Chapter 10

"Martin, I can't just stay at your place alone. I'll go crazy!"

"Uh…uhm…So what do you suggest?"

"I need to see people. Normal people. People to have a laugh with. I…" Louisa covered her eyes with her hand. She had to fight the tears.

"Louisa, I don't think drinking alcohol is advisable with your current medication."

Louisa's head snapped around and her fury made her forget the tears for a moment. "Martin, to get that clear. You don't have to drink to have a good time. It's really a shame that you know absolutely nothing about having a good time, but mostly it's enough to have someone to talk to, to laugh with. That sort of thing."

"Good. Then do that."

"How, Martin? How can I do that in your cottage?" Louisa sighed. "I'm not sure I'll have the energy to go out."

"Then invite them over to you, I don't see the problem." Martin stated matter-of-factly.

Louisa looked at him curiously. "You mean, you wouldn't mind?"

"Of course not!" Martin said with gusto. "What do you take me for? It's your home. Invite whomever you like."

Louisa was quiet for a moment. She had never thought of it that way. She had always presumed Martin would oppose her inviting people, but then again, he had never said so. Like so many things, they had never really talked about that.

"Uhm…probably not tonight. I guess I really have to rest. Maybe one of the next days, if you really don't mind." Louisa searched for signs of uneasiness in Martin, but he wasn't stiffer than usual. He just shrugged his shoulders in an awkward way.

Finally they turned into the road leading to the village. Martin was concentrating on his driving now. Louisa took the sight of her village in. It was strange. Although she lived here her entire life, the beauty of this spot always got to her.

When they passed the harbour, many villagers waved at her, giving her the thumbs up or signalled in any way that they were on her side. A whole village supported her. She should rely on that. She should never forget.

That was the way James should grow up – supported and feeling safe. Would it be possible with the kind of parents they were, if they couldn't build up a harmonious family?

Martin parked the car and then hurried around it to open the door for Louisa. Martin was so old-school in many ways.

When she had left for the airport – was it just yesterday – Martin really helped her to get to the taxi, although Louisa could see that he felt uncomfortable about her leaving. His old-fashioned manners didn't allow him to act otherwise.

Louisa let him help her. After all, it was the least he could do.

Louisa dreaded to enter the cottage. She didn't fancy all the pitiful looks of Martin's patients. Martin opened the front door for her and she slid carefully in, just to stop on the spot, astounded.

To be continued…