BUTTERFLIES FLY AWAY (14 page)

Another cup of coffee and she was still pondering that
Nico who she met this morning was the same infamous billionaire playboy. 
She had thought it was him but he was walking his dog for goodness sake! 
Not the kind of behaviour she would have expected from his wild exploits. 
In his twenties he had he had partied through Europe and was rarely seen
without a different beauty hanging off his arm.  Affairs with movie stars
and models were tabloid news.  When the affairs ended there were no
exposes or tell all tales.  They all loved him and seemingly parted on
good terms.  The paparazzi loved him too for there was always a story
around Nico Devanti.  The magazine editors also loved him as there
circulation list would always increase.  But suddenly the partying stopped
and he seemed to have matured into the respected businessman that he was now
known for.  A long term relationship with Lea into the mix who named
dropped her boyfriend at every opportunity. 

Full of caffeine she returned to her room. 
Housekeeping had already been and cleaned her room back to its immaculate
state.  She checked her phone 09.55am – only 04.55am back home so too
early to make any calls or texts.  But she did have a missed call and a
text from Auntie Belle.

Carrie replied

“Hi Belle, I’m sure Mum gave you an ear bashing! I
know she is just being overprotective and I’m being too defensive.  You
know how we clash!  Anyway the Inn is lovely.  Planning to stay at
here for another four days but I haven’t booked my return flight yet. 
Nothings confirmed.  Speak soon. C x”

Beep – a reply from Belle.

“Ok darling, Be Good!! Bx”

Carrie returned to her ipad to check her emails but
there was nothing of interest.  A few online sales that she had missed out
on.  Points and rewards to be collected on her bonus cards.  An email
advising her that car insurance was up for renewal. 

That had been Rob’s domain, all of the insurances
and renewals, anything financial.  Last year with everything that had
happened her Dad had made those decisions when they were needed.  
Reminders in her calendar that it was Claire’s birthday next week.  At six
months pregnant her options for a gift would be limited from their normal
birthday routine.  Time to get the thinking cap on.  Normally they
would go out for a girlie lunch which turned into a boozy lunch – some shopping
– a few fashion disasters that they would return to the shops later – a girlie
day out.

Mmm no booze but maybe still the lunch and sensible
shopping this time.  Her sister’s swollen ankles would be the deciding
factor here!  She might even get Claire something whilst she was here in
the Cape.  Another tradition was that she always made her sister red
velvet cupcakes for her birthday.  Again, this tradition had been missed
last year and Carrie had been determined to resume it this year.  It was
to be a demonstration that she was getting back to ‘normal’ or whatever that
was. 

Now that she was here she had to get back to her
plan, forget about handsome strangers and get some perspective on what she
wanted to do.  The reason that she had been drawn to this area in the
first place.  First things first, she got the lighthouse book out. 
It was time to face her fears.  She had the notepad ready which she had
scribbled her plans for this trip out in.  When she spoke with Terri later
she wanted to express some knowledge as to why she had picked coming to the
Cape.  Despite this her mind was drawn back to meeting Nico this
morning.  She picked up the lighthouse book determined to focus her
mind. 

Opening the book and turning to page twenty three,
Portland Head light house and the tiny yellow butterfly.  The sun was low
in the sky casting a dusky glow over the sea and rocks.  A shard of sun
highlighting the butterfly on a rock.  She ran her finger over the corner
of the page.  Almost expecting the butterfly to come alive at her
touch.  The description of the lighthouse was impressive.  A large
white tower with a white Victorian keeper’s house and buildings topped with red
roofs.  She wondered if you could access the tower but maybe that would be
another question for Terri or the website might hold that information. 
She had learned the opening hours 10am to 4pm, no access to the tower, a café
on site and the keeper’s house now contained the museum.  She just needed
to check the directions with Terri and it was a go for tomorrow.

It had started to rain outside tapping against the
windows.  Carrie stood for a few moments staring out at the bay before
picking up her mobile.  It was time to contact home again.  Just
after 7am back home and her Mum would already be up.  The phone was
answered within a few rings.

“Good Morning Mum how’s things back home?”

“Hi Carrie, all okay here.  How are you?”

“I’m good Mum, really good.  I think the sea
air agrees with me.  I went for a walk a few hours ago, cleared the
cobwebs away.  I’m going to call Claire later.  Is she okay?”

“Yes but the lease has fallen through on the new
house.”

“Oh No, what happened?”

“The owners removed the listing, returned their
deposits.  It’s a disaster for them Carrie.  Dad and I have told them
it’s for the best if they move back home as they’ve already given notice on
their flat.  Just until they get another place to stay.”

“How long do they have left?”

“They have to be out of the flat for Friday. 
Claire doesn’t want to commit to an extension on their lease at the flat. 
She wants out.  There are boxes everywhere.  Harry wants to take his
toys out of boxes already packed then having a tantrum when he can’t get
anything out.  Your sister is panicking.  Ryan is working in
Edinburgh this week it’s too short notice to take any more time off.  We
are going to hire a van and move some of their belongings.  Your cousin
Michael is going to help too.”

She knew if she didn’t cut in now her Mum would
continue to talk and talk and talk.

“Mum, I have an idea, you have my spare keys, and so
does Claire.  I have plenty of room at my place.  All those
bedrooms.  They can stay at mine. There’s room in the garage for their
boxes and stuff plus you know I redecorated the study.  That room is ready
just for a cot or bed or both to be added to.  I was planning on getting
some more furniture for the room for the babies to stay over.  But I’m
sure some of Claire’s will do the trick.  What do you think?”

“Carrie, are you sure?  You know we have plenty
of room too.  Let me call Claire, talk her through the options.  Your
sister can be just as stubborn as you! Give me half an hour”

“Okay Mum, I will call you back and you can let me
know what she thinks”

She hoped her sister would agree and in this instance
take the help offered.  Claire would be so disappointed the lease had
fallen through.  They had outgrown the flat and with the baby on the way
the new house would have been ideal.  Claire had been so excited. 
Carrie had all that room at her home and even if Rob had been alive she knew he
would have been the first to make the offer too.  When the half hour was
up she called back home.

“Hi Mum, well what did she say?”

“She wants to speak to you, just to make sure you are
absolutely 100% sure about this but she did agree it was the best option. 
Such a relief.  I know that you can keep an eye on each other”

“Thanks for that Mum.  Oh that’s great news; I
will give her a call now.  She can move in straight away.”

“Brilliant, will speak with you later, love you.”

“Love you too Mum”

The phone was answered within a few rings.

“Hi Claire, tell me all about it!”

“Oh Carrie, what a nightmare!  It’s all been
very strange.  I got an email yesterday, on a Sunday of all things when we
got back home from Mums, no phone call or anything just an email to tell me the
lease had fallen through!  What if I hadn’t checked?  What would they
have done?”

She repeated most of what their Mother had already
told Carrie. 

“So what do you think?  Are you okay about
moving into mine until you get something sorted?”

“I’m sure, are you sure Carrie?  It’s a big
thing, different from a sleep over you know.”

“Yes, Claire Bear, I wouldn’t have made the offer if
I hadn’t thought it through, you know that.  The house is far too big for
me on my own.  It will be good to have company and my favourite little guy
Harry”

“Thanks Carrie, I was prepared to move back home
with the parents, I just feel so stressed with it all.” 

She started to cry.  Carrie was shocked. 
Claire wasn’t a crier.

“Claire, it’s okay, everything will be fine, now
listen, you have keys to my place, you can move in whenever you are
ready.  Mum said Dad and Michael are helping with the move.”

Carrie continued as the sobs abated.  “Plenty
of room in the garage believe it or not, I was having a clear out over the last
few weeks so don’t worry about storage.  You can put Harry’s cot-bed into
the new bedroom.  I managed to get some furniture but you might want to
add some of your own and maybe a black out blind to the room, I don’t think
that one is any good for keeping the sunlight out or it can wait until I’m
home.  Remember I was planning on making that room a sleep over room for
Harry and the new baby!”

“Okay, I’m feeling a bit better now.  I’m
usually the calm one.  Damn these hormones”

“Claire, you are six months pregnant for goodness
sake!  Of course you will be feeling out of sorts.  Another thing you
will need to get some stair gates to keep Harry out of mischief.  If I
think of anything else, I will let you know.”

“Great minds think alike, I can use the stair gates
I have here but think I might just get new ones for yours.”

“Everything will work out fine, you know it will.”

“I loved living in the flat before we had Harry, it
was great but we need a home of our own and I thought we would have that
security with the new lease.  This will give us some breathing space to
get looking again for somewhere to live.”

“No rush from me, you will have a few days on your
own to get settled whilst I’m over here.  I spoke to Auntie Belle last
night.  I think she is going to try and pop over before I go home. Now ..
are you sitting down?”

“Typical Auntie Belle, only she would think of
travelling from one side of America to the next as just popping out.  What
have you got to tell me?”

“Well, I went for a walk along the beach this
morning.  Oh Claire, it’s lovely here.  You would like it.”

“And?”

“You will never guess who I met?”

“Carrie, spill it.  Who did you meet? 
Can’t have been Auntie Belle?

“A dog.”

“You met a dog Carrie, very good.”

“Don’t be silly Claire, yes I met a dog but I also
met the dog owner…. Are you waiting ..  Nico Devanti!”

“Ohhhhh, what was he like?”

“His dog was playing fetch and then he introduced himself. 
Not the dog ha but Nico.  He was nice for the few minutes I spoke with
him.”

“What about the glamorous girlfriend?  Was she
playing fetch too?”

“Nope, no girlfriend, just Nico.  Very
attractive too!”

“Ha Ha, so what are you doing the rest of today
after that excitement?”

“The innkeeper, Terri, she is going to go through my
plans for visiting some of the light houses and then I will have a look at my
return flights.”

“Keep safe Carrie and let me know when you are
going.  I’ve been trying to speak to Ryan but he is travelling to work so
will chat with him later about staying with you.  But if I’m happy, he’s
happy.”

Over a cup of coffee Terri gently guided Carrie
through the local light house attractions.  She even had some leaflets
from the local tourist board.  They were sitting again in Terri’s private
rooms.  In daylight the window casting a view over the generous back
gardens of the Inn.  A large tree complete with swing caught her attention
as it swayed. 

“I think tomorrow, I will go to the Portland Head
Lighthouse.”

“You won’t be disappointed Carrie. It really is
impressive on a clear day.  What do you think of the Cape so far?”

“In this short time, I’ve really fallen for the
place.  I had a fantastic walk this morning along the beach.  I could
quite easily do that every day!  But it looks like I will have to move my
plans along and think about returning quicker than I thought.”

“I have so many guests returning season after
season.  I feel the same way myself.  What’s happened to change your
plans?”

Carrie took a sip of the coffee and explained her
sisters living arrangements.

“I feel partly responsible.  They were due to
move house last year and I’m sure with everything that happened to me when Rob
died my sister had to renew her lease when she didn’t have many options. 
I feel they were backed into a corner.”

“Carrie things happen for a reason and maybe your
sister just wasn’t meant to move into that other house?”

“Maybe, but I’ve good a good feeling about her
moving into mine.  Mmm these are delicious Terri,” Carrie was working her
way through a second cookie on the tray next to the coffee pot.

“Freshly made this morning, malted milk chocolate
flavour”

“Oh yum!”

“We make a few batches a day, try and mix it up with
different flavours.  They are supposed to be for guests but quite a few
get eaten by all the staff.  It’s a guilty pleasure but one you can’t help
but indulge in!”

“Well I think I might be passing through the parlour
later this afternoon!”

“Ha ha, I might just join you for a break.”

Carrie had scribbled some notes for tomorrow; she
planned on maybe going for a walk depending on when she woke and then
breakfast.  She would then be prepared to go the lighthouse.

“You’ve been a great help Terri, thanks for this.”

“Not at all Carrie, I’ve enjoyed it.  Makes you
appreciate just what you have around you.”

“One more thing, I promise!  I couldn’t find if
you have any laundry services.  Sorry if I have overlooked it.”

“Oh that’s strange, we do laundry the list is
usually in one of the drawers, let me check for you.”

“Thanks, there are so many drawers; I’ve probably
skipped over it.  I got a bit messy at the beach today and my jeans are in
need of a wash.”

After a few minutes Terri returned with a laundry sack
and slip for Carrie to complete.  Back at the room Carrie retrieved her
jeans and sweater that were marked from the sea and Beau’s paw prints. 
She rang the housekeeping extension from the room and they collected her
laundry which would be returned the next day or earlier if she required
it. 

Despite the early start and busy morning with calls
back home it was only 3pm.  Carrie decided to go for a walk around the bay
and shops.  She stopped off at a bistro for a late lunch and ordered a
club sandwich to tide her over. Whilst she was waiting to pay her bill she
heard another party of people leave in the booth behind her.  She
recognised the voice of Tansie from the Inn.

She smiled in recognition.

“Hi Carrie, its good to see you.  This is my
cousin Monique I was telling you about.  We are just grabbing a bite to
eat before returning to the house.  Had to take the children clothes
shopping.  Although I know they would have preferred to go shopping of a
different kind!”

“Hi”

Carrie was in turn introduced to Moniques three
children.  Trey, Tyreese and Tameka.

Carrie was charmed by the shy little girl.

“Hello, is that you’re dolly.  Whats her name?”

Tameka was snuck into the side of Tansie, she shyly
turned round.  Lifted her head and spoke softly. 

“Her name is Betsie.”

“Oh, that’s a lovely name.  She’s so
pretty.  Just like you.”

“She’s sad ‘cos she doesn’t have a bed anymore.”

“Shush Tameka, you know she will have a bed as soon
as we move into our new home.” Her mother chastised.

“No she won’t, her bed was in the fire Mama”

“Oh baby, we will get her bed of her own soon”

 “When do you move into your new home?”

“We are hoping this weekend if the next few days go
to plan.  The contractors are still working but thank the Lord we are
making progress”

“Good luck with everything.”

They spoke for a few more minutes and Monique
promised updates via Tansie.  Carrie could empathise with their homeless
predicament given the problems her own sister was having.  Luckily for
both a solution had been found.  She gathered despite their traumatic
circumstances that the Tremonts were excited about their new beginning. 
Carrie hoped her sister felt the same about hers.  Carrie wandered around
some more shops but stuck at just window shopping this time. 

When she returned to the Inn via the parlour to
collect a couple of cookies her steps were light as she made it back to her
room.  For the first time in months her mind was clear and the shadow of
grief a little lighter.  It was time for a soak in that luxurious bath. 
She scouted around for the bag of products that she had purchased
yesterday.  Although the Inn provided toiletries Carrie added a few
generous scoops of the bath salts from one of the jars she bought.  The
air was filled with exotic scents of the shea butter mixed with lavender and
ginger as it infused with the warm water.  Whilst she waited for the bath
she picked a playlist on her ipod to accompany her mood.  The sound of
Maria Callas filled the room.  At home Carrie would blare the music to
break the silence of being on her own but here she had it a quieter
level.  Her limited knowledge told her it was from an Italian opera but
she had always liked it.  The desperate tone of loss and love needed no
translation.  The first time she heard it at the climactic ending it
brought her to tears.  Yes there was a time before grief when she cried at
beautiful music. 

Carrie pinned her hair high not wanting to get it
wet, rolled a small hand towel to rest her head and sunk into the soothing
water.  She reminded herself that yet again she had booked a romantic room
as the bath was big enough for two or three.  She lay until the water was
tepid and time to get out.  So relaxed and sleepy that she knew sleep
wasn’t far away.  She wrapped herself in a large fluffy bath sheet cocooned
in the thick cotton.  After drying she moisturised using the same lotion
she had bought from the store.  The music still on in the background as
she completed her task.  Carrie pulled on a nightshirt and knee high long
socks.  She hated having cold feet.  Lay on the sofa with one of the
throws from the bed.  It was too early to go to bed but her eyes were too
heavy to fight the sleep encroaching her.  Moving a few of the pillows
into a comfy position she closed her eyes and sleep claimed her for a few hours.

It was Robs last day again that she dreamt.  He
was eating toast and she was rushing for her phone.  But instead of
getting into the car they walked along the street of their cul-de-sac past
familiar houses.  Not speaking, just holding hands.  They continued
to walk out of the housing estate but the destination unfamiliar.  Then
they were walking along a wooded path through thick trees, their canopy
blocking the day light.  She passed a fallen tree which was now overcome
with moss. 

“Where are we going?”  She asked but Rob didn’t
answer. 

Her footsteps slowing her pace and she was no longer
walking side by side Rob but behind him. 

“Please answer me!”  She pleaded tugging at his
hand but still they walked.

Daylight ahead the trees thinned and she could see
the water’s edge.

His head turned towards her and said a single
word.  “Home”

Before she could continue her leg slipping off the
sofa woke her.  Disoriented she sat up. 

“Oh for God sake! What did that mean?”  She
wondered aloud in frustration.  “Rob what are you telling me now?”

Untangling herself from the throw and pillows she
went to the bathroom. 

A few minutes later she fixed the sofa back to
normality and smoothed the pillows back into shape.  She made a coffee and
rummaged for her phone charger as the beeps interrupted her. 

Now where had she left it?  Moving some items
around it was under the lighthouse book.  After charging the phone she put
on the ipad to check her emails.  It was only 8pm but she wasn’t hungry
enough to order some food.  Hmm some haribo gums left over from her flight
would do.  Now time for some shopping.  When her Mum said earlier
that Harry was trying to break out some of his toys much to her sister’s
frustration it put an idea in her head.  Thirty minutes later she had
purchased some toys for the garden for Harry with the wonder of internet
shopping.  Many times her and her parents wanted to get a slide or toy car
for Harry but couldn’t has they had lived in the flat but now no excuse. 
They would be delivered on Thursday.  Result.

Her Dad had emailed her.  He wasn’t one for
calls or texts.

“
Hi Carrie,

Greetings from rainy Scotland. 

Your Mum and Claire have updated me on
the ‘housing’ situation.

I know you made the offer with your
heart but if you’ve thought about it a wee bit more and  changed your mind
– it’s okay.  We have room at home for everyone if need be.

The plan is to hire a van Wednesday and
move some of the larger furniture so you have plenty of time if this isn’t for
you.

How are your lighthouse plans coming
along? 

Keep safe

Love Dad  x”

Carrie took another handful of haribo gums and
started to reply. 

“Hi Daddy,

Greetings from –what was earlier sunny –
Cape Elizabeth.

Honestly, I am fine with Claire
staying.  I actually think it will be good for me to have them all around
me.  The house has been far too quiet on my own.  I have to confess
I’ve even been thinking about moving away to escape from everything.  But running
away isn’t for me.

Claire knows she has free reign of the
house and I’ve already got the spare room ready to turn into Harry’s
room.  I’ve been a bit naughty and ordered some garden toys for
Harry.  A slide and a toy car for him to zoom around the garden in. 
They will be delivered in a couple of days and I’ve sent you a copy of the
email confirmation.  Don’t worry I will let Claire know it’s a little
welcome gift for Harry!

I’ve been having a clear out recently
and the garage has plenty of storage.  So Claire is not to panic and try
and un-pack everything as soon as you unload it.  I know what she is like!

Tomorrow I’m going to the lighthouse,
will let you know how I get on.  I’ve been befriended by the innkeeper,
Terri and she’s has been helping with my trip to the lighthouses.  They
are so friendly here.  I feel like I’ve been here for longer than just a
few days.

There must be something in the air here
but for the first time in ages, I feel normal.. Just me..

Give my love to Mum.

Love Carrie x”

Carrie forwarded the confirmations and texted her
sister that she had bought some things.  She knew Claire would want to
decline but Carrie persuaded her that after years of not being able to buy
larger gifts for Harry this would make up for it.

“Emotional blackmail!”

“Yip and I am unashamed”

Despite sleeping for hours, Carrie was tired. 
She had finished the rest of the packet of haribos and stared out of the
telescope.  The inky black sky captured in the lenses.  She wished
she could identify the stars but to her untrained eye they all dazzled. 
She wrapped a throw round her shoulders and stood looking out onto the
bay.  The low lights in the room illuminating her figure to anyone passing
by.  She stood for a while, transfixed before brushing her teeth and going
to bed.  She removed the large cushions from the bed and slipped under the
thick duvet. 

“Good night my darling.” She said aloud.

Sleep claimed her once more.