by J M Leitch
‘Tonight? You’ve got to be joking. I can’t be ready by tonight.’
‘Hey – why not?’
‘Well… I don’t know. I need to go shopping. I need a new bikini. New clothes.’
‘Buy them there.’
‘But… I… oh,’ she shook her head and frowned, ‘and why Bali? This is such a surprise.’
‘I booked a beautiful villa. It’s huge,’ he said flinging his arms in the air, ‘then we’ll spend the last couple of nights…’
‘A villa? Is someone else coming?’
A look of bewilderment crossed his face. ‘No. It’s just us.’ He took her hand. ‘The villa’s got the biggest bed I’ve ever…’
‘So you mean…’ she whispered.
‘Yes,’ he said leaning down to kiss her, ‘if it’s okay with you, that’s exactly what I mean.’
***
Carlos and Rebecca rode the early morning speedboat to a small island off the east coast of Bali, where they would spend the last two nights of their holiday. Late in the afternoon, after a day spent lazing around their private plunge pool, they showered and strolled along the walkway to the little resort’s restaurant. Sipping Margaritas at the bar they stared out, transfixed as wave after wave rolled in against the darkening sky.
A golden-haired teenager strolled up. ‘Ketut, have you seen Mum and Dad?’ she asked.
‘They left five minutes ago,’ the barman replied.
‘You’re English?’ Rebecca asked.
The girl smiled and nodded.
‘Perhaps you can help us. We want to eat at Scallywags tonight. Do you know where it is?’
‘Follow the little road and you’ll see it right on the beach. I was just there. The band’s setting up and later there’ll be a DJ. There’s a party tonight. It’ll be fun.’
‘You’ve got a lot of local knowledge,’ Carlos said.
The girl smiled again and the rays of the setting sun reflected in her eyes, tinting them the same golden colour as her hair. ‘My mum and dad have got a house here,’ she said.
‘Wow!’ Rebecca exclaimed. ‘Lucky you.’
‘Actually…’ she tilted her head to one side, ‘the party’s mine. It’s my birthday.’
Rebecca laughed. ‘Congratulations! How old are you?’
‘Fifteen.’
‘Fifteen! How lovely. Happy birthday…?’
‘… Grace,’ the girl said.
‘I still can’t get over how quickly the sun sets in the tropics.’ Rebecca took off her sunglasses and smiled at Carlos, who took her hand and kissed it.
‘Beccy, I’ve never been this happy before.’
She looked at him, eyes brimming with love. ‘Me too. I just wish I’d met you a long time ago. And I wish I could stop myself thinking about E-Day. Lately, I can’t put it out of my mind.’
‘Don’t worry about that querida. Not now. Not on holiday.’
‘I’m trying not to. But I find it so hard to believe what Zul says is going to happen will happen. And if it does? Well… it terrifies me just thinking about it.’
Carlos touched her cheek. ‘Nobody knows for sure. Even NASA hasn’t reached a conclusion. We just have to wait and see.’
‘You believe it. But why are you so sure you won’t evolve to fourth density? After everything you’ve done, everything you’ve fought for. I don’t get it.’
‘Because that’s what Zul said.’
‘But it doesn’t make sense. You’re doing more than anyone…’
‘Maybe it’s because I was too selfish for too long before. Maybe I haven’t worked out all that badness yet.’
Rebecca shook her head. ‘I can’t believe that.’
‘Look, I don’t know, okay? But there was something Astraea said. She talked like I could be a leader on the new planet – help make sure we don’t repeat the same terrible mistakes we made before. And that’s what I’m drawn to. That’s what I want to do. Set it up so we get it right next time. And I know I can do it. Perhaps that’s why I’m still entrenched in third density.’
Rebecca shrugged. ‘All I know is whatever does happen, I hope it happens to both of us. I don’t want you disappearing on me. And I don’t want to disappear on you. Not now we’ve found each other.’
‘And that’s what’s killing me. You’re such a sweet, good person. You think the best of everyone. You only ever want to help people.’
‘Oh Carlos…’
‘Volunteering like you did. And as for that old boyfriend. You suffered because you wanted to help him.’
Rebecca bowed her head.
‘Beccy, you are a good person and that’s what’s killing me. I’m scared that while I stay at third density, you’re going to evolve to the fourth.’
A nearly full moon lit their way as they strolled down the road to the restaurant. A big U-shaped table had been rigged up for party guests but the manager found Carlos and Rebecca a table for two, which looked out onto the bay where the waves tumbled over each other, churning up the golden sand.
‘This spot is paradise,’ Rebecca sighed, ‘and the food is delicious. I wish we could stay longer.’
‘I’m sorry querida. I shouldn’t be on holiday at all… I’ve still got so much to do.’
‘I know,’ she said touching Carlos’s hand. ‘And I need to get on with my book, if I’m going to finish it in time.’
‘Did you get the flight you wanted to the UK in December?’
‘Yes. On the 19th – the day before the airports close. But now I’m having second thoughts. After this perfect holiday, I don’t want to leave you. Not then. Not ever.’
‘What about your parents?’
‘I know,’ she shrugged. ‘Thing is though, they’re not bothered. And my sister and her husband will be there. They all love the way the Evolution Revolution has got the planet wrapping itself up in this big web of harmony – but for them to believe in the process itself? It’s a big leap of faith.’
‘That a lot of people are making.’
‘True. But what about the panic – when the real reason behind the Clean Up Plan came out?’
‘That was never meant to happen.’ Carlos shook his head. ‘If Zul hadn’t appeared on TV, most people wouldn’t know about the theory of evolution. But now they do and they’ve had time to think about it, it’s a logical question. What will happen to the bodies of the people who evolve to the next density? I asked it myself.’
‘There are hundreds of websites talking about E-Day and all kinds of different explanations about what will or won’t happen. Some people think the bodies will transmute – just turn into ash. And some say the UN knows something it’s not telling.’
‘That’s news to me,’ Carlos smiled. ‘But it’s not a bad thing. I mean people thinking through the possibilities. Preparing themselves. And I swear everyone in the media must have been meditating twenty-four hours a day…’
‘… because their reporting’s so positive?’ Rebecca said laughing.
‘¡Exacto!’
‘It’s what you believe, though, isn’t it? What Zul says?’
‘Sí, but I didn’t expect it to turn out like this,’ Carlos threw his arms open wide. ‘I never wanted people worrying about it. That’s what I did at first, and it was horrible.’
‘But if it’s true, it is a big thing. It’s huge. And it is horrific – that the planet will be strewn with dead bodies. Really, Carlos, it doesn’t bear thinking about.’
‘Some of our best physicists are working on proving or disproving the theory of evolution, but that will take time. Even if there’s only the smallest chance it will happen, we have to be prepared.’
‘I know you’re right,’ she looked up. ‘It’s just… well I don’t want to think about it. I don’t want to picture it. So... what are your plans? When do you fly to Madrid?
‘On the 19th too. Of course our place is with our families, but I worry about you going to England on your own. And don’t forget, I want to read your book before you go.’
‘How did you get to see her last time?’
Rebecca laughed. ‘I told her I was researching a book about Zul.’
‘But that was before you…’
‘I know. Then the more I thought about it, the more I realised what a good idea it was. I also want to see Barbara Lord again and talk to Anderson’s secretary. After everything you told me, I’ve got a lot of questions.’
‘Have you got hold of Joseph?’
‘No. He seems to spend his whole life on planes.’
Their waitress, a pretty Balinese girl with long black hair clipped up on her head and fresh frangipani blooms tucked behind her ears, cleared the lobster and prawn shells and brought them another bottle of wine.
‘I didn’t expect live music on this little island,’ Carlos said, ‘and I certainly didn’t expect it to be so good.’
‘I suppose this 70s stuff’s all right for old fogies like you,’ Rebecca laughed. Then she leaned forward. ‘But I can see the DJ setting up, so let’s have one more dance and take the wine back to the room.’
Carlos held out his hand and led her to the dance floor. He slid his arms around her and she snuggled her head into the hollow of his shoulder at which moment Grace walked past, smiling, and gave them a shy little wave.
***
Carlos and Rebecca walked up the path to Erika’s house and rang the doorbell. She lived to the northwest of the old city of Vienna in the up-market 19th district close to the American School where her boys went. She’d fallen in love with the area when she first looked at the school and had been lucky to find a house nearby that she could just afford.
Ashby, her oldest son, opened the door and led them straight through the house and out onto the postage stamp of a back patio.
‘Hiya Carlos!’ Drew called. Wearing shorts and a T-shirt, he was bent over the barbecue trying to light it. ‘Stick the wine in the cooler box and grab a beer. Hi Rebecca. What do you want to drink?’
‘Just juice for now, but I’ll get it. Where’s Erika?’
‘Right here,’ Erika said appearing at the patio door. ‘My God! Look at you both. You’re so brown. Did you have a good holiday?’ Rebecca looked at Carlos out of the corner of her eye and they shared a smile. ‘It was lovely,’ she said.
‘You want juice? It’s in the fridge,’ and Erika led Rebecca into the kitchen.
‘You know this is a very pretty house.’
‘It is. But it’s really too small. With the two boys I could do with a bigger garden.’ Erika opened the fridge and took out a carton of orange juice. ‘In fact, Drew wants us to get a place together – if we make it through E-Day.’
‘Really?’ Rebecca said, raising her eyebrows.
Erika nodded and smiled. ‘It surprised me too. Him suggesting moving in after all the years he’s lived on his own. But he’s says it’s what he wants, and it’s certainly what I’d like.’ She dropped a couple of cubes of ice in the glass. ‘But tell me about your holiday. It must have been so romantic. I’ve never been to Bali.’
Rebecca let out a long sigh. ‘I go into a daze just thinking about it… it was divine. The best holiday I’ve ever had. Since we got back, it all seems like a dream.’
‘And how’s it going with Carlos?’
‘Okay.’ Rebecca looked at her feet. ‘But we’ve been through a rocky patch.’
‘Why?’
‘We got on really well when we were away – in fact it was perfect. He’s so romantic. I… well… he made me feel like a princess. And we’re best friends too, you know? We didn’t stop talking the whole holiday.’
‘And the rest?’ Erika asked raising an eyebrow.
Rebecca smiled over her glass of juice. ‘He’s very passionate. It’s the best.’
‘So what went wrong? Was he angry when you told him you didn’t want to live in the old apartment any more?’
‘No. He didn’t want to go back there either. Elena’s presence was everywhere, you know what I mean?’ and Erika nodded. ‘He was glad to book into the hotel.’
‘Have you found a new place yet?’
‘We saw somewhere yesterday. Not nearly as flash as the penthouse, but I like it better. And it’s unfurnished, so we can do it up and make it really homey. We can move in any time we want. It’s got three bedrooms. And…’ Rebecca paused and lowered her voice, ‘… and there’s something else,’ at which point Ashby followed by Josh came thundering down the stairs and into the kitchen.
‘Boys, I’ve got a job for you,’ Erika said. ‘Take these steaks out to Drew and help him cook them. Come on, scram.' She turned back to Rebecca. 'Now what were you saying?’
‘It’s still very early days, but I’m pregnant.’
‘Oh, my God!’ Erika covered her mouth with one hand. ‘I don’t believe it. Did you plan it?’
‘No! It’s a complete shock.’
‘Does Carlos know?’
Rebecca shot Erika a look. ‘My name isn’t Elena.
‘Ouch!’ Erika said, ‘So… how did it happen?’
‘For goodness sake…’
‘Chill, Rebecca, I mean, didn’t you take precautions?’
Rebecca swallowed. ‘Sorry. I don’t mean to be snappy. Must be the hormones.’ She took a sip of her juice. ‘I told you Carlos sprung the trip on me as a surprise? Well I was so excited when he showed me the tickets – you know – not just because he was taking me on holiday – it was the fact he’d finally made a move – I couldn’t believe it. And I only had a few hours to get ready. I was in such a state I couldn’t even pack properly. So it wasn’t until we got to the villa – and Erika – it was so beautiful – it had an outdoor garden bathroom with a lily pond and a statue and an outdoor shower and this massive big bath. We couldn’t wait for the manager to finish giving us the tour and leave,’ Erika nodded, ‘and the moment he did we started to kiss and… you know… one thing led to another… and then it struck me. It was just awful. I froze. Carlos didn’t know what was going on. I sat up and burst into tears and said “we can’t do this”. And he looked at me – his eyes were so soft and brown and he looked so hurt – and he said he was sorry and that he’d been stupid to think I’d be interested in someone his age. So I grabbed his hands and told him it had nothing to do with that. It was because I wasn’t on the pill any more and I was scared of getting pregnant. Then a look of utter relief crossed his face and he smiled and pulled me down on top of him and said in his gorgeous sexy Spanish accent, “If it’s okay with you señorina, qué será será”, and… well… that was that.’
‘He didn’t bring any condoms?’
‘Erika… he’s Catholic.’
Erika shut her eyes and shook her head.
‘Thing is I’ve taken risks before and nothing’s ever happened. And being on that beautiful, tranquil island in all those luxurious surroundings with all the Balinese people who are so calm and smiley and easy going – well that laid back feeling kind of rubs off.’
‘Shit! Rebecca!’
‘I know. I feel so stupid now. I just never believed it would happen to me.’
‘That’s what they all say. So what are you going to do?’
‘Of course, Carlos would never consider an abortion. And I didn’t dare broach the subject of adoption. It would kill him. He thinks this is the greatest thing that’s ever happened.’
‘Could you have an “accident”?’
‘Come off it, Erika, I couldn’t do that. And look at it from his side, he already lost one baby when Elena was murdered. And…’
‘And what?’
‘Did Drew ever tell you about the baby hologram? Zul’s proof to Carlos he was genuine?’
‘Sure. After Zul appeared on TV, he told me everything.’
Rebecca nodded. ‘Well… now Carlos doesn’t think that hologram was his baby with Elena at all. He thinks it was ours.’
‘Oh, my G
od!’
‘Erika. I have to go through with it. If I don’t, it will destroy him. And I love him way too much to do that.’
‘But what about you? What’s best for you? You’ve got to think of yourself too.’
‘It will do me more harm if I hurt him. I couldn’t live with being that cruel to the person I love most in the world. I’ve weighed up every option and there’s only one answer. I’m going through with it.’
‘But…’
‘It’s okay. I’m getting used to the idea. And really the only negative thing is it’s happened sooner rather than later. It was a shock. But I would have wanted a baby with him eventually. I know that. I just expected we’d have more time together first.’
‘Then we must look at the positive. After all, children are a miracle… a blessing. I would never, never be without my two boys.’
‘And Carlos is delighted,’ Rebecca laughed. ‘He’s like a dog with two tails.’
Erika suddenly looked very serious. ‘What about E-Day?’
‘I know. It’s madness to bring a child into the world when we don’t even know what kind of world it’s going to be. Of course, we’ve talked about it. But he believes so completely in Zul and that whatever’s going to happen will be for the best. It doesn’t seem to bother him at all. He says I need to learn to live in the moment and take each day as it comes.’
‘I’ve known Carlos a long time. And I’ve always had a soft spot for him. And honestly? I never thought Elena was right for him. I always wanted to see him with someone… I don’t know… someone kinder, more caring I guess, someone less self-centred,’ Erika smiled, ‘someone, in fact, exactly like you.’
‘That’s such a sweet thing to say.’
‘Well,’ she continued, ‘you certainly didn’t waste any time. And you’re both glowing… I knew it wasn’t just the tan. I wish you well and honestly, I couldn’t be happier for you,’ and she walked round the counter and gave Rebecca a hug.
‘Have you told your parents?’
‘We’re calling them tonight.’
She slid her hands down Rebecca’s arms, grabbed her hands and gave them a little shake. ‘Now help me throw some salad together before Drew finishes cooking those steaks.’