Full Circle

by Linden Carroll

  Yes, it was indeed a ‘Turner’ sky exhibiting that same wrath, anger and frustration Alex had unwittingly built up inside over the years. All those years without the one person who meant the most to him and without his only child—his daughter. His chest was now so compressed that the breath came in gasps as if his lungs would burst and his yearning to be home so strong it completely consumed him. The salt from his tears burned into his eyes and closing them tightly a poem came to mind hastily scribbled on a day such as this when the sickening, gnawing pain of homesickness had gripped him yet again:

  Standing, watching foam capped waves roll to shore

  Recalling a place so loved but dwell there no more.

  In awe, mesmerised by the raging sea,

  Impressive, raw, beautiful but home never to be.

  Eyes now closed, resisting the brine,

  Unable to stop the race back through time.

  Overwhelmed and yearning to walk again

  Those island beaches, my birth island`s familiar terrain. ©

  He had to go home, it was long overdue. He would start making plans the next day.

  The following day before breakfast he checked on flights back to England, allowing himself one month before departure to settle his affairs and give proper notice to Rick. He was going home, after all these years actually going back to England, his home, his birthplace.

  Chapter 15

  The Homecoming

  He banged extra hard on the door, smiling at the expected response.

  “Okay, okay, hold your horses; patience obviously isn’t one of your virtues whoever you are.”

  The door was flung open and a rather abashed Bob stood there clutching his bath robe around his dripping body, having just had a perfectly good bath ruined. Wrath ebbing immediately when he saw it was Alex, his face wreathed in smiles and arms flung out in welcome.

  “You’re early lad; wasn’t expecting you for another hour or so.”

  Following warm hugs all round, they made their way in yattering their heads off.

  ****

  Sitting in Bob’s little lounge later grinning at each other over their beers, each were remarking that neither had changed much over the years since they’d seen each other.

  “How old are you, Bob?”

  “Not sure lad, believe I’m 63. Let’s see now, I was about 30 or so when I first set eyes on this scrawny little street urchin at my front door, so yes that’s about right.”

  “Well, this street urchin has a proposition for you that hopefully will knock your socks off. Do you remember when we went south and developed a real feel for the area? The coastline is unbelievable as you know and while the sea has its moments, it’s much more docile than the west coast and certainly tamer than where I’ve just left in Canada.”

  Bob was nodding sagaciously.

  “I sure do, even though it was troubled times when we were down south, that day around Lymington and the coast was really something.” Bob digressed, “And do you remember that mouthy bird in the New Forest pub? Every time I see any kind of a black bird I have a laugh.”

  Bob was leaning forward in his chair all ears.

  “Go on lad, don’t keep me in suspense.”

  “Well, I’ve talked about running a tour boat for years now and you knew from my letters that I was doing just that in Canada, running tours up and down the Vancouver coast.”

  “Yes, I wondered if you’d ever pull it off and I do remember how enthusiastic you always were about the idea. Your letters about the west coast of Canada really brought it alive to me with all its glorious islands and fabulous coastline.”

  Alex was getting more animated by the minute and Bob was hanging onto every word.

  "Yes, Canada is truly amazing all round. It’s just a pity that the weather is so extreme in most of the provinces. He shuddered remembering his tenure in eastern Canada. The west coast is perfect in that the climate is much more temperate although the rain takes a bit of getting used to but I did get a really good introduction to the boating business, thanks to Rick. By the way, he’s going to be visiting us and is really excited about the prospect, so I need to get myself organised in readiness. You’ll really like him.

  There’s no doubt about it Vancouver really firmed things up for me and had I not been so homesick, I probably would have stayed there permanently. Anyway, I decided to follow the dream and come back. I want to end up running a tour business along the south coast just taking about half a dozen people or so out at a time and I would really like you to go in with me. I have always been good with money; let’s face it, after saving my own stash in the hole of a tree I know how to look after my financial affairs very seriously. I can buy the boat myself but it would be great to have you work with me in whatever capacity you feel comfortable with."

  Bob was now on his feet.

  “Hold the thought, Alex. I’ll just refresh our glasses.”

  When Bob was comfortably seated again, Alex continued as he rummaged around in his faithful old back pack.

  “I have pictures of the coastline, Isle of Wight, Lymington, all round the area that I’m really interested in. Take a look. I’m going back down south in a short while for a really good scout around the area. I’ll research cruisers when I am there. Bob, I’m dead serious about this and please think hard about it while I’m gone.”

  Bob poured over the pictures, scrutinising each seriously.

  “Nothing to think about, it’s a great plan. I’ve always loved the boating life, can’t tell you how much I enjoyed going out with old Harry in the early years; always had a real feel for it. It’ll give me a real lift to be part of an operation like that. I could take early retirement and buy a little place there for Cathy and myself; often thought about retiring down south.”

  “By the way, how is Cathy? Isn’t it about time you two made it permanent?”

  “It’s about as permanent as it ever will be. Why ruin a good thing? We’ve been a couple off and on since before you came on the scene. Neither of us wanted to get committed. I know she’d like a retirement option in the south; we’ve touched on it a couple of times. Alex, you don’t know what a tonic you are lad.”

  “Bob, I’m hardly a lad now.”

  ****

  Years of walking about the streets of London in his earlier years and extreme physical activity at sea had served Alex well. Developing a high fitness level over the years and knowing the importance of exercise and healthy eating, he was pleased to see that there was a major movement towards organic farming and more respect for the natural countryside. He still tried to support the little grocery shops giving small business a chance to survive but more and more were being replaced by the big chain stores, which was a great pity as the personal service was also disappearing but he continued to patronise those that remained and purchased his organics wherever possible. Even Bob was getting into it enthusiastically, saying how he had almost forgotten how great steamed vegetables tasted when they were grown naturally straight from the land and not saturated in pesticides.

  Alex still maintained his avid interest in the environment and general politics even when he was away from London and out of the country. He was elated that the public were very much committed to upholding the environmental sustainability of the Thames. Numerous groups were working constantly to facilitate clean-up operations; however, a new enemy was emerging; plastic, which was appearing in a mélange of varying shapes and sizes potentially threatening every ecosystem in and around the river. Well, they’ve made great strides in the past, Alex thought, hopefully they’ll be able to handle this.

  ****

  Rosalind and Dan had invited Alex round for a ‘Good Journey South’ gathering. The friends had long ago decided there would be no ‘goodbyes’ just good wishes every time Alex got the wander lust and this get-together was no exception. After their marriage the couple had put a deposit down on one of the basement flats in The Barbican and Alex was bursting with enthusiasm at the thought of getting a view o
f it first-hand. He had seen the news coverage of the official opening of the complex by the Queen in 1982 when he was away and was eager to see the new development since that time.

  The estate comprised three of the highest residential towers in London, incorporating mews, terraces, sunken lake and venue for the arts and music centres, to name only a few. The entire project had become internationally recognised as one of the leading architectural achievements of the 20th century. Rosalind and Dan’s home was one of the garden flats set above the sunken lake, allowing them a more scenic view when sitting and enjoying a glass of wine in the evening after their days’ toils. The minute Alex walked through the door, an atmosphere of welcome engulfed him. It was obvious that this was a home filled with love.

  “Dan, why don’t you take Alex on a walk-around of the complex while I get dinner ready? It’ll be another half hour so you have plenty of time.”

  Rosalind was in her element. She just loved entertaining, especially Alex as he really had an appreciation for gourmet food, well prepared with all the trimmings and was always hungry.

  The tour of the complex was all that Alex could ever have imagined. The lake was exquisite, appearing so natural as if it had been there forever; an incredible example of architectural design and ingenuity. Following dinner, Dan got launched as usual, never losing his enthusiasm and support for his idle the famed black parliamentarian.

  “Alex did you know that David Pitt has been elected President of British Medical Association for 1985 and ’86? The man is incorrigible.”

  They were enjoying a glass of port and Alex raised his glass.

  “To my friends, a heartfelt thanks for a culinary delight and to say how privileged I feel to have friends such as you. This is a lovely home exuding goodwill and I can see your cup ‘runneth over’ with happiness. My very best to you now and always my friends and when I’m settled down south you’ll come and grace my table and enjoy the benefits of the south coast.”

  Alex was pontificating to the extreme and all three howled with laughter at the sheer cheek of the man.

  “I just couldn’t help it,” Alex said expansively, finally coming up for air. “I was feeling affluent, we are so very fortunate, we have so much and have come from so little, material wise that is.”

  “That would be super. We’d love to come.” Dan was flushed with well-being and not in small part to the port which he made himself. This latest batch was particularly pungent and aged over a year.

  “Talking of visiting, what’s going to happen to this place of yours on the west coast? That little community gave us the best welcome and honeymoon we could ever have had when we stayed there. The people were so kind and welcoming and your place is out of this world. Are you going to hang on to it?”

  “Of course I am. I’ll take time out periodically to go down. Bob is completely enamoured with it and has been down a few times already with Cathy. I’ll keep it as long as I am able to get down there. It’s only a few hours away.”

  ****

  As always, his time with his best friend and now his beautiful wife also, was quality time. As he strode down the road, he was thinking once again just how exceptionally lucky he was to have such friends. They were the best, couldn’t have wished for better.

  Tomorrow he was getting together with Sid and Elsie. They were going to give him a good send off and Bob too was looking forward to it. Elsie’s cooking and Sid’s baking were an awesome combination.

  “Better prepare yourself for another emotional parting Alex, when old Elsie gets going, there’s no stopping her. We’d better make a quick exit before she really gives in to it.”

  Bob could never get into too much ‘emotional crap’ as he called it. He simply couldn’t handle it. He did notice; however, that Alex managed to refrain from asking how Amy was doing. Amy had left some time ago and Bob was not privy to her whereabouts. He had asked Sylvia numerous times if she had heard from her daughter but she had not and they had not been in touch with each other for quite a while.

  Amy had been deteriorating for some time and he wasn’t surprised when she simply gave notice to Sid and left, giving no forwarding address. She was lost now; had been for years, simply going through the motions of life. It was as if she had completely shut down. He didn’t want the subject broached as there was nothing to be done and the last thing he wanted to do at this late stage in the game was to get into it with Alex. The whole issue saddened him whenever he thought of the love those two had shared, young though they had been and now it seemed that the very loving had destroyed both of them.

  ****

  Alex’s hotel room overlooked the ocean. The day had been another exhausting one, familiarising himself with the area and he was tired. Nursing his drink he lost himself in the skies rich in colour of every hue. The setting sun heralded the night with glorious rays fanning out in every direction, casting red shadows on the sway; a red ball of fire on its downhill slide behind the horizon and into the sea it seemed.

  Turning his thoughts to the project at hand, he figured with his background knowledge he shouldn’t have too much trouble establishing himself in a little business. Quite apart from his regular marine updates, he had acquired business accreditation over the recent years and felt himself well placed and in a strong position to operate a business of his own. Yes his visit had thus far been successful. He’d researched possible cruisers and moorage locations and figured he wouldn’t have too many problems other than the initial ‘start-up’ headaches. Satisfaction filled his being. Now business preliminaries were sorted out, he would concentrate on personal matters.

  He was going to find Amy and Fiona and he would start with Amy’s mother. Since his final financial contribution for Fiona’s education, he had not been in touch with Sylvia and wondered how she would receive him, assuming she still lived in the same house. He would look her up tomorrow but right now he needed a good bath, food and rest.

  ****

  She had her back to him, bent over tending her roses. Her wide brimmed straw hat decorated with flowers shrouded her face as her fingers worked deftly with the secateurs.

  My God, she’s worn well, he thought, anxiously wondering what sort of a reception she would give him. The formal handing over of their baby to her was indelible in his mind; he hoped she’d receive him without animosity after all these years; he only wanted to find her daughter, Amy.

  Aware of his step on the path, she straightened and turned. Their eyes met and with an intake of breath, he could see he was gazing into the sweet face of the woman he had loved practically all his life.

  “Amy, my dearest Amy.”

  She was unmoving as her eyes locked with his.

  “Hello Alex, how are you? It’s been a long time.”

  The air was electric, charged with emotion.

  “Come inside, it’s so hot. I’ll get you some homemade lemonade.”

  Extending her hand, she hooked her arm in his and they walked slowly to the house. It was as natural as if they had never been apart.

  As they approached the door, a young dog came bounding towards them.

  “Alex, meet Kali, Kali, meet Alex.”

  He stayed that night and somehow never got around to leaving.

  Chapter 16

  Business and Pleasure

  Alex and Amy took a walk by the waterfront and part of the way along the great coastal walk. They had taken their lunch with them and stopped to admire the stunning view of the Needles and the Isle of Wight. As they sat, Amy spoke of the love she had for their caring, compassionate daughter and how Fiona had given so selflessly to her when her mother had died, sparing no effort in trying to keep her mind off the sad occasion of Sylvia’s passing, always making herself available, always organising little day trips when the loss of her grandmother must have weighed so heavily on her own shoulders. The three had grown very close over the years, enjoying many special times together. What a blessing they’d all found each other in time.

  “And what a
blessing you didn’t give up on me, Alex,” she added. “What an incredible journey our lives have taken with such an enduring love. I’m so very grateful to have inherited this beautiful house that we can share and make a real home together for the rest of our lives.”

  Arm in arm, shoulder to shoulder, both paused to reflect on their lives and the everlasting love they’d shared. The warmth of the sun seeped into their bones and saturated them with contentment. Amy finally broke the silence.

  “On a different note, I suppose we’d better draw this sweet interlude to a close. The boats will be in soon and we have to pick up the fresh fish for dinner. Bob and Cathy will be arriving at about six o’clock and we have quite a bit of ground to cover before then. I want to take a last look at their room and make sure they have everything they need, particularly as they may be staying with us for some time while they are house hunting.”

  Alex agreed, reluctantly getting up and pulling her onto her feet.

  “What better way to end a perfect day than to spend an evening with our best friends. We got lucky Amy; oh boy did we ever get lucky.”

  ****

  “Alex, they’re here. Bob and Cathy have arrived. I can hear them outside the door.”

  Drying her hands, she called him from the kitchen patio, pausing to watch him feverishly tearing off his gloves. He’s turned into quite a gardener and expert in organic growing. Imagine planting marigolds between the rows of vegetables because they are insect repellent. Goodness knows where he picked that up from but it certainly works and there certainly isn’t the same need for pesticides. Yes, he really is a man of many talents, she was thinking. Their table was constantly graced with an assortment of delectable vegetables and fruits and since installing his greenhouse, Alex had been in his element. A longer growing period and her freezer were turning them into regular homesteaders.