Chapter 13 #2
‘Only if they’re experienced, and even then…’ Meg was in awe of the beauty around them, but she knew the dangers of rockfall and avalanche were always at the back of people’s minds, despite the breathtaking sights. Her dad had always been clued up on those things too.
Sarah looked out of the window at the rock walls. ‘Can you believe we’re actually inside a mountain right now? Wow.’
Meg had done this before but not for many years, and it felt like a whole new experience today. Perhaps it was doing this with Sarah that made the difference.
‘Mum and Dad came up here once,’ said Sarah. ‘I was too little.’
‘That’s a shame.’
‘At least I’m doing it now.’
‘Very true.’ Meg smiled. She was glad Sarah had overheard, happy to have her delightful company.
‘Since Dad died, Mum hasn’t wanted to come to Switzerland in winter. She likes Christmas at home. I think being here would remind her too much of the fun we had as a family, how much Dad loved Winterbruck, and then the day we got the news he’d died.’
‘I’m so sorry, that must’ve been awful. Especially at Christmastime.’
‘It was. But being here, the memories I have, well, they bring me comfort. Jonathan has helped too.’
‘In what way?’
‘He remembers Dad, and talking to someone else, a stranger, brings Dad a bit closer to me again in a different sort of way.’
It felt right to put an arm around her niece. Sarah wasn’t upset, but she needed a hug. Meg still had both parents; she had no idea what it must feel like to have lost her dad, and at such a young age.
The train went on its way, the incredible views continued, and when it finally came to a stop Sarah exclaimed, ‘I can’t believe we’re at the highest railway station in Europe!’ She was enthralled by the whole experience, and watching her, Meg realised so was she.
They filed through the tunnels with the rest of the crowd.
It seemed never-ending. There was Swiss music, a giant snow globe, information boards in the tunnels showing events that had taken place at the Jungfraujoch.
They took photographs, some of each other, some as selfies.
A kind couple took a picture of them both together.
When they eventually emerged outside it was to an unforgettable view, but also a wind that felt sharp against any exposed parts of the face.
Thousands of metres above sea level on the observation deck was a decorated Christmas tree which sparkled against the snowy landscape.
A bird soared past, a stark blackness against the whiteness of the snow, as people admired the views, braving moments without gloves to take pictures, but not for long.
‘The air feels so different up here,’ said Sarah.
‘You feeling all right?’ It wasn’t uncommon at such high altitude to feel dizzy or get a headache.
‘I’m feeling on top of the world.’
‘I’m afraid the top of Europe will have to do.’ And then they laughed so hard they had to go back inside to breathe properly before they emerged through another door to a snowy roped-off section with warning signs not to go any further because it was too dangerous.
Already, Meg felt her breathing change, as if she’d run those few metres rather than walked. It was an odd feeling.
‘It’s so peaceful up here.’ Sarah seemed to need this day just as much as Meg.
‘Look at that.’ Meg pointed to two sections of snow. It looked like there was a massive crack between them and she felt a shudder. There would be a drop of who knew how many feet between. No wonder the warning signs were there. ‘I’m ready for a hot chocolate.’
‘Me too. But first the ice palace.’ Sarah linked her arm through Meg’s, and with her other hand pulled her neck gaiter up so that it covered her mouth.
Meg groaned but they huddled together for warmth and made their way to the palace to see the ice carvings until at last it was time for their reward.
‘The big ice Top of Europe sign was impressive.’ Sarah put both hands around her mug of hot chocolate and lifted it so the steam could warm her face. ‘And the penguins were so cute.’
Meg helped herself to a couple of the chips from the bowl they were sharing.
High altitude sure worked up an appetite – or maybe that was just her.
‘I thought the polar bear and its cub were the cutest. Whoever carved them is hugely talented, especially to do all that whilst battling the cold and the difference in the air.’
Sarah looked briefly out of the window at the view. ‘Thank you for letting me come today. It’s been good to get away.’
‘Thank you for coming with me.’ She felt comfortable with Sarah and while she’d resisted asking anything too prying before, it felt right to do so now. ‘What do you mean when you say it’s been good to get away? From work?’
Sarah didn’t meet her gaze. ‘Not work.’
‘Your mum?’ She knew it wasn’t her place to mention Chrissie, and she almost wished she hadn’t, but Sarah answered.
‘I needed to get away from Mum, from Rhys. From the wedding plans.’
She took a chance. ‘I’m here to listen if you need me to, Sarah.’
After a heavy pause, Sarah confided that she’d run off rather than come here just to see her grandparents.
‘Do you still want to get married?’ Meg asked.
‘I think so. But…’
‘You’re not ready.’
Sarah looked at her. ‘I don’t think I am. I thought I was, but as the date gets closer and closer…’
Meg thought for a moment. ‘Look, I’m no expert. But I suppose the big question is, do you love Rhys?’
‘I do…’ And then after she’d looked away for a brief moment, she turned back and added, ‘But is that enough? Is it right to commit at age twenty or should I be living my life on my own terms first?’
‘Is that what your mum thinks?’ Did that mean Chrissie regretted giving up her own career for Anthony? It gave Meg no sense of satisfaction that she might have. In all of this she’d only ever wanted her sister to be happy.
‘Mum likes Rhys but he’s seven years older, she says he’s had a life, and he’s done plenty that I haven’t – been travelling with friends, worked overseas… He’s got life experience and a confidence I don’t have.’
‘Your mum is looking out for you.’ In the same way she’d tried to do with Chrissie, except it had pushed her sister away. She really hoped Chrissie wasn’t making that mistake with Sarah.
‘I know she is, and I’m grateful, but I’m so confused. I don’t know what to do.’
‘Have you told them both how you feel?’ Meg asked. And when Sarah shook her head she advised, ‘You should. In my experience, openness and communication are key to everything, especially at the start of such a big commitment. Call them when we’re back at the chalet.’
Sarah nodded and Meg hoped she’d given her the right advice. Otherwise, it might well be something else her sister could hold against her.
By the time they got back to Winterbruck after their adventure Sarah had told Meg all about Rhys and the things she loved about him.
‘Thanks for today, Auntie Meg,’ she said as they walked towards the path to the chalet. The path was clear, but a light snowfall had just started.
‘You’re very welcome, Sarah.’
Meg had just got the key in the front door when a car pulled up on the street, and she heard Sarah behind her gasp.
Meg turned slowly. It was getting dark, but not so dark that she couldn’t see who was getting out of the car.
Chrissie was here in Winterbruck.
Which meant all hell was about to break loose.