Chim - Your Sound

Chapter 39

Chapter 39

Cheryl’s POV

Kimberley sighed, for the third time since she retreated to one of the comfortable chairs on our balcony. Concerned I stared through the open window, the task of labelling some of my music equipment long forgotten. There was a visible line drawn on her forehead, that only came out when she was deep in thought. Dressed in a white summers dress with bits of girlish pink, her eyes remained on the same spot in the distance, a magazine spread on her lap. I worried about her.

Ever since we settled in our small but beautifully located apartment she acted different, uncomfortable in my presence and distant. The reason why unknown to me.

At first I had tried to soften her with extra attention, afraid that the sudden changes in both our lives had made her doubt my love for her. When that didn’t work I made the effort to involve her in my work, because I thought she felt lost in her new surroundings. Neither had the wanted effect, and things had stayed the same.

Of course she did her best to hide it from me, using the daily routine to disguise her change in behaviour.

In the morning she made me breakfast with fruits that we ate together on the balcony that faced the ocean whilst talking about the day to come. Then when it was time to leave for the studio she kissed me goodbye, lovingly like a newlywed housewife would do. Or she would accompany me, where she would stay close to me all day, constantly showering me with affection whenever I was on a quick break from making music. At night we’d cook together and she’d listen to what I’d say. However it never seemed to get through to her. But what concerned me most was that she had averted her eyes when we made love. Again when we were cuddled on the sofa, telling me almost shyly that she loved me, her eyes resting on her hands.

She couldn’t fool me. However, I had run out of options. Talking about it was pretty much the only thing left, and I wasn’t excited about it.

Still in thought I grab my equipment, carefully placing it my bag. It was late in the afternoon but Bill, who had taken me underneath his wings had called me in, and declining with him in the picture wasn’t an option.

‘Alright babe, I’m off to the studio, Bill called.’ Careful not to startle her I lean in, placing a kiss on her lips. ‘I’ll give you a call if things run late ok?’

She nodded, smiling up to me. Whenever she smiled like that I always melted, so unable to resist I lean in again. This time greeted by her soft lips caressing mine, parting with a chuckle.

‘I’ll miss you.’

She smiles again at my words. ‘Me too. Now go get them.’ A slap on my bum sets me off. Yes, everything would seem alright to an outsider. I seriously doubt if any of our friends had noticed. But then again, we were mostly surrounded by people we met here. L.A. was great, but us moving had torn our close group apart, a sea not easily overcome.

Soon after signing my contract the three of us had flown back to England to arrange everything. A few weeks later we flew back, leaving two of my best friends behind at the airport. Young Nicola and the protective Sarah. I can still see the two of them standing there, Sarah’s arm firmly placed around Nicola who was in tears, the Harding smiling broadly. Next to them a few others that had entered my life in the years I spend in London, some of them more Kimberley’s friends like the flamboyant Davy. Her sister Amy was there too, thank god.

Of course the remainder of her family did not show up, but then again nobody expected them to.

So yes, our departing wasn’t without heartbreak but as the days go by you learn to deal with it. And with the summer near, which Kimberley and I will spend traveling from gig to gig in Europa we agreed to meet with Nicola and Sarah to accompany us. Last stop Ibiza for two weeks fully booked hard labour, and another week to celebrate with cocktails, music and friends. Several times I tried to convince Nadine to join us, another opportunity to bring everybody together might take months again after that. But she remains vague about the whole thing, as about many other things that is.