Seven Days There

by Ruth Hay

  We tried. Then Sandra’s girls were born in quick succession. She gave up teaching and I had to continue with my career until David and I had a house, cars, and all the trappings of family life in Canada. Gradually the contact diminished until it was cards and notes on special occasions.”

  “Sad, isn’t it? Yet it’s the way of the world these days. I am so glad my Mom is able to visit her grandkids now. For years she wouldn’t leave my father and there was no one else to look after him.”

  Valerie took a deep breath and realised how difficult it was going to be to move out of the corner of the sofa. If she didn’t stir herself now, she was going to have to spend the night in this cozy nest.

  “I’m afraid jet lag is catching up on me, Jeanette. I really have to head for bed.”

  “Oh, forgive me, Valerie. I know I am a terrible chatterbox. George often tells me I could talk till the cows come home. I’ll go up and see if Mom has fallen asleep yet. Thank you for sharing your story with us. It’s been lovely meeting you. Perhaps we’ll meet again someday.”

  “Who knows? It’s been most interesting so far. Good night.”

  The two women exchanged a quick hug and smiled warmly at each other. They had only met a few hours before and yet, confidences draw peopled together faster than anything else and they parted as new friends.

  Seven.

  Saturday.

  The day dawned bright. Valerie was awakened by the sun streaming onto her bed. She had forgotten to close the drapes in her rush to get horizontal as soon as possible. A glance at the bedside clock revealed the fact that she had almost missed breakfast. She sank back on her pillows and decided to skip breakfast. After all, she had enjoyed a substantial meal late in the evening.

  Her next thought was how busy this day would be and then she jumped up and found a casual outfit, splashed some water on her face and ran a comb through her hair. Better to start the day with some sustenance in case she was too rushed to eat later.

  The dining room was almost vacant. Two tables were still occupied by guests who were finishing off their coffee and tea in preparation for leaving. Valerie turned to retreat but was stopped by the restaurant manager.

  “Oh, I know it’s too late,” she explained. Don’t worry! I’ll have a snack later.”

  “Not at all, Madam! Please come in, you can have cereal and juice while I get your order ready. Full English? Tea or coffee? Mixed toast? Oh! There’s a message waiting at your table.”

  Valerie selected cereal and added fruit from a large bowl of mixed, sliced fruits. She picked up a small jar of marmalade to save time later and made her way to the same table at which she had dined the night before. On her side plate she found an envelope.

  Valerie we enjoyed your company last evening. Mom says I should apologise for monopolizing the conversation but I am sure you did not mind.

  We are leaving early today for shopping in Windermere and a trip to Hill Top to get Beatrix Potter books for my Annette.

  Have a wonderful time with your friends. I will tell Anna about you when we get home to Oban.

  You will find my contact information on the back of this note. Keep in touch.

  Jeanette McLennan.

  By the time she had carefully read the note, a plate of scrambled eggs with sausage, ham and half a tomato appeared before her. The smell was so appealing, she pushed the cereal aside and set to with an appetite she did not know she had. Two cups of coffee later and the last slice of toast and marmalade consumed, she felt like her holiday was about to begin in earnest. She had just enough space left for the bowl of cereal in the end, and remembered to tuck Jeanette’s note into her sleeve. The information about the owner of the apartment she was about to rent would be another interesting fact to add to the week’s plans.

  Before she could check out the Ambleside apartment she had to shower, pack, pay the hotel bill and add to her list of places Sandra and Corinne might want to visit. She felt she had Grasmere covered but she needed a wider variety of local attractions to tempt every possible interest.

  “After all, “she cautioned herself while applying some colour to her face in front of the bathroom mirror, “I can’t be sure what they would like. It’s been forever since I spent time with either one of them. The main thing is that they enjoy this week. I need to make each day significant.”

  With a final narrowing of her eyes to convey determination, she left the mirror image and resumed packing her two cases for the move to Ambleside.

  While waiting in the foyer for a couple to settle their bill, Valerie spied a display of tourist brochures and pamphlets. She immediately scanned the selection and soon had a fistful of activities and events to survey later. At first glance she noted Kendal was the most likely shopping expedition as it had a High Street mall, a Marks & Spencer store, and a large outlet area on the edge of the town, called K Village.

  “Every woman likes to shop,” she mused, “and I have never done that in my years here with David. He was more focused on walking and climbing.”

  An unusual pamphlet was added to the collection when she spotted an outsized brochure for ‘Blackwell: The Arts and Crafts House’. There was no time to read the whole thing but she noted that this house was near Bowness which she knew could be reached by launch or steamship from the Ambleside end of Lake Windermere. A day’s outing was beginning to form in her mind until she reminded herself not to plan ahead too much. It was essential that her guests could choose according to their own preferences.

  “It never hurts to be prepared!” she stated, as she tucked the handful of materials into her purse.

  The day flew by. Valerie reacquainted herself with Ambleside’s many features including the famous Apple Pie Bakery where she bought a slice of their spicy apple and devoured it in record time inhaling the delicious scents of fresh baking that permeated the small shop.

  The town was busy with visitors, as happened every time a sunny day appeared. She dodged around couples with children and dogs, and kept an eye on her watch so as to retrieve her car from the parking lot before the ticket expired. She did not want to miss a moment of her first look at the apartment which would be her home for the week.

  Four o’clock found Valerie poised to enter the large suite through its balcony door. She had the keys in hand with a device that gave entrance to the pool complex situated below the three apartments on the top level. She could hardly contain her excitement. Stepping onto the balcony made her stop and catch her breath. At this height, half-way up a hillside already, the view was astonishing. Directly in front of her the green slope of a mountaintop reached up to the sky. On her far right, a horseshoe of mountains gleamed in the sunlight and she could tell the valley between must lead to Grasmere through Rydal, the route she had driven in reverse after leaving the hotel earlier.

  It was as if Ambleside had disappeared. Rooftops and the spire of a large church were all she could see of the town, yet, right beneath her, must be the main street with traffic and shops and pedestrians, the same street she had crossed over in her car only minutes before.

  The rattle of the keys in her hand against the metal railing reminded her that there were more opportunities to see these views through the huge glass windows and the patio door of the apartment just behind her.

  She opened the exterior door and walked into the spacious main lounge to be met by leather furniture, patterned drapes and cushions, a warm carpet and walls in a salmon colour framing the pictures that must, indeed, be the work of Lawren Drake. This was, clearly, the apartment owned by Jeanette’s friend, Anna Drake. Quickly walking from the lounge to the two bedrooms she was delighted with the colour schemes and the ensuite facilities. Both rooms had twin beds, and dressing tables with drawers, and the washrooms had tall clothes cupboards with space above for luggage storage.

  Last of all, she inspected the kitchen, situated at the back wall of the lounge space and separated from the dining table by a countertop which could be closed off from the lounge by a set of fol
ding doors when the microwave, dishwasher or washing machine were running.

  She did not stop to check the contents of the cupboards. Obviously, nothing had been left to chance. Anna Drake had chosen an excellent place in which to relax with friends or to rent out when she was elsewhere. She sent a prayer of thanks winging upward to Anna for such a perfect holiday location.

  There were three television sets and a gas fire set into a corner but Valerie could not imagine spending any time watching any of these when a view like this one was available from each of the rooms.

  She stepped outside again and as she stood there, she could feel tension flow out of her. She had not been conscious of holding the tension inside, but now that the place had proved to be all she had hoped, her other hopes came to the forefront. This week might, after all, be worth the planning and scheming she had set in motion. Here, she might revitalize friendships and re-establish connections once so important to her. This could be the beginning of the new life she had longed for in the lonely months after David had gone.

  There was only one thing missing; the company of Sandra and Corinne.

  Darkness arrives late on summer evenings in the Lake District.

  When dusk was approaching, Valerie sat down with a tray of tea and treats. From the bags of groceries she had purchased in Ambleside, she extracted crisps, chocolate biscuits, Dairylea cheese and fresh granary rolls; all things she could not obtain in Canada.

  She was not certain when her friends would arrive. Both were coming by train; Sandra from the north and Corinne from the south. Valerie had advised them to take trains then a taxi from the train station as there was only one parking space available to them in the complex. Valerie thought this would also serve to ensure they spent as much time as possible together when exploring the sights of the area.

  The sunset drew her out to the balcony again. The rosy light illuminated the craggy rocks on the summit ahead of her as the rest of the scene dropped into darkness. She was standing there smiling happily when a voice from somewhere below called up.

  “Valerie Westwood! Is that you? How do I get up there?”

  The voice struck a place in her heart and she knew at once it must be Sandra.

  “Sandy! I was just thinking about you. When did you arrive?”

  “The taxi dropped me off on a steep road but there was no one around to ask for directions. I’ve been wandering around up and down flights of stairs trying to find you. This place is built into a hillside, you know. I’m all out of puff already.”

  “Stay right there! I’ll be down to get you. Don’t move a muscle!”

  In the last light of the day, Valerie ran down the nearest outside stairs with a huge smile on her face. Her heart was beating to the speed of her steps. Sandra! Sandra! Sandra!

  She rounded a high hedge and barreled into her friend who was standing on the path on the other side.

  They collapsed in giggles and for a moment it was as if all the years had disappeared and they were together in the college room they had shared during so many momentous events.

  “Where’s your luggage?”

  “I left it at the top of the stairs somewhere but please show me where I can sit down before I drop.”

  “Follow me, then. Our place is just above us. You won’t see it at its best until morning but you will love it, Sandy. I am so happy to see you, my dear girl!”

  “No one calls me a girl anymore. A girl could run up these stairs without gasping. I think.”

  “Take your time. We have a whole week ahead of us. A whole week! I’ll show you the apartment and then find your luggage for you.”

  Valerie was glad she had checked out the ups and downs of the complex earlier. Even in the semi dark she knew how to reach the road level and there she spied a white case in front of the office, which was now closed. The thought occurred to her that Sandra might not be the only one who found the complex confusing. What if Corinne had arrived and left again after being unable to track down the right apartment? She fumbled in the pocket of her jacket for her cell phone and checked for text or phone messages. Nothing new. Perhaps Corinne was delayed and meant to arrive tomorrow.

  She hefted Sandra’s case and decided to return to the road every half hour until it was too late to expect Corinne’s taxi to appear. For now, she could not wait to see Sandra’s reaction to the apartment. She hoped her guest would have discovered the tray with the teapot and helped herself.

  The patio door was still open and lights were on in the bedrooms but no Sandra could be seen.

  Valerie hesitated to call out her name. She was probably in one of the washrooms. She looked into the nearest bedroom to see if the washroom door was closed and found her friend huddled under the duvet, snoring lightly. Her shoes were by the bed and an assortment of clothes was scattered on top.

  She must be sleeping in her underwear. Poor dear! She truly was exhausted, by the looks of it.

  Valerie’s cases were in the bedroom on the opposite side of the apartment. She would not need to disturb Sandra but she couldn’t deny her disappointment at being cheated of the chance to spend time alone with her and share her feelings.

  “Never mind!” she whispered, as she tiptoed around clicking off lights and closing the double doors that divided the bedrooms from the spacious lounge.

  “Everything will be different tomorrow. I can wait. What’s one more night after all these years?”

  She was no sooner approaching the patio doors to shut the drapes against the night when the phone in her pocket began to buzz.

  A new message from Corinne.

  Missed train. Arriving 2morO. Sorry.

  “That’s short and not so sweet! Oh, dear! Is this a bad omen? Today was going so well. The apartment is stunning, the weather has been excellent, I have plenty of food and a whole program of interesting choices. Have I overdone it? Was the anticipation getting in the way of my common sense? Sandra and Corinne have busy, complicated lives to deal with. I am the one who’s free of responsibilities and I have been acting as if they were in the same position. I need to scale down my expectations and take it slowly before I ruin everything for them as well as for myself.”

  With this sermon running on a loop in her mind, Valerie retired to her bedroom, did some more unpacking and promised herself that the morning would bring a new day and a new improved attitude.

  Eight.

  Sunday.

  Valerie jumped out of bed as soon as she opened her eyes. She was determined to get the day off to a great start and that meant spending time with Sandra.

  There was no sign of her friend so Valerie let her sleep and prepared breakfast for them. By the time she had coffee going, toast at the ready and a bowl of eggs and milk sitting by a warmed pan, the sun was well up and supplying another irresistible view from the balcony. She could not wait for Sandra to see it. She tiptoed into the other bedroom with a coffee in hand.

  Sandra was not sleeping. She was sitting up in bed crying her eyes out.

  “What’s wrong? What’s happened? Why didn’t you come and get me? Sandy! Answer me!”

  A swollen face turned toward her and a hoarse voice squeaked out the words, “Nothing! It’s nothing!”

  “I don’t believe that for one minute! You can’t fool me. You know you never could. Fess up!”

  At the sound of the old, familiar phrase, Sandra rolled out of the covers and fell into Valerie’s arms.

  “I am being stupid, that’s all. I am so glad to be here but I wasted the evening by falling asleep and now I’ve made you angry.”

  “Sandy, the only thing that could make me angry is if you don’t explain what’s really going on here.

  Take a sip of this coffee and calm down.”

  It felt as if the intervening years had vanished. Valerie had assumed her old role of stalwart support whenever Sandra threatened to fall apart. Only, this time, the friends were no longer teenagers facing their first real challenges but mature women with grown families who depended on
them.

  “The doctor said it’s a mild depression.” She stopped to gulp coffee and scrub her face with her free hand. “I have been looking forward to this week. I think I overexerted myself with housework to get everything ready to leave and then I didn’t have time to get my hair done and a facial to perk me up and then I couldn’t find the apartment and now I’ve ruined this skirt by sleeping in it and………….”

  “Stop right there! I won’t listen to another word until you jump into that shower. I’ll unpack your case and we’ll have breakfast out on the balcony together. Believe me, the view out there would make anyone forget their troubles and feel glad to be alive! Go!”

  Sandra finally emerged wearing a pair of loose pants and a warm jumper and an apologetic expression. Before she could say anything, Valerie told her to sit and eat while the eggs were hot. She cleared the plate quickly and munched on hot buttered toast while she took in the amazing view. As each minute went by, the sun illuminated a lower aspect of the scene before them. It was like seeing nature revealed in increments so as to highlight its splendour for the very first time.

  “Look there!” exclaimed Sandra, rising to lean against the balcony railing for a closer look, “A little white house high up near the woods and there’s a road through the field that leads to it. I see a tiny red post office van slowly climbing up the road. Oh, Valerie! This is wonderful!”

  Valerie sat back with a satisfied smile. The tears were forgotten. This was a fresh start.

  “What does it make you think of?”

  Sandra still gazed out at the hills and finally said, “I suppose I am thinking of the life I lived on Mull before we went to Glasgow. I miss the mountains and the wild sea, the call of the birds and the rivers rushing down the hillsides. It’s not really like this scene at all but it reminds me of things that used to be.”