What If

by Ann Ritchie Domela

  Chapter 20

  Duncan Comes Home

  “It’s him!” Heather shouted to Linda Sue as she saw the truck and fifth wheel pull up in front of the shop.

  “Oh, was he to come home today?” her employer asked with a huge grin on her pretty face.

  “As if you didn’t know.

  “How could I suspect? How many outfits did you try on this morning? Is there anything left in the closet? Did you not rush to get in here at the crack of dawn? Have you even picked up a paintbrush? Have your eyes even left the window watching for him?”

  “Well he did call.”

  “He’s called every night for the past week and a half. What did he give you? An inch by inch description of his drive down?”

  “No, he only let me know his traveling time for safety. If he didn’t call me any one night, I would know where he had been and his destination area. So I could notify the authorities if he was missing or something. It’s only a safety thing.”

  “Mhmm.” Linda Sue agreed, smiling. “Let me ask you one thing before he walks through that door. Is it Duncan you are excited about seeing or Ian?”

  Without hesitation, Heather replied, “Duncan.” And before she could say anymore, he walked in the door with a tremendous bouquet of lilacs.

  Heather smiled from ear to ear. She wouldn’t admit it at that time, but this was the first bouquet of flowers that she had ever received from anyone. This was something that Ian had never or would ever have done. “Thank you.” She took the flowers from him. “How was the trip?”

  Linda Sue laughed so hard, she could hardly contain herself. “How was the trip?” she repeated.

  “As if he hadn’t told you, as I said before, inch by inch. I bet you recall more of that trip than he does.”

  “Hush.”

  “The trip was great. As you know, I didn’t take the fifth wheel since I wanted to make it a relatively quick trip. But, it was great. I can hardly wait to take the slow journey up the coast and write about the wonderful things I saw. You would be amazed. There were the redwoods. There was a town you would both love. It is full of Victorian homes. Called Ferndale. I even ate at an old cookhouse near there. It was still almost as it was about a hundred years ago. Served good food family style. And the coast was gorgeous, much like it was in Scotland. Lots of rocky shores.

  There was a cave of Sea Lions that you could walk down to where you were right next to those noisy animals. And, a rain forest. Well, two, one small one for children full of dinosaur statues and another large one for adults to wander through.”

  “It all sounds so wonderful. When do you think you will be making this trip?” Heather was almost afraid to ask, fearing the answer.

  “Well. That’s hard to answer. I first have to do the Scottish Games in Los Angeles and some other towns. And, I have to consider the weather. I don’t mind driving in any kind of weather within reason. But, many of the campgrounds are closed in the winter. And the best time to get the tourist feel would be in late summer, early fall.”

  “That means you will be able to be here for a while?”

  “If that is what you want.” Duncan took her two hands in his. “I will be here a while.”

  Linda Sue looked at the two of them. Perhaps Ian was now only a memory for her friend. Perhaps she could go on with her life with Duncan. But, she thought, what if Heather was only caring for Duncan because of her lost love? Could the two of them make a good relationship without the haunting memories? As a friend, how could she approach Heather or should she even try? Perhaps she would just wait.

  “I thought you didn’t bring your fifth wheel up north,” she asked Duncan, indicating the vehicles.

  “Didn’t.” he answered. “I just thought I would move it to the Oceano Dunes area. There’s a nice park there and I love to walk the sand dunes, especially at night. Nothing like the ocean roar and I love the smell.”

  “Got reservations?”

  “Yup. I planned this before I left.”

  “Good. Now why don’t you get this girl off my hands for a while? Take her with you and get your place set up. She has been painting non-stop since you left. I soon won’t have any room on the walls or the room or the closet.”

  Duncan took Heather’s hand without asking if she wanted to go. He knew she did. In moments they were in the truck and off to the Dunes.

  “Where did you say we were going?”

  “Eventually, we will go to the Pacific Dunes RV Resort where I am setting up for a few weeks. It’s not too far from here. But first, I want to take you by a place near here that I think you will like.”

  “What is it?”

  “It’s just a spot by the cliffs where I believe you might enjoy setting up your easel and paint live on the spot”

  “Sounds wonderful. You say it is near here. How close?”

  “I’m not sure of the mileage, but I would say knowing how you Scots like to walk, close enough to walk and carry your equipment.”

  “I wonder why Linda Sue didn’t tell me about the place.”

  He drove along the road going by the ocean. “Probably, because she didn’t think about it.”

  Duncan stopped the truck next to a gazebo in a little park like area next to the water. The waves were crashing against the many large rocks in the water. It was a stunning sight. “So what do you think? Would this work out?”

  “It’s great. All nice and protection from the sun. Such a view! Yes, I love it.”

  “And if you want, there is a bench over there where you can sit and take photos of the Dinosaur Caves and the huge rock formation over there with all the sea gulls on it.”

  “How convenient to have the benches here for people to sit and enjoy the view.”

  “I believe they were put up by locals.” He said walking over to the one.

  “What makes you think that?”

  “This one, for instance. Look what it says on the plaque in back of the bench.”

  Heather walked around the bench and looked down. “Oh, it says, ‘In memory of Jocelyn Domela. She made the world a better place by her ideas.’ I wonder what that means. Someone must have loved her very much.”

  “So you think you might want to paint here some day. I can arrange to pick up a picnic lunch or get some sinful cinnamon rolls from a nearby Cinnamon Roll Shop.”

  “Sounds wonderful.”

  “When?”

  “I’ll check my calendar and we pick the first available date. Okay?”

  “Yes.” Duncan was so full of perfect ideas. So thoughtful and wonderful. Heather found she was really enjoying his company. “Now what?”

  I have to go by to pick up all my mail.”

  “Oh,” Heather thought about that for a minute. “You don’t just get your mail delivered. Do you? I mean the way you move about, they don’t know where you are. How do you do that?”

  “I have my mail sent to a post office box at this quaint old post office. Then when I call a friend, he goes in and picks it up for me. He sends it off to either the campground I am at, or if mail is not allowed, sends it to the local post office general delivery. But, when I am in the area, I pick it up for myself.”

  He turned off the street and headed toward the ocean. It seemed to be a nice neighborhood area. Past a grade school with children playing in the playground. Past a large hospital. Then he pulled up beside a small building. “Come on in with me. I’m sure you will love the place.”

  Heather got out of the truck and joined him. It did seem like an old store filled with unusual items. The lady that greeted him was blonde and quite attractive. What a warm beautiful smile. She talked to him as if he were a long lost friend. “Back again. You’ve not been gone so long this time. Ready for your mail?” she smiled as if she had some secret.

  “Sure, Suzy. Bring it on.” He too had an idea of what she showed on her face.

  She brought out several packages and placed them on the counter and turned around for some more. Again she placed many brown envelopes
on the counter. Duncan took as many as he could, excused himself and after putting them in the truck, came back for more. This time, she gave him a few plastic bags filled with mail. “Wait a minute. There is one more, a larger package. She placed that on the floor beside the counter.

  “Is that all?” he laughed.

  “For now.”

  Heather stared. “How long has it been since you picked up your mail?”

  “A week, I think.”

  Heather continued to stare. Her only comment was “wow” and “I don’t’ get that much mail in a month.”

  Duncan just laughed. “Why don’t you look about, especially at the art work on the walls while I try to get all this loaded in the fifth wheel? If I put it in the truck, you’ll never get in.”

  Heather nodded and started to look around. There were so many paintings to look at; none in her style, but very interesting. In moments, he joined her, said goodbye to Sue and escorted her back to the truck.

  “She seems so friendly.”

  “Yes, I’ve known her for a little while. I prefer this post office instead of the larger ones. Friendlier and no long lines. And would you believe; the post office is just one hundred years old? I have a friend who lives near here who has been a customer for many years.”

  “Now where are we going?”

  He started up the truck. “Now, the trailer resort.” Shortly, they were going past a theatre. “That’s the Melodrama.” He pointed it out. “Some night, I would love to take you there. They do the old style vaudeville shows. They’re always lots of fun. Of course, they are live. They have these small tables in the audience where you can have sodas and popcorn. And some food as well. After the shows, you can meet the players. I think you would like it.”

  “Sounds great. When can we go?” Heather was enthusiastic.

  “I’ll check the schedule and arrange for tickets. Is there any time not available?”

  “Nope. Any time is fine.”

  Then they turned left down a street even closer to the ocean, turned again and soon they were at the building where he would register for the resort. A nice woman greeted them and Duncan gave her his name and reservation number. It was called Pacific Dunes & RV Resort.

  “Hi, Debbie, how have you been?”

  “Doing fine as usual.” Apparently, Duncan had been here before.

  “Good to see you again. How about that spot you had before. You know the one at the top where you back in. it’s a great spot to catch the sunrise. I know you like that.”

  “I sure appreciate that. Nice of you to remember my preferences. Do you do that for all the guests?”

  “Whenever I can. All the guests are special.” She smiled. She was rather an attractive dark haired girl. Heather wondered if Duncan just friendly flirted with all the ladies.

  “Two adults,” she stated. “Any pets?”

  “No, and that is one adult. The lady is a guest.”

  The woman nodded and gave Duncan a packet including a map and space number. They went back to the truck.

  “She assigned me a space and this map tells me where it is. Some places have you drive around until you find the right place. Some assign.” He went through the open gate and drove up a slight hill. “This is a good spot near the dunes. Have you ever ridden a horse?” he asked, seeming to change the subject.

  “No, not ever.”

  “Would you like to learn?”

  “I’m not sure. Why?”

  “They rent horses here for rides along the beach. It’s something I love to do.”

  “I’ll give it some thought.”

  They pulled up to a campsite and Duncan proceeded to back up the fifth wheel. Within moments, he was situated. “You can just sit here while I set up.”

  “Can I watch?”

  “Sure.” He jumped out of the cab and assisted her. She stood by while he dropped the legs on the fifth wheel. Then he pulled away from the fifth wheel and began to level it by using a switch inside a small door on the side. Heather tried to stay out of his way. He was moving so fast. From another small door, he pulled out a long large black wire and plugged it into the receptacle on the post. Then he let down the jacks at the back and another switch brought the slide-out out. A few more adjustments and the fifth wheel was level. “All I have to do now is connect the water and turn on the propane.” He then looked at his watch. “I should have asked you to time me, but you can take my word. That was twelve minutes.”

  “Do you have to set up on a time schedule?”

  “No, but I like to be able to. I was once at a campground way above town in Oregon. There was a distant fire that kept coming closer and closer. We had been told that if it were dangerous, the rangers would notify us. Every day we would watch the helicopters drop water on the fire. Every night, we would watch from the campground golf course to see how close the fire was coming. So many campers were leaving until there were only about twenty of us. I couldn’t go into town, as I was afraid they might give the leave warning. I finally decided to go across the river to another campground. Just to see how long it took, I timed myself. I managed to get closed down and hooked up in eight minutes. Since then, I try to keep that in mind. When you camp near a forest, you can never know when you might have to pull up and go. I think I have it down pretty well.”

  “Don’t you worry about safety in floods, tornadoes or hurricanes?”

  “Not really. If I got some warning, I would just move on. Not many people can do that with a house.”

  “Right.”

  “Now, my fair lady, how about we go inside and I make us some lunch?”

  “You don’t have to do that.”

  “Yes I do. It is my intention to take you for a long walk on the dunes. And we can take some good photos for your art work.”

  “That will be great, but I didn’t bring my camera. I should have, but I didn’t know…”

  “I did and I do have two cameras ready.”

  “I’ll set the awning up later with a table and chairs for later meals, but for now, we’ll have to eat inside.” Duncan stepped aside and allowed her to precede him.

  “What can I do?” Heather was eager to help.

  “Nothing. Well, you can set up that card table and the two chairs. I’ll start heating things up.”

  “What’s for lunch?” she asked as she set the table up. “And where are the dishes?”

  He gestured toward the cabinet. “I decided that after seeing your healthy appetite at the ceileh, that I would get us some good old Scottish food.”

  “Wonderful. What is on the menu today?”

  “This time it is simple fare. I didn’t have much time to prepare a lot. I managed to make some stovies this morning. I know it’s just hamburger, onions and potatoes, but you do like it, don’t you?”

  “Yes, we had that a lot.”

  “And I did manage to make some mince meat cookies. Not much, I know, but I have been gone a while. Next time, I will go all out.”

  “I love what you said we could have, but really, I’m not used to a man cooking for me.”

  “You’re in America now. I know the old country, a woman’s place and all that. But I do love to cook when I can. If you want to cook for me sometime, that will be fine too. I bet you are a great cook.”

  “Not really. More adequate, I would say. But if there is something you like, I would give it a try.” She had the table all set while he was heating up the stovies.

  “I have soda, milk and coffee or tea. What is your pleasure?” He was placing a large bowl of their lunch entrée on the small card table.

  “Tea would be fine. I don’t want you to go to all the trouble of making a pot of coffee and I do prefer the tea.”

  “No trouble on the coffee. In fact, I have a coffee maker that will make two individual cups of different strengths at the same time and in fact, can make one cup of coffee and one cup of tea at the same time. I also have bags of gourmet-flavored coffee. I’m afraid I can be a bit decadent at times.”
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br />   They sat down to eat, both quite comfortable in their surroundings. As they began to enjoy the meal, Heather stopped to listen.

  “I can hear the ocean waves from here.” She said excitedly. “This is wonderful.”

  “That’s one of the reasons I chose this place. And the horses and the ability to walk in the sand. Nearby is the Marina Dunes. It’s where they are restoring the dunes. We can walk along the boardwalk there and see what they are doing to maintain the dunes. Time and too many people have almost ruined the area. When we go, we will be able to see the Gila flower, some Menzies wallflower and even some mock heather. There is so much more, I’m sure you will enjoy.”

  “I can hardly wait.” Heather looked at this handsome man. He may have looked like her Ian, but this man cared so much about the environment. Duncan was so thoughtful, so caring. And he cooked, she smiled to herself.

  “Why don’t we let the dishes go and we can take that walk along the dunes. I’ll clean up later after I have to take you home.”

  “There’s no rush to take me home. Let’s go.” She rose and he followed her out the door.

  The spring breeze greeted them as they walked on the sand. They could see and hear the nearby ocean just over the bluff. No one else was visible. Just the two of them. Without thinking, he reached for her hand. Automatically she placed her hand in his.

  They went through the fence opening. So many foot and dog prints in the sand. But no one was in sight. Perhaps the animal owners walked their dogs earlier in the morning. As they walked up the short slope there were less and less prints in the soft sand. There were several plants and brush on the low rises of sand. Nothing she could identify. When she turned to look back to the campground, there was nothing in sight.

  “What happened?” she asked Duncan.

  “Nothing. It’s still there. It is just over that rise.” He pointed to an area behind them. “I know it seems to have disappeared, but it is actually a little lower than we are and only obliterated by a hill. The area is deceptive.”

  “It sure is.” Heather turned around and looked across the dunes. It was beautiful, serene, but she felt as if she were lost in a vast desert. There were no prints in the sand. There were only the windblown ripples and little plant life. As she stared, she noted that even what had seemed one color of sand, was actually many shades. It was so surreal.

  “I suggest you never come out here alone,” Duncan took her hand. “After a little wind removing any prints, you won’t see any way to return to the campground.” He gestured with his arm all about. “There are no landmarks.”

  “I can hear something.”

  “Yes, that is the sound of traffic a little distance.”

  “Not the ocean?”

  “No, that is about a half mile away.”

  “Could we get lost here? Is it that vast?”

  “No, you might wander a little, but once you go over any rise, you will see the campground. It’s just that in the lower areas, nothing is visible. And…many, many people come up here often to walk the dogs and just enjoy the dunes.”

  “It is beautiful.”

  “That’s why I come here to this campground. And then I often rent a horse and go out on the beach. It gives me a feeling of, mastery. Sort of as if I am a master.”

  Now that is the Ian I know, she thought. But then he was so gentle in so many ways, he couldn’t be her Ian.

  Gently, he took her arm and led her back to the campground. As he said, within a few rises, they were able to see the entire campground.

  “Thank you,” she said. “I really enjoyed that.”

  “Thank you for joining me. It was a real pleasure to have your company. In fact, it has been a pleasure to have your company in many places.”

  She looked at him for a brief moment. Was there a bond growing between them or was it an old bond restoring itself?

  They went back to the fifth wheel, neither adding another word.