The Strawberry Heart

by Finella Vane

  From the window they could see a couple of kayakers in the water paddling around the harbor, small boats were docked at the piers, “Are those house boats?” Niav asked pointing toward other boats docked along the quay.

  Anselle followed Niav’s pointing finger, “I think so. They sure look like it.”

  “Can you imagine living on a boat? I wonder how easy those things get around.”

  Their food was served as they carried on discussing the benefits, hazards, logistics and complications or living on a house boat. The decided that if they could have one like the one Tom Hanks lived on in Sleepless in Seattle it would be worth it, even though they were not sure that one could actually move, they didn’t think it could.

  The couple ate the delicious food quickly so they could get back on the road. They paid their bill but before they returned to the car Anselle unslung her camera from over her shoulder and snapped a picture of Niav in front of the café. Anselle was anxious to get going but Niav got distracted by a brochure she found stuck under the cars windscreen wiper. The brochure had images and descriptions of sights tourists could visit around Bristol. There were boat trips, river cruises, the city sightseeing bus, the Pirate Walk, the aquarium, the zoo, the suspension bridge in Clifton and Brunel’s SS Great Britain. The artist was so excited she asked Anselle if they had time to see anything (she especially wanted to go on the Pirate Walk).

  Anselle hated to burst Niav’s happy-bubble but they really didn’t have the time. Even Niav’s sad-puppy face wouldn’t make her change her mind. The woman reluctantly climbed into the car and fastened her seat belt clutching the glossy, color brochure to her chest. Anselle started the car and drove a loop around the harbor getting Niav to smile a little but it was not the smile that lit up the artist’s face that Anselle loved to see. To see that smile Anselle promised they could stop in Bristol on the way back to check out some of the sights, maybe even stay a night. Niav beamed as she leaned over the center column to kiss Anselle lightly on the cheek.

  The drive the rest of the way was uneventful though they did get stuck in traffic on the A361 just before their exit to Tiverton. Anselle guided the luxury car through Woolacombe and she swore she could already smell the sea air. It wasn't long before they reached their final destination, Hill House B&B. Anselle slowly maneuvered the car up the gravel drive as to not kick up any of the stones and mar the cars pristine finish. Niav hopped out running to the end of the drive to peer over the dunes to see the beach and the ocean. The woman closed her eyes inhaling deeply just letting the sea air fill her lungs. Niav heard the crunching of the gravel behind her as Anselle made her way up the drive to stand beside her fiancé.

  There were a few people sunbathing and walking along the beach wading in the breaking waves. They could see some surfers further along the beach and away from the shoreline. A surfer in blue lost her balance and wiped out; surfboard flying and both women held their breath until they saw her head reappear above the water. Niav put her right arm around Anselle’s shoulders pulling Anselle closer while she fingered the band on her left hand, “Don’t you ever do that, okay?”

  “You never have to worry about that, surfing is not something I’m going to try anytime soon,” Anselle put an arm around her lover’s waist.

  “I’m not just talking about surfing. Don’t do anything that will put you in danger. I couldn’t handle it if something happened to you. Promise me.”

  Anselle turned to face her lover, “Oh, Baby. I promise.” She could see unshed tears in Niav’s eyes. The blonde took Niav fully into her arms, “Don’t worry.”

  The two women stood, holding each other until Anselle felt Niav shivering from the cool, ocean breeze, “Come on, let’s check in, freshen up and go for a walk on the beach.”

  ***

  The white, three-story house was set just yards away from the beach with an expansive front and side yard. A stonewall ran along the front of the property with a space for the entrance to the drive. A hedgerow separated the sides of the property from the neighbors and the road. There were three wrought iron tables placed randomly in the side yard, where there was also a small, screened in gazebo and pond for koi-carp. The path that led to the entryway was lined with pots in varying shapes and sizes. The flowers in the pots were of assorted varieties in yellows and reds. The front door was painted a bright red with yellow trim.

  The sign on the door said guests didn’t need to knock during daylight hours so Anselle pushed the door open calling out, "Hello". The interior was painted the same bright whites as the stucco exterior, the carpet in the foyer and up the stairs was a well-worn neutral beige. Just as the two women entered the grandfather clock in the hall corner chimed the hour. When no one appeared to greet them and they couldn’t figure out where they were supposed to go Anselle shouted out “Hello?” again.

  “Just a minute please,” came ringing out from deep inside the house.

  The wait was only a few minutes when down the stairs came a rather flustered looking gentleman pulling up her suspenders and murmuring her apologies, “Sorry, sorry, I didn’t hear anyone come in. I expect you’re Mr. Kelly staying for the week. I’m Jeremiah, you’re host. I’ve just been making your room ready. Come this way to fill out the register then I’ll show you to your room.”

  Jeremiah led the two visitors into the sitting room. The carpeting in that room was green, there was a television in the corner next to the gas fireplace, one sofa sat under the front window and another across from it. Jeremiah took a seat at the desk on the other side of the fireplace looking for a registration card. Niav wandered back into the hallway where she had spotted a rack full of brochures sitting atop a small bureau. She pulled out brochures on the local attractions, skipping the ones for surfing lessons and rock climbing. When she got back to the sitting room Anselle was just finishing the registration card. Jeremiah took the card, reviewed it quickly and put it back down on the desk before ushering the two out of the room and up the stairs.

  Their room was the only one on the top floor, the walls and carpeting in the bedroom were a light grey, the double bed was flanked by nightstands and was centered on the wall to the right of the door, across from the door there was an upholstered chaise under a bay window, the door to the en suite was to the left of the entry and a large flat-screen TV sat on top of the dresser across from the bed. Jeremiah let them know that there would be complimentary tea and cake in the gazebo which was provided for all new visitors when they' were ready, handed Anselle the key to the room then left them to settle in.

  Anselle dropped her bag on the floor before throwing herself onto the bed while Niav carried her bag to the dresser, “Do you want me to unpack for you?”

  The blonde on the bed shrugged noncommittally, “If you want. I’m surprised you’re not itching to go down for cake.”

  “Oh, I am,” the woman grinned, “very much so but I’m trying to remain calm. You do know, however, that if she has strawberries down there we won’t be making that stroll on the beach anytime soon.”

  Anselle lifted her head off the bed; eyebrows raised to stare at this partner; mouth open.

  Niav’s grin widened as she gave the girl on the bed a mischievous wink, “Just a friendly warning. Close your mouth, you’ll let the flies in.”

  “I should’ve brought you away long ago.”

  The woman frowned, “I couldn’t have come then.”

  ‘Way to spoil the mood, idiot’, Anselle thought, “But we’re here now because you’ve done such a great job with your recovery, right?” She hoped she didn’t kill Niav’s good mood altogether.

  “Right! Let’s get some complimentary cake to celebrate!” Niav grabbed Anselle’s ankle trying to drag Anselle off the bed.

  “Oi! Lay off. I’m coming,” Anselle burst out laughing when Niav slipped off one of her shoes to tickle her foot, “Stop! Stop! Cake! Niav, cake!”

  The woman stopped tickling only to launch herself bodily onto the bed and on top of her reclining lover. “He
llo,” Niav said, her face merely inches away from Anselle's.

  “You’re so cute. Do you know that?” Anselle ran the fingers of her right hand through Niav’s curly locks.

  Niav leaned into Anselle’s touch, “Yes.”

  “Of course you do,” Anselle rolled her eyes dramatically.

  ***

  Forty-five minutes later the two finally made their way down the stairs for tea and cake. Niav’s hair was a little more disheveled than normal and Anselle’s face was quite flushed but when Jeremiah saw them she didn’t say anything as she asked them to make themselves comfortable in the gazebo. The screened, guest house had seating for five with a cushioned garden bench and two matching, cushioned chairs. There was a low, wooden table in front of the bench and an old fashioned, steamer trunk just inside the door with several blankets on top of it for those chilly seaside evenings. Anselle sat on the bench with Niav curled at her side. They would have liked to put their feet up on the table but decided it would be bad manners. They sat and listened to the sea birds and the waves crashing onto the shore. The peace almost lulled the couple to sleep.

  When Jeremiah appeared she was carrying a tray with a pot of hot water, a selection of tea bags in a little wooden box, a small carafe of milk, a bowl of sugar, two mugs and the cake on two small plates. She set the tray onto the table; telling them to help themselves and that when they were done they could just leave the things there and she would collect them later. The couple thanked their host before she left and Anselle made a mental note to take the tray back into the house. Niav opened the little box and selected Lady Grey for herself and Anselle took Darjeeling (because she’d never had it before). The cake was actually mini golden Victoria sponge cakes with cream and strawberry jam filling. Niav’s mischievous grin returned as she eyed the strawberry jam. She took a finger-full, her eyes never leaving Anselle’s as she held the finger up to her mouth and slowly licked off the jam. After most of the jam was gone she sucked the finger into her mouth to clean off the rest of the sticky filling, “Mm….so good. You wanna lick?” Niav scooped up more strawberry filling with her finger and held it out to Anselle.

  Anselle watched as Niav teased her with the finger full of jam but the spell was partially broken when Niav popped that finger into her own mouth, “You…..I, uh…..what…….uh.”

  “What’s the matter, Anselle? Cat got your tongue? Wanna go back upstairs? I’ll show you what else I can do with my tongue.”

  Anselle finally found her voice, “Who are you and what have you done with my fiancé?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I mean, and don’t get me wrong because this side to you is very attractive, but why do you have to hide it?”

  “I’ve teased you before.”

  “Yes, but there’s something different about you today. Remember when you were working with the water damaged sketches? You had a level of confidence you don’t always have. I see that in you today. It’s good to see and it’s very attractive.”

  Niav looked away suddenly shy, “I’m not doing it on purpose.”

  “I know,” Anselle took her partner’s hand, “I think it’s who you’re supposed to be. I mean, when you’re not afraid of having attacks or, even lately you’re afraid that all the good things that have been happening will come crashing down; you’ve relaxed and let your natural self come out. You’re confident and playful maybe even a little assertive.”

  “And now I’m totally self-conscious too,” she took her hand out of Anselle’s.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. I just wanted you to know that I find this side of you very sexy. I wish you could let it out more.”

  Niav didn’t know what to say to that. She wished she could be the way Anselle described all the time too. It wasn't like she was hiding or letting out this part of herself on purpose. She hoped that when she came off the medication in a few months she’d find that this version of her will be her true self. The woman took a sip of her tea but she wasn't in the mood for it or the cake anymore. She set the cup back down on the tray.

  Anselle sensed her partner’s mood change and wanted to kick herself. “Niav, I love you anyway you are, quiet, shy, sensitive, romantic, assertive, flirty, dominate, submissive, cuddly, seductive or any other way. I only wanted to have you aware of how your behavior was affecting me. I never meant to make you think that I liked this you more than any other you.”

  “I know, Anselle. I just got to thinking and you know what happens when I do that.” Niav offered her hand back to her partner.

  “Come on. Help me bring these cakes up to the room, we’ll grab jackets, give the tray back to Jeremiah and take that walk on the beach. How’s that sound?”

  Niav gave Anselle’s hand a squeeze, “That sounds great.”

  Niav took the cakes and grabbed their jackets while Anselle brought the tray to Jeremiah in the kitchen noting it’s style and spaciousness, a true chef’s kitchen with a six burner, stainless steel cook top, double ovens, what must have been a professional size fridge, granite counter tops, farm sink and every different small appliance Anselle could imagine. She could hardly wait to tell Niav (and Gina) about it. The artist was waiting for her by the front door. Once outside they put on their jackets and made their way down the path to the beach while Anselle related what she saw in the kitchen. Niav explained how she’d always wanted double ovens and she wondered if there was any way to have their landlord renovate their kitchen to accommodate them. Anselle didn’t think so but said she’d ask when they got back.

  Hand in hand they walked down the nearly deserted beach. It was getting late and the remaining people were making their way to the car park. Sunset wasn’t for another couple of hours but even the surfers were long gone. Anselle maneuvered Niav to sit between her spread legs so she could envelop the brunette in her warmth. They stayed like that, watching the waves break onto the sand until the sun began to set and their stomachs began to growl.

  CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

  The dining room had the same green carpeting as the sitting room, the walls were white and the drapes were what Niav thought she would describe as ‘mauve’. The fire in the fireplace warmed the room to a nearly suffocating level. Anselle steered Niav to the table furthest from the fire hoping to get some relief from the oppressive heat. Seven other tables were set with places for two but there were no other guests present.

  As they waited for Jeremiah to bring out their breakfast orders the couple discussed what they could do that day. They agreed to visit the Ilfracombe Aquarium just as Jeremiah placed their breakfast order on the table. Anselle had ordered a ham and spinach omelet with buttered white toast and coffee. Niav requested two eggs, over with bacon, wheat toast and tea. While they ate they chatted with Jeremiah about the inn. They found out that they were one of three couples staying at the inn that week and that Jeremiah had only bought the inn recently after coming into some money. Jeremiah cleared away the breakfast dishes while she told them to have a good time at the aquarium.

  The couple returned to their room to grab their jackets and Anselle’s camera before making the fifteen minute drive to Ilfracombe. “Anselle?” Niav asked once they were back in the privacy of their room.

  “Yes, Love?”

  “Jeremiah came into some money recently.”

  “Yes, that’s what she said.”

  “I find that quite suspicious.”

  Anselle knitted her brows in confusion, “Why?”

  “Well……you lost some money recently.”

  “Niav, I don’t think Jeremiah stole the money. What would the odds be that we would be staying at the inn, out of all the inns all over the country that was bought by the girl that stole the money? No, I don’t think so. The police said that there was a trail to a bank outside the country. I’d be very surprised if the people and the money were still here.”

  “It would be quite the coincidence, wouldn’t it?” to Anselle’s ears Niav sounded disappointed.

/>   “Too much of one I think.”

  “That’s too bad,” suddenly realizing what she said the woman corrected herself, “I mean, that it would be nice to find the people who took your money. Jeremiah seems nice it would be a shame if she were a criminal.”

  Anselle laughed, “Yes, it would be.”

  ***

  The Ilfracombe Aquarium was an unassuming little building with a café, gift shop, rest area and gallery. There were tanks full of different fish from the local rivers and estuaries and the coast. Niav recognized the starfish, hermit crabs, anemones and prawns from the Rockpool section, rays and lobsters in the Harbour section and she was a little freaked out by the octopus in the Coast section. The couple spent a few minutes in front of the tank with the rays because one of them had suctioned itself to the front glass. They couldn’t decide if the ray looked happy or sad. Anselle noticed that there were many families and couples around the tanks but Niav hadn’t seemed to notice. She was happily looking around the aquarium almost as if she was the only one in it. She pulled Anselle from feature to feature pointing at the fish and asking what they were. In all they spent about an hour looking around the aquarium and gift shop. Niav bought a small, stuffed starfish she christened ‘Spike’ and Anselle took a picture of the two of them at the aquarium entrance.

  The couple were kind of disappointed with the short time it took to tour the facility and they wondered what else there was to do in the town. Anselle researched Ilfracombe on her mobile but everything they decided they would like to do was in 'Wooly' so they headed back. Their first stop was the ceramic studio (because neither girl had been to one before). It was a small shop brightly lit with shelves lining the walls that held the undecorated pottery. There were vases, mugs, all kinds of different animals in all kinds of different sizes, coin banks, flower shapes, dragons, unicorns, boats and all kinds of sea critters. Tables were lined up in the center of the room covered in craft paper for the painters to sit at. Anselle chose to paint a coin bank in the shape of a lighthouse and Niav chose a starfish to keep ‘Spike’ company. The attendant brought them the colors they requested; Anselle wanted shades of blue with red, black and white. Niav requested yellow, orange, black, blue and green. They took their time painting the shapes, Anselle being a little messier than her artist fiancé but in the end they were happy with their creations and they turned them in to the shop attendant to have them fired. Anselle paid for their items and got a receipt to bring back in two days so they could pick-up the finished products. Outside the shop Anselle asked a passer-by to take a picture of them in front of the sign.