Jess is finally going! That New Zealand holiday is at its dawn, and all she can think of is landscapes, walks and adventures. But what she does not expect to find, is what is waiting around the corner - someone.
Someone who will turn her holiday up...
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Hours later, when they emerged from the cool, green depths of the forest, they all felt strangely at peace. But hungry. And that walk was not really the end, after all - not quite yet.
So, neglecting to go home and change, the family headed over to an early dinner-cum-late lunch-cum tea. A festive, celebratory atmosphere prevailed, even though the meal marked a close - the last one of their holiday, together.
The chatter and bustle of the restaurant engulfed them the moment they stepped through the doors. Like stepping into another realm, they wandered through the sea of tables, and enticing smell of frying batter,suspended in the air.
They collapsed noisily into a booth, stretching their legs and setting their things down, as Uncle Sam ordered them each a plate of fish and chips, saying they could not leave the country without trying some. With a mischievous grin, Jess remarked that it was lucky he had ever remembered in time.
He replied, "Better late than never.", with a wink of those twinkling eyes.
The hubbub of the place rumbled on, while their stomachs felt like they were swiftlyemptying, then and there,as the tantalising scents wafted through the air all around them. Jess slouched slightly in her seat, as she felt her energy suddenly petering, sugar high finally giving way.
They had all decided, upon studying the menu, to order brownies and ice cream for dessert. Jess did not remember the last time she'd had brownies and ice cream, but her mouth watered at the very thought. Then again, it had been since they had entered the orbit of the restaurant.
As they waited, Jess glanced at the clock on the wall.
Four-fifteen.
At first it did not mean anything much, other than that it was such a very early time for dinner.
She was usually otherwise occupied at that time; within the next hour, she would have headed out onto the street for the evening walk. By five o'clock at the very latest - upon the command of the dog in charge - she was always out the door with Obi Wan. With James.
James.
Jess's stomach plummeted. The timing was impeccable. Disastrously impeccable.
Today was it - the last chance to do the undone, say the unsaid. They had agreed to meet by the stream, at the usual time. Generally it was not a formal meeting - more by chance than agreed upon - but today's had seemed too important to leave to chance.
Now here she was, sitting in a cafe, as time ticked away.
What if he was already waiting, on edge, as she had been trying so hard not to be all day?
And suddenly the room seemed too loud, the air too humid. The space seemed to close in, like the blanket of time, wrapping itself around her, blocking out air, until it was too late.
