Chapter 1: Reactions
In late October, Gavin Croxton's parents moved to Bristol and he was transferred to Roundview college. This pleased him as his cousin Franky had also been enrolled there just after the beginning of the Autumn term, having moved from Oxford. Gavin stood a good two metres tall and was very powerfully built. This made him stand out from the crowd. Most of the time, he was perceived to be a gentle giant. However, he had a quick temper and would resort to considerable violence if he was roused. This was another part of the reason he had been enrolled at Roundview as he had been excluded from his previous college.
When she caught sight of her cousin in the mid-morning break, Franky ran to him, wrapped her arms round him and held him really tightly.
"Gavin!" exclaimed Franky, "It's lovely to see you, but what are you doing here?"
"My folks have moved to Bristol from Cardiff." said Gavin, "I've got a meeting with David Blood at eleven o'clock. I hope he accepts me, because I don't think I'd be too welcome at the college in Newport."
"What happened?" sighed Franky, "I guess you got into another fight. You will have to try to keep calm. I don't want you to get into real trouble."
"I'll try," said Gavin, "But you know what I'm like."
"Yes, I do, unfortunately." said Franky, "You're too ready to let fly if you think someone's upset you or one of your friends. You're a strong fellow and it's nearly always the other guy who gets hurt."
"I know." said Gavin, "As I said, I will try hard to keep cool, but I can't guarantee anything."
"Anyway, Gavin," said Franky, "It's nice to know we'll be seeing more of each other, but I'd better be getting off to my next lecture. Bye for now."
"Bye! See you later." said Gavin.
When she parted from Gavin, Franky went to her next lecture, while he made his way to the college director's office. When Franky got to her lecture, she found that her meeting with her cousin had not passed unobserved.
"Who was that amazing looking guy you were with at breaktime?" asked Mini, during the lunch break, "You two seemed to know each other."
"Oh, that was Gavin, my cousin." said Franky, "His parents have just moved here from Cardiff."
"Well, he certainly looks as if he could look after himself." commented Nick, who was with Mini, "Does he play Rugby?"
"I didn't think to ask him." said Franky, "I was so pleased to see him. I know he's into martial arts, but I don't know about Rugby. He probably does, since he's spent the last fifteen years in South Wales. When I get a chance, I'll introduce you."
Gavin attended his interview with the college director and was accepted into Roundview. He was placed in the same group as Nick Levan. After a few days, Franky felt it was the right time to introduce Gavin to her friends. Their reactions were mixed. Mini was openly impressed, bit Liv seemed sceptical. Grace took to him immediately, but still felt loyalty to Rich, with whom she was developing a close relationship. The three boys, Nick, Alo and Rich accepted him as a positive addition to the group. Nick, in particular realised he could be an asset to the Roundview Rugby team.
Over the next few weeks, Gavin did become part of the 'gang', and was even accepted by Liv. His close family relationship with Franky also helped her to find her feet in Bristol. He was found to be very talented at Rugby and was quickly accepted into the first XV, much to Rider's chagrin.
One Monday afternoon, just after half term, he was in a corner of the college grounds, looking pensive, when he was 'buttonholed' by Grace.
"You seem very thoughtful this afternoon, Gavin." said Grace, "Is there something wrong?"
"Can I trust you with my private thoughts?" asked Gavin.
"Why do you ask?" responded Grace.
"You seem to be the only person in the group who doesn't set out to defend themselves or score points." said Gavin, "I just want to be sure that you're as genuine as you appear. I've observed you. You appear to be a warm, gentle, compassionate person."
"That was. A very sweet thing to say about me." said Grace, "Anyway, what's bothering you. This isn't the self-confident, forthright Gavin I've beginning to get used to."
"I wouldn't mention this to anyone else," said Gavin, "But I'm scared, scared of my feelings. I feel on edge all the time, and when I'm on edge, I sometimes can't control myself. I just lash out at people I think have crossed me. People get hurt. So far, since I've been here, I've managed to control myself, but I'm worried I might lose it and hurt one of my new friends."
"Why have you come to me?" asked Grace.
"You seem to be the kind of person who brings serenity to those who interact with her." said Gavin, unsure whether he'd already said too much, "I don't know whether you're open to this, but I'd love you to be a friend."
"There's no need to ask." said Grace, resting her hand on Gavin's, "I already regard myself as your friend. Anyway, I don't think that was what was bothering you. What's making you uncomfortable?"
"I don't know how to say this," started Gavin, "But I feel I've got to share this with someone, and you seem to be a kind person who might understand." he paused, "The problem is that my parents don't seem to be getting on with each other anymore."
"I'm sorry to hear that." said Grace, "How does this friction manifest itself?"
"Dad will try to open a conversation with mum." said Gavin, "She just snaps back at him and shuts him up. He does not proceed with the conversation and sulks. She then launches into a fifteen-minute tirade of insults reminding him about incidents going back decades. I don't want to take sides, so I get frustrated and angry. The problem is, I have no outlet for my anger. After each of these confrontations I feel angry and tense for days; so does dad."
"And mum?" queried Grace.
"After an hour or so, she seems to calm down." said Gavin, "That is, until he tries to talk to her once more. Then it starts all over again. When mum wants to speak, she insists on being heard. If dad gives a 'wrong' answer he gets another tirade of insults. I keep my potential fury to myself when I'm at home but lash out once I'm somewhere else. I'm worried that one day I'm going to let my anger out here and really hurt one of you, or a random bystander. These disputes used to happen now and then when we were in Cardiff, but they have been more frequent since we moved here. It doesn't happen all the time, but it's very unpleasant when it does, and it puts me really on edge."
"What can I do about it?" said Grace, "I feel so powerless in this situation."
"I just want to know that there is someone who can make me feel calm just by being near me." said Gavin. "You seem to have that calming effect, just by being you. You appear, to me at least, to be serenity encapsulated in a totally beautiful human being. Your name 'Grace' fits you so perfectly."
Grace found herself blushing at these comments. She was not used to having such lovely things said about her by someone who was until recently, a total stranger.
"That's all very well, and I'm really beginning to like you," said Grace, "But I'm more than friendly with Rich. I've got through his metalhead façade and he's so sweet. I couldn't bear to hurt him. Entering into a relationship with you could cause problems."
"Don't get me wrong." said Gavin, "I'm not suggesting that I want to be your boyfriend, much as I'm attracted to you. I just want to know I can come to you when I feel troubled."
"That's a big ask." said Grace, "I'll certainly think about it. I have come to realise that I do possess a tranquillity, which seems to be contagious. Rich has changed a lot since I have come to know him, and I know that's because of me. I'll certainly think about it."
"Thank you." said Gavin, "I understand. I should mention that when I started to talk to you, I felt really edgy. Now I'm totally calm. It's a lovely feeling. Also, you seem to be able to get me talking. I wouldn't normally open up about the friction in my family, but you've somehow got me to admit my problems. The atmosphere you generate around you makes me feel that you're someone with whom I could share all my worries. You've certainly done that this afternoon."
"Wow!" exclaimed Grace, "I didn't realise I would have that effect on anyone, least of all someone like you."
"Anyway," said Gavin, "I've got Rugby practice in ten minutes and Nick doesn't like latecomers, so I'd better go and change.
This conversation profoundly affected Grace. Gavin had given her a lot to think about. She was feeling pensive for the rest of the day.
oOo
That evening, Grace had a date with Rich, who wasn't the most sensitive person at gauging people's moods. Even he could sense that she was feeling uneasy. For a start, she seemed quieter than usual. In fact, she seemed pensive and somewhat melancholy.
"You seem anxious." said Rich, gently, "You're not the usual calm, reassuring Grace I'm getting to know and love.
"Was it that obvious?" asked Grace.
"It was." said Rich, "You usually smile when you see me. Today, you just looked up and looked rather serious. Have I done something to upset you."
"No! Of course not!" said Grace, forcing a smile, "I suppose I am a bit concerned."
"What about?" asked Rich.
"I don't know whether I can say." said Grace, "It's a bit delicate. I can foresee a possibly awkward situation."
"How come?" asked Rich.
"You know that new guy, Gavin?" queried Grace.
"You mean the big bloke?" said Rich, "The one who looks like a Mr Universe contender?"
"That's the one." said Grace, "He seems to see me as an island of serenity who calms him down when he feels agitated. I can't think why."
"That's because you are." said Rich, "You very rapidly calmed my spirit and made me realise that heavy metal isn't the whole world. Anyway, where is this leading?"
"He approached me earlier today." said Grace, "He wanted to tell his worries to someone who, he felt would be sympathetic. He chose me as that person and we got talking. He did say he didn't want to be my boyfriend, but it was obvious he was attracted to me. I can visualise a situation where he sees you as a rival for my affection."
"Are you hinting that we should stop seeing each other?" asked Rich, looking anxious.
"No, of course not!" said Grace, "I'm beginning to love you – a lot, and I think you're beginning to love me, so you needn't look so worried."
"So why were you looking so pensive when we met just now?" asked Rich.
"I'm not sure whether I should be telling you this," said Grace, "But he admitted to me that he had a very quick and violent temper. He saw me as someone who could calm him down. All he needed to do was look at me. I know it seems odd, but that's what he said."
"What did you say?" asked Rich.
"I said that it was a big ask, but I would think about it." said Grace, "He seems a nice enough guy, and I regard him as a friend, but I don't want this to develop into a 'love triangle'. Have you any thoughts?"
"I suppose the best thing might be to be around when he needs you but try not to let him get too close." said Rich, "After all, you can't just ignore him, because he is a member of our little group."
"Those were very wise words from someone so guileless." said Grace, "I was thinking along those lines as well. Incidentally, Mini's asked him if he would like to come to Morocco with us next Summer."
"Is he going to join us?" asked Rich.
"I believe he is." said Grace, "Franky's going, so it wouldn't be fair to leave her cousin out of things. Anyway, you've put my mind at rest. I'll try to be his 'calming influence' but try not to let him get too close."
"That sounds a good strategy," said Rich, "But I can't help feeling that our relationship is a little less secure."
"Don't think that way." said Grace, smiling sweetly, "I love you and no 'incredible hulk' is going to separate us if I have anything to do with it."
These words appeared to calm Rich's immediate concerns about his developing relationship with Grace. Shortly after this, Rich discovered that Grace was David Blood's daughter. He was urged to keep it secret but, of course, such facts cannot be concealed for long. By Christmas, the whole 'gang' was aware of Grace's family relationships. At Easter, Rich was invited to have dinner with the Blood family. Sonia accepted him, but David Blood was not totally convinced.