by Peter Martin
‘Perhaps you’re right, but wouldn’t it be nicer to be together, and imagine how wonderful your homes will be. Please, bear that in mind when you make your decision, that’s all I ask,’ she said nervously.
‘We will,’ Garry promised.
‘Anyway, let’s forget about all of this for the time being because I’ve just had another brilliant idea. How about coming with me to Whitehaven? It’s the only sizeable place on the island – with lots of shops, bars and places to eat. You could say there’s something for everyone – what do you think?’
‘Sounds great to me. How about everyone else?’ Garry looked round to assess the situation.
They all nodded in agreement, willing to go along with Lena’s suggestion, bar Chris who remained silent.
‘Fantastic!’ Lena shouted out. ‘That’s settled then. Greg will bring the minibus round, won’t you love? We can be on our way in no time.’
Greg got up straight away, gave everyone a wide smile, and left to fetch the minibus. Half an hour later they were ready, their ears still buzzing over what Lena had offered them.
Lena waited at the bottom of the stairs and when they’d all assembled, walked out with them to get on the bus, which was parked on the drive. Once everyone was seated, Greg drove off towards the main gates to the perimeter fence, beyond which lay uncultivated terrain. On nearing the gates Lena tapped in a number on the keypad in her hand, and the gates opened automatically; closing again once the minibus was through.
The narrow track from Lena’s property was almost totally enveloped by trees and foliage; the sun only managing to filter through in a few places. Either side of the path a thick mass of tangled undergrowth grew. After travelling in relative darkness for a few minutes, the bus veered left and within a matter of seconds, bright sunshine flooded into the vehicle. At this point, the bus began to descend and Garry remembered their hair-raising journey only a few days ago when they arrived. To the right was a sheer drop and nestled here and there towards the bottom of the valley were a few houses. Then further on a sizeable town and beyond that the beautiful coastline.
But as the bus swerved around one bend and then another, on such a narrow road Garry, full of trepidation yet again, had his doubts as to whether they’d reach their destination in one piece. Delia always told him he was a ‘backseat driver’, not trusting anyone, and now sitting here holding on for dear life he began to think she was right – would he be glad to put his feet on the ground!
Finally driving down what appeared to be the main high street Garry became more relaxed and listened to what Lena was saying, ‘It’s almost as if part of the Algarve has been transported here to the island.’
‘We’ve never been to the Algarve, have we Deel, but this place is spectacular. God, it must have cost a fortune to build,’ Garry surmised.
‘It did that. The money was put up by a conglomerate of Hollywood stars, actors, directors and producers as well. The best architects available were brought in to draw up the plans for the resort, which after waiting for a number of approvals etc., took almost five years to build. The beauty of the place is that only the people involved in the venture, their families and friends are allowed to either visit or live here. Plus of course business men and women and their employees and families, all of who are very carefully vetted. Obviously even with these restrictions in place, nothing is infallible and we have had the odd journalist poking around from time to time, intent on getting a story always fuelled totally by hearsay. Nevertheless, these have been few and far between and I’m sure everyone enjoys the privacy the island offers,’ Lena said.
‘No wonder it’s so popular with the stars,’ Tom commented.
‘Yes, and all of you have the chance to join this elite group. Just think of it as a place where you can retreat away from the world, a haven.’
No one commented on Lena’s last remark. But did anyone want to hide away on an island in what appeared to be the middle of nowhere? At sixtyish Lena had lived the biggest part of her life undisturbed with no one else to consider; for Garry’s family, however, their lives had only just begun.
With the minibus nearing the end of the high street Greg drove into a large multi-storey car park at the back of a hotel complex and was first out of the vehicle, saying, ‘I’m always glad that journey’s over. I don’t like these roads, many of them are not much more than a dirt track.’
‘No, I wouldn’t fancy driving around here either,’ Garry agreed, thinking of the spine-chilling journey back, later on.
Chapter Fifteen
The shopping precinct, only a short walk away from the car park, was full to bursting with late morning shoppers and it struck Garry that some of them looked a bit familiar. And in some cases, he couldn’t put a name to a particular face but he knew they’d been in a film or more likely television programme.
Most were celebrities he recognised from years ago and who he guessed had retired. But there were a few younger ones still in the glare of publicity.
Lena and Greg acknowledged a number of shoppers without stopping. But she didn’t introduce her new found family to anyone, although maybe that would have been too awkward a conversation.
The shops appeared to cater for every taste, but whether it be designer clothes, jewellery, or everyday electrical goods that you wanted to buy, one thing was clear – you’d need money and lots of it to shop here.
Lena went into several shops, buying each member of the family a present. For Tom, Jane, Cassie and Chris she bought clothes; Delia’s gift was a pair of black Tahitian pearl earrings and Garry was presented with an 18ct gold bracelet inscribed, ‘To Garry: Love from your mum’. Now with Adam looking a little woeful, Lena assured him he hadn’t been forgotten and suggested she’d buy him a pair of trainers. So they made their way to the nearest sports shop. But much to his parents’ humiliation having decided on which pair of trainers to have, he’d cheekily said, ‘While we’re in the shop can I have a football as well?’ For a minute, Lena seemed lost for words then roared with laughter before putting her arm around his shoulders to plant a kiss on top of his head. However, pointing a warning finger at his son, Chris threatened to have words with him later.
Towards lunchtime, they dined in a Mexican restaurant; the food was pricey, but delicious none the less, prompting Lena to comment, ‘Wasn’t that the best chilli con-carne you’ve ever tasted, eh Delia?’
‘Yes, I can’t argue with that.’ She agreed. ‘Mind you, so it should be, the prices they’re charging.’
‘Can I have some more?’ Adam said, showing them all his empty plate.
‘What do you think your name is – Oliver Twist?’ Garry said, and although everyone found the comment amusing, the joke was lost on Adam, so his grandad had to try to explain. But Garry realised his words were falling on deaf ears when Adam boldly asked for an ice cream.
Lena laughed once again, and bought him an ice cream with a double flake which, for a few minutes kept him quiet; she certainly found Adam entertaining, but then she’d probably never had much contact with children.
Looking at his grandson now, devouring the ice cream, and thinking of his insatiable appetite Garry worried one day he’d be obese. And contemplated raising the subject with Cassie and Chris.
Now sitting back sipping coffee, Lena enthusiastically asked, ‘Ok, now we’ve had a lovely meal, with the whole afternoon in front of us, what would you like to do. There’s an abundance of activities to take part in here in Whitehaven, so if anything takes your fancy, I’ll see what I can do.’
Chris spoke for the others. ‘We’ve no idea about what goes on here. How would we? Apart from the beach. You’ll have to elaborate.’ But he appeared to be a bit too abrupt for Cassie’s liking, she frowned and made to speak, but Lena butted in.
‘Let me make a few suggestions – first of all, I think we’ve already had enough of shopping, but there’s the beach; and if you’re willing to be a bit more adventurous there’s water skiing, jet skiing, or even surfin
g. Other than that, if you’d rather go back to the house and chill out for the afternoon – then fine. So what’s it to be?’ Lena asked, gazing at each of them in turn.
With a serious face and looking directly at Lena, Adam said, ‘I don’t want to chill out. I think I’ll go water skiing.’
Lena smothered a smile. ‘Well, I think that’s going to be up to your mommy and daddy sweetheart. I know how you feel, though – chilling out is a bit boring.’
But that didn’t dispel Adam’s enthusiasm as he stood, arms folded, ready for battle.
And when Greg asked, ‘Has anyone participated in these activities before?’ it seemed to ease the tension.
‘I’ve done a bit of water skiing in the past,’ Tom admitted. ‘Didn’t you and mum do some as well, Dad?’
‘Yes, a few times when we were younger. It was good fun I seem to remember,’ Garry smiled.
‘Is that right, Delia?’ Greg asked.
‘Yes, but it’s been a while, so I wouldn’t think either of us are as good as we used to be.’
‘You’ll soon pick it up again. Well, that’s the answer. Would you all fancy having a go?’ Lena asked, staring at them and seeing them nod in agreement. ‘I can hire a boat, and a couple of trained staff to steer it, and the equipment too. Come on, you’ll have a great time.’
‘I’m up for it,’ Garry stated eagerly. ‘Can’t wait to show you what I can do.’ It was said half joking, but secretly he hoped they’d be impressed
The others laughed at this, but he was determined.
‘Good, that’s settled,’ Lena said getting up from her seat.
Busily making their way down to the beach, one after the other stopped, noticing Adam hadn’t moved. This prompted Chris to go back for his son, but Adam wasn’t for moving. He wanted to know what he was supposed to be doing while they were all water skiing. Chris appeared to be on the edge of lashing out, when Lena stepped in and assured Adam he hadn’t been forgotten. In fact, she and Greg intended to take him on a jet ski. And as quick as a wink Adam turned from his father and held out his hand for Lena to take.
After that, everything fell into place. Having changed into their swimming costumes, they walked across the soft white sands, to the area of the beach designated for water skiing. Luckily there was no one skiing, and the boat was tied up at the small landing stage. Greg quickly walked on ahead and into, what looked like, a large beach hut; coming out a few minutes later smiling, waving a ticket in his hand.
‘It looks from the smile on Greg’s face, that he’s managed to book a time for us to go water skiing.’ Lena said.
This was confirmed when he asked Tom to help him carry the equipment they needed from a small warehouse type building further up the beach. After about ten minutes they returned with a large plastic box containing the skis, goggles and buoyancy aids needed.
‘Right, everyone, so who wants to go first?’ Greg shouted looking directly at Tom.
‘Go on then, I will,’ Tom volunteered, and started to sift through the paraphernalia in the box. Once he was ready Greg went over to arrange for the boat to be brought into shallow waters. Tom then walked over to the water’s edge and finally put on the skis. Moving into the water he grabbed hold of the line and gripped the handle. Giving the men on the boat the ‘thumbs up’ they slowly moved out taking up the slack of the line. The boat surged off, and within seconds Tom was on top of the water, looking as if he was enjoying the exhilarating thrill of water skiing. The boat was steered straight ahead initially but then made a few slow turns, in an attempt to enhance the ride for Tom.
After about ten minutes, Garry watched Tom manoeuvred back to the beach, allowing him to stop and wave to the others, seemingly excited by the experience.
‘How was that?’ Jane asked him when he came back to her.
‘Man, out of this world - you want to try it, Jane.’
‘Maybe I will later.’ She gave him a nervous smile.
‘Right, who’s next? How about you Delia? Wouldn’t you like to show the young ones a thing or two?’ Greg said holding out the skis for her.
‘Why not, anything Tom can do, I can do, I promise you,’ Delia boasted grinning.
She was back into the swing of things in no time, much to Garry’s surprise. The boat was steered carefully at first, then faster and faster until it became obvious to everyone she was no novice. There were lots of twists and turns, but she kept her nerve to the very end, even holding the line with one hand for a few seconds. Then she was back on the beach to a more than lively reception.
‘Very impressive Deel,’ Garry said. ‘But please don’t be so reckless the next time, eh? You got me going for a while.’
‘Wow, Mum. Talk about hiding your light under a bushel,’ Cassie cried. ‘When did you learn to ski like that?
Delia just laughed.
Then, Cassie, Jane and Chris tried it out. And while the two girls weren’t too good, Chris failed miserably, falling on two occasions, looking quite embarrassed at one point.
Adam stood silently watching the others, a miserable expression on his face. But when Lena said to Greg, ‘How about we do a spot of jet skiing now.’
Adam’s face lit up, problems forgotten, turning first to Lena and then Greg saying, ‘Can I come?’
‘Sure thing. I’ll get Russ to bring it round, ok?’
‘I take it you still want to?’ Lena grinned.
‘You bet I do.’
‘Well, come along then, Adam. Let’s get you kitted out.’
Sections of the beach were earmarked for different sports. The jet skiing zone was about five hundred yards on from the water skiing. Adam happily went along with Lena and Greg without giving a second thought to the others.
With Greg sitting at the front of the jet ski, Lena at the rear, and Adam safely ensconced in the middle, they swiftly moved off.
Adam squealed with delight, putting his two arms in the air, but as Lena took a firm hold of him, mouthing what looked to be a few sharp words he hastily held on tightly. The lad didn’t appear to be frightened at all and was loving every minute.
In no time at all the fun for Adam was over and they were back with the others. Adam returned in a sulky mood and when he said, ‘Can’t we pay for another go?’ It was clear to Garry that he hadn’t wanted the fun to end.
Lena explained, ‘It’s someone else’s turn now. Maybe later on in the week, we can do it again.’ Turning to Greg she said, ‘Now then Greg why don’t you show everyone what water skiing is all about?’
And before long, skis on, Greg skimmed the top of the water. It was clear from the jumps and flips that he was an expert skier. The lifeguard steering the boat must have known this by the way he constantly twisted and turned at full speed; prompting Adam to shout with glee.
Greg really had entertained them, but all too soon it came to an end. On his return to the others on the beach, he went over to Garry saying, ‘How about it Garry, reckon you could beat that?’
Not wanting to be seen as nervous, Garry said, ‘Well, I’ll give it my best shot.’ And at that, a great cheer went up from his family.
Feeling more than a little apprehensive having seen the others, he knew he’d have to give it a go. So dressed in a wetsuit, goggles and skis, he grabbed hold of the handle of the line as tightly as possible. As the boat moved forward he felt the slack of the line tighten, then he was off.
As the minutes ticked by his confidence grew, and he began to enjoy the ride. It took him back a few years to his early twenties when his then instructor reckoned he had a natural ability. But he was brought out of his reverie by Delia and the rest of the family, busily cheering and clapping on the beach.
The speed of the boat increased as they headed out to sea, and with the wake from the movement of the boat, Garry found the ride somewhat exhilarating.
At last, to his relief, the boat swung round, and they headed back to the beach. But just as Garry became calmer there was a jolt - something had snapped - the towline he was
holding went loose falling into the sea and the boat sped off. He let go of the handle and the few feet of the towline, finally tumbling backwards into the depths of the ocean. Garry was a good swimmer, but the shock left him floundering, his mouth full of salt water, desperately trying to right himself and find the surface.
Luckily he’d managed to lose his skis but as he thrashed his way upward, choking on seawater, he started to grow weak. In his panic, strange images came back to a similar situation a long time ago. Surely lightning couldn’t strike twice? Gripped with fear he lashed out wildly. Was he fighting a losing battle? And where was the boat? He sank deeper and deeper fearing he might be about to die. Then he sensed movement in the water above and in his mind’s eye a picture of a Tiger Shark he’d recently read about, appeared. He was in great danger.
In his semi-consciousness state, he sensed someone lifting him with an arm around his chest pulling upwards. Within a few seconds, he burst through to the surface, his lungs filling with air. He coughed on his first breath and with an agonising pain in his chest vomited, constantly fighting for his next breath.
‘It’s all right Dad, take it easy. You’ll be fine.’ Garry knew the calm voice he heard belonged to his son.
‘Oh Tom...’ he whispered hoarsely.
‘Try not to struggle or you’ll drown us both. Relax, the boat is only yards away now.’
Although Garry didn’t see it, an inflated rubber ring with a line attached to the boat had been thrown by one of his rescuers. Grabbing hold of it, Tom put it over his father’s head and shoulders and helped pull his arms through. Within no time at all he’d been hauled into the boat by the two shamefaced men on board, who both avoided eye contact with him.
‘Garry, mate – are you all right?’ One of them asked, wrapping a towel around him.
Unable to answer, and gasping for air, he chocked once again bringing up a mixture of bile and seawater. Still shivering and so utterly cold and weak, he thanked God he was still alive.
