A Winter Sabbatical (Books We Love holiday romance)

by Cheryl Wright

  He collapsed in a heap.

  It was late in the afternoon when Marissa awoke. Travis was sound asleep beside her. She hadn’t slept this well for ages.

  She rolled over, crashing into Travis, and waking him up.

  “Ready for another round?” he asked, grinning broadly.

  His hair was ruffled, and he’d messed up her bed again. Not that she was complaining.

  He reached over and brushed at a wisp of hair.

  His touch racked her body with need – for him. She slowly slid her hand down his body, finding her intended target, knowing what it would do to him.

  It wasn’t long before Travis rolled onto her, into her, and their lovemaking began all over again.

  ***

  Marissa wanted to get out of the house. She’d been stuck there for days, she told him.

  The four walls were squeezing the life out of her, and her eyes pleaded with him. How could she be expected to work if she was feeling stifled, Marissa argued. Travis, softie that he was, gave in.

  They drove to the picnic grounds in silence. Neither one willing to discuss or dissect their lovemaking or their rationality.

  Travis’ biggest concern was that Marissa was using him as a shield – a shield against her painful memories; memories of Jeremy.

  Deep down, he knew it wasn’t true. Marissa would never use him like that. She would never do that to anyone, let alone Travis.

  He glanced across at her. She was watching the countryside pass her by. She seemed to be in awe of its beauty – its rugged splendor.

  She once told him she was a city girl through and through, but Travis now realized it simply wasn’t true. Marissa was at home here in the country, in Maldon.

  And Maldon was where he wanted her to be. He recalled that first day they met – the way she’d become so excited on seeing his home. Could he convince her to live in that home? He certainly hoped so.

  Come what may, Travis wanted to spend the rest of his life with Marissa Temple.

  They pulled into the picnic grounds in the late afternoon. There were still a few other cars in the car park, and children on the playground equipment, their parents not far away.

  Together they’d packed a hurried picnic dinner comprising of sandwiches, drinks and some leftover cake. Travis didn’t care what they ate, as long as they ate together.

  It was a long time since he’d come to these grounds, years in fact, and he barely recognized it. Somewhere here was a track to follow, ending at a spectacular waterfall. At least that’s what he seemed to recall.

  “A penny for them.”

  Marissa turned to him, startled by his words. “Huh?” She was worlds away.

  “Your thoughts. A penny for your thoughts.” He reached across the space between them and brushed a stray wisp of hair from her tired face. These last two days seemed to be too much for her.

  “I was thinking about how stunning it is here.”

  And I was thinking how stunning you are, Travis silently added.

  Together they carried the basket of food to a grassy area nearby. Travis flicked the blanket out over the lush grass, then Marissa set out their food on it.

  As they ate, Travis looked about them. The place had changed a lot since his last visit. It had to be at least ten years since he’d been there. Absolute minimum.

  Electric barbeques, four of them, were housed under a picnic shed. The children’s playground was new, there wasn’t one last time he visited, Travis was almost certain.

  And the walking tracks were now paved. They were just dirt tracks the last time he came. That would certainly make life easier.

  He popped the cork on the champagne, and filled two glasses, handing one to Marissa.

  “To love and happiness.” Travis leaned forward and kissed her briefly.

  Champagne was an extravagance at a picnic he knew, but love was always worth celebrating. Especially love with Marissa.

  “Love and happiness.” Marissa clinked her glass against his, but abruptly turned her head away.

  How could he have been so blind? He’d overwhelmed her. With his attentions, his lovemaking, perhaps even his very presence.

  But he didn’t comment as Marissa brushed at her errant tears, then turned back to him smiling and drinking her champagne.

  Almost the second they’d finished eating, Marissa began to pack up – as though she couldn’t wait to get away. Travis was puzzled. He was sure she would love it there.

  “Come on slow coach. I want to go on the walk.” Ah, so that was it. “And I don’t want to be coming back in the dark.”

  Travis helped with the packing away, then they started their adventure. If he remembered correctly, the climb was pretty steep.

  Sure enough, steep it was. At least now there were handrails to help with the steady climb.

  Another new addition, Travis noted, were the lights jotted along the path, making it easier to find the way back to the car park in the evening.

  Marissa ran ahead of him, occasionally waiting, sometimes grabbing his hand impatiently and pulling Travis along after her.

  Finally they arrived at their destination – the waterfall.

  Marissa stood in awe. The waterfall was spectacular, brilliant in fact.

  Travis had told her it was nice, but he didn’t tell her it was absolutely magnificent.

  She felt drawn to it, its pull almost overpowering.

  She had to get closer. Marissa wanted to feel the cool air caused by the water, wanted to smell its freshness, wanted to feel the light spray of water from it.

  She wanted to become part of the waterfall.

  She looked back – Travis was still way behind – he was such a dawdler sometimes. Marissa laughed as she ran toward the falls. She was so glad she came; so pleased Travis had brought her here.

  The closer she got, the more she felt its tug, its awe-inspiring magnetism.

  Marissa felt overwhelmed by the moment, the awesome moment. She pulled off her shoes, stripped off her jeans and t-shirt. She looked back again – Travis was running toward her. What did he think she was going to do? She just wanted to feel the water on her face, her skin. Her bare skin.

  She looked around, too late she realized.

  They were alone, totally and utterly alone. She dragged her knickers down over her hips and slipped them off. Then she reached behind her back, unclasping her bra, then dropped both into a bundle on top of her other clothes.

  Marissa ran toward the waterfall. She felt free, freer than she’d felt for so terribly long.

  She heard Travis call her name. Party pooper – she was going in no matter what. Travis called out to her again, and again.

  She blocked him out. She had to do this. She had to liberate herself, wash away her pain, forever.

  Marissa stood under the water, the freezing water, letting it wash over her. Razor-sharp arrows were trying to stab her, pierce her skin. Trying to perforate her soul, penetrate her very being.

  It was loud, deafening. The sound drummed in her ears, over and over. The water was artic. It froze her, from her skin right through to her bones.

  Finally, Marissa felt cleansed – Jeremy was washed from existence.

  ***

  Travis ran toward the waterfall, toward Marissa.

  What the hell was she doing? Didn’t she realize how damned cold that water was? Or how dangerous it was on the shelf – from the slime and mud? Just one slip and she was a goner.

  Impetuous, that’s what she was.

  On reflection, Travis realized this behavior was way out of character for Marissa. So what caused all this? He dragged his t-shirt over his head as he continued toward the waterfall, and the very naked Marissa. The closer he got, the louder the noise became.

  Travis felt the overflow of water hit his face. Nice – it felt nice. Cool, refreshing, waking him up.

  For a moment, one spontaneous, outrageous moment, Travis thought about joining Marissa. Nope he decided, one loony is enough.

  Trav
is strode purposefully forward.

  ***

  Marissa saw Travis out of the corner of her eye. He was holding up his t-shirt and signaling to her. What did he want? She was happy there under the water.

  She looked at her arm. Goosebumps. And her teeth were chattering.

  Fine. She would indulge him, let Travis mother her a little. But he’d better not be condescending. She wouldn’t stand for that.

  Marissa shuffled toward Travis. The ground was slippery – she hadn’t noticed it before. The almost unbearable roar of water was still in her head. It almost besieged her.

  Travis was shouting something at her. He looked almost panic-stricken. What was wrong with him? She was just standing there – naked, granted – but still just standing.

  Marissa made her way out of the water. The cool wind was cutting through her, almost freezing her, and that all-consuming roar was still in her head – pounding and pounding, screaming, blaring at her. Marissa put her hands to her ears.

  Travis was yelling something at her. She couldn’t hear him – what was he saying? Marissa couldn’t think straight. But she edged toward him, and suddenly he had hold of her.

  He was pulling something over her. What was he doing? What was he saying?

  She was cold, so cold.

  He pulled Marissa against himself. She could feel the warmth of his body, the warmth of his hands.

  The roar was leaving her, his hands warming her, his kiss comforting her.

  “Why did you do that?” she heard him ask. She snuggled in closer. Her hands went up his back. His skin was bare, cool now. He flinched at the icy feel of her hands.

  She felt the ripple of his muscles as he moved.

  Why? Why did she do what she did?

  She had to, and that was that. They collected her things, and headed back toward the car.

  Chapter Seven

  Travis lit the fire, while Marissa sat on the sofa playing with Jonah.

  He looked back over his shoulder at her. “I rescue you, and Jonah is the one to be rewarded?”

  Marissa pursed her lips. “No one rescued me. I told you before, I didn’t need rescuing; I was fine.”

  “Really?” Travis wasn’t convinced.

  “Really. Admit it – you just wanted your own private wet t-shirt competition.” Marissa grinned and Travis couldn’t help but laugh. “Huh! No denial equals guilt.”

  Travis shrugged his shoulders. What could he say? He certainly enjoyed the result of his shirt on Marissa’s wet body. Her long hair was saturated and added to the effect. He also enjoyed their warming shower, and what came after.

  He glanced up at Marissa, clad only in a clean dry t-shirt, and grinned.

  “What?”

  Looking at her now, Marissa seemed so innocent, but Travis knew better. Oh yeah, he knew better.

  The fire was well ablaze, and Jonah was fed. Travis and Marissa were snuggled up on the rug in front of the fire.

  “Marissa?” Travis moved closer.

  “Mmmm?” she was dozing from the heat, and the extraordinary activities of the day. Travis went up on one elbow, hovering above her. He brushed Marissa’s hair off her face.

  “Marissa?” she sleepily opened her eyes, and Travis leaned over and kissed her. He stretched his free arm around to pull her closer. Marissa reached up and hugged him tight, then deepened the kiss.

  Travis touched her cheek with his fingers, then let them slide slowly down her neck, her shoulder, then brushed his agile fingers against Marissa’s braless breast. She swiped his hand away.

  “Now that I’ve got finally your attention.” Travis rolled onto his back, then pushed himself into a sitting position on the rug.

  He shoved his hands into his faded jeans, and then pulled them out again. He reached out and took Marissa’s left hand.

  “Marissa,”

  “Yes?”

  Travis lifted his fingers to her lips. He shifted position to land on his knees.

  “Marissa,”

  “What already?” She was getting impatient, he could see.

  “Hell! This is hard enough – stop interrupting.”

  Marissa suddenly jumped up and was about to walk away. Travis stood with her, then reached out and grabbed Marissa’s arm.

  “Wait. I’m sorry – don’t go. Please?” Marissa stood rigid, her lips pursed, and Travis dropped to his knees. “Marissa Temple, will you marry me?” He slid a diamond ring on her finger, and Marissa stared at it.

  Her heart was beating at a million miles an hour.

  She could feel his eyes on her, and glanced up to find Travis carefully observing her. What should she do? She had to say something – but what?

  Travis would expect an answer, and he would expect that answer immediately.

  “Marry you?” It was such a surprise, a shock – so totally unexpected. Marissa had to make a decision, and she had to make it now. She stared at the ring again. It was beautiful, stunning.

  But did she love Travis? She couldn’t marry him, anyone, unless she loved them. She searched her mind and found the answer. Or rather, the question – was the sky blue?

  She glanced up to find Travis scrutinizing her. What should she do? She wanted to marry him. She wanted to spend every waking moment with him.

  She twirled the ring around on her finger.

  “Well?” He was getting impatient, agitated. She had to give him an answer.

  Marissa looked down at the ring, then wrenched it off her finger.

  “I’m sorry, Travis.” She could feel tears welling up in her eyes. This was hard, so hard. She wanted to marry him, she really did. But it was difficult, so terribly difficult.

  Travis stared at her. She shoved the ring back into his hand.

  “You don’t want to marry me?” It was his own fault. He should have waited. Fool! You bloody fool, of course it was too soon.

  Marissa looked as though she was about to burst into tears. What should he do? He’d made such a mess of things.

  Marissa stared down at her feet. Travis reached out and lifted her chin with his fingers. “It’s all right. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have...”

  “No, this is my fault,” she told him in a quiet little voice. “I have some—” She swallowed, and Travis pulled her against him, holding her tight.

  “It doesn’t matter. I love you, and if you don’t want to marry me, then that’s fine too – as long as we can be together.” Marissa looked up at him, her sad eyes boring into him. “You do want to be with me, don’t you?” he asked, suddenly terribly unsure of himself.

  Marissa swallowed hard trying to quell the trickle of tears. “I do love you, and I do want to be with you,” Travis felt a relief like he’d never felt before. “I was trying to tell you, I have some unfinished business to sort out first.”

  ***

  Travis pulled up outside the brick veneer house.

  It was an average looking house, for the city. It stood on a quiet street, and gave the impression of being unassuming. Marissa sat on the seat next to him.

  “Can we drive around the block again?” She looked panic stricken, positively unnerved.

  “We’ve already done that, twice. Look, Marissa, if you don’t...” His words died on his lips as Travis heard tapping on the window.

  He pressed the appropriate button, and the window slid down. Marissa glared at him.

  Travis turned off the engine, stepped out of the car and introduced himself.

  Frank Saunders, Jeremy’s father, opened the door. His wife, Anne, stood next to him. Marissa had no choice but to get out.

  It was harsh, but Travis knew it was the only way. It was something she had to do, she’d said, the last step toward freeing herself.

  Marissa stood rigid, her hands by her sides. Travis wanted to reach out, to hold her, hug and comfort her, but it wouldn’t help Marissa. She had to do this, for her own peace of mind.

  “Hello Frank. Anne.” She was pale, paler than Travis had ever seen, and his heart was breaking fo
r her, but if this is what it took, then so be it.

  Jeremy’s mother Anne stepped toward Marissa. She looked as strained as Marissa, Travis thought. The two women reached out and hugged each other. They cried on each other’s shoulders and whispered in each other’s ears, words audible only between the two.

  His heart was breaking just watching them; he couldn’t imagine what Marissa was going through. Nor Jeremy’s parents.

  Eventually, Marissa moved out of Anne’s embrace and went over to Frank. They cried together, holding each other tight, then Frank reached out and took Travis’ hand. He placed it in Marissa’s then turned her toward Travis.

  Travis could feel emotion building up in him. His eyes welled with tears as Marissa rested her head on his shoulder.

  The Saunders had given Marissa their permission and their blessings, to get on with her life.

  ***

  It had been a difficult day –- for both of them, but especially Marissa.

  She was asleep on his sofa, and Travis didn’t want to disturb her. He was to meet her parents after they left the Saunders, but Marissa was just too rung out. Her mother always demanded way too much of her, Marissa had told him one day, so he made the decision to defer their meeting until another day.

  He stood over her, watching her sleep. Peaceful – she was sleeping peacefully. She wasn’t groaning and her face wasn’t twisted in agony. She wasn’t screaming this time, and it appeared that the nightmares had finally gone. Was this the end of her torment?

  Travis sighed. She didn’t deserve it, any of it; none of it was her fault. It was an accident, a horrific ‘wrong place at the wrong time’ kind of accident.

  Travis walked over to the window, and looked out across the valley. It was relaxing, standing there, and watching the leaves dance lightly in the breeze. He silently observed as the birds – mainly cockatoos and galahs – glided downwards along on the wind, and came in to land in the paddocks, to feed on the seeds they found amongst the grass.