One Day You'll Find Me

Chapter Eighteen

I looked out the window and saw a cluster of islands scattered over the ocean's surface. If someone had picked up pieces of a puzzle and dropped them, then that is what Palau resembled. As the plane neared Sonsorol, I could make out the runway amidst the lush landscape. The island was so green, it seemed unnatural. Between the valley folds, I caught a glimpse of the small town, with its red and white splattered buildings. The ocean was a vivid cerulean blue, and the sunlight danced across it, making it appear to have been sprinkled in glitter. From the air at least, Palau looked like paradise.

It wasn't long before we landed, and as soon as Rosina and I stepped out into the sunshine, we paused. The air was amazing, so crisp and sweet. It carried a hint of flowers, fruit and sea water. I'd never smelt anything like it.

After a few frustrating minutes trying to communicate with a man who spoke no English, an English-speaking person was found for us. He was one of those ageless people, and though he was probably mid-sixties, he was as fit and strong as a hard-working forty-five year old man. I explained we were looking for a man named Lucien, who was supposed to take us to Palau, and showed him the list and the part where Josefina had specifically mentioned this Lucien. He laughed when he saw it.

"Ah! I've been expecting you. I'm Lucien. Follow me, please."

I sighed with relief and did as he asked. He led us over to a purple helicopter, and proudly presented it to us with a graceful sweep of his arm.

"I give you Betsi. She will take you to your destination." He held open the door, and pulled a note out of his pocket. "See? I have been given instructions just like you have." He waved the note. "I have been asked to fly you to the island, but I'm not allowed to answer your questions. She insisted on it."

Neither of us had moved, so Lucien kindly took our bags and placed them in the helicopter. I climbed in then, bursting with questions I hadn't had a moment ago. I opened my mouth to ask one, but Lucien held up one finger, then pretended to zip his lips together and throw away the key. I sighed and leaned back in the seat.

***

We'd flown over several islands before Lucien pointed to a small one directly in front of us.

"That's the one. Pulu Ana." A smile tugged at his lips. "But we call her Ana for short."

I sat up straighter and focused on the island. It was small compared to the other islands I'd seen, and it wasn't as thickly covered with forest. The beach looked grey, and the closer we got I realised why. It was made up of pebbles, not sand. A little house came into view, as well as a small herd of horses which took off at a gallop and disappeared into the trees. We were flying over Ana now, and a lady walked off the porch and stood where we could clearly see her, waving her arms above her head. I covered my mouth with my hand. Josefina.

Thoughts were running wild in my head, and I suddenly felt like I'd been thrown in a washing machine. The parcel, the journey, the letters. The blue envelopes. Question after question rushed to the forefront of my mind. A hand grabbed mine and squeezed. I turned and looked at Rosina, took a deep breath and sighed. Ros simply squeezed my hand again and offered me a comforting smile.

Lucien expertly landed the helicopter and jumped out. About to follow suit, I glanced up and saw Josefina walking towards us. I froze. I couldn't do this. I just couldn't. Rosina gave me a shove and I tumbled out, hopping a few steps to regain my balance. I glared at my friend, who calmly closed the door and smirked.

"Hello! Welcome to Ana, girls!" Josefina greeted us with a warm smile. Lucien walked past her with our bags, and she rested a hand on his shoulder, leaned in and whispered in his ear. He nodded once or twice as she spoke, then shook his head before continuing up to the house. She nodded to herself and when she looked at me, I could've sworn I saw a tear in her eye.