Hearts On Fire Episode 10
Julia retired to bed more content than she’d expected.
Dinner had been enjoyable. All her pupils were still here, and they numbered six now that another person, Margot, a garrulous American, had arrived by train.
She was looking forward to helping Wizzy come out of her shell, and even Charlie had engaged with her, albeit reluctantly.
Tomorrow would be tougher – their first group painting session – but that didn’t prevent her from falling asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
She awoke the following morning feeling refreshed.
She stretched in the double bed, enjoying the swish of cool, crisp cotton.
She could easily spend a month here every summer.
The retreat simply had to be a success.
She heard footsteps pacing the next room – Mark was getting up.
It was time she did the same.
She rose, opened the French windows and stepped on to the balcony.
Her room was at the back of the house, facing west over olive groves that sloped down to the forest.
Pine scent filled her lungs and the song of forest birds filled her ears.
This was the perfect spot for her morning stretches.
She put on leggings and a loose shirt, then moved the rug from the bedroom on to the balcony and lay down.
Eyes closed, she began a series of deep breaths.
The balcony doors to the next room opened.
Julia heard a gasp, then Mark bellowed, “Julia!”
She sat up. His face was white and his eyes wide.
“Yes?” she said, jumping to her feet.
His shoulders relaxed and he pressed a hand across his heart.
“I thought you’d died.”
He was deathly white and his eyes were ringed with dark circles. He was breathing heavily, too.
He turned to stare out over the woods.
“Are you all right?”
“It was a surprise, that’s all. I slept badly.”
Julia decided not to ask what had kept him awake.
Her handsome neighbour clearly had demons.
What had happened to trouble him so deeply?
“I had just started some morning yoga,” she told him, changing the subject. “I find it helps me achieve a positive frame of mind.
“Would you like to join me?” she added.
He looked at her blankly.
“Yoga? Isn’t that all chakras and mantras?”
“Not the way I do it,” Julia replied. “It’s stretches and controlled breathing.
“It relieves muscle tension and makes me feel calm and energised.”
His mouth skewed to one side and his eyes crinkled.
Laughter lines, Julia noted. He used to laugh a lot and Julia wanted to help him laugh again.
“You think it would help?” he asked.
“Better than any pill.” Julia smiled in what she hoped was a reassuring way.
Mark let out a big breath.
“I could do with some calm. I’ve enough tension for everyone here at the retreat.”
Then, to her surprise, he laughed.
“I came here on my doctor’s advice. To get away from it all.
“I’m here to relax and rediscover the joy of painting. Instead, I seem to have booked a week in my worst nightmare.”
He shook his head before continuing.
“I’ve nothing to lose and everything to gain. So what do I do?”
Julia told him to fetch a rug and lie down.
“I’ll explain everything I’m doing. Try to follow.”
She closed her eyes again and concentrated on deep, slow breaths.
Next, she focused on individual muscle groups and breathed the tension out of each in turn.
Mark’s breathing synchronised with hers.
Next, she began slow, deliberate movements.
With each movement, she heard the rustle of Mark’s rug as he followed her lead.
After a few minutes, satisfied he was engaged, she focused on her own relaxation and became oblivious to him.
So it was only when she stood that she realised Mark lay utterly still, head to one side, peace written into every feature as he emitted a rhythmic snore.
Julia retreated indoors to let him sleep.
After a shower, dressing, putting on her make-up and tidying her room, it was time for breakfast.
Mark was still snoring.
“Mark?” she called.
No response.
She called twice more, then shrugged and threaded her way through the house to the dining table on the terrazza.
He needed sleep, and she could bring him back some coffee and rolls.
Mark still hadn’t appeared by the time she’d finished her meal.
Julia grabbed a tray and began setting it with a large coffee, milk, sugar cubes and two croissants.
“Mark slept badly,” she explained.
Eyebrows were raised as she left.
Back in her room, Julia went to the balcony.
Mark had rolled on to his side, his legs bent up, his hands under his head.
Julia looked at the tray and then at Mark.
It was tempting to throw a sheet over him, but he might wake up after they had set out for the day and be alone with his worries, when he needed distraction and occupation.
Plus, he would feel safer in town, away from the trees.
“Mark!” she called.
His breathing changed, but he remained asleep.
She tried again, and this time his eyes opened and, after glancing about him in confusion, his gaze rested on her and focused.
She gestured to the food.
“You should eat something. We’re going out in half an hour.”
He almost jumped to his feet.
“I’m so sorry. I can’t believe I fell asleep!”
He stepped forward and reached for the tray.
“I can’t thank you enough.”
As he took the tray, their hands touched and time stopped.
Julia’s surprise was reflected in Mark’s hazel eyes, fixed unwaveringly on hers.
For a few long moments, Julia felt like he would lean over and kiss her . . .
To be continued…