Collection of One Shot's

Jackie's Beach

There is this beach that I have been going to every year since I started University in the city of Sunderland. It is a secluded little beach that you can only access by walking down a path we call the green mile, we call it this because it’s lined by tall green grass and it goes on forever. Sometimes you’re not allowed on the beach because it is behind an army camp and when they put up the red flag it means they are shooting that day so it’s dangerous to be on the beach.

The beach is predominantly rocky with only a small amount of sand, the cliffs that surround the small cove are very high and you have to climb down a steep stair case cut into the rock to reach the beach. It is very private yet it’s a public beach, I always believe people preferred the more popular sandy beaches further up the coast but I prefer the solitude.

A friend from University introduced me to this beach because she walked her dog along the cliffs on a Sunday morning and she too enjoyed the peace and quiet. Once I walked along it with her and tasted the salty sea air and the felt the sun trying to fight the cool breeze to warm my face, I fell in love and ten years later I am still in love.

After University I moved back to Manchester and I miss being by the sea, the sense of calm that it instils in you and the way the fresh air clears your mind of anything. My job is constant as I own my own veterinary surgery and it’s very rare that I get any time off but when I do I always make the effort to drive the two hours back to Jackie’s Beach.

It is the Easter holidays and I have decided to take a well-deserved break, I have left my colleague in charge of emergencies but closed the surgery for four days. I have booked a little bed and breakfast on the coast and I am heading up North for some peace and quiet. I packed a small travel case and popped it into the boot of my Audi A1 then I climbed in plugged my phone in and started my playlist. Once I was on the road the journey soothed my and I was already beginning to feel more relaxed, I tapped my fingers on the steering wheel as Jon Bon Jovi’s dead or alive poured through my speakers.

As usual the drive took just over two hours and as I pulled up to my usual bed and breakfast Lemon Tree, I grabbed my case and went to the reception. Once again, as usual the lovely receptionist Gemma was sitting behind her desk ready to check people into their rooms, she had the sweetest personality and I classed her as a dear friend.

There had been a time when Gemma would flirt shamelessly with me but I valued her kindness a little too much so I politely declined her advances and told her that I bat for the same team as she does. She had blushed crimson for her flirting and apologised for being stupid, I waved away the apology reminding her that she couldn’t have known because I rarely tell anyone that I am gay when I don’t know them.

I walked up to the desk and she walked around to pull me into her arms for a hug and I hugged her back with just as much enthusiasm, kissing her gently on her forehead. Gemma pulled away first grabbing my hand and a room key in the other she took me personally to my room, and I smiled when she had once again given me the best room in the house facing the main beach in Seaburn.

“I gave you extra coffee and biscuits because I know you like them, also there are extra pillows I know how you like to surround yourself with them and plenty of towels in the cupboard.” She said.

“Thanks Gem you’re really great you know that?” I smiled.

“Well I love you and that’s what you do for friend’s right? I wish you would move up here for good Dan I miss my friend and you’re always gone for so long. It gets longer and longer between each visit.” She frowned.

“I know and I miss you too but I have sick pets to tend to.” I smiled.

“Well Sunderland has sick pets too Dan!” She laughed.