Too Close
Too Close's finger lightly skated above the sand. As she sat taking in the horizon and the beautiful scenery which appeared before her, she took a notebook and started sketching. It would be her last encounter at the rare sight, before she headed home. After a quick sketch she placed the notebook back in her messenger bag and again, resumed her gaze. Her moment of peace was short lived as she received a light kiss on her forehead, she looked up not moving from her position to be met with a pair of eyes belonging to her boyfriend. A smile approached her face as she was helped up from her sitting position. "Already?" she groaned, wiping the sand from the back of her skirt. A reply wasn't needed though as the male face looked at her apologetically. They took a short walk on the beach hand in hand, heading towards the blue mini. Leaning her forehead against the window she whispered, "Goodbye."
"What's with the sadness? We're going home?" asked turning the ignition on.
"Yeah but it's going to be cold and freezing," replied. As the sight of the beach was losing visibility, she turned to face straight ahead. This was the place she wanted to spend her years at university but instead her career path was leading elsewhere; following a much undesired dream. In her bag she searched for the notebook and brought out a pen, writing her thoughts. Little glances from could be seen from the corner of her eye but he wasn't to know what was being written, "My secret," she smiled holding the left side of the notebook up, making it harder for his attempts to read. smiled knowing how sacred that book was to her, it was a way for her to console her feelings and thoughts, something which never quite reached. "I wish this holiday wasn't over yet," leaned her back on the rest reminiscing on the sound of the waves.
"It's been three weeks! How much longer do you want?" laughed, giving her quick glances before tuning his attention back to the road.
"Yeah I know but don't you think just one more day would be nice?" asked turning towards .
"I suppose," he answered.
"Thanks for the trip," sincerely smiled and got one in return. The journey home was going to be several hours. was beginning to yawn; had not so long ago woken up after drifting off, "Shall I drive?" She watched as pulled over into a safe area. The sky was becoming darker and the road emptier. Just for the sake of scenic pictures quickly took a picture with her camera, unknown to her a speeding car began to brake heavily. "Oops," she giggled a little seeing the car, once again, resume its previous speed. "Moron," she muttered under her breath whilst getting into the driver's seat. She turned to check on , who she thought would have immediately fallen asleep but was, instead, vigorously pressing the control buttons on the PSP attempting to keep in rhythm to Tchaikovsky.
Later at home and both passed out on the sofa, as the room became dark, their eyes started to seal shut.
It was autumn, the leaves were falling as and walked through the boulevard. They were in America for a business trip. Well, it was mainly 's duty but he wanted to come along so he wouldn't feel like a tourist. She had been there once or twice with her family and knew quite a bit about the places as her knowledge for countries attracted her. "What do you have planned for today then?" she asked linking arms with .
"Nothing, I've got the next couple of days off, before any meetings take place," answered, "So what does America have to offer?"
"Well besides beaches," grinned, "Plenty of things...you can probably guarantee that anything you look for...anything...can be found somewhere in America."
"Even sumo wrestling?" laughed.
"I wouldn't be surprised," raised an eye-brow knowingly.
"Why don't we go out for lunch?" asked .
"Good idea," answered noticing her sach was about to rumble.
"What kind of portion is this?" asked looking at his plate of food.
"This the American way," laughed, "That's why I insisted we share a plate. Now if you took my advice, you wouldn't have to finish all that by yourself."
"Okay, here I go," joked , tucking into his food.
"Full yet?" asked, giggling at , who looked tired after finished his lunch.
"I think this will count for my dinner as well," he patted his stomach.
"Okay, well, finish off your drink then we'll pay," pushed his glass towards him.
"Ugh, I don't know if I can," he answered with a depleted voice, trying to reach for his drink but immediately failing and falling back onto the chair.
pulled up from the pub-like chairs. He discreetly moaned about the compulsory tipping charges. ", stop moaning about the tips," laughed at his rant, "That's the way they do things here." They headed to the white sandy beach, taking their footwear off. kicked the sand lightly, then, released her hand from , running as if she was free, "Isn't this great?" She raised her arms in the air, with her sandals swinging aimlessly.
smiled at her with his hands in his pocket, starting to kick the sand as his paced picked up. gave him a questioning look, "What are you doing?" She saw him gaining on her, without a thought she ran away from him, seeing his mischievous face. Seconds later was swept of her feet, she screamed, "Put me down! Put me down!" as they ran towards the sea. pleaded, "Don't you dare!"
stopped before the water and carefully allowed her to stand, "You didn't think I was really going to chuck you in, did you?"
put her sandals back on as the sand started to feel wet, "With you, anything is possible. Where are you going?" asked, following who walked away. She slowed her pace down when he was crouching on the sand. Taking a small branch he scratched into the wet sand. gathered her hair with one hand and brought it over her shoulder to see clearer, "I love you."
"Aw, I love you too," laughed in a mushy voice.
"Shut up, I was reading what you wrote. You buffoon," slapped him on the arm jokingly.
pulled a sad face, "So you don't love me?" He tried hard to keep the sad face but it would only be moments before he burst into laughter.
"Of course I do," ruffled his hair. To add more lovey-dovey-ness to message she drew a heart around and then grinned towards who looked at her as she drew it. "Let's go, it's getting dark," took his hand as she rose up.
They sat on the sofa and watched a film. knew what a girl's night felt like as insisted that they washed and change into pyjamas before they watch a film, he wasn't complaining though. She had always seemed to favour the silk nightie, with a dressing gown to keep her warm. "? I know this may seem an odd question and before you ask, no, I'm not broody. Do you ever want kids?" Her face looked up to s's eyes.
"Um...I don't think so...I just don't see myself as a father now or in the future. Why? Do you?" asked in return.
shuffled to make herself comfortable, "I was just wonder, that's all and in answer to your question...no, I couldn't see myself having kids either. I'm only twenty-two. Besides I think my mum would kill me if I made her a Grandma," laughed.
"Hah, same with my mum...and my dad, in fact," smiled placing his arm around her.
The early morning approached when they both were declared tired.
The sunlight cut through the blinds, overshadowing the vision of and who shaded the rays away with their arms. They both reluctantly rose from bed, looking rather lifeless, rubbed her eyes, "Meeting today?" she took the covers off her lap and swung her legs to the side, wearing her slippers she walked into the bathroom, dragging the soles of her footwear.
"Yep, hopefully it won't last long. Until then what are you going to do?" asked putting his shirt over his head.
"I'm shopping," grinned in the mirror.
"Well have fun. Are you done in the bathroom?" asked knocking lightly on the door.
"Almost..." after several minutes the door opened, she smiled and walked over to her suitcase.
"Do I look okay?" asked swinging his arms out and rotating so could see his entire suit.
"Almost," she fiddles with his collar and then dusts the shoulders of his blazer, "Perfect. Go sweep them off their feet."
"I'm not trying to pull anyone," replied, his voice getting harder to understand as he brushed his teeth. After minutes of getting ready, he took hold of his suitcase, "Right, I'm off now." He opened the door; gave him a boost of confidence and lightly pecked his lips. "Thanks. See you."
What to do? What to do? I'm in much need of shopping. She had looked around many stores, being asked by shop assistance if she needed help and as always her answer was no thank you. Could these skirts be any shorter? I may as well wear a belt! Hmm...ooo this looks nice...too much. I wish they would stop staring at me, it's making feel uncomfortable, I already said I didn't need any assistance. There wasn't really anything she wanted or could afford so instead she opted to buy a drink from Starbucks.
Back at the hotel room she closed the door with her foot, as she turned around she saw sprawled on the bed, "You're back already?"
groggily rose, "Nope...more like...you were at the shops for how long?" He laughed loosening his tie.
"Oh...here a frappachino," handed him the drink.
"Ah...got to love Starbucks," drank and saw empty-handed, "Didn't you get anything?"
"Nope, some things were temping but I didn't really need it," she sat on the sofa. "Anyway, how did the meeting go?"
"Okay, I think. Can't be too sure though. They sure know how to pull the poker face," imitated the usual business-face look. "I won't find out the verdict until I get notice from work."
"Ugh, I can't believe we have to go home already," moaned, packing her luggage bag. She heard chuckle, turning her head with a smirk she asked, "What's so funny?"
"You? Not in a cruel way. Why are you folding your clothes? We have to wash them when we get home anyway?" he said as he shoved his stuff in, trying to create space by compacting the clothes together.
"I don't know...it looks neat?" shrugged and continued to fold the clothes.
When they completed their packing they decided to spend the last hours strolling on the beach, a place of obsession for . They held hands which swung back and forth as they talked about their time in America. They stopped to face each other, rubbed her arms lovingly and smiled. Then they both said, "I have something for you." Laughing at the coincidence they brought out their gifts. There was silence and no action as they were figuring out who should opened theirs first.
laughed under her breath, "Here open yours first. I thought it would be useful in the near future." She passed him the small gift and looked into his eyes to see his real reactions.
With the same smile unravelled the paper and opened the box cover to see a pair of personalised cufflinks, "You really think I've done it?"
"I wouldn't have got those expensive and not to mention cus-made, would I?" smirked, highlighting the specific words to lighten this pleasant moment.
"They're...great...no...sorry I'm one of these guys who doesn't really know how to express himself. They're awesome...no, that's what the guys here say," he stopped to think of the right word, "I'm no good at this. Thanks," his embrace showed all the appreciation. After withdrawing for the affectionate hold he took out his gift to , "Now, your turn."
"Ooo now what has Mr decided to lure me with this time?" laughed, shaking the box next to her ear, to listen for any noises which may just give away the surprise. "We both know how bad with suspense you are so you might as well open it," was right, he could tell she wanted to tear the wrapping apart but was trying to keep calm.
"Ah, you know me too well," with that she opened the gift, "Wow you wrapped this tight." She struggled to rip the paper with her fingers. Then, finally, after fiddling around with the gift she managed to create a small rip. She didn't hesitate to remove the wrapping. When found out what was in the box her mouth opened, just slightly in shock, "It's...bea..." Her mouth stuttered the words but that didn't matter.
knelt on one knee and held the free hand of 's, " , will you marry me?" The words came out easier than he thought.
"Oh gosh, I really don't know," she smirked. "I mean you're not really my type and 3 years is a bit soon to even consider marriage..."
" ?" looked nervous.
"Yes. Of course I will. Don't look so worried," insisted ruffling his hair.
"You have a very odd way of saying 'yes' to a proposal," he raised an eyebrow and slipped the ring onto her finger.
"I know but you love me for it right?" laughed, "Wow this is a beautiful ring. I'm scared of wearing it, just in case something happens." She stared at the ring infatuated with the design and the crystal.
"I'm glad you like it," he said jokingly swept the sweat' off his face.
"Like it? I love it," still stared at the ring like art.
Moments of comfortable silence followed as, once again, they resumed their stroll.
" , guess what?" asked over the phone, with the biggest smile on his face.
's voice brought excitement to 's face, "What? Ooo, let me guess...you won the lottery? No...you...brought a new car?" She thought of more possibilities.
" ?" called but still she was guessing, " ! Stop guessing! I'll tell you," he waited until no sound was hear. "I've...go a job in America!" He screamed down the phone and by the sounds of it was also jumping up and down.
kept her phone a few centimetres away from her ear. She didn't know how to react.
" ? You still there?" asked listening intently for her voice.
"Yeah...I'm just...happy for you," her tone was neither excited nor sad.
"Isn't it great?" he asked.
"...I'm happy you got offered the job...but long distance relationships are hard..." 's voice became serious.
"I know. That's why I want you to come with me."
looked at the phone shocked, "But I'm working towards my final year of Uni."
"You could finish off your University years there. I mean, you love the beach don't you? Well, there's plenty in California," his voice sounded optimistic.
", I can't just up and leave. I've worked too hard to get where I am...I'm not willing to start this course again.
's smile faded, "I'm sure they'll let you continue..."
"No. Their syllabuses are different to ours."
"I want to you come with me though."
sighed, "I'm sorry but I plan on finishing this course and then finding a job. It's okay for you...you're done with uni. You're in a job...and possibly going into a better one. I can't though...I'm not done in uni."
"But wouldn't you love to live in America?" tried to sound perkier.
"Yeah but right now; it's not the right time."
"So you don't want to come?" asked in a sad tone, almost as if, pleading for her to change her mind.
sighed once again, "Do you realise how selfish that is? Look, I'm not trying to start an argument but I can't. I'm sorry."
"Oh, okay then...work's calling me. I have to go...you sure you don't want to come?" asked one final time, when apologised he ended with, "Okay then. See you then."
"Bye."
It's been a few days since that conversation. had taken the job offer, as it offered a more substantial amount of money compared to his previous job and was (needless to say) situated in a sunnier place. Since then had felt guilty, though she didn't quite know why. They hadn't spoken much, due to their schedules and the time difference. knew there was a lot to talk about, which needed to be solved face-to-face so since her holidays weren't long she decided to book a flight to America and surprise.
"Mr ?" the secretary on speaker phone called waiting for to answer, "You have a visitor here."
"Thanks Mindi, let them through," his second finger released the speaker button as he looked to the door to see who would be visiting him at this time. To his surprise it was . "," he called in a pleasant voice, walking up to her for an embrace.
"Hey," she gladly took the hug. When they withdrew she carried on, "Um...I know you're busy but I think we need to talk," she bites on her lip waiting for an answer, holding her handbag in front of her.
looked at the time, "Sure. In fact we could go for lunch now; it's almost break anyway."
"We didn't exactly leave on good terms and..." was about to apologise but she was interrupted.
"Before you finish...I'm sorry, okay? It's my fault. I wanted to you come but completely forgot about your other commitments," smiled sincerely.
"Well...I'll give you that," grinned as held one of her hands across the table.
"Are we okay now?" he asked with a raised look.
"Definitely. So? How's life in America?" asked, giving a thanking-smile to the waiter who passed her her drink.
"Couldn't be better. I'm in a job of my dreams and loving the place. Although I still need to get to grips with the Americanisms," laughed under his breath. It's nice seeing again, just the two of us.
When she heard the word "dream" felt unhappy but hid her inner-emotions. This wasn't how her life was meant to be, this wasn't how she imagined.
"What are you thinking?" asked soothingly rubbing the palm of her hand with his thumb.
She soon snapped out of her daydream, "Oh...um...just thinking. You know me, I can just zone out." Her hand flew in front of her, signifying how she imagined herself when she zoomed out. She saw laugh and nod in agreement. Silence approached but it wasn't the usual comfortable silence; neither of them knew what to say. 's mind was elsewhere whilst was thinking of how life would be in America with the only one he loved.
"I've been asking around...and...universities here are willing to let you carry on as you are. The syllabuses aren't that different. I think there is already one that's ready to accept..." spoke, bringing out applications for the universities.
", I admit, I've missed you but I can't. You're asking me move to another country; what if it doesn't work out? What if I don't get the grades? What if..."
"It will work out. You can stay with me; take public transport to uni. You will get the grades; I know how intelligent you are. Besides it'll be great; the two of us in America," smiled, still rubbing her palm to sooth her fears.
"No, you don't get it...you're doing all this just so I'm here with you. You got all these applications when I said I can't leave uni. The timing just isn't right. Don't get me wrong; it's hard when you're not around and it's really sweet of you to do all of this but I can't leave everything behind.
"Won't you at least have a look at these prospectuses?" pushed the booklets towards her.
After thinking about life differences she couldn't hold back the truth, "No. You really don't get it do you? I didn't want to go into art; being a lawyer or someone in the law industry was what my future was meant to hold. Art, for me, was purely for leisure...."
"I thought you wanted to share your art in galleries though?" queried, thinking about what had just told him.
"No. Art is purely for pleasure, even if people liked my drawing or whatever my heart was never in it. I never considered myself as an artist. Now, I can blame this all on you but I won't because it's my fault for not listening to myself."
"I'm sorry I didn't realise sooner," replied.
"You know maybe in a few years when I'm done with university things will change, but right now? Nothing will," explained.
"I don't think I can wait that long."
"Then I guess we both want different things. Here," took the ring off her finger and placed it on the table. With a final look at she left the coffee house.