Chapter 7: When I argue with you, I am telling you that I love you

Summary:

It seems that Richard and Camille are returning to the way they felt at the beginning before they even met in their dreams. Fortunately they are not alone now. It also seems that reality could be contaminating this special redoubt that they have shared and treasure. Perhaps that is why they have not been allowed to return to "their" beach once they met.

Chapter Text

Its a very special day for DI Richard Poole and DS Camille Bordey. Nothing has turned out as they had hoped. Certainly not professionally, let alone personally.

Richard calmly prepares to head for the Station, he is sure that, once the case is solved, he will be sent back to Croydon. He has a home there, but now he isnt sure if he really has a home anywhere at all. On Sainte Marie he has realised that no one missed him there and and he feels quite confident no one will miss him here.

He could disappear right now and no one would care. He hasn't even managed to talk to the woman of his dreams (he considers it romantic nonsense to call her that, but she's the woman he's been dreaming of), though he's sure he's met her.

That Detective Sergeant, that undercover officer... he'd swear it's her. He's almost certain. But if they send him off the island he doesn't stand a chance. And he can't decide anything right now. And she hasn't thrown herself into his arms or shown any recognition of him.

As he is about to climb down the small steps that will lead him out of his shack, he narrowly misses stepping on the little lizard.

The lizard stares at him, does he read his mind, does he feel his frustrations, his doubts, his fears? It seems that the little animal wants to help him, but that is absurd.

So Richard heads with determination towards the station, to put all official business in order. On what will be his last day of work on the island.

But the Loa has other ideas. And he's not alone.

Detective Sergeant Camille Bordey is dressing neatly to head to her new job at Sainte Marie Police Station. But she won't be the new DI. It seems that Detective Inspector Poole has agreed to stay, temporarily for the time being, on the island.

"I suppose I have a chance to find out how he feels about me. Or rather to see if the dreams are just that, dreams." Camille sighs.

There's something strange about the man. He looks at her a lot, it's true. But he has never shown that he remembers their conversations, their kisses. Of course, neither has she been able to do so clearly when she was with him, both in the shack and on Lavender's boat, not even when she was imprisoned in one of the cells.

"At least they've been wonderful dreams. "

Camille remarks that last as she closes her front door and gets into the taxi that is waiting for her at her front door.

When, a few minutes later, she arrives at the station door and hears Richard's unkind comment about his forced stay on the island, she realises that he didnt decide to stay, but that Commissioner Patterson, in his usual way, has tricked him into staying involuntarily.

That breaks her heart slightly, it's true, but that's a good thing. No more doubts, no more foolish, romantic hopes. Evidently he either doesn't remember anything, or he no longer loves her because he has changed his mind, or... the real world is incompatible with the wonderful dream love they have experienced.

She decides to be brave and end this absurd situation as soon as possible.

When Camille enters, Richard looks at her in astonishment. It's her! But, of course, not only does she not seem to recognise him, but she isnt at all happy at the prospect of working with him.

He is a man used to being alone. He has not gone back to dreaming about her, to communicating as they used to. But even when they are arguing as they are now, they seem to be connected.

But he wants something more.

And so does she.

It's night in Richard's still secluded but much tidier shack or cabin or whatever it is. For that he has gone to the trouble of making it habitable. The sound of the sea waves at least relaxes him. He will adapt, he has always done so and it seems that this is not permanent.

He has finally managed to convince one of his neighbours on the phone, neighbours with whom he had no relationship or trust whatsoever, and at least the bins are sheltered. Richard doesnt know when he will be back and doesnt want any unpleasant surprises on his return, whenever that may be.

As Richard revisits the brochure of the Caribbean exhibition he enjoyed in the UK, before he was tricked into staying in Sainte Marie, he can't help but smile as he recreates those wonderful conversations with her. With Camille.

He is now sure, Camille is the woman of his dreams. The problem is that it seems the two worlds are not compatible.

"I think I'll frame this brochure" he comments to himself before getting ready for bed.

He thinks he gets up to get more fresh water. He's still in his shack, of course. But it's a bit strange.

And thats because she, Camille, is looking at him leaning against one of the bars of his bed. And she certainly doesn't seem to be in friendly mode.

He is in shock, of course, but on the other hand he feels so happy. He looks forward to talking to her and ...

"Richard Poole, don't look at me with that face, I know you're looking forward to going back to your loneliness and your miserable life. I think it's going to be true that the only one who has fought for you and me to be together is me. Rest assured, I will make your life a living hell."

At last he can talk to her! But he doesn't understand, why is she so angry? He's the one who's been tricked into staying on that godforsaken island! Who knows that his career has stagnated here because how much crime can such a small island possibly generate? He will be the islands by-law officer and dog-catcher!

"I too have given up part of my life, my career! Don't you ever forget that!"

Richard gets out of bed to try to talk to her. He feels at a disadvantage talking to her sitting on the bed.

"Can you read my mind, Camille?"

A third voice pushes in.

Before either of them can figure out where that voice is coming from, the lizard, Richard's Loa friend, clarifies:

"You both can."

Richard and Camille look at him angrily. But neither of them are surprised that the little animal can talk, or that Camille has been transported to Richard's shack just asleep, or that the atmosphere, the ambience of the room is so special. Maybe it's because time doesn't pass there as it would in the real world. Who knows.

The lizard, comfortably ensconced on Richard's bedside table, continues to watch them.

And Camille returns to the attack:

"Richard, when I come back to see you, to talk to you like this, I remember what we meant to each other. But when I met you at the station gate, I heard what you were saying to the Commissioner. And, of course, it has become clear to me that all our meetings, our conversations, our kisses, our little kisses ... no longer mean anything to you."

"Camille..."

"I know you felt cheated, but, for God's sake, Richard, you led a miserable life." She's pacing Richard's bedroom and speaks to him again: "But don't worry, it's obvious that some people are too big for happiness. And I deserve better."

Richard gets angry, she won't let him speak! He can't even think either.

"That's enough! I haven't been sure of anything until now, except that I've been cheated. I've endured so many years of scorn, malicious mockery and tasteless jokes that I can't help that reflex! I'm sick of being ignored, of having things decided for me without being consulted! That's why I said what I said."

Richard pauses for air and continues speaking.

"Besides, when I saw you walk into the station, I knew it was you. It has always been you. But your expression showed quite clearly that it was you who didn't seem at ease with me. That it was you who had forgotten everything."

The lizard, the Loa watches them in amusement. These humans are really crazy. Certainly discussions are as good a way as any to show affection, to show love.

Its also clear to him that the transition between the conversations of these two on this idyllic beach, far from the problems, far from everything that hindered them, to the real world and away from the security of dreams is not going to be easy.

Both are terribly stubborn. Both have suffered and are closed in their pain, in the rejections they have endured.

But the little lizard smiles. These two are destined to be the protectors of Sainte Marie and he knows that the rest of the sacred community will know how to make the right decisions so that everything goes as it should.

And Richard and Camille are still arguing.

The two of them are getting closer to each other in the heat of the argument. Neither is guilty, but both accuse each other of ignoring the other. When Richard, exasperated, grabs Camille's arm to prevent her from turning away and leaving him with unsaid words in his mouth, they notice something special.

They both remember the promise they made to each other, sealing it with that kiss.

And they both smile. At last.

But when they go to recall that promise, Richard's diligent alarm clock separates them. Camille's own clock is not so diligent, though the result is the same.

And the next morning they both wake up with a splitting headache and... looking forward to seeing each other at the station.

"Why am I doing everything so dreadfully wrong!" exclaims Richard almost in despair.

And the lizard looks at him with his head cocked to one side. His expression is clearly telling him that he feels exactly the same way.