Sanity

By Michéle Charlotte

Moving to Wilmington at first seemed like the best idea ever, and as Angelica settles herself into her new life and home. She was greeted into the lives of Tim and Jane Primrose, owners of an estate on the outskirts of the small town.
Even though promising herself a free and uncomplicated life when it came to relationships, she is drawn to one of Tims workers, Brian Gallagher.
His quiet and shy nature soon has her curious and before she knows what is going on, she falls prey to his fascination with her.
As time pass, his fascination turns into desire, but its not a desire of love or lust. It is a desire to protect Ann from the lies and dangers of the past that was being hidden by Brian, Tim and Jane.
When Peter Corelli ends up dead just outside Wilmington, the questions started to roll in her head. But finding Ernest at his funeral was the nail in the coffin.
All the secrets that was hidden and protected, suddenly gets thrown at her all at once.
All the lies became more and more intense and involved more people around her that she loved. With the truth now burning in her throat and on her ring finger, she has to make a decision to save her own sanity.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Jan 17, 2014
• ISBN: 9781491890318

Michéle Charlotte

Michéle Charlotte grew up in Nelspruit, and spent most of her growing years in the mystical surroundings of the town. She moved to Pretoria in 1995 to start her working career as a Graphic Designer. She has always been fascinated with philosophy and poetry. She finds inspiration for her work from nature, people and animals. She is always looking for exciting challenges and writing this novel originated from a new year’s resolution. Michéle still resides in Pretoria with her 16 year old daughter and is working as a Freelance Graphic Designer and Sketch Artist. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing and sketching.

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© 2014 Michéle Charlotte. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 01/15/2014

ISBN: 978-1-4918-9029-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4918-9030-1 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4918-9031-8 (e)

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Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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

CHAPTER 25

CHAPTER 26

CHAPTER 27

CHAPTER 28

CHAPTER 29

CHAPTER 30

CHAPTER 31

CHAPTER 32

CHAPTER 33

CHAPTER 34

CHAPTER 35

CHAPTER 36

CHAPTER 37

To my loving daughter, Charlotte, for your love, positivity and always lifting me up with your humorous outlook on life. You are my true inspiration. I love you.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

To my editors Kobie & Tracy Minnie. Thank you for the countless hours you gave so unselfishly. For the inspiration and the motivation. For the dedication you put in, and helping me accomplish what I thought was an impossible task. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

To my friend Hennie. Thank you for your patience, support and the time you gave me to live my dream. For giving me ideas and for allowing me to experience life in multitude. I am blessed to have a friend like you.

To my BFF, Rona. Thank you for all the years of support, countless hours of chatting and the tears shared while I was working on this novel. I can not imagine a better friend to have shared this experience with, other than you. You were my pillar during the whole time and keeping me from going insane at times. Your support in words, hugs and presence in my life is priceless.

CHAPTER 1

7 January 2010

Where to? Where to? Quick… ! Chelsea asked frantically as we pull into the off ramp leading towards O.R Thambo International Airport.

"Gate A, you can drop me off at departures and there’s no need to park. Let’s keep this painless and simple. Remember, we like it easy?" I reply with a faint smile.

Chelsea helps me get my luggage out the back and gives me a quick hug.

Hovering at the back of the car for a while she starts speaking slowly, trying very hard not to show any emotions.

Enjoy the flight and remember to write?

I sure will. I winked at her and with a mocking smile I softly ordered her away Now go to your husband

She gets into the car obediently without saying another word, but I can see the sobs are only seconds away.

I hear the engine start and I watch as she slowly follows the traffic out from the airport. I watch in a daze as she glances in the rear-view mirror once again, before she disappears into the traffic around the bend that leads to the highway.

This will be the first time she has to drive back to Pretoria. Alone.

A shudder shakes me back to reality as I watch the backlights of the black BMW disappear into the darkness.

Picking up my luggage, I make my way to check in to weigh in my luggage.

Scanning the area around me I see restless mothers with young children, business men, and some foreigners. All with tired faces, some looked worried, others just stare at the time, waiting and wasting away in their own little world.

Not many people booked early morning flights, but this wasn’t a straight flight. I don’t mind as I’m about to ease into my break from reality and rushing into anything wasn’t part of the plan.

Mentally shaking my senses back to reality, I decide to take a stroll through the shops for a while trying to find some kind of memorabilia to drag along with me, just in case I found myself homesick at any point in time.

The smell of fresh roasted coffee beans catches my attention and my lazy figure suddenly rise to a new pose as I follow the smell, leading me straight to a coffee shop.

Standing at the counter, I quickly scan the menu. Too many to choose from and I think to myself ‘why can’t coffee just be coffee? Did they have to go and make it complicated? I mean, who on earth came up with the name ‘Macchiato’?’

I quietly read all the names until I come across something familiar.

May I help you? the attendant asks, shaking my attention to her and away from my confusion on the menu.

De-caffeinated Latte please, take-away, one sugar. Thank you and I step aside for the next customer to place his order.

As I stand here watching the crowd eating, drinking and laughing, the images in front of me shatter when I hear a voice from behind.

Hello there. Dropping off, or travelling?

I turn around shocked.

Hi! Travelling actually

Nice! The stranger extends his hand towards me in a friendly gesture.

I’m Peter. Where are you off to all alone if I may ask?

I slowly extend my hand towards his in a bit of doubt.

Angelica… Wilmington… visiting… family I am lying about the last part, but he will never know.

I’m just being polite because I’m thinking that I might never have to have another conversation with this stranger standing almost a foot higher than me. His dark blue eyes scanning me from head to toe and it is making me uncomfortable. Before I can ask for my Latte, the cashier calls out my order.

Stepping forward, I place the right amount of coins in front of the cashier and smile politely.

Saved by a Latte?

How ironic I thought to myself.

Before the not-so-nameless-anymore stranger can say anything else, I grab the paper cup from the counter, nod at him with a fake smile and I make sure I can disappear before he can initiate another conversation.

02:40 AM

It is time.

I fall in line with the other passengers that share my flight but I’m not really paying attention to every face. I’m still too consumed in my own little world and my new found freedom.

I give my ticket to the attendant at the gate and turn around one last time to glance at the world I am leaving behind. The friends, the comfort and the bliss I thought to be my sanity.

Uncontrolled forces was about to break the walls down I built. Not even the pilot could possibly know my final destination.

Did I know?

As I walked down the aisle, searching for my seat, I took note of the small spaces between the seats. I move into my seat, trying not to break anything as I shuffle into the confined space.

‘Clearly not for tall people’ I thought disappointedly and the frown on my face said it all.

The window seat didn’t mean much to me as soon as the plane takes off, I will be off to dreamland.

But I wished I could have one of those seats in front. It had leg space, lots of leg space.

As I am about to get at ease in my new zone of defined independence, but still trying to get the seat belt loose from under me, I notice my partner for the trip.

Sitting next to me is an old woman in her 70’s. Her frigid little fingers hiding inside white satin gloves. She is dressed up wearing a finely tailored pink Lace & Satin dress.

She did not say much as she sat there, but somewhere between trying to free the seat belt from under me and the cursing, I heard a soft Good morning as she smiled while she buckled her safety belt. She sounded very English, and I knew exactly where she was going.

The silence between the English lady and me was quickly interrupted as a flight attendant approached us with a cautious smile.

Good evening Ladies and welcome to flight 2074 to Florida via London—New York. We hope you will enjoy your flight with us. She scanned her eyes between me and my fellow passenger.

Thank you. I nodded, still struggling to get the seatbelt to work in my favour.

I notice a young man sitting in one of those seats that I coveted for myself, staring my way. I also notice that the flight attendant is hovering, trying to get my attention.

Miss, could I ask you a favour? the attendant utter in a soft tone voice as she slightly bends over the old woman next to me.

Oh… yes… sure… I utter, slightly out of breath. I drop the struggle and give her all my attention. Glaring up at her face with what I knew was not a very serious face, but more a face with lots of frustration and sarcasm.

She hesitate a while to speak, then build up courage to speak if only a few words.

You see… that gentleman over there? now I really took note of her words as she pointed to the young man that was sitting in my seat, but I listened patiently as she spoke.

Well, he was wondering if you wouldn’t mind changing seats with him as it is the first time he is flying internationally and he would really like a window seat?

My face lit up and a smile flushed my face but I try not to show too much appreciation too what she was suggesting.

That would be my pleasure.

Without even noticing, I jump from my confined space to my feet, ready to sneer myself towards the front where the young man is seated.

She was pleased with herself and walked towards the young man who kept staring at me.

‘A blessing in disguise’ I think to myself as I make my way towards the front row seat with a mocking smile on my face.

As I pass the young man, I nod with appreciation.

He returned the gesture and swiftly moved past me to his now confined window seat.

Bliss!

I shove my bag away into the top compartment again while wondering, why this guy didn’t just change with the person that got the window seat next to him.

Well, I wasn’t going to break my head over it and I slipped into the seat and got ready to buckle up again.

Not taking note of my fellow passenger, I pull my legs in so that he can pass me. Fastening my seatbelt, I glance up for a moment… To my surprise!

That figures.

He made himself comfortable, not looking at me or saying anything and I hope the silence will continue throughout the whole flight. Not this time.

So we meet again? he says softly as the corners of his mouth turn his face into a pleasant smile exposing his perfectly straight, white teeth.

Yeah, I guess so. I say half heartedly avoiding eye contact

See you met my brother? and he looked over my shoulder to the young man that was now sitting in my destined seat.

Now that will teach me to obey the Ten Commandments and I whisper to myself ‘you shall not covet’ while I shake my head slowly in disbelief.

I look back at the young man, who smiled back at me in amusement, then he threw me a wink somewhere in between and I slowly sink back into my chair, hoping it would swallow me whole and spit me out the back of the plane.

They were obviously pleased with their accomplishment and I am the sucker who fell for it.

Sweet I said sarcastically as I turn my face to my book.

After take off, Peter started having a new conversation even though I ignored him, or tried to. He spoke about everything one could think about to get someone’s attention, but I just nodded yes or no to his questions.

After a while I couldn’t take it anymore and I waved to the flight attendant.

Can I have a glass of water please?

She disappeared for a moment, and then with a smile, she returned with a glass of water that was now going to save my life from hours of boring conversations.

Placing the plastic cup in front of me, she smiled and walked away.

Thanks I say but she was already gone.

This is going to be so rude, but I don’t care. I am not interested in this guy’s history, pedigree or his future. He was busy invading my space and I am about to show him; he is trespassing.

Taking out the little blue pill from my shirt pocket, I glance at him for a second. The confusion on his face is almost laughable as he sits there, staring back at the little blue pill that I am clenching onto.

I make a big thing of putting the pill in my mouth and gulping it down with the water and not once did he take his eyes off of me, but now he seemed a bit disappointed.

I wink at him and open my book again at the last page read before he interrupted me.

In a way I kind of feel sorry for the guy. I could’ve been more open to conversation, but that wasn’t me. Where he is going and what his plans for the future were did not attract my attention at all.

He didn’t stop staring, until I closed my book, pushed my chair a bit back, stretched my legs out in front of me and closed my eyes.

I can feel his eyes on me, but the pill was fulfilling its purpose, and I slowly drifted into dreamland…

I awaken with a shudder as the plane catches an air pocket and my eyes struggle to focus out the window. I know the first leg of four stops was nearing fast.

Morning sleepy head, or should I say Good Afternoon? the stranger’s face slowly appear from the side of his seat with a grin.

I was hoping my snoring would irritate you and you would ask to be moved. I uttered with a frown as I struggle to keep a yawn at bay.

There was no snoring, but the conversations were very interesting… can’t compromise that part… Who is Ernest?

Now I am awake and I push myself straight into my seat, never taking my eyes off him.

What did I say? Panic rise onto my face

Relax, it was all good. He is a lucky man.

Was I whisper to myself staring down at the coffee that the attendant placed, unnoticed, in front of me.

Sorry? He asked confused staring at me again.

Nothing… we broke up a few months ago… don’t like talking about it… I declare not looking at him.

I’m sorry to hear that… I could try and think of what you might be going through, but I am a man, heartless after all he says mockingly.

No need to be sorry, I interrupt him . . . it wasn’t your fault… and for the first time, I can show him a sincere smile.

Well, there was no fighting it anymore and after I visited the ‘ladies’ to splash my face with some water, I slam myself into the seat next to the stranger and stare at him for a few seconds.

He is much taller than me, well built, slightly curly hair and fair skin, and even though the stubble on his upper lip and chin, made its appearance through the night, I think he is quite handsome.

I was caught off guard when he glanced back at me.

Uhm… so where are you travelling too again? I stutter, trying to get the words out right and trying to hide my humiliation by him returning my stare.

Well, my brother and I, will be getting off at Heathrow. I got a position at a firm in London. My brother took a gap year after school, so I kind of promised my parents I would keep an eye on him until he can find work. He shot a glare over to the young man who changed seats with me earlier, under false pretences.

He will get far, he has confidence and I start to giggle under my hand, trying to hide my emotions.

And he knows that too Peter said and smiled back at me.

So what do you do? Lawyer… ? Advocate… ? Shareholder… ? All of the above… ? I asked mockingly and waited for him to reply.

Lawyer. he looked at me in awe, waiting for some kind of approval.

Figures. I smile.

And why would that be? he is questioning my comment and I can see the disapproval on his face.

You really want to know?

Hit me! he waited in anticipation for me to speak.

Well, for one, you are hopelessly too confident. Second, you stare, like I’m a witness on the stand and thirdly. I look at what I am wearing and then at what he is wearing.

Normal people don’t fly economy, in a suit and tie. I grin and leave it at that because I could see he was struggling with a come-back.

Is it that obvious? He frowned at me.

Nah, don’t worry about it. You look quite handsome. I looked in front of me again avoiding eye contact and couldn’t help smiling.

It was nearly time to land and the announcement disturbed the silence in the plane turning everyone’s attention to their seat belts.

Guess this is it then hey? Peter uttered softly in disappointment

Yip, I guess it is. I managed a feeble smile on my face.

I can’t help it but in a way I am relieved that this chapter was nearing its end and the rest of my journey will be peaceful and quiet.

After we landed I collected my hand luggage from the top compartment. Pulling it down, Peter came to stand behind me. I could feel him moving closer but trying not to make contact.

It was nice meeting you, hope you have a safe trip. he said softly.

Before I could turn around to reply, he was gone. At that moment, I didn’t make anything of it, but I felt strangely provoked at the way he spoke to me, in a low, desperate tone, and a bit disappointed at my own ignorance.

I then remembered why I am going to North Carolina. I was content not to let any man no matter how charming get to me or my sanity.

Still in a daze I walk over to the check in counter to connect to my next flight that is leaving in a few hours. I can do a bit of window shopping and get the blood flowing to all the parts of my body again. Sitting for long periods of time, irritated my whole being. I had to stretch.

While I am standing in the queue to connect, I feel a tug on my shirt. As I look around the young man from the plane, Peter’s brother, takes my hand, smiles, and stuffs a piece of paper into my hand. His blue eyes burning into mine for a while before speaking.

He will kill me if he finds out, but it’s worth a shot. He ran off and disappeared into the crowd.

Amused I open the piece of paper

Email: peter_correli@m.k&ass.co.uk

I am stunned at the young man’s gesture and a bit amused at his attempt to play cupid, I smile, then fold it and push it deep down into my hand luggage. Baffled, I stand there smiling for a while.

After walking around in the airport like a homeless puppy, I hear the announcement on the intercom.

Finally!

The next two flights won’t take as long and I am sure to have peace and quiet. Even if it means sitting in limited space I won’t give up peace for luxury.

My seat was next to the isle and my travel companion seems quite pleasant.

There is an old couple next to me that took out their travel entertainment even before take-off, and a married couple across the isle from me, which was definitely not married for long.

The way they’re cooing over each other is enough to make a soap star sick to the stomach.

Holding on to my copy of ‘Fatal Voyage’, I stare down at the cover.

Maybe this wasn’t the appropriate reading material to be travelling with, and that on a plane.

Shivers run down my spine as I shake any thought of an accident out of my head. It is only a book, nothing more!

I watch everyone settling into their seats. The attendants come and go.

Comfortably airborne, I sink back into my chair and opened my paperback at the last page I was allowed to read before I was rudely interrupted by Peter, that forced me to take serious measures. Thus, the little blue pill.

Chapter 3… 4… 5…

Coffee… ?

Thanks…

Chapter 6… 7… 8…

Before I could realise as to how long we have been flying, or pay attention to what time it is, I hear a ladies voice crackle over the intercom.

Ladies and gentlemen…

I looked up from my book trying to memorise the page number in my head ‘146… 146… 146… 146…’

Closing the paperback slowly, I tug it close to me and wait for the descent. I waited for my ears to slam shut and the pain that kicked in afterwards. I hate flying and I think it was clear to everyone around me as my face turned into agony even before the descent.

Leg two was finally over and before I could decide what I was going to do with myself, before the last connecting flight, I was stopped in my tracks by an attendant.

Florida? He asked and held out his hand to look at my ticket.

Yes, but… my luggage… ? I asked him anxiously.

Taken care of madam, the flight from London arrived late and we were ordered to get the connecting passengers as quickly as possible to their next flight. Sorry for the inconvenience. He was obviously in a rush because he rambled out the words like a computer program and didn’t even look up at me as he moved me to the right gate after shuffling back my ticket into my hands.

Now I was worried. It’s all happening so fast.

What about my luggage? What if he just put me on the wrong flight?

I could feel my body warming up to a sweat and I could feel my pulse through my skin. I turned red for a moment and wished I had another way of controlling these panic attacks I lately got.

Ticket please? I stood for a while in a daze

Ticket Please? only then I heard the attendant and snapped out from where I was. Where was I? I must have lost a full minute?

Holding out my hand with the ticket, the attendant looked at me concern.

Is everything alright Miss? he looked at me in concern.

Florida? This flight? I couldn’t get the words out right but his warm smile quickly calmed me down.

Yes Miss, You are at the right gate He gave me back my ticket and moved so that I can pass him.

Have a nice flight Miss He said in a friendly tone.

Great! What must that guy be thinking of me? I am seriously an idiot. Not having faith in their ability to run their airport better than any I have landed at, I mean they where efficient, friendly, and above all, helpful.

Feeling like a total fool, I didn’t even worry about where I was seated. I pushed my hand luggage into the top compartment again and fell down in my seat. Not even waiting for the plane to move, I buckled up and just stared out the window at the ice that was melting on the grass next to the landing strip.

‘Maybe this wasn’t the right time to make a move to another country, but then again, when is the right time to do it?’

I thought to myself as I pulled the flannel shirt, that Jane sent me, closer and tighter around my body.

Not taking note of the window seat, or the small space for my legs, and even less the smelly guy that took in the space next to me. Nothing!

I turned my back on my fellow passenger and curled myself into a comfortable position and closed my eyes. I don’t care if this plane falls after take-off; I just want this nightmare to end as I felt so alone and almost empty inside.

Make it stop!

I fell asleep in an instant.

I woke when the intercom blurted something;

Ladies &—Arriving—seatbelts—thank you—

As I moved straight into my chair, I noticed I never unbuckled. I was still strapped in, and maybe in the event of the plane going down, I might not have even noticed it. That was a pleasant thought, in a way.

00:30 AM

Luggage. Customs. Home.

Home was all I could think about but I have never been home. How could I get excited about something I don’t even have yet? I sighed whilst picking up my bags to take the long walk to the entrance of the airport building.

As the door opened, a cold breeze greeted me from the outside and I was glad I was properly dressed. It wasn’t cold, but it was enough to make me tremble from the wind gush, making the hair on my arms stand up straight.

Jane was waiting for me next to her mini Van. I think she was more excited about my arrival than I was because she sent me the long sleeved shirt, not only because of the weather, but so she could recognise me when I came out from the airport.

Good thing because I would’ve gotten lost in the first second. Direction wasn’t my strong point.

Angie!

I could hear Jane a mile away even though we only spoke on the phone a few times before.

The first time was when I enquired about the apartment, and then a few times afterwards. She got me part time employment at her husband’s hardware and fishing store. It was almost as if she was taking me in as her own daughter and I felt comfort when I saw the elderly lady walking across the road to come and greet me.

Mrs Primrose! and before I could say anything else

Please, lets skip the city formalities and call me… well, call me whatever you like, just leave the Mrs’s out. It makes me feel old… She bent down to take one of my bags from my hand.

Not even standing 5 feet tall, she was the most adorable old lady I have yet come across. Her silver hair neatly tied in a roll on her head, and even without make up, she didn’t look a year over fifty but she was in fact in her mid sixties.

Me standing at 5’8ft, she looked like a midget next to me and I almost felt like picking her up, and carry her to her minivan myself.

I was in awe over the power this little person had in picking up my suitcase so easily and I stared a moment as she moved swiftly across the busy road on her way too the van.

Come child! She smiled times ‘a wastin’. she shouted over her shoulders but she just kept on walking.

Quickly crossing the road, I caught up with her and helped her lift my suitcases inside the van.

Is it a long way too Wilmington Jane? I asked, waiting to see her reaction.

She said Mrs wasn’t allowed, so Mrs P had to be scratched from my list. ‘Prim’ was easy to remember and it had a bit of a native ring to it, but deciding against that too I stayed with her real name.

She smiled at me and the approval showed all over her face.

Not to far my dear, we will be there before sunrise. She nodded and closed the back door with a slam.

Old van I said softly walking to the passenger’s door.

I totally forgot about time change but something I knew was jet lag. And it didn’t wait to show its evil face in the presence of Jane.

She gave me one look and then stretched her arm in behind my seat, with her eyes back on the road, she fumbled about a bit and after a while, she pulled out a feather pillow.

Here you go child. Sleep for a while! No use in staying up, there’s nothing much to see but tarmac and little lights. When we get close, I will wake you?

She was adamant and shoved the pillow into my hands, besides, I wasn’t going to fight this little lady and I placed the pillow between the window and my face, burying my face in the soft feathers. It felt like heaven.

Thanks Jane I whispered before closing my eyes.

It’s my pleasure, but thank you too, for letting us into your life She softly replied and I smiled almost unconscious, thinking of the mail she send me after my enquiry about the apartment.

Jane lost her only son a few years ago. He was one of the soldiers that did not come back from Iraq and she told me all about his aspirations, what he wanted to do after the war and even how many children he wanted.

Anthony, however, never came back and she dreaded the day the Military Officials will appear in front of her door. It wasn’t long before she got the confirmation she so dreaded to receive.

She even sent me photos of him in Iraq with his fellow troops. Handsome fellow he was.

Her daughter, Laura is married to a big shot businessman in Washington and she rarely gets to see her.

I grew very fond of her even before we met, more than she could imagine and I made it clear to her that I don’t want to take advantage of her generous offer about using the apartment, and I accepted the employment at the hardware shop owned by her husband of forty five years.

Jane didn’t have to wake me up. The sun was burning against my face as she turned east into Wilmington.

I could almost smell the ocean and feeling the sun’s warmth against my face was different from the times I woke on the flights here. This time it was much more satisfying.

Morning Jane. I struggled getting the words out as I yawned and tried to stretch my long body out of the spastic position I found myself in.

She laughed at my attempts to get comfortable and pulled into a diner next to the road.

Hungry? she asked with a grin on her face.

I could eat a horse! I could hear my stomach growling for food.

No horses here, but there’s Beef? She laughed it off before she got out from the van, slamming the door shut with a BANG!

Now I was awake. ‘Really old van’ I thought to myself while I was getting out, not knowing