Chapter 10 - The End of the Year

Now that the compass ring was literally out of the way, Camille felt more at ease – and she realised that it had bugged her more than she had wanted to admit even to herself. It amazed her to think that Richard had known about it for so long, and yet he hadn't said anything. He hadn't sulked, given her the silent treatment or made innuendos, he had just kept quiet and trusted her to come out with the issue when the time was right for her. Considering all the reservations he had regarding Humphrey, this was rather remarkable.

Camille knew that he had felt uneasy about Humphrey's affection for her, and she really couldn't blame him – she was sure that it had been hard for him to be so far away from her, being fully aware of the fragility of their still new relationship and knowing that she'd be exposed to her boss's advances. She knew that he hadn't mistrusted her – but she also knew that he tended to worry, so even if there hadn't been mistrust, there had been worries…

She was just glad that Humphrey had been somewhat sensible and rational when she had come to talk to him. It had been painful for him, she knew that, and he had told her a little about his father's visit and the doubts that had beset him. She had listened and given him some advice that he'd hopefully consider – to her, it seemed unreasonable to carry on as if nothing had happened, so she had pointed out that he hadn't really taken a holiday in a long time and that he might want to think about taking time off and going somewhere else where nobody knew him so he would have the chance to sort out his issues – and look for help, if necessary.

They had parted in friendship. He hadn't been offended when she had returned the compass ring to him – she had half expected he would be upset, but no...

He had just smiled sadly and said ruefully "I've made a mess of this, haven't I…", and she had responded softly "No, you didn't. You showed your feelings. You couldn't know that I was otherwise engaged. Nobody had told you, and you hadn't wanted to see the signs. There's nothing wrong with showing feelings. And you know, I've said it before – you are an inspiration. You have never given up, although you have fallen down more than once. It's not about how often you fall down, Humphrey. It's about always getting up again afterwards – and you've never failed to do that, no matter how hard it was. And I find that admirable. But you must learn how to deal with things in a healthier way – you know, shoving issues away and trying to ignore them doesn't work – they always come back. You're so kind to others – be kind to yourself, too! Take the time to sort out what has been bothering you. You don't want to live your life in a blur, do you – you want to feel good about yourself, not hide away from your issues all the time… Taking care of yourself doesn't mean you're selfish. And look, the compass ring has brought me to my destination, after all. I've found happiness with Richard, and I'm here now to give you the ring so you will find happiness, too."

She had lightly touched his arm, and he had pulled himself together and smiled. Then after a moment, he had asked "So, do you still want me to come to your church blessing then?" "Of course," she had responded. "We'll be happy to see you there and have you joining us for the reception later on. We'll let you know about the details – we'll have to organise everything over the next few days, but you'll hear from us in time."

With that, she had left the station and returned to La Kaz. She hadn't turned around to see Humphrey standing at the balustrade and following her with his eyes. When she had turned the corner and he couldn't see her any more, he had heaved a big sigh and returned to his desk.

She was right, he needed time away from it all. He had reached a critical point. His father's visit and all the questions it had raised had given him the rest. With Camille's help, he had realised that he had never really taken the time to acknowledge his feelings. He had just carried on, never admitting that there could be a problem. No, he had been doing 'just fine' – and then he had numbed the pain by working too hard and drinking too much. It had become second nature for him – but Camille was right, it wasn't healthy. He'd have to do something about it…

With a swift movement, he had pulled the keyboard of his computer closer, opened his e-mail programme and started composing a message.

New Year's Eve was approaching with big steps… Catherine couldn't possibly close the bar again for a private party, but she invited everyone to come and celebrate at La Kaz. It was one of the busiest days of the year for her – only Carnival was more popular for the tourists, and they came in flocks.

The locals also loved the more regional festivals, like the one for Erzulie and a few others.

Much to the tourists' surprise, Halloween was no big deal on Saint Marie. It had no real tradition on the island, and although the bars run by British owners usually geared up for the day, it had never really reached the same popularity. People on Saint Marie rather focused on All Saints' Day – during the days before, families started cleaning the graves of their loved ones so they were clean and shiny for All Saints' Day, and in the evening of the day they celebrated - it was the occasion to gather with relatives and to recall good memories. But it was decidedly different from any Halloween traditions that were known in other parts of the world.

New Year's Eve traditionally wasn't a big deal, either – neither the French nor the Brits traditionally had fireworks or other spectacular displays. But popular demand had slowly changed this here on Saint Marie, and while there still were no fireworks, there were street parties, the clubs offered special galas, and of course, hotels and restaurants had their own New Year's Eve events. The local bars obviously were very busy, too, and so Catherine and Camille were hard at work, decorating the bar accordingly with streamers, glittering garlands and the like.

Richard had taken his parents to the little museum about the legendary pirate that supposedly had lived on Saint Marie several centuries ago. It had been expanded and now focused on pirates and their history in the Caribbean in general. Robert had thought it was all rubbish, but he had been amused nonetheless, and Margaret had quite enjoyed the visit – she had had a good time looking at the pistols, the maps and the historical costumes on display. A few kids who had been around had got into talking to her, and she had had fun explaining them some of the items in the showcases. Their parents mostly had been grateful and pleased to get a break from all the questions…

Richard had remembered their occasional visits at museums during his childhood… There hadn't been many, but they had made a few trips to archaeological sites, science museums and historical houses, maintained by the National Trust. It had always been so much more fun to go to places like that with his mother (and his father… who usually had kept in the background then) than with school. Richard had been a bookish, solitary boy, and while he had been interested in the actual exhibits, his classmates usually just had focused on playing pranks or causing a ruckus… He hadn't been a happy boy at school. He had always taken everything to heart and suffered quite a bit…

Oh well. It was good that this was history.

For lunch, they returned to La Kaz, and Catherine served a stew that she had cooked the night before and heated up now. It wasn't goat this time – but lamb. The spices and other ingredients were the same like when she made goat stew, though.

They all sat down together and ate with good appetite. Catherine nudged Camille and said "I can't believe he's eating this – what have you done to him?"

Richard looked up from his plate and said straight-faced "She didn't stop serving all sorts of exotic dishes, and I had to go to bed without dinner if I refused to eat it, so… you see, I have learnt it's easier to obey in some cases, and though I hate to admit it, I actually like most of the food that Camille comes up with. Though I still don't like chicken soup, I have to confess…"

Catherine stopped short for a moment, then she began to laugh. "Well, at least you're honest," she admitted. "I was so furious about your lack of gratitude back then, but I think you just were too miserable to really understand and appreciate what I did for you."

Richard thought that nothing in the world would have made him appreciate the chicken soup – but he kept that to himself. He didn't want to spoil the still a little 'new' relationship with his mother-in-law. He did like Catherine, her tea was perfect, and he was grateful for all the support she had given Camille – but she still was a little uncanny at times.

Well, never mind – they got along well enough, and as far as he was concerned, he had heard so much about horrible mothers-in-law that he was happy that Catherine was fairly relaxed and not too much into meddling. Her speech at the welcome party had really touched him, and he was ready to forgive her for the chicken soup by now.

Margaret mentioned that Richard's eating habits surely were shaped by all the years of boarding school. "You know how commercial kitchens or places like boarding schools, canteens and so on often serve rather bland food? You kind of forget that there are spices other than pepper and salt when you eat in those places for an extended period of time!"

Catherine admitted that she had never taken that into consideration, and she began to look at Richard's particular "food quirks" with different eyes. He had become a lot better, though – three years ago he wouldn't even have touched her stew at all, regardless of what sort of meat she had chosen, and she had also noticed that he had eaten most of the finger food she had served at their welcome party, so obviously he had indeed learnt that it was worth trying different things every once in a while.

Camille had said as much during phone conversations and given Catherine the thumbs up when she had suggested to prepare her version of 'tapas'… initially, she had been a little doubtful, but really, Camille had been right. Little by little, she was using her influence on him to make things easier for both of them – for him because he wasn't such an outcast any longer, and for herself because she didn't have to limit herself with cooking…

Obviously, though, she had also adapted to his eating habits – life was about making compromises, wasn't it… and so jelly babies, tea, and shortbread were staples in her kitchen now, too… and Margaret had taught her how to make roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. After a couple of failed attempts, she had become fairly proficient, and even Richard had said that she had become 'rather practiced' – which was a huge compliment, as she knew. They enjoyed cooking together – something Camille would never have imagined...

Eventually, the conversation turned to the forthcoming evening, and they agreed on coming to La Kaz at around 9.30 to celebrate a little and see in the new year. Margaret and Robert said they weren't sure if they could make it – they had realised that evenings at La Kaz could become very turbulent, and they felt they might need something more quiet. There was a little 'do' in the hotel as well, so they might go to the bar there and spend the evening with another couple around their age from the US that they had become friendly with. Richard was happy that his parents had found good company to spend their time with so they didn't have to rely on Camille and him for everything.

As they were on their way to La Kaz after dinner (without Margaret and Robert – they had indeed decided to stay at the hotel), Camille said "I think we'll see Fidel and Juliet again tonight, but I have no idea about the others… I really hope they'll all be there so we can tell them about the blessing. It would be so cumbersome to send texts or e-mails or make phone calls…"

She needn't have worried. They all were there.

JP had offered to help her mother a little with the bar, so he was busy mixing cocktails when Camille and Richard showed up. Florence was sitting at the bar, admiring his skills and asking him if he could show her some of his tricks some time. He nodded and pulled a funny face as he was singing along to the tune in the background, and Florence laughed at his goofy expression and the jokes he cracked. He had become a little more confident over the past few days, and their friendship did both of them good. It wasn't anything beyond that, but it felt good to have someone to talk to without having to explain too much. Someone who was her age and who could relate to her background. Someone who was not her superior, but who moved on the same level – more or less.

She was happy – she had got over the disappointing evening the other day… Humphrey had been an idiot, but that was his problem, not hers. She had decided that it was best if they remained friends and she'd stop interpreting too much into his actions. Humphrey's weird behaviour before and during the welcome party for Camille and Richard had made her come to the conclusion that he didn't know what he wanted, and that he needed time. And she needed time as well – and she wanted to do more things without him. She'd keep socialising with the team, but she'd also take better care again of her other friendships outside work. She had friends on the island that she hadn't seen in ages because she had neglected them for the sake of socialising with the team.

And then - whatever would be, would be – but she wouldn't push it. She was not into making new year resolutions, but this time she had decided to come up with a motto for the next year… and it was "Enjoy life and be kind, but don't make other people's problems your own."

Dwayne had already danced with half of the women present at La Kaz – including Juliet. She and Fidel had showed up shortly after him, and he had pulled her into a conga line rightaway. Fidel was leaning on a railing post, sipping his beer. His face lit up when he saw Camille and Richard. They tried to talk a little, but the music was too loud. Catherine waved from the background and pointed to the patio that was a little away from the main ruckus, so they all went there and sat down at one of the tables. It wasn't really quiet there, either, but at least they could talk without having to shout at one another.

Florence joined them, and eventually Juliet and Dwayne came, too – with Humphrey in tow who had just appeared on the scene. He seemed completely relaxed and behaved as if nothing ever had happened… but when Catherine came to ask him what he'd like to drink, he asked for a cocktail without alcohol. Nobody commented on it. Catherine turned around and asked the others what they wanted to have, and Camille said quickly "I'll take whatever you'll mix for Humphrey!" She wanted to show that she supported his decision… and before Richard could say anything, she turned around and said "Wouldn't you like to try that, too, Richard?"

He saw the pleading look in her eyes and understood what she was trying to express. Without hesitating, he nodded and said "Come on, Catherine, one for me as well. And this round will go on me, so…"

Much to Richard's relief, the cocktail turned out to be okay. He had worried a little that it might be too sweet – it was bright red and looked slightly scary. But it was fine, and he was happy with it. Thanks to all the juices that Camille had made him try over the past half year, he had got used to all kinds of fruity stuff, and much to his surprise, he actually quite liked some flavours. A little regretfully, he had said to Camille "Mind you… I feel like such a fool. I've missed out on so much just because I stuck to what I knew…" Camille had laughed and said "Oh, don't fret, darling – fortunately, it's not too late yet… you've got plenty of time to try out new stuff."

So, his life recently had been full of small changes here and there… he had started to try different things and gone new routes – literally… he had taken to varying his way to work a little by not always taking the same streets, or by sometimes walking on the other side of his 'usual' street –, and food was obviously only one of the things he had become a little more adventurous about. He knew it was nothing compared to what others did, but for him, these small steps were actually big leaps. At least sometimes…

It was a very relaxed evening. JP – who took a little break from the bar – joined their group, and before too long, they were all sitting around the table, and there was a lot of chatting, bantering and joking.

Camille and Richard gave everyone the details for the blessing ceremony and repeated their invitation. They had approached the owners of their hotel, and luckily, they could have the patio on the beach for their reception. The owners had said that January 2nd usually was a fairly quiet day for them, so they'd happily let them have the patio and cater for them. Since Camille and Richard were happy with what they could offer them, there was no further discussion – they didn't have any extra wishes outside the regular menu, so everything was settled very quickly.

Catherine had suggested to host the reception at La Kaz, but Camille had insisted that she wanted her mother to be a guest on this occasion – not the one who had all the work. So, Catherine just would close down the bar for the day – for her, it usually was a quiet day as well, so she wouldn't lose too much – and they'd all celebrate at the hotel's beach bar.

After that topic had been discussed extensively, Florence asked Richard about the Crime Academy and what kind of courses they offered, and he gave her a quick overview, pointing out that if she ever wanted to sign up for a class, she'd have to do so quickly because places were limited, and Camille encouraged her to give it a try some time.

When Florence hesitantly mentioned that she wouldn't know where to stay, Camille mentioned the guest house that the Met ran and said she was sure that she'd get accommodation there if she contacted them in time. And if worst came to worst, she could always ask Liz Andrews if she could help out.

Florence had never been to the UK, and she had actually never thought about going. Her eyes began to sparkle when she thought about it… London… that sounded wonderful! She was sure she'd love it there…

Humphrey watched her, and he was feeling a little sad. She seemed so eager to go. Apparently, he was really good at driving people away. Sally had left him and filed for divorce. Some time after that, Fidel had left the team for the new job on St. Lucia, and half a year later, Camille had jumped ship…

But then Florence said something that made him smile…. She turned to JP and said "Just imagine all the fun I'd have winding you up when I'd return, wised up and knowledgeable. And the team would profit so much from all the new stuff!"

JP then asked what he – Humphrey – didn't dare to ask at this point. "You would come back, wouldn't you?" he inquired anxiously. Florence laughed and said "Sure – why would I want to leave forever? Saint Marie is a great place, and our team is the best – I don't want to work anywhere else!"

The conversation then turned to hopes, dreams and plans for the new year. Dwayne said he didn't believe in making new year resolutions as they'd fail, anyway, and plans – well, you could make an awful lot of plans, but you never knew what happened, anyway, so where was the point…

JP said he was happy with how things were going and grateful for what the past year had brought him, so he only wished for everything to continue in the same way.

Fidel and Juliet exchanged a brief glance and said they hoped for a brother or sister for Rosie, but if it didn't happen, then they'd be happy with their little family the way it was, and Juliet added that she hoped her parents would manage to visit them on St. Lucia some time – so far that hadn't materialised.

Florence said she wasn't sure… but a trip to the UK and participating in a Crime Academy class sounded tempting.

Richard looked at Camille and said "Well, I agree with Dwayne that you might make an awful lot of plans but then things happen, anyway… but I just hope that the new year will bring more good things than not so good ones. Other than that, I'm just grateful to be alive – with everything that this encompasses!"

Camille smiled at him, lovingly. "I think I agree with you on that, Richard. Oh, but I wish for a trip to Clacton next year, if we can make it!"

There was a twinkle in her eyes, and he chuckled. The others were a bit taken aback, but since neither offered an explanation, they figured it was a private joke and didn't dig any deeper.

Everybody looked at Humphrey now, and JP asked "And you, sir? What are your hopes, plans and dreams for the next year?"

Humphrey smiled enigmatically and said vaguely "Oh, I have so many of them – it would be hard to count them all out…"

Then a tune began to play, and before anybody could ask more questions, he exclaimed "Oh, listen – they're playing 'Auld lang syne' – so I guess midnight is there! I'll get drinks so we can toast to the new year, okay?"

With that, he got up and strode off to the bar…