The Chrysler was parked next to the main reception of Cape Croker Indian Park. Mostly, cars were prohibited from that section of the Camping park.
An old man with long gray hair told newcomers “this place is built on sacred ground of our ancestors. Our mission and our role is to keep it safe from modernity, pollution, dioxide... Many animals live in our park and for their protection and the protection of the environment we ask you to adhere to our rules,” the creaky voice was that of a descendant from the Huron. That was quite an experience to Paul, nonetheless he couldn't help but smile given that most of the camping had Wifi connections up and running.
Paul strolled back to his place for one final check. On the bed lay his suitcases side by side. His clothes were packed, tidy and tight.
He went through boarding pass and passport, then he poured a glass of Whisky on rocks.
A profound sigh as he looked at Lake Huron in the distance. Paul drank in the beauty of the moment but the sour after-taste of the liquor reminded him of future challenges.
He entered the canteen and found a comfortable corner to set down. Paul had just ordered his meal and as the waitress disappeared he was tempted to open his phone and scan through the emails. “Hell, no, leave that for tomorrow” he thought and as he looked towards the bar he saw her standing there.
“Hey, good evenin' ma'm...”
“Paul, is that you?” Nora couldn't believe her eyes as she turned to face him. She joined him at his table and they spent the evening talking and rediscovering themselves. Time rattled by and before long they were the last customers in the place and the waitress desperately tried to bring their conversation to an end.
“Oh my, Nora. I'm so stunned and confused to learn about these events in your life. Who would have thought? A girl like you didn't deserve such a fate... And you must think it's odd enough to hear this out of a man's mouth,”
“Come on, Paul, you're so much more than a man, you're my friend!” Her eyes almost cast a gleam in the darkness surrounding them.
They reached the sandy shores of the lake and set down side by side. Paul lay his right arm on Nora's shoulders and savored the moment. Her long black hair blew across a light breeze.
“I've got a go, Nora.” Paul's words broke that moment. Nora lifted her head and looked at him
“Now? Do you have to leave now ?” Her voice was so calm and soft Paul regretted the very moment he had started that conversation.
“No way Nora... I wouldn't abandon you here and now, after all these years... It appears as a sign from, well, from somewhere,”
“Fate?” Nora almost whispered.
“Sure, look we knew each other, grew appart and got back together, isn't that something?”
“And our lives are so similar, meaning the outcome of our lives...the pain it implies”
“Both of us are emotional, it seems. Isn't that phenomenon linked to today's society in a way?”
At these words Nora laughed tenderly “always the same Paul, you're providing the scientific view here!”
“Sorry, but indeed it's me and I'm always trying to hide behind general knowings. My luggage is ready and tomorrow I'll have to drive back to Toronto.”
Silence followed as tears ran down Nora's visage. Paul couldn't see them but the cold wind and air proved something had happened at that very instant. This he could sense, though.
“The pain of our lives isn't enough, it seems as each time we get together sorrow also needs to have its share,” Nora's voice was trembling with emotion, Paul held her hand tight. He couldn't find words to comfort her so he pulled her closer as she continued:
“I know it's not your fault and I couldn't blame you. It's this whole situation we are going through and the parting each of our meetings implies,” Nora was nearly collapsing.
“Sometimes, it's good to cry...” Paul's words comforted his mate and they found refuge in his mansion.
Two shadows crossed the camping, hand in hand, leaning against one another. Two longtime lovers who met again. That night was there to remember but also to create new memories...
Late morning the somehow aged teenagers hurried back to the canteen.
“You sure we could still get breakfast at this time of day?” Nora asked, a grin at the corner of her mouth.
“Sure, they may call it 'brunch' or whatever. As long as our plates aren't empty!”
The smiles on their faces and the light-heartedness conveyed quite something. They had met again and their union made everything possible, it made everything real. Nora's eyes shone perfectly, her dark eyes and her beautiful looks thrilled Paul profoundly.
They sat at the table and ate Pancakes, maple sirrup, sipping their coffee and babbling about the old days. Nora was trying hard not to remember her current situation, Paul was trying to stay in the present moment rather than thinking of his obligations... When they sat silently and stared at each other it seems that reality was coming back as the cold wind rushing in from the poles.
“Nora, sweetheart, yesterday's conversation is still ringing in my ears and it looks like I don't have much of a choice,”
“I understand, Paul, I really do,” her voice came softly, sadly that is, “we all have to return to our duties and I just want to thank you for this time we spent together” she was holding both his hands in hers as warm tears rolled down her face.
“I realize how hard it is, I do feel it here and now. But let's stay in touch!” Paul tried to make her smile.
“Yeah, yeah... Stay in touch that's what they always say,” Nora's smile was breathtaking.
“We have to, darling and I mean it. Look, it's not as in the old days. Today we have Internet, technology, social media, no more excuse!”
“Hm, hm. But what about the distance Paul? What about the human touch?”
“Okay, let's make a deal: this time, next year, in Paris. Any suggestion?”
Nora definitely laughed this time and bent sideways on the chair. She put her hair back in place and closed the top buttons of her shirt. It was Paul's shirt, the casual kind. She ran her fingers through her hair, and behind an envious sigh she said “I don't know, honey. I am not even certain where I'm going to be next year”
“Now you do.” Paul answered straight with a giant smile, always trying to lift her morale. Then, more seriously:
“I understand your inquietude Nora, I got through something quite similar. But keep in mind that here's somebody who really cares for you. And please don't hesitate and give me a call anytime you need to, darling,” that was the toughest part and only when his line was over Paul realized that. This time his hands enveloped hers “promise, please, Nora, we have to meet again!”
Her head lay over their united hands, Paul could sense the moistness of her tender tears. She was trying to hide that sadness. Nora's eyes reached for Paul's and she whispered kindly “we will, Lord knows we will Paul” before they kissed.
That kiss and all the sincerity, tenderness and humanity it conveyed was to stay in Paul's thoughts and mind, in his consciousness. He looked down on the city of Toronto as it vanished below the clouds and plugged in his laptop. The flight was to last seven hours and Paul did not catch up his emails for the last weeks. Whatever. He leaned down his seat and peered through the side window. When he closed his eyes Lake Huron appeared in front of him, and at his side there was Nora who said “we will,...”. Paul wished so hard to meet his beloved again.
Nora couldn't believe it. Her free week had started so well! Today - these hours, that is – had been so exquisite: she found back her one true love. In the morning, however, she realized he had gone and all that was left were these great souvenirs.Progressively every-day occupations re-surfaced and took the lead.
Wednesday morning her phone beeped insistently. She had given up on any electronic devices since Paul had left, so this felt strange at first.
“Hey, Nora,” she could hear her mother's soothing voice, “I hope I didn't wake you up, my darling,”
“Ah, mummy, don't you worry I was just stretching my legs a bit,” Nora replied calmly.
“Just a quick call anyhow. The kids are doing okay, though each morning and every evening they want to hear from you! They miss you, sweet, so do we!”
Nora thanked her mother and promised to call soon.
She relaxed a little longer, closed her eyes and tried to wind back into these idyllic times. During the first part of the week spent without Paul this had been possible. In the second half usual preoccupations as well as worries returned.
© 2017 Matt Oehler
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