Summer in Provence

by Lucy Coleman

  22

  Stepping It Up

  With only four days to go until our first visitors arrive at The Haven, Ceana and Pierce return amidst much excitement.

  Nico arranges for everyone to get together for a celebratory lunch and then formally reveals the new name for the retreat, handing around the redesigned advertising materials.

  ‘I’ll get a batch of these sent off to several clinics in Ireland and the UK, Nico,’ Pierce immediately steps in. ‘Ceana and I handed out a pile of business cards on our trip. There was a lot of interest and I think we should see the enquiries begin to roll in quite quickly.’

  I think the rest of us are a little taken aback at Pierce’s proactive approach. He’s very business-orientated and it feels a little out of step with how things have been run in the past.

  ‘Great, thank you both,’ Nico replies, sporting a big smile. ‘Fern has been organising everything in Ceana’s absence and she’s done an amazing job of directing us all. There isn’t much left to do. We didn’t unpack the things for the treatment rooms, Pierce, so maybe Fern will help you get that all sorted. You can draft in additional help as needed.’

  There’s a lot of nodding heads around the table, more than willing to help if required.

  ‘Great. Have you decided yet on the maximum number of places that are going to be available? It’s something that needs to be finalised with some urgency as it will impact on everyone and, in particular, I’m thinking about the catering side of things. I know the first couple of weeks will be lighter as we test everything out, but places are going to fill quickly. Once we’re confident we have a chance of hitting our targets, we can look for some additional help.’

  Pierce has only been back here a couple of hours and already he’s putting pressure on Nico, but Nico seems unfazed.

  ‘I am conscious we’re placing a lot on both your and Ceana’s shoulders, Pierce. I’m hoping Ceana and I can work through the accommodation issues together and look at the logistics.’

  ‘I have a few ideas, Nico, and I’m sure you do, too. It will probably mean a little reorganisation, but if we look at that later this afternoon, then we can run through the changes with the group after dinner tonight, maybe?’ Ceana is our acknowledged organiser, but suddenly even she sounds more business-orientated. The course and her time away with Pierce have been extremely productive, it seems. I am surprised that his attitude has rubbed off on her, though, as it’s a very different approach, albeit one that’s probably what was needed.

  Glancing around the table, I don’t think I’m the only one who didn’t realise the arrival of one new person could change the dynamic of the whole group. I can only hope that’s a positive development and Nico doesn’t end up stressing as his original dream morphs into something quite different.

  The guys had carried everything across to the new treatment rooms in the cottage, together with some boxes that Pierce had brought with him. He hadn’t had time to unpack them before he left with Ceana.

  ‘You’ve all been working very hard, I see,’ he comments as we enter treatment room number one on the ground floor of the cottage.

  ‘Everyone works as a team here. If we need to switch any of the larger boxes between rooms, then either Taylor or Bastien will be happy to help out,’ I remark, hoping my guesswork wasn’t too far wrong on what was going where.

  ‘We’re fine. I’m used to lugging stuff about. Between us we’ll manage, I’m sure. Thank you for sorting the cupboards and desks. I realised afterwards I should have roughed out a plan for you, but there wasn’t time. The focus has to be on filling places and getting the word out amongst our peers. Courses are great networking events, but Ceana needed to bring herself up to date on a few things. The sessions I ran went well, and I’ve honoured my outstanding commitments. It’s wonderful to be back here with just the one agenda, now.’

  I didn’t realise he taught, as well as being a practitioner. In fact, as the day goes on and we begin unpacking his things, we part-fill the wall above his desk with his diplomas and certificates. This man is a perpetual student, it seems, even though he has a vast wealth of experience spanning in excess of twenty years. Everything from a sports masseuse, to bereavement and grief counselling, accredited by the UK College of Holistic Training.

  ‘I’ll miss running courses for them,’ he says, suddenly appearing next to me as I rub a duster over the frame of the last certificate. ‘But Nico is very persuasive. It’s unusual for someone to be more focused on the quality of delivery than the money rolling in.’

  That remark has cheered me up a little. Maybe this man isn’t quite the table-thumper, with pound signs in his eyes, that I assumed him to be.

  ‘Your approach is very different to the way it’s been here in the past, if you don’t mind me saying, Pierce.’

  He purses his lips. ‘Not at all. I believe everyone should speak their mind and not bottle things up. The Haven has to turn a profit, Fern. This is a major change of direction and the holistic elements require everything to be cohesive. The plan is that all staff members will receive basic training, so they are fully aware of what will be on offer. Experiencing something first-hand is the best way of understanding the overall concept.’

  It’s been good spending this time getting to know Pierce. His heart is in the right place and he’s going to take a lot of pressure from Nico’s shoulders in moving things forward. I realise that Pierce is still talking and I tune back in.

  ‘… And Ceana is going to organise that as quickly as possible. I will be interested in sampling some of the other workshops on offer, too. But, to protect Nico’s investment and ensure a long-term future for us all, advertising is crucial. However, that costs money, which has to be found. Nico has put everything he has into this, so we must rise to the challenge and get everything working smoothly. We want visitors to go home feeling we haven’t simply met their expectations but exceeded them. Creating that environment is down to each and every member of the team. Personal recommendation is everything these days, as are good reviews on the website.’

  It all sounds rather daunting. ‘Is the intention to eventually replace people who don’t have the necessary skills?’ I think of Taylor, Bastien and Dee-Dee – skilled artisans, but will they still fit in here, as time goes on?

  His eyes narrow. ‘You’re suspicious about my motives. Don’t be. And the answer is no. Some of the people who will come here will need appropriate guidance and we will be adding at least one more professional to the well-being team. I have a personal trainer and fitness guru already lined up for that, but he can’t join us until March at the earliest. So, use of the gym equipment will be recreational only, at the individual user’s own risk, until then. But a big part of the attraction is still going to be based around visitors being able to learn new crafts and skills – or at least have a go. Hobbies are an important part of learning how to de-stress, as is doing something physical, or meditating. On that note, Nico suggested I approach you about becoming my assistant for the first couple of weeks.’ Staring back at him with a surprised look on my face, he grins at me. ‘Hey, I’m not asking you to go in cold. I’ll talk you through the meditation process one-to-one so you feel comfortable with it. I just need an extra pair of eyes and ears. As I’m conducting the sessions, it would be great if you could circulate and check everyone is happy. I can’t demonstrate and floor-walk at the same time, I’m afraid.’

  ‘Okay,’ I sound hesitant, because I am. ‘I think I can handle that if you are very specific about what you want me to do.’

  ‘Oh, I will be most specific,’ he retorts. I don’t doubt that for one moment.

  ‘I’m not sure I’m the right person, I will be honest with you,’ I reply, almost without thinking.

  ‘Ceana says you are intuitive, and I think you will be able to spot someone who is struggling, or outside their comfort zone.’

  ‘Intuitive?’

  He stares at me, blankly. ‘You didn’t know she was psychic?’

&nb
sp; ‘No. And you?’

  His smile is humble. ‘Sadly, not, because I envy her that quality. I live my life according to my ethos.’

  ‘Which is?’

  ‘Live as if you only have one life; but I believe we have many. Celebrate the good qualities in people, but always lead by example. And finally, good deeds often go unrewarded, but seldom unnoticed – it would be a better world if everyone kept that in mind. Simple.’

  Pierce is anything but simple. How that will change things here, I have no idea, but we’re all about to find out.

  ‘Hi, Mum and Dad.’ Kellie stares at the screen, nervously.

  I reach across and squeeze her hand.

  ‘Exciting things are happening here, and I really do want to stay and be a part of it. Fern is here, she’s Nico’s assistant, and I thought if you have any questions, now’s the time to ask them.’

  I feel it would be polite to introduce myself properly. ‘Hello, Mr and Mrs Preston. My name is Fern Wyman. I’m a manager of a Human Resources department back in the UK, but I’m taking a year’s sabbatical to work as a volunteer at the retreat. I’m halfway through that year as we speak. It’s only natural there are things you’d like to ask as I have a sister who is about the same age as Kellie, so I understand your concerns. So, please, feel free to pose any questions you have and I’ll do my best to answer them.’

  There’s no eye contact between them and the body language is non-existent. Their chairs are a couple of feet apart.

  ‘Kellie, it’s time you came home,’ Mr Preston says, totally ignoring my little speech.

  ‘I agree,’ his wife joins in. ‘Strangers don’t have the same level of interest and concern as family, Kellie. I don’t see why you need to stay any longer.’

  Considering Kellie has shared the fact that they seldom agree on anything, they seem united on this, at least.

  I can see Kellie beginning to panic, her face has frozen.

  ‘We all want the best for Kellie, I can assure you of that. The change in her since she’s been here is incredible. You have raised one very determined and capable young woman,’ I acknowledge, hoping to foster some goodwill.

  ‘Well, it’s easy to say that glibly, but she’s fragile and we’ve seen that with frightening results. This was supposed to be a little holiday for her, Ms Wyman, nothing more. It’s time she came home.’ Her father looks adamant.

  Kellie stares at me, the colour draining from her face.

  ‘Your daughter has recently taken over the role of the craft tutor. It’s something she enjoys doing and in which she demonstrates a natural ability. It requires patience and leadership skills, both of which she has in abundance. I believe this is just the sort of positive, reaffirming environment Kellie could benefit from and she’s keen to stay. To pull her away now would be a step backwards, in my opinion. Her confidence is growing daily and I’m proud to be working alongside her.’

  Mr Preston snorts. ‘I bet you are. Living there for bed and board with no salary is slave labour. Kellie needs looking after and pretending she’s fit to help other people is a big mistake.’

  If I’m horrified by that remark, how must Kellie feel? I can’t even look at her because I’m so angry. ‘That sort of negative attitude is precisely why Kellie’s confidence dropped to such a low level. Desperation results in people acting out of character and Kellie’s reaction demonstrated how unhappy she was at the time. Here, she’s in a very supportive and positive environment, and now she’s teaching other people a whole range of creative hobbies. That’s some achievement, Mr and Mrs Preston, and if you don’t believe me, then you are very welcome to come here and witness it for yourselves.’

  That changes everything.

  ‘Oh, I can’t possibly get away from work to head off to France with Christmas looming,’ Mr Preston says sternly. ‘This is all nonsense and we should never have agreed to her leaving the UK in the first place.’

  Kellie’s eyes flash. ‘I’m happy here. Doesn’t that mean anything to you?’

  Her mother leans towards the screen, finally she has something to say.

  ‘Happy is good, my love, but you’re being used. They don’t care about you, or your situation.’

  I glance at Kellie and she looks ready to burst into tears. No wonder her life is a total mess. Sorry, was a total mess. Suddenly, her head jerks back.

  ‘I’m old enough now to get married and pretty much do what I like. What I want is to stay here. I’m right, aren’t I, Fern?’

  Well, that’s a surprise.

  ‘Yes. You are officially an adult, Kellie. It’s not always easy for parents to get used to that fact and let go, but you are a free agent.’

  Mr Preston almost chokes as his words erupt, vehemently. ‘Are you a fool, Kellie? Cheap labour, that’s all this is – you work for a bed and three meals a day. It’s shameful!’

  I reach out to restrain Kellie as she moves to stand, and presumably flee.

  ‘You and your wife underestimate how valued a member of our community Kellie is; as a volunteer here, we all work under the same terms and conditions, I can assure you of that. While we are here, this is our home. It’s a wonderful way to learn new skills and grow in confidence. I think Kellie has made her decision.’ I turn to look at her and she nods firmly. ‘You can turn up at any time, unannounced, to inspect the facilities here and see up close the work we carry out. We have nothing to hide. Now, if you would excuse us, we have a lot to do before the end of the day. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as building something as a part of a team. But each member is key and that includes Kellie. Lovely to meet you and I do hope to see you in person very soon.’

  With that, Kellie presses end call and we both let out a shriek.

  ‘OMG – did you see my dad’s face?’ She throws up her hands to cover those blazing cheeks. ‘He looked like he was going to explode!’

  Her eyes are glowing, and I can see that she’s delighted with the way the conversation went.

  ‘You know, Kellie, when I leave here, if you’re ever stuck for somewhere to live, then I’ll always have a bed for you. You must never let someone else’s negativity pull you down or make you stop believing in yourself. And I mean that, sincerely.’

  She sucks in a deep breath. ‘Aww… thank you, Fern. It means a lot to know that, but just hearing you stand up to him makes me feel that at last I’m free. I have choices. My parents could never understand what’s going on here. Maybe the changes to come will mean I don’t quite fit in, but while I do, I’m so happy to be a part of this. As for the future, well, I’m more than content to take it one day at a time. Although, at some point, I’d really like to focus on something, maybe go to college when I’ve found what really inspires me. I’d like to help other people in some capacity.’

  ‘When you’re ready, have a chat with Pierce. His skills are very diverse, and he would certainly be a good place to start if you have specific questions.’

  She does a fist pump in the air. ‘Ha! My dad was so not expecting that!’ It’s telling that she rarely talks about her mum, it’s always her dad.

  Independence brings with it the challenge of taking full responsibility for your actions. As I watch Kellie celebrating what she perceives as an important triumph, I realise just how much she has changed. The moody, introverted character she was has completely disappeared, and now look at her. I do believe that she’s ready to take on the world and will quickly learn from any mistakes she might make in future.

  23

  All Change

  After lunch, we spend an hour in the gym as Pierce leads his first meditation session and I’m pleasantly surprised. I thought maybe I’d end up sitting here, wondering why everyone else gets it and I don’t, but it isn’t like that. He talks us through a walk down to a beach and for a while I feel I’m actually there, the imagery is so tangible. I can even sense someone with me, as if they are inside my head, but I have no idea who that person is – or whether I even know them.

  ‘Right, everyo
ne. That’s part one of the exercise completed. Now, I need you all to pair up as you’re going for a little walk in the fresh air to get the blood pumping.’ Pierce looks way more enthusiastic than the rest of us. I feel ready to take a nap.

  As we stand, Ceana makes a beeline for Bastien and, naturally, Taylor and Kellie were lying next to each other on their mats during the session. I hesitate for a moment as Nico stands back and it’s obvious Odile and Dee-Dee are going to feel more comfortable together.

  ‘Guess that narrows down your choice,’ Nico leans in to whisper, with a mischievous glint in his eye.

  ‘No one wants to partner up with the boss,’ I declare. ‘I think we were all surprised Pierce managed to drag you away from your work.’

  Pierce raises his hands, calling us to order as now everyone is talking at the same time. ‘Okay, folks. This should take no more than an hour to complete. Grab one of these sheets and follow the instructions. There’s a short feedback form I’d like each of you to fill in with regard to the two sessions and I’d be grateful if you could let me have those back when you return. Enjoy your little stroll and having a go at the list of tasks. Great job, guys, and I appreciate that for most of you these workshops might involve you stepping outside your personal comfort zone. But what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.’

  Pierce’s joke heralds a lot of laughter and it helps to dispel a little awkwardness we’ve all felt. Well, aside from Ceana, to whom none of this is new.

  The group splits up and Nico and I head off to grab our coats. It’s really cold again today but not icy and the wind has dropped, so it could be a lot worse.

  As we all traipse down the lane leading into the woods, there’s a point at which we start going off in different directions.

  ‘Have you read this list?’ I ask Nico, trying hard not to frown as I look at the tasks we’ve been given.