Starting Over

Fields and stone walls gradually gave way to cliffs and ocean views. The smell of the ocean grew heavier as Valissia wound her way along the narrow country road. Her fingers ached as she clutched the steering wheel tighter. Gusts of sea air pushed her little car around like a toddler playing with his toys. She knew sitting in the hot car for six hours straight was rough, but the pay-out would be worth it. Little Riverton sat at 30 degrees Celsius, but here in the coastal town of St Gwidden, her car registered 28. Valissia stretched her neck, trying to ease the tension that grew with every jerk of the car around those blasted hair pinned turns.

“We will soon be there,” her twin brother Lee drummed his fingers on the glove compartment, irritating her beyond words. She gritted her teeth, impatience wearing thin.

The car halted to a stop, joining a long queue of traffic as far as the eye could behold. The sea stretched out in the distance, waves glistening like diamonds. She couldn’t wait for sea air to fill her lungs. Fidgeting in her seat like an impatient child, she stretched her legs out the best she could. Reaching for her bag, she rummaged through it, looking for a band to tie back her long, blonde hair which was sticking to the back of her neck. Breathing a sigh of relief when her hair was on top of her head into a messy bun.

Lee was the eldest by twelve minutes. Both had dark blonde hair, although hers was lighter thanks to the hairdresser. They had fair skin, freckles on their faces, which Valissia only deemed cute if you were a child. Although not identical, you could tell they were brother and sister. Lee took older brother responsibilities earnestly, much to her dismay. Deep down, although she would never admit it, especially to Lee, his protectiveness was reassuring. She could always count on Lee to be there for her.

“Everything will work out. Just relax. It’s always been your dream to live in St Gwidden.” Lee reminded her.

“I know.” She gave a half smile. “I’ve always been happy in Cornwall. It was our childhood dream to live here. What if we are making a big mistake?” Her throat tightened and clenched the palms of her hands. It wasn’t every day you left your home of thirty-odd years to move halfway across the country.

“Look, we will never know if we don’t try. At least here you will be free of Simon.”

Valissia cringed and feeling her cheeks flush. She stared through the window; her eyes fixated upon the car in front. Her stomach churned over at the mention of his name. “I know” Her voice sounded hoarse. Tension dispersed as the traffic at last picked up pace.

“We are coming up to my favourite part of the journey.” Excitement rose, her foot pressed gently on the brake pedal, slowing down the car. Between the hedges, she caught a glimpse of St Gwidden. The sun shone over the town; the sea was a brilliant green blue, she could hear sounds of the seagulls.

Accelerating slowly, Valissia carefully manoeuvred the car down Treth Hill. The town was overflowing with tourists exploring the little shops on either side of the narrow road. A man stepped out in front of incoming traffic, not paying any attention to the vehicle that almost ran him over. Driving around St Gwidden in the summer was difficult, and you needed wits about you. She cursed under her breath, making a left turn into Royal Square, driving into a private car park.

“Let’s unpack the car later,” Lee suggested. He looked eager to get out of the car as much as she was.

Valissia agreed, reaching for her heavy weekend bag. Taking a moment, she closed her eyes, listening to the hustle and bustle around her. Seagulls perched on a roof nearby, probably waiting to swoop down on an unsuspecting person carrying food in their hands. She loved the sound of the gulls.

Weaving in and out of people, Valissia quickened her pace, eager to see her new home. Valissia hadn’t seen the flat, unable to take time off work to help Lee with the removal company. “It’s nice.” Valissia stared at the impressive white grade II listed building in surprise. The garden was modest; with a neat lawn and a flower bed along a tall wooden fence filled with dahlias and cosmos, offering privacy from the road.

“Yeah, it is,” Lee agreed. Valissia stepped inside, narrowly avoiding the carelessly discarded sandy buckets and spades in the communal hallway as Lee opened their door.

The living room was nice and bright thanks to large windows. Another exterior door opened out onto a little patio area. A door opened into a small kitchen and dining area. The bedrooms were of similar size; the bathroom was tiny.

“I’m pleased you like it,”. Lee said, placing his keys on the mantelpiece. “I put your boxes in your bedroom for you to unpack”

Rolling her eyes at the thought of unpacking, she closed the door to her bedroom. That could wait. She was home! Her eyes sparkled with anticipation. Content for the first time in ages, Valissia was eager to explore St Gwidden.

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The tide was out, the harbour beach was teeming with holiday makers that blurred into brightly coloured dots in an Impressionist painting. Valissia strolled along the front, noticing all the shops and pubs she remembered from holidays. There were lots of new shops and restaurants as well. There weren’t many traditional gift shops left, larger chains had taken most over. It was a shame. She enjoyed browsing in those kinds of shops.

Walking along the wharf, she looked across the bay. The tide was on the turn and would soon cover all the sand in the harbour. She watched as a young girl squealed with delight as the tide filled a shallow moat she built around a sandcastle. Valissia loved building sandcastles when she was little, decorating them with shells and those little paper flags.

“Do you remember that summer we had here once?” Lee asked. A seagull swooped down and took an ice cream from the man in front, who cried out in fright and then laughed, looking embarrassed.

“Which one?” She recalled of all the wonderful summers spent in the seaside town with their mum and gran. The memories were distant but not forgotten.

“The one when we camped just outside of St Gwidden?” Lee stepped off the pavement to avoid bumping into a woman with a pushchair.

“Yeah. That summer was amazing.” She said, with a hint of sadness in her voice. That summer was her last family holiday.

“Shall we have a drink?” Lee asked, as they walked past The Waterside Inn. The aroma of alcohol and food was making her feel nostalgic. It was a traditional harbour side pub with outstanding views of the sea.

Valissia wandered over to a vacant table with a view of the harbour. Fishing boats were bobbing up and down in the water. Lee waited for his turn at the bar. She glanced at him, seeing he was deep in conversation with someone. Turning her attention towards the window, she watched as people walked by, listening to their idleness chatter.

“You won’t believe this!” Lee exclaimed, walking over from the bar, placing drinks down on the table. “Guess who I bumped into?”

“The Queen?” Valissia laughed, taking a sip of gin and tonic. It felt refreshingly cool on her lips.

“Guess again” He sat down in the chair opposite, resting his tanned arm on the windowsill.

“I’m all out of guesses. Tell me” She detested guessing games, the suspense was too much.

“I won’t have to, here he is now” Lee raised his hand, gesturing the mystery person over.

Valissia turned her neck to get a better look. Her eyes widened in surprise as the man in question headed towards them, instantly recognising him. Aware she was staring; she couldn’t pull her eyes away. He was like a magnet. Damn it! The resistance was too strong. It was as if everything was happening in slow motion. Her heart gave a little flip as he ran a hand through his thick glossy dark brown hair. His white t-shirt riding up his torso slightly, revealing bronze, toned muscles. The sleeves were tight around his biceps. He carried a pint in his hand. She could detect the scent of musk from his aftershave as he sat down beside Lee, so he was opposite her. Her mouth went dry as he looked at her with those deep hazel eyes she remembered so well.