Her Shadow: A story of love, loss and politics by Sally Xerri-Brooks

Author:Sally Xerri-Brooks [Xerri-Brooks, Sally]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-11-11T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

I opened my eyes the following morning to sun streaming through a crack in the thick curtains. I had a sleepy recollection of a body joining me in bed some hours before. I was more asleep than awake when warm limbs and torso spooned me. I looked over at the other side of the bed. Hayley was facing away from me now, breathing peacefully. I wondered when she had moved, how long we had been close. I felt like I should analyse what that might be about, or double check whether it had simply been a vivid dream. But with the fingers of sleep still in my head, and the sun in my eyes, I forgot the analysis and sat up slowly. A bar of sunlight warmed my bare arm. I sleepily padded towards the balcony and slipped through the curtains. The world was new again. Boats were beginning to traverse the bay once more, and one or two people could be seen walking towards the small town that serviced the various hotels and villas nearby.

Two small wicker chairs were there beside a table, and I sat down. I had bare feet, but the smooth concrete balcony floor was warm from the sun. It was glorious. I leant back and closed my eyes. Unbidden, the memory of Hayley's arms around my shoulders from my sleepy memory drifted into my consciousness. They swiftly became Sara's arms, and face and voice and the words she had spoken to me. The gentle meaningless utterances of the mornings we had shared together. “Trust you to be sat out in the sun covered from head to toe in your dad's pyjamas,” came a teasing voice from above me. I opened my eyes to see Hayley standing, hands on hips, wearing the cotton shorts and simple vest top she had slept in.

“Oi, these are mine. I can't see my dad wearing pale blue gingham, can you?” Hayley laughed.

“Well, perhaps not. They suit you though.”

“Thanks. So do yours.” I clasped my hands together. Suddenly uncomfortable, feeling awkward and lame complimenting her pyjamas. I looked out to sea trying to think of something else to say.

“Beautiful view isn't it? You should have seen the sunset last night. I sat and watched it from here. The sky was a gorgeous orange and purple. Stunning,” said Hayley.

“Oh I know, totally gorgeous. You chose well.”

“Thank you.”

“I hope the breakfast is good, I'm starving.”

The spread in the dining area put my usual cornflakes and builder's tea to shame. There was everything from fresh fruit, to cuts of meat and cheese, freshly made omelettes and pancakes and gallons of strong coffee. When I saw that I immediately thought of Sara. She would love this; the extravagance, the choice, the coffee. My stomach lurched. “You ok, babe?” asked Hayley, registering that I had glazed over.

“Yeah, sorry, just a bit overwhelmed by the choice. I feel it would be rude not to have a go at those lovely looking pancakes there. Look, that chap in the white hat makes them to order.

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