2. First Encounter And After
2
First Encounter And After
C HAPTER TWO
Rosalind (day one)
The sun had already dropped past the horizon, and the streetlights had come on in the dusky light. After an unusually long day at the inn, I’d craved the serenity of the beach. While I could hear the waves and smell the salty air from anywhere on the island, nothing could compare to the touch of the soft sand between my toes to ease the tension in my mind.
“Roz!” a familiar voice had called out from in front of me, making me halt my steps and my heart skip a beat. Looking up, I’d seen him. My ex-boyfriend, Rich, standing there with that cocky grin of his having just arrived on the ferry.
“Rich, what are you doing here?” I’d asked, trying to keep my tone steady despite the rush of memories flooding back.
I’d once loved this man, and planned to build a life with him, until I found out who he was beneath the surface.
“I’ve missed you, Roz. Come back with me to the mainland. We can start afresh,” he’d almost begged, stepping closer, his eyes searching mine.
I’d taken an involuntary step back, feeling the weight of his words like a hammer blow. Memories of our past love and my eventual heartbreak had swirled inside me, battling with the present reality. My mind had raced, unsure of how to respond to his unexpected appearance.
“Rich, you’re not welcome here. I can’t forget all the lies and the things you’ve done. There’s no future for us.” I’d explained, my tone calm and quiet, but with a touch of sadness.
“I’ve apologized multiple times. Can’t you forgive me? I can change for you. That shouldn’t be the end of us, Roz.” He’d pressed, his frustration showing.
As he’d reached out to touch my arm, I’d instinctively pulled away, the boundary crystal clear in my mind. His presence had stirred a mix of emotions within me. Longing, regret, fear, betrayal, but also a newfound strength to stand my ground.
“You admitted you slept with a drunk sixteen-year-old. All to get back at me for our argument? It’s bad enough you cheated on me, but how could you do that to her? A young, impressionable innocent.” I’d firmly said, as I met his gaze with my resolve.
“I was angry, and drunk, too. It was a party and I didn’t know what I was doing.” He’d said this like it should absolve him of any responsibility.
We had argued there on the street, and his voice had grown louder. But when he started dragging me down the street, that was the first time I’d ever been truly afraid of him.
Thinking back, had it not been for that stranger, Daniel, and the men from the docks, the day might have ended very differently for me.
But now that my grandfather and I were almost home, I couldn’t stop thinking about that stranger, Daniel.
What kind of man jumps into a domestic situation like that, when he doesn’t know either side? And why can’t I get him out of my head? I haven’t gotten rid of the last man I dated, and now I’m thinking about another man?
That’s just insane. Have I not learned my lesson from Rich? I’ve got to get my head on straight. Focus on work and taking care of my grandfather. That’s enough for me. Enough for now.
And what was that old fool thinking of? Running to the docks like that, just because someone called him and said I was in trouble?
“Grandpa, I’m okay,” I reassured him as we stepped into our yard. Smiling and attempting to put on a brave face despite my exhaustion and lingering unease.
The moment we stepped inside the house, Mack came bounding towards us, his tail wagging furiously as if he sensed the tension in the air. “Hey there, boy,” I greeted him, bending down to ruffle his ears.
“Someone’s happy to see us,” Grandpa chuckled, his voice warm and soothing.
“Yeah, Mack always knows how to lift my mood,” I said, adding, “don’t you boy?”
“Thanks, Peter. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Grandpa said to the teenage boy who had helped him to the docks.
“Anytime, Mr. Copenhagen. Mom said to tell you hi, Miss Rosalind.” The boy added for my benefit.
“Thanks for your help, and tell your mama hi for me, too.” I smiled as I walked him to the door and watched as he entered the house next door.
Then, I headed towards the kitchen to begin the familiar clinking of pots and pans, and the comfort of preparing dinner. As I started chopping vegetables for dinner, Grandpa settled into a chair at the table, his head cocked to the side. A definite sign he was ready to listen.
“Want to talk about what happened, Roz?” Grandpa asked gently, his expression filled with concern.
I sighed, the weight of the day settling on my shoulders. “Rich showed up out of the blue, trying to convince me to leave the island with him.”
“Ah, that lad has no sense,” Grandpa remarked, shaking his head.
“He’s not used to anyone telling him no,” I muttered, frustration lacing my words. Rich came from a wealthy family, where money was often used to settle disagreements. And as the only son, his parents had spoiled him.
“Sometimes, people can’t see the forest for the trees,” Grandpa mused, his wisdom shining through his words. “He’s only asking for trouble if he keeps it up.”
I paused in my cooking, looking at him with gratitude. “Thanks, Grandpa. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“Same goes for me, Rosie,” he replied, his eyes soft with affection.
“Jasper and some others from the dock crew saw Rich loaded onto the returning ferry. I’ll have to take something down tomorrow as a thank you.”
“Everyone loves your oatmeal cookies.” Grandpa suggested.
“I’ll get a batch going right now. And yes, I’ll save some for you.” I said, patting his hand on the table.
As the scent of my simmering stew filled the cozy kitchen, my stomach growled. Grandpa sat across from me, his weathered hands cradling a steaming cup of tea. “Tell me, Roz. How are you really feeling about all this?” His eyes, though nearly blind, bore into mine with a depth that saw beyond words.
“Honestly? Confused, frustrated, like I can’t move forward, you know?” I stood up and stirred the pot absentmindedly, the vegetables twirling in the broth. “Rich showing up, and the way he looked at me … it brought everything rushing back. When will this be over? And how many men are out there, just like him?”
I had no power over Rich if he wanted to keep coming back. I just hoped the fishermen’s threats had gotten through. There were enough people on this island to keep him from taking me away. But his erratic behavior could cause a lot of damage if he ever returned, and I’d never forgive myself if someone else got hurt because of me.
“Aye, love. Some folks never learn.” Grandpa said, sipping his tea. His calm was a soothing balm to my troubled heart.
“You know the worst part?” I huffed, my frustration bubbling over. The clinking of the spoon against the pot punctuating my words. “Here I am dealing with my crazy ex, when I find myself drawn to this mysterious stranger. Am I the crazy one? What is that, transference or a white knight syndrome?”
“I don’t think you’re crazy, and even I’m curious about this stranger who rescues other strangers. The one thing I know is that you deserve respect and happiness. Don’t let anyone make you doubt yourself.” Grandpa’s voice was firm. His words anchored me in my uncertainty.
I gazed at him, feeling a rush of gratitude for his unwavering support. “Thanks, Grandpa. I’ll talk to the police tomorrow about Rich. I won’t let him ruin our peace here,” I vowed, determination in my voice as I decided on a course of action.
“Lass. Stay true to yourself, always.” Grandpa’s smile was like a guiding light, leading me back to the core of who I was. His wisdom wrapped around me, shielding me from the storm of the outside world and its inhabitants.
The soft glow of the kitchen light cast a warm ambiance as I set out our bowls, and we enjoyed our meal. Mack, our loyal Beagle, wagged his tail contentedly, curling up between us. “You’re such a good boy, aren’t you, Mack?” I scratched behind his ears, feeling his loving presence radiate through me.
“Grandpa, I don’t know what I’d do without you and Mack,” I admitted softly, a lump forming in my throat.
“Ah, lass, we’re family. We look out for each other,” he replied, his voice filled with affection and pride. He reached over to pat Mack’s head, a smile playing on his lips.
“I’m so lucky to have you both.” My gaze shifted from Grandpa to Mack, feeling their love and utter support.
As I cleared away the dishes, Mack followed me to the sink, nudging my leg with his nose. “Oh, Mack, always wanting attention,” I chuckled, the sound filling the room with a lightness I hadn’t felt in hours. It was almost impossible to be sad with such a staunch friend like Mack around.
“You alright there, lass?” Grandpa’s concern was evident in his tone. He must’ve noticed my stillness, as I’d gotten lost in old memories.
I’d been thinking about Rich and early on when I still believed in him. He’d been so affectionate, so attentive. Soon I found out, that was only if I agreed with him. But if I spoke my mind, and voiced any sort of disagreement at all, the arguments had been intense. Nothing changed on either side, and compromise was not a word in his vocabulary. Neither reason nor logic would convince him.
Pulling myself back into the moment, I sighed. “I am, Grandpa. Thanks to you, Mack, and this island,” a wave of peace washed over me. The love that surrounded me in our little home was a treasure beyond compare.
“That’s good to hear. We’re so fortunate living here at the edge of this continent, aren’t we?”
“There’s no place like it on earth.” I agreed. “And someone’s enjoying himself,” I teased, giving Mack a playful pat on the head. His eyes sparkled with glee, and he gave a small yip as I set a small bowl of soup for him on the floor. I couldn’t help but smile.
“Hey, are you spoiling him again?” Grandpa called from the living room, where he’d moved to his favorite armchair and now sat with his earbuds in hand.
“Maybe, just a little.” I replied, as I laid the dishtowel over the edge of the sink and joined him in the living room. The cozy glow of the lamp by his recliner bathed the room in a warm light, casting soft shadows on the walls.
“Ah, there she is. My favorite granddaughter,” he said with a grin, his voice filled with affection. Although his vision was failing, he could still see shapes and shadows when they moved.
“Your only granddaughter, Grandpa,” I reminded him, sinking onto the couch opposite. “What are you listening to tonight?”
He chuckled. “Just an old sea tale. It reminds me of the good old days.”
“It must be nice to escape into those adventures,” I mused, leaning back and letting the cushions embrace me.
“Aye, it is. But nothing beats the real adventure of life,” he replied, brushing the top of Mack’s head as the dog settled by his feet.
I nodded, feeling a swell of gratitude for the simple moments like these. “You’re right, Grandpa. And I’m glad to have you and Mack along on this adventure with me.” The words hung in the air, wrapping us in a bond of shared understanding and love.
As the evening stretched before us, filled with the promise of quiet companionship, I nestled deeper into the couch, savoring the safety and warmth of our home. With Grandpa in his chair and Mack at our feet, I thought back to my brief relationship with Rich.
And I felt even more grateful for this life I had. For now, this peace and companionship was all I needed.
Maybe I’d be ready to think about dating in a year or two. But at twenty-four, there was no need to rush. My next relationship would be a lasting one with a lifelong partner, I promised myself.
Just like my grandfather and grandmother, and nothing like my father and mother.
Even as I told myself this, a picture of the stranger’s piercing blue eyes and broad muscular shoulders flashed in my mind.
Tamping down on the curiosity and attraction I’d felt in his presence, I clung tightly to my common sense.
I would focus on family and work.
But I fell asleep to the image of his smile and the sound of his calm voice in my head.