One Moment At Sunrise

by Karen Aldous

  Turning to Charlotte, she let out a loud gasp. Her daughter was now a sight to behold. Flaky pastry, icing, cream and summer fruits draped and dotted her face. Evie burst into laughter.

  ‘Oh my God, look at you. I wish I had a camera.’

  Oblivious of the tapestry of food pasted on her face, Charlotte continued jabbing cream with sticky fingers into her lips, scrunching up every morsel her slimy hands could grab.

  ‘Bah, I’m not sure the wet wipes will be much use. I think I’d better get you in the bath.’ Evie stepped to lift Charlotte out of her highchair, bracing herself for the fight that was now on her hands. Her daughter wasn’t going to part with the pastry lightly.

  Closing her eyes for a few seconds, Evie then stepped back, shaking her head. ‘Oh sweetie, enjoy it. I’m going to eat my breakfast. I’m sure ten minutes won’t make a difference.’ She pushed her shoulders back and let the tension roll down her arms, ‘I need to stop sweating over the small stuff. There’s so much more to life. God, I just wish I knew what this creep wanted.’ She turned to the parcel on the side. ‘Let’s open this for you.’ Evie grabbed the box and placed it in front of Charlotte. Peeling a corner, she showed her how to tear the paper, allowing her daughter to unwrap it herself. Charlotte tore it all off in seconds. Inside was a plastic pink tea-set.

  ‘Oh, perfect, we’ll get it out and you can play with them in the bath.’ Evie said, opening the card attached. It contained a few simple words, but she covered her mouth, a lump forming in her throat. ‘That’s lovely.’ She wiped her eyes and read it aloud to Charlotte. ‘This is from the people who sent it:

  ‘Dearest Charlotte,

  We wish you a very Happy 2nd Birthday

  Our love and best wishes

  Lots of kisses

  Granny and Grandpa

  XXXX

  ‘Oh sweetheart, wouldn’t it be lovely to see them again.’

  Whilst Charlotte was in the bath playing with her new toys, Evie sat in the chair beside her. Opening her book while receiving copious amounts of Charlotte’s ‘tea’, her hunger for answers grew. It was tempting to skip through the chapters, but as it was a recent scholarly text, she thought it best to read it cover to cover to get an overall understanding of the author’s premise in case she missed something.

  ‘Yes,’ she began scribbling on her notebook, ‘oh at last, some examples.’ Managing a paragraph, she checked her watch and gave a sigh. ‘Oh, look at the time. Mummy needs to get your hair washed and get you scrubbed up. Auntie Suzy will be here soon.’

  Evie had just got into a clean pair of shorts and t-shirt when the gate buzzer sounded. Running a brush through her wet hair, she scooped her freshly laundered and clothed daughter into her arms, headed down the stairs and peeped out the door to the gate.

  ‘There she is, poppet.’ They raced across the front to the gate, unlocking it. Suzanne smiled, breezing through carrying a large glass bowl filled with fresh fruit.

  ‘Hello my darlings, thought we could munch our way through some of this. Bram bought them on his way home from work yesterday.’

  Peering up the path and the track Evie fastened the gate. ‘How thoughtful. Those strawberries look divine,’ she said licking her lips

  ‘Good, because for me they are forbidden, bring me out in a rash. I’m looking forward to the melon.’

  ‘Fine by me. Charlotte loves strawberries too, don’t you, poppet? Nuts are her poison.’

  The child’s eyes lit up. ‘Stor-brees.’

  Suzanne laughed. ‘Talking of forbidden fruit, I think I saw your director guy a little while ago, out on the canal. Not that I make a habit of looking out my window for men. I’ve been keeping a look-out for your stalker. This director is the one with long dark curls, and gorgeous body, yes?’

  ‘Erm, yeah. Sounds like him. Ben you mean?’ Evie said, her heart skipping a beat hearing herself mention his name. Then ripples of lust washed through her, imagining his muscly physique and his warm smile.

  ‘My dear, he is hot!’

  Evie felt the heat rush to her cheeks. ‘Mmm, indeed he is. Beautiful inside as well as out.’

  Suzanne held out her arms, reaching for Charlotte, with a giggle. ‘Sounds like my Bram, only poor Bram lacks some of the external features.’

  Evie laughed too as she swapped her daughter for the bowl of fresh fruit. ‘Bram is a treasure to behold.’ she said as they entered the house. Suzanne’s husband was rather cute and so caring. Evie adored their relationship. They seemed so deeply attuned.

  She closed the door, her stomach churning thinking about Ben’s striking attributes, and was surprised at how she was reacting. She wasn’t sure she wanted to share Ben with anyone. She recalled the physical allure which attracted her that very first moment they met. There was a force beyond attraction; like he had entered her soul, somehow giving her some mystical power. She placed the fruit down on the table, staring momentarily. She was barely able to trust herself being so close to him. More and more he invaded her head, including her dreams.

  ‘Yes, such a shame he is forbidden.’ Evie said to Suzanne, who glared at her wide-eyed. It must have sounded so disloyal.

  She really did need to occupy her mind and just focus on the important things such as safety and research.

  ‘Oh come on, he is hot,’ Evie jested, trying to make light of it. ‘I’ll put these into the fridge and we’ll have some when we get back from the park.’

  It was Suzanne who had the wonderful idea they go out and get away for a few hours, suggesting they cycle to the waterpark which was on a holiday complex in Portiragnes, so that they could take Charlotte on the waterslides. Evie had agreed, it would make a fabulous trip for her daughter. She’d never been on them before. And Charlotte loved it. The experience of the tall slides and making a big splash at the bottom had both Evie and Suzanne taking turns to climb to the top to feed her enjoyment. Then climbing on the array of apparatus for toddlers in the park, and seeing all the children, made her an extremely stubborn child to get home. In fact, they were all pretty exhausted arriving home but Evie enjoyed the small highlight of glimpsing Ben. He was with the crew at the harbour café.

  After their tea, Evie cleared and washed the dishes while Suzanne and Charlotte played at making faces at each other.

  ‘Please, make yourself comfortable and I’ll get drinks organised. Charlotte, you can choose a book to take to bed.’

  Suzanne stroked Charlotte’s hair with her lips and hugged her before letting her down. ‘I’ll take her up to bed and read to her.’

  ‘Suzy read story.’ Charlotte said, large blue eyes pleading at her mother.

  Evie began to protest. ‘Really Suzanne, it’s ok. I don’t expect my guests to…’

  Taking the little girl’s’ hand, Suzanne was firm. ‘Evie, I’d love to. I want to. You relax for ten minutes.’

  Gaping at them both, Evie nodded. ‘Well, yes, she would love it,’ she said relenting. This was a first and maybe it was the first of many. Perhaps she should allow herself to let go a little and let people into her life, and into Charlotte’s.

  ‘Come on. Let’s go choose your book, Charlotte.’ Suzanne let the little girl lead her.

  ‘Mummy will come and give you a kiss when the story is finished.’

  Watching them select a book and trundle off to the hall, Evie immediately nestled into a chair at the table and picked up her book, to make the most of her ten minutes. She opened it but couldn’t concentrate. Charlotte had really loved the waterpark and particularly mixing with the other children. She wondered if she’d starved poor Charlotte of social contact and if she should begin to look around for a toddler group. With some extra money, she could find a good one for a morning or two a week.

  Evie joined them and gave Charlotte a bedtime kiss and cuddle. Once her daughter was settled and they returned downstairs, whilst Evie headed to the fridge, Suzanne pulled out a chair at the table and glanced at the pile of books on the table.

  ‘Is this the work
you are doing for Ben?’

  ‘Yes, oh, I need to put them away.’

  ‘How is it going?’

  ‘It’s getting exciting. I’ve just found the most informative book which, as soon as time allows, I will get back into.’

  ‘I’ll take Charlotte for a few hours tomorrow if it helps?’

  Pouring orange juice into glasses, Evie peered up. ‘Would you mind? That would really help me out.’

  ‘Of course, I’d love to. Bring her over about nine. I’ll walk her to the little park.’

  ‘Oh Suzanne, thank you – but, please, be careful, you know, with strangers.’

  ‘Yes, I will, trust me.’

  ‘What would I do without you? And of course I trust you. It’s the brutes out there I don’t. I feel bad farming her out though.’

  Suzanne blew out a sigh. ‘Stop. Charlotte is loved and cherished. Not farmed, my dear, it is socialising. It will do you good. And Charlotte. Children play together in the park. Just as it would do you good to mix more.’

  Evie wrenched her jaw to one side, feeling pained. She should socialise her daughter more. Suzanne was right. Charlotte’s social and emotional needs were important. There were so many things she had overlooked whilst brooding in her own self-pity all that time. Thank God she was waking up at last.

  ‘Thank you. Ben is really keen to have the research soon so that he can decide if it’s worth pursuing, and I definitely think it is.’ Evie slotted the bottle of juice back into the fridge, wriggling with elation. It was so satisfying working on something she could get her teeth into, and have support too. And, even better, it had been offered. Suzanne was a true gem who she trusted implicitly with her child.

  Planning ahead in her mind, she figured she could get some reading done tonight too if she didn’t fall asleep.

  Suzanne was looking tired too, she noticed.

  ‘So, Evie, what do you think about the teaching job?’

  Evie carried juice-filled tumblers to the table, sucking in her cheeks. She still felt torn and hadn’t decided whether to risk it. It was all right for Seb to be out leading his own life, why should she be forced to live in isolation? She thought of Ben’s maxim, once again the words ‘focus on what’s best for you’ chimed in her ears. This job would allow her to meet new people as well as earn her some money to save. She rubbed her chin.

  Suzanne filled the silence. ‘I can help familiarise you with the job and give you training, remember, before you start. Just two mornings a week would be perfect for you. You have your English degree too. Like I said before, I’m sure you will walk it.’

  Carefully placing the tumblers on the table Evie rolled her tongue around her lips. ‘I have been thinking about it, yes.’ Raising both her hands to her mouth as if in prayer, she searched her friend’s eyes for several seconds. ‘Mmm,’ it made sense and, even if she didn’t get the post, it would test her readiness and give her the much-needed interview experience. Another challenge. Not as exciting as Ben’s project, but it could provide some regular income. Stretching out her arms, adrenaline ripped through her. ‘I want to. I’m nervous, of course, about Seb.’ Finally, she nodded. ‘But why not. I should give it a go.’

  ‘That’s the attitude my dear. You will be fine, I promise. I will ring Sabine tomorrow.’

  Evie’s head was in a spin, exhilaration and fear fused like a chemical cocktail waiting to explode. She had committed. Seb would be furious at her but at the same time, her heart was pounding and adrenaline raced around her like it was on a Grand Prix circuit. It was liberating. A decision had been made, and change for Evie Grant was now a work in progress. She couldn’t, no – wouldn’t, back out now. She had a life to live and was going to fill it. She was going to do what was right for her. Not Seb Wilde.

  Evie clenched her teeth. ‘I will definitely need your help though. I’ve done very little in front of an audience other than a presentation or drama at school. And, if you’re sure you don’t mind having Charlotte?’

  ‘I wouldn’t offer if I didn’t want to see you get out and meet people.’

  Evie held out her arms, ‘Thank you. You are a pearl,’ she said as Suzanne rose from her seat and stepped into her embrace, ‘but I must ask you to be vigilant with this guy hanging around.’

  ‘Don’t fear. I will guard Charlotte with my life.’

  Chapter 15

  Although she hadn’t seen her stalker for several days, Evie’s mind was still alert to the toxicity of his threat. She hadn’t heard from Seb either, so, with the adrenaline rush of her decision to go to the interview, she finally made an attempt at operating the CCTV. Not that it was terribly successful, she couldn’t get the hang of the editing. She wondered what Ben would make of her editing skills! Working on the research, however, was a godsend; it averted her attention, keeping her busy. Plus, Suzanne had spoken to her friend at the language school and together they’d put a plan together for Evie to hone her skills and knowledge in preparation for an interview. It was limiting her time reading and making notes for Ben, but Suzanne took her through the theory, planning lessons and dealing with issues with such speed and ease, she barely had time to think about the big leap she was making.

  ‘Once we have covered the essentials you can read through in your own time. You will find your own teaching style, so don’t worry.’

  ‘You make it sound so easy.’

  Taking her through the mechanics of the job, Suzanne did some roleplay which Evie found fun. ‘You see, you are a natural.’

  ‘Those quizzes and games are fun. It may be easy now, but I think it will be nerve-wracking when I’m faced with a real live class.’

  Suzanne had provided her with a much-needed hug and reassuring smile.

  ‘You’ll be fine. Just think of what you’ll be able to do with those extra euros in your pocket.’

  Evie’s eyes widened. ‘True.’ She thought about taking Charlotte to a toddler group and taking her to the waterpark, and the possibility of buying a camera or phone line. For now though it would at least offer an escape and she’d really enjoyed learning.

  ‘I’ll leave these with you and come back for an hour tomorrow night before your interview on Saturday.’

  ‘Great, thanks. You’re a star for helping me out like this, I know you have your own work to do too,’ Evie told her. ‘I know I have a long-neglected list of things I need to do.’

  ‘My pleasure. Truly.’

  ‘I’m in need of some fresh air and exercise after all this studying. I think I will go along and see Ben tomorrow. Tell him what I have discovered so far. He must think I’m ignoring him.’

  Ben was at the film unit base, just leaving the catering bus when he felt his heart lurch as he spotted Evie pushing Charlotte on the back of her bike and, possibly, looking for him.

  ‘Evie.’ he called, but she tossed her head in confusion. With so many support vehicles on the site and people shuffling around, she wouldn’t know where he was likely to be. He darted towards her past two haphazardly parked Winnebagos and that’s when her eyes brightened.

  ‘Ben,’ she smiled, lifting his heart.

  God he’d missed her. ‘Hi, I’ve just grabbed a coffee. Do you want one?’ He kissed both her cheeks, tasting a delicate scent on her skin. ‘And hello Charlotte,’ he said, smiling at the child and then turning back to Evie.’

  She looked suddenly flustered. ‘I’m glad I caught you before you’d gone off on location. Sorry, I’ve been a bit busy but I’ve certainly found some interesting facts. Have you got time or…?’

  Ben glanced at his watch. ‘Yes, sure. I have ten minutes. Come and sit down outside the catering bus. There’s some tables there.’

  She sidled up to him steering her bike. ‘I will type them up and send them, but there’s definitely good evidence about the women who worked on the canal and I didn’t want you to think I wasn’t working on it. And I know you were keen to know.’

  ‘That’s brilliant. No, don’t worry. Tell me what you’ve found, I can
at least have a picture in my mind to make a start on the script.’

  He observed as Evie unstrapped Charlotte. Her hands were shaking. Was that excitement or nerves?

  Placing the child on her lap as she sat, Evie began bouncing her. He could almost touch her enthusiasm and he couldn’t wait to hear.

  Evie continued. ‘These women were amazingly smart. Smarter than the engineers working on it. What they had was the experience of managing ways of supplying their mountain villages, in the Pyrenees – I mean creating dams, diverting water sources for supplies. When Riquet and his friend got wind of their expertise, Riquet found ways to get them to the area to work. I haven’t put a complete picture together yet, but there are examples of the kind of things they did in the villages and what they worked on when the canal was built. It really is fascinating.’

  Ben’s pulse was on turbo, her energy and lust just oozed out to him.

  ‘Fantastic. How long will it be before you can send it over? Or maybe, just email me what you’ve done.’

  Her nose twitched as her eyes strayed from his. ‘I have a job interview in the morning. She met his eyes again. ‘A few days. Is that ok?’

  ‘Yes, fine. I’ve got something to chew on at least. Oh, and good luck with the job interview.’ Although pleased for her, he would much prefer her to work with him and focus on the project, especially as time was getting tight. But witnessing that exhilaration in her eyes was magic.

  ‘Thank you. I’ll need it. If it wasn’t for you, I would never have had the confidence to go for it in the first place. I probably won’t get it but if I did, it would give me some money of my own and get me out. This is going to sound crazy but since that accident and meeting you, my head has been buzzing.’

  Ben pinched his shirt between his fingers in surprise, quite touched to imagine he had influenced her so much. She must have been feeling low. But what had he done exactly? ‘I don’t understand, what makes you think it’s me? You were so grateful to be alive. I would think you had a reawakening. People do once they’ve gone through a life-threatening trauma.’