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Ascriber / Writers Eyes Workshop - 1 Submission
It's Never too Late
by Carmel Reynolds
'Come along Millie' urged Beth as she struggled to entangle the lead from the gate. One day the little dog would cause her to fall over! Today she was particularly agitated, with so much on her mind. She hadn't slept well the night before, after the telephone call.
Beth was concerned about the time. She had promised to be at the seat by the lake for 6 o'clock but as usual had double-checked everything before leaving and was still doubtful that the fire was off and the doors locked. Relax, she thought to herself. Taking a deep breath and shutting her eyes for a moment, she became calmer. I know it's been thirty five years, but getting worked up won't help. Millie was excited at the prospect of a walk and bounced around Beth. She also sensed her owner's nervous state. Beth forced herself to slow down and walk at a more normal pace. She looked around.
As the peace of the late afternoon enveloped her she became aware of the extraordinary colours in the western sky. It had been a beautiful day and now the sun was lowering, there were lines of turquoise on the horizon. As she walked along the path towards the lake this sight was reflected in the water, except there were ripples where the mallards were flapping about while preening their feathers. A moorhen sensed human presence, and scuttled into the reeds.
Beth's mind raced. She had not seen Robert for so many years. Her thoughts took her back to the evening when, as eager young people, they had pledged to meet again in the year 2000, on that same date. She sighed quietly as she walked along the wooded path, brushing away a few midges encircling her head. Her hair had been brown then, and she had been slightly slimmer too. Robert was promised a golden future in the medical profession. He was going to university many miles away, and the young couple were pragmatic enough to know that a fledging relationship such as theirs was going to be difficult so far apart. Anyway, Beth's parents were set on her marrying Jack who lived next door - 'a good, steady lad', as her father described him. They had felt that Robert's family were 'out of our class, lass'. In those days one took notice of one's parents - not like now, thought Beth ruefully.
It was a week since Beth and Robert's 'appointment'. She had not forgotten, and had spent the day contemplating what his life was now and believing he would not be giving her a thought. Her heart missed a beat at the memory of yesterday evening's conversation. Robert had spent the last week looking for her and when she had heard his voice on the telephone, she was 25 again.
It was another half mile to the main 'beach' on the lake, and Beth's thoughts raced along as she emerged again into open country. The hills rose gently from the banks of the lake. The sun was cooling now, which was a relief after a very hot day. Beth continued her musings. Marriage to Jack had been happy enough, but had held a sadness, for there were no children. She was only forty when he had his accident, a long time ago now. Her job had been the centre of her life, that and keeping an eye on her elderly parents. She took a sharp breath as she remembered them. What would they say if they knew she was about to meet Robert again?
In the distance Beth could see a figure sitting on the bench watching the waterfowl. She stopped walking and looked at him for a moment or two. She could make out his still slight figure, now topped with a mop of white hair. He seemed relaxed, and she wondered what thoughts were in his mind.
Beth shook herself out of her reverie. Come on girl, let's go, she told herself sternly, walking purposefully towards the still familiar figure.
Robert sensed her arrival and looked up. For a moment he just gazed at Beth without moving. Then he jumped up and almost ran to her, such was his hurry for this moment. A few yards from each other, they both stopped and silently looked at each other. Robert reached out and took Beth's hands in his.
'Hallo again' he said quietly, his blue/grey eyes smiling gently.
Tears trickled down Beth's face. Robert gently drew her towards him and simply hugged her. Nothing was said for several minutes. Then Beth pulled away quietly.
'I can't believe you remembered,' she said softly.
'How could I forget,' he replied with a gentle laugh.
Robert let go of one of Beth's hands and indicating the seat, led her to it. They sat down together. Beth's thoughts were still rushing around her head and she broke the moment of silence.
'How did you find me?' she asked.
Robert, still looking at her, answered. 'It wasn't difficult really. I remembered Jack's name, and was pretty sure you would fall in with your parents' wishes'.
Beth hung her head.
'I was so confused when you left,' she said after a moment. 'Marrying Jack seemed the only thing to do. There was no other future'.
Robert thought for a moment, then said 'I don't blame you. It was virtually what we agreed when we parted.' After a moment he added quietly
'I never married.'
Beth stared at him. 'Oh,' she responded, startled, 'oh!'
Robert looked straight into the troubled brown eyes. 'I always prayed we would meet again. There was never anyone else.'
Beth felt she was in a dream. Robert put his arm round her shoulder. 'Would you consider starting again?' he ventured.
Beth produced the dazzling smile which had remained unseen for 35 years. 'Just try and stop me!'
The mallards squawked, flapped their wings, and disappeared across the lake.
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