Chapter Three: Arrival
Martin made his way to Mrs Tishell's to finally collect the surgical gloves he had pestered Pauline all week to get, but never actually remembered to.
"I forgot," she said after Martin had asked her again.
"This is the fifth time I've asked you!" he glared, "I do not appreciate your irresponsible attitude"
"Sorry, I'll go and get them"
"No, it's a waste of time, I'll go to collect them myself" he said grumpily and stormed out of the surgery.
Now he found himself having to walk to the other side of the village because of Pauline, which he wasn't at all delighted about.
Making his way passed the school he looked away, trying to forget the memory that the building gave away. It didn't get easier as he approached Louisa's cottage, still quiet and lifeless. When was she coming back? Was the question he had asked himself, but after nearly a month he figured it was never.
He looked out of the corner of his eye through the window and saw that her furniture still stood how he remembered. The table stood near the back of the room overlooking the sea, the sofa was arranged the same as usual, suddenly Martin realised that he was now stood still in the middle of the road, staring obviously through the window. He was quickly aware and continued to the chemist, not wanting to look back as the memories of their engagement period flooded back.
….
Louisa waved to Jodie as she left the hotel with two suitcases in either hand. She mouthed the words 'Thank You' before starting to walk. The floor had a layer of ice on the surface, which was very slippery. She tried to balance, as she didn't want to return to Portwenn having to see Martin for a medical reason.
Whilst on the journey to train station, Louisa took one last look at the scenery of Weymouth, remembering the times when she came down here with her Mother and Father, before they separated. She smiled as she recalled the number times her Mother panicked about her not having enough suntan lotion.
She came back to reality, took a deep breath and headed into the station. It was quiet and ghostly with only a few people on the train that she wanted to board. At least she could sit and read in silence.
"The train to Truro will be leaving in two minutes from platform two" the announcement echoed through the building.
Louisa quickly got on and found a seat by the window. She took out her book 'Fingers In My Pockets' which she hadn't had much time to read as she spent most of the break crying or trying to think of all the things that went wrong. Trying not to blame anyone, but to come to a reason that she wouldn't make Martin happy. She believed that she would be in the way and that he wouldn't like her to try and get him to be more like her.
Trying to focus seemed impossible; the thought of Martin kept reappearing. All she could do was sit back and wait.
….
Wednesday was drawing to an end at the surgery after a busy day with patients having stand and complain. Martin couldn't retain his frustration, especially as villagers were being rather noisy as they talked, well gossiped, to each other.
"The next one is Mrs Timmons" Pauline told Martin.
"Right come through" he sighed not looking forward to her consultation. At least she was the last one.
Mrs Timmons again walked slowly into the room and carefully placed herself on the seat.
"What is it this time?" Martin sighed.
"Well, I think I may have esthma" Mrs Timmons said looking down at her hands.
"Do you?"
"Yes, look!" she said pointing to a small spot on her hand.
"Well I'm afraid you'll need surgery for that" Martin said sarcastically.
"Really, oh no!" Mrs Timmons gasped looking intently at the spot, that was just visible.
"No, Mrs Timmons that is just a spot, probably caused by a insect bite or irritation!" Martin sighed, "I think you are a hypochondriac, worrying about a spot is really stupid"
"So there is nothing wrong?" she asked.
"No, apart from that you are wasting time" Martin said, "Now go!"
She stood up and walked out.
"Stupid villagers" Martin mumbled, "Don't see why I'm still here"
…
Louisa got off the train with her belongings and headed out of the station to get a taxi.
She scanned the line of taxis until she spotted the Portwenn local company. Tommy was sitting in his car with the engine running, on the side of the door was writing saying: 'Tommy's Taxis' in big lettering and underneath 'Winner of two competitions"
"Tommy" Louisa said through the window.
He looked up in surprise, "Miss Glasson?" he smiled, "So you haven't left then?"
"No" she shook her head and smiled.
"Well, do you want a ride home?" he asked.
"Yes please."
He got out and put her suitcases into the boot of the car.
…..
On the way home, Tommy was talking nonsense and Louisa was easily sent into a daydream about Martin and their wedding.
She was getting nervous, as they got closer to the village. As soon as she spotted the sea, she knew they were only ten minutes away from Portwenn.
"Yes" Louisa said not knowing what she was agreeing to.
"My Susie was wondering where you were" Tommy chuckled, "You're her favourite teacher. I'd say she learnt a lot since she's been in your class"
Louisa laughed slightly, "Well thank you. I am hoping to return to work this week"
"My wife was hoping you were coming back soon"
"Did she say how Mrs Wallis was doing with taking my place?" Louisa asked concerned.
"No, she didn't mention it" Tommy said.
The welcome notice to the village made Louisa's heart begin to race. She didn't know whether to call in at the surgery to tell Martin that she'd arrived or just go home.
There were too many decisions, but the time was running out.
"Where do you want dropping off?" asked Tommy.
"Erm…" Louisa hastily said, "Just at the top of Roscarrock Hill would be fine, thank you Tommy"
The taxi stopped and Louisa noticed that the surgery was closed being that it was now half six in the evening.
Tommy handed over her suitcases and she handed him the money. He reduced the prices since Louisa taught his daughter and worked with his wife.
After Tommy drove off, Louisa made the decision to knock on Martin's surgery door. She walked round the back and saw the light on in the kitchen. The temperature was dropping rapidly as the night drew in and she hoped that she could quickly say hello and return home.
She knocked gently on the door. Louisa took a deep breath as she saw a large figure head towards it ready to open.
Martin opened the door wondering who it could be and he instantly spotted that it was a woman and younger than Joan. He was hoping that it wasn't Mrs Timmons panicking about another minor symptom.
"Louisa" he gasped widening his eyes at the surprise. His heart stopped at the sight of the woman he hadn't seen for what felt like centuries.
"Martin" Louisa replied softly.
"Erm… where… when did you?" he stuttered trying to find the correct sentence.
Louisa blushed and gave a small smile.
"Tommy dropped me off here" she said and bit her bottom lip.
"This evening?" he asked and though 'Stupid idiot! Of course it was just now otherwise she wouldn't have suitcases in her hand! Where has she been?'
"Yes" she said lifting her hand to show that she had her belongings with her, "I thought it would be best to tell you that I am back, before the gossiping starts"
Martin hadn't changed. Still well groomed, in a suit, short hair and the same expression.
"Where have you been?" he asked having not felt the freezing temperature outside.
Louisa looked even more stunning than he remembered. Same white smile and brunette hair. Also the same polite manner and determination to not let things carry on forever. Coming back, talking straight to him first without even going back home showed the type of person she really was. The Louisa that he had fell in love with was still there, she hadn't just gone straight back to normality and work, she came and told him that she was back, to let him know she was going to be around again.
"I went to Weymouth. To sort, well… think about some things" she explained.
There was an awkward silence.
"So…" Martin began and then stopped.
"Yes…I better get home" Louisa said beginning to walk away.
"Yes, right…" Martin nodded still in shock to see she was standing there.
He watched as she smiled and went out of sight. He shut the door and walked to the front window to watch her walk down the hill, again.