by Bethan Lewis
The waiter arrived with a plate of steaming hot food, and she munched her way through as if she hadn’t eaten in a week. As she ate, she tried to decide what to do that day. Pushing her empty plate to the side, she pulled out the batch of tourist attraction leaflets that she had picked up from the reception desk as she passed. Sifting through, she separated them into three piles; want to visit, maybe, and not interested. She worked her way through until she made a decision.
Erin loved history, and enjoyed visiting historical monuments and museums. There was a castle sitting on an island, half a mile off the coastline that looked interesting. The leaflet stated the boat ride was short and the fare not too expensive.
She drained her cup, pushed back her chair, and hurried up to her room to change. Scrutinising her reflection she noted that her sunburn was indeed less prominent. Even so, she thought it best to cover up, so she tugged on a long flowing red skirt with white dots on, a thin, white, long-sleeved blouse and a pair of sandals. Grabbing her oversized shoulder bag she placed her sunglasses and camera inside, along with a light-weight cardigan, sun cream and a bottle of water, today she would be prepared. After placing a wide-brimmed sun hat on her head she twirled in front of the mirror. Yes, she looked every inch a chic tourist.
Erin arrived at the slipway in plenty of time to catch the ferry. After buying her ticket she joined the small queue waiting to board the vessel. The boat rocked a little as she stepped aboard, and Erin struggled to retain her footing. She grabbed at the wooden seat for support and lowered her body down. As she sat down she could still feel the gentle sway as the boat bobbed up and down. The engine roared into life, and they chugged away from the slip
It was a lovely day, the sun was shining and the sky was bright blue, without a cloud in sight. As she leaned out of the window a pleasant sea breeze blew against her face, and every now and again spray from the water rained down on her.
The sea was calm, and soon they reached the island. The imposing castle dominated the skyline, casting shadows on the beach below. Excitement welled inside Erin as they docked at the tiny jetty.
She disembarked on legs that wobbled like jelly, and she gripped the hand rail wishing her sea legs to go away. Following the other passengers, Erin made her way up the cobbled slipway towards the castle gateway. She paid the entrance fee, then gathered with the rest of the tourists as they waited for their tour guide to arrive.
An elderly man with a bushy grey beard, and dressed in a soldiers costume approached them.
'Welcome to Elizabeth Island. I am Captain Edwin Thomas,' he announced in a loud booming voice. 'The tour will last approximately an hour. If you have any questions as we go around, don’t hesitate to stop me and ask.'
As he led them around the fortifications he explained, in lengthy detail, every aspect of the 16th century castle, and how it had been used during the Battle of Jersey and the English Civil War. Erin grew restless, she usually avoided guided tours and much preferred to go wandering by herself. Glancing around for an escape route, she wondered if she could sneak away. As she turned back, she caught Edwin’s eye. Was he able to read her mind? The glare he gave her in return challenged her to walk away from the tour.
Erin sighed, it couldn’t go on much longer. They continued around until they came to the parade area where a re-enactment company were lined up clad in full military garb. Their white trousers, and navy coats with red and yellow banding were immaculate. They saluted as the group passed. The guide waved the spectators to the side, behind a barrier. Erin was intrigued. What was happening? In one swift move the soldiers turned to face the cannons.
‘Stand back!’ the lead soldier shouted. ‘Ready! Fire!’
Erin’s hands flew to her ears as a loud bang reverberated through the air. The noise was deafening, and the ground beneath her feet shuddered. Plumes of white smoke surrounded them, and she coughed uncontrollably. This was her first experience of gun fire and it wasn’t an event she was keen to repeat.
'Right folks, the tour is now ended. Thanks for taking part. You are now free to explore at your leisure.' Edwin lifted his hat from his head, and executed a bow.
Erin wandered off to the militia museum which housed the historical exhibitions, then she stopped at the tea room for refreshments, before climbing the steep stairs to the top of the mount.
The view from the summit was breath taking and Erin could see for miles in all directions. She removed her camera from her bag and started snapping at the magnificent scene in front of her. Directly across from the island was the busy harbour town of St Helier, buildings of all shapes and sizes lined the waterfront, and squinting into the distance, she caught sight of her hotel. To the left was a long golden beach, and beyond, trees covered the landscape interspersed with houses. She rotated on her heel and, was greeted by the vast expanse of water. The sea glittered in the sunlight and waves lapped gently against the rocks of the islet. A cargo ship sailed along the horizon, and speed boats raced through the water sending up large amounts of spray behind.
‘Beautiful isn’t it?’ a croaky voice said at her side.
Erin turned and smiled at the elderly lady, who stood leaning on her walking stick for support.
‘It is lovely,’ Erin agreed.
‘My husband Arthur, and myself have been coming to Jersey every year for the last twenty years. That is him down there.’ She pointed to a thin, fragile grey-haired gentleman sitting patiently on a bench at the bottom of the steps. ‘He can’t climb up here anymore, but old age isn’t going to stop me,’ she said with a twinkle in her eye. ‘Have you been here before?’
‘No. This is my first time. I arrived at the weekend,’ Erin replied.
‘I was born in Jersey, but was evacuated during World War 2. I was only seven years old when we left, but I still have fond memories of life here before the war.’ Her eyes became glazed as she remembered. Coming back to the present, she placed a wrinkled hand on Erin’s arm. ‘It’s my birthday today. I never thought I would see the day, but here I am at the ripe old age of eighty.’
‘Oh wow,’ Erin exclaimed. ‘Happy birthday.’
‘Thank you dear. Do you like history?’
‘Yes I do. I enjoy visiting places like this and reading up on how life was years ago.’
‘You should visit the war tunnels before you leave. They are well worth a trip.’
‘I might do that, thanks for the recommendation.’ A movement in the water caught her eye and Erin recognised the ferry as it returned to the island. ‘Our ride is on its way back.’
‘I should return to my husband,’ the old lady said.
Erin helped her down the stairs, said a quick hello to Arthur and raced down to the gift shop to buy some souvenirs for the kids and Megan. In a corner of the shop was an ice cream stand and unable to resist, Erin bought herself a vanilla cone; well it wouldn’t be a holiday without an ice cream.
She walked down the cobbled slipway savouring the creamy texture as it melted in her mouth. Sat on the wall, licking her ice cream, she waited with the other passengers until their transport arrived.
Climbing aboard, Erin settled into her seat, and nodded in recognition at the elderly couple as they took the seat opposite her. The boat was fuller on the return journey; a harassed looking couple with a screaming baby got on, and a group of noisy teenage boys had seated themselves a few rows in front of her. In an attempt to ignore them, Erin gazed out of the open window as the boat got underway. The weather had changed; the sun had disappeared, the sky had clouded over and a brisk wind was blowing, making the waters choppy. The sea swelled and the boat lurched, as an unexpected wave knocked it sideways.
‘Aargh!’ Erin shrieked as the cold seawater came through the window, drenching her in seconds.
She gawped at her sodden clothes and groaned. ‘Not the best day to wear a white blouse,’ she thought. The thin material had become completely transparent. The teenage boys heard her shriek, and jeered at her from the other side of the boat. Her face flamed as she pull
ed the cardigan out of her bag. There was no way she was going to sit there for the remainder of the journey looking like a contestant for a wet t-shirt contest! Catching Arthur’s eye, he grinned and winked in her direction making her blush even more.
‘Stop it, you dirty old man!’ June scolded her husband. ‘You’re embarrassing the girl.’
Erin chuckled, able to see the funny side. If she had made an old man smile, then who was she to complain. They ferry docked, and the passengers disembarked.
Erin bid the couple goodbye, and walked along the promenade, deep in thought. Over the past few days she had really stepped out of her comfort zone. Going out by herself was a rarity, and she didn’t usually talk to strangers. Eating unaccompanied in a restaurant was something she never did, but somehow she had found the courage to do it. It may not be a big deal to anyone else, but Erin was proud of herself and everything she had accomplished over the last three days.
Still lost in her thoughts, she strode through the hotel lobby towards the lift. It was waiting up on the fourth floor, and she tapped her foot impatiently, eager to reach her room and change out of her wet clothes.
‘Hey Erin,’ a masculine voice said from behind her.
‘Why does his voice have to be so damn sexy?’ she thought to herself, before saying out loud, ‘Hi Dan.’
‘What happened to you?’ he asked, noticing the puddle which was forming at her feet.
‘I went for a boat ride, a wave hit us and this is the result,’ she said waving a hand dramatically down her body.
‘Do you fancy having dinner with me?’ he asked.
Taken aback Erin hesitated. Oh what the hell. ‘Um… yes, okay that would be nice.’
‘There’s a lovely restaurant down the road. About six thirty?’
‘Yes that is fine. Meet you down here.’
‘Looking forward to it,’ he grinned then walked off.
The lift pinged its arrival, and Erin stepped inside. What on earth was she going to wear? Was the restaurant posh or casual? She should have asked.
Hurrying into her room she tore through the suitcase, her clothes flying in all directions. She glanced at her wristwatch and saw she had over an hour; plenty of time. Opening her laptop, she logged into the video messaging app and dialled Megan. If anyone could help it would be her.
‘Hey Erin.’ Relief flooded her as Megan picked up. ‘How’s the holiday in Jersey going?’
‘Hi Meg. Everything is good. No time to tell you about it now though. I need your help with something.’
‘Go on. What’s wrong?’ Megan asked, her voice etched with concern.
‘Nothing to worry about. I have a dinner date, with the man I told you about.’
‘Ooh, how lovely,’ Megan interrupted. ‘Where is he taking you?’
‘Some restaurant down the road. He didn’t say if the place was fancy or not. I have no idea what to wear,’ Erin wailed in distress.
‘Ah I see,’ and judging by the expression on her face, she did understand. ‘Right, what outfits did you take? Hold them up, so I can help you make a decision.’
Erin grabbed a strappy sundress with a flower pattern and held it up for Megan’s perusal. Megan frowned on the other end of the camera, and shook her head. ‘Too casual.’
Next Erin held up a pair of black trousers and a silky blouse. ‘No, definitely not. You’re not in the office now.
Meg vetoed the next three outfits, and finally Erin dangled the new black shift dress with a red belt and a pair of red high-heeled shoes in front of the screen. Megan gave her a thumbs up. ‘Yes, that’s the one.’
‘Thanks Meg, you’re a life saver. Right, I better get ready. I will call later and tell you how it went.’
‘Okay, have an enjoyable evening,’ Megan winked. ‘Don’t do anything I wouldn’t’
Erin had the quickest shower in history, put on some makeup, brushed her long hair until it lay shining down her back and pulled on the dress and shoes. A black and red beaded bracelet and a silver necklace completed the outfit. Twirling in front of the mirror she nodded; once again Megan had been spot on.
With five minutes to spare, she grabbed her handbag and rushed down to the foyer. Dan was already there, pacing back and forth.
‘Hi. You scrub up nicely,’ he greeted her.
‘Hello. So do you,’ Erin replied, admiring his sleek black trousers, jacket and blue shirt.
‘Let’s go,’ he said taking her arm and leading her out of the door.
The restaurant, a converted public house was a short walk, and they soon arrived. Erin gasped as she walked in, glad she had listened to Meg and gone with her current outfit. The place was posh. Dimly lit, with flower centre pieces and glowing candles on each table, the room oozed romance. A huge glass window covered the entire back wall and looked out over the ocean. The view was like a picture postcard.
The waiter seated them at a small table next to the window, handed them each a menu and discreetly backed away while they made their choice. A complimentary glass of wine appeared before them and Erin took a sip. Her face screwed up in revulsion, the dark red wine was bitter and left a metallic aftertaste in her mouth, but it was free, so she wasn’t going to complain.
‘This place is lovely. Have you been here before?’ Erin asked.
‘Yes it’s one of my favourite places to eat when I am over here,’ Dan said, looking up from the menu.
‘So what do you recommend?’
‘Oysters to start? Then the steak with the au poivre sauce. You’re not vegetarian are you?’
‘No, not vegetarian.’ Oysters were on her bucket list; should she be adventurous? She scrutinised the menu a few seconds more, then placed it on the table in front her. ‘I think I will go with your suggestion.’
The waiter, who had been hovering at the side of the room, came over and took their order. Erin picked up her glass and took another tiny sip, not wanting to rush it in case it went to her head, and she said or did something silly to embarrass herself.
The waiter returned carrying a huge white plate filled with ice and a half lemon in the middle. Placed in a circle around the plate were six oysters. Erin stared at them, unsure how she was supposed to eat them.
‘You have never had oysters before, have you?’ Dan asked, and she shook her head in response. ‘Squeeze some lemon juice over the top. Pick it up, and run your fork inside to detach the oyster from the shell, then slurp it and chew it twice before you swallow.’
Erin did as Dan suggested and picked up the shell. She eyed it with suspicion, it looked slimy and undesirable. Oysters were on her list, so she had to try at least one, she thought to herself. She brought the shell up to her mouth and tipped it in. She bit into the oyster and chewed. It was nothing like she had expected it to be. It was much worse. It had a gooey texture and a salty, metallic tang. Erin wanted nothing more than to spit it out, but she carried on chewing, her body trying desperately for her not to swallow. Her throat felt swollen and her stomach heaved.
‘Erin? Are you going to swallow it?’
‘In a minute,’ she said, her mouth still full. ‘Savouring the flavour.’
She picked up her wine glass and took a sip, and eventually the seafood slid down her throat. Dan gestured for her to have another, but she shook her head. ‘Think I will save myself for the main meal.’
Dan grinned and helped himself to two more, knowing exactly why she had refused another serving. Waving the waiter over, he indicated that they had finished.
‘We are ready for our main course now,’ Dan said and the waiter disappeared into the kitchen.
The steak dinner was much more edible and Erin cleared her plate, although she doubted her insides would ever recover from the hideous thing she had consumed.
‘That was delicious,’ Dan said to the waiter, as he cleared the table. ‘Thank you.’
‘So Dan, tell me about yourself. What kind of doctor are you? What’s your speciality?’ Erin probed as soon as they were alone.
&nbs
p; He hesitated for a second before answering. ‘I am a plastic surgeon.’
A plastic surgeon? Erin was a bit taken aback. So he wasn’t a real doctor after all.
‘I am a qualified doctor,’ Dan said seeing the surprise register on her face. ‘It’s why I am over here actually. I am doing a procedure at the hospital tomorrow. You are shocked?’
‘I am a little, that’s the last thing I expected you to come out with. So it’s all breast implants, tummy tucks and face lifts?’
‘Hey, if you want I can give you a nip and tuck. Could even swing for a discount,’ he joked.
Erin gawped at him. ‘Do you think I need cosmetic surgery?’
‘You look fantastic for your age.’ For her age? How old did he think she was? ‘We all need a little help as we get older. Unfortunately, you have reached a point in your life where you need to start looking after yourself more. If we look young, we stay young, is my motto.’
Flabbergasted, Erin did not know how to respond. ‘So, what would you do to me?’
‘Oh, not much. Sort out the crow eyes, a bit of liposuction here and there,’ Dan said with a twinkle in his eye.
That was awfully specific. Erin wiped her mouth and threw down her napkin. She was fuming. All the while he was being charming to her, he was just trying to drum up business and make a sale. Erin pushed her chair back, she wasn’t going to sit there and allow him to insult her.
‘Is that what you want? Someone you can shape and mould into your perfect woman? Well keep looking, because it’s not going to be me,’ she said.
Dan sat with a stunned expression on his face, as Erin stalked from the room. He called out, but she ignored him.
What she needed more than anything, was fresh air. She stepped out on to the patio and leaned against the hand rail. Erin didn’t think she had ever been as angry as she was right then. How dare he?
‘Erin? Come back inside, please. I was only joking around,’ Dan said, placing a hand on her shoulder.
Not trusting herself to speak, Erin kept her back to him and continued to gaze out at the ocean. A mist was rolling inland off the sea, gathering speed as it neared. Within seconds the entire beach was shrouded in a dirty white blanket, but the fog didn’t stop, instead it crept forward and enveloped the terrace. The mist encased Erin, obscuring her vision.