Bella's Choice (32 page)

Taking deep breaths, Anabella filled her lungs with the salty freshness, enjoying the exquisite atmosphere. White seagulls floated lazily with the breeze only to dive into the water, playing with childlike energy just above the water line. It was a lovely warm day, the sun still high in the sky, although it was already 5:30pm. She returned her gaze to the house that had captured her from the first moment she saw it nestled against the slope. It promised her a welcoming peace. She noticed the big porch in front, which probably offered the perfect view to its natural surroundings.

“Is that your house?” With appreciative curiosity, she looked at Aldrich.

“It is,” he replied.

Giddiness fluttered through her, and she could envision herself on that porch as she enjoyed the sight and sounds of all that was glorious. She was so looking forward to her time there and was glad she’d accepted his invitation to spend the last days of her holiday at his vacation home.

Aldrich had been almost abrupt in answering, but in truth his mind was far from the present. This would be the first time in seven years that he would walk into his house, that he would be at this beach. He’d never been able to return before, the memories too painful up until now.

“It is beautiful.”

“Thank you.”

“Thanks for inviting me to stay here, Aldi.”

“It’s a pleasure.” He smiled, holding her tight, not wanting her to see the turmoil he was in. It took all his strength to gather enough courage to face this place once again. He had to let go of the past.

“Come, it is time for you to see the house,” he finally said, releasing her with a swift kiss on the cheek.

This time, when she returned to the car, she was careful to step on grass and not the scorching sand. Her feet were still sensitive after her ordeal, even more so with the gruff surface of nature.

Once inside, he started the engine and slowly moved forward toward the house, the dirt road leading up to it was hard and well maintained. Up close, the house was magnificent; it was truly a sight to behold. She was used to wealth and all it could offer, but she hadn’t expected a beach house to look so outstandingly beautiful. From outside, she could see no expense had been spared. That was how she knew it was his, he didn’t do anything half-heartedly.

Once parked under the shade of a tree, he led her up the stairs and onto the wooden covered porch, the coolness welcoming after the bright sun. She couldn’t help but turn to enjoy the view she would have for the next few weeks.

Entering through its double, wooden front doors interlaced with smoky colored glass, she enjoyed the coolness that the house offered. It was a beautiful, yellow oak log that gleamed in the late sun, with wooden furniture in a darker shade of oak; the staircase was delicately crafted and spiraled up toward the second floor. Everywhere, little nooks were created to sit and enjoy the scene.

“Did your sister
s also decorate this place?” A woman’s touch was undoubtedly visible in the big living space. The smell of lemon polish hung in the air; someone had cleaned the house prior to their arrival. Some windows had been left open to allow fresh air into the spacious area.

“No, Pauline did,” came the soft reply.

She watched him closely. Once again the melancholy was back, this time more perceptible. She gave his hand a squeeze.
Who is Pauline, and why did she cause such sadness in him?

He walked to the large patio doors, pulled them open and stood there, deep in thought. His jaw was tightly pressed together as he struggled to get a hold on his emotions.

She’d never seen him like that, but she knew that she had to give him the space he obviously needed, so she continued on to investigate the house alone.

The top floor housed the bedrooms and bathrooms. Three rooms were sparsely furnished; each only with a bed and dresser. The large, main bedroom had more furniture, an indication it had been used often. The huge en suite bathroom startled her, the view absolutely stunning, but the huge shower, bath tub and basin stopped her in her tracks. White marble gleamed in the sun, and potted plants framed the corners with a small couch overlooking the vista. She just knew she would have a wonderful time in this room. The walls were decorated in creamy damask, and adorning the floor lay a rich cream and coral rug. The same coral was visible throughout the room, contrasting beautifully with the cream, creating a serene look.

The second bathroom was spacious, its shower hiding behind smoky glass doors. Cabinets lined one wall, but were empty of any contents. The mirrors sparkled, showing her how disheveled her hair was, which she had no choice but to comb through with her fingers.

When she returned to the living room, Aldrich was still standing in the same spot. She walked up to him and wrapped her arms around his waist, at the same time resting her head on his back; he was trembling. She felt immense love for this man who was fighting against unknown memories and squeezed him tight, placing gentle kisses on his back to remind him that he wasn’t alone. He turned to face her, his face shining with love for her. He drew her into his embrace and kissed her with such passion, her defenses crumbled. His hunger met her own, their bodies melting together as one.

When he finally lifted his head, she smiled up at him. “This is perfect, Aldi,” she exclaimed. Her heart filled with gladness and joy. He’d done so much for her, giving her everything she could ever have wished for, but mostly, she loved him because he gave of himself without hesitation. His love shone like a strong beacon withstanding every onslaught to be her anchor.

“I am glad you like it,” he said softly, staring at her as he cupped her face in his strong, able hands. “You are perfect,” he sighed, “and there is nothing I wouldn’t do for you. Everything I have is yours, Bella. Everything.”

“You’re too kind, Aldi, but thank you for that.” Something told her that this moment was a turning point in their lives and she took his seriousness to heart as their lips melted together once again, silencing everything around them. Time stood still as they sealed unspoken promises to each other in the most basic of lovers’ rituals, allowing their lips to talk for them in passionate exclamations. Long shadows formed on the glistening floor showing only one person as the moment stretched out into ages before he let go, leading her to the kitchen.

“I’m in the mood for coffee,” he finally broke the silence, “want some?” he asked, so natural, as if this moment was an every day occurrence, but both recognized the changes it brought within them, capturing this time in their hearts that would last for an eternity.

“Thanks, but I would rather have something cold if you don’t mind, Aldi.”

“Don’t you drink coffee?”

“Only on the rarest of occasions,” she grinned, “besides, it is not good for me while I am training.”

They sat at the kitchen counter drinking their beverage of choice.

Anabella’s mind spun with all the questions she would love to ask. She went with a safe one. “Who built this house?”

“I did.”

“You mean… you built it with your own hands?”

“Yes, the house and the furniture.”

“Gorgeous and talented. I like.” She chuckled.

His big, blue eyes sparkled like diamonds as a smile spread over his face. “I’m a man of many talents.”

“I noticed,” she agreed with a grin.

“Let’s get the bags. We’ll unpack, then go for a walk. I will show you where the swimming pool is. Oh, how early would you like to start with practice? I want to arrange all the details with the resort owner before I leave.”

“As early as possible, say, around six?”

“I don’t think it will be a problem.”

“Let’s get going, then.”

After rinsing their glass and cup, they rushed out of the house into the sunlight to unpack their bags and groceries. He’d stopped at the nearest store to make sure she was well stocked with food to entertain a small army.

Aldrich couldn’t help but smile as he watched her dancing through the place. This was exactly what this house needed―new life, and exactly what Anabella represented. He wasn’t the only who’d been neglected, but this house had been, too, and it was high time that they both returned to their former glory.

They unpacked their bags, each in their own room respectively. He had insisted that she must take the main bedroom as it was better equipped and spacious with a beautiful view over the azure sea. His―one of the smaller rooms―had a beautiful view of the green covered hill.

“You don’t mind that you’ll be alone for so long?”

“I’m used to being on my own. Mr. Clark gave me the strictest routine, which will cover most of my day. So, during the quiet times, I will
take long walks and think about how much I’m missing you.” She gave him a radiant smile, and he couldn’t help but chuckle; her playfulness was intoxicating. “The Olympics are only eighteen months away, so there really won’t be any time to sit around idly,” she reminded him matter-of-factly.

“I will be able to get back by the end of the week, but I’ll keep you informed of any changes.” He would miss her, but this was necessary. He could in no way send her back to that home. Monica had also promised that she would visit before the new semester started, and would return to the dorm with her, unless his plans worked out and she stayed with him, forever. He grinned at the prospect.

“When will you leave?” she queried.

“I need to be back tomorrow, so will leave when you start your day.” He winked. “Everything you will need is here. The resort is not far so you’ll be able to have many of your meals there and you won’t feel so lonely. I’ll also know that you are well taken care of.”

She nodded, reassured once again that this was the best place for her to be. She trusted him completely.

“Okay, let’s take a walk so that I can show you where everything is.” With that, he took her hand, placed a chaste kiss on her mouth, and hand in hand made their way out to the patio and onto the paved footpath. The rich flora lined the back of the path forming a natural wall of greenery, shi
elding them in. It was already 6:30pm, a pleasant time to take a stroll, the sun low in the sky basking the earth in soft pastels.

After strolling easily for about 10 minutes they reached the underbrush, which was a bit further from the house than she had originally thought. Bending, Aldrich led her through the path, taking her into the dense plants that caused the canopy to shield the sun for a few moments. She shrieked at one point when her face met a spider web, quickly brushing it away.

Aldrich laughed at her annoyed shriek and still holding her hand, pulled them forward. A few steps further and they were back in the sun. A large opening appeared in front of them with an unobstructed view of the white beach, and the sea to their right. To her left, about fifty meters away, the swimming pool shone brightly in the late afternoon sun and when they approached, the cool aqua invited her to dive in. A few guests played in the water with a beach ball as cries and laughter filled the air.

Tomorrow, I will accept your invitation and swim, that is a promise.
She smiled at the guests’ antiques when they stopped for a few moments to appreciate the entire area, one big enough to accommodate large groups at a time. They followed the path around the pool to the offices directly behind it and met the owner, Mr. Copeland, who was just locking the door.

Aldrich greeted him as if they knew each other well, then turned to her and made the introduction.

Mr. Copeland recognized Anabella immediately.

“Miss Anthony,” he extended his hand to her. “It is an honor.”

He was an elderly man, about her father’s age, his head crowned with thick, gray hair, and his gray eyes twinkled with delight. He was shorter than they were, so stretched out fully and tilted his head to meet her gaze.

“Miss Anthony, it is such a privilege to meet you,” he said in a deep voice.

She in turn greeted him with enthusiasm. “Great to meet you as well, Mr. Copeland.”

Aldrich got right to the point by stating, “She will be staying at my house during the summer holiday, but needs to practice every day, if that will be acceptable to you?”

“As if you should ask, of course she may.” His face lit up with excitement. “At what time would you prefer to train?”

“Every morning, as I said, at six,” Aldrich informed him.

“No problem, no problem at all,” he said with a bright smile. “I will make sure that she is well looked after while she is here.”

Mr. Copeland was a talker and he explained everything in detail to both Aldrich and Anabella, and both listened intently. He was very proud of the district and the resort, sharing stories of how it had all come about. She knew she would love it here; the calm surroundings were a perfect place to train and help her forget the last few days.

“Let’s speak about the fee in your office, Mr. Copeland.” Aldrich stopped the flow of chatter after a few minutes.

“All right, then. Please follow me.” With that, he turned and unlocked the door.

After much debate over Mr. Copeland not willing to take any payment at first, in the end Aldrich got his way, adamant that he would pay for the use of the pool. More words were exchanged between the two men as Anabella listened, trusting Aldrich to make all the arrangements. They said their goodbyes and left.