The R Word (On Hold)

Chapter 28 - Passion & Forgiveness

There was light everywhere. Bright, warm, piercing light and Jane struggled to keep it at bay for a few more precious moments. She wanted to hide, just for a little while longer. She didn't want to leave her bed. It was wonderfully large - large enough for three people easy - and softer than she'd expected; like sleeping on a cloud. Must be memory foam, she thought. The white pillow and duvet had that clean, refreshing smell, like it had just been ironed and sprayed with fragrance. It made her slightly homesick but it passed quickly. The glare grew stronger, quickly, and she winced; stuffing her face and watering eyes into the pillow.

Whatever happened to late mornings, early evenings?! It's September for crying out loud!

"Jane!" She groaned, her ears perking up to her mother's voice. "If you want breakfast, you better get up!"

Instantaneously, her stomach growled. Food, she sighed, turning on her back and washing the sandman out of her eyes. Does it every time. With a laboured sigh, she lifted herself onto her elbows and looked about the room; still in awe with the sheer size and style of it, not to mention the incredible and beautiful view that lay at her feet.

The walls of her room were painted pure white and were decorated with black framed mirrors and bold minimalistic art. Hovering over the end of her bed was the most spectacular chandelier she had ever seen. It was tinted black, rows of onyx beads connected from one bulb to the other and round, almost transparent jewels dangled from it; twisting slowly and casting rainbows about the too-bright room. To her left side was the door and a white dresser table with an arched mirror, black handles and stool. There was also a large wardrobe; it's dark wood was polished to perfection. To her right was her own recliner; black and patterned with small crosses or crests. She couldn't tell from this distance. The only splat of colour was her bright pink suitcase that sat near the door. She rolled her eyes at the sight of it.

Then, at her feet, was the view. It took her breath away. Jane lay back on her pillow and just stared; eyes wide and full of wonder and admiration. The wall was completely glass and it looked right onto the lake. The calm, turquoise water seemed to go on for miles. From her reclined position, land and sky were only separated by a thin band of forest. Everything looked and felt so tranquil, so still. Untouchable and perfect.

Jane smiled, still amazed her mother's company was able to afford the place. She didn't think they profited so much to afford it. They were, after all, just a call centre. Obviously, she was dead wrong.

There was a knock on her door and she turned. "Come in."

The door creaked open and in strolled Alfie with a breakfast tray in his hands. Jane swallowed, noticing he was wearing green shorts and a tight - not to mention ab-revealing - vest top. Inside, she was swooning. She sat upright; discreetly and quickly fixing her bed hair and pyjamas. She kicked herself, wishing she'd packed something far more glamorous than matching frog patterned, short sleeved top and trousers. What was she, ten years old?

"Good morning," she beamed, hurrying across the bed to meet him.

"Morning," replied Alfie with a smile. She noted how relaxed he looked. They hadn't been there for twenty four hours and already, he looked refreshed, more at ease with himself, with her. That's just what the outdoors does to you. Or perhaps it was just being away from all the noise and routine of town, away from the same old faces and places, sounds and smells.

Okay Jane, you're looking into it too much.

She shook herself, staring up at Alfie as he settled right at the edge of the bed and placed the tray on the bed side table. Jane shuffled closer, her knee touching his under the cover, and eyed the full English breakfast and orange juice; her mouth already salivating. It smelled delicious and her stomach rumbled, so loud even Alfie heard it.