Seven Days Away

by Ruth Hay

  Aylward refused to ask for special help which consisted of a ride on an open vehicle. He insisted he was not yet lame, disabled or ancient and did not wish to be included with others in that category.

  Marian refrained from arguing. It was important to respect his pride. Her alternate strategy was to make the long trek to the actual departure lounge in stages. If there was an operating, moving track available, they used it, with stops in between at cafes or other seating areas. Marian carried water and looked after their documents while Aylward rolled the carry-on case smoothly along, leaning on it occasionally.

  In this way they arrived at the correct departure area with his pride intact and in the knowledge that they would be boarding the plane first and would be seated in a quiet forward section where their needs would be attended to. The washroom was nearby and both the food and service was superior.

  All went according to plan. They managed an hour or two of fitful sleep. Marian watched a movie on the seatback in front of her while her husband read a newspaper. It was reassuring that they would land at their destination with transfer to the resort already arranged.

  * * *

  So much had Marian focussed on accomplishing the actual travel, that the arrival at the exit of the small Puerto Vallarta airport shocked her. A wave of warm air and hot sunshine descended around her like a blessing. She felt her anxiety and tension flow out through her feet and for the first time since Aylward had broached this holiday plan, she thought it might actually achieve his wishes. Not that she knew exactly what he was intending. He was keeping that close to his chest. But suddenly everything seemed possible in this atmosphere of warmth, colour and pleasure. She made up her mind to enjoy the interlude, whatever transpired.

  A resort employee was watching for their arrival. He introduced himself, confirmed their destination, whisked away their luggage and conducted them to a smart vehicle where they were awaiting the arrival of two more passengers before departing for the resort. Marian shrugged off her warm coat and helped Aylward to do the same. It was delightful to think these items would not be required until they were returning to Canada again. It was as if they were shedding a whole layer of unnecessary worry and difficulty that winter inevitably brings to those of advanced age. Marian looked out of the van’s windows and watched the gentle breeze move the palm fronds to and fro. The voices she could hear were happy and mellifluous with none of the strident tones of winter-weary northerners.

  In a few minutes of speedy, if bumpy, travel on a highway, they were entering a driveway, transferring to one of the resort’s open, electric carts and given a tag to confirm their luggage destination.

  Other than her handbag, Marian was now relieved of all encumbrances which were loaded into a covered cart in separate sections for individual guests’ luggage. Aylward commented that this was a new and more efficient system than before. Another change was noted when they were whisked away through the resort to their building rather than registering at a central area as had happened previously.

  It was delightful to get their first glimpses of the luxuriant tropical foliage everywhere they passed.

  Banks of coloured flowers on either side of the paved roadway, were spectacular and so welcome to winter-weary eyes. Marian remembered that once they had registered their credit information and received their identifier; colour-coded, plastic wrist bands, they would soon be at their journey’s end.

  Everywhere, they were met with smiling faces, helpful assistance and good wishes for a happy vacation.

  When they reached their third floor apartment and opened the door it was like stepping into the largest, most well-appointed, serene home they could ever imagine. Marian put down her purse and walked over to the patio windows. She could not wait to see the view from the balcony.

  “Aylward, come and join me. You have to see this.”

  Ahead of them was a beautiful vista. A river wound through green banks to the far, blue sea while immediately below their building, pathways curved in all directions and a wooden bridge led to a partly concealed pool area.

  “Isn’t this a wonderful, spot dear? We can ride to the beach or stay by the pool.”

  “Yes, it’s quite lovely, Marian, but for now I need to get settled in our own area and rest for a while before the family arrives.”

  “You have plenty of time to relax. Terry and Jillian arrive later tonight but everyone else should be safely installed by tomorrow evening. They decided to travel separately so they could finish up last-minute obligations at work and so on.”

  “Good enough! Now show me my bed.”

  “Oh, why don’t you lie on one of these padded loungers and get some sun, Aylward? I’m sure there will be one on our balcony also.”

  He merely shook his head and she realized how tired he was.

  They made their way together up the internal staircase to their private suite on the upper level where Aylward headed for the ensuite washroom and waved her off.

  Marian knew the signs and after a quick look around to see that everything was in order for their comfort, she headed back to the main level and soon heard a quiet knock at the door announcing the arrival of their luggage and a charming maid who volunteered to answer any questions or show her how to operate appliances. Her name badge stated this was Nina.

  “Thank you, Nina. I’ll be fine. Could you please take these cases upstairs for me and leave them inside the door?”

  “Of course, madam,” she said shyly, in accented English. “Is there anything else I can do for you?”

  “Not a thing, thank you, Nina.”

  Marian decided to stay downstairs to let her husband settle in peace. She looked into the two bedroom suites that bookended the huge lounge area. Each had window access to the large balcony, extending across the width of the apartment, which was shaded to one side by the upper balcony but contained several loungers, a table and chairs and even a small plunge pool burbling away in one corner.

  Counting on her fingers, she assigned sleeping facilities to her four grandchildren. If they could use the two spacious couches and the pair of chaise longue there would be privacy for the adults as well as some freedoms for the younger set. There was an additional bathroom near the kitchen and a large television so they could stay up later if they wished, without disturbing anyone.

  Satisfied that all was in readiness, she felt restless and decided to take a look around the immediate environs of their building. She knew this was a vast resort complex and there were many features both inside other buildings and also in other areas further away toward the highway but for now she just needed a stroll around for a few minutes to shake off the hours of cramped travel. She removed a cardigan, fished a collapsible sunhat out of her handbag and quietly exited the apartment, walking along the cool marble passageway to the central space where the elevators were. There a concierge greeted her and asked if she needed anything. She obtained a map of the resort from him then stepped into the elevator and escaped into the brilliant sunlight with a feeling of freedom that was most welcome.

  A few steps through a sculptured garden led her to the wooden bridge she had seen from above and at this level she could already hear the sounds of people nearby in the pool although a range of trees separated her from the actual site.

  She was greeted four times by uniformed personnel one of whom offered her a rolled towel from the bundle he was carrying. Another smartly dressed young man offered to find her a chair by the pool, in the shade if she wished, but she declined all the offers saying she was just looking around.

  The area consisted of two pools, one of which was under a partial canopy providing ample shade. Women and men lay on towels on their sun loungers, dozing, reading books or chatting. A few people were actually in the water cooling off but not doing anything energetic like splashing or swimming.

  Just my style, she thought.

  On the far side of the main pool were tables with sunshades where several couples ate from plates of salad and sipped from tall
frosted glasses. Immediately, Marian felt thirst catch her throat. She walked slowly around the pool to the restaurant and saw the buffet bar behind which servers were preparing lunch plates. Once more she was greeted and seated quickly. The waiter adjusted the umbrella at her table and placed ice cold water in front of her beside a large menu. She ordered orange juice and a chicken sandwich and sat back in her chair happily relaxing and relishing the view from blue sky above, to blue water sparkling before her. She thought this pool was perfectly positioned for herself and Aylward. It was only a few steps from their building and supplied everything they would need for a few hours in the afternoon or early evening. She expected the rest of the family would go further afield but this charming spot was ideal for the older members.

  Enveloped in warmth and the comfort of good food, Marian Beck was almost asleep when a voice gently asked if she minded sharing her table. Blinking rapidly, Marian looked up to see a young woman wearing the kind of cartwheel hat that Audrey Hepburn might have worn in a movie. The smile was equally special and Marian at once invited the woman to share with her.

  “I won’t be here much longer. I think I was drifting off just now. Please sit.”

  “Thank you. I didn’t mean to disturb you but this table has the exact amount of shade I need. I’m afraid I don’t have the built-in sun tolerance of these lucky Americans here.”

  She laughed a trilling laugh that brought a genuine smile to a face so perfect that Marian wondered if the young woman was a model; an English model, perhaps? There was no doubt about the accent and it seemed an appropriate match for the elegant appearance. When she removed the stunning hat she revealed a cap of shining dark hair which she shook into place with a flick of her head.

  “I’m Zoe. I’ve already ordered at the bar. Please don’t go. I’d enjoy the company. Have you just arrived today?”

  Marian soon filled in her information and the two women were chatting companionably by the time Zoe’s lunch arrived. As the young woman responded to the waiter’s request for her room number, Marian realized she had not yet memorized her own apartment number. How embarrassing!

  She proceeded to point out her building to the waiter, but Zoe interrupted and insisted on adding Marian’s bill to hers.

  “Don’t mention it. I did the same thing on my first day. I thought the plastic bracelet was the only ID needed. A Good Samaritan rescued me, so now it’s my turn to do the same. Would you like to share a coffee with me Marian? I have nothing to do until my husband finishes his golf game.”

  It was impossible to refuse such kindness and Marian hoped she could establish a connection with this charming woman. They certainly had no difficulty finding things to talk about and the minutes flew by.

  Zoe was interested in Canada as she had a dear friend who lived in Ontario and who she hoped to visit some day when she was less busy.

  “If you don’t mind a personal comment, Marian, I have to ask how you have maintained such a lovely complexion. Most Canadians and Americans I have encountered here are bemoaning their teen years grilling themselves in the sun. What’s your secret?”

  “Ah, my dear mother was English. She belonged to an era when it was considered very lower class to have a tan at all. When she married and moved to Canada she maintained the same attitude to the sun and I suppose I have followed her early training. Not that my daughter has the same excuse. Her skin is excellent because of the years she spent studying for her legal career instead of rushing to beaches with the other girls and toasting themselves. Why do you ask, Zoe? You have the most stunning face and skin.”

  “Ah, it’s my business to care about skin. I mean that literally! I have a campaign running to help women maintain the beautiful skin they were born with. This is an ideal place to gather information about women’s choices and skin issues.”

  Marian thought this young woman was more interesting the more she spoke but she could feel her eyelids getting heavier and knew it was time she joined her husband for a nap.

  “Please excuse me, Zoe. The first of my family arrive tonight and by this time on Sunday there should be ten of us in our two-tiered apartment. I really need to get some rest.”

  “Oh, of course you must rest! You are lucky to have such a large family group, Marian. I hope I can meet some of them. We are both in the same building so it’s possible we might run into each other on early morning jaunts to the coffee carts. I am an early riser but Wesley usually prefers to start his day in a more leisurely fashion. I’ll say au revoir and not goodbye!”

  She waved and watched as Marian carefully made her way back around the pool, disappearing from sight in the narrow, tree-shaded passageway leading to the bridge.

  What a delightful older woman. I haven’t seen anyone here who is older than Marian. There must be a story involved in bringing an entire family here at once. Perhaps it’s a special anniversary or a birthday.

  I hope I can find out.

  Zoe smiled to herself and finished her coffee. It was amazing to be sitting here with so much to see and nothing to do until Wesley returned from the golf course. She would tell him about her meeting with Marian tonight when they ventured to the Sanctuary where nightly entertainment occupied a leisurely hour or two. Tomorrow they were planning a day at the beach under a cabana for a while, then repairing indoors to the specialized restaurant for custom-made burgers in the heat of the day. Zoe was testing out a new range of sun protection items, including a line of clothing with sun screening properties and both cream and liquid skin preparations.

  Wesley had protested when he found out why her case was so heavy but she insisted she had to use the time away for some project to benefit her customers. Wesley just sighed. He was not surprised. Zoe Morton was a work-horse, if not a workaholic, and it would take many more years, if ever, for him to amend that characteristic.

  Jillian and Terry Beck planned to arrive at the airport separately. Both travelled by different routes and both were feeling beyond frazzled by the need to finalize coverage for their respective jobs.

  Jillian had to detour to home to collect Devon who did not seem to understand her urgent need to lock up the house and rush by taxi to the pick-up point. She was grateful not to have to wrangle her two daughters also. They were travelling together on Saturday.

  Terry had chosen to drive to Toronto Airport rather than take an airport bus but soon regretted his decision when heavy snow began to fall and traffic slowed to a crawl. He realized he might miss the plane. He tried to contact his wife by cell phone to alert her, which just added to her own worry.

  * * *

  “Mom, I thought this was going to be a holiday. Try to relax and chill out.”

  All right for you, she thought. I have plenty to worry about and first on the list is what I will say to your grandparents if their son doesn’t make it to the plane on time.

  She scoured the departure lounge for a glimpse of Terry but the seats were rapidly filling up and he was nowhere to be seen. She wanted to contact him again by cell phone and then changed her mind. It might distract him and cause an accident on the way.

  When the early boarding call was made, Terrence Beck was still nowhere to be seen. Jillian resigned herself to travelling without her husband and made her way forward with Devon when their group of rows was called. They had booked three seats in the centre section of five and it took time to struggle through the packed plane to their seat location. Devon stowed their carry-on bags in the overhead bins and they settled into their seats, leaving the aisle seat free.

  Still no sign of Terry.

  His absence was not unexpected, she realized. Lately, he was rarely present in body or mind. She had foolishly begun to cherish a tentative hope that this holiday week might provide a breathing space, away from the usual tensions, where they could find a way to reconnect.

  This situation was not a good indicator of future progress in that direction.

  The crew were going down the aisles checking for seatbelts fastened and hand luggage s
towed, when there was a flurry of movement at the front of the plane. Devon saw it first and nudged his mother to get her attention. Three men and a woman were being hustled onto the plane at the very last minute. All four looked flustered and overheated. Terry brought up the rear, to his family’s great relief.

  At the same time, an announcement from the cockpit informed them the plane had been on hold waiting for four passengers delayed by weather conditions on the 401 but their runway was still available and they would be taking off immediately.

  Terry plopped down on the outside seat and was so out of breath, he couldn’t speak. Jillian left him to recover and just patted his arm to show sympathy.

  * * *

  Devon Beck made the best of his time in the air. His parents were flaked out, leaving him to do what he wanted. He accepted all three meals from the meal cart and ate his way through the best parts, piling the debris on the tray nearest the aisle for pick-up. He also asked for drinks for his sleeping parents and arranged the coke and orange juice and water on their trays so it wouldn’t look too obvious. He had pre-loaded his iPad with acceptable programs and made use of the available channels provided for users like him who preferred their own screen to the hazy version above their heads. He was normally awake and working during the evening hours so this was his standard behaviour. He had set up remote links to his clients and alerted them of his limited services during the week. Until he was able to check out the internet facilities in the Mexican resort, he was out of contact.

  By the time the plane arrived in Mexico, it was dark, his parents had finally surfaced and Devon was well-fed and relaxed. He took charge of the bags from the overhead bins and went first down the aisle leaving his parents to exchange puzzled glances. Their son was not usually so helpful. Perhaps the young layabout was looking forward to this week away from his restricted basement life?

  Jillian had the paperwork for their ride to the resort. She found the white bus and was soon enjoying the efficient transport the elder Becks had appreciated earlier in the day. Unfortunately, they could not see much of the resort but fatigue was catching up with them again and they were glad to let themselves be carried along by what was clearly an efficient system.