August Blue by Andrew Daws

Author:Andrew Daws
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: loss, growing up, artist, boys, loneliness, voyage, search for love, transatlantic, father and son relationship, chance encounter, transatlantic travel
Publisher: Andrew Daws

4.

Em lowered the book and looked at Ben who was sat in his chair on the terrace. His eyes were fixed on the horizon, where clouds were beginning to pile up. A storm was threatening.

‘What do you think?’ she asked Em.

There was no answer from Ben, nor did he look up.

‘I must say,’ said Susan, ‘I didn’t understand most of what he wrote. Are they really all about such…things? Ben?’

Ben had covered his eyes with his fingers and remained silent.

‘Well, I think he did a pretty good job of it,’ said Em, brightly.

‘When are you seeing him again?’ Susan asked.

‘In a week or so. He wants me to meet his mother. She sounds quite sweet, really.’

Susan tried again. ‘Ben?’ She shook her head and indicated to Em they should leave him.

‘I think he is really moved,’ said Susan, when they were in the kitchen. ‘I’m not sure what he wrote, but I think he was impressed.’

‘It wasn’t a wasted effort then?’ Miranda asked.

‘No. Thank goodness. He’s a good boy. He’s a nice boy,’ said Susan.

‘Mother!’

‘Well, it’s what I think. I thought so the minute I saw him. Just you make sure you treat him right, young lady.’

‘Treat him mean to keep him keen?’

‘You are a worry, to me,’ said Susan, stacking plates.

Em laughed. ‘It’s fine. I like him. We get on.’

‘Good, because I think you need someone like him.’

‘Thanks. I am actually quite fine, you know.’

‘Yes, yes, but you were drifting. He’s a nice boy, Miranda.’

‘Mother! It’s Em!’

Out on the terrace, Ben was still staring out to sea.

‘He dedicated it to you, Ben,’ Miranda said, patting his shoulders.

‘That was kind of him.’

‘He likes you,’ she said, and then waited a few moments before she said, ‘I think he saw you as…’

Ben cut across her. ‘That’s fine, Em. That’s fine. I don’t think we need to discuss that.’

Em smiled to herself. ‘I’ll be sure to bring him back next summer,’ she said, and he nodded. ‘I think he’d like to come back to see you.’

Ben nodded. ‘Good. That would be good,’ he said, and rested his head in his hands.

The September afternoon was still warm, but soon there would be storms - autumn storms – and the sea would be whipped up into a grey frenzy. Miranda would be gone, and Susan would have to bolt the doors to the terrace shut against the wind.

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