Chapter 12
Chapter Twelve
Since Clara had the benefit of free entry to the Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum as a member of university staff, she thought a visit with Tom might be a nice way to spend the afternoon.
Sitting down by the river at the café after a walk around the garden was one of her favourite things to do.
It also meant that she was also only a stone’s throw away from Eleanora who was on the other side of the bridge.
Tom waved across from the entrance of the garden as Clara crossed the road at Magdalen College.
Then they walked quietly along the gravel path towards the fountain and headed for the Lower Garden with its herbaceous border and rock garden.
As their arms swung side by side, Tom was tempted to try and hold Clara’s hand, but refrained in case Clara felt uncomfortable.
He knew she was more open about them being seen together, but she seemed a little more reserved this afternoon and he worried that it was something he had said or done.
Had she somehow found out about his past?
When Clara wasn’t her usual ebullient self as she admired the colourful peonies and asters, he sensed that something was definitely wrong.
‘Are you okay? You seem preoccupied.’
‘I’m fine. Just busy at work and I should probably be indoors preparing stuff. Not out here enjoying myself. But sometimes you just need to escape and have a walk outdoors with some good old fresh air.’
‘Being out in nature does everyone the world of good. You know, if something’s bothering you, I don’t mind if you share it with me. A problem shared is a problem halved and all that.’
‘No, not at all. It’s not a problem. Just some work stuff that I’ve got on my mind. Sorry, I’ll try to be better company.’
Clara didn’t want to admit that she was still wondering whether she would apply for the job in Cambridge.
It wouldn’t be long before the opening date for applications but after the initial excitement of being recommended by Lowri had worn off, Clara had started thinking she might be best to leave things as they were.
‘Please don’t think I’m complaining about the company. Your company is always appreciated. I only want to make sure you’re okay, that’s all. Would you like one of my dad jokes to cheer you up?’
‘Oh no, not one of those. Anything but that.’ She laughed. ‘No, seriously, I promise, I’m fine. As I said, a little stressed over something, but absolutely fine.’
She decided not to share her dilemma with Tom since she didn’t know what she was doing herself at this stage and was veering towards not bothering to apply.
‘We can’t have our gorgeous Clara stressed. You know what? Let’s go to the walled garden. I have an idea that will make you completely unwind.’
Clara followed Tom as they made their way to the walled garden where they reached the 375-year-old Bobart’s yew.
‘Right. Do you know the best way to deal with stress? Have you ever hugged a tree before?’
‘Hugged a tree?’ Clara laughed.
‘Yup. Try it.’
Some of the branches had fallen following a storm earlier on in the spring, making it easier for Tom to manoeuvre around the tree as he gave her a demonstration.
‘Look. Like this.’
Tom stretched his arms around the trunk as far as they would go.
‘Did you know that hugging a tree for twenty-one seconds increases oxytocin?’ he announced.
She didn’t know that she needed any more of the love hormone in her. Watching him with his curious de-stressing method made her fall for him without any of that.
Tom finally let go of the tree.
‘Try it for yourself. Apparently, it reduces blood pressure as it helps us connect with nature. I’ll bet you any money that you feel less stressed after hugging this lovely yew.’
Clara hesitated at first but Tom kept on at her. She felt self-conscious as she placed her arms around the tree.
‘Feels good, doesn’t it?’
‘I’m not sure.’
‘Let yourself go, Clara. Feel the nature. Be grounded and in the moment. Close your eyes and relax.’
Clara did as she was told, and after a bit she did indeed feel more at one with nature.
‘Ooh, it does feel good.’
‘Told you.’
Then Clara heard voices in the distance and quickly opened her eyes. It was one thing hugging a tree in front of Tom, but she didn’t want a whole tour party witnessing the act.
‘Feeling better now?’
‘Thank you. I do. Stressing doesn’t get you anywhere. I was being silly. I feel recharged now.’
Tom wished it worked as well on him as it seemed to on Clara; if only all his problems could be solved by hugging a tree.
As they both left and walked back into town, she was already feeling lighter and more pragmatic.
Whether she did or didn’t choose to apply for the job, it really wasn’t the end of the world.
She chose to forget about it as they walked along the cobbled Magpie Lane and Merton Street to get to the high street.
Instead, she enjoyed the moment with Tom as he told her about an old friend of his from Japan who had educated him on the virtues of tree hugging.
Yet again, Tom had managed to impress her with his worldly knowledge.
‘Where’s this friend now?’
Tom regretted bringing up the subject. He didn’t want to talk about the boss who had fired him.
‘We lost touch. He was someone in the accountant’s office where I used to work.’
‘You were an accountant? So, you were a wannabe rock star by night and accountant by day. What a combo. How am I only finding this out about the day job now?’
‘Oh, you know me. I’d rather talk about you. But, yes, it was a bit of a juxtaposition, I guess. I much prefer the rock star bit.’
Tom laughed nervously and was relieved when Clara pointed out a busker she hadn’t seen before. They stopped to watch as he finished singing Oasis’s ‘Wonderwall’.
‘Love Oasis. I wish I’d managed to get tickets when they were playing,’ said Tom.
‘Yeah, they sold out so quickly.’
They were about to walk away when he started on the next song.
‘And here’s a favourite of mine,’ said the busker.
As he started playing the first notes of ‘Perfect Day’ on his guitar, Clara had goosebumps.
‘It’s our song,’ said Tom.
‘It certainly is.’
When the chorus began, Tom swirled Clara in his arms and they were enraptured in the moment as they danced together.
Tom was so happy that when the song finished, he removed a ￡20 note from his wallet and placed it in the hat that was laid out in front of the talented busker.
‘That was generous of you,’ said Clara.
‘Well, he deserved it.’
‘Indeed. What a coincidence he sang our song as we were passing.’
‘I know; has to be a lucky sign.’
‘I have to agree.’
Tom stopped walking and turned to Clara.
‘Oh, Clara. Every day is just the perfect day with you; I truly mean it.’
‘It is indeed,’ said Clara, wrapping her arms around him. She had never been so happy.