Precipice of Doubt by Mardi Alexander

Author:Mardi Alexander [Alexander, Mardi]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781635552164
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Published: 2018-07-28T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Cole had laughed more in the last hour looking for precious stones than she had in ages. But more amazing than finding the stones was seeing glimpses of the old Jodi begin to uncurl and relax, shining as she should in the great outdoors that she loved so much. Each precious stone they found together not only held amazing colours within its hardened structures, but it also captured and held their moments of love and joy, each pebble safely stored away in their pockets, a treasured rich memory in and of itself.

It was only through the stark contrast that Cole realized how on tenterhooks she had been of late, watching over Jodi and the client workload. Not that she minded, nor would she trade for an instant, but it was good for both of them to be away from the practice, if only for a little while.

The weather was kind, the sun was out, and although humid, under the canopy of the sclerophyll forest, the air was pleasantly cool. With pockets full of precious stones, they sat on a large boulder, midstream, their knees bent, fingers entwined, resting against each other in peaceful bliss. Jodi sat behind Cole, arms wrapped around her. Who was leaning against whom was debatable as they moulded against each other.

Cole felt more than heard Jodi humming in her ear. The sound was barely audible, but the buzzing resonance of it was soothing. She closed her eyes and allowed her body and mind to melt into Jodi, with total trust and abandon—something she didn’t think she had ever truly given, or offered in kind, to anyone else. This thought surprised her and made her think about not only what she and Jodi had shared as friends, but also where and how their relationship was metamorphosing.

“Hey, sleepyhead.” Jodi’s voice tickled in her ear. “Shh. Don’t make any sudden moves. If you stay very still and open your eyes, you’ll see a platypus off to your right.”

Cole stiffened as she digested Jodi’s message.

“Shh, now. Just open your eyes.”

Cole supressed the sudden need to move, instead taking a slow, deliberate, measured breath before willing her limbs to stillness.

As if anticipating Cole’s move, Jodi tightened her arms briefly in an acknowledging hug. “Just off to the left, under that large willow branch overhanging the water. There’s a half-submerged rock. Just watch. Keep your eyes on the rock.” Jodi’s voice was so whisper soft that it made her shiver.

Cole stared so hard she felt like her eyeballs were going to dry out. A head emerged, the bill scuttering across the surface, testing and tasting. Cole knew patience and stillness were the keys to potentially witnessing something wonderful.

In a most astounding moment, a tiny head appeared next to the emerged adult’s. Both Cole and Jodi took in surprised breaths when the parent platypus raised its head, tasting the air at the significant change and influence they, as intruders, brought to the quiet creek.

After what felt like an eon, the adult appeared

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