Forever yours

Chapter 3 Part 4

Each year she tried to escape a time in her life that was best forgotten but the memories always surfaced and she relived that awful night. She needed solitude and found the beach house in Knysna the best way to escape. The sea had a calming effect and it cleared her head and the surrounding forest provided tranquillity.

Taking a walk into the town and browsing the shops was a favourite pastime for her regular visits. This time was no different. It was afternoon by the time she got back which was a perfect time for a stroll on the beach. There were two other people throwing a Frisbee to a dog and a lone figure walking in the distance whose walk and build seemed vaguely familiar. Convincing herself she was dreaming, she sat down on one of the rocks and watched the ocean trying to focus on the sound of the sea. The tide was coming in and the waves were hitting the rocks causing a gentle spray of sea water to wet her face. She removed her havianas and walked gingerly into the water, hoping it was not too cold. She turned when she sensed someone behind her.

'Hello Marie?'

She looked up in surprise at hearing her name. Her mouth went dry and her stomach clenched when she heard Jeff's deep, velvety voice.

'Hi, fancy seeing you here.'

'I needed a break after my trip and I have a friend who lives here. I come down to visit quite often.'

Did you have a good trip?'

He grimaced. 'It went well although quite honestly work is never good. Where are you staying?'

She pointed to the house. 'It belongs to Mike but he hardly ever uses it.'

Where are you staying?' He pointed to a row of houses just behind the ones on the beach. The houses on the beach were holiday homes but the ones he was pointing to belonged to residents. She wondered if he was visiting another one of his girlfriends. Now why would be of any concern to her? He was talking and she had missed the first part of what he had said.

'I'm sorry, what did you say?'

'Is Robert with you?' he asked, looking up at the house.

'He is working but he will be here tomorrow evening and the others will be joining us for the weekend. I needed some peace and quiet for a few days and this is the best place to find that.'

Jeffrey found that to be a strange comment. She and Robert seemed to be inseparable. Why would she want to escape her boyfriend's company? He thought for a minute and then decided a harmless dinner couldn't hurt.

'What are doing later?'

'I was planning to curl up on the couch and watch a movie.'

'Would you like to join me at a friend's restaurant? It is more of a pub slash restaurant.'

The invitation threw her. They had lived opposite each other for two months and he had never once invited her out or shown any interest in her. Then again, he had Sienna. She did not really want to be alone tonight and dinner was a great way to take her mind off that night.

'I was going to get some takeaways but that sounds much better. Where should I meet you?'

'We could walk there.'

She hesitated for a second. It was not as though the man was a rapist. He was her neighbour for goodness sake. 'A walk sounds good. I never get a chance to do it at home.'

'What time should I be ready?'

'Anytime that suits you. I need to shower and dress but I can be back in an hour. It is very casual, no need to dress up.' And then he was gone.