Journey to Her Dreams

by Iris Blobel

  Murray leaned forward and gently kissed her on the forehead. “It’s good to have you back home.”

  “Thanks, Dad. Sleep well.”

  Hollie quickly ran up the stairs to check on her surprise. She couldn’t think of what Murray had given her. She was also puzzled as to why he hadn’t given it to her downstairs. Rushing into her lounge, she found a bunch of beautiful red roses. Hollie stepped closer. She couldn’t believe her eyes. Never had anybody given her red roses, not to mention so many. These couldn’t be from Murray. She found a little envelope and almost ripped it apart trying to open it.

  Hope you had a wonderful time hiking through nature. Look forward to your company again next weekend. J.

  Hollie sat down and smiled. She gazed at the roses for quite a while before she headed off to bed. A smile was still lingering on her face when she was already in a deep sleep.

  ****

  “So, what do you think of Ben?” Alex asked, avoiding Hollie’s eyes.

  “What do you mean, what do I think of Ben?” Hollie asked, slightly confused.

  Hollie hadn’t had a good sleep the previous night and was still tired. She was outside hanging up the washing when Alex began this puzzling conversation.

  “I mean, what do you think? As in, do you think he’s cute? As in, for more than just a friend?” Alex said carefully.

  Hollie stopped what she was doing and drew in her lips thoughtfully.

  Alex had arrived at the Anderson farm unusually late that morning, considering she had been invited for Murray’s bacon and eggs breakfast. She had rung Hollie, but had never given a reason. So when Alex all of a sudden got curious about Ben, Hollie was all ears.

  “I think Ben is a great guy, and has been for the last twenty years we’ve known him. Do you think you could actually tell me the reason for your suspicious questions? Not to mention the cheeky smile you can’t wipe off your face.”

  “It’s that obvious, eh?”

  “Now stop playing games and tell me. Has that anything to do with your odd behaviour in the car park at the gorge the other day?”

  “Well,” Alex paused. “Remember the night Jeremy gave you a lift home?”

  Hollie glared at her and avoided stating the obvious—that this question didn’t need to be answered.

  “Sorry. That was more a rhetorical question than anything else. Anyway, you might vaguely remember I was talking to Ben most of the night. We talked about everything and nothing, the way we always do. I gave him a lift home and—” Alex hesitated.

  Hollie looked through the washing. “And what?” she asked.

  “You know. We did…you know,” Alex said.

  “You did what?” Hollie asked, confused.

  “For heaven’s sake, Hollie. Just use your imagination for once. I didn’t just drop him off. There was a lot of kissing.” Pausing for a minute, she added, “But we didn’t take it further, because…well…”

  “Oh,” was all Hollie was able to say.

  Alex laughed at Hollie’s expression. “Honestly, Hollie. Sometimes I wonder whether you were raised by nuns.”

  Hollie poked her tongue out at Alex, which made Alex laugh even more.

  “Okay, okay. I get the point. But why didn’t you tell me last week while we were camping?” Hollie asked. “I told you all about Jeremy.”

  Alex picked up a T-shirt and pegged it onto the clothesline. Without glancing at Hollie, she said, “I hadn’t heard from Ben. We didn’t sleep with each other, but had lots of snogging going on. I just wasn’t sure…you know…just was a bit worried how he’d take it. As in, take it that I want to wait. After all, he had been a little drunk. I was just too embarrassed to tell you.”

  “And you kept this all to yourself? Look at me when I talk to you, Alexandra Rose Cayhall. Here I am telling you everything, and I mean everything, and you just keep this to yourself.”

  “Don’t call me Rose. I don’t like that name. I told you I was embarrassed, okay? And you had something else on your mind.”

  Hollie gave her a gentle nudge against the shoulder. “Never, ever think again that I would not have enough time for you. We’re friends. Best friends. Come on, Alex, you’re like my sister—only better.” A smile twitched at the corners of her mouth as she took Alex into her arms.

  Alex gently pushed Hollie away. “Now get off your big horse. All seems to be okay now. Ben came over this morning. That’s why I was late.”

  “And?”

  “He was so cute. So nice. I discovered a completely different side to Ben. And I like it.” A light twinkled in Alex’s eyes. “I think I can sort of officially say I’ve got a boyfriend.”

  A smile spread over Hollie’s face, knowing Alex had longed for this for such a long time. She had known Ben since kindergarten as well, and she knew the two would make a great couple. Though Ben was often a magnet for chaos, he was a great friend who was always there when needed. And from what Hollie had heard through the pipelines, he was an extremely popular teacher with the students at the primary school. A thought crossed her mind—Let’s hope Alex can do something about his sense of fashion, though.

  “Anyway,” Alex said, giving Hollie a pair of wet pants and some pegs. “I’ll need you to come to the club tonight, so I don’t have to walk in there on my own.”

  “But you’ve never had a problem going there on your own before.”

  “I’ve never had a boyfriend before.”

  Hollie tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Okay, blame it on the nuns, but I actually don’t see the difference.”

  “I do. I told everyone else I’m not coming because I’m too tired. Now all of a sudden I show up. You’ve got to agree it comes across a bit desperate, doesn’t it?”

  Hollie needed a few seconds to ponder it. She didn’t understand the logic at all. In fact, it was beyond her. Yet, she agreed, as long as she was the designated driver, and they could call it an early night.

  “I’m desperate for a good sleep.”

  “I thought you didn’t have any of those nasty dreams when we were camping.”

  “Thank goodness, no, I didn’t. But hello, Miss Super Fit, can you by any chance remember what time you dropped me off last night? I hardly had any sleep.”

  Alex laughed. “See, I keep telling you, you should join me at the gym. What about a sleep-in?”

  “Jeremy’s coming tomorrow to help me with the job application,” Hollie said, almost in a whisper.

  Alex’s eyes opened wide. “Did I just hear that right?”

  Hollie’s whole face spread into a smile.

  “Goodness gracious. That must’ve been a great lunch,” Alex teased her.

  “Stop it! He’s got some experience with that stuff, so I’m going to take advantage of his help.”

  Alex handed Hollie the last piece of washing. “Don’t get all uptight about it. I think it’s great. And if all that comes out of it is you getting this job, it was well worth trying the…what was that ham called again? You know, sort of like ham, kind of ham.”

  The two friends burst into laughter. They finished hanging up the washing before heading back into the house.

  ****

  Jeremy asked her for the next dance as soon as the music slowed down. Guiding her onto the dance floor, he gently pulled her closer as he laid his hand on her waist. Hollie enjoyed his nearness. She liked the scent of his cologne, and the way she was able to follow his moves as he led her to the song.

  He leaned in closer and whispered in her ear. ”I’m looking forward to seeing you again tomorrow.”

  Hollie smiled. She was excited about the next day also, but enjoying the moment as she was, she said nothing. She tilted her head up to meet his eyes.

  Pulling her even closer, Jeremy said softly, “I’m sure you figured out by now I like you. I like spending time with you. In fact, I am thoroughly enjoying this dance with you.”

  “You certainly know how to make a girl blush, don’t you?” Her gaze lingered on him. “I like you, too.”


  Jeremy touched her lips with his, gently, and then eyed her for a moment in silence.

  “Sorry, I couldn’t resist.”

  Hollie’s heartbeat pounded loudly through her head. She tilted her head back to meet his eyes and noticed a tingling in the pit of her stomach. Though she had enjoyed that brief moment, she was relieved when the song finished, and they both walked back to the group, hand in hand and with Hollie in a daze.

  She didn’t stay much longer. Her tiredness was kicking in big time, not to mention her sore legs from all the walking she had done the previous week.

  Alex and Ben were on the dance floor. They seemed to be engulfed in each other and were perfectly suited. She remembered Ben had been the one who was able to get everyone laughing. And thinking about it, so was Alex, in a more eloquent way. Ben was always shrugged off because he was known for his nonstop humour, which Hollie thought was a shame. He looked great with his short blond hair, the few freckles on his face and the sinewy body hidden under the oversized T-shirt. Even in a crowd, his presence was obvious with his ability to charm everyone. In fact, she couldn’t remember ever seeing Ben dancing. He must be serious about Alex.

  Hollie was grateful that Alex had convinced her to come, though she still wondered about the logic. She had enjoyed the dance with Jeremy and loved his company. He stayed close by throughout the night, though giving her some space when appropriate.

  “How was your trip to the mountains, Hollie?” Davo asked as he placed his arm over her shoulders.

  “Great, but terribly tiring.”

  “Not for Alex, it seems.” Davo and Hollie both smiled. She knew exactly what he meant.

  Hollie’s eyelids grew heavier by the minute, and she found it quite painful to stand up much longer. When Alex told her with a big smile that Ben would give her a lift home, she was happy for more than one reason. Hollie said her goodbyes and went over to Jeremy.

  “Sorry, but I’m absolutely exhausted. I better go home.”

  “No worries. I understand. What time would you like me to come over?”

  “How about after lunch? That gives me some time to have a good sleep and get prepared.”

  Jeremy pulled Hollie closer, his breath warm against her neck. Her sore legs went weak. Just don’t faint. Just. Do. Not. Faint. Hollie.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow then. Are you sure you don’t want me to bring any lunch?” Jeremy said, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

  Hollie shook her head. “No, thanks. I’d probably sit and eat all afternoon, instead of concentrating on the work. I'll see you tomorrow.”

  Chapter Eleven

  “Sam? What are you doing here?”

  “Hi, Claire. Can I come in?”

  Her friend moved back and held the door open fully to allow Sam to enter. “Sorry. Of course. Come in.”

  “I hope my visit isn't inconvenient for you.”

  Claire ran her hand through her hair as she observed her friend for a few moments. Sam’s struggle with emotions must’ve been obvious. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw her reflection in a mirror and the glazed look of despair beginning to spread over her face as she fought back her tears.

  She bit her lip and gladly accepted her friend’s embrace. Sam needed that hug desperately. The two women just stood there for a while before Sam moved away. Tears of anguish welled up in her eyes, and she wiped them away with the back of her hand. She noticed the smudge of makeup on her hand and assumed the previously well-covered bruises would now be obvious.

  “I'll make us a hot drink.”

  Sam nodded thankfully. Her eyes browsing through the room, Sam had once wondered how Claire could be happy in this small place, but today, the small rooms gave her a security she hadn’t been able to find in all those days since they had come back from Cork. Though she had been to Claire’s place a few times, she took in every painting, every photo, and every piece of furniture as if seeing them for the first time. Her friend’s choice of decoration had been more influenced by practicality and finance than appearance. Sam picked up a frame with a photo of both of them that had been taken while they’d been skiing in Austria a few years earlier.

  “Sam. It’s quite obvious what’s happened.” Claire handed her a hot chocolate and took a seat on the couch.

  Sam wrapped her hands around the hot chocolate. “Thanks,” she whispered, avoiding Claire’s eyes.

  “Do you feel like talking?”

  Trying to swallow the lump in her throat, Sam took a deep breath as her gaze turned towards the window. Restless, she stood and walked over.

  “I love it when it snows in Dublin. It’s so rare. Everything seems so peaceful.”

  “Snowflakes are the perfect accessories to your winter, they say.”

  Helplessness creased Sam’s face. “I don’t know what to do. I do love Padraic. He cares for me, makes me happy, spoils me with jewellery, and then—”

  “And then he hits you.”

  Sam shot her a glare. “He doesn’t. Well—”

  Claire’s eyebrows furrowed. “He doesn’t. Okay. I’ll assume the bruise on your cheek is a hickey then, Sam.”

  Sam sipped a bit of her hot chocolate while gazing out of the window again. Deep inside, she knew her friend was right. Something had to change, but change scared her and, in her eyes, fear was poisonous.

  “What am I supposed to do, Claire?”

  “Sam, I know appearance, money, career, and not to forget the jewellery are important to you, so it’s a bit awkward to give you advice. Padraic and I are not on the best of terms, to say the least. He’s upper-class and I’m from the west.”

  Sam moved her head from side to side. “That’s not true.”

  “It certainly is, and you know it.” Claire met her friend’s eyes. “I mean, obviously, I don’t know what goes on behind closed doors, but it is just as obvious to me that something’s not right. You’ve lost a lot of weight. Not to mention the amount of makeup you’re wearing to cover up certain flaws. Have you ever considered leaving him?” she asked just above a whisper.

  Sam stared at her then said, “Where would I go?”

  “We’ve known each other for a long time now. I kinda have an idea how you tick. Success is everything. Failure is not an option.” Claire turned her head to face her friend. “You’re not failing if you leave your husband. If leaving is one step too far ahead, both of you need to seek professional help.”

  A silence hung in the air.

  “Sam?”

  Sam’s eyes caught the snow outside of the window again. “Padraic’s not a bad person, you know. It’s his drinking.”

  “I’m sorry, but in my opinion, drinking is no excuse for what he’s doing. Also, do I have to mention he’s not coming with you over Christmas to celebrate with your parents and, yet again, you’ll spend New Year’s Eve on your own?”

  “He doesn’t get along with Mum and Dad. I understand.”

  “No, you do not understand. You actually enjoy the break away from him.”

  “That’s not true. No wonder you two don’t get along. You don’t even know him.”

  Claire stood and moved to Sam’s side. “Would you like to stay here for a few days?”

  Sam shook her head. “I don’t think that would help the situation. I'll have to have a good think about what to do when I’m with Mum and Dad.”

  “Will you be able to talk to them?”

  Sam’s faint smile held a touch of sadness. “I don’t think so. If Dad hears that Padraic…you know—”

  “Hits you,” Claire finished the sentence nonchalantly.

  Placing the cup on the table, Sam said, “I think I've had enough of this.”

  “Hey, I’m only trying to help.”

  With slightly furrowed eyebrows, Sam shot her friend a glare. “By accusing Padraic of something you don’t know anything about?”

  Claire sighed, probably in an attempt to stay calm. “I suppose there’ll be more jewellery tonight. Don’t the rings and necklaces come at
a high price?”

  Sam shook her head in disbelief. “I’d better go.”

  “I sincerely hope you get some rest at your parents’ place. Perhaps you’ll be able to talk to your dad.”

  There was a bitter laugh. “If Dad finds out, he’ll have a fit and it’d worsen his health. He’s never been fond of Padraic. He doesn’t understand that he is a caring person.”

  “Sorry, Sam, I seem to miss that part as well.”

  Sam’s eyes narrowed with irritation. “He honestly is. It’s just when he has that one glass too many everything turns sour.” Staring past her friend, she said, “I’d better go. I’m sorry to have bothered you with this. I truly am.”

  “You’re being silly now. Stay and have the rest of your cuppa. You don’t have to go through this on your own.”

  Fighting back the tears, Sam grabbed her bag and jacket. “No, I’d better go. I think this is something I have to figure out myself.”

  This was ridiculous. It was her life, and she was supposed to be happy, successful, and married to a gorgeous man—and that was exactly how it was. Yes, there was a small dent in the whole picture, but nothing that couldn’t be fixed. How could she allow herself to lose self-control and let Claire in on all of this? Yes, she was her friend, but this was her problem and she had always been able to cope on her own.

  Sam rushed to her car before making her way home—determined to get her life back on track.

  Chapter Twelve

  Jeremy got out of the car and walked towards Murray. “So which year is the Ute?” he asked.

  “Oh, she’s a beauty. It’s my trusty 1963 Holden Ute. She’s been a good friend for a long time.”

  “Not many around anymore, are there?”

  “Not sure, young man. Hollie would like to see this one go, but she goes when I do.”

  “Some women don’t know what’s good when it comes to cars, do they?” Both men shared a laugh.