“Her name is Betsie.”
“Oh, that’s a lovely name. She’s so pretty. Just like you.”
“She’s sad ‘cos she doesn’t have a bed anymore.”
“Shush Tameka, you know she will have a bed as soon as we move into our new home.” Her mother chastised.
“No she won’t, her bed was in the fire Mama”
“Oh baby, we will get her bed of her own soon”
“When do you move into your new home?”
“We are hoping this weekend if the next few days go to plan. The contractors are still working but thank the Lord we are making progress”
“Good luck with everything.”
They spoke for a few more minutes and Monique promised updates via Tansie. Carrie could empathise with their homeless predicament given the problems her own sister was having. Luckily for both a solution had been found. She gathered despite their traumatic circumstances that the Tremonts were excited about their new beginning. Carrie hoped her sister felt the same about hers. Carrie wandered around some more shops but stuck at just window shopping this time.
When she returned to the Inn via the parlour to collect a couple of cookies her steps were light as she made it back to her room. For the first time in months her mind was clear and the shadow of grief a little lighter. It was time for a soak in that luxurious bath. She scouted around for the bag of products that she had purchased yesterday. Although the Inn provided toiletries Carrie added a few generous scoops of the bath salts from one of the jars she bought. The air was filled with exotic scents of the shea butter mixed with lavender and ginger as it infused with the warm water. Whilst she waited for the bath she picked a playlist on her ipod to accompany her mood. The sound of Maria Callas filled the room. At home Carrie would blare the music to break the silence of being on her own but here she had it a quieter level. Her limited knowledge told her it was from an Italian opera but she had always liked it. The desperate tone of loss and love needed no translation. The first time she heard it at the climactic ending it brought her to tears. Yes there was a time before grief when she cried at beautiful music.
Carrie pinned her hair high not wanting to get it wet, rolled a small hand towel to rest her head and sunk into the soothing water. She reminded herself that yet again she had booked a romantic room as the bath was big enough for two or three. She lay until the water was tepid and time to get out. So relaxed and sleepy that she knew sleep wasn’t far away. She wrapped herself in a large fluffy bath sheet cocooned in the thick cotton. After drying she moisturised using the same lotion she had bought from the store. The music still on in the background as she completed her task. Carrie pulled on a nightshirt and knee high long socks. She hated having cold feet. Lay on the sofa with one of the throws from the bed. It was too early to go to bed but her eyes were too heavy to fight the sleep encroaching her. Moving a few of the pillows into a comfy position she closed her eyes and sleep claimed her for a few hours.
It was Robs last day again that she dreamt. He was eating toast and she was rushing for her phone. But instead of getting into the car they walked along the street of their cul-de-sac past familiar houses. Not speaking, just holding hands. They continued to walk out of the housing estate but the destination unfamiliar. Then they were walking along a wooded path through thick trees, their canopy blocking the day light. She passed a fallen tree which was now overcome with moss.
“Where are we going?” She asked but Rob didn’t answer.
Her footsteps slowing her pace and she was no longer walking side by side Rob but behind him.
“Please answer me!” She pleaded tugging at his hand but still they walked.
Daylight ahead the trees thinned and she could see the water’s edge.
His head turned towards her and said a single word. “Home”
Before she could continue her leg slipping off the sofa woke her. Disoriented she sat up.
“Oh for God sake! What did that mean?” She wondered aloud in frustration. “Rob what are you telling me now?”
Untangling herself from the throw and pillows she went to the bathroom.
A few minutes later she fixed the sofa back to normality and smoothed the pillows back into shape. She made a coffee and rummaged for her phone charger as the beeps interrupted her.
Now where had she left it? Moving some items around it was under the lighthouse book. After charging the phone she put on the ipad to check her emails. It was only 8pm but she wasn’t hungry enough to order some food. Hmm some haribo gums left over from her flight would do. Now time for some shopping. When her Mum said earlier that Harry was trying to break out some of his toys much to her sister’s frustration it put an idea in her head. Thirty minutes later she had purchased some toys for the garden for Harry with the wonder of internet shopping. Many times her and her parents wanted to get a slide or toy car for Harry but couldn’t has they had lived in the flat but now no excuse. They would be delivered on Thursday. Result.
Her Dad had emailed her. He wasn’t one for calls or texts.
“Hi Carrie,
Greetings from rainy Scotland.
Your Mum and Claire have updated me on the ‘housing’ situation.
I know you made the offer with your heart but if you’ve thought about it a wee bit more and changed your mind – it’s okay. We have room at home for everyone if need be.
The plan is to hire a van Wednesday and move some of the larger furniture so you have plenty of time if this isn’t for you.
How are your lighthouse plans coming along?
Keep safe
Love Dad x”
Carrie took another handful of haribo gums and started to reply.
“Hi Daddy,
Greetings from –what was earlier sunny – Cape Elizabeth.
Honestly, I am fine with Claire staying. I actually think it will be good for me to have them all around me. The house has been far too quiet on my own. I have to confess I’ve even been thinking about moving away to escape from everything. But running away isn’t for me.
Claire knows she has free reign of the house and I’ve already got the spare room ready to turn into Harry’s room. I’ve been a bit naughty and ordered some garden toys for Harry. A slide and a toy car for him to zoom around the garden in. They will be delivered in a couple of days and I’ve sent you a copy of the email confirmation. Don’t worry I will let Claire know it’s a little welcome gift for Harry!
I’ve been having a clear out recently and the garage has plenty of storage. So Claire is not to panic and try and un-pack everything as soon as you unload it. I know what she is like!
Tomorrow I’m going to the lighthouse, will let you know how I get on. I’ve been befriended by the innkeeper, Terri and she’s has been helping with my trip to the lighthouses. They are so friendly here. I feel like I’ve been here for longer than just a few days.
There must be something in the air here but for the first time in ages, I feel normal.. Just me..
Give my love to Mum.
Love Carrie x”
Carrie forwarded the confirmations and texted her sister that she had bought some things. She knew Claire would want to decline but Carrie persuaded her that after years of not being able to buy larger gifts for Harry this would make up for it.
“Emotional blackmail!”
“Yip and I am unashamed”
Despite sleeping for hours, Carrie was tired. She had finished the rest of the packet of haribos and stared out of the telescope. The inky black sky captured in the lenses. She wished she could identify the stars but to her untrained eye they all dazzled. She wrapped a throw round her shoulders and stood looking out onto the bay. The low lights in the room illuminating her figure to anyone passing by. She stood for a while, transfixed before brushing her teeth and going to bed. She removed the large cushions from the bed and slipped under the thick duvet.
“Good night my darling.” She said aloud.
Sleep claimed her once more.
CHAPTER SIXTE
EN
Carrie woke early again. No strange dreams or nightmares disturbed her. It was a little after 5am. She snuggled under the duvet and tried to sleep but twenty minutes later she was standing under the shower. After sleeping so much yesterday it was no wonder her body clock was telling her time to get up. A cup of coffee and a cookie from the glass canister that Terri provided for her guests to tide her over until breakfast.
She dried her hair and left it loose. After washing it was too soft to braid or pin up. Her hair was longer than it had been in years but she kind of liked it like that. For now anyway. Lathered on lots of the new moisturiser, yip she was quickly becoming accustomed to the scent of this new lotion and would have to purchase some more before she went home. She rubbed on her facial moisturiser letting it gently dry on her skin. Slowly feeling a bit more human. Catching up on sleep the dark circles were fading from under her eyes. She rubbed on a little of the lip balm, smacked her lips together. There done.
She wore jeans and in the spirit of her planned trip to the light house thought a nautical themed sweater would be fitting. An oversized navy and cream jumper with a red anchor on the front. Her red converse matching the red of the anchor. Pocketing some money and her mobile she was ready for her walk along the beach before breakfast.
“Good Morning Charlie” she greeted the night porter.
“Good Morning Carrie, another fine morning here on the Cape.”
“Yes, it looks like it’s going to be a great day. I’m going for a nice refreshing walk, I hope!”
Now that Carrie was familiar with the route to the path to the beach it took only five minutes to get there. She walked in the opposite direction from yesterday, away from the house and towards a crop of rock pools. She passed bleached driftwood that had been arranged around the scorched sand and rocks of a fire pit. It must be an area popular with the locals. Again at this early hour the beach was empty and Carrie spent time walking amongst the rock pools. The sea water in the pools containing little crabs and even the odd star fish. She wasn’t knowledgeable to identify all the different types of flora and fauna in the rock pools but was amazed once again at nature. The sky was already a bright blue and it would be a good day to go to the lighthouse.
Walking back through the rock pools towards the sandy area of the beach she saw a familiar sight. Beau. He recognised her too as he raced along the sand in her direction.
He woofed a greeting to her and she patted his head, ruffling his ear.
“Hello Beau”
She looked around for a stick to through, found a suitable piece of drift wood and they began their throw and catch routine.
“Good Morning Carrie”
The deep voice of Nico interrupted their play. Startled Carrie turned round; she hadn’t seen him accompany Beau.
“Good Morning Nico, I didn’t see you there.”
“Beau raced ahead this morning, too much energy for this early hour!”
Nico had a battered tennis ball which he threw in the distance and Beau raced away, this new target in his sights.
“I know the feeling, I woke early needing some air before my caffeine fix. So are you an earlier riser too?” Innuendo alert.
“Sorry, oops I meant do you get up early too?”
“Are you hitting on me Carrie?” oh no, innuendo alert part two!
“Erm, no no I eh”
“I’m only joking with you. In answer to your question, yes, I am an early riser!”
Carries face was scarlet.
Beau returned and dropped the ball at Carries feet. She picked it up and threw it again.
“I like to start the day if I’m at home out for a walk with Beau.”
“I envy you; it’s a great way to start the day.”
“Amongst others. What about you Carrie, do you have any pets?”
“No none for me, not even a goldfish to look after.”
They had reached the driftwood surrounding the fire pit after walking side by side.
“I have a bit of a confession. I read the local paper, so I do know who you really are. I didn’t want to have the awkward, oh where do you work type of conversation with you.”
“Oh really Carrie, what do you know?”
“Well it was reading the Cape News yesterday and the article about the house fires. The work that you are doing to re-home the families affected. All of that confirmed that I thought you were ‘that Nico Devanti’”
Carrie had thought it best to be clear that she knew exactly who he was, no pretence.
“Mmm, ‘that Nico Devant?’ you’ve got me there”
“Sorry, no insult intended, I know as much as anyone knows about you from the public eye, so how about a trade? I will answer any question you may have about me .. well only if you want to know .. You might not.. I understand” oh damn awkward. Why the hell didn’t she stop talking!
“Carrie, you haven’t insulted me. I’m just surprised by your honesty. Believe it or not I don’t get a lot of that. Let me think of a suitable question for you?”
“Okay, what do you want to know?”
“Will you have dinner with me? I figure bribing you with some food you might answer more than one question?”
“Oh, I hadn’t expected that.”
“Let me show you what the Cape has to offer, do you like seafood? Oops that’s a question”
“Ha, I love seafood. That is a tempting offer to appeal to my appetite.”
“Okay changing the subject then. How do you like the Cape? Have you made any plans to see any of the local attractions?”
“I love what I’ve seen so far, unfortunately I won’t have much time here before I return home. But I am planning on going to the Portland Light today.”
They were almost back at the path. Beau had run back and forth with ball in his mouth.
“Here take my business card. My numbers are all there. How about dinner tomorrow evening then? I have to fly to LA today but I’m back tomorrow. You can tell me what you think of our famous landmark.”
Carrie was torn. She didn’t know if she was ready to go out for dinner. Nico sensed her indecision. He was probably used to women falling all over him not dithering over what to do.
“Okay, I’d like that.”
“Great, where are you staying?”
“The Captains Rest, it’s just ..”
“Carrie I’ve lived in the Cape all my life, I know where the Captains Rest is”
“Oops, I forgot”
“8.00pm okay for you?” Carrie nodded. “I’ll pick you up then”
Carrie petted Beau goodbye and walked up the boardwalk.
“Are you going to The Esperanza?”
“Carrie, yes I am, you know entirely too much about me .. we need to even those the odds out!”
“Say Hi to Belle Hamilton for me, she’s my Aunt! That should help with those odds!”
Jeez what had she just agreed to do?
The business card in her hand was black and white embossed with the scrawl of D for Devanti which was recognisable from the company logo. Listing his mobile and office contact numbers.
As before she turned around when she got to the top of the pathway. He was still standing there, watching her with Beau at his side. She gave him a wave which he returned.
Back at the Inn Carrie went straight for breakfast. Her stomach beginning its own rumble at the lack of food. She again succumbed to the blueberry pancakes with maple syrup. Justified to herself that this calorific breakfast would make up for the lack of dinner the previous evening.
Tansie was once again serving breakfast.
“Good Morning Tansie”
“Good Morning Carrie would you like some more coffee?”
“Yes, I’ve a feeling I will need lots of caffeine this morning.”
“One of those days?”
“Yeah I need the energy I think. I’m going to Headland point this morning to see the lighthouse.”
“Oh you will like it, I haven’t been in years. The weather
is beautiful today. I think you have picked a good day for some sightseeing. Be sure to visit the park when you are there too if you have time. Oh and take a camera!”
Carrie didn’t linger as much over breakfast as she had the previous day. The pancakes were just as yummy as the day before and she knew they would tide her over until lunch time. But she was keen to get on with the visit to the lighthouse and away from the distraction of Nico. How could she have agreed to go out for dinner?
Time to get back to what had brought her here in the first place. When she returned to her room her laundered jeans were hanging on the hook. Her room was not yet serviced by the housekeepers but Carrie knew she would be leaving soon. She checked her notes that she had written for this trip a quick review of the directions she had written. Look out for the hanging green and white road sign for the Fort William Park and Portland head light entrance. Scribbled down the post code for the sat nav. She brushed her hair, pulled it back into a high pony tail, a final touch of the lip balm and she was ready to leave.
She checked her bag again for almost the millionth time in case she forgot anything, money, phone, car keys, bottle of water and finally ‘Rob’. She moved the cylinder from the draw were it had been for the last three days. Under the tube, a shiny penny.
“Oh Rob, why now?, why today?”
Not a USA penny but a penny from back home and there was no way imaginable that it could have gotten there. That was not unless she slept walked and during the night put it there! It wasn’t there when she unpacked and was adamant of that.
She sat on the edge of the bed, holding the cylinder and trying not to cry.
“Am, I going out of my mind?”
Her plans now in disarray but this was what she came here to do. If it didn’t feel right when she got there she would come back and book the first flight home. Dinner or no dinner with Nico.
She put the penny in her pocket for luck and left the room. Terri was speaking with another guest when Carrie walked past the reception. She gave a friendly wave and Carrie walked through the doors of the safe haven of the Inn.
BUTTERFLIES FLY AWAY Page 15