Ink and Ivy

by Sara Martin

  Julian steadied me, his hands around my waist. With his help, I managed to clamber over. He followed.

  Standing at the base of the mountain, I looked up towards the peak and gulped.

  “Having second thoughts?” Julian asked.

  I took a deep breath in and shook my head. “Let’s do this.”

  “That’s the spirit.”

  I spotted a faint trail in the grass. “Here. This must be the way.”

  We tentatively began our ascent. Julian let me set the pace, staying ever so slightly behind.

  I tried to make conversation as we walked. “So…are you enjoying your stay so far?” I asked.

  “Yup. It’s so nice here. You know, I wasn’t sure if it was a good idea at first. When I was thinking of taking a break, I pictured something more solitary. But I think this turned out to be just what I needed.”

  “That’s good. I was worried it might be weird for you, spending a holiday with me and my grandparents.”

  Julian shrugged. “I don’t mind at all. Your grandparents seem cool.”

  “Yeah, they are.” The conversation with Grandpa immediately surfaced in my mind, and I smiled.

  “It’s actually good for me to take a trip with someone. Usually, I spend most of my time alone. I guess I’m a bit of a loner normally.”

  “Me too.”

  “You seem close with Lana.”

  “Uh huh. We’ve known each other since primary school.”

  “It’s nice to have someone like that. All my friends are off at university. I’ve fallen out of contact with most of them.”

  “That sucks.”

  Julian shrugged. “It can’t be helped. Our lives just went in different directions. It’s funny to think they’ll be graduating this year and going off to work in their high-flying careers.” Envy tinged his voice.

  “You’ll be going overseas to study with a famous Italian artist,” I reminded him.

  “It could be years before I’m in a stable situation where I can earn a living.”

  “But at least you’ll be doing what you love. Your friends will envy you when they’re stuck behind a desk all day in an office and you’re off in Europe, visiting galleries and studying classical drawing.”

  “I guess.” He didn’t sound convinced.

  “Having second thoughts?”

  “Constantly. Every day I doubt my talent as an artist.”

  “Isn’t that normal for every artist?”

  “Yes.” Julian chuckled. “I’m sure you’re right. Sorry to vent.”

  “I don’t mind.” It was actually comforting to know someone like Julian also had his doubts. He normally seemed so steadfast.

  We slowed down for a minute, taking in our surroundings—the ancient trees and overgrown foliage teeming with wildlife. I stared down in awe over the edge of the mountain at the deep green valley filled with swirling mist.

  “Sometimes, being out in nature really puts things in perspective, doesn’t it? Makes all my worries seem so insignificant,” Julian said.

  The valley below seemed infinite. I recoiled, feeling dizzy.

  “You don’t have a fear of heights, do you?” Julian asked, grinning.

  “No. I don’t think so.”

  He gave me a gentle shove towards the edge. I yelped and desperately grasped at his jacket.

  “You’re so mean!”

  Before I could retaliate, he broke away and continued onward.

  “Wait for me!” I ran to catch up, the overgrown grass brushing against my ankles.

  I caught up with him just as we came to a place where gnarled tree roots blocked our path. We scrambled over them.

  “How are you doing?” Julian asked.

  My legs were beginning to ache. It had been a long time since I’d properly exercised like this. I was really out of practice. Julian seemed to be fine, so I didn’t give away that I was already tired.

  “I’m okay.” I gathered myself and pushed onward despite the stitch in my stomach.

  When we emerged through a patch of mist, the summit was suddenly in sight. “We’re almost there,” I said excitedly. With a newfound burst of energy, I sped up my pace. At the peak, I stopped to catch my breath.

  A spectacular view looking over the nearby towns, lakes and rivers spread out in front of us. “You can see so much from up here!”

  Julian stood by my side. “It’s beautiful.” He sighed.

  When I had recovered from my sense of awe, I spread out a blanket on the grass and sat down. It was a huge relief to my sore legs and feet. Julian joined me, and we unpacked our lunchboxes. Each lunchbox contained an apple, crackers and cheese, a sandwich made with homemade bread, and a cookie. I was ravenous, wolfing down the sandwich within a few bites and then the cookie. I saved the rest for later.

  “Shall we head back?” Julian asked, after we had finished lunch.

  I shook my head. “Let’s stay for a while. If you don’t mind.” I needed longer to recover before the downward journey.

  “That’s fine. Actually, this is a good opportunity to try to get some sketching done. I don’t get to see scenery like this very often.”

  “Good idea.”

  He took a large sketchbook and a pencil case from his bag. He opened the sketchbook on his lap, selected a pencil, and got to work.

  While Julian sketched, I lay on the blanket, reading a book. Every now and then, I looked up from my novel to watch his progress. His drawing was very rough, but with every stroke of graphite, a stronger image emerged. When he had finished, he flicked to a new page, moved to a different position, and started the process again.

  I finished my book, so I lay back and relaxed, watching the clouds slowly drift across the sky. They lulled me. My thoughts grew hazy, and my eyelids fluttered shut.

  Disoriented, I scanned the hilltop searching for Julian. He stood upon the edge of a cliff.

  “Julian?” I asked.

  He turned to me, smiling. “Let’s go,” he said, voice gentle.

  I walked over. “Where are we going?”

  “There’s no time to explain.” He took my hand. “Are you ready?”

  “I think so.”

  “Good.” Pulling me with him, he stepped over the edge.

  I closed my eyes tight, expecting to fall, but we floated.

  “See?” Julian said. We drifted weightlessly above the treetops.

  “This is wonderful!”

  “Here.” Julian led us to a clearing in the trees. Our feet touched down on the soft grass. “You’re safe now.” He enveloped me in his arms.

  Suddenly, everything began to shake. I jolted awake with a start. Julian lay beside me on the blanket. His jacket was draped over us.

  “How long was I asleep?” I asked.

  “Just a few minutes. I was worried you would get cold, though.”

  “Sorry.” I returned his jacket.

  “What were you dreaming about? You looked peaceful.”

  “It was a nice dream,” I admitted.

  “Oh yeah? Was I in it?” Julian joked.

  I blushed, lost for words. After such a long pause, I couldn’t deny the obvious truth.

  Julian studied me, biting his lip as his warm breath brushed against my cheek. “You’ll have to tell me about it sometime,” he almost whispered.

  I gazed into his deep green eyes, searching for a hint of what he was feeling. Just when I thought it would be safe to move closer, Julian broke away.

  “The sun is starting to set,” he said.

  I looked up at the sky marbled with streaks of pink. “It must be getting late,” I said, getting to my feet. “We better head back, or it will get dark before we reach the lodge.”

  Julian agreed.

  We gathered our things and were about to head off, but I became disorientated. I had completely lost any sense of direction.

  “Uh, Julian, do you know which way we came from?”

  Julian looked just as clueless as I felt.

  “I think…it
’s this way.” Julian gestured left. “But I’m not sure.”

  “Neither am I,” I said.

  We scrutinised our surroundings, looking for clues as the sunlight rapidly declined.

  “Let’s just go,” I said. “I trust you.”

  “You shouldn’t trust me, but what choice do we have? We’re both not sure.”

  We started our descent. Parts of the journey brought back memories, and I felt like we were heading in the right direction. But then the scenery became unfamiliar.

  “I don’t think this is the right way,” I said.

  “It’s too late to turn back now. We need to reach the bottom before it gets dark.”

  I felt like we should be worried, but with Julian by my side, I somehow felt safe.

  The descent was much more painless than the climb. When we reached the bottom, we found ourselves on an unknown road.

  “Where to from here?” I asked.

  “Let’s walk down the road until we find a landmark. Then we might get a sense of where we are.”

  “Good plan.”

  The road was quiet. Cars only passed by every now and then. Eventually, we arrived at a very small township.

  “Do you know where we are?” Julian asked. “Does this look familiar to you?”

  I shook my head. “I haven’t been here before. It can’t be too far away, though. Maybe I can call my grandparents and get them to pick us up?”

  “Yeah. We better try to contact them.”

  I took my phone out of my backpack. The screen was blank and holding the power button did nothing. “Crap. It’s completely dead. I don’t remember their phone number by heart either.”

  “Well, let’s ask someone around here if they know the way to the lodge?”

  I nodded.

  A corner store stood across the road. “Let’s ask in there.”

  We crossed the road and entered the small shop. It sold magazines, chocolate bars and ice creams. That was pretty much the extent of it. At first, I couldn’t see a shopkeeper anywhere, but then he emerged from the back room.

  “Excuse me?” I asked.

  “Yes?”

  “Do you know the way to Landsend Lodge?”

  The shopkeeper nodded. “You need directions?”

  “Yeah. We’re just a bit lost.”

  “Do you have a car?”

  “No. We’re on foot.”

  “Oh?” The shopkeeper realigned a wonky chocolate bar. “You can get there by foot, but it’s difficult to explain. I’ll write it down.”

  “Thank you. That would be great.”

  The shopkeeper took a pen and a notepad from behind the counter. He scribbled down the directions. “I hope you can read my writing.”

  He tore off the piece of paper and handed it to me. The writing looked legible enough and was accompanied by a crude diagram.

  “Thanks again,” I said.

  We left the shop. After a quick stop at the public restroom, we continued our journey back to the lodge. Directions in hand, we finally found ourselves back in familiar territory. The day had turned pitch black now, and it was freezing cold. My teeth chattered.

  “Do you want to wear my jacket?” Julian asked.

  “No, that’s fine. It’s cold. You need it.”

  Julian took it off anyway and wrapped it over my shoulders. “You need it more than me.”

  We arrived at the Landsend Lodge sign and began the trek up the long, steep, gravel driveway. “Almost there,” I said with relief when the lodge finally came into view. I quickened my pace, desperate to get back. In my haste, I made a misstep and my ankle rolled. I shrieked with pain.

  Julian stopped in his tracks. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine,” I croaked unconvincingly. I gathered myself and limped a few steps forward.

  “You don’t look fine.”

  “I’m okay.”

  “Ivy—”

  “Huh?”

  Julian bent down with his back towards me. “Hop on.”

  “What?” I spluttered.

  “Get on my back.”

  I hesitated. A piggy back with Julian? My cheeks blazed at the thought.

  “Come on.”

  I tentatively took a step towards him.

  “Lean against me. Put your arms around my shoulders.”

  I did as he said, pressing my weight to his back. In one swift movement, he scooped me up off the ground, seemingly with ease. He walked forward. I held on tight.

  “Would you relax? I’m not going to let you fall.”

  “Sorry.” I tried to loosen my vice-like grip.

  Soon enough, I was at ease, safe and secure in his arms. I let my head rest on his shoulder and closed my eyes. Julian didn’t say anything. He walked on without complaint. Even when we reached the lodge, he continued to carry me all the way to my room.

  He gently let me down outside the door. “Are you okay?” he asked again.

  “I think so. It’s just a twisted ankle.”

  “Try not to put too much weight on it.”

  I nodded. “Thank you for the piggy back.”

  “It’s fine. I couldn’t let you walk in that condition.”

  We lingered awkwardly at my door. Julian chewed his lip, and I wondered what he was thinking about.

  “Well…” I began.

  Julian lifted his head. “Hmmm?”

  “I think I’ll go and have a lie down.”

  “That’s a good idea. I’m pretty tired too.”

  “I don’t know if I’ll see you again tonight.”

  “That’s okay. Get some rest.”

  I nodded.

  Julian retreated, leaving me alone. In my room, I collapsed in a heap on the bed, exhausted from the day.

  20

  I awoke the next morning to bright sunlight streaming in through the crack between the curtains. I got up and stretched. My muscles still ached from all the walking the previous day. After getting dressed, I went to the restaurant for breakfast. A few other guests dined, mostly older couples. I didn’t see Julian and assumed he must have already eaten. I had blueberry pancakes and a strong cup of coffee.

  After breakfast, I went outside to enjoy the sun. Julian sat on a deck chair, a sketchbook in his lap. Thrilled he was drawing again, I decided not to disturb him. Instead, I enjoyed a stroll around the gardens. As I took in the beauty of the fragrant winter blooms, I felt a deep sense of calm.

  Venturing deeper into a wooded area, I came across an old shed nestled among the trees. A rusted padlock hung on the door, but it wasn’t locked. With a couple of heaves, it swung open. The shed housed a solitary table and chair. Cobwebs glistened in every corner. Sun streamed in the window, revealing dust in the air and casting stripes of light on the floorboards. The room smelled of cedar wood and moss.

  I sat down at the small table. This would make a good place to write, completely private and utterly peaceful. I leaned my head on the table and felt myself grow drowsy. A blackbird flew inside, beating its wings in a flurry, startling me. I shooed the bird outside and closed the door.

  As I made my way back to the building, I saw Grandpa out watering the garden. “Morning, Grandpa.”

  “Morning, Ivy. How are you enjoying your stay?”

  “I’m loving it. It’s so beautiful here.”

  “That’s good. I’m glad you’re having a nice time.”

  “Do you need any help with the gardening?”

  “So kind of you to offer. Actually, I’m not so good with bending down at my age. If you could pull out those weeds, that would be very helpful indeed.”

  I rolled up my jeans and got down on my knees. The soil was soft and moist beneath me. I began to pull out the weeds.

  “There’s an awful lot of work involved in keeping the grounds maintained, we have a landscaper who comes in once a month, but between that, your grandmother and I do most of the upkeep.”

  “That must be hard on you.”

  “It sure is. To be honest, we’re starting to
get a bit too old for it. We’ve been thinking of hiring someone as a live-in groundskeeper to take some of the pressure off us. They could mow the lawns, water the garden and sweep the paths. That kind of thing.”

  “That sounds like a good idea to me. You can’t keep doing all this work forever.”

  “It’s certainly kept us young, but I think it’s getting to the point where this would be a good option.”

  “I think so too.”

  When I had finished pulling the weeds, we moved on to the next section of the garden. “I had a nice walk around the grounds just before. I saw the old shed in that patch of trees over there.”

  “You did?” Grandpa chuckled. “I have a soft spot for that shed. Your grandma wanted to demolish it, but I think it has a lot of character. I would like to convert it into a private cabin for guests one day.”

  “That’s a good idea. It’s in a beautiful spot.”

  “I used to retreat there, every now and then, for a bit of privacy. But I haven’t done so in quite some time.”

  “If you ever convert it, let me know. I would love to see it.”

  “I’ll bring it up again with your grandma. Perhaps this is the year.”

  After helping Grandpa with the gardening, I walked over to Julian. He was still sitting in the same spot, pen and sketchbook in hand.

  “Hi.” I pulled up a chair beside him.

  “Hey.”

  I saw the picture he was drawing. A gorgeous rendering of the large, weeping willow tree and the duck pond. “That’s amazing.”

  “Thanks. Yeah, I’m feeling pretty good about it. I don’t usually draw landscapes, but I’m getting better at it.”

  “So, you’re no longer blocked?”

  “Yeah. I think I’m through it. Thanks to this trip.”

  “That’s good! Now, you’ll be able to finish your portfolio.”

  Julian nodded. He put his sketchbook down. “How are you holding up after yesterday?”

  “My ankle seems fine now. I’m still pretty sore all over, though.”

  “Yeah? Me too.”

  “It didn’t help that we got lost.”

  “No, it didn’t.” He laughed.

  “Hot drink anyone?” Grandma appeared behind us with a thermos.

  “Yes, please,” Julian and I said in unison.

  The hot coffee warmed me up. Despite the sunshine, a wintery chill lingered in the air. When I began to get too cold, I went inside to enjoy the warmth and comfort of the library. I sank into an armchair and read for several hours.