Soul Mates. The Beginning.

by Christine Wood

  We head down to the reception, to get the car to the airport and I’m feeling nervous and unsure of what to do? I know nothing will come of this, as the age thing is raising its nasty head again. What the problem is I do not know, because Dad is twelve years older than Mum. I do intend to get the kiss I have been dreaming of for years, if nothing more, I will get just the first proper kiss from him. I know I’m looking at him all dreamy eyed and Tanner notices too, but then again, she noticed how I looked at him in the garden, I was begging him to kiss me with my eyes, then she coughed and spoilt the moment, damn her.

  “Your plane is here your majesty.”

  “Thank you, minion, really we can land this on your runway?”

  “Yes, mines the same as your fathers, we bought them at the same time, so there’s not much difference between mine and his.”

  “Oh, what is it with you rich men and their toys! So, what’s wrong with flying commercial?”

  “Nothing besides the airport waiting, customs and losing luggage, I lost a damn fine piece a while back, Mel had the jet and I had to fly cheap and cheerful, so I swore never again.”

  “Were you drunk in charge of a suitcase and did you actually check it in?”

  “Err, I don’t know? It could still be on the bed in the flat in Paris, I never thought to phone and ask.”

  “So you were drunk then?”

  “No, but I was hung over and tired for my shame, Bella stop it now and behave I promised your father I be on my best behaviour and letting you know I was hung over isn’t a good start.”

  “What a shame I didn’t do any promising, of any kind.” I jumped in the plane before he could say anything. Ha, take that, I sit and smile as I take my seat, Tanner throws me a look and I give it back. She takes her seat with his guy Henry, he doesn’t use surnames like we do and is more of a friend than boss. I hardly ever notice his guy, but mine is up close and personal.

  “Good afternoon Miss Humphries, Mr Humphries has ordered your lunch and as soon as we take off I will serve it, do you require drinks?”

  “Luisa, I will have orange juice and Mr Holland.” Who, you will stop eyeing up, if you want to keep your bloody job temptress. “Christopher will have a larger, I don’t know what the other two want go see to them Luisa, thank you.”

  “Thanks, but can I have and orange juice too please Luisa, if that’s alright Bella?”

  “Right, so you’re not drunk in charge of a minor. Good catch.”

  “Bella, it’s not that at all, I still have work to do and I can’t do it with a drink in my hand.”

  “Sorry, I didn’t think.”

  “It’s alright, thank you anyway.” I thought I was being so grown up wrongly guessing he was like Luis and it was the first thing Luis would have done. Paff…We take off and as we do, I get to stare into his eyes as he chose to sit opposite me. I know he is feeling something, but he is so reserved. As I watch him, I fall deeper for the man sat opposite, the same man who has been the object of my lusting for years and he is sat within touching distance. My feet are within touching distance too and so too is damned Luisa. Her with her pert boobs and bright bubbly smile, and now her top button seems to be undone, as she delivers our lunch, yeah for Daddy, he has ordered the Cheesecake Factory pizzas and cheesecake for afters, as ever my father makes sure I have everything I love to eat.

  “Oh my favourite, leave the boxes Luisa we will be fine helping ourselves, are you two alright for drinks back there?” They say they are. “Right we will buzz if we need you Luisa, thank you.” You are dismissed bitch.

  “That was harsh Bella she was only doing her job, do I see those green eyes coming out, are you being a brat again?”

  “I don’t know what you mean, eat up or I will eat it all.”

  “I hear you it’s nice to see a woman, sorry, a girl who eats, most pick at a salad or have the soup, eat up. You’re like me the riding keeps the weight down. We will be going for a trek tomorrow, the route has been approved and they aren’t looking forward to it. Maybe, we should give them the day off? There’s a natural warm sinkhole for a swim too, do you still like to swim and dive bomb? We can go for a mosey around the ranch, when we get there, if you want?”

  “No, to the dive bombing, I’m not five anymore, besides the last time I did that in Hackney Baths my top flew off so I won’t be doing it again. I was glad for Tanners protection that day I can tell you, but yes to the other stuff please.”

  “I bet, Bella please eat, apparently, your dad says you love this?” I nod and eat.

  “They were rumoured to be opening one in Fulham, but nah no such luck for me. So I get Luis to pick me some up and they are frozen for me. I only eat fresh ones here in Vegas and at the Lady Grove place, in New York.”

  “So to win the lovely Bella’s heart, we simply feed you pizza and cheesecake?”

  “Pretty much yeah, I’m such an easy date. Less of the schmoozing old man, and eat, do you need it cutting up for you?”

  “Argh, cutting Miss Bella, very cutting, no, I’m fine I think, but do you need a bib Baby?” Was that baby, as in young, or as a term of endearment Baby? “Only you have spilt some on your blouse.” I guess as in young kid. Great.

  “Damn I always do, damn it I need to change my top before it stains and this top cost Dad an arm and a leg too, we had a massive blow out, I came into part of my trust fund and I hit the mall big time.”

  “I know. I saw you and the cousins. I didn’t know it was you at the time, you were in Yurman’s.”

  “You were the cowboy that passed as we ate this very pizza in the mall, I thought you looked familiar. It’s a small world after all?” I ate the last piece of pizza and excused myself. Tanner stopped me.

  “Miss, do you need anything?” I leaned over and whispered I was fine just changing my top, not barfing up my lunch. “You know I worry Bella please?”

  “Come in with me, and wash the damn stain out for me then. I swear I am over that Tammy, I swear I am, please believe me?” She was shocked I used her first name and smiled.

  “Bring it out and we will have busty Luisa earn her money, club soda will get it out, hurry your cheesecake is melting, or it is about to be eaten by him.”

  “I will and thank you, did you enjoy the pizza Henry?”

  “I did Ma’am. Thank you, Tammy is right club soda it will get the tomato paste out, or is that Barbeque? I have hell of a time with Chris’s clothes he’s a ribs man and always forgets his bibs. Amy has a fine ole time with his after drunk food binges, shush, don’t tell him but it’s him who needs the bib, but then it seems you both are sloppy eaters.” Tammy, is it? So they are on first name terms, that’s interesting. I dash in, and change my top. Bringing the messed up one back, I buzz for Luisa.

  “Luisa, have we any club soda? I seem to have spilt on my top if you have a bottle I can do it, if it’s too much trouble for you?” I smile as she says she can do it and clears the pizza boxes away.

  “Why the sudden attitude Bella, what has she done?”

  “Nothing, but she seems to be warm, because she’s gone from top button open to two, if I ring again she may have them fully out and on display for you.”

  “I didn’t notice the pizza was more attractive Bella.” I look at his face and he winks, the bastard had noticed.

  “Oh really she’s not your type then?”

  “Nope, chances are I will see her again, so definitely not my type.” I shuffle uncomfortably in my seat, what did that mean, that he just did the one night or he’d never had a proper relationship what? “Don’t over think things Bella please I’m not. We are here to ride horses and that’s it, you and me are friends, right? If you want more I’m sorry we better turn the plane around that can never happen, sorry to put it so bluntly but it is just this, friends okay?” That shot me down in flames as I fought to keep back the tears I nodded.

  “Fine by me, you think a lot about yourself, don’t you?” I can be snappy and spiteful too.

  “If you were older a
nd not Hugh’s girl then yes, but you are and we can’t, alright?” I know I’m sulking and eat my cheesecake, but I now have no appetite for it.

  “Fine I get the message, kid sister not dating material, fine by me big brother. Now if you don’t mind I’m going to have face time with the stables, excuse me.”

  “Bella please…” I stormed to my cabin, and threw myself on the bed. Why-oh-why, wasn’t I Luis age? I didn’t pick my laptop up I stopped in the cabin until the Luscious Luisa called for our seats to be taken, as we were coming into land. Making my way out, I sat in my seat and stared out of the window, what more will be sent to try me?

  “Bella please, let’s just have a nice couple of days?”

  “Fine, Christopher it’s just fine, let’s not discuss this again. I know now I’m too young and you’re too old nothing’s going to happen, did I miss something?” I continued with the stare through the window.

  “The crew are coming back for you the day after tomorrow, I’m staying here. I have to fly from here to Australia, so Mel’s coming here with my plane. Will you be alright? I’m sorry but I have a major problem over there.”

  “I will be okay Christopher. I’ll have Tanner with me.” As the plane landed on the bumpy runway, I sighed. As far as I was concerned, I could easily fly straight back.

  “Welcome to Mia Casa Ranch.” The steps were lowered, and as I peered over his shoulder, the view was wonderful. “You like?”

  “Oh I love it those are beautiful stallions. Do they not spook being so close to the runway?” As I was asking the question, Luisa passed Christopher a slip of paper. “I hope that was your mama’s recipe for apple pie, and not your number, because that will get you dismissed.” Green eyed and annoyed, I walked down the steps. I was followed by Christopher, trying to calm me down and making me angrier in the process, because he pocketed the fucking paper.

  “Please tell me you did not say that to her?”

  “Did she give you the recipe for her mama’s apple pie? If not, she knows that’s one thing Dad doesn’t approve of over familiarity with his guests.”

  “Bella, she needs the job.”

  “Well you employ her then, there the problem is solved. Leave me alone, I’m going for a walk.” Tantrum in progress, if he knows what’s good for him he will leave me alone. No, he is following me as the security detail follow too. “For God’s sake leave me alone, now.”

  “Not happening Bella, so quit being a brat and shut up.” With that I was hoisted over his shoulder and unceremoniously dumped in the back of a pickup and not even in the cab, he got in and drove to the house with me being flung here there and everywhere in the back.

  “When I get out of here I am going to bloody well kill you Christopher Holland, you are so going to pay for this. Tell the pilot to stand by I’m going home.” As I was flung backwards I banged my head, shit that hurt…

  “We’re here Bella, have you calmed down any?”

  “I want to go home. Can you just take me back please?” With that the plane was already in the air. “Fucking great, stuck here with you and a sore head do you have any pain killers?”

  “Still being a brat?”

  “I am sore, I ache and I feel like a fool, where are Tanner and Henry?”

  “They were in the other pickup, with the bags and stuff and are staying in the security wing, we’re here alone for the time being, let me show you to your room.”

  “I’d rather the plane came back I don’t think this is a great idea being here, and with a fucking headache.”

  “Get changed, and we will go for a ride. The horses are being saddled for us. I thought perhaps you needed to just blow the cobwebs away?” I wanted to ride away into the sunset, go back in time and stop making a complete arse of myself, that is what I wanted to do.

  “That would be great, where’s my bag?”

  “Let me grab it, and take it and you to your room.” It looks like I’m stopping then. “Here it is, I am next door and I will meet you downstairs in ten minutes.” I really need to get my head around this and stop my lust fest after all, a no is no, and this is going nowhere fast. Having a crush on Christopher for as long as I have is making me an irrational bitch, time to snap out of it and accept the age thing is a no go area. I changed and went downstairs, where Christopher was on the phone and what’s the old adage ‘you never hear good of yourself when you’re eavesdropping’?

  “No, I am sure it was just and idle threat. No Luisa, she will not say anything. Please, will you accept my apologies? Yes, she is very childish, highly strung, yes, a brat. I agree, and yes, she is very spoilt. No, I won’t be telling Hugh, yes, and please I don’t want you to take this the wrong way, but you are not my type, and you did come on to me in her father’s plane, Bella? No, I do not have feelings for her, she’s a child and I have certain standards, dating children is so not my thing, right I have to be going, I have a pony ride to go on.”

  Urghhhh, pony ride, child, brat, childish, dating a child, an idle threat. I am now officially over Christopher Holland. I come down the stairs to see the smarmy two faced mother fucker.

  “Oh there you are I thought you’d got lost.” You wish.

  “No, I’m here ready to ride? I need this, thanks.” He walks towards me, all cowboy looking, in a big hat and gorgeous, this is gonna be a bad couple of days.

  “Here, your ride is an Aztec of mine, her names Coffee, not very original, but her coat is as smooth as coffee, and look at the solid brown almost black colour, she is a show winner I think, what do you think?”

  “Aww, she’s a supper little pony. Is she highly strung?”

  “No she’s a calm and gentle ride.”

  “Not like me then? I’m told I’m high maintenance and a brat. Still sitting here is not enjoying the pony ride, is it?” I climbed on her back and set off before he could stop me, I needed out of here. I heard the shout of stop, and so I stopped, I will not be a brat.

  “Blood and sand Bella, take it easy.”

  “I stopped, didn’t I? Wow, I have been riding in gymkhanas since I was six and winning them, so surprise, surprise I know what I’m doing. Chill Christopher, I know how to ride and I’m very good at it.”

  “I don’t doubt it, but the terrain here is not that great, can we take it easy until we get to the flats?”

  “I will follow you then and thanks for the warning, I’d hate to be a brat.”

  “Well, I’m glad you realised you were being one. Bella calm down please.”

  “Coffee is a beautiful horse, are you breeding her?” I am going to be nice, get this stay out of the way and get back home. “I want to breed from mine. Dad may have to buy me another one. It’s as cheap to ship two ponies, as it is the one.”

  “Well the one you’re riding is your present from me, I hope you like her?”

  “You got me a pony. Why? I mean thank you, but again why?”

  “A drunken sixteen-year-old Christopher ruined your birthday, do I need another excuse?”

  “No, I mean thank you, she’s beautiful are you sure she looks expensive and beautiful, have I said that?”

  “You did, and I’m sorry again for ruining your last birthday.”

  “My last party wasn’t ruined it was yesterday and was really good. The old one was too long ago to be bothered about, really, I hate parties and that one was awful, really awful. Honestly, I’d forgotten about it after about oh I don’t know, like err five years?” I laughed and rode ahead, he had ruined my party and broke my heart that day, and it was a lie I never forgot that awful party ever, or what a bastard he was, but hell I still idolised him and remembered him fondly for playing tea parties with me, my teddies and my doll’s. Not forgetting, the picking me up thing, when I fell over, being my big brother and my friend whenever I saw him. Granted it was not a lot, it had to be said, but I cherished those times we did have together and the way he made me feel special, even more special than Luis makes me feel, and so started my fascination with Christopher Holland. I have
scrap books full of his life and the parties he goes to, the deals he has made and stuff, yes, I’m a little in awe of my pretend boyfriend, and he thinks of me as a little sister, paff. I snap out of my daydreaming, to hear his voice.

  “So your dad says you want to be an architect, yes? He also says you have the hotel gene too?”

  “I have always wanted to design buildings and the bigger the better, but I also like doing houses, I have always loved to draw them and build them. You must remember my Lego bricks forever thrown about the place?”

  “I stood on a few of the bloody little pieces over the years, I know that. Hugh also said your ahead in all your classes too?”

  “That’s the beauty of having no friends and no social life I study and get good grades, I have extra tutors and extra homework. I know, I have a sad excuse for a life, but I have my ponies and they are all I need, aren’t you Coffee, umm little lady you are going to be my favourite.”

  “No friends, other than your lucky horses?”

  “Oh I’m not a sad-oh, I have friends, but they like me, like to study. We children do that.”

  “I have a feeling someone was listening into my telephone conversation?”

  “I did and I was a little pissed off. You are right in everything you said I was being a brat and childish and spoilt. She is going to be transferred though, to Alaska. I am over that now and am here to enjoy this ride.”

  “Okay then, the flats are here, race you?” I nudged Coffee into a gallop and raced. He was right this was what I needed, fresh air and a good horse beneath me. I stopped at what looked like the end of the flats, yeah, I was ahead of Christopher, refreshed and the brat put behind me, perhaps I did have horse riding withdrawal? As Christopher came into view he was walking his horse slowly behind him, his horse had something in his hoof.