the closet, takes out a blanket and drapes it over Adrian.

  Adrian becomes aware of Peter’s presence and opens his eyes. He yawns.

  “Hi, Peter. How did you come in?” Adrian sounds a bit groggy and Peter smiles.

  “You have forgotten to lock the door.”

  Peter sits down next to Adrian.

  “How are you, Adrian?”

  Adrian smiles.

  “I’m doing well. God is great, so I can’t have any complaints. I’m really blessed.”

  “I’m so glad to hear that. I was very concerned about you and your health after the World Cup. We wanted to pick you, but you were not really strong enough yet.”

  “Well, I barely played last season. I’m surprised that you guys picked me again.”

  “Can’t imagine why? So, are you ready for the Windies?”

  “I hope so. They are so tough to beat and their bowling is tough to face. Very fast bowling. Makes me scared, just thinking of it.”

  “I think practicing with the speedsters is what you need the most. I will talk to them, let them give you a hard time in the nets.”

  “You’re hopelessly too good to me.”

  “You happy with the selection and the newcomers?”

  “You have picked a great side. Besides, we need some new talent and some new blood. There are some of the guys that’s been here for ages and I know they said they want to retire because they don’t spend enough time with their families.”

  “I promised you parents we will take better care of you this time round.”

  Adrian laughs.

  “You guys want to protect a policeman? Oh, Peter. You are so funny. You know that?”

  “It’s like your mom said, you were supposed to be safe with us. We almost lost you.”

  “It’s not my or the team fault that criminals escape. Besides, it could have happened anywhere and it is history now. I’m sure everyone is focused on this tour and on the fun we’ll have. Can you imagine what it will mean if we have a clean sweep of this tournament?”

  “I think it will be one hell of an achievement. But make no mistake, it won’t be easy.”

  “Well, hold on to your seat then. Because your team is very determined to do exactly that.”

  Peter smiles.

  “That will be truly special. I’m not going to keep you any longer, I can see you are very tired. Sleep well and see you in the morning.”

  Quite exhausted, the cricketers make their way to their bags to find some refreshment in their ice cold Energades.

  “Damn it! I forgot how fast you are, Adrian! It hardly seems fair!” Smitty complains.

  “Oh, I see.” Adrian teases.

  “Always used in being the fastest. Eat my powder, pal. You must remember sometimes I need to chase criminals on foot. Those bloody illegal immigrants are fast!”

  “Did you play rugby again this season, Adrian?”

  “Yeah, but I think I’m going to call it quits. It’s getting really rough and robust. Not interested in ending my cricket career because of a rugby injury.”

  “Adrian, are you ready for me?”

  “Oh, no! Jason! I thought Peter made a joke!”

  Adrian glances in Peter’s direction. Peter has a very knowing smile on his face.

  “I can’t believe this. I’ve always dreaded this moment.”

  Jason Steyn laughs.

  “Come on. I’m waiting because of you.”

  Adrian puts his Energade aside and puts on his gloves and helmet before entering the nets.

  “I’ll lock you up for assault GBH if you abuse your ability.”

  Jason smiles, briefly looks at Adrian before starting his run-up. He delivers a very fast delivery.

  Adrian leaves it, stands back and stares wide eyed.

  “Whoa! Slow down! You really don’t have to try to kill me.”

  “Sorry, but you will have to get used to it. The Windies speedsters are worse than this.”

  “What?!”

  “I’m serious. And they love bouncers.”

  “Oh, great. Well, let’s see what I can do then. But you might as well shoot at me. It’s similar.”

  Jason chuckles, turns around, starts his run-up and delivers another one that hits a crack in the practice pitch.

  Adrian tries desperately to fend the ball off, but the ball hits him in the ribs and Adrian winces.

  “Adrian! Gosh! Are you okay? Sorry, man. It wasn’t on purpose.”

  Adrian smiles bravely.

  “Time to put you in your place, boy’tjie.”

  Adrian clubbers the next delivery clean out of the nets, leaving the few journalists and photographers at the practice session speechless.

  Christo and Peter smile broadly. It is very clear that Adrian was strong again and that he was eager to play his heart out.

  Christo allows the net practice for the next half an hour before he and Robert decide to proceed with fielding and catching practice.

  Deep into practice, Robert hits another high ball in the air and Christo and Stephen Bramley both goes for it, eyes skywards.

  “My ball.”

  “It’s okay, leave it. I got it.”

  Then a sickening thud sounds over the field as they collide with one another.

  Christo is knocked unconscious and Stephen stares disorientated at the blood on his hand.

  Adrian, Robert and Terence rush to their side with some ice and a first aid kit.

  Adrian kneels down beside Christo and checks for vitals before shaking Christo gently by the shoulder.

  “Christo? Wake up, mate! Christo!”

  Terence hands Adrian some ice wrapped in a cloth and he places it on Christo’s forehead after wiping off the blood.

  “Christo? Wakey wakey.”

  Christo groggily opens his eyes, stares at Adrian, very disorientated.

  “How dare you hit me with your bat, mate?”

  Adrian laughs.

  “You and Stephen went for the same ball. How are you feeling?’

  “I’m okay, mate. Help me up.”

  Adrian gives Christo a hand, but he laughs when Christo sits down quickly again.

  “That’s a bad idea. Damn it! I don’t need this.”

  “I’ll bring the car around so that we can take you guys to the hospital.” Adrian says.

  “Forget that, mate. I’m not going.”

  “You can stop being so stubborn. Both of you need stitches anyway.”

  “Yeah well, tomorrow the one day series starts and I’m not sure how you wil
l react to the pressure of being captain against such a tough side.”

  “I’ll be okay and the team will be okay. Come on, let’s get you guys to hospital for treatment.”

  The thought of playing in front of his home crowds and as the captain of the national side made Adrian passed nervous. This was such a big moment. He could not contain it.

  Fortunately, Adrian won the toss and knowing the weather conditions, the stadium and seen that it seemed a batter’s pitch, Adrian felt it would be the right decision.

  Adrian emerges into the dressing room and looks at his opening batsmen.

  “All there for you, guys. It looks an enjoyable batsman pitch, so go out there and have fun.”

  Adrian looks at his eager team.

  “But, before we go, let’s get in a group and pray. I want to go about this the right way.”

  The Proteas huddle together in a group.

  “Dear Lord,” Adrian starts.

  “Thank you for this opportunity that You have granted us to play another game. Thank you for the talents You have granted us to do so. May we all use our talents and capabilities in honor to Your glory today. Please protect all of us on the field against injuries and please protect every spectator as well. Amen.”

  Adrian looks at his team mates. The two opening batsmen go out on the field and the game starts. It’s a really tough game that’s played, but when Smitty goes in, he plays aggressively and the Windies soon become very frustrated with the South African batting line up.

  They become very excited when they eventually get the first opener’s wicket, but Adrian is all padded up and very eager to go. He had a lot on the cards to offer and he feels like that he needs to prove himself.

  With the acknowledging cheers of the crowds Adrian makes his way down the stairs toward the pitch and meets up with Smitty.

  “You are very popular here.” Smitty laughs.

  “There are only a couple of times I recall hearing such noise in cricket stadiums and all of them were in India.”

  Adrian just smiles.

  “Can’t wait to get started. It’s a great feeling knowing I’m in front of my home crowds and a greater feeling to know that my family and friends are here too.”

  “Good luck, pal. Enjoy the game.”

  Enjoy?

  That’s an understatement.

  If the Aussies thought they were discouraged in Sydney, the Windies were being humiliated. Adrian spares no one, does not even the top speedsters. Their bowling seemed far below average when one six after the other was hit and every six just went harder and further than the previous one.

  A huge roar sounds when Adrian reaches his century on his home grounds and Adrian takes off his helmet. He shyly acknowledges his crowds.

  It has been a wonderful comeback and he never expected anything like this.

  At the end, thanks to Adrian’s innings of 120, South Africa posed a decent total of 300/6, but Adrian feels nervous about it. Christo warned him earlier that the Windies were able to take the Proteas’ bowling apart.

  Adrian has done basically everything he could to curb the Windies and feels very discouraged with some ten overs to spare.

  “Buddy, can I make a suggestion?” Ryan asks.

  “Ugh! Anything! I don’t know what to do anymore. They just treat my field placings with total disregard.” Adrian complains.

  “Maybe they feel it is payback time for all the sixes I hit.”

  Ryan smiles, places the ball in Adrian’s hand.

  “Have a go.”

  “No! Are you nuts? They will destroy my bowling! No one can crack this batting line-up!”

  “You are not the type giving up. Besides, some fast/medium swing might just do the trick. They only have three wickets left standing. You can do it, buddy. Play around. At this stage, they are so used to the bowling. It’s practically net practice. Besides, you haven’t had a go yet.”

  Adrian takes the ball from Ryan and closes his eyes. He turns around and starts his run-up and delivers a beautiful in swinger that catches the batsman off guard due to the direction and speed.

  The wickets split apart and Adrian’s excited shouts unite with the shouts from his team mates and the cheers from the crowds.

  What a beaut! What a big wicket!

  Adrian stares around him. It is an awesome experience to see the crowds cheering him in a standing ovation and totally overwhelming.

  Within the next two deliveries, the last two wickets follow and the whole squad gathers around Adrian.

  Ryan picks Adrian up and carries him on his shoulders off the field, the Newlands crowds cheering on the Proteas and their darling from Grabouw.

  That is what they came to see.

  Explosive cricket, with Adrian Parker right on the forefront.

  In the rest room, a surprise awaits Adrian with Henry and Barry being there.

  “What a boy’tjie!” Henry says, hugging Adrian tightly.

  “I am so proud of you!”

  Adrian smiles.

  “Thanks, Dad. It was so awesome, knowing you were here. I think it helped a lot. I was so nervous!”

  “Hey, old man! What a performance!”

  “Hey, Engelsman! How are you? Been behaving yourself while I’m gone?”

  “More or less. Anyway, you’ll return to an empty cottage. I got hitched.”

  Adrian chokes in his beer.

  “Barry Roger Daniels! How dare you do that without me being there!”

  Barry cracks up in fits of laughter.

  “Slow down! Slow down! I’m joking!”

  “You son of a gun! I’m watching you!” Adrian teases.

  “Seriously now, are you doing okay?”

  “Aye. I just miss ye. It’s strange working without you. Got a student to work with me, but sorry to say, not worth much.”

  Adrian looks unhappy.

  “I don’t like it to hear that you are working with someone that won’t be there for you if you encounter trouble.”

  “I know, but we won’t be working on the same squad car or the same station for all our lives. Unfortunately.”

  Adrian smiles bravely.

  “Yes, I know. Hopefully Nero is behaving himself?”

  “He does. He just misses ye terribly. And Majoor.”

  “Well, then you should ride him sometime. But preferably on a lead in the lunging arena. He is a very strong horse.”

  “As if Majoor will allow that. Besides, he is also used in working at very fast pace. I only started to canter the other day.”

  Adrian’s face lights up.

  “You rascal! You started while I was gone?”

  “Aye, but I still hold on to the neck strap. I’m still bloody scared. It’s a weird, but nice motion.”

  “Well, wait until you start to gallop. Nothing beats that. There is not much moving. You just keep on sitting in the saddle. Most comfortable gait of them all.”

  “I’ll just believe ye. I’ll never try that personally.”

  “Did the ladies come with?”

  “Aye, they’re outside.”

  Adrian, Barry and Henry make their way to the suite where the cricketers’ families were, but Adrian is swamped for autographs. He smiles and patiently signs as far as he goes on their way to the suite where Chrissie, René and Gisela are waiting.

  “Hello, my love.”

  Chrissie hugs Adrian close and kisses him.

  “You enjoyed your time on the pitch.”

  Adrian just smiles shyly.

  “You know Who made this possible, Mom. It with the Lord’s grace. The bowlers of the Windies are very dangerous. They are quick and finished me big time.”

  “Didn’t look like that to me.” Chrissie says with a smile.

  “Hello, Gisela.” Adrian softly kisses her on the cheek.

  “How are you? Still in love?”

  Gisela blushes.

  “I’m doing great, thanks. Great game today. You seemed to have enjoyed it very much and also the opportunity to be c
aptain.”

  Adrian laughs.

  “I enjoyed the match, but the responsibility of being captain was very big and I was very nervous. It’s big shoes to fill.”

  Adrian steps closer to René and has to catch his breath for a minute. Though René was casually dressed, she still knocks him over.

  “Hi, René.”

  René smiles her gorgeous smile and Adrian pulls her closer. The smell of expensive perfume lightly enveloped her.

  “I miss you . . .” Adrian says softly.

  René kisses Adrian softly on the lips briefly.

  It is clear that they are mad about each other, but they are still very shy of one another and neither of them wants to come over too strong.

  “I miss you too. Thanks for calling me every day. It means a lot.”

  There is a brief, uncomfortable silence as Adrian realizes that everyone else is watching them and both him and René blush.

  “Um . . . I’m going to take a shower and then . . . we can all spend time together for a short while.”

  Adrian pulls her closer again.

  “And then, I would like to take you out. Wherever you want to go.”

  Some hour later with everyone that’s left, Adrian and René sit on the chairs in the suite, looking out onto the cricket pitch. The lights are switched off and the darkness has enveloped the stadium, with only the lights on of the couple of suites.

  Adrian gets up off his chair and kneels in front of René, who looks at him, a smile of amusement teasing the corners of her mouth.

  “What are you up to?”

  “Nothing much.” comes the innocent reply.

  “I’m just spending time with you. Burning the memory into my mind of how beautiful you are so that when I feel alone and miss you that I can think of this moment.”

  Adrian tenderly takes René’s hands in his and looks into her eyes.

  “You are so beautiful, Constable Trodeaux.”

  René laughs.

  “I was wondering if it was a crime to be friends with such a beautiful lady like you and what the sentence would be.”

  René takes her one hand out of Adrian’s hands and gently strokes his face.

  “What about an evening out with her at a place of her choice?”

  “Sounds a date.”

  Adrian then becomes very serious.

  “René, I . . . I know we barely know each other, but . . . I’ve been thinking to myself this week . . . I can’t stop thinking about you since I came back from the medal parade. I’m probably going to spoil this moment, but . . .”

  Adrian takes a deep breath.

  “Among all of this, I’ve fallen completely head over heels for you. I love you.”

  René seems to be taken aback, but only for a split second before she pulls Adrian closer, softly placing her lips on his.

  “I love you too. You are a special person, so kind and caring. I’m thinking of you too a lot lately and I was thinking too of how much I want to spend more time with you, getting to know you even more.”

  Adrian takes René in his arms and holds her close. Her soft feminity was too much for Adrian to take in. It is totally overwhelming. He felt as if he could cry, she is so beautiful.

  Adrian’s kiss is tentative, tender before it becomes warm and passionate, just like his love for the beautiful policewoman he holds so dear.