Chapter 22

Louisa woke up feeling nauseous – again. O, when will this end. At 10 weeks, she thought it would have been over by now. With James she only felt sick for about 6 weeks…not this long! She was sure the moment she got up, she'll need to run to the Bathroom. She wished she could have stayed in bed until this baby is born. She was done with vomiting! She felt tired every morning even before she started the school day. She really hoped the nauseous stage would pass soon! With a huge sigh, she got up to start the day…and yes, off to the bathroom, hanging over the bowl.

As she stood up to brush her teeth, she thought about the past 2 weeks and she felt a bit emotionally drained as well. The past 2 weeks with Martin was really very hard. He pushed all her buttons, and not the right ones. She knew it was due to his assignment, and she really tried to be understanding…but she is glad it was over. She is well aware that it was probably only the start of a difficult road for Martin, but at least that was out of the way. Looking forward, after dealing with the past! She hoped that it will get better . . . it can only get better, right? There had to be better times ahead, than constant bickering with Martin. The past fortnight he made it really hard for her to shut up and understand. That was simply not her way. She is headstrong and value her own opinion. And shutting up was never something she did very well. She can't even count the numerous times she had to bite her tongue in the last 14 days!

When Louisa got to school, she was irritated as she was late. She was firstly stopped by Bert who only wanted to ask if the Doc was in, but ended up telling her some story about the origin of Whiskey. She still had no clue what he was babbling about. She had to politely excuse herself, reminding him that it was in fact a school day, and she was the Head, who could not be late! Then Mrs Olson stopped her, a dear old lady, but a very slow talker. Once again she had to excuse herself in the middle of the conversation, and she felt quite bad about it as Mrs Olson didn't have any one to talk to anymore since her husband died in April. When she finally arrived at the school, one of the children's parents were already waiting for her. It was Mikey's mom and dad. She actually did not have the strength to talk to them today, but it had to be done. He was a very bright young boy, really smart, but somehow he ended up with some poor grades the last couple of weeks. She needed to find out if there were any changes happening at home or if they were even aware of his decrease in grades. She took a big breath and started the day.

At 11 o clock she was able to 'relax' in her office for the first time. She dealt with the Mikey situation quite efficiently, learning that the parents were in the middle of a divorce, and Mikey, being an only child, was hit by it quite hard. She understood, really understood what Mikey was going through. Years and years after the same happened to her parents, it still affected her. People don't know just what children think and feel in situations like that. Children will always put on a brave face, smile, act normal, but she knew just how deeply it affects your heart and soul. Mikey's path ahead wasn't easy, but from her side at school, she will try to help him as much as possible, as Mrs Wingley, her own year 5 teacher helped her through her toughest time in life! Mrs Wingley was the reason she became a teacher. She was her rock when it felt the world turned against her. She cried as if it was her own mother when Mrs Wingley passed away 7 years ago of leukaemia. She aspire to follow in Mrs Wingley's shoes. If she could only help one child the way Mrs Wingley helped her, she would consider herself a successful teacher.

She opened her drawer and took out an apple, and two biscuits. She also made herself a cup of tea. After the 5 minute breather, she felt better. Just then there was a knock on her door. She expected it to be one of the teachers or even a child that was send to her office, but was extremely surprised when a tall, dark and handsome man stood in her doorway

"Hello Louisa! Remember me?"

Louisa was truly dumbstruck. It was Ben from the beach … at the cottage. She never thought she would see him again!

"Ben, what a nice surprise! Please come in, take a seat. It's good to see you're still around."

"Well I'm just flattered that you still remembered my name!" He laughed and sat down in the chair.

"So, you decided to come and visit Portwenn after all. I am really glad. You'll really love it here."

"I am surprised at the beauty that's surrounding the town, and also the town itself is pretty gorgeous…but off course nothing compares to the beauty in front of me!" He gave her a smile and she was blushing again! "Really, it looks like you only got prettier since the last time I saw you. You are truly …uhm … radiant!"

Louisa shifted uncomfortably in her chair, but what he said made he feel warm inside. It was nice to hear flattering words like that and not something like "Due to the increase in blood flow to the skin, which makes it brighter and blushed in pregnant woman your skin looks radiant, Louisa," Classical Martin.

"O, stop teasing, you cannot go around flattering people like that, especially in this small village."

He laughed out loud and gave her a wink. "Ooo, is your husband the jealous type?"

She did not give him an answer? She actually really did not know if Martin was truly the jealous type? She knew he didn't like Danny's attention when it was directed at her, but she imagine it's only because Martin don't like Danny at all. Would he get upset if some other man ever gave her a compliments? She don't think he's the type that would ever make a scene and fight for her honour. She almost laughed out loud at the thought of that! Imagining Martin take up a sword to challenge his rival to fight sounds preposterous! But, Martin in one of those tight fit pants and white wide sleeved shirts…hmmm, now that's a different story!

She quickly diverted her attention back to the man sitting in front of her. "I guess your time was up at the cottage? Did you enjoy it there?"

"O yes, it was fantastic. I did a lot of walking on the beach, a lot of thinking and when I got a bit bored I suggested to the owner of the cottage that I would fix up the place a bit for a week or two's extra rent free stay. So I repainted the house, fixed up the roof, did some minor repairs, you know, the usual." He seemed very relaxed.

"I am confused; I thought you said you are a teacher." Louisa was sure that's what he said on the beach. Yes, he said he was a math teacher. Math teachers don't paint and fix up houses! Well, not the ones she knew.

"Yes, I am a teacher. But I have a father that insisted that a man must be able to take care of his family so he taught me everything a man must be able to do! I can paint, fix electricals', do a bit of plumbing, heck; I can even build a little. But that I learned when our school wanted a gym. So all the male teachers and some of the dads pitched in and build it! My dad also taught me the basics about the insides of a car engine and off course a tractor." He looked very proud and you could hear when he talked about his father that he loved him. Louisa wished she could do the same about her own father.

"Well, he sounds like quite a man. What's his profession?" It was nice to hear Ben talk, and she would like to hear more about him and his family.

"He is a farmer. He is already 67 but refuses to give up farming! We have a cattle and sheep farm. But he also does a bit of planting…sometimes corn, sometimes sunflowers. There is nothing that goes on on that farm that he does not know about. There is not a thing he cannot fix if it's broken. He's simply the best."

"How nice. What about your mum?" Louisa did not want him to stop talking. It was nice to hear someone else's story for a change, and it made it all more exciting that he was from a different country! She liked how … flat his accent sounded. Not bad, just different.

"O my mom is the world's best mom ever. She's a typical "boervrou" like we would say – that means farmers wife. She loves baking and cooking and she has this beautiful rose garden. She also have about 20 chickens that she treats like children. She simply loves people and always invites friends over for a 'braai 'over the weekends…uhm, that's what you like to call a barbeque. We just do it a bit different. She is the most loving caring person I know!"

"She sounds like the perfect mom." Louisa gave him a small smile that clearly did not reach her eyes, as they looked a bit sad.

Ben picked up on that and said. "She is! But enough about me. I only wanted to stop by and greet you…since you're the only person I know. I booked in at some sort of hotel at the bar … upstairs room, but was wondering if you could advise me on a flat or small house I could rent for a while. I don't want to stay there for two months maybe more. I plan to go to Newqie…or something like that after here"

"NEWQUAY. It not far from here, 'bout 23 miles. And about housing, you shouldn't struggle too much to find a place. Since its autumn now, most of the summer visitors have gone back. The winters 'round here gets quite awful."

"Good to know! Just one last question. You said your husband was the local GP here? I think I need to go visit him. I had a small accident on the second last day before leaving the cottage. I was fixing something on the roof, when I slipped and fell and one of the panels that weren't secured yet on the roof, stuck into my calf, nasty cut. I was lucky that I did not fell of the roof. I cleaned up the wound, put some bandage on, but I think it got a bit infected as it doesn't look or feel very good."

"O my, that's unfortunate. You should definitely go see Martin. When you leave the school yard, you can just walk past the harbour and uphill. The street's name is Rosscarrock. Come here; let me show you the building through the window." Louisa stood up and walked over to her window and signalled for Ben to join her. He walked around the desk and stood very close to Louisa. She could smell his aftershave. She shrugged her shoulders and showed Ben the grey building across the harbour.

"Thanks so much for your friendliness Louisa. Let me go see if I can get an appointment. I guess I will see you around town. Jy is asemrowend." Bye."

It was the second time Ben said something in his own language that she could not understand. That was quite nice, but she really wished he could translate it…but clearly he didn't want to do that.

"Bye Ben, see you 'round."

Ben barely left when the school's secretary burst into the office to hammer Louisa with questions about her extremely handsome visitor.

"O, he's just a traveller, who also happened to be a teacher. I met him on the weekend me, Martin and James went away. He's traveling through England for a year. And I told him that Portwenn is the most beautiful village in all of England. So, here he is. He said he'll stay for a month or so. Then he'll be off to Newquay. He's also hurt his leg, so he remembered that I told him that my husband is the GP, so he wanted to come and ask me where he could find him." Louisa was rambling it all off as she wanted to get it out real quick. She knows how these villagers are. Before long, the whole village will know about the handsome man that visited her in her office. Better to tell this woman in front of her as much as possible to take the mystery out of it! She made sure to mention that she told Ben about her husband who was the GP, so that they won't think differently. After all, there isn't anything to hide in any case.

The rest of Louisa's day was busy. When she finally went home, she almost forgot about Ben completely. She was tired and just wanted to be home with her son and husband. When she arrived home, Janice was playing with James. When her son saw her, his whole face lit up and she was awarded with a bright smile and an awful lot of talking especially mumumum. He's getting so big. He was able to say quite a few words but his favourite words was mumumum, dada, bye bye, He was able to walk for longer periods before he fell. But he's already showing his dad's stubbornness to give up. He's quite a determined little guy.

Looking at her son, Louisa was feeling a bit anxious about the new house as well. A week after they bought the furniture, curtains and paint, it was delivered. Now everything was just standing there in the new house. She and Martin both have been so busy lately; that they haven't appointed a painter yet and they did not even hung the curtains and blinds yet. She wasn't feeling very energetic these last 2, 3 weeks and Martin had his assignment from Dr Alan and was also called out quite a few times after hours. They really needed to make time to at least go and hang the curtains. It was not safe to leave everything like that. She must make a point to discuss it with Martin.

Martin sat at his desk, waiting for Morwenna to send in the last patient. Morwenna told him that it was a tourist that came by earlier today and asked to see the Doctor. She booked him the last slot as they were already fully booked before he came.

There was a knock on the door and a tall, dark haired man walked in.

"Good Afternoon Doctor." He stretched out his right hand and Martin stood up to greet the man.

"I Am Ben Van Der Walt."

Martin shook his hand and pointed to the chair so he can sit. "Dr Ellingham", Martin said.

"I know it must have been a long day, so let me get straight to the point. I was fixing a roof, slipped and injured my leg on a loose panel. I did clean it with water, and after the bleeding stopped, I put a bandage on. But it's not looking good now. I was wondering if you could have a look and maybe prescribe me a good antiseptic as I should have cleaned it better. I am not familiar with all the ointments and things in England so I was afraid to just go buy something off the rack."

"How long ago? Martin pointed to his examination table and said: "Get on there."

Ben went to the bed, and rolled up his pants of the leg in question. "Two days ago." Martin took off the Bandage and felt a twitch in his stomach as the wound started bleeding due to the bandage that was stuck to it. But surprisingly that was all, no sweat, no need to vomit. He inspected the wound closer. There was quite a big cut that should definitely get some stitches, and it really needs a thorough cleaning! He went to get some disinfectant and cleaned it quite vigorously. He then closed the wound with 3 stitches and put some antiseptic ointment on. He finally closed it with a bandage.

"You should have cleaned it better, and you shouldn't have waited so long before seeing a doctor. Have you recently had a Tetanus shot?" Martin looked at the man with eyebrows raised. He wondered if this tourist would even know what it means.

"No, the last time I had one was when I was 10, and stepped on a rusted can. I am sorry that I have to trouble you with my stupidity. You're right, I should have taken better care of it."

"Right." Martin prepared a shot and took Ben's arm and administered it. He was quite impressed with this tourist. He did not say a single word, or moaned or complained when Martin cleaned his wound, gave him stitches or gave him the shot. Looks like a tough one. He also did not talk nonsense, he got straight to the point and told Martin exactly how, where, and when. He also admitted his stupidity. He wished all his patient could follow this one's lead.

Martin went to sit at his desk and was writing a prescription for a good antiseptic cleaner and also a lotion.

"Thank you Dr Ellingham, I appreciate it. I am glad that I met your wife who told me you were a GP. You helped me a lot today."

Martin's head shot up and he looked at the man in front of him intensely. "How do you know Louisa?" He thought this man was just a tourist. Maybe he met Louisa in town somewhere today. He know how Louisa could talk to just about any person she meets.

"We met about 2 months ago, on a beach actually. She mentioned that she, and her son and husband were on a little vacation. She also mentioned that her husband was the local GP and told me to come visit Portwenn if I could. I must say, she was not exaggerating when she said it was the prettiest village in all of England. You are lucky, Dr Ellingham, to live in such a beautiful village and being married to such a gorgeous woman. And I guess the cherry on top is that cute son of yours!"

"You met James as well?" Martin did not like what he was hearing. How could Louisa not tell him about this tourist she and James met on the beach? He looked at Ben again, and felt even more uneasy. This guy was quite … handsome. He had dark hair and green eyes and tanned skin, and he was clearly not out of shape. When he talked you could see he was very confident.

Ben smiled at Martin, and Martin could feel the shivers run up his spine. He was sure all the woman who saw that smile, melted instantaneously. He had perfect white teeth. Martin knew many guys in medical school that looked like Ben. They were obnoxious, self-centred and had too much confidence for their own good. However, the ladies hanged on every word they said. Repulsive.

"Yes, he is simply the cutest boy ever! But let me not keep you away from them any longer" Ben reached out and greeted Martin. He had a strong grip. "Thank you once again Dr Ellingham. I might see you around town as I plan to stay in this gorgeous place for a month or two" he turned and walked out the door, prescription in hand.

"O God!" Martin grunted!

Later that evening, long after they had dinner, bathed James and settled him for the night, Louisa and Martin sat on the couch. Martin was holding his BMJ but haven't read a single article yet. In fact, he read the first line of the article 5 times already. That tourist was on his mind…and the fact that Louisa didn't tell him about their meeting.

Louisa was also trying to read a book, but couldn't manage to concentrate on the story at all. She needed to discuss the house with Martin. She let it be the last couple of weeks, but now it was time. They simply have to make time to get things sorted. This is dragging an awful long time. She is ready to move! She was just about to put down her book, when she saw Martin looking at her. He wasn't 'admiring' her as he sometimes does…she knew that look all to way. This was a different look.

"Whot?"

"Uhm, I met a 'friend' of yours today" Martin wanted to sound normal, but he knew his voice was failing him.

"O? I thought by now you've met all my friends." Louisa didn't like the wayMartin sounded. He sounded unusual.

"A Tourist named Ben who claim to have met you before."

Louisa's heart skipped a beat. She knew Ben were too come and see Martin, for the injury he mentioned, but for some reason she felt uneasy by the fact that Martin mentioned it.

"Oh, right. James and I came across him on the beach when we took a stroll the Saturday at the cottage. We talked for a couple of minutes and then we went back. I actually forgot about him. But it seems I have convinced him that Portwenn was worth visiting. He came by the school today to greet me as I told him I was a teacher here. He is actually also a teacher from South Africa! When we talked on the beach I told him that you were the Doctor on call here, so he came by to ask directions to the surgery. He's staying at the pub and is looking for a rental. I told him it shouldn't be too hard to find one now, since its autumn." Once again, Louisa felt the urgency to tell the person in front of her as much as possible. With her secretary it was mainly to ensure there would be little to gossip about, but with Martin she wanted to make sure she told him everything to put his mind at ease as she could clearly see he wasn't over the moon about Ben.

"Why didn't you tell me … that you met someone on the beach?"

"O, I don't know, might be because you swept me off my feet when we returned to the cottage, with the lovely barbeque and you looked so handsome. I guess I just completely forgot about him. He wasn't important. I was really surprised today when he showed up at the school."

Martin only let out a muttered grunt. He can't believe that Louisa just forgot about Ben. Ben wasn't the type to be easily forgotten.

"He is a … handsome man, not easily forgotten" Martin looked at Louisa's face to ensure he could see her reaction. He was surprised when he saw a smile and mischievous look in her eyes.

"So, that is you type then, hmm? Tall, dark and handsome?" Louisa grinned.

Martin first looked a bit baffled as he didn't quite understand what Louisa meant, but then his eyes grew big and he looked horrified.

"O God, No! I merely suggest-"

Louisa's laugh made him realise that she wasn't serious.

"Oh Martin, it's was just a joke. You should have seen the look on your face." She fell back against the sofa cushions and laughed again." After a minute she gained control. "Thanks Martin, I needed a good laugh!"

"Glad I could be of assistance." He turned his attention to the BMJ that was still unread.

After about a minute of silence, Louisa spoke.

"Martin? I was meaning to ask you?" She shifted her weight as she felt the urgency to visit the loo again, for the umpteenth time. But she will hold it just a tad, she needed to ask Martin when they would find time for the house.

"Yes?" He seemed a bit closed off. Louisa really hoped meeting Ben today, wasn't the reason for this. That would just be silly.

"Is there a way we could arrange to have some time to spend on the new house? Our furniture and curtains were delivered quite a while back and we still haven't gotten around to put them up. We also haven't decided on a painter yet! I knew you said we have all the time in the world, but at this rate we will move in when James goes off to college!"

"That's ridiculous Louisa!"

"I know I am exaggerating, but I am really ready to move. We simply have to make time to get it done, please?" Louisa looked at him with her best 'pleading' face. She hoped he saw the desperation.

"Yes. I know. I feel the same way. We need to set a time, and not deviate from it by any means. "

"Easier said than done. There is always some emergency or something disrupting our plans." Louisa was biting her bottom lip.

Martin thought hard for a while and then said. "If you have nothing to do on Saturday, say from 12, I could reschedule some appointments and close the surgery a bit earlier? Will that be helpful?"

Louisa's face lit up and she had a smile as big as the sun on her face. "Yes, Martin, that would be great! But are you sure about closing the surgery? How would you be able to reshuffle 4 hours of appointments?" Louisa wasn't very hopeful.

"Morwenna has proven to be quite . . . resourceful. She is actually good in rescheduling. I've seen her manage it a couple of times when emergencies took over some scheduled appointments. And also with my visits to Dr Alan. I am sure she'll manage. And if there is emergencies, they can go to Wadebridge for the day. I will put up a note."

"Thank you Martin, for finding the time to do it. I think I should ask Janice to take care of James Saturday afternoon, if she's not busy. Don't want our little 'walker' to get hurt while we work. And I really think you should let Morwenna know that she is making a difference. She would appreciate a positive word from you."

Martin didn't say anything, but Louisa knew the look on his face. There's no way he would say that to Morwenna! He would rather die a thousand deaths. She wonder why it was so hard for him to compliment others. Or showed that he appreciated someone. She could only sigh deeply.

Translation for Ben's "Jy is asemrowend" comment to Louisa: "You are Breath-taking"