| A Summer Diversion Parts 1-3 Part 1 Darcy looked around in disdain at the noisy crowd in the smoke filled room, and wondered exactly why he'd allowed himself to be dragged there. The music, if it could really be referred to as such, seemed to contain nothing but the thudding of a base line as people strained their voices above the rest of the din. It was just late enough for a number of the throng to be 'lubricated' to the extent that they were enjoying themselves far beyond the actual attractions and entertainments offered at the club, and the atmosphere was punctuated by the shrieking of laughter at jokes and antics that could only be perceived of as funny by those who had a few less brain cells working for the moment. How anyone could consider this as a recreation was outside his comprehension. He was determining to make his excuses and leave as soon as he finished his drink, when Bingley pointed out the two young ladies sitting in the a corner, leaning close to each other in order to talk. "Do you think we should try our luck?" Bingley yelled. "Dibs on the blonde." Darcy hardly glanced at the girls. "You go ahead," he shouted back. "I'm leaving." "I know I'm a reasonable player," Bingley replied - still studying the girls intently, "but I can't in all good conscience, try to pick up the two at once, particularly if they're good friends. Come on; they look like really nice girls." "Bingley," his friend said condescendingly, "let me explain to you about those girls. The blonde is, without a doubt, a self-absorbed bimbette who thinks that she's advanced because she's graduated from reading 'Girlfriend' magazine to 'Cleo'. You have no chance with her unless you have more muscle than brain, or at least drive a convertible BMW. The brunette is her resident sycophant who, in reality, despises the blond but hangs around for the dubious status it brings her, and to pick up her rejects... so you may just be in with a chance there." "Eternally the cynic," Bingley grinned turning back to his friend. "Actually, now I've had a chance to look more closely, I really wouldn't mind the brunette at all. You can try for the blonde if that's what's bothering you." Darcy chose not to reply - the look he gave his friend expressed his sentiments far better than words could. Bingley only laughed. He'd been a friend of Darcy's long enough to know how far he could push things, and Darcy was nowhere near snapping point. "Come on man, where's your sense of adventure? We haven't tried this in years." "And with very good reason Chaz - don't you remember our previous 'successes'? That was how we met... what was her name again... Mitzy. The one with the excruciatingly irritating giggle who felt the need to laugh at everything, regardless of if we were talking about the weather or the Middle East peace process. Then there was Barbie who consulted her astrologer after you'd been on two dates and told everyone that you were supposed to marry her... and I don't even want to think about Caroline who virtually stalked me for close to a year." "Ah - those were the days!" Bingley exclaimed nostalgically, a broad smile on his face. His smile however, faded as he turned back to the corner table and noticed it was now occupied by a group of young men. "Did you see where the girls went?" "No, I didn't," Darcy answered in amusement, " and we'll put their disappearance down to providence. You've probably been saved from a relationship with a woman who'd think the Gross National Product is a domestically produced fake tan that results in yellowing your skin." "Well," Bingley sighed, "I'll let the guys know we're leaving." "We're leaving?" "Yes, we. I can't see any point in hanging around now that you've lost our girls. I'll say good-bye while you get my car. I'll wait for you out the front." ~/~ As the car was parked in a station about four blocks away Bingley found himself outside waiting with time to spare, and was still lamenting his ill fortune in missing the opportunity to talk to the girls - that blonde was really something special - when he just chanced to catch a glimpse of the two girls entering a coffee shop about half way down the street. When Darcy pulled up a few minutes later Bingley was still smiling, and rather than getting into the vehicle he leaned down and spoke across the seat. "Darce, do you want to get a coffee before we go home. There were a few problems with the roster that I needed to run past you today, but I forgot about them earlier." "Are you sure they can't be sorted out in the morning?" "I suppose they could," said Bingley reluctantly, "but I think it'd be better to work them out before the guys get in tomorrow... I could really do with your input." Bingley knew Darcy well enough to know that an appeal for help would be effective, and he grabbed the sports bag in which he kept his work papers from the back seat. Darcy shook his head as he stepped out from the car to follow Bingley down toward the coffee shop. There was no denying that Bingley had many talents and abilities but organisation was not one of them, and he often relied on his friend's assistance to make up this deficiency. It was true that over the years many people had discerned an incongruity in the close friendship between Darcy and Bingley. True, one was outgoing and the other reserved; one cynical and the other always looking for the good, but in reality they were not nearly as disparate in essentials as these people imagined. They were both intelligent, held to similar principles and ideals, and in other areas their natures complemented each other in ways that made them both more complete. Both were involved at the university where Darcy held a position as an Associate Lecturer in history whilst working toward his Ph.D, and Bingley had returned, at Darcy's persuasion, to complete his final year in Environmental Science after taking a few years off working and travelling. Bingley considered the his blonde as they walked toward the café, and congratulated himself on not having remembered to sort out the rosters earlier - who'd have thought that a problem he'd been consciously avoiding all day could work out to be so advantageous. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Part 2 The atmosphere at the café was a pleasant change to that at the club. There was a quiet murmur of voices with a soft jazz playing in the background. It didn't take Bingley long to locate the brunette sitting in a booth toward the back, and he led Darcy over to an adjoining booth. As they walked over the blonde was not visible, but Bingley correctly assumed she'd be seated across from her friend. To Bingley's relief Darcy, who had only given the girls a cursory glance at the club, showed no recognition of the brunette. "Now, what's going on with the roster?" Darcy asked after they'd placed their orders. For years now the two had spent each summer as part of a Coast Watch organisation which more than trebled in size over the tourist season. Bingley in particular, liked the change from study to outdoor work. Over the years they had been given more responsibility. They now oversaw their own team of young people (who had, incidentally, dragged Darcy and Bingley out 'clubbing' that night) which performed tasks as diverse as life saving and first aid, to keeping the beaches free of junk. "Kerry and Geoff are both unavailable from Friday through to Sunday night," Bingley said. "There are others who can take their shifts but that would mean over-time and we don't have enough left in this fortnight's budget to pay for it. I've been trying to rearrange things so we can complete all our tasks and only use single time, but I can't seem to do it with-out going outside peoples maximum daily hours." Bingley pulled out a scrumpled set of papers and presented them across the table. Darcy didn't even bother to comment on the state of the papers before beginning to pour over them for a solution. After a few minutes he suggested some changes that eased the need for over-time considerably. "I thought I made it reasonably clear that the rosters needed to be done on a fortnightly basis in line with budgeting allowances. It doesn't work out if you just do it a few days at a time," Darcy said as he still tried to cover the last few duties. "Why did you give both Kerry and Geoff the same three days off anyway?" "Oh, it's Kerry's brother's wedding somewhere interstate. Remember she told us she'd need the time before she accepted the job?" "Fair enough," said Darcy, "...and Geoff?" "Oh... I'd forgotten about Kerry when I said yes to Geoff." Darcy just rolled his eyes and turned his attention back to the roster. In the quiet that came with his concentration, a concerned feminine voice could be heard from the next booth. "Lizzy, are you sure we should have left them there? They won't do anything too stupid will they?" "Whether they do or not Janie, it's not our responsibility. They are adults and as such need to learn that they are accountable for their own actions... and frankly, I don't believe that our presence there would make one iota of difference to their behaviour anyway." The words may have sounded stern, but the voice was light and conveyed good humour. "I suppose you're right, but I still feel a bit like we're deserting them. I mean, we did plan to take this trip with each other. It really does mark the end of an era." "It'd be good if everything did work out as planned Janie, but it's not us leaving them. They've effectively abandon us every-time some brainless, muscled hunk walks within their line of sight. Besides, Cathy is 22 now, and Lydia will be too next birthday. They're old enough to take responsibility for themselves. They've finished college now and it's time for the real world". "Liz, I know your right, but still..." "Janie, I absolutely refuse to spend the rest of this well earned holiday on a 'pub crawl'; particularly as baby-sitter to two silly girls who should know better." Both men had been listening to this exchange, and at this point Darcy leaned across the table to speak in a low voice. "They're probably lamenting the behaviour of those two girls you pointed out at the club. I told you it was a close call." Bingley grinned at his friend. "I'm sure you're right Darce," he replied, inwardly laughing at how far off the mark his friend actually was. "You say they're accountable to themselves, Liz," the soft voice continued, "but I know you worry too. How many social engagements did you give up... and how many 'all nighters' have you pulled, just to help those girls catch up when they fell behind or left their assignments to the last minute?" "No more than you," Liz replied with a laugh. "It's just that my efforts were far more obvious because I complained about them so much. I can never be as gracious as you." She paused for moment before going on. "You know, it would have been a very different few years if we'd not had then as flat-mates." "Yes, it would, but I wouldn't change anything," said the softer voice that the men now recognised as belonging to Janie. "I love them like they're sisters." Liz's musical laugh rose again. "Janie, you are just too good. I feel totally inadequate by comparison". I don't think she sounds inadequate by any means, Darcy thought. I know who I'd go for if given a choice between a 'Janie' and a 'Liz'. The waitress then arrived with their orders, putting a temporary end to their eaves dropping. Darcy again turned his attention to the roster problem while Bingley, hoping that Janie was the blonde, tried to work out a way of introducing himself that didn't seem too contrived. His thoughts were interrupted by Darcy. "Well, Chaz, I reckon that this is the best I can do. If were going to stay inside the budget either you or I is going to have to do Friday night's 'turtle watch' without pay." "No worries. I'll do that," Bingley answered cheerfully, "and I think my turn with the rosters has proved without a doubt that all roster preparation should revert to you". "I'm fine with that," Darcy dryly replied. "It'll actually take me less time to do them myself than it does to fix up the confusion you create. Mind you, if you really thought about it you'd have no difficulty in preparing them properly. I sometimes suspect that you deliberately stuff these things up simply to get out of doing them again." "That thought had never crossed my mind," Bingley grinned, "but I'll certainly keep that in mind for the future." Darcy was about to answer back, but was distracted as one of the girls in the booth behind Bingley stood up. His interest peaked by the overheard conversation, he took the opportunity to properly look at her... and she was certainly worth the look! Though not particularly tall, maybe 5' 6" or 5' 7", her slender build and the way she held herself gave an impression of greater height. As a male, he couldn't help but notice that her simple summer dress showed her figure to great advantage. As she looked down at her friend, some dark curls of hair fell across her face, and he watched intrigued as her hand came up to tuck them behind an ear. Her action revealed a lovely complexion and very pretty face. Her full lips were in a half smile - turned up at one corner as if appreciating some kind of irony. Behind her lashes dark eyes reflected this smile, and also showed life and intelligence. She looked vaguely familiar, but Darcy told himself that he would have remembered if he'd ever met her. "Are you sure we shouldn't just go and check on them before we go back to the cabin?" came Janie's now familiar voice as she also stood - revealing a tall, stunning blond. This might have been happening behind his back, but Bingley was quite able to read what was going on from his friend's face. It was quite obvious that Darcy was putting two and two together. Darcy shot Bingley a grin and shook his head in amazement at his perseverance. Bingley had the grace to look a little sheepish. Before mouthing 'should I give it a go?' Darcy nodded and Bingley began to psyche himself up to make the move. Liz remained at the table as she riffled through her bag looking for her purse. "You hate the club scene as much as I do. Do you really want to brave it again?" she asked Janie in exasperation. "I must admit, no," Janie conceded with a slight smile. "I think I might scream if I'm subjected to one more cheesy pick-up line." Darcy grinned at Bingley's grimace. "Scream away Janie," Liz laughed. "One more pick-up line and I plan to resort to physical violence". "So you're not going to try your luck after all?" Darcy teased as the women walked to the counter. "I would if I knew anything other than 'cheesy' pick-up lines", Bingley answered with regret. Darcy watched as Liz pulled open the door and gave the café a final sweep with her eyes whilst waiting fot Janie to pass. He was not quick enough to withdraw his gaze before being caught looking directly at her. She held his eye for a brief moment and gave him a slight smile before disappearing into the night. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Part 3 Late the following afternoon found the two attractive young women taking in the view as they walked along a road following an escarpment. After the warmth of the day they appreciated the freshness of the sea breeze which played with their hair, brought colour to their cheeks, and brightened their eyes. Janie commented on the beauty that Lydia and Cathy were missing out by declining to join them. "Ah, but Janie," Elizabeth replied with a roll of her eyes, "it would have cut the preparation time for their big dates down from 3 hours to only an hour and a half". "It just seems as though they're missing out on so much, Liz". "I know what you mean. Here we are in one of the most beautiful places in God's creation, and the only view they seem to appreciate is the inside of clubs - and cute butts... not that there's any thing wrong with a cute butt..." laughed Elizabeth. "It's altogether amazing how few people are out here to take this in," Janie commented as her eyes scanned the area. There was a family packing up into a car, a couple sitting close together quite some distance away, and the occasional jogger. Liz's focus however, was obviously somewhere else. "What's wrong Liz?" Janie asked. "Do you think that little girl is too close to the cliff line?" Janie knew Liz not only disliked heights herself, but also became nervous when anyone else went too close to a drop.. "Is she here by herself?" "We'd better find out," Janie answered as they both began to move toward the child who, in Elizabeth's mind, seemed precariously too close as she looked down over the edge - her attention fixed by something below. Elizabeth started to run as the girl leaned over further still, but she was too late. With alarmingly quickness the child was no longer before them. Elizabeth made it to the edge second ahead of Janie, but found herself unable to look, fearing what might be before her... then she heard the sob. "I think she's okay Janie," she breathed , relief flowing through her body. It took all her courage to look over the edge, but it was worth it for the sight of the girl looking reasonably whole on a ledge, not 10-foot below her. "It's okay sweetheart - we'll get you up," Liz called, looking around for a feasible way down to the ledge, the demands of the moment and adrenaline momentarily overwhelming her fear of heights. "My leg hurts," the little girl sobbed. "I can't get up." It was then both Liz and Janie noticed the unnatural angle of the girl's right leg. "We're not going to be able to do this by ourselves," Janie stated as she started to move off. "I'll be back with help... there's a Coastwatch office not half a mile back." "It's going to be alright sweetheart," Liz called down. "What's your name love?" "M... m... Melody," the girl managed between sobs. Liz was alarmed to see Melody was beginning to shake, and feared she was showing some signs of shock, on top of which the wind had picked up and there was now a real chill in it. Liz looked around again. A little off to her left the cliff face was less sheer, but the thought of trying to climb down sent prickings of terror up her spine and she experienced an irrational suspicion that she was actually being sucked toward the edge. The girl's sobbing however, cut through her fear and concern only for the child took over. "Hold on Melody, I'll be there in a minute," Liz called, and she began to climb down. Getting down actually proved to be relatively simple and she closed her mind to the fact that it would be much more difficult getting back up. She settled herself behind Melody, wrapping her arms around the scared and hurt little girl, talking to her softly as she tried to mentally calculate how soon Janie might be back with some help. "Well, it looks like you've managed to break your leg Melody. I must say, you're being terribly brave." "Will they have to cut if off?" Melody asked, the sobbing suddenly coming back with a vengeance. "I saw a man with only one leg yesterday." "Oh course not sweetheart - they just have to straighten it up and put it in a cast for a few weeks. Then it should be as good as new. Have you ever had a friend who had to wear a cast on his arm or leg?" "Yes, James had one when he fell off the climbing bars at school. Everyone wrote their names on it." She seemed a little comforted by the thought. "How old are you Melody?" Liz asked. "Nearly six." "Does your Mum know where you are?" "She's at work." "Who's looking after you then?" "Travis." "Travis?" "He's Mummy's boy friend." "Does he know you're out by yourself." "Yes, he said I had to go to the shop." "Why didn't he come down with you?" "He was watching the game." Elizabeth felt an anger rising within her . As far as she knew the nearest shop was about a mile away." "What were you looking for when slipped Melody?" Elizabeth extended her inquiries. "My bag," Melody answered, suddenly looking more frightened and hurt. "It had the money in it. I was just swinging it around and... and..." "Hey, it's alright, everything will be just fine," comforted Liz as she gently rocked the sobbing child, making sure that she didn't disturb the leg. "But he'll be very cross," Melody managed to get out. "Don't worry about the money, sweetheart. It's not important. What is important is you, and you're going to be okay." She talked on softly and reassuringly to the child, and was reassured herself as Melody talked to her about her mum who, though obviously - Liz thought - erring in the choice of a boyfriend, seemed to be a very loving, and much loved mother. ~ Janie may not have broken the four-minute mile on her way to the Coastwatch office, but being young, fit and very concerned for the child, she made very good time. She paused to steady her breathing before entering the building. A young man and girl sat at a table playing cards while a tall, dark haired man in his mid to late 20's was doing some paperwork in a corner "Can we help you at all?" the girl asked, immediately laying aside her cards. "I hope so," Janie replied. I know that voice, Darcy thought as he looked up from his work. It's Bingley's blonde. He walked over, listening intently as Janie described the predicament. "If you don't mind holding the fort,",Darcy said to the younger couple, "I think Chaz and I might take this one ourselves. He's in the truck anyway." If the two were surprised at Darcy wanting to take on such a task himself at the end of the shift, they didn't say anything. Darcy walked away and placed a quick radio call to Bingley to return with the truck. "He'll be here in a minute," Darcy told Janie as he led her to wait outside. "You're happy to come with us to direct, aren't you?" "Certainly," Janie replied. "I don't feel like jogging back there by myself." "I'm sorry, I've been unthinking." Darcy disappeared inside for a moment and returned with a cold juice, which Janie gratefully accepted. "By the way, I'm William Darcy". "Jane Barton", Janie replied. "Thanks for your help, William". Just then a small truck equipped with what must have been rescue gear, pulled in. William handed Janie up into the cabin and introduced a cheerful, well-tanned man with a shock of sun bleached, blond curly hair. Janie couldn't help but think that her position between two such good-looking men, was an enviable one. Lydia and Cathy might have killed for it. They drove along the escarpment and Janie pointed out the place of the fall, fairly sure she was in the right spot - but was confused that she couldn't see Liz there. "She might have climbed down to the girl, or have gone to look for help herself," Bingley suggested. "No, she wouldn't have left the little girl alone, but I can't imagine her climbing down either. She's totally freaked by heights". Darcy looked surprised at this. She hadn't seemed the timid type. Janie quickly located the point where Melody slipped and looked over to find Liz on the ledge, cradling the girl. "How are you going down there?" she called. "I brought the cavalry," "We're doing okay," Liz answered - yelling to make herself heard above the wind. Almost before she had finished answering a young man calmly swung himself onto the ledge. "Hello," he smiled. "I'm William. Now let's take a look at this patient of ours." Liz was impressed with the rescuer's efficiency and manner. He talked reassuringly to Melody while examining her leg. Liz thought he looked vaguely familiar and finally placed him as the man from the coffee shop last night. She remembered remarking to Janie as they left the café, that it was a shame guy's like him never tried the pick-up lines. "If they did," Liz had told her, "I'd even consider putting my plan of physical violence on hold for a week or so. He'd make a tasty holiday treat". As quickly as he'd arrived William disappeared up to the top again. "She's definitely broken her leg Chaz. Well have to call an ambulance, but I don't think we'll have much difficulty getting her up." In only a few minutes William was back on the ledge with some first aid equipment. Liz held Melody tightly and talked to her softly as William gently straightened and splinted the leg. Bingley then lowered a small stretcher, which William explained was attached to the winch in the truck. He easily lifted Melody onto it and strapped her in securely before calling his readiness up to Bingley. Liz watched William guide the stretcher, holding it carefully as he followed it up to the top. With the removal of her focus of the last hour, Elizabeth became excruciatingly aware of her position. She tried not to think of the rocks and waves below her, and of how very small the ledge suddenly seemed to have become. She closed her eyes, praying for courage that didn't come... but William did. "Well Liz, your turn now." He noticed she was looking a little pale. "Are you ready to go." "Actually, no. I might have to stay here. I don't think I'm able to move." William grinned as he looked down at her. "Are you enjoying the view too much, or was Janie serious about you being scared of heights?" Elizabeth gave him a reluctant half smile. "You may find it amusing now - but you'll find it less funny if you have to spend half the night stuck on a ledge with me - trying to coax me to move." "That doesn't sound an entirely unattractive prospect," William replied as he dropped down next to Elizabeth and took her hand. He was surprised to find it trembling a little. "Is everything okay down there?" Bingley called over the edge. "Yes, we're right. Just give us a few minutes and I'll call you when we're ready to come up." "You're going to be fine Liz." he said gently. "We'll get a harness for you so you can't fall, and you'll be safe up the top in no time." "That sounds so rational, William isn't it? And part of my mind knows you're right. The only trouble is that it can't seem to convince the other part of my mind - you know, the bit that controls my movement." "You'll convince it Liz. A strong girl like you should have no trouble in subduing a dissenting part of the brain." "I wish I had your confidence. Anyway, what makes you so sure I'm strong?" "The fact that you've almost crushed my hand with your grip," William laughed. "Oh!" Elizabeth cried, embarrassed, dropping his hand immediately. She hadn't been aware she was squeezing it so tightly. "This is on the edge of bizarre," she commented, clearly appreciating the irony of her situation. "I thought that I was helping when I climbed down here - but in reality I was only creating more trouble". "The rescuer becoming the rescued," William stated in amusement as he slipped an arm comfortingly around her. "How on earth did you ever manage to get down here?" "I just had to", she replied simply. "She was little, and hurt, and scared". "Well... how about we look at it this way - Melody will need someone she trusts with her until we can locate her mum. Do you think we can concentrate on getting you up to look after her. She's still little, hurt, and scared." "That's emotional black-mail. You're just trying to manipulate me." "Yes, exactly", William agreed with a smile. " The question being - is it working?" "It certainly is", Elizabeth admitted wryly. "If I stay down here now I'll be overwhelmed with guilt as well as terror." "Well, come on now. We'll get this over and done with before you have a chance to think about it any more." He stood up and put a hand out to help Liz to her feet. "It's all right - I'll look after you." Liz took his hand and allowed herself to be pulled to her feet. She'd been sitting in the one position for so long that her standing caused a wave of dizziness, and she steadied herself by taking hold of the front of his shirt. She felt his arms come around her and he held her firmly as he spoke soft words of reassurance. "You're fine Liz - I've got you. Just take a few deep breathes and try to relax a little." Elizabeth attempted to do as he told her, and was surprised by the strong sense of security she began to feel in Williams's arms. With the diminution of her fear though, she found herself instead becoming acutely aware of his physical presence and the warmth of his body against hers; so much so, that she hardly registered him calling up to Bingley. He continued to press her to himself with one arm, as he reached up with the other to take hold of the harness which had been let down. "Now I'm going to have to let go for a minute to put this on you. Are you alright with that?" Elizabeth nodded and had to admit to herself that the sensations created by his touch and proximity as he fastened the belt around her waist and tightened it to fit her slender build, were not at all unpleasant. "Remember now, you're perfectly safe," William assured her as he guided her toward the place where it was easiest to ascend. "Just keep thinking of how pleased Melody will be to see you up there." Liz however, tried to push everything but William's instructions regarding the climb out of her mind, and she obediently, if somewhat nervously, made her way to the top where Bingley took her hand and pulled her to safety. She moved about 15 foot in from the edge and sat herself down, the relief of being on flat solid ground, was almost tangible. "Are you alright?" Janie asked, smiling across at her friend, but not leaving the side of the injured Melody. Liz just nodded. William, who had followed close behind Liz, knelt down beside her and she passively submitted as he unhooked the belt harness. "Congratulations, now..." William began as he stood up, but before he could continued he was interrupted by Liz. "Don't you dare tell me it wasn't that bad." William grinned at her, because that had been indeed, just what he'd been about to say. "Boy, I'm going to have to work on picking up my game if I'm becoming that predictable." Despite her ordeal Liz couldn't help but smile up at William. "Well, I suppose I'd better make myself useful. Are you going to help me up?" she asked as she put a hand up to him. William happily accepted her it and pulled her to her feet, but he was reluctant to let go after Liz was standing. "William," she said, steadily holding his eye, "you have no idea how much I've appreciated your help this evening." Then taking William completely by surprise, and herself hardly less so, she leaned forward and gave him a delightfully light kiss on his lips. "Thank you." She then simply turned to give her attention to Janie and Melody. William ignored Bingley's grin as he wandered over to help him pack up the equipment. I thought I was getting on okay with Janie." Bingley said, "but I didn't get a kiss." "Chaz," William admitted, "I must say that in all my years with Coastwatch, I can't recall enjoying a duty quite so much as this one." Next |
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