Love in Limbo

Chapter Thirty Two

"Sarah" I call as I turn the corner to Silvias room. I am a little breathless from practically running down the corridor.

Silvia grins from her bed where she is lit up by her TV. She is watching a soap opera "she just put me to bed" she says "tucked me in only moments ago" she adds with an affectionate smile.

My face must show my disappointment because she reaches out for me. I go to her, sitting down on the edge of her bed.

"Have you come to get your girl" she asks me matter of factly.

I am slightly surprised at the casual way in which she says it, like she's been waiting for this moment for weeks and she's relieved I'm finally here. I was like old news Silvia had read in a soap opera magazine, from the spoiler section.

"I hope so" I reply nervously. "Do you think she will still want me" I ask.

Silvia removes her glasses and places them on her quilt "still want you" she repeats "oh honey she never stopped... whether she admits it to herself or not, she's been waiting on you"

"Where is she" I ask.

"She swims on a Friday night, after she puts me to bed. She's downstairs" she reveals with a pat of my hand "go get our girl " she says with a smile.

"Okay" I reply, trying to shake myself up and gather some courage. "I got this" I repeat, psyching myself up.

"You don't need nothing but your hand and your heart Cassie Colonel" Silvia says shooing me out the door with her hands. "Go" she says jovially. "Bring her home"

I turn and smile. How did she know that?!

My thoughts exactly.

***
As I enter the atrium I see the solo swimmer making laps in the pool, her strong shoulders and forearms making the movement seem effortless. Seamless through the water. I sit myself on the nearest chair and watch her silently.

The last night I was with Sarah, we had been in this pool, and we had made love in this pool. The thought made my cheeks redden with the blush of it. I pushed my blonde hair behind my ears and studied Sarah's every moment, her breathing and her body, whilst almost holding my breath and daring myself to go to her. I had to end this wondering, this waiting, this torturous absence that had been forced upon us.

I move closer to the edge and remove my sneakers and socks, placing my legs down into the water as I sat on the side. I lean back and close my eyes, taking in every second, every sound and sighing a deep and peaceful sigh. For a moment it's like no time has passed at all, and we are still here, leaving all that pain and confusion behind, leaving the broken body and the broken promises in a world that no longer exists.

"Cassidy" Sarah says, breaking the silence.

I sit up straight and my eyes are drawn to her, the beautiful vision of Sarah Cooper walking towards me, her hair wet to her skin, her blue eyes piercing against the dark of her hair, and her endearing smile suddenly lifting her lips as she takes me in too.

She comes to a stop at my feet and reaches out her hands to hold the pool either side of my thighs. The water in the shallow end comes to just above her waist, her dark green two piece bathing suit leaves little to the imagination as it wraps in a V shape around her bare neck. Her hair is in a messy bun with curls hanging at different lengths that have escaped and tickle her flesh. She looks ethereal.

"You're back" she observes "in Milford" she adds, almost disbelieving.

I simper. She searches my features rapidly, looking for the answer, like she can discover it if she looks hard enough for it.