“You know we are still young and are still exploring, but I just wanted to tell you… I’m here” She turned to the side, her emotions rising when she heard genuine concern in his voice. “Thank you,” she said in a very low voice, bringing forth her hand to wrap it around his. “I do not take this lightly either. I’m glad to have you, Oliver. Safe to just… be myself.” He smiled and enclosed her hand in his own. “Good. That’s all I want.” They sat there and stared at the sea and the sea returned the stars. They didn’t have to talk all the time to keep the space between them occupied. Now sitting by the fire, holding Oliver’s hand, Phoebe felt happy and sure that she is where she belongs. Some time later the couple settled into a comfortable silence, while listening to the sound of the water crashing against the shore and gazing at the stars above them. She rested her head on his shoulder and felt something she has not felt for a very long time- acceptance. Soon the night was black and
“I never really spoke to you about my family, did I?” he asked looking at me and his voice was soft. She glanced at him, feeling that there was much more than what he actually said. “No, but I’d love to hear about them.” Your stories are like parts of you that I am yet to come across. He grinned and nodded, but his face was still serious. ‘My father was a fisherman,’ he started. “Not the sort who ventured out into the vast deep-sea but the sort who remained right on the edge of the shore.” He loved this coast and he knew the rocks and the currents as if it was yesterday. He used to take me for a small fishing trip and I would sit on the boat for hours listening to him narrate stories of the ocean. Some of them were real, some… well, let’s just say that he was a great orator.” Phoebe listened, captivated. “I think you were friends.” Oliver just nodded, and for a moment there was a brief look of sorrow in his eyes. “We were, but… he passed when I was thirteen. A heart attack. It was
She shut her eyes tightly and let him speak about it and his words felt like a soothing ointment to her ears. But at the same time she remained afraid that her past would one day overtake all that she and Oliver had created. The next morning Phoebe made up her mind to go straight to her fears. She dialled her mum’s number, her heart racing while the phone rang. “Phoebe, finally,” Evelyn’s voice came through, her voice laden with suppressed anger. I have been trying to get hold of you for weeks now. Why are you ignoring us?” “Mom,” Phoebe said, getting ready for whatever was to come. “I’m not coming back. I need to live my own life.” Her mother sighed deeply, disapprovingly. “This is not the life you wanted for us Phoebe, this is not the life that we raised you to be in.” You are wasting all our efforts, all our achievements, our education, our chances. You’re being… irresponsible.” Phoebe held the phone firmly, she was trembling as she spoke. There is nothing wrong with that; per
Phoebe let her gaze drift towards the wild shore for a moment before she and Oliver were lost in stillness again on the porch. She was aware that indecision was still rolling over her like inclement weather, but there was this calm after the storm sort of a feeling as if the tides themselves were coming to terms with her decision. Finally, Oliver spoke, raising his voice to an almost whisper. “Phoebe, if it gets to be too much if they keep pushing and you need a break then you can come here.” It’s okay to remain, the pressure is not compulsory.” She got closer to him saying ‘I was shocked but the look on your face now makes me feel naked yet protected.’ ”I know,” she said, almost in a whisper of thankfulness. “To be here… with you… I think this is the first time I was given the choice.” He moved closer and enfolding her hand into his, he gave it a comforting squeeze. “Then let this place be our sanctuary,” he whispered. “We will wait for whatever will happen but we will do it when
Oliver was close to her at work, and she looked at him when he smiled, putting a small bouquet in her hands. “For the artist and the hostess,” he said, and there was tenderness in his tone. “Phoebe, you are doing a splendid work.” I know she is going to be so touched.” Phoebe clutched the bouquet tightly to her chest, her heart filled with emotion. She had not been plotting something like this since the time she was forced into planning formal family functions and the liberty she felt in this instance was something she had not felt for ages. In the evening, they finished everything and placed tiny candles that would burn when it was getting dark. When they were done, everything seemed neat, comfortable and welcoming – a fitting background for Grandma Peterson’s birthday. Phoebe took a moment and looked at the result of their efforts. She glanced at Oliver and with the tone of thankfulness in her voice said. That is all okay I appreciate your help in helping me to put all these toge
Phoebe was still standing on the porch, breathing heavily, after the moment of silence. Christian’s car was gone down the driveway but the energy of his anger and pain did not dissipate and filled the air around the cottage. She was conscious of the fact that Oliver was standing beside her, his hand was near her, in a position that he could catch her if she were to faint. The night was quiet and the silence was filled with things that were never said. And at last he looked her full in the face, with an expression of quiet inquiry. “Are you okay?” She gasped, feeling how her chest was constricted. “I… I don’t know.” She laughed a little but it was forced and even to her it sounded so. That is why I was shocked when he showed up here.” Not like this.” Oliver simply nodded as his face grew stern. “It’s understandable. He has been in your live for years.” Phoebe stood hugging her arms across her chest, as if she was trying to protect herself from the nakedness of the occurrence. “Well
She nodded, and inhaled deeply. “I am… I think I finally am.” She looked away, her eyes focusing on the black sea beyond the glass that came to the shore. “It’s strange. It was so great to spend so much time thinking about what my life would be like if I disappeared, if I could just let myself dream again, and… now I’m beginning to see it. Oliver gave a gentle smile before he could help it and relaxed in the chair, watching her with approval. “It’s amazing, isn’t it? To lastly allow yourself to let go and just exist. He stopped speaking, and turning his head slightly to one side. And the thing about it, Phoebe, is, that nobody else can do it for you.” It has to come from within.” She gazed at him, abruptly perceiving affection and appreciation in her breast. “You are right,” she whispered. “And I’m glad to let you know that you have been reminded of that by my presence.” They sat down cuddling each other enjoying the reflection in the light of the fire that burned on the background
Oliver listened, holding his stare as they strolled, the sand in the beach a little cold and firm to the touch. The sea was calm; the waves gently hit the beach, their sound resonated through the silence of her speaking. He gently grasped her hand and it was as if he wanted her to continue talking, to let go of the burden she had been bearing for so long. “It is quite mind blowing Phoebe,” He said softly to her. “That you are not waiting for someone to bring you happiness, that you are happy with yourself. And I think, once you really believe it, everything else will follow, somehow. That’s when you will start to look at the world from a different perspective. She stared at him, a frown of deep, serious consideration on her face. “It’s a relief, in a way. But it’s also scary. I’ve spent so much time being… what others expected. I think I’m even losing touch with who I am without all of that.” Oliver stopped, looking at her, their fingers still interlocked. ‘You are a strong person,