Life Begins at 40- Jersey Jaunt

by Bethan Lewis

‘All electrical devices should have been taken out and placed in the tray separate,’ he explained, pointing to the sign that Erin had missed. A black laptop appeared out of the x-ray machine. ‘Is this yours?’

  With a sigh of relief, Erin nodded and squeezed the laptop back into her bag, then strolled over to the duty-free shops. ‘Megan would love it here’, she thought, sniffing at the various bottles of perfume. After purchasing a bottle of water and some snacks she glanced at the board; her flight should be boarding soon, but as of yet no information was displayed. She hurried to the departure lounge and whilst she waited, she ripped open the wrapper on a chocolate bar and pulled out her notebook. If she was to write a blog, then it would be an idea to start making some notes.

  The screen in front of her changed, displaying the list of flights. She scanned down the board and was dismayed to discover her flight was delayed. ‘Typical,’ she thought, ‘bet they are doing this on purpose so by the time I board I will be a quivering wreck.’

  After an hour wait, a voice sounded over the tannoy. ‘All passengers for flight BA1234 to Jersey, please make your way to gate four.’

  Erin started, was this her flight? She double-checked her ticket, then the board and realised it was. Her stomach flip flopped. ‘This is it’, she thought, a mixture of excitement and nerves running through her.

  Erin rushed to the gate, afraid they would close it before she got there. Breathlessly, she handed over her boarding pass and walked through the tunnel that connected the terminal to the aeroplane. Another smiling steward greeted her and pointed her to her seat. Erin settled in the allocated seat and fastened her seat-belt straight away.

  An overweight man stepped aboard and shoved his way up the narrow aisle. His shoulder bag hit Erin in the face as he passed, but he didn’t apologise. Annoyed, Erin rubbed her sore cheek, but refused to make a scene. Soon the passengers were all aboard and seated, and the stewards were waving their arms about as they gave the emergency talk. The engines fired into life, and the plane pulled away from the airport.

  They taxied along the runway, rapidly gaining speed, and the roar of the engines drowned out the din from the interior of the cabin. Erin gripped the arm rests until her knuckles went white. She shut her eyes and her stomach knotted, as panic welled up inside her. She hated flying. Why was she doing this to herself?

  The aeroplane lifted off the ground and the noise decreased. Her ears popped and her stomach reeled as the plane levelled out. Erin opened her eyes, and caught the stare of the dark-haired man sat opposite. His bright blue eyes pierced hers, and she sat transfixed. He noisily cleared his throat, and Erin became aware that she was staring.

  ‘Sorry,’ she mumbled, and turned away as her cheeks grew warm.

  The plane lurched with sudden turbulence, and bile rose in the back of her throat. Swallowing hard, she reached into the pocket of the seat in front, pulled out a white paper sick bag, and held it up to her mouth in readiness.

  ‘Just breathe,’ a deep voice said in her ear.

  As Erin spun around to see who had spoken, the plane lurched again and without warning Erin projectile vomited, missed the sick bag and covered Mr Blue Eyes’ immaculate black trousers.

  Erin sat immobile, horrified by the turn of events. She opened her mouth to apologise, but no words came out. A stewardess appeared at her side.

  ‘Oh dear. Let’s clean you up, shall we?’ she said, offering Erin a sympathetic smile.

  Alerted by the commotion the other passengers turned to stare, and the ones sitting closest wrinkled their noses at the vile stench. Erin shrunk back in her seat wishing the floor would open up and swallow her. Perhaps someone could attach a parachute to her back, open the door and push her out.

  ‘Here, take a sip of this.’ The deep voice spoke again.

  Erin accepted the bottle of water, and gratefully sipped the cool liquid. ‘Thank you. I am so sorry about your trousers. I don’t normally travel so badly.’

  ‘Its fine, don’t worry. I am a doctor, I have experienced much worse over the years.’ He took the wet cloth the stewardess offered him and started wiping himself down.

  Despite his reassurances that it didn’t bother him, Erin was sure it did. He had started the flight all clean and tidy, then some stranger who wouldn’t stop gawping at him, threw up all over his lap, and now he reeked worse than a pig farm. How could he not be bothered? If it was the other way around Erin was certain she would be very peeved, and not quite as forgiving.

  The journey was a short thirty-minute flight, and no sooner had they reached altitude, then they were descending again. Out of the window Erin glimpsed the coastline of the island below, one side was all jagged rocks, the other pale yellow beaches. The sight was amazing and a wonderful photo opportunity. Reaching into her bag, she pulled out her phone and snapped a few photographs. The kids had told her that pictures were just as important on a blog as the text was.

  The plane touched down with a bump and Erin breathed a sigh of relief, at least she had two weeks to recover before she had to fly again; and if she was to become a successful travel blogger, flying was something she would have to get used to.

  The seat belt sign went off and Erin stood and squeezed herself into the tiny aisle, eager to be one of the first off the aeroplane. As she stepped out of the plane and went down the staircase a warm breeze hit her, and she lifted her face towards the sun savouring the moment.

  Following the other passengers into the airport she headed towards the baggage claim. Her suitcase was already on the carousel and she made a grab for it, but the case was too heavy to lift. Letting go, she waited for it to come around again.

  ‘Do you need some help?’ there was that deep voice again.

  ‘Please, if it’s not too much trouble. Everyone told me I should travel lighter’ Erin laughed.

  ‘Which bag is yours?’ the doctor said.

  ‘The black one with a blue stripe.’

  While they waited for her bag to go round the carousel again, Erin sneaked a peek at him from under her lashes. Sat on the plane he appeared normal size, but now, standing at her side, he towered a whole head above her, which she found quite intimidating. ‘He must be descended from giants’ she thought. His dark hair was streaked with grey, and he was older than she had first thought, maybe late forties, she guessed.

  Her bag appeared, and he lifted it with ease. As she took it from him, she extended her hand.

  ‘Thank you. I am Erin by the way.’

  ‘Dan.’ He took her hand, and briefly shook it. His hand was silky smooth and warm, but not sweaty. ‘My pleasure, always happy to help a damsel in distress.’

  ‘Well, I hope you have a pleasant trip.’

  ‘Jersey is a small island, you never know, we might bump into each other again.’ Dan said, winking at her.

  Flustered, Erin blushed and hurried through to arrivals. She scanned the busy room, and soon spotted a man holding a piece of cardboard with her name written on it in big black letters.

  ‘Hello. I am Erin,’ she said.

  ‘Hi. I am Jack, owner of the Seabeach Hotel where you are staying. Follow me.’

  Jack was in his late fifties with a dark brown tan that told her he spent a lot of time outdoors. They exited the building and the warm autumn air swirled around her. It felt luxurious on her skin, and Erin couldn’t wait to reach her accommodation so she could relax by the pool. They walked across the car park, and Jack stopped next to a green Jeep.

  ‘Hop in. I will put your case in the back,’ he said, grabbing the suitcase off her. ‘Good grief, what did you pack in here? I am surprised the plane was able to lift off with all this weight.’

  Erin laughed in response. Jack was a pleasant guy, and she could tell he was only teasing her. The Seabeach was a twenty-minute drive from the airport, and as they travelled Jack filled her in on some of the island’s history. Some of which she remembered from her googling.

  They pulled up in front of an immaculate white-painted building with
shaped topiary trees positioned either side of the entrance. Across the road, the ocean shimmered in the sun. Erin climbed out of the jeep, and took a deep breath of the fresh sea air before following Jack inside.

  The scene which greeted her as she walked in to the air-conditioned foyer, took her breath away. Without a doubt, this was the poshest hotel she had ever stepped foot in. Shiny white polished floors dared her to walk on them in her dirty shoes. A huge sweeping staircase with a white banister curved up to the next floor like it was the stairway to heaven. Spot lights shone down on her from the high ceiling and huge archways were built into the walls leading to the lounge, bar and dining room. Erin walked to the mahogany check-in desk where a smiling receptionist was waiting.

  ‘Welcome to the Seabeach. Can I have your name please?’

  ‘Erin Turnbull.’

  The receptionist jabbed at the keyboard on the computer, and then handed Erin a key-card.

  ‘All booked in. Room 305 is on the third floor. I hope you have a pleasurable stay.’

  Erin took the key and moved towards the staircase, but Jack stopped her.

  ‘The lift is over here,’ he said, pointing to a pair of shiny silver doors. ‘You can take the stairs if you want, but I am not lugging this case up after you.’

  Erin laughed, ‘Sorry, I forgot about my case. I can take it from here if you have other things to do.’

  ‘No it’s okay. I will show you up to your room, so you don’t get lost.’

  The lift zoomed up the three flights, the doors slid open and Jack escorted her down the corridor to a door at the far end. He pushed opened the door revealing a stunningly decorated suite. Erin was in awe; the room was bright and airy, decorated in neutral colours, modern, but retaining original features.

  A king-size bed dominated the middle of the floor, decked out with crisp white sheets and a royal blue duvet set. A wardrobe and desk were strategically placed to the side of the room. Pictures of modern art hung on the fresh white walls either side of a flat screen television. Cornices added a decorative touch to the top of the walls, and an intricate ceiling rose circled the light fitting.

  Erin strolled into the spacious and elegant bathroom. A white suite was positioned on top of a grey tiled floor, and a wall of frosted glass blocks separated the shower from the rest of the room.

  ‘Is it to your liking?’ Jack’s voice called out from the other room.

  Erin wandered back through, ‘Oh yes, it is perfect.’

  ‘Good. Dinner will be served in the dining room from six o clock until nine. After that snacks will be available from the bar. Enjoy your stay.’ Jack said, as he opened the door to leave. ‘If you need anything, ring reception, and they will help you.’

  ‘Thank you for your help. I think I am going to love it here.’ Erin said and closed the door behind him.

  Erin sat down on the huge bed, unsure of what to do next. Her eyes darted around the room and landed on her suitcase. Should she unpack, or be a rebel and live out of the suitcase for two weeks. Not up to sorting her clothes, Erin wandered over to the window, and was surprised to find it was actually a glass door leading out to a small balcony. Opening it, she stepped outside, the warm air in direct contrast to the air-conditioned room. A round, metal table had been placed to the side with two chairs.

  ‘Oh, how lovely.’ Erin said aloud, gasping at the magnificent view. Gazing out over the horizon to where the yellow sandy beach joined the bright blue sea, she sighed. ‘This is the life, I could get used to this.’

  She had been lucky enough to be allocated a south facing room with an ocean view. Leaning against the balustrade, she stood fascinated as the tourists walked along the promenade below. Some holding hands, others carrying bags of souvenirs and juggling ice-creams. The other side of the promenade wall, kids squealed and giggled as they ran around the beach, building sandcastles, paddling their feet in the blue sea and splashing each other in play. Everything was happening in slow motion, like time was standing still.

  Erin smiled and wished she could bottle up what she was feeling at that moment. She had never felt more relaxed than she was right then.

  Suddenly remembering that she had promised to call Lily, she took out her phone and dialled. Lily answered on the fourth ring.

  ‘Hi mum. Did everything go alright?’

  ‘Hello darling. Yes, the flight went well, and I am safely in the hotel now.’

  ‘What is it like?’

  ‘Lovely, ultra-posh and my room has a sea view. I will take a picture and send it to you.’

  ‘That would be nice. I am relieved you arrived in one piece. Enjoy yourself and be safe.’

  ‘I will. Love you, speak to you in the week. Bye.

  She hung up, and glanced at her watch, and discovered it was almost time for supper. The dining room would open soon, but she wanted to shower and change first as she was a tad grubby after her journey.

  The shower cubicle was big enough to fit two people, and Erin’s muscles sagged as the hot water rained down on her. She stepped out and wrapped herself in one of the fluffy towels, her pink skin was bright against the whiteness of the towel. Rummaging in her suitcase she pulled out a flowery summer dress and a pair of low heels.

  Freshly clothed and smelling a bit more people friendly, she walked nervously into the dining room, her heels clicking on the polished floor. It was still early, and the room was empty apart from an elderly couple in the corner. A young man wearing a white shirt and black trousers came to greet her.

  'Good evening. I am Ben, and I will be waiting on you today. Let me show you to your table.'

  The dining room was large, with windows at either side overlooking both the front and rear of the hotel. The waiter seated Erin at a table facing the rear patio, which was crammed with sun-loungers and bright coloured umbrellas. A kidney shaped swimming pool was positioned in the centre and the water glistened in the sunlight.

  ‘Can I get you something to drink?’ Ben asked as he handed her a menu.

  ‘Yes, a glass of house white wine please.’

  The waiter disappeared and Erin opened the menu. Her hand came up to her chest in shock.

  ‘My god, look at these prices!’ she thought, wondering if she should sneak out and go and find somewhere cheaper. After the initial shock died down, she decided to eat at the hotel and find somewhere else to eat for the remainder of her stay. ‘I am on holiday after all.’

  Ben re-appeared at her side and placed a wine glass in front of her. ‘Are you ready to order?’

  ‘It all looks delicious. What do you recommend?’ she hedged, hoping he wouldn’t suggest the most expensive thing on the menu.

  ‘The lobster and beef are both excellent,’ he said.

  ‘I will have the beef. Thank you.’

  Lobster sounded too exotic, and she had never been overly fond of seafood.

  Uncomfortable sitting on her own, she reached into her handbag and pulled out her notebook and a pen.

  ‘Might as well write some blog notes while I wait,’ she thought.

  Opening the book to a new page she started making headlines; 1. Airport, 2. Airline and flight, 3. Accommodation, 4. Food, 5. Tourist attractions.

  Putting the tip of the pen to her mouth she pondered the first section, then started writing. Her pen flew over the page, and soon she had enough information for the first two sections.

  The airport was easy to find and visibly signposted. The taxi rank was positioned close to the departure area so the walk was short. Inside, the airport was clean and well lit. The staff were professional and friendly. Outlets and public conveniences were easily accessible and everything was clearly marked. Arrows plainly showed the route from baggage drop and check in right through to the gate.

  Slight delay on the flight, but it could have been a knock on effect from another airline, or a problem with the airport so can’t say too much about that. Passengers were well-informed and kept updated. The cabin crew were neatly dressed, friendly and helpful. The ae
roplane was comfortable with plenty of leg room. Flight?

  Erin stopped writing and laughed out loud, the less said about the flight the better. So, in the end she wrote one word; uneventful.

  Out of the corner of her eye she spied the waiter heading in her direction. He placed a plate of food in front of her and discreetly backed away, leaving her to eat in peace. Erin stared down at the plate in bewilderment. A small piece of beef was positioned upon a blob of mashed potato, a handful of skinny green beans were placed at the side and some fancy sauce was drizzled over the plate. Where was the rest of it? Was there more to come? Surely they didn’t think this tiny portion was going to fill her up, and to charge such extortionist prices as well. This wasn’t going to receive a five star review on her blog.

  Not wanting to make a fuss on her first night, Erin picked up her cutlery, cut into the meat and popped it in her mouth. Immediately she changed her decision, and her eyes rolled back in her head as she savoured the mouth-watering taste. This was the best beef she had ever eaten. The vegetables were cooked to perfection and the sauce, although not something she would have chosen, suited the dish perfectly.

  Erin popped the last morsel in her mouth and sat back rubbing her belly, the meal had been deceiving, it might have looked small, but it was very filling. In her notebook she wrote: food 10/10.

  Later that evening, she sat in the spacious comfy bed yawning as she typed up her notes. So far the trip was going well. Nothing had gone wrong. She flicked the light switch off and snuggled down. Tomorrow was another day, and she was looking forward to it immensely.

  Chapter 8

  Early the next morning, Erin ate a quick breakfast and then decided to go exploring. Dressed casually in blue denim shorts and a white t-shirt, a pair of sandals on her feet and knock-off designer sunglasses shielding her face, she set off along the promenade. It was ten o clock on Sunday morning, and apart from the odd dog walker and fitness enthusiast out for a run, the beach was deserted. A set of concrete steps separated the path from the sand, and Erin descended them on to the empty beach.