A SMILE IN A WHISTLE

Chapter 13. Wednesday, City Park

It was the first of August and the first day of Sarah's summer holiday. She had settled at her parents' house, for the time being. Katherine and Patrick had welcomed their daughter with open arms. Sarah would soon have to go back to the apartment to pick up the rest of her belongings, but it was too early. She didn't have the energy to face Ben just yet, at least while he was still getting used to the idea that their relationship was over. Her plans to go on holiday with him had obviously been cancelled, so she was going to take time for herself and find a new little flat in town – living with family was comforting, but her parents' habits would certainly get on her nerves eventually.

The holiday was also an opportunity for Sarah to spend more time with Sam. Much to her delight, they were meant to meet at City Park today, just like the past two Wednesdays. At midday, she was back at her usual spot, on the bench at the entrance of the park, and watching the world go by to pass the time. It was a warm, sunny day. The streets were calm; many people had already left for the seaside for their holidays. Sarah kept thinking about the last time she met up with Sam. It all seemed a bit messy now that she put things into perspective... Her tears, her words and her reactions were overwhelming. It must have been confusing for him to hear and see all that, she thought. I must reassure him today.

12:10 p.m. Sam hadn't shown up yet. He must be running late. Sarah kept busy by sorting out her handbag. Now was a good time to get rid of old receipts and notes she didn't need anymore. She also found an old red lipstick, which was in a terrible state. That's where it was! I have been looking for that for ages! Sarah came upon a photo of her and Ben in her purse. They were both facing the camera, with big smiles on their faces. Standing right behind him, Sarah had wrapped her arms around Ben's chest. He was sitting on one of their kitchen chairs and was holding on to Sarah's hands. Lydia had taken the photo on New Year's Eve, two years ago. A great memory of time spent with her two oldest friends, as well as with Jim. Sarah didn't have the heart to throw the photo away... Instead, she'd put it in her photo album when she returned to the apartment.

12:20 p.m. Still no sign of Sam. All Sarah could do, was wait. She wasn't brave enough to call his landline, too afraid that Josephine would answer. If only I had Sam's mobile number... she wished. She waited a little longer, the sun delicately warming her head and shoulders.

12:30 p.m. Okay, now I'm getting worried... she thought. Has he forgotten? Has he had a problem? Did I trouble him last Wednesday? So many questions were upsetting Sarah's mind. Should I try to call him after all? She stood up and paced back and forth in front of the main gateway of the park. She had to move to calm her nerves.

12:40 p.m. Sarah finally grabbed her mobile phone and rang his home number. Tough if Josephine answers! I'll just have to ask her calmly if she has seen Sam. That is all, she told herself. Her heart was racing while the phone was ringing. No answer. She tried a second time. Still no answer. Maybe I should leave... I have waited long enough, she pondered. On the other hand, to leave would mean not to see Sam today. To stay would mean to hope to see him. Which woman do you want to be? she asked herself. The one that waits or the one that leaves? The one that gives up or the one that hopes? She sat back down on the bench.

12:45 p.m. Maybe Sam didn't want to see me today. Sarah finally got up with the intention to leave. Just at that moment, a man bumped into her. He was wearing a jean jacket and a cap.

"Sorry," apologised Sarah.

"It's me," whispered Sam.

Sarah looked up and recognised his face under the shadow of his brown cap.

"Follow me," he urged.

"Sam, what's going on?"

"Don't ask, just follow."