Filler1
Between Chapter 9 and 10
Greg walked down the coast line, his body relaxed and easy. It landed on heads, so America it was, the first stop on his world trip. He made his mind up; he'll stay in one place for about three weeks then move on to the next place.
He landed in Washington and since he was retired with time, he did what any normal tourist would do and went on the bus tour to all the sights. He loved it, he made new friends and for once he could just forget the gloomy London and the pain it left behind.
This time was for him and all the things he always wanted to do. He'll maybe he'll go bungee jumping in South Africa or something, definitely going on a safari tour in Africa.
"You're English aren't you?" Greg turned to the woman next to him. She was an American, beautiful with sparkling eyes.
"How could you tell?" He asked as he turned to look at her.
"Oh I have my ways. I'm Di by the way."
"Di? Short for Dianne?" This time she was surprised but smiling.
"How did you know?"
"I have my ways Di, I'm Greg."
Twenty minutes later they were chatting like old friends and sharing experiences and the tour. When the tour was finished they decided on having a drink and found themselves at a nice restaurant talking the afternoon away.
"Shall we get dinner while we're here?" Greg asked when he started to feel hungry. Dianne looked at the time.
"Why not?"
"Brilliant."
"Where are you staying Greg?" Dianne asked when the food arrived and they moved on to a second bottle of wine.
"A small hotel, it won't be long so I thought why not enjoy it."
"Aah yes, you're world trip."
"That's right, one year of seeing as much as I can."
"I should put that in my book."
"About travelling in the big city?"
"Or men trying to forget." Greg turned serious.
"What makes you think I'm trying to forget?" She leaned closer.
"Because I see it in your eyes, and I won't ask questions, but if you're amenable I'd like to help, in this few days."
Greg was staring at her, trying to get a read, he'd like some company for a while and a friendly face who knows the city and its secrets would be nice.
"In what way?"
"Any way you'd like. Let me help you Greg, show you my city and the little treasures it holds."
Greg thought for a moment, he was here to get a much needed break, get over Mycroft and live a little. Mycroft who was most likely on his honeymoon. He lifted his glass.
"To you and the city."
"To having the time of your life."
For three weeks they spend as much time together as possible, he told her all about his work and reasons for leaving and he found a valuable friend in that time. Since all that had happened he was truly glad for leaving as his heart was much lighter.
Dianne showed him the city, they went dancing, they went dancing and Dianne made him forget about London and most importantly about Mycroft. Greg didn't felt guilty, he felt good.
She accompanied him to the airport and he gave her the coin. He kissed her forehead before speaking.
"Heads for Australia, tails for Mexico." She smiled and tossed the coin.
X-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
One month later.
Greg climbed in the cage, with the other people, it was very small groups, and he was actually the oldest.
The tank was squarely on his back and the glasses on his eyes. He looked up as the door closed and the cage was let down in the water. The moment the water covered his head, he could feel the peace and tranquillity of the ocean engulf him.
A shadow moved in the distance, getting bigger and bigger. It was huge and Greg was very glad for the steel bar cage.
Going shark diving was something he only read about, but when he was in Australia and saw the advertisement he went for it.
Greg eyes opened in shock when a great white swam close by. It was magnificent.
X-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
Two months later
Greg was standing on the bridge his heart hammering in his chest.
"You sure my heart will take this?" He asked the young man next to him. He was in New Zealand and decided that yes he was going to do bungee jumping. The fact that the man in charge was quite handsome wasn't helping either. He may be retired, but he sure isn't dead yet.
"Sure, you're good to go. You're healthy, no heart problems and so forth unless you lied on the papers?"
"No. I did not. I'm in my fifties you know." Every participant had to fill in some forms, saying they're in good health and doing this out of own free will, and the company and management is not liable for any accidents and so forth.
"You wear it well." Greg turned to the man seeing his eyes crinkle in the corners and a smile on his lips. Is he flirting with Greg?
"Thank you. So have you done this before?"
"Yeah loads. It's a thrill." Greg looked at the rope around his waist.
"You sure this is going to hold me?" The mas stepped close and checked the ropes.
"Yeah. You're in excellent shape for your age Greg." Yeah, definitely flirting.
"Thank you Ian, if I survive we should celebrate." Greg flirted back. Ian smiled was bright and open. He leaned over to Greg.
"When and where, I'll bring the party crackers."
"I'll keep you to that."
"Please do." Ian winked and stepped back. Greg got in position to jump and turned back to Ian.
"See you on the other side."
"Oh, I'll be there." Greg smile broadly and held out his arms taking a breath he leaned forward and fell.
"You survived." Greg turned around in the small pub next to the bungee jumping company. Ian was standing behind him and moved to sit next to him at the bar.
"I did. I'm celebrating." Greg answered as he drank his beer.
"You said we should be celebrating." Ian replied as he leaned into Greg's space. Greg nodded.
"You said you'd bring party crackers." Ian stood up and leaned into Greg's space to whisper.
"I am the party cracker, want to celebrate somewhere else?" Greg answered by pulling him closer and turning his head to face him.
"Love to."
X-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
Three months later
Greg was feeling amazing; he just got back from a safari wild tour and was lucky enough to see the entire big Five. There is such a big difference between a picture and the real thing.
The biggest surprise was that when he got back to the camp before taking him back to the hotel, was the baby cubs. He never in his life held a baby lion before and most likely won't again. This was spectacular.
With a spring in his step he made his way to the swimming pool. After a very hot African day, he will get cool off in the amazing pool.
It was late afternoon and the shadows were stretching, yet it was still warm and sunny.
Placing his towel on a reclining chair along with his shirt he walked to the edge. It's been four months and he was having the time of his life. When he set out to go on his little breakaway, he made a promise to himself that it was all about him, and that's what he did, the people he met, the friends he made. Yes he missed Sherlock and John, but this is all about him. A small part even missed Mycroft. They had some really good times before it all went sour, so he can't complain much. His heart was still sore, but he learned that with great concentration and a made up decision, can allow you to forget and move on. For a while at least.
He stood at the edge of the pool, his eyes focused on the water and with a breath he dived.
X-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
Four months later
Greg eyed the bicycle with weary eyes, he can't remember the last time he rode one. However if he needed to see the places then this is the best way to go, as they say, when in Rome, or Beijing in fact.
He downloaded the song of Katie Melua called nine million bicycles in Beijing but after the first chorus deleted it again. The words just hit a heartstring he was sure he let go on this trip.
Sticking to his tourist podcast about Beijing and all it can offer he climbed on the bicycle and set out for the nearest restaurant.
X-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
Five months later.
The scene was truly one of the most picturesque Greg had ever seen. One that was saved for travelling pamphlets and romantic novels. The beach was white and inviting, the sky clear and fresh, palm trees blowing in the wind. Lovely.
Greg stood in his swimming trunks, with flip flops on his feet, a Hawaiian flowery shirt on, sunglasses that can only be described as a surfer's trend and a straw hat.
Oh yes Hawaii was stunning.
He sat down under the shade in the beach bar, a cocktail in an empty coconut already waiting.
The waves were high and surfers going wild.
That looked like fun. He should try it.
The very nice girl in the surf shop did dare him to try it, said she'll give him her number if he did. Well he does want her number. Yeah, he should go surf.
Right after this cocktail.
X-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
Six months later
Greg eyes the slopes, a little unsure as exactly how he should do this. He had a whole class yesterday and the previous day, so today he is attempting his first challenge. Skiing down a mountain, okay a hill, but still it looked very big from where he is standing. On top of it. The lodge he was staying in was smaller than his thumbnail. It was far...
"Greg. Stop worrying, you'll be fine."
Greg turned to the man standing next to him.
"That's easy for you to say Stellan, you're an instructor." Greg replied. Stellan took Greg's hand.
"And you're amazing, you surfed, so you have the hips movement down. Also your hips were very - what's the English word - oh flexible, you'll be fine." Greg blushed at the compliment. He's been in Switzerland for almost two weeks now and besides the amazing chocolate he decided he might as well learn to ski. Stellan was more than willing to teach him.
"Right, so let's do this." Greg replied as he got ready. Stellan standing next to him.
"Last one down buys the first round." Greg laughed.
"That's how I got you the first time!"
"I might show my gratitude later!" Stellan yelled as he pushed away and started skiing down with a laughing Greg following behind.