Glenmsmith

‘You will be patient with me, won't you?’

 

Sam wondered what she meant by that rather timid statement. He had just settled in his seat on the coach from London to Bournemouth when he heard the woman behind him asking the question. He had no idea what she looked like as he had not noticed her come in. 

 

Sam was a writer, still trying to finish his first book, not too well off, but did graphic design as a means of supplementing his income until the book was finished. He had no illusions of grandeur, he knew it was not the best-paid profession, the little work he did for the local newspaper also helped. He was writing a book on the history of Bournemouth Gardens. 

He honestly felt that they were an important part of Dorset County and hoped his book would help save the gardens for further generations of children. As a child, he had spent many an afternoon walking back through the gardens from the beach. Their house had been next to Coy Pond, which was at the top of the gardens.

 

He had spent the day in London with a printer who wanted a new style to his yearly calendar. No more flowers and plants.

Something the 'younger generation would associate with' had been the brief. Sam was perplexed to know why he would want a calendar to associate with the 'young generation' when he sent them to charitable organisations. The majority of his work was for charities in the Dorset area. 

He settled back and watched the traffic, the coach being so high, gave him a bird's eye view of the car going past and he enjoyed watching for good-looking girls. He avoided driving to London due to the heavy traffic and the coach gave him time to think, fantasise and often come up with a new story for the local papers.

 

'You will be patient with me, won't you?' now that was interesting, why would she need him to be patient? 

She had also said 

‘I want to just walk around Bournemouth tomorrow while you are busy and get the feel of the place.’

He felt them moving around. 

‘I need to get my diary from the case, do you want anything while I am up?’ the man asked his female companion.

‘No thanks, Oh!, maybe a biscuit, thanks Harry.’ she replied.

Sam had a good look at her as she stood up to let him through. She was young, blond, with blue eyes, a wide, open face and a good figure with outstanding breasts. Sam was a breast man but also enjoyed a good bum to round off a girl's figure. She did not look the timid type. He walked past Sam towards the coach hostess. He looked to be a gentle-looking man, early fifties he guessed. Foreign, or maybe lived abroad. 

Well, this was getting very intriguing. 

Harry came back and they decided to change seats so she could sit next to the window. Sam could not hear now as the coach had piped music on.

 

Sam settled back to watch the countryside go by, daydreaming about the odd couple behind him.

 

The coach trip takes about 2 hours and before long they were at Ringwood, the first stop before Bournemouth, two passengers alighted and they were soon under way again.

 

The couple left the coach at the Bournemouth interchange. They were met by an elderly man, well dressed, who could have been the man's father. She was a good-looking woman, her hair long and full of life. Conservatively dressed but still showing a strong body. She walked with confidence, looking around with interest, she caught Sam's eye as she walked pasted the coach and smiled briefly. Sam felt a strange sense of pleasure at her friendliness. 

 

It was August and the days were warm. The next morning Sam was watching a clown show in the Gardens, laughing more at the children, who were fascinated by the overdressed clowns, doing the most outrageous acts for their captive audience. He felt someone watching him, glancing around, found the woman from the coach smiling at him. He smiled and walked over to her as she sat on the little fence surrounding the garden. Dressed casually in jeans and a loose top she looked very attractive.  

‘Hi, you look cool and relaxed.’ Sam opened.

‘Thanks, you also look much more relaxed than last night.’ she replied extending her hand.

‘Gillian Lewes, but most people call me Gill.’

Sam took her hand, which was cool and firm.

‘Samual Dixon, but most people call me Sam, how do you do?’

‘You are laughing as much as the children, Sam Dixon.’ Gill answered with a laugh. 

‘Yes, a good show, I know the one clown, they are always good, especially with children like me.’

Gill laughed again, a full mature sound, very attractive and open.

‘Which is the one you know?'

Sam pointed to the small fat clown.

‘She is quite thin really, but with all those clothes, she looks huge.’ Sam then waved to the clown who waved back with a huge hat.

‘Please tell her, I think she is very good.’ Gill asked.

‘Tracy,’ Sam shouted,' Gill says you are very good.'

Gill squealed with laughter and waved.

‘Thanks, Gill, you are a star.’ replied Tracy from under the big hat.

Tracy turned back to the children and said,

‘That''s my one fan, thank you, everyone, for your time and have a good weekend. ‘

The show was finished and Sam, turning back to Gill, asked,

‘Would you like some tea or coffee, there is a good pub close by?’

'Thank you I would love a coffee.'

They walked up to the Moon on the Square. After finding a table next to the window they settled back to look at each other, both smiling.

'Two coffees, please.' Sam ordered from the waitress

'Milk or cream?' asked the waitress

'Cream for me.' Gill answered

Cream for me.' Sam said not taking his eyes off Gill.

Sam was astonished at the easy way they got on, they had only met and he felt he had known her for a long time. 

'Hello, Sam Dixon.' Gill brought him back with a smile.

'Sorry Gill, I didn't mean to, ah, stare, but you are quite beautiful.' Sam stammered.

'Thank you, Sam, you are quite handsome as well.' laughed Gill.

'What do you do Sam?' Gill asked, getting a little more serious

 

Sam told her about the book he was writing and the other work he did, what he liked about her most was the way she listened, it was almost as if what he was saying was very important to her, this made him feel good and he, being a writer, expanded on his theories. 

'How long have you been a freelance writer?' Gill asked.

'It must be five years now, I started after losing my job at the Language school, they decided I was doing too good a job with one of the female Swedish students.' Sam laughed at the thought.

'Sam, you rogue, what was the student like and why the need for extra effort?' Gill countered with the smile of a Cheshire cat.

'Oh! She was 20 and led me astray, but a very charming girl, we were together for a year, a fun-filled year and then she went back to Sweden.'

They bantered around the subject for a while and then to his disappointment she said she had to be on her way as she was expected for lunch. 

'I might go for a walk along the promenade on the beachfront this afternoon.' she said a little self-consciously.

 

Sam watched her walk away, remembering her telling the man she was with on the coach that they would be going back on Monday. It was Saturday lunchtime that left a day and a half to find out more about her, he wanted to see as much as he could of her. 

 

It was 4 pm and Sam had been walking along the beachfront for an hour, wondering whether she was going to be there or not. He decided to go home as it was overcast and she probably was not coming. As he walked past the pier he saw her with the man from the coach, walking arm in arm towards him. He hoped they would not see him as he wanted to watch them for a while. He looked too old, maybe it was her father. Seeing him she called out.

'Sam, how good to see you.' moving towards him. 

'Hi Gill, I was out taking a walk and remembered you said you were walking on the beachfront this afternoon.' 

Before he could introduce himself, the man, said something about having to get back and left. He seemed a bit put out at Sam being there.

'Let us walk,' Gill invited, putting her arm through his. She seemed a bit unsettled by the way the man had acted.

'Who was that? Or am I being too nosy?' Sam inquired with a slight laugh.

'No, it's all right, but can we talk about it later.' Gill quietly replied.

'Sure, I am a bit thirsty, would you like a drink at the pub at the end of Durley Cline?' 

Gill brightened up,

'Yes please I have not had a pint since I have been back'

'Oh! Back from where?' Sam looked at her inquiringly.

'Zambia, I work there as a teacher in a school for the handicapped.' Gill told him.

'Please tell me more, 'Miss',' Sam jokingly asked.

'I have been there for the last four years, it is a convent school, funded by the Church of England, mainly the Dorset area. I qualified and took a posting to Zambia, and have been there ever since.' Gill seemed pleased to talk about herself.

'The work is very rewarding, we teach deaf children to lip read and sign language, children  between the ages of 5 and 7.'

'Can you speak the native language, what is it?' Sam now fascinated 

'Bemba, not too well but I can read and write it better and that is all I need to teach them.' Gill explained.

They found a table on the pavement after Sam had bought their ales. Gill had a pint of Boddington and Sam had his usual Directors Courage. 

 

They sat close together as the table was small, Sam noticed the faint smell of deodorant from her but no perfume. She looked happy and alive as she looked out at the calm sea and the children playing on the beach. Directly in front of them were two girls tanning without their tops. Gill caught his eye as he looked at them.

'Hello, Sam I am still here.' Gill jokingly teased.

'Sorry, I was enjoying the view of Old Harry's.' Sam taking up the tease. ‘Do you know Old Harry’s?' 

Gill shook her head.

'That is Old Harry's protruding from the mainland.' Sam pointed.

‘I have never been to Bournemouth before, I come from Hemel Hempstead, which, I am sure you know, is just out of London.' Gill explained. ‘We always went to Brighton or Dover for our holidays, when I was a child.'

‘Have you lived here all your life?' Gill asked Sam.

‘Mostly, I did a bit of travelling in Africa once I had left school, but only for a year, then I came back to study Journalism at the local university. After that, I have been all over the UK and France, of course.' Sam laughed. ‘The rest of the world seemed a bit uncivilised.'

‘Oh! Sam you are a true Pom.' Gill countered jokingly.

 

All the time Sam had the impression that she was trying to keep the conversation light, almost as though she did not want to start thinking too much. Maybe she was breaking up with the man and didn't want to think too much of it. Sam wanted to ask her if she was attached to him. She wore no jewellery or makeup. It suited her, she was tanned and looked very healthy. Her tan was natural, maybe from living in Africa for so long. Her long blond hair was bleached from the African sun, her nails had no nail polish, short but elegant, strong hands for a woman. Not unattractive. The way she filled her jeans showed a good figure, not thin but, to Sam, very attractive.

‘You are staring, have I something in my teeth, or is there a dirty mark on my face?' Gill smilingly asked.

Sam laughed and explained how much he liked looking at her. 

‘You are not only good-looking, you are also a fascinating person as well.' Sam complimented her.

They talked for a while then walked along the beach towards the pier. The clouds were getting heavy and by the time they got to the pier, it was raining hard. They were soaked but still so absorbed in each other that they did not mind. 

‘I live just 5 minutes away, would you like to come to my flat and dry off or do you have to get somewhere soon?' Sam asked.

‘That will be great, No I am free until tomorrow morning.' Gill accepts with a smile.

Sam was elated.

‘Let us go to the flat, dry off, then go out to supper or something.' Sam said as he put his arm around her without thinking. She snuggled close and it felt good. Sam could have walked for miles this way.

 

Letting her into his flat he felt like a naughty schoolboy, they both felt something had changed, all he wanted to do was take her in his arms and kiss her. He made coffee while she changed into some of his clothes. They laughed at the way the t-shirt fitted her and the baggy shorts. She had long, strong, tanned legs and looked rather sexy in his clothes. 

 

Sitting on the couch listening to ‘Sometimes when we touch, the honesty's too much' drinking coffee Sam leant over her to turn the volume up on the CD player, and they kissed. A tentative kiss, both unsure of how the other would react. 

Sam held her hand, feeling close. She looked into his eyes and he kissed her again, this time they clung together, their bodies pressing hard and with an urgency they both could almost not control. Gill pulled away, out of breath and slightly bewildered. 

‘Sorry Gill I must seem like a very pushy guy, the first time you step into my flat I am all over you.' Sam tried to explain. Gill put her finger on his lips.

‘Don't apologise, I loved it and it surprised me as well.' 

‘Well, if we are to go out, we better try and dry your clothes.' Sam said, getting up, more to get some distance between them as he was very attracted to her and knew they needed to get to know each other a little more.

 

Sam took Gill to a small, intimate restaurant in Westbourne, he knew Vince, the chef and as usual, he made a big fuss of Sam and his ‘Beautiful Lady Friend'. 

‘Let me bring you a small starter and a bottle of South African wine I have just got in, while I prepare your main course,' Vince said taking over. 

‘Sam this is a lovely place, the atmosphere is soft, intimate and quiet, how did you discover it.?'

‘Some time ago I filled in for the restaurant reporter of our local newspaper when she went on a trip to Russia and did a review on this restaurant. Vince had just taken over as the new chef. The food and service was good and I gave them a good review.'

Sam told Gill about the first time he had eaten here and the vast amounts of wine Vince and he consumed that night. Their regular waiter had called in sick and Vince had to run the restaurant by himself. They only had ten tables and as Sam did not have a partner, he started helping Vince. What a great night, the other guests were taking their dishes to the kitchen while Sam looked after their wine needs and Vince cooked the most delicious lamb. Most of those people were now regulars at the restaurant. 

Vince chased Sam and Gill out after having coffee and liquor with them, it was well after midnight and they decided to walk back to Bournemouth. By now they were kissing and touching like two young lovers.

 

'Would you like anything to drink.' Sam asked as they got back to the flat.

‘Coffee please.'

Sam made them coffee and they settled down on the couch.

‘Where do you stay? I suppose I will have to take you back?' Sam asked, not wanting to and hoping she would stay the night. 

Gill answered by kissing him, running her fingers through his hair.

Sam returned the kiss, this time slowly, feeling her warmth against his chest, her breath coming fast, he slipped his hand under the t-shirt, gently caressing her, while he kissed her. He moved down to her neck, nibbling softly down her throat, she moaned quietly as his hand touched her. Kissing her softly on the mouth he lifted off the t-shirt as she took his shirt off. They lay down caressing each other as their naked skin touched. They took the last of their clothes off, kissing, feeling and caressing. 

‘Slowly, please Sam.' Gill whispered as she moved gently. 

Lost to the world around them they made gentle love, love with so much feeling and exploration. Two people almost knowing instinctively what the other needed.

Clinging together after what seemed like heaven, they fell asleep, exhausted and content.

 

Later as they drank their cold coffee Sam asked.

‘What happened there?' still bewildered by the strength of their passion. 

Gill looked radiant and happy.

‘Whatever it was, I loved it.' Gill smilingly answered.

Sam could smell the afteraroma of their lovemaking as they embraced again. From the way she had started, he seemed to feel that this must have been the first time. He felt guilty and honoured at the same time. 

‘Sam,' Gill said, almost reading his thoughts, ‘That was the first time I have had sex, thank you for being so gentle, I could hardly control myself.'

‘I hope you are not married.' Sam asked, she looked away.

‘No, but let us not talk, I want to keep this evening perfect, the way it is.' Gill implored Sam.

Sam could not let it go, he could see something was worrying her and hoped this was not just a one-night thing as he was already deeply in love.

‘I love you Gill, whoever you are, whatever you are, I am sure we can work it out if you love me as well.'

 

‘Sam, none of this would have happened if I did not love you, I was attracted to you from the minute I saw you on the coach.' Gill explained with tears rolling down her cheeks. 

‘Please let us leave it for now.' 

Gill moved on to Sam.

​

Sam woke early to find her gone. He jumped out of bed and ran to the window, but he could not see her anywhere. Sitting down on his bed again he felt the side where she was lying, it was cold already. Why had she just left? Where had she gone? He lay back trying to remember if she had said anything about where she was staying. Who was the man she was with? He searched the flat to see if she had left anything behind, something to give him a clue. Nothing, it was as if she was never there. Disappointed, he made himself coffee and decided to go for a run. He was really taken in by her, but now he realised it was a one-night stand for her. Cursing, he put his running clothes on and left for the park. Running fast to get rid of the anger and frustration he passed the Church as the people were going in, nearly running into a priest and a nun, he sidestepped and was almost hit by a car that hooted, drowning out the cry from the nun, he ran on.

Sam ran hard until exhausted he found himself near the entrance to Alum Cline. He stopped there and swam to cool down. Looking about he felt better, the sea was dark green and calm, not a cloud in the sky, it promised to be a sunny, warm day. He decided to go for a walk in the New Forest to clear his head and try and come to terms with his disappointment. 

 

After a good ploughman's lunch and a pint of Directors at Fording Bridge, a pub on the border of the New Forest, he suddenly remembered the nun at the church, what had she said to him? He felt bad at not apologising for nearly running into her. Anyway it was too late now.

 

Sam got back to his flat at 4:30 that afternoon, what a mess, he started by making his bed, and as he took the pillows off, a note dropped out from behind the pillow Gill had slept on. 

 

Dear Sam

I need to sort out a few things this morning. You looked so peaceful I decided not to wake you.

Please meet me at the pub on the beachfront at noon or phone me after 11 am at the above number. 

Yours,

Gill.

 

Sam looked at his watch, 4:40 pm she would never have waited that long. He phoned from his mobile while getting his car out of the garage. 

 

‘Saint Anne's, Sister Mary speaking.' 

‘Hi Sister, I would like to speak to Gill please.' Sam asked.

‘Gill, no I think you have the wrong number, this is a holiday retreat for the clergy who work in foreign countries. No Gill is staying here.' Sister Mary explained.

‘Gill works for a convent in Zambia as a teacher, she would have arrived on Friday evening, are you sure there is no one of that name staying there?' Sam is now very confused. 

‘Please hold on a minute and I will ask one of the other nuns who has been here for a while, I was out on Friday and there are more than 30 people here at the moment.'

 

While he waited for Sister Mary he went over the conversation they had about her work in Zambia. She had not mentioned anything about staying at a retreat. 

 

Sam could not understand why Gill would give a number of a holiday retreat for the church. Suddenly Sam remembered the Nun who had called out as he ran past her this morning. What had she said, he tried to remember, but could not.

After what seemed like hours Sister Mary came back on the line.

‘We have a Sister Gillian who arrived on Friday with Father Harry from Zambia but I am afraid you have missed her, she went out just after morning service and is not back yet. She will be back shortly as we have evening service at 6 pm.' 

‘Thank you, Sister.' Stunned Sam disconnected. A nun, what was happening?

 

Was she a nun? If so why sleep with him and say she loved him? It was her that cried out to him this morning. It must have been. Sam started his car and drove round to Durley Cline almost by instinct. He bought a pint and went onto the pavement. This had now become very strange. 

 

A waitress was clearing up and he asked her if a young lady had been here at lunch, describing Gill.

‘Yes, I remember her, she sat where you are sitting, you were here with her yesterday afternoon, she stayed until way after 2, she had bought two pints, one for someone she seemed to expect to join her.' 

Sam thanked her not, really listening any more, what a laugh, here he was worried she had used him for a one-night stand and in fact, she had been here and was probably a nun!

 

Sam finished his pint and drove home, as he opened his door there was a note for him.

​

Sunday 5 pm

Dear Sam

 

Thank you for yesterday, I enjoyed all of it and you were great company. It seems like I have made a mistake and now need to sort my life out even more. I thought that by coming to Bournemouth I would sort all my problems out but, after the wonderful day we had yesterday, I seem to have added to them. All the best with your book, I look forward to reading it .

Love Gill

 

Sam ran upstairs to his flat, checking the time as he went. He had decided to see her one more time if he could, He phoned Saint Anne's and the person who answered told him everyone was leaving for evening service. He found out where the church was and thanking her, he had a quick shower and changed into something more suitable for church.

 

The church was close by so he walked around to it. He smiled thinking what his mother would say if she saw him now. He had gone to this church often as a boy with his mother. 

 

The service had already started, so Sam sat in the middle, in the front row he could see two rows of nuns and priests. Gill must be there somewhere. He checked the other people and was amazed at how few people attended. The Bishop was conducting the service and next to him was the man he had seen on the coach with Gill. 

 

It was a normal evening service, he sang along to the hymns and all the time watching the row of nuns. When it came to the time for the sermon, the Bishop walked down to the row of nuns and taking one by the hand led her up to the altar. She knelt in front of the Bishop as he blessed her. Sam knew instinctively that it was Gill. He sat there wondering what it was all about, had she told the Bishop about them and now had to do penance? Was she some great nun who had done such a good job and now was getting a special blessing from the Bishop himself? He watched fascinated.

 

‘Tonight is rather a special night' the Bishop began.

‘Father Harry and Sister Gillian have joined us from Zambia, Father Harry used to be a member of this congregation when he was a boy. In the years that passed since then, he attended university at Edinburgh and is now a qualified doctor. He then went on to specialise in the treatment of deaf children. He has spent 5 years in Zambia and has made remarkable progress. Sister Gillian is a qualified teacher and has also studied how to teach deaf children. Together they have pioneered a remarkable new form of teaching, enabling the children to learn in any language in a fraction of the time it normally took. We all thank God for the dedication these two wonderful people have shown to those less fortunate.' the Bishop sipped from his glass of water.

 

Sam was watching Gill as she was now sitting quietly next to Father Harry, both were looking down and she had not seen him. She looked very beautiful and also gentle in her habit. He thought of last night and the pleasure she showed when they had made love, now a nun, gentle and serene.  

  

‘Tonight we also bid farewell to Father Harry and Sister Gillian, Father Harry will be returning to Zambia to carry on his work, we wish him Godspeed and ask God for his blessing in Father Harry's good work.' the Bishop continued.

 

Sam was not too surprised as that is what he imagined would happen with Gill, she was a gifted teacher and enjoyed her work. He remembered they had said on the coach they would be leaving early the next morning. He decided to wait until after the service and say goodbye to Gill, or rather Sister Gillian.

 

 

The Bishop had carried on praising Father Harry.

‘Now, I must inform you that Sister Gillian will be leaving us, she has decided to go back to a normal civilian life, it is with regret, but we wish her all the best in her endeavours and we are sure she will do well with what she finds. Sister Gillian has asked to say a few words, Sister.' The Bishop took her hand and led her to the pulpit.

 

Sam held his breath, could it be true?

 

Gill looked up into the congregation with tears rolling down her cheeks. Her face is full of worry and uncertainty. Sam was quite far back and she did not look in his direction. He wanted to go up and hold her hand, hug her, anything to take the sorrow from her.

 

‘I have enjoyed all my years with the Church and my work in Zambia.' Sister Gillian began, ‘I want to thank Father Harry for his love and understanding through this difficult time for me. I have, for a while now, felt that I was in the wrong vocation, being a nun means I could never have a family of my own. I need to go out into the world as me, Gill Lewes, to face the challenges and disappointments, by myself. Wrestling with this decision on Friday night I prayed to God to give me one sign on which way to go.' Gill stopped to wipe the tears and calm herself down.

 

Sam sat spellbound. 

 

‘Saturday I met a remarkable man, who not only filled all the dreams I have had but also saw the world the way I do. Thank you, God, for answering my prayers.' Gill bowed her head as if in prey. As she looked up, almost by instinct she looked and saw Sam sitting smiling at her. She froze for a second and then a wonderful smile spread over her face.

‘God also showed me that nothing is easy, if you want something enough you have to work at it. I know there might be pain, but the pleasure, satisfaction and achievement will be worth it. God bless you all.' She bowed and walked back to her seat.

The congregation stood up and applauded her, the Bishop hugged her and then they sang the last hymn.

 

Sam felt, happy, sad, uncertain and good. He walked out of the church and waited for her to come out. It seemed like ages but finally, she came out with the Bishop and Father Harry. Gill had changed into a simple brown dress and flat shoes. She walked slowly towards him, uncertain, Sam opened his arms, feeling so good,  she walked right into them.

‘Sam, can we talk somewhere?' Gill asked. 

Sam looked at her, 

‘Always.' replied Sam taking her hand they walked off, both trying to explain what had happened that day and why the mixup. Suddenly Sam stopped and kissed her.

‘Gill, I have missed you.'

 

 

The End.