Now and Forever

By Sally Seymore

Becky struggles to come to terms with the tragedy in her life. She believes that true love will mend the longing in her heart and bring her happiness, but through broken relationships and pain she learns that healing has to come first.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sally Seymore
• Release date: Feb 1, 2013
• ISBN: 9780620557481

Sally Seymore

Sally believes that all around us there are stories to be told. After working for many years in public relations she finally put pen to paper and has written two novels and a non-fiction book.'I'm passionate about my writing. My first two books were novels and then I ventured into writing a non-fiction book about drug rehabilitation. There is so much pain out there and it is not necessary.'Her studies included an Honors in Political Science, a Masters in Communication Management and a Creative Writing Course.Sally lives in South Africa and alternates between their house near Blouberg in Cape Town and their cottage on the banks of the Magalies River in North West Province.

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Now and Forever

By Sally Seymore

Copyright 2013 Sally Seymore

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters and events are the product of the author’s imagination and any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Connect with Sally Seymore

Chapter 1

2012

Becky waves and blows kisses at Alex and Antoinette as they move through the boarding gate at Cape Town International Airport. There’s a subtle whiff of Alex’s aftershave around her and she smiles, thinking it’s as gentle as the person wearing it. Sadness overcomes her and she sighs deeply, wondering why she had not realized her feelings for him sooner. I have known him for twelve years. We’ve always been close, but it puzzles me that nothing has ever happened between us. I know now that this tall man with his sandy brown hair and green eyes is the man for me, but looking at him and Antoinette, it seems it’s too late. Where did I go wrong?

Her mind goes back to all that time, long ago…

2000

Becky double-checks her timetable to ensure that she has the right lecture notes and puts everything she needs for the day in her student bag. Fleetingly her mind goes back to two years ago… A shudder ripples through her body, but she shakes off the sadness that threatens to overcome her. She is desperate to put her tragic past behind her – to start building a new life and a happier one at that – and she hopes that her move to the Western Cape was the right choice… She closes the front door behind her.

Noticing her landlady at the gate, she calls out, ‘Hello Mrs Brompton, you’re up early this morning?’

‘Morning Becky, oh it’s not so easy to sleep late when you get to my age.’ Mrs Brompton laughs merrily, ‘You’ll still get there… one day.’

Excited Becky says, ‘Oh, so by the way, I’ll be home early this afternoon. I’m going away for the weekend – just so that you know. I’ll be back after class to get some of my things, but I’ll pop in to say goodbye… if you’re here when I leave.’

Mrs Brompton smiles and asks roguishly, ‘Don’t tell me you’re going to Alex again for the week-end? Mmm, lovely young man – so well-mannered, and handsome mind you.’

Becky laughs merrily at Mrs Brompton’s comment. She remembers how lucky she was to have found private accommodation in the university town of Stellenbosch, especially with such a wonderful and caring couple. It was sheer luck, as her aunt had volunteered to contact the Bromptons whom she had met a few times, to enquire whether they were aware of any places being available to students. It so happened that their tenant had given notice, as she was moving on after graduating. The Bromptons were happy to take in Becky and, although she keeps mostly to herself, Becky has only experienced kindness from them.

Then more seriously Mrs Brompton adds, ‘Remember to lock your door…and take care when walking to varsity.’ She shakes her head, ‘I don’t like it when you walk alone. I’d hate it if something happened to you!’

Many times already Mrs Brompton has made it clear that she feels responsible for her and Becky assures her lovingly that she’ll be careful, ‘Mrs Brompton, please don’t worry unnecessarily about me.’

Becky however understands their concern. Shortly after moving in, Mr Brompton explained to her how things had changed for them in this idyllic little town. He said they had lived here for most of their lives and had always felt safe. That was until about five years’ ago, when the residents were shaken by the brutal murder of a young couple, their two children and domestic servant. It happened a few months after the first national elections in South Africa. At the time Becky was still at school, but she and her brother were raised to be politically aware and she remembers how many people were high with the euphoria of the country offering a better life for all its citizens. But there were also many who regarded 27 April 1994 as doomsday for South Africa.

Although it is a few years since the time of that cruel murder, crime levels have risen and students have been forced to change their ways. The town was renowned for its casualness – if not slackness – about locking doors and leaving items visible in cars, which is a temptation for those who have nothing.

The Bromptons, and many like them, feel the morale of the town has been affected. Historically, Stellenbosch was regarded as a seat of Afrikaner learning and incidents such as these cause emotions to flare up, sometimes to the detriment of all. Becky however realizes that the people living in the more privileged areas in the Western Cape have been sheltered and haven’t experienced the same crime levels as in other parts of the country, such as Johannesburg and Pretoria, where she comes from.

Trying to put Mrs Brompton’s mind at ease Becky reminds her that the university patrols certain routes which they have developed – the so-called green routes. ‘They’ve asked that we follow those, especially if we’re girls and walking on our own. There’s even a toll-free number if we need help.’

Walking down Louw Street she scans the area around her. She remembers how, since arriving here, she has been overwhelmed by this picturesque town – the second oldest in South Africa after Cape Town – developed on the banks of the Eerste River in 1679 by Governor Simon van der Stel. Nestled in a beautiful valley, Stellenbosch is surrounded by the Simonsberg, Stellenbosch, Jonkershoek and the Great Drakenstein Mountains and is considered the starting point of the prestigious Stellenbosch Wine Route. An ardent hiker, Becky can’t wait to tackle those routes and explore the area: I need to find out about the hiking clubs as it seems the days when you could hike on your own are long gone. Becky laughs as she thinks: My to-do-list is growing by the day and oh golly, I’ll have to make a concerted effort to focus on my studies and not become seduced by the Western Cape, which has so much to offer.

Walking along the lanes of oak trees, Becky marvels at the age of these trees. They must be over two hundred years old and it makes sense to her that the town is referred to as the town of oaks. Crossing over Dorp Street, the main road through the town, she remembers that it is the longest row of historic buildings in the country. She makes a mental note to start visiting these as she has always shared a love with her dad for old historic buildings. She remembers reading that all these old buildings were built of local material: they had thick walls and the doors and window frames were made of local timber, such as yellow and stink wood. They had thatch roofs and the walls were finished off with white lime wash.

Becky is satisfied with the number of students she has got to know since starting at the varsity earlier in the year. She concedes that it is mainly as a result of the efforts made by the university to get their students settled in. Some are from the official residences, some live in private accommodation and some are even day-students, but the university has allowed her and many in her situation access to a social structure without which it would have been more difficult and taken much longer to get to know fellow students. It amazes Becky how people from different walks of life come together at an institution such as this and in no time develop a new common identity – a solidarity. They are now all part of the Matie family – the name which refers to the students of the University of Stellenbosch.

Thus far in life, Becky has never struggled to make friends as her bubbly personality draws people to her, but her tragic loss has somehow impacted on her confidence levels. Becky realizes that she needs a support system and is confident that some lasting friendships will be formed at varsity. She feels pleased with the two good friends that she has already made.

Sue is her classmate and they spend the majority of their days together at varsity as they have enrolled for most of the same subjects. Becky still has a vivid picture of the day they met. While waiting at the lecture hall for the previous class to empty of students, they started talking. Immediately there was a rapport between them and it felt as though they had known each other forever. Sue has the benefit of an older brother at varsity, which made it so much easier for her, but she shared her knowledge and contacts generously with Becky. It was through Sue’s brother Stuart, that she met her friend Alex.

They were all going to the lunchtime concert at The Neelsie, which is the heartbeat of the Stellenbosch campus. Becky first puzzled over the name – The Neelsie, but, as with most names in Stellenbosch, it has historical significance: its formal name is the Langenhoven Student Centre, named after C J Langenhoven – Afrikaans author and Member of Parliament in 1914. The C in his initials stand for Cornelius, shortened to Kerneels or Neelsie, and Langenhoven was commonly known as Gentle Neelsie (Sagmoedige Neelsie). He played a crucial role in promoting Afrikaans literature and was perhaps best known for composing the words of the original South African Anthem, Die Stem (The Call of South Africa) in 1918, parts of which have been worked into the new national anthem. This is what makes Matieland so interesting to her – the history and all that it stands for. She wonders how long it will take before its historical importance is relegated to insignificance in the new South Africa.

Becky remembers that Stuart and his friend Alex arranged to meet Sue at the concert. Saron Gas, a South African band (they later changed their name to Seether) was playing at The Neelsie. Becky liked Alex from the moment she met him and remembers how he politely asked her, after hearing that she was not a local girl, what she liked most about Stellenbosch. When she mentioned the historical atmosphere, culture and monuments and that she intended to explore it all, he replied, ‘Wow, that’s a bit of a change. I could always go with you as I know this town quite well and it happens to be one of my favourite pastimes as well.’ Well, Becky was certain that this was the beginning of a good friendship.

The next day she met Alex for coffee and while chatting, finding out about each other, he asked her how it came about that she decided to study at Stellenbosch. She explained to him: ‘After finishing school I discussed my tertiary education with my dad and I optimistically mentioned the Western Cape as a possibility. He immediately agreed and thought it would be an opportunity for us all to start spreading our wings to a new province and a new life – all in our own time.

‘My parents always wanted to retire on the West Coast and my dad, not being far from retirement, had been looking for a property there for a while already. He has some friends and family living all the way from Bloubergstrand to high up on the West Coast and I reckon it would be good for him to get away as well… when he is ready.’

Becky felt uncomfortable as Alex looked at her, puzzled. ‘I don’t understand. Why do you all need a new life? What do you need to get away from?’

Becky remembers how she had to fight back the tears when she answered, ‘I don’t want to talk about it now, but we had a terrible tragedy in the family. My mom died and it ripped us apart. It will be good for us all to be away from each other for a while. Healing can take place that way…’

Alex was kind about it and didn’t pressurize her. All he said was, ‘When you’re ready you can tell me.’

Becky tried to laugh her discomfort away and explained that her dad treasured the fact that Stellenbosch was one of the oldest and most eminent education centres in South Africa, with a history dating back to the 17th century. He also felt more comfortable with a university in a student town, rather than her being exposed to the evils of city life in Cape Town, albeit only fifty kilometres away.

Becky proudly explained to Alex that although she was raised to be independent, lately her dad had become over-protective. She let it pass as she knows that he means well. Moreover, she is not about to argue with him about making it possible for her to study at this magnificent institution. ‘I’m actually surprised that he was willing to let me go on my own, but I’m looking forward to Stellenbosch being my home for the next few years. I must however confess that I know by being here my dad is forfeiting some comforts, which he could have had at this stage in his life.’ Becky continued, ‘Maybe the distance between us will be a good thing for a while… Also for my brother, who has so much to work through and if I’m not there to remind him of it all...’ Becky’s voice trailed off while she stared ahead of her, seemingly looking into the future…or maybe the past.

Since then Becky and Alex have seen each other regularly. Together they have walked the streets, hiked the valleys and climbed some mountains. They have visited the old historical buildings, attended plays at the HB Thorn theatre, visited the library, and often just sat and had a glass of wine or cup of coffee in a coffee shop or restaurant. Becky is amazed at how in tune they are with each other. He has also invited her to his parents’ farm a few times. It has been in their family for three generations and lies just outside Durbanville, North of Stellenbosch. His parents farm with cattle, and have significant vineyards for the production of a small quantity of exclusive wines. Becky loves it there. Becky loves being with Alex. Never before has she felt so comfortable in anyone’s company…no pressure. No pretences.

Later in the afternoon, Becky waits for Sue. They agreed to meet at The Neelsie for something to drink after Friday’s classes and she could sense the atmosphere changing with the weekend winking. Becky can’t wait to see Alex later. She looks at her watch and realizes she still has to pack – not much – but some casual clothes. She looks forward to going to the farm.

Becky watches the students walking past and enjoys the different cultures around her. She loves the fact that although it is a student town, it is frequently abuzz with tourists. When walking down the oak-lined streets or in town, many different languages can be heard and people of different cultures are seen, which gives it a cosmopolitan feel. She notices Sue approaching and waves to her. They go downstairs to have something cool to drink and the hustle and bustle puts them in a weekend mood.

Sue, about to ask Becky what she is doing over the week-end, hesitates when Becky’s cell phone rings. Looking at the screen her face lights up, ‘Hi Alex – mmm, good and you? Yes, it’s all under control’ Becky says laughingly. ‘I’m having a smoothie with Sue at The Neelsie. I’ll leave shortly and see you later at the farm? I look forward to it… oh I can’t wait for this weekend.’ Becky ends the call and smiles broadly looking at Sue and giving her attention again.

Sue laughs, ‘Out with it Becky. I need an update.’ She asks secretively, ‘Is this becoming serious?’

Becky laughs with her, but is immediately on the defence, ‘No Sue. I promise you. You’ll be the first to know if it ever happens. Alex is only my friend. How many more times must I tell you?’

‘Oh come on Becky. Why don’t you admit there’s something going on? My goodness, he’s so charming. What a catch!’

‘There’s nothing Sue. Please believe me’ Becky pleads.

‘What do you do all weekend together? Come now, out with it. You have to admit there’s something. You keep on spending time together – either here in Stellenbosch or at his parents’ farm.’

‘You’re being ridiculous. We chat and read and walk and go out to the river where we swim or go horse riding. Come on…there are lots to do on a farm like that. You know…you’ve been there.’

‘Yes, but I don’t enjoy those outdoor activities as much as you. Give me the city – wine, restaurants and bright lights – a city buzzing with people. That, I’ll have any day.’

‘Okay, if you insist. When we are here we go to plays, dinner, hiking…you know how many different things there are to do in Stellenbosch. You’ve been with us and know there is nothing happening between us. You’ve heard that when I’m with Alex we don’t stop chatting and no one else can get a word in.’ Becky laughs and says, ‘Besides, he knows all about my feelings for that gorgeous Greek god, Carlos.’ Becky adds wistfully, ‘If only he would notice me.’

‘I don’t believe it!’ Sue is shocked. ‘You can’t do that. How can you tell him how you feel about someone else? That’s cruel.’

‘This is what you don’t understand. He’s my buddy. We talk about everything. He’s what you call, my confidant.’ As an afterthought Becky adds, ‘He’s never let on that he wants anything more than friendship from me anyway. We’re just friends. You have to believe me.’

‘Well, he probably thinks you’re not interested. Be careful, there are some girls who would give anything to have Alex. He is a real catch and one of the most decent guys I’ve ever met.’

Becky thinks of Alex and appreciates his calm nature. ‘I must admit I admire the security that he has in who and what he is. He is so confident and content in his own skin. In spite of coming from an established farming family, he is down to earth. That impresses me.’

‘Oh, Becky, I still don’t understand why you waste your emotions on that conceited Carlos. You know I can’t stand him. Just to watch him always flirting around makes me sick. And girls like you make it easy for him as he can pick and choose anyone he wants. What’s so great about him anyway?’ Sue is visibly upset and continues, ‘You and Alex are meant for each other. Don’t be silly. He’s every woman’s dream… He’s handsome, gentle, kind, stable, interesting…there’s something about him…He’s sexy. But you’ll see…we all talk about it…you’ll still end up together one day – provided you don’t do something stupid and spoil it all.’

‘What are you talking about Sue? Alex is my friend…that’s all.’

‘Yes, famous last words’ and Sue waves her hands in the air. ‘We all notice how his eyes and face light up when he sees you. And don’t be fooled Becky, you should also see how you change when you are together – you beam from ear to ear.’ More serious now Sue says, leaning forward in her chair and looking Becky squarely in the eyes, ‘Be careful of Carlos. Don’t spoil your life with him. He’s not someone you can count on. You are much too sensitive for a guy like that. Don’t throw your love away.’

Becky throws her head back and laughs, ‘Sue, you just don’t like him, but ninety-nine other girls can’t be wrong.’

But Sue stays serious and she continues, ‘He may be attractive, sporty, the hit of varsity and all of that…and yes, he’s intelligent and probably has a great future ahead of him, but Becky, he will always belong to everyone but you…’

‘Oh come on Sue. It’s not that bad’ and Becky dismisses Sue’s concerns with a wave of her hand.

Eventually Sue says with a sigh, ‘No, maybe not. I just hope that the day you get in tune with your feelings Alex is still available. Besides you are still very young.’ Sue shrugs off the serious talk, sits back and indicating around her says, ‘We’re only students. Still so young…enjoy your life Becky. You’re only young once.’

It worries Sue that Becky is so obsessive over Carlos, but every time she raises objections about Carlos Becky stops her, ‘Come on Sue, we’ve been through this many times before. Carlos hasn’t even noticed me. He’s still a fancy in my mind. I don’t think he knows I exist. You know he’s all wrapped up with Maia, but she’ll still break his heart. I just can’t help it… I’ve loved him since the first day I saw him.’

‘I don’t think he has a heart’ Sue says adamantly. ‘Besides you don’t even know him. How can you say you love him?’ She is concerned for Becky and afraid that she’s throwing her love at someone who’ll never appreciate her. She and many others believe that Alex is the one for Becky...

Some other friends join them at The Neelsie and Sue is getting into a party mood. The table is buzzing with talk and laughter, but Becky looks at the time and eventually says her goodbyes to go home and pack for the weekend.

Leaving for the farm later in her dad’s old 1991 Mitsubishi Pajero, which he has passed on to her, she drives past Butterfly World on the R44. She remembers that shortly after meeting Alex he asked her if she would accompany him to a world where fairies live. Arriving there she couldn’t understand what the fuss was about, but decided to give him the benefit of the doubt – and what a surprise awaited her: As the stepped through the door into Butterfly World, a sight from paradise greeted her – a tropical garden in a 1000m2 green-house with exotic butterflies, flying freely around. The tropical butterflies are raised on breeding farms in Costa Rica, Philippines, Malaysia and China and the pupae are then flown to display parks such as this one. They spent hours in the closed garden among butterflies of the most magnificent colours and designs. They had to step carefully to avoid them and she remembers how they laughed when the butterflies flew straight at them and they ducked to avoid the butterflies from crashing into them. Alex explained to her that they were lucky that it was a sunny day, as the humidity levels on overcast and cold days could prevent the butterflies from being active. She also had the privilege of a large green tree-iguana sitting on her shoulder. These large lizards from the forests of Central and South America are quite placid and Becky was relieved to hear them being referred to as vegetation-eating reptiles and that it posed no threat to her. She smiles when she thinks back and remembers the iguana was definitely not the prettiest animal she had ever seen, but it had an appeal of its own. It made itself comfortable and peeped around her shoulder and Becky had to sit quietly while Alex played the fool at her expense. But, it was all for a laugh. They had a great time and since then, no time spent together has been any different.

Driving towards the farm Becky notices the hills, all with different shades of green. She arrives at the gate, supported by big white columns and a wall on either side and drives down the lane of blue gum trees. These trees are older than I am, she thinks to herself. Once she’s arrived she forgets all about Sue’s concerns and even predictions about her and Alex. He is there to greet her and welcomes her heartily. She is thrilled to be with him. They have a special bond and the whole weekend they chat away, explore the farm with all its different places and activities and in the evenings, over a glass of wine, they continue their discussions, reading and just being together. Alex’s parents join them every now and then but in general the two friends make use